Long Island University, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena have formed a five-year strategic partnership to grow hockey across Long Island and New York City. The collaboration includes the creation of the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men’s hockey tournament at UBS Arena, youth programs and student opportunities.
Award-Winning Musical Earns National Praise
Broadway World highlighted the release of the original cast recording of the critically acclaimed and award-winning musical Vincent, featuring performances by LIU’s Post Theatre Company. Winner of the New York Theater Festival’s Best Score and Best Direction, the play is a contemporary reimagining of the inner life of Vincent Van Gogh.
Equestrian Team Advances to Nationals
LIU Equestrian punched their ticket to the national championship. Sophomores Madison Frankel and Janina “Nina” Dubicki will compete individually after strong performances at the IHSA Zone 2 Finals, earning third and second place finishes in the Cacchione Cup and Limit Flat.
$7.5 Million Gift Establishes Barron Veterinary Learning Center
LIU dedicated the Manuel & Claire Barron Veterinary Learning Center, made possible by a transformative gift of nearly $8 million from the Barron family. Manuel Barron ’68, H’12, founder of Barron Educational Series—a nationally recognized organization in standardized test preparation, including the SAT, ACT, and Regents Exams—built a lasting legacy in education.
Presidential Book Award Finalist Discusses Lincoln’s Legacy
Author, historian, and scholar James H. Read 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. Read discussed his book, Sovereign of a Free People: Abraham Lincoln, Majority Rule, and Slavery, a finalist for the 2025 Biennial Presidential Leadership Book Award.
Rolling Stone Features Young Guru on AI in Music
Rolling Stone featured the insights of Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton, Grammy Award-winning producer and Director of the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entrepreneurship at Long Island University. Keaton discussed the current and future impact artificial intelligence has on the music industry, highlighting how emerging technologies are reshaping production, creativity, and the broader business landscape.
Softball Shines as NEC’s Top Team
LIU softball improved to 10–0 in NEC play, marking the best conference start in the Sharks history. Reigning NEC Player of the Week Lily Hinkle led the way with two home runs and five hits in a three-game sweep over FDU. Earlier this season, Nyae’ Villalta earned NEC Player of the Week honors twice. The Sharks hold first place in the conference and are 6–1 at home.
Rasheed Named Fulbright Scholar for Third Time
Education Professor Shaireen Rasheed has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2026–2027 academic year in Amman, Jordan. She will focus on developing curricular modules for educators working in contexts shaped by crisis, war, and climate displacement. This marks the third time Rasheed has received a Fulbright appointment.
Honors Student Earns Watson Fellowship Recognition
Sophomore Camila Tabora has been selected to the 27th Class of Jeannette K. Watson Fellows, a highly competitive three-year fellowship supporting top student leaders across 12 New York City colleges. A member of the Honors College, Tabora is double-majoring in Media Arts and Computer Science. The Watson Fellowship provides funding for internships, mentorship, and global experiences, with alumni going on to earn prestigious honors including Fulbright and Truman scholarships.
Playbill Highlights LIU’s Debut of New Foreigner Musical
Playbill spotlighted LIU’s premiere of Feels Like the First Time: The Foreigner Musical, a major new production developed in collaboration with Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and LIU’s Post Theatre Company. Directed by Adam Pascal, the Tony-nominated Broadway star best known for Rent, the show brings the iconic music of Foreigner to the stage for an 11-performance run at LIU’s Little Theatre this April. The production features a cast of 26 performers, primarily LIU students alongside professional actors.