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LIU Hosts Unique Long Island Regional Forum on College Readiness

Dr. Timothy Eagen, superintendent of the Kings Park Union Free School District, presented the next steps in a regional college readiness initiative at a forum held at the Tilles Center at LIU Post.

Helping today’s high school students make a smoother transition to the rigorous demands of higher education was the focus of the Superintendents/College Presidents Partnership Regional Forum held at Long Island University’s Tilles Center on Nov. 28.

Almost 150 high school superintendents, principals and guidance counselors joined Long Island’s college presidents and administrators to hear concrete suggestions on how they can improve college readiness at the high school level.

The participants were greeted by LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, co-chair of the SCPP steering committee, who praised the hundreds of hours the volunteers had devoted to studying this important issue.

“Our collective effort will improve transitional pathways to college,” said Dr. Cline, “and will become an engine for equity, recognizing the need to identify gaps, share best practices, and develop new approaches to improve attainment rates.”

The SCCP is a work group formed in 2001 of the Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education (LIRACHE), which is a non-profit consortium of 15 colleges and universities, representing more than 178,000 students and more than 33,000 employees. The Partnership is uniquely focused on matters related to teaching and learning on Long Island, from preK-12 and beyond.

“College readiness is an issue that needs to be tackled,” said Dr. Albert Inserra, Dean of the College of Education and Technology at LIU Post. “It’s not so much an academic issue as it is about how kids can transition from high school to college, meaning: Can they work independently? Do they know how to manage their time? Do they know what it means to be in a college class where nobody’s calling your mother to tell her that you didn’t do your homework?”

The forum presented the results of three work groups that had handled the areas of counseling/advising, mathematics and writing skills.

“While academic skills are clearly important, social and emotional factors—the non-cognitive and meta-cognitive skills—are actually quite powerful when it comes to college readiness,” said Dr. Rachell Germana, interim assistant provost for academic success, division of undergraduate education, Stony Brook University, who co-chaired the first work group. She called for getting parents more engaged as effective partners in their children’s long-term success, preparing them for the “college mindset”—as she put it—as well as helping them choose what college to attend.

Dr. Timothy Eagen, superintendent of Kings Park Union Free School District, who co-chairs the SCPP steering committee, discussed what his working group on mathematics had recommended. “Our students rely way too much on their calculators,” he observed.

He brought a special perspective to this area as a former physics teacher. The goal for improving math fluency, he said, is threefold: “making it real, making it relevant, and making it practical.”

He pointed out that under New York State rules, high school students are required to take only three years of mathematics, and as a result many seniors in high school skip math only to wind up in worse shape when they get to their first year of college.

As Dr. Ellen Semel, superintendent of Islip Union Free School District, later put it, the forum reinforced the need to change the emphasis on statistics in high school. “We don’t do enough,” she said afterwards, calling the forum excellent. “That’s the most significant course freshmen college kids take and we give them calculus.”

When it was her turn to speak, New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia praised the work done by LIRACHE in creating SCCP.

“You have some incredible examples here of great partnerships,” Dr. Elia said, who added that the goal is to help all high school kids find their true pathway to success. “The real issue is: How do we guarantee that we have opportunities for all students in New York State and that every one of them has success in college, their career, or whatever they choose to do as the next step of their life?”

They all agreed that there is much more work to be done.

LI President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, co-chair of the SCPP Steering Committee, spoke about the forum’s findings to Newsday.

 

Hornstein Center Poll Shows Most Americans Are Climate Change Believers and Disagree with U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Agreement

Long Island University poll finds 79 percent think there is evidence of global climate change with 77 percent agreeing that humans have contributed to the problem

Brookville, NY (Nov. 8, 2018) –A new Long Island University Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling and Analysis Poll shows that a significant majority of Americans believe global warming is occurring and that humans are partially responsible for climate change. The poll also found that a majority of Americans think the U.S. was wrong in withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.

Poll results found that 79.69% believe evidence of global climate change and 77.48% think humans have contributed to our climate challenge; 40.52% disagreed with the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, while 23.20% agreed and 27.43% were unsure. The poll also found that 53.42% believe climate change represents a national security threat; 55.34% believe we can halt and reverse the changes; and 42.06% believe that developing alternative fuels is the best way to address the problem (followed by 18.19% supporting higher pollution standards, 16.17% supporting conservation and 7.51% supporting an energy credit system).

“It is not surprising that an overwhelming majority of the respondents believe the climate is changing and that we are, at least partially, responsible for this,” says Dr. Stanley Klein, Director of the Hornstein Center. “It is the positivity of the respondents, most of who believe we can still stop and undo what has already happened that is the most striking result of the poll. It is a signal to our leaders that there is a real desire to research and implement alternatives before it is too late.”

Despite the poll’s finding that 55.34% of Americans think we can halt and remedy the effects of climate change (while 32.72% disagreed), Tuesday’s election showed how difficult it is to pass environmental ballot initiatives. Five of seven significant state-wide initiatives on the ballot went down to defeat, including a proposal in Washington State to institute the first ever carbon fee and a proposal in Arizona to require half of the state’s energy production to come from renewables by 2030.

“Placing a change in the global climate in the context of national security positions this debate in a way that makes it more relevant to many,” adds Dr. Klein. “We have already seen the impact of changes in the climate on the regional stability of Saharan and Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, as nomadic grazing patterns have changed with the need to identify new water sources. That is just the tip of the potential iceberg, and this viewpoint should make this challenge more tangible.”

This Long Island UniversitySteven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling & Analysis poll was conducted from October 29 to October 30, 2018 in English to 1039 Americans over the age of 18. Polling data was sorted by age, gender & geographic location in efforts to ensure a nationwide representative sample. This poll has an overall margin of error of +/- 3 points.

The Steven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling, and Analysis at LIU Post conducts independent, fair, and balanced polling, empirical research, and analysis on a wide range of public issues including lifestyle preferences. The Center’s goals include informing the community, public and policy makers about critical issues.

 

LIU Post Alum and University Trustee Helps Fulbright Scholar by ‘Giving Back’ So She Can Move Ahead

Empire National Bank President and COO Thomas M. Buonaiuto, an LIU Post alumnus and University Trustee, enabled Tunisia native Asma Khadraoui, a Fulbright Scholar, to obtain an important internship after she'd gotten her master's degree in accounting at LIU Post. They're holding a copy of the bank's annual report. (Photo courtesy Empire National Bank)

Thanks to LIU Post alumnus and University Trustee Thomas M. Buonaiuto, president and Chief Operating Officer of Empire National Bank, Asma Khadhraoui, who came from Tunisia on a Fulbright scholarship to earn her master’s degree in accounting at LIU Post, got a coveted internship at the community bank so she could put what she’d learned here to good use after her graduation.

She had always wanted to attend LIU because of its high ranking in accounting.

“LIU Post was my first choice,” said Khadhraoui. She credited Dr. Robert Valli, Dean of the College of Management, with helping her connect with Buonaiuto (Post ’87).

“It’s not easy for Fulbright Scholars to get internships after graduation,” she explained. “If the organization feels it is not the right fit or will not provide a good educational experience, they won’t approve the position.” She was very grateful that the Fulbright Program, which is run by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, approved her internship so she could remain on Long Island.

“I felt right at home when I first met the bank’s president, Tom Buonaiuto,” Khadhraoui said. “The entire staff also welcomed me with open arms. Coming from a different part of the world and from a very different culture, it was very comforting.”

Serving as a University Trustee as well as on the College of Management’s Executive Board of Advisors, Buonaiuto welcomed the opportunity to “give back” to the LIU community by creating a position for her.

“As a LIU Post alum, I can speak to the educational foundation I received at the school,” he said. “It has been a mainstay throughout my professional career.”

During her internship, Khadhraoui worked with the senior vice president and director of marketing and investor relations to help create a 10th anniversary product brochure for the bank. Under the guidance of Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Credit Officer Raffaella Palazzo, she also handled background checks, loan renewals, credit reports and compliance with new banking regulations.

“She joined us in a particularly busy season and was a quick learner and always eager to help,” said Palazzo. “She demonstrated excellent prioritization skills in managing projects and daily work assigned.”

“Working in a community bank provided me a great opportunity to learn many aspects of the industry,” Khadhraoui said. “I would not have gotten such a well-rounded education in a larger financial institution.”

Buonaiuto was glad he could help support this LIU alumna in this early stage of her career.
“It is my hope that the collaboration I set in motion between LIU and Empire National Bank will pave the way for other successful graduates to embrace the culture of ‘giving back’ to their alma mater,” he said.

After volunteering at the United Nations in New York, Khadhraoui was offered a job as a finance assistant at a UN agency based in Tunisia. Having started in October, she’s glad she has the chance to help her native land.

“Being part of the positive change in my country and all around the world gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she said, “and pushes me to be the best version of myself personally and professionally.”

 

Undefeated LIU Post Pioneers Play for Northeast 10 Conference Football Title This Weekend

LIU Post Pioneer linebacker Connor Farrell has reason to applaud his team's accomplishment but he knows the hardest challenge is still to come.

The LIU Post Pioneers football team are one win away from going undefeated in 2018. But their last game of the season won’t be a walk in the park. This Saturday they play at home for the Northeast-10 Conference title against the University of New Haven—and both teams are 8-0 as they prepare for their final showdown.

As LIU Post Coach Chris Collins told Newsday, “I think the kids are happy with where we’re at right now. We’re hitting our goals with one game left in the season.”

On Nov. 3, the Pioneers beat Northeast-10 rival Southern Connecticut State University 24-13 on the road. The win at Jess Dow Field gives the Pioneers a new program record: 14 consecutive victories.

Post quarterback Chris Laviano completed 17 of 28 passes, including two touchdowns and one interception. Receiver Michael Richardson made both touchdown catches. Running back Jonathan DeBique rushed for 114 yards on 21 carries. His teammate, primary back Malik Pierre, had 18 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown.

As Newsday reported, the Pioneers’ two running backs bring different styles to the gridiron, in no small part, Collins explained, because DeBique has a bigger physique than Pierre.

“Malik is a shifty, move-people-around type of back,” Collins said. “Jonathan is more of a slashing type of running back that gets down to pad level very well and is powerful.”

All told, the Pioneers are 9-0 overall, and 8-0 in the Northeast-10 Conference.

One key to their winning record is the skillful performance of their talented quarterback, Chris Laviano.

“We’ve had two weeks in a row where it’s become very challenging to put the ball in the air,” said Collins, adding that the QB had to combat wind gusts of up to 45 miles an hour. “Chris has such a good arm and tight spiral that he’s able to throw a little bit better than other quarterbacks when they have wind conditions like this. It was hard to play but I thought he was great.”

The forecast for Saturday’s game is partly sunny, windy and turning colder as the day goes on, with some gusts of wind up to 45 mph. The kickoff is slated for noon at Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium. The NCAA Division II playoffs begin Nov. 17. According to Newsday, the Pioneers were ranked third in Super Region 1.

 

First Home Run Ball Is a Big Hit at LIU Post’s Archives and Special Collections

April and Bill Rozea, who first met on the Brookville campus in 1956, recently came to the radio studios of WCWP and donated the first home-run baseball ever hit here to LIU's Jarron Jewell, so she can preserve it for posterity.

The field is long gone but the game ball lives on because it’s the first home run ever hit by a varsity baseball player at C.W. Post.

That memento, which has been sitting on a shelf for decades at the home of Bill and April Rozea, will get a new place of honor in the University’s Archives and Special Collections.

