Physiology and Immunology Professor Xiaolei Tang was named Co-Editor in Chief of Critical Reviews in Immunology. Tang has developed novel therapeutic technology to treat or potentially even cure multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.
Historian Chronicles the Legacy of Brooklyn Paramount
Michael Hittman ’63 authored The Brooklyn Paramount Theatre: An Intimate Portrait, chronicling the history of the iconic venue, part of LIU’s campus since 1960. The theatre hosted legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Miles Davis and Chuck Berry before reopening in 2024 following a comprehensive restoration. LIU will celebrate its 2027 Gala at the Brooklyn Paramount in May.
$175,000 Gift Establishes Feline Care Center at Lewyt College
A $175,000 gift from local veterinarian Dr. Gay Senk established the Dr. Gay Senk Feline Spay/Neuter Centre at the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine. The center provides hands-on training for veterinary students while supporting feral cat care and local rescue efforts.
Cherkaoui Named to Global Research Advisory Board
Mohammed Cherkaoui, Senior Vice President for Research at LIU, joined the advisory board of the Amity Global Research Hub, an international initiative strengthening research and innovation partnerships between the United States and India. Recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists, Cherkaoui brings more than three decades of research experience to an initiative advancing collaboration in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, healthcare and emerging technologies.
Sopranos Stars Visit Campus for Centennial Author Series
Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler, stars of the Emmy-winning HBO series The Sopranos, discussed Sigler’s new memoir And So It Is… as part of the Centennial Author Series presented by the Gold Coast Forum.
Internationally Renowned Conductor Teaches Masterclass
Acclaimed Philharmonic Director David Bernard taught LIU students during two seminar masterclasses hosted on campus. Bernard’s work has earned him international recognition as Conductor of the Year and Platinum Prize winner of the European Classical Music Awards Grand Prix 2025, winner of the Master Prize of the UK International Conducting Competition, and a multiple First Prize winner of the Orchestral Conducting Competition of The American Prize.
Forbes ‘A’ Rating Scores LIU in Top 16%
Forbes scored Long Island University among the nation’s strongest private colleges in its 2026 Financial Report Card, granting the university its top ‘A’ rating. The distinction places LIU within the top 16% of institutions. In addition to Forbes, the university’s strong financial position has earned ‘A’ ratings from Moody’s and the S&P Global Ratings, a division of Standard & Poor.
National Medal Winner Discusses Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy
Award-winning historian and chairman of The Lincoln Forum Harold Holzer appeared on Talks with Tweed, a podcast on the American presidency hosted by Tweed Roosevelt—great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt and Chairman of the Roosevelt School. President George W. Bush awarded Holzer the National Humanities Medal in 2008.
Women’s Volleyball Takes Down Duke, Virginia Tech
LIU women’s volleyball claimed consecutive victories over Power 4 opponents, defeating Virginia Tech 3-1 and Duke 3-2. The Sharks win over the Hokies was the first over a Power 4 team in program history. LIU followed up the impressive back-to-back wins with a sweep at the Butler University Bulldogs at the Butler Invitational.
Long Island University’s Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Earns Third Consecutive Recognition on Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools List
Recognition highlights the School’s industry-driven curriculum, career opportunities, and connections to leading music and entertainment professionals
New York, NY (October 6, 2026) – Today, the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) has been recognized by Billboard as part of its 2026 Top Music Business Schools List, marking the third consecutive year the Brooklyn-based School has earned the distinction.
The annual list recognizes colleges and universities preparing the next generation of music business leaders. This year, Billboard highlighted the Roc Nation School’s industry-focused curriculum, access to professional resources and continued connections to leading music and entertainment executives.
Since beginning enrollment in 2021, the School has continued to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers across the music business, including artist management, marketing, publishing, touring, entrepreneurship and more. Billboard highlighted how students have access to industry professionals and events and industry-standard resources, including the School’s 2,400-square-foot Dolby Atmos studio.
Billboard also acknowledged how the School’s curriculum continues to evolve alongside the industry, including coursework through its continued relationship with JPMorgan Chase, assisting aspiring music executives with money management.
Recent alumni have launched careers with organizations including Roc Nation, 508 Productions and Vevo, while other students have secured competitive opportunities with Universal Music Publishing Group, Interscope Records, iHeartMedia, Live Nation, SiriusXM and Sugar Mountain Records, among others.
The latest recognition comes as select students from the School were invited to attend the world premiere of HBO’s JAŸ-Z In 8 documentary at The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. The costs of the students’ gowns and tuxedos were covered by the Shawn Carter Foundation and other organizations, allowing the students to experience a historic night in music in culture alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Additionally, the School recently announced a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for a first-time freshman, established by Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer Young Guru, who also serves as Director of the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program at the Roc Nation School.
About The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment
The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) is a globally renowned destination for world-class education, exceptional career development, cultural initiatives and philanthropic endeavors. The school prepares students for careers spanning entrepreneurship, music, sports business, management, performance and more through an esteemed faculty of university professors, adjunct industry leaders and special guest lecturers.
The Roc Nation School began enrolling students at LIU in Fall 2021 and combines academic instruction with immersive opportunities designed to help students build practical experience and professional networks. Located in Shawn “JAŸ-Z” Carter’s hometown of Brooklyn, the school also provides Roc Nation Hope Scholarships to 25 percent of enrolled students, enabling recipients to graduate with a four-year full-tuition scholarship. Hope Scholars are selected from a pool of academically competitive, New York-based, first-time freshmen with the highest financial need.