The New York State Board of Regents unanimously elected Dr. Lester W. Young Jr. to serve as chancellor, becoming the first African American to be elected to the position. Young will lead and serve as the presiding officer of the board, which is responsible for the general supervision of all educational activities in the state. Young has educated students at all levels during his distinguished career, including a visiting professorship at LIU’s Graduate School of Education from 2004 to 2008.
Alumnus Publishes Book About ‘Happiness Power’
Edmund McCormick, ’70, also known by his pen name, Robert Gill Jr., recently published his second book titled Happiness Power: How to Unleash Your Power and Live a More Joyful Life. The book explores why happiness among Americans has been declining for 20 years and how you can reverse that trend by living a life that’s true to your values and your innermost needs. Gill spent five decades investing in commercial and residential real estate and is known for publishing the ArtMolds Journal and Long Island House Buyer’s Guide.
Alex the Astronaut Named to OUT 100
Alex Lynn, ’17, known by her stage name Alex The Astronaut, was named to Out Magazine’s 26th annual Out100 list, the annual portfolio celebrating members of the LGBTQ+ community who are making a groundbreaking impact across the world. The Australian singer-songwriter who also played soccer at LIU Post released her critically acclaimed debut album The Theory of Absolutely Nothing, in 2020 and received praise from The New York Times, NPR Music, The Guardian, Refinery29 and more.
New York Community Trust Awards Grant for Telehealth Training
New York Community Trust awarded Brooklyn Hospital Center and Long Island University each with $150,000 grants as part its $6.1 million package that funds dozens of nonprofits to address the current and emerging effects of the pandemic. The grant will help LIU train healthcare workers to use telehealth as a way of providing primary and mental health care to low-income Brooklyn residents.
Prominent Physician Named Executive Producer
Noted physician, entrepreneur and investor, Ari Bernstein, ’01, serves as executive producer of an upcoming documentary feature on the life story of legendary basketball personality, Dick Vitale. Bernstein joined the Emmy Award-winning DNA Films crew to begin principal filming for the project in November. He is a board-certified internal medicine physician and is known for being an investor and advisor for telehealth services Fruit Street and CovidMD, which provide crucial services to patients during the pandemic.
Rare Book Librarian Featured in Fine Books Magazine
Fine Books & Collections recently featured Michelle Chesner, ’08, who serves as the Norman E. Alexander Librarian for Jewish Studies in the global studies division of the Columbia University Libraries. Chesner is responsible for Columbia’s rare Judaica collection which is located in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Chesner, a graduate of the MSLIS program, told the magazine that her passion for rare books is derived from being able to share with others a completely unique entry into the past.
Esports Coach Contributes to Textbook on Esports Business
John McDermott, head esports coach at LIU, contributed to the recently published textbook, Esports Business Management, by David P. Hedlund, Gil Fried and R.C. Smith III, which provides an all-encompassing look into the world of esports business while teaching students and sports professionals about the rapidly expanding industry. McDermott is joined by esports executives, business experts and educators in offering a comprehensive approach to the operational side of esports, as well as an analysis of its cultural and social impact.
Alumnus Named Chief Financial Officer of Galenfeha, Inc.
Texas-based consulting firm Galenfeha, Inc. named Darrell L. Peterson, ’81, as a director and chief financial officer, while he also serves as the chief financial officer of Nexgen Surveying, LLC. He has an extensive career in initiating and reorganizing private and public companies serving in capacities ranging from chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and as a consultant. Peterson began his impressive finance career with the then Big 8 firm Peat Marwick, now KPMG.
Hewlett-Woodmere School District Appoints Experienced Assistant Superintendent
The Hewlett-Woodmere School District appointed Marie Donnelly, ‘05, as assistant superintendent for business after she previously joined the school district on an interim basis in July. Donnelly will be involved in capital planning, budgeting, financial management and business operations in the district. Donnelly previously served as the assistant superintendent of business and operations for Seaford Public Schools, the school business official for the Island Park School District, and the district treasurer at East Meadow School District.
Occupational Therapy Professor Creates Innovative Planner for Students and Practitioners
Dr. Robin Akselrud, assistant professor of occupational therapy, recently released a 2021 mindfulness/motivational planner, the My OT Journey Planner. The planner, specific to occupational therapy, allows students and practitioners to organize classwork, assignments, personal and professional commitments, and can be used as a tool to track and maintain mental and physical health. Dr. Akselrud included mindfulness, personal development and self-care tips in the planner based on research that showed adverse mental health outcomes for young adults and essential workers during 2020.