The Tribeca Film Fesitval hosted a special screening to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of Casino (1975), written by alumnus Nicholas Pileggi ’56 and director Martin Scorsese. The film starred Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci and was nominated for several academy awards. Pileggi is a celebrated journalist and screenwriter best known for writing classic mob movies Goodfellas, American Gangster, and The Irishman.
Haagmans’ Hat Trick Follows Third NEC Recognition
Sophomore forward Lotte Haagmans of the field hockey team was named an NEC Prime Performer for the third time this season following her two-goal performances in back-to-back games versus Mercyhurst University and Lehigh University. Haagmans followed up the conference honors with a hat trick in the Sharks 5-1 win over Merrimack College, scoring 3 goals and assisting one another.
New Research Offers Safer Biomedical Implants
Biochemistry professor Azzedine Bensalem co-authored new research detailing a novel approach for strengthening hydroxyapatite, a material often used in medical implants, by adding carefully balanced silver nanoparticles. Published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry B, the study suggests that the method can boost antibacterial protection while remaining safe for human cells, an advancement that could lead to safer and more effective orthopedic and dental implants.
Top Industry Outlet Features Fashion Merchandising Program
Fashionista, one of the largest independent fashion news sites, highlighted the B.S. in Fashion Merchandising & Management program. The article spotlighted programs at other top schools across the country, including Ohio State, USC, Syracuse, Baylor, and the University of South Carolina. LIU is one of just 28 colleges and universities in the U.S. to offer a program in fashion merchandising.
Alumna Tapped as President & CEO
When Pamela Agnone ’83 first visited Long Island University, she felt something click. Growing up on Long Island, she wanted a strong local university with a respected business program, and her high school guidance counselor pointed her toward LIU. But it was the warmth of the students and faculty—and the beauty of the campus—that sealed her decision.
“I decided LIU was a place where I could learn and grow,” Agnone said.
As a management major, Agnone thrived in the university’s collaborative environment. One defining memory was a product marketing class where she and her teammates developed a new dietary supplement and pitched it with a full business plan, complete with pro forma P&L. The presentation felt like a modern-day Shark Tank episode. Their team won the competition and earned an A on the assignment, cementing her belief in the power of preparation and teamwork, a mindset she still brings to her leadership today.
“The importance of collaboration is a mindset I bring to my leadership role at UNFCU,” she said.
Through a co-op program, Agnone landed her first role as a teller at Dime Savings Bank while still taking classes at LIU. She steadily rose through the ranks in consumer and mortgage lending, later joining Long Island Savings Bank as First Vice President of Lending. In 1998, drawn to its global mission, she joined the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) as Vice President of Lending.
“I credit my career in financial services to LIU,” Agnone said.
Over more than 27 years, her role expanded to include retail services, marketing, and international operations. She traveled extensively as UNFCU opened offices in Europe and Africa and co-founded the UNFCU Foundation, where she now serves as Board Chair. Last June, she became UNFCU’s first female President/CEO, guiding the institution through a period of transition while maintaining strong financial performance and record member satisfaction. Today, UNFCU oversees $10.2 billion in assets and has more than 260,000 members in over 200 countries and territories.
“Working for an organization with purpose—where world events lead to learning something new every day and with a mission that aligns with my personal values—has been incredibly fulfilling,” Agnone said of her 27-year tenure at UNFCU.
Her advice to students? “Believe in yourself. Dream big and go for it. Learn something new every day.”
Women’s Soccer Team Undefeated in Conference
The Sharks are undefeated in NEC competition. The team’s success has coincided with several conference awards for individual players. Midfielder Brooklyn Menard was named NEC Rookie of the Week twice, forward Grace Hennig was named NEC Player of the Week, and goalkeeper Keely Thomas earned NEC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice.
NY Times Best-Selling Author Launches Tour
Mitch Albom, #1 best-selling author, launched his new novel, Twice, as part of the Centennial Author Series at Long Island University. Albom is the author of international bestsellers including Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, For One More Day, Have a Little Faith, The Time Keeper, and The Stranger in the Lifeboat. His books have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
Women’s Volleyball Racks Up 8 Straight Victories
LIU’s women’s volleyball team won eight consecutive matches. During the win streak, Junior Sara van Gisteren, junior Yasmeen Muhammad, and senior Karly Klaer all received NEC Prime Performer honors, while sophomore Miabella Musignac was named the NEC/Molten Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week. Van Gisteren was named the NEC/Molten Women’s Volleyball Co-Player of the Week.
Josh Groban Performed at Sold-Out Tilles Center
Tony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban’s performance at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts raised funding for Tilles Center’s arts education programs and other initiatives.
National Book Award Honors American Presidency
The Society of Presidential Descendants announced the finalists for the 2025 Biennial Presidential Leadership Book Award: Derek Leebaert’s Unlikely Heroes, James H. Read’s Sovereign of a Free People, and Harold Holzer’s Brought Forth on This Continent. The winner will be announced at the award dinner on October 23 at the University Club, hosted by former Congressman Steve Israel. The event will also feature the presentation of the 2025 Distinguished Presidential Historian Award to Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation.