November 11, 2019 The Voice of the Students Volume 75, Issue University Welcomes New Vice President of Student Affairs personal and focused with the support of with students as you start your leader- BY VICTORIA GRINTHAL faculty and staff during their first year. ship position here? Adelphi has a terrific academic and pro- The core of what we do is cen- Starting on December 3, the fessional reputation and I’m excited to be tered on student success. Our sole purpose role of Vice President of Student Affairs joining an amazing academic community. at Adelphi is to help students persist, will be held by a fresh face on Adelphi’s Our student demographics with respect to graduate and be academically and profes- campus. Ronald Sentwali Bakari, PhD, ethnic diversity, international, commuter, sionally successful. I plan to meet with as has been named as the leader of many first-generation, is inspiring. many students as I can and make myself aspects of student life at our university. How is the move from Colo- available and accessible to student lead- With high praise from our own President rado to New York and does the change ers, clubs and organizations, and attend Christine M. Riordan, Bakari’s expertise in location alter any aspect of how you student events in an effort to build trust and experience is a welcome addition to plan to represent our student popula- and positive, productive relationships. our community. tion? One crucial role of the Vice Pres- Bakari earned his doctorate at I did notice on my first visit that I ident for Student Affairs is to serve as an the University of Northern Colorado and could breathe better as a result of being at ambassador for students. Adelphi students is also an alumnus of the University of Ronald Sentwali Bakari, PhD, sea level as opposed to being over a mile should always view their Vice President Wisconsin-La Crosse. Before becoming newly elected VP of Student Affairs in the air in Colorado. I’m thrilled about for Student Affairs as their ambassador a Panther, Bakari was vice chancellor the more their chances of being academi- the opportunity to engage with students to and advocate — someone they can reach for student success at the University of cally successful will improve. learn and understand what is important to out to with issues, concerns and opportu- Colorado Colorado Springs. Since Bakari I believe my background and ex- them and how I can help them be academ- nities to collaborate on various learning is moving from Colorado to New York to periences will contribute to what’s already ically and professionally successful. experiences to help their experience here assume his new role, The Delphian asked being done and help advance the overall Is there anything you would be the best it can possibly be. him a few questions about the move, outcomes and strategic priorities of the like to initiate at Adelphi that you think What else do you want the how he sees Adelphi and anything that he university and Student Affairs. Moreover, would benefit us? Adelphi community to know about would like people to know about him. I look forward to being a strong part- My goal from the outset is to you? Given your experience in ner with students, faculty and academic listen, learn and understand the campus I enjoy photography, outdoor working with universities and students, leadership to strengthen our students’ culture and work strategically to support concerts, jazz, Latin music, reggae and what do you want to do to help improve academic success and career aspirations. President Riordan, Executive Leadership, theater productions. When I can, I always student life at Adelphi? What drew you to work at the Student Affairs team, students, faculty appreciate the opportunity for internation- I want to enhance the exceptional Adelphi University? What is unique and senior administrators. It’s excit- al travel to explore and experience other work that is already being done by the about our school compared to others ing to work in partnership with campus cultures and ways of life. Some of the Student Affairs team, which is to sup- you’ve worked for or learned from? colleagues to advance our strengths and best learning experiences I’ve had come port students’ persistence and a sense of I’ve always enjoyed working at a opportunities to achieve the goals in our from travel and the ability to learn, ap- engagement and belonging. Research private university and believe the experi- Momentum strategic plan. preciate and respect the multidimensional continues to inform us that the more ences for students at Adelphi can be more How do you plan to interact ways people live and share the world. students are engaged with their institution, Adelphi Votes Campaign Wants YOU to Place Your Vote Each Election Day use the electronic voting machine. own town, municipality, county, etc., has health insurance, as well as climate and BY JACLYN TRACY The goal of the Adelphi Votes the most direct impact on the quality of the environment. Adelphi Votes held its campaign is in its title: to get the Adelphi life for their family and themselves,” she final scheduled voter registration presenta- community to vote. The description of this said. tion to a seminar class on October 8, just program on Adelphi’s website reads, “The Adelphi Votes has held seven in time for the deadline for the November Adelphi Votes goal is to assist its students open voter registration forums this semes- 5 general election. and staff with voter registration and ab- ter, starting on September 11. These have In conclusion of the campaign, in sentee ballot applications.” taken place in the Nexus Building Plaza total, 173 New York State voter registra- Adelphi Votes works alongside as well as the Swirbul Library lobby. The tions were completed in addition to 16 the Nassau County Board of Elections, as Nassau County Board of Elections was registrations from other states, includ- well as the League of Women’s Voters, present at these forums to give demonstra- ing California, Connecticut, Delaware, to educate the community about critical is- tions of the electronic voting machine, as Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, sues and simplify the registration process well as complete New York State (NYS) Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Utah. Adelphi is making clear now with a belief that “once you are informed voter registration forms. Furthermore, 10 New York state absentee more than ever their care and encourage- about the issues at stake in any upcoming In addition to these forums, there ballot applications and 14 applications for ment of students taking part in our local election and the impact on your future, were also presentations and voter regis- vote by mail were completed, making a and national elections. Not only were you will exercise your right to vote.” tration sessions in different classes and total of 213 forms. Adelphi students given the day off from Kathleen Watchorn, coordinator seminars based upon the request of the The goal of the campaign is to classes on November 5, Election Day, as a of Adelphi Votes, has worked hard to- seminar professor, a private voter regis- make sure each student truly knows that way of showing them how important it is wards educating members of the Adelphi tration session at the Bridges to Adelphi their vote counts, regardless of how much to place their votes, but the Adelphi Votes community on the importance of voting, program, as well as programs in Earle people think it may not. campaign has also been working hard all whether that be in a classroom setting, in Hall and Chapman Hall. “If anyone questions if their vote semester towards getting students to vote. front of the Nexus Building or Swirbul Watchorn shared that the four really matters, I remind them of the recent That includes registering, filling out an Library. immediate issues of why we should vote Queens District Attorney election where absentee ballot application on campus and “When I speak with students, in state and federal elections include DA [Melinda] Katz won by 14 votes,” even providing demonstrations on how to first I stress that voting `locally,’ for their employment, student loan debt, affordable Watchorn said. 2 • November 11, 2019 NEWS The Delphian A Word from the Editor There are some changes happening at Adelphi with a new vice president of student affairs. The Delphian wants to formally welcome Dr. Ronald Sentwali Bakai to the Adelphi community. Additionally, we hope Editor-in-Chief Volume 75 that everyone had the chance to get out and vote. Our slogan is “the voice Olivia Franks Issue 4 of the students” so we want everyone’s voice to be heard and the Adelphi News Editor Earle Hall Media Center Votes initiative is a great way to do that. Alumni Relations also held the Jaclyn Tracy One South Avenue Women’s Leadership Conference, which was a great opportunity to learn Garden City, NY 11530 from successful businesswomen. Editorials Editor Victoria Grinthal The Delphian also held its first of four events this semester, the HOW TO REACH US Main Office: 516-877-6935 6th Annual Media Career Expo. We enjoyed speaking with Adelphi alum Features & Entertainment Editor E-mail: [email protected] and hearing about their achievements within the field of communications. Maria Giovanna Jumper Read all about our event in this issue. Recently, another great event that LETTERS TO THE EDITOR happened on campus was the Q & A with New York Islanders owner Jon Sports Editor Olivia Franks Letters to the editor must be less than Ledecky. Sport management students had the chance to connect with 400 words and include the author’s some of the most successful figures in sports.