Presenters’ Biographies
Dr. Saryn Goldberg is associate professor of engineering in Hofstra’s DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science. She earned an ScB in Engineering from Brown University, an MS in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. Dr. Goldberg’s courses in engineering mechanics and materials science are known for the enthusiasm she brings to the classroom. She finds deep satisfaction in introducing students to the field of materials science, a discipline that is often overlooked but fundamental to modern engineering. Her teaching philosophy is centered on fostering curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging students to ask questions that will enhance their understanding. Dr. Goldberg’s dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. She has been awarded two prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation aimed at advancing undergraduate engineering education. Her research focuses on the relationship between students’ inquiry and learning outcomes.
Richard Leddy, assistant vice president for engineering, construction, and utilities, has been with Hofstra for 40 years in various capacities, with a current focus on capital planning. His goal is to provide safe, comfortable, efficient facilities as students prepare for their future careers.
Dr. Robert Leonard is professor of comparative literature, languages, and linguistics at Hofstra University. The New Yorker magazine called Leonard “one of the foremost language detectives in the country.” Leonard’s testimony was pivotal in investigating and prosecuting high-profile cases such as the Jon Benet Ramsey murder and the triple homicide of the Coleman family in Illinois, as well as death threats to judges and members of Congress, and international corporate investigations. Leonard serves as senior consultant to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Advanced Research Language project. Leonard’s clients include the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, Joint Terrorism Task Force, British Secret Intelligence Service and MI-5, NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, Apple, Facebook, and the prime minister of Canada. Time magazine deemed Leonard (no kidding) the second smartest rock star (as a founding member and vocalist of the band Sha Na Na, which performed at Woodstock) in history, behind Brian May, guitarist of Queen, who is an astrophysicist. (Leonard thinks this is because Time foolishly thinks “astrophysicist” sounds smarter than “forensic linguist.”)
Anthony J. Porcelli, EdD, senior assistant dean for operations and strategy and adjunct assistant professor of population health, leads administrative, engagement, and student success efforts for the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.
Michael Runkel is director of grounds and landscape design at Hofstra University. He has been an active member of the green industry on Long Island for the past 15 years. Prior to joining Hofstra in November 2019, Runkel worked for the New York State Parks System as landscape curator at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum and was assistant director/director of horticulture at the Planting Fields Arboretum. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture Technology Management with an emphasis in Landscape Development from Farmingdale State College (SUNY).
Restaurants Providing Discounts during Family Weekend
To receive the discounts listed below, Hofstra families must present this program. Hofstra students will receive discounts upon presentation of their Hofstra ID. Borrelli’s: 1580 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554 • 516-794-0190 borrellisitalianrestaurant.com • 10% discount ($20 off maximum)
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille: 1740 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554 • 516-280-7251 thegreeneturtle.com • 15% discount, excluding alcohol and beverages
Majestic Diner: 498 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590 • 516-997-6010 10% discount, excluding alcohol and beverages
Napolini Pizzeria: 323 Oak Street, Uniondale, NY 11553 • 516-505-5500 napoliniexpress.com • 10% discount or special family meal
Sushi Ya: 949 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 • 516-873-8818 sushiyany.com • 10% discount
Vincent’s Clam Bar: 179 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514 vincentsclambar.com • One free house appetizer or dessert per table
SHOP WITH YOUR STUDENT OFF CAMPUS: JCPenney, Roosevelt Field Mall, Garden City, NY
Join fellow Hofstra students and families at JCPenney at the Roosevelt Field Mall on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 3 to 6 p.m. for a Hofstra community-only special event! Receive up to 45% off select career wear, shoes, and accessories upon presentation of the student’s Hofstra ID.
FAMILY WEEKEND • 2024
Friday, September 27-Sunday, September 29
Friday, September 27, 2024
Friday, 6-8 p.m. • Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Family Weekend Check-In
Multipurpose Room, Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus
Parents and families who purchased tickets online pick up their packets. Families may buy additional tickets on-site.
PRICING
• Family Events Fee – $15 per person, preregistration online; $25 per person on-site | Parents and family members of Hofstra students have access to all Family Weekend events except the Fall Festival Concert and Carnival.
• All-Inclusive Family Weekend Fee – $50 per person, preregistration online; $75 per person on-site | Parents and family members of Hofstra students have access to all Family Weekend events.
Hofstra students attend all events for free. Students must check in on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to receive their FREE concert/carnival wristbands by presenting their Hofstra University Event Pass through GetInvolvedHU or the Corq app. Non-Hofstra student guest wristbands are not sold on-site; they were available for preregistration only.
Friday, 6-8 p.m. • Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
View Parent and Family Council Door Prizes
Multipurpose Room, Mack Student Center, North Campus
The Parent and Family Council volunteers created beautiful baskets with donated gift cards and items. Each Hofstra family registered for Family Weekend receives a free ticket toward a door prize. The prize drawing takes place during Wine, Cheese, and Prizes, Saturday, 2-3 p.m. in the Pride Den, Mack Student Center, Lower Level, North Campus. Ticket holders must be present to win.
6-8 p.m. • Hofstra Volleyball vs. Hampton University
David S. Mack Physical Education Center, North Campus
RELIGIOUS SERVICES, FRIDAY-SUNDAY
MUSLIM COMMUNITY: Jummah Prayer | Friday, 1:30 p.m. Greenhouse, Mack Student Center, Lower Level, North Campus
JEWISH COMMUNITY/HOFSTRA HILLEL:
Shabbat Service and Family Shabbat Dinner ($18 per person) Friday, 5:30 p.m. | Shabbat Service, Plaza Rooms, Mack Student Center, North Campus Friday, 6:30 p.m. | Family Shabbat Dinner Greenhouse, Mack Student Center, Lower Level, North Campus
PROTESTANT COMMUNITY: Gathering Sunday, 9 a.m. Rosalind’s Garden, Mack Student Center, North Campus Rain Location: Room 145 Mack Student Center
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY: Mass Sunday, 11 a.m. | Greenhouse, Mack Student Center, Lower Level, North Campus Light refreshments will be served after Mass.
Go, Hofstra Pride! All Hofstra students and family members are invited to cheer on the Pride!
Friday, September 27, 2024
6:30-7:30 p.m. • Tour of the New Science & Innovation Center
Lobby, Science & Innovation Center, South Campus
Richard Leddy, assistant vice president for engineering, construction, and utilities, Anthony Porcelli, senior assistant dean for operations and strategy at the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, lead the tour of the state-of-the-art labs, learning spaces, and equipment, including a fully equipped operating room.
7-9 p.m. • Fall Festival Pride Court Showcase
John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus
The evening showcases the many talents of Hofstra students. The audience participates in voting for our newest Pride Royalty. A special surprise awaits you!
8-10 p.m. • Hofstra Club Sports: Men’s Soccer Soccer Stadium, North Campus
Go, Hofstra Pride!
Saturday, September 28, 2024
9-10:15 a.m. • Family Breakfast
Main Dining Room, Mack Student Center, North Campus
Enjoy a hot breakfast as Hofstra leaders welcome you to Family Weekend. Performing student groups include: The Hofstra Dutchmen, HofBeats, and Makin’ Treble.
10:30-11:20 a.m. • Choose one.
Faculty Lecture: Understanding What Our World Is Made Of Student Center Theater, Mack Student Center, North Campus
Saryn Goldberg, PhD, Associate Professor of Engineering, Hofstra University
Ever wonder why dropping a metal mug results in a dent, while dropping a ceramic mug results in a mess? Dr. Goldberg provides a peek into the ubiquitous field of materials science and engineering. Along the way, learn about how the forces that hold some plastics together are the same ones that enable geckos to walk on the ceiling.
Hofstra Spirit Support Showcase
David S. Mack Fitness Center, North Campus
Hofstra’s Cheerleading Team performs their amazing routines.
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. • Choose one.
Faculty Lecture: Language Detectives: Forensic Linguistics Applications to Intelligence, Law Enforcement, and Corporate Security – and Leonard’s FBI training courses now offered to Hofstra students Student Center Theater, Mack Student Center, North Campus
Robert Leonard, PhD, Professor of Linguistics
Dr. Leonard explains how the scientific analysis of language evidence is a powerful tool to prevent and solve crimes. Techniques he taught at Quantico are currently preparing Hofstra graduates for positions at financial institutions, private intelligence agencies, cybersecurity, language analytics, victim advocacy, threat prevention, software development, financial services, FBI, CIA, NCIS, Department of Justice, DHS Intelligence and Analysis, NYPD, U.S. and European law firms, and PhD programs in the United States and abroad.
Hofstra Arboretum Tour
Begins at Hofstra Hall (north side), South Campus
Michael Runkel, Director of Grounds and Landscape Design, Hofstra University
Don’t miss this popular campus tradition! Mike teaches us the Latin names of trees and other fun facts about Hofstra’s Arboretum.
Saturday,
September 28, 2024 continued
Noon-2 p.m. • Pride Expo
Pride Park, outside the Mack Student Center, North Campus
For decades, Hofstra’s student groups have built intricate and creative structures and performed skits for the Fall Festival in a state fair format. This year, student groups have worked in teams to build exhibits with the theme of “European Vacation.”
1-3 p.m. • Hofstra Volleyball vs. Hampton University
David S. Mack Physical Education Center, North Campus
Go, Hofstra Pride! All Hofstra students and family members are invited to cheer on the Pride!
2-3 p.m. • Wine, Cheese, and Prizes
Pride Den, Mack Student Center, Lower Level, North Campus
Parents are invited to connect with members of the Hofstra Parent and Family Council and get to know other Hofstra families. Be sure to bring your door prize ticket for the prize drawing. (Ticket holders must be present to win.) And, yes, enjoy some wine and cheese! Talented Hofstra music majors Joseph Maiello and Patrick Hines perform the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, and more!
2-4 p.m. • Hofstra Men’s Soccer vs. Elon University
Soccer Stadium, North Campus
Go, Hofstra Pride! Hofstra students and family members will receive a special giveaway, and the unveiling of Captains Field will take place during halftime.
2-7 p.m. • Fall Festival Concert and Carnival Intramural Fields, North Campus
Hofstra’s annual Fall Festival brings a variety of musical artists to campus, as well as carnival rides, games, and food for students and families to enjoy. This year’s concert features performances by the band Hello Brooklyn, the DJ stylings of Spynfo, emcee Hofstra alumna Dina Massery ’10, and headliner Shaggy. At check-in, every family receives up to two free drink tickets. Enjoy refreshments under the Alumni and Parent Tent. In addition, food and drinks are available for purchase on the field. Bring lawn chairs, umbrellas, and rain gear (just in case). The 2024 Pride Royalty will be crowned on the concert stage. Please note: The concert may not be suitable for young children. The carnival is open concurrently with the concert.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
8 a.m.-3 p.m. • Open Fitness Center
David S. Mack Fitness Center, North Campus
Families are invited to exercise and/or tour our state-of-the-art Fitness Center and learn more about Campus Recreation. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
1-3 p.m. • Hofstra Women’s Soccer vs. Towson University Soccer Stadium, North Campus
Go Hofstra Pride! Hofstra students and family members will receive a special giveaway, and the unveiling of Captains Field will take place during halftime.
5-7 p.m. • Hofstra Club Sports: Men’s Soccer Soccer Stadium, North Campus
Go Hofstra Pride!
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART
Yonia Fain (1913-2013): Tracing History
Exhibition on view September 3-December 16, 2024
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Yonia Fain was an internationally acclaimed artist, poet, author, and educator. He served as a faculty member at Hofstra University in the Department of Fine Arts, Design, Art History from 1971 until his retirement in 1985.
His artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his Jewish heritage, and the theme of displacement echoes prominently in his work. Having experienced the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including fleeing his home during World War II, Fain’s art is a poignant reflection of the hardships he experienced during the Russian Revolution, the Nazi invasion of Poland, and World War II. His compositions often bear traces of this history and memories of those he encountered along the way. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/museum or call the Hofstra University Museum of Art at 516-463-5672
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT EXHIBITIONS
Gallery Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Calkins Hall, South Campus
7 p.m. • Fireworks by Grucci Spectacular (after the concert’s final act)
North Campus
Enjoy fireworks wherever you are on the North Campus.
September 16-October 27, 2024 • Rosenberg Gallery • Dante Lentz You’v Coordinates: 10 Years of Interactive Painting
Dante Lentz creates generative multimedia videos using Max8 and TouchDesigner. His practice involves wearing a webcam and painting with sensors to interact with a conceptual program in real time, capturing the digital experience to video. Incorporating techniques such as facial recognition, motion tracking, and 3D modeling, he explores themes of surveillance, media manipulation, and the distortion of reality.
September 23-29, 2024 • FORM Gallery • Ryan Ketterer
Dopo
Ryan Ketterer, an art historian and artist from New Jersey, is a senior art history and fine arts double major at Hofstra. Ketterer’s show is titled Dopo, which means “after” in Italian. Having studied abroad in Florence, Italy, last semester, Ketterer responds to this experience through an exploration of identity. He works across various mediums with a constant inspiration from nature and history.