I am pleased to present Long Island University’s Annual Report for the 2023-2024 academic year. This document highlights a year marked by significant accomplishments that align with the goals outlined in LIU 2030: The University of the Future. These achievements underscore our commitment to academic excellence, operational efficiency, and strategic growth-positioning LIU as a leader in higher education.
In research and innovation, our partnerships with Dassault Systèmes and nationally recognized institutions have placed LIU at the forefront of digital health and artificial intelligence education. Notable projects include virtual organ modeling and research by Dr. Cheng Zhang supported by the National Science Foundation.
Operationally, LIU’s financial health remains strong. Total assets have grown to $1.08 billion, reflecting a 44% increase over five years, supported by an operating surplus of $48 million and a 101% growth in our investment portfolio to $479 million. We remain committed to accessibility and affordability, capping tuition at 2% for the 11th consecutive year significantly below regional averages. This, coupled with an increase in first-year applications and a 27% increase in freshmen enrollment, highlights the growing demand for an LIU education.
Growth in philanthropic contributions included major gifts supporting the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, and scholarships. Alumni engagement expanded to include new regional clubs and the launch of an alumni-owned business directory, strengthening the University’s network of 285,000 graduates.
These results demonstrate the efficacy of our strategic initiatives and our ability to adapt to an evolving higher education landscape.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Cline President
Executive Summary
Long Island University’s annual report outlines the achievements and advancements made in alignment with its strategic plan, LIU 2030: The University of the Future. Our focus remains on elevating LIU as a leading institution in teaching and research, expanding academic excellence, strengthening financial health, fostering sustainability, and enhancing student engagement.
Mission & Strategic Goals
Long Island University provides excellence and accessibility to private higher education. Our mission is to empower individuals through knowledge, preparing them to lead educated, purposeful lives while contributing to their communities and the world. To achieve these objectives, LIU 2030 guides our strategic initiatives through four primary goals:
• Advance Academic Excellence Through Innovation
• Promote Solutions for A Sustainable Future
• Strengthen Financial Health and Agility
• Enhance Engagement Through Distinctive Experiences
Advance Academic Excellence Through Innovation
Long Island University consistently delivers on its mission of academic excellence, providing students with transformative experiences, global opportunities, and innovative research initiatives. Across disciplines, LIU remains committed to advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and driving impactful outcomes. Below are the highlights of LIU’s academic achievements for the 2023-24 academic year.
• The College of Veterinary Medicine launched a research program focusing ion zoonotic diseases, aiming to understand and mitigate illnesses that can transfer from animals to humans. This initiative underscores LIU's dedication to advancing veterinary science and public health.
• A state-of-the-art research center at LIU Pharmacy, dedicated to personalized medicine was opened. The center's mission is to advance pharmacogenomics research, enabling tailored drug therapies based on individual genetic profiles.
• LIU Pharmacy was awarded a $5 million grant to develop comprehensive educational programs addressing the opioid epidemic. The funding supports curriculum enhancements and community outreach initiatives aimed at equipping future pharmacists with the skills to combat opioid misuse.
• The Harriet Rothkopf Heilbrunn School of Nursing a yielded a 32% increase on the Post campus and a 36% increase on the Brooklyn campus on NCLEX pass rates
• Princeton Review once again ranked LIU School of Business in the Best Business School category for the 17th y year in a row.
• Alumnus Ray Dalio visited LIU for the first time since he graduated and spoke with School of Business students about his career and appreciation for his professors at LIU, as well as sharing his new book, “Principles” and ways to incorporate them into their journey toward a career.
• Billboard ranked Roc Nation as one of the best Music Business schools in the country.
• JP Morgan Chase partnered with Roc Nation to provide tuition support and establish the school’s first ever financial health course.
• Dr. Jeffrey Kane, an associate professor at LIU's College of Education, published a book entitled “The Emergence of Mind: Where Technology Ends and We Begin." The book received acclaim from esteemed scholars, including Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University and Dr. Michael Gazzaniga, a pioneer in cognitive neuroscience.
• Blockchain Expert, Dr. Madhusudan Singh, Associate Professor and Head of Data Analytics in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Center for Blockchain Technology was once again named to Top 2% of Scientists by Stanford University.
• The School of Health Professions Dean’s Research Initiative submitted applications totaling over $8.5M in extramural research funding over the past year, with $2.55M already awarded. The School of Health Professions also forged a research collaboration with the Dassault Center of Excellence to capitalize on those resources to exponentially grow the number and size of grant submissions, especially around the integration of artificial intelligence, and healthcare intervention and training.
• A Ph.D. in Computation Sciences and AI in the School of Engineering, Computer Science and AI completed two successful site visits for review of the Ph.D. program and submitted the new program to NYSED for approval. The proposal is at the final stages of approval.
• Honors College at Long Island University enrolled its largest and most academically distinguished cohort, with a total of 161 students. This incoming class sets records in a number of categories:
• Median GPA of 100
• SAT score of 1380
• ACT score of 31.
• LIU’s first Fulbright Award winner at the Post campus since 2009
• Two JK Watson Fellows from the Brooklyn campus (a first since 2014)
• Inaugural Ibrahim Student Scholar award recipient.
LIU’s Honors College also hosted its first interdisciplinary Honors College Conference, where students showcased their creative work and research, exemplifying LIU’s commitment to experiential learning.
• Steven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling, and Analysis, housed within the Roosevelt School, registered a 155% increase in participation in its American Opinion Panel, comprised of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults and conducted the “Long Island Industry Survey: The State of Artificial Intelligence in 2024” engaging 154 business leaders and results presented at the Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference, drawing over 400 industry experts.
Sponsored Research, Grants and Awards
Strategic Vision: Becoming a Top R1 Research University
• In 2024, Long Island University highlighted its transformative vision to become a top national R1 research university through strategic advancements in health, science, and technology research. LIU is addressing global challenges with impactful solutions. The new College of Science, with its cutting-edge labs and specialized facilities, bolsters biomedical research, while investments in expert faculty and partnerships with institutions like Dassault Systèmes, MIT, and Baylor College of Medicine enhance the university’s capacity for groundbreaking research and experiential learning. This holistic approach places LIU at the forefront of scientific discovery and positions it as a leader in innovation and sustainability.
• LIU’s collaboration with Dassault Systèmes on virtual organ modeling has placed the university at the forefront of digital health. Dr. Mohammed Cherkaoui leads a team that develops digital “twins” of human organs, including the heart and liver, allowing for in silico drug testing and advancing precision medicine. These digital twins can simulate organ responses, predict drug toxicity, and streamline drug development, presenting a sustainable solution to healthcare challenges and significantly reducing clinical trial timelines and costs.
• LIU is carving a distinctive path in digital engineering, merging medical and engineering disciplines to address the evolving needs of the 21st-century workforce. Building on its successful partnership with Dassault Systèmes, LIU is pioneering programs that set new standards in digital and artificial intelligence education. LIU launched a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, underscoring the university's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
• Dr. Anait S. Levenson’s groundbreaking research on stilbenes, natural compounds found in foods like grapes and blueberries, offers promising strategies for prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Stilbenes have shown potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and Dr. Levenson’s studies focus on their ability to inhibit the MTA1 molecule, a driver of cancer progression. Targeting MTA1, which is highly expressed in aggressive prostate cancers, Dr. Levenson’s research revealed how stilbenes can activate tumorsuppressing genes and reduce inflammation.
• Dr. Thomas Inzana, a Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist, is tackling bovine respiratory disease through vaccine research funded by USDA grants. This disease, which costs the cattle industry $1 billion annually, spreads quickly in crowded conditions. Dr. Inzana’s work on a “subunit” vaccine targets the bacteria Histophilus somni, which forms biofilms resistant to traditional treatments. Dr. Inzana’s contributions to veterinary microbiology and One Health a concept linking animal and human health illustrate the interconnectedness of veterinary and public health research. His efforts in biofilm-targeted vaccine development represent a significant advancement in combating diseases that impact both human and animal populations.