This iconic baseball also pays tribute to this couple who first met on the Brookville campus in 1956 and plan to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next year. And neither one had planned to attend college here.

The team’s first home game took place in the spring of 1957 against Adelphi. With April watching (there were no stands to sit in), Bill Rozea got a pitch that came in high over the outside corner of the plate. He drove it deep and took off. “I didn’t realize until I got almost to first base that it was headed over the fence,” Bill recalled. “Growing up, I never hit it that far.”

The ball had to be retrieved so the game could resume, Bill continued, “because we only had two balls to play with!”

Subsequently, Coach Jim Davey suggested that Bill, who played third base, have his teammates sign the ball. “So, sure enough, I went around to everybody and they all signed it,” he said. “It didn’t mean anything at the time—but it means a lot now!”

Adding their names that day were Don Ungarelli, Joe Stone, Dom Anile, Dick Stieg, Bob Barrett, Ron Herman, John Begley, George White, Steve Offerman, Bud Simmons, Lou Dellavechio, Charlie Horton, Art Tailey, Bill Rozea and Jim Davey.

“We actually lost 3-to-1,” Bill said, prompting April to add: “You can leave that part out!”

The Manhasset couple had come to the studios of WCWP to share their reminiscences for a program hosted by Art Beltrone and engineered by Jeff Kroll, as part of a long-running alumni history radio project. Bill and April were donating the ball to Jarron Jewell, who handles Archives and Special Collections at the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library.

“I am so thrilled to have this baseball,” said Jarron. “You can be sure that under my watchful eye it will be treasured and accessible for viewing by all our patrons!”

The couple recounted how their campus romance began in the autumn of 1956.

“I was sitting in the cafeteria one day,” said April. “Bill was rather on the shy side, so one of his fraternity brothers came over and said, ‘Bill wants to ask you out to the prom.’ So I said, ‘Yes.’…As they say, the rest is history.”

Bill, who was from Queens Village, had been in the Naval Reserve and never intended to go to college. But he saw a newspaper story about the opening of C.W. Post. So, he got a ride to the campus and decided to sign up for his first semester, paying $700 (“A bargain,” he said with a laugh). Ultimately, he ended up receiving a full football scholarship. April, from Floral Park, wanted to go away to school. “Post was not at the top of my list,” she said. “But I got a full academic scholarship so my parents said, ‘Well, that’s where you’re going.’”

They didn’t get married until after Bill graduated in 1959 (B.S. in Business Administration); April graduated cum laude with a B.A. in psychology in 1960. Bill was part of the first class to graduate from Post. Their memories of their early years spent together in Brookville will now be preserved for posterity.

Hornstein Center Poll Shows How American Parents Differ Over School Choice Issue

The Steven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling and Analysis at Long Island University has recently released a new poll revealing Americans’ attitudes about the school choice system.

The survey showed that 63 percent of the respondents favored a school choice system that allowed parents to place their children in either private or parochial schools. But their views were far more mixed on which choice they favored.

“A clear majority of Americans believe that parents should be able to send their children to the school system of their choice,” said Dr. Stanley B. Klein, LIU Political Science Professor and Director of the Hornstein Center. “It was the preferred choice that varied quite dramatically, particularly based on the age bracket that was surveyed.

Examining the survey findings, the Generations Institute at Long Island University, an academic center geared towards understanding and improving the lives of younger generations, noted that individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 were just 34.34 percent likely to send their children to public schools, whereas those respondents between the ages of 45 and 60 were 60.58 percent likely to opt for public schools.

Of the 1,045 Americans who participated in the Hornstein survey conducted Sept. 7, 2018, 32.45 percent (340 people) supported increasing the number of charter schools, compared to 19.23 percent (201 people) who wanted fewer charter schools and 17.89 percent (187) who thought there were enough charter schools already. Some 30.33 percent (317 people) had no opinion on this topic. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percent.

Another issue the poll addressed was school safety. According to the results, most parents believe that their children are learning in a protected environment, as 68.36 percent indicated that they believed their children were safe attending school, whereas 31.64 percent did not think their children were safe at their schools.

“The recent rash of school shootings has clearly had an impact on parents,” observed Dr. Klein. “About a third of parents do not believe their children are safe while attending school. That is a rather disconcerting number, and it seems to be something governments and school systems must work to remedy.”

Endowed by prominent LIU alumnus Steven S. Hornstein (Post, ’80), the Steven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling and Analysis at Long Island University is a non-partisan center that conducts independent polling, empirical research and analysis on a wide range of public issues.

 

The Hornstein Center at LIU Post Addresses the School Choice Issue Affecting U.S. Education Policy

Shown here at the recent Hornstein Conversation on Education Policy held in the Atrium of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts are LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Long Island's Board of Regents Member Roger Tilles and Rockville Centre School District Superintendent Dr. William Johnson.

The Steven S. Hornstein Center sponsored a panel discussion on education policy at the Tilles Atrium on Oct. 29, which drew upon a poll the Center had conducted in September regarding Americans’ attitudes about the controversial issue of school choice.

The survey showed that 63 percent of the respondents favored a school choice system that allowed parents to place their children in either private or parochial schools. But their views were far more mixed on which choice they favored.

“A clear majority of Americans believe that parents should be able to send their children to the school system of their choice,” said Dr. Stanley B. Klein, director of the Hornstein Center. “It was the preferred choice that varied quite dramatically, particularly based on the age bracket that was surveyed.”

The goal of the Hornstein Conversation on Education Policy series is to bring practitioners and policy makers together to discuss the critical issues they’re currently facing, highlighted by the most recent polling data.

Moderating the morning’s conversation at the campus of LIU Post was LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline. Sharing their views were Roger Tilles, a member of the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department; Dr. William Johnson, superintendent of the Rockville Centre School District; Assemb. Charles “Chuck” D. Lavine (D-Glen Cove); and Dr. Albert Inserra, Dean of the College of Education and Information Technology at LIU Post.

Examining the survey findings, the Generations Institute at Long Island University, an academic center geared towards understanding and improving the lives of younger generations, noted that individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 were just 34.34 percent likely to send their children to public schools, whereas those respondents between the ages of 45 and 60 were 60.58 percent likely to opt for public schools.

Of the 1,045 Americans who participated in the Hornstein survey conducted Sept. 7, 2018, 32.45 percent (340 people) supported increasing the number of charter schools, compared to 19.23 percent (201 people) who wanted fewer charter schools and 17.89 percent (187) who thought there were enough charter schools already. Some 30.33 percent (317 people) had no opinion on this topic. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percent.

Endowed by prominent LIU alumnus Steven S. Hornstein (Post, ’80), the Steven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling and Analysis at Long Island University is a non-partisan center that conducts independent polling, empirical research and analysis on a wide range of public issues.

 

President George W. Bush Packs Tilles Center for a Memorable Evening at LIU Post

The 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, shared his recollections with former Congressman Steve Israel, chairman of the LIU Global Instiute, who hosted the evening discussion at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.

Former President George W. Bush, who left office a decade ago, spoke to a nearly full house at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post on Oct. 25th.

His appearance in Brookville was presented by Tilles Center and the LIU Global Institute, whose chairman, former Long Island Congressman Steve Israel, joined Bush on stage for an evening of enlightening conversation in front of a very appreciative audience.

As people streamed through the crowded Tilles lobby before the 7 p.m. event began, a few shared their expectations for the evening.

“I think George W. is an icon,” said Allan Kaplan from Roslyn. “He should be heard so we can remember it for posterity.”

“I’m here to support the Republicans,” said his wife, Ellen. “I’m interested in hearing what they have to say.”

The last person the Kaplans saw at Tilles Center was the comedian Jackie Mason. They didn’t expect the president to be quite as funny but they said they appreciated his sense of humor. They were not proved wrong that evening as the former president made the audience burst out loud in laughter many times at his own expense.

John and Kim Dooney from Massapequa Park came to see the president under different circumstances.

“My husband didn’t know I was taking him here—this was a surprise!” exclaimed Kim Dooney from Massapequa Park.

“A pleasant surprise,” said her husband John with a big grin. “We are interested in hearing the insights of the 43rd president. He was president for eight years so he went through a lot. I’m sure a lot of it will focus on 9/11.”

“I would like to hear what he thinks about the current climate now in the political arena with all the hostility going on between the two parties,” added Kim, “and if he has any words of wisdom since ‘he’s been there, done that.’ ”

The Dooneys said they frequently attend Tilles Center events.

“I knew he would enjoy it,” Kim continued, “because he’s very knowledgeable about politics and the history of all the presidents.” Her husband smiled as they took their seats inside.

“I’m here because I’m a desperate Democrat and I would give anything to have George W. Bush back!” exclaimed Eileen Morgo of Bayport.

“I understand that sentiment, considering who’s in the White House now,” said her husband, Jim Morgo, a former Suffolk County chief deputy county executive. “Most former presidents are seen with a kind of affection and nostalgia, but the current president makes this president look so much better.”

“I think there is genuine affection for W,” said Eileen, referring to the president. “I always thought he was a fine man. I didn’t always agree with him, but he did do some great things.”

Seated in their sofa chairs on stage, Congressman Israel in a blue suit and President Bush in a brown suit conversed with each other like two old friends. When both politicians were in office, Rep. Israel had been to the White House to meet with the president upon occasion. Their amiable hour-long conversation ranged from the political to the personal—each of their daughters had recently gotten married in fact.

When the time was up, the former president was given a standing ovation.

On the way out of Tilles Center, a middle-aged man in a dark blue windbreaker was overheard telling his wife, “We needed that!”

Long Island University Announces the Establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt Institute

Tweed Roosevelt talks about the importance of preserving his great-grandfather's legacy. Also on hand for the announcement are Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Superintendent Kelly Fuhrmann, Assemb. Charles Lavine, LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline and former Congressman Steve Israel, who chairs the LIU Global Institute.

Sagamore Hill, once the home of President Theodore Roosevelt, set the stage last week for a major announcement on Oct. 26 by Long Island University: the formation of the Theodore Roosevelt Institute, which will contain many of his writings and archived material. Starting next fall, the new institute will serve as a dedicated resource for research, public seminars, lectures, international scholars, educational programs and conferences focused on the enduring legacy the 26th president.

Standing on the porch where TR once addressed the nation when the Oyster Bay mansion served as his “summer” White House were LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline; Assemb. Charles D. “Chuck” Lavine (D-Glen Cove); former Congressman Steve Israel, chairman of the Global Institute at LIU; Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Superintendent Kelly Fuhrmann; and Tweed Roosevelt, the president’s great-grandson, who is chief executive officer of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) and will head the new institute.

Assemb. Lavine helped secure $250,000 in state funds to renovate and expand Lorber Hall at LIU Post so it can house both the institute and the association. Israel is a member of the board of the TRA.

Interestingly, the Friday announcement came a day before TR’s 160th birthday: Oct. 27, 1858. Though TR was born in Manhattan, he died at Sagamore Hill, now run by the National Park Service, on Jan. 6, 1919. He was president from 1901 until 1909.

“Long Island University is committed to working with its partners to preserve and grow the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt through the Institute’s programming, sponsored research and other events that highlight President Roosevelt’s extraordinary life and the ideals to which he was committed,” said Dr. Cline. “We are sincerely grateful to Assemblyman Charles Lavine for his hard work in obtaining significant funding to assist in renovating Lorber Hall, the Institute’s new home.”

Tweed Roosevelt, who remembers spending his childhood at Sagamore Hill with his grandparents, explained that one of the new institute’s goals is to show how TR’s ideas can play a vital role in teaching young people how to wrestle with this country’s present problems.

“TR was far-sighted enough that much of what he had to say then is just as relevant today,” said Roosevelt. “This country is in very difficult times. It’s going to be these young people who are going to take us, I hope, to greatness.”

As his great-grandson put it, “TR essentially created the modern presidency—the active president, who believes that if the Constitution didn’t say he couldn’t do it, he could do it. The old presidents said, ‘Well, did they say I could do it?’ They asked for permission. TR asked for forgiveness afterwards.”

“President Theodore Roosevelt’s history on Long Island is a critical piece of our region’s identity,” said Israel. “As a passionate student of history, and especially as a fan of Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy, I am proud to have facilitated a linkage between the TRA, LIU, and Sagamore Hill that allowed for the formation of the Theodore Roosevelt Institute. TRI’s ability to offer critical institutional and cultural supports will ensure that this period can continue to inspire future generations.”

Sagamore Hill’s Superintendent Kelly Fuhrmann noted that Roosevelt was a prolific writer, producing more than 35 books and 150,000 pieces of correspondence. “He could read a book a day,” said Fuhrmann.

“The existing collection of Theodore Roosevelt archival material curated at LIU will complement the collections held by the National Park Service at his former home,” Fuhrmann added. “The creation of the TRI will further advance the legacy of this legendary figure in American history.”

The announcement was also covered by Fox 5 News, CBS Channel 2 News, and local cable outlet Fios1.

In Partnership with LIU, National University System’s Sanford Education Collaborative Rewards Brooklyn Kindergarten Teacher with a $10,000 Check

Smiling PS 282 kindergarten teacher Nicole Lopez is flanked by her principal Rashan Hoke and Z, the Sanford Harmony mascot.

In recognition of her inspiring approach in the classroom, New York City kindergarten teacher Nicole Lopez has won one of five inaugural Sanford Teacher Awards. Long Island University is a proud founding member of Sanford Education Collaborative, a network of universities committed to advancing the Sanford Education Programs, Harmony and Inspire. Long Island University is currently impacting the way more than 300,000 students learn in classrooms across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

“Today, I am honored to take part in recognizing one of the outstanding educators we work with in New York City schools, Ms. Lopez, who inspires her students to strive for greatness,” said Dr. Kimberly Cline, President of Long Island University, who attended the Oct. 23rd ceremony held at PS 282 in Brooklyn. “I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the way Ms. Lopez engages with her students, and it is amazing to see an inclusive classroom where children work together and truly support one another.”

The Sanford Teacher Award is a half-million dollar campaign to honor the nation’s most inspiring Pre-K through 12th grade teachers.

When Lopez entered her Park Slope school, she was surprised to learn that she was the recipient of a $10,000 cash award in recognition of her meeting the key criteria that define the Sanford Teacher Award because she has showed her commitment to creating an inspirational and harmonious classroom with students of diverse backgrounds.

“It feels really, really special to be honored as a teacher,” said Lopez. She said she plans to donate her prize money to her elementary school’s programs.

“Inspiring teachers are critical for student success, shaping students’ in their formative years and guiding them to become the best versions of themselves,” said Dr. Cline. “LIU is proud to partner with change agents like Principal Hoke and Ms. Lopez to truly revolutionize the way children learn and thrive.”

On hand for the award ceremony on Oct. 23 was also Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, Chancellor of the National University System, which is working in partnership with LIU  to promote the Sanford Education Programs, as well as a very proud PS 282 Principal Rashan Hoke. PS 282 has been integrally involved in this endeavor with LIU since January 2017.

As one of the inaugural winners, Ms. Lopez is now eligible for the full national competition which will award a $50,000 prize to a teacher from one state.

To nominate an inspirational teacher in your life, visit bit.ly/InspireLIU.

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