Long Island University will celebrate a century of impact with its Centennial Gala, an evening celebrating 100 years of academic excellence, innovation, and philanthropy. The event will bring together leaders, supporters, and the LIU community to honor its legacy while raising critical funds to expand student opportunity and fuel the university’s next century.
Rutherford B. Hayes Descendant Discusses Presidential Legacy
Birchard M. Taylor, the Great-Great Grandson of President Rutherford B. Hayes, 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. Taylor discussed Hayes’ greatest achievements and what the enduring legacy of America’s 19th president can teach us today.
Vet Student Elected President of National Association
Cayden Smith, a second year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student, was elected as the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) president-elect. Smith will serve as president for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Sharks to Host Villanova for Homecoming 2026
LIU announced the 2026 Homecoming game will be on September 19 against Villanova University. In addition to hosting the Wildcats, the Sharks non-conference schedule also includes the Florida International University Panthers, Kansas University Jayhawks, and North Dakota University Fighting Hawks.
AMC Networks CEO Kristin Dolan Returns to Campus
AMC Networks CEO and LIU alumna Kristin Dolan ’05 spoke during the second installment of the Centennial CEO Speaker Series. The executive discussed navigating today’s media landscape in the age of AI, building strong organizational culture, and what sets top interns apart. AMC Networks is home to The Walking Dead, the most-watched show in cable television history. Dolan earned her master’s degree in literature in 2015.
LIU Honors 77th George Polk Award Winners
Long Island University celebrated the winners of the 2025 George Polk Awards in Journalism during a distinguished luncheon ceremony at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Journalists from leading outlets, including The New York Times, ProPublica, The Atlantic, and CBS 60 Minutes, discussed their award-winning reporting spanning immigration, public health, executive power, war reporting, and more.
LIU, Islanders & UBS Arena Launch Strategic Partnership
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.