• The Long Island Mental Health Professional Expansion Project, led by LIU’s Center for Community Inclusion (CCI), secured a $4.05 million grant to address mental health disparities in underserved communities. By training individuals from high-needs school districts as social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals, the project expands mental health resources in schools through evidence-based frameworks. These efforts align with LIU’s mission to serve underrepresented populations and contribute to sustainable, long-term improvements in community health.
• Dr. Cheng Zhang’s research focused on mitigating CO2 emissions by converting carbon dioxide into valuable light olefins, components used in fuel and plastics. Supported by an NSF grant, her team explores catalytic hydrogenation as a method to recycle CO2, transforming it from a greenhouse gas into commercially viable products. This innovative approach not only reduces atmospheric CO2 but also addresses the economic aspects of sustainability, advancing LIU’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
• LIU’s Library for the Study of the American Presidency will create a globally accessible archive with physical and digital access to scholars, educators, and the public. By cataloging and transcribing rare materials, oral histories, and artifacts, the library will offer new insights into the American presidency, promote civic education, and address the critical challenges of historical preservation. This initiative underscores LIU’s dedication to fostering public understanding of American governance as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
• $920,000 National Archives award supports LIU’s Roosevelt School in digitizing and preserving presidential archives. This project, focusing on early U.S. presidents, enriches the public’s access to American history and addresses critical challenges in historical preservation.
• $4.05 million grant to expand the LIU’s Center for Community Inclusion in mental health support programs in underserved schools.
• USDA grants funded bovine respiratory disease and the developing a subunit vaccine to protect cattle from costly bacterial infections, advancing both animal health and agricultural sustainability.
• Collaboration and Support for Bahnik Foundation Research, Collaboration to establish the Joseph A. and Dorothy A. Salat LIU Post College of Education Immediate Impact Scholarship Fund supporting students in shared undergraduate/graduate programs: $40,000 over five years
• Funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, the STEM Research Academy supports undergraduates in STEM fields through research and soft-skills training.
• Dr. Xiaolei Tang, Professor of Immunology received a $197,167.60 research grant from TangGene LLC/Inc.
Strengthen Financial Health and Agility
Long Island University is dedicated to building a robust financial foundation to support its academic and research missions. By aligning resource allocation with strategic priorities and expanding revenue streams, LIU ensures fiscal strength and flexibility to sustain growth and respond to evolving educational needs.
Financial Health Overview
For fiscal year 2023-24, LIU achieved key financial milestones that reinforce its position as a leading teaching and research institution. Notable financial achievements include:
• Total Assets Exceeding $1 Billion: LIU’s assets reached $1.08 billion, marking a 44% growth over the past five years.
• Operating Surplus of $48 Million: Supported by diverse revenue streams, the university maintained a strong operating surplus, enabling reinvestment into academic programs and facility enhancements.
• Growth in Long-Term Investments: The long-term investment portfolio reached $479 million, reflecting 101% growth over five years and providing essential scholarships for students.
• Exceptional Credit Ratings: LIU’s strong financial profile is recognized by independent agencies. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s affirmed the university’s A-/stable and A3/stable ratings, respectively, underscoring LIU’s fiscal health and management effectiveness.
Commitment To College Affordability
LIU remains committed to maintaining affordable tuition rates, marking the eleventh consecutive year of capping tuition increases at 2%. This dedication to affordability supports enrollment growth and positions LIU competitively within the region.
• Comparative Affordability: LIU’s cumulative tuition increase over the past decade stands at 20%, significantly lower than regional peers, ensuring LIU’s value proposition for students and families.
Strong Enterprise Credit Profile
The University’s strong financial position is well summarized by the independent assessment of University finances by the bond-rating agencies. In September 2024, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P) affirmed the University’s credit rating of A-, with a stable outlook.
While our financial profile and performance metrics are important factors, the University’s credit ratings are largely driven by our ability to establish and execute on a well-articulated strategic plan and consistently demonstrate accomplishments toward institutional goals and priorities. In fact, the strength of academic programs, student achievement, institutional quality, college affordability, research designation, and other qualitative measures are among several non-financial criteria within S&P’s formal evaluation rubric. S&P’s latest enterprise profile for LIU includes new academic programs, research, innovative partnerships, recruiting strategies, and competitive tuition among the University’s strengths and drivers of its market position and demand.
The strong credit rating was further impacted by our ability to not only develop mission-aligned strategies, but effectively implement them. In their 2024 credit opinion for LIU, S&P assessed LIU’s enterprise risk profile as… “strong, characterized by recent enrollment improvements, growing research activity, affordable tuition rates, and a solid management team, offset by limited selectivity and matriculation rates…with exceptional operating margins resulting from good management of expenses during the past several years and improving financial resources…”
The University also receives a credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service. The credit rating with Moody’s was last upgraded in September 2023 to A3, with a stable outlook. LIU’s next credit rating review with Moody’s is planned for early 2025.
Strengthening Revenue Diversification
LIU’s financial strategy emphasizes revenue diversification beyond tuition. Key initiatives include expanding sponsored projects, private gifts and grants, and investment returns designated for operations. The university’s finance division collaborates with academic and administrative departments to achieve these goals.
Operating Performance Highlights
LIU’s operational efficiency and strategic resource management support sustained financial growth. For FY 2023-24, unaudited projections reflect:
• Projected $48 Million Operating Surplus: Driven by effective cost management and resource allocation.
• Enhanced Fiscal Responsibility Ratios: A perfect 3.0 fiscal responsibility ratio with the U.S. Department of Education, along with a “clean” audit of federal financial assistance programs.
The impact of strong, sustainable operating results over time has enabled the University to expand and redirect resources toward transformation. These resources support critical University priorities, such as: funding for academic programs; increased scholarships for students; support for impactful student initiatives; recruitment and retention of talent; and expansion, modernization, and maintenance of facilities. This strengthened financial position has keyed long-term investment growth, improved cash, and liquidity, fostered strong financial ratios, and empowered a culture of full regulatory compliance. Despite the University’s strong operating performance and growth in key non-tuition revenue streams such as sponsored projects, investment returns and gifts, our institution remains relatively tuition dependent compared with medians in the “A-rated” institutions peer group. Expanding and diversifying revenue in key areas such as room and board revenue, private gifts and grants, investment return designated for operations, and other revenue sources remain of paramount importance.
Balance Sheet Strength and Liquidity
A strong balance sheet and liquidity position underscore LIU’s fiscal stability. Total net assets increased by over $101 million, a 71% growth since 2019. This growth supports key priorities, including academic initiatives, scholarships, and infrastructure investments.
Achieving Multi-Year Financial Goals
In early 2023, Finance established and presented the Board of Trustees with a series of measurable financial and related growth goals for the period 2023 - 2026. Below is a summary of the key goals originally established for FY 2026:
• Cash and investment growth to $560 million (22%)
• Long-term investment growth to $475 million (16%)
• Net asset growth to $720 million (12%)
• Cash and Investments to Operating Expenses of 1.7x (based on 3% annual growth in operating expenses).
Based on the projected financial results for FY24 (unaudited), the University has surpassed these and other 2026 goals and, accordingly, has revised its 2026 growth plan as follows:
Balance Sheet Strengthening And Liquidity Growth
Long-Term Investment and Endowment Growth
LIU’s endowment growth strategy centers on increasing scholarships and reducing tuition dependency. Endowment has more than quadrupled over the past decade, reaching $479 million as of August 2024. Strategic management of the endowment ensures continued support for students, faculty, and future university priorities.
Growing the long-term investment portfolio remains a key strategic initiative for LIU. First and foremost, returns from this portfolio provide invaluable scholarships for deserving students, making their tuition more affordable. A vibrant endowment also decreases reliance on tuition for generating financial resources to operate the University.
Long-term investment growth comes in the form of endowed donor gifts; operating surpluses transferred to the portfolio; and market value increases. The link between financial performance, investment growth, and student success is clear, and essential to our goal of securing and sustaining a strong financial position for the institution and future generations of LIU students. The University’s long-term investment portfolio was valued at $479.0 million as of August 31, 2024. The chart below presents the growth in LIU’s endowment for the 10 years ended August 31, 2024. During this time frame, the endowment has more than quadrupled its value.
The link between financial performance, endowment growth, and student success is clear, and essential to our goal of supporting future generations of LIU students. The objective of LIU’s Endowment Fund is to support students and faculty in the present and the future. To achieve its goal, the endowment is actively managed and has produced strong long-term risk-adjusted returns relative to its benchmark.
Capital Investment in Physical Plant
LIU continues to make significant investments in physical plant, guided by the Strategic Plan and long range capital plan. For FY 2024, the University is:
• Projected to invest over $30 million in capital projects, representing institutional investment as well as external funding from government grants and donors.
• Lowered LIU’s average age of plants and enabled the University to forego issuing new capital debt for financing facilities investment in a high-interest rate environment.
• Planning for facilities, infrastructure and technology includes consideration of strategic priorities, sustainability, and deferred maintenance.
Facilities Achievements
• College of Veterinary Medicine achieved full Certificate of Occupancy for the Veterinary Learning Center and the Teaching Research Center buildings.
• Metcalfe Paramount Theater Project construction was completed and launched successful theater operations in partnership with LiveNation.
• Opened a new state-of-the-art professional recording studio in collaboration with RocNation, provides advanced learning facilities for students.
• LIU-RXR Phase II tower at the former Goldner Garage location on the Brooklyn campus was topped off, in partnership with developer.
• Enhanced roofing systems across both campuses, including the Metcalfe building complex and Paramount Theater roof, along with HVAC upgrades featuring a dedicated hot water boiler system delivering 2,000,000 BTUs of energy for the Paramount Theater.
• Transitioned from Aramark Facilities to Core Facility Services, resulting in a $59 million investment in the CVM complex of facilities.
• Completed fit-out construction for the new College of Pharmacy building on the Brooklyn campus and the new College of Science building on the Post campus, with a focus on strategic priorities, sustainability, and deferred maintenance.
• Fully renovated Kumble Hall at LIU Post to include high-tech equipment and instructional facilities, enhancing the learning environment.
• Student lounge was created.
Technology Infrastructure Enhancement
• New wireless access points were installed throughout residence halls and common areas, improving connectivity. Students can now self-manage device access through a dedicated portal (https://wireless.liu.edu/mydevices).
• Upgrades to disaster recovery systems have removed the need for manual intervention, allowing seamless failover between the university’s primary site and the Brooklyn campus disaster recovery site.
• New Assa Abloy lock technology was piloted at select residence halls, enabling mobile credentials for a seamless, hotel-style access experience. Plans are underway to expand this technology across other dormitories.
• A year-long project culminated in the adoption of Brightspace Desire2Learn (D2L) as the new learning management system, replacing Blackboard Learn. Faculty and students were supported with extensive training, and D2L access was integrated into the MyLIU portal.
The University’s capital plan establishes institutional capital priorities in the areas of instruction, research, and administration. The charts below provide a summary of two transformative capital projects ― LIU’s Air Rights Development initiative and the College of Science Applied Research & Innovation Facility ― and other representative strategic projects and infrastructure/maintenance initiatives.
2026: Transformative Capital Initiatives
LIU’s Air Rights Development initiative at the Brooklyn Campus has allowed the university to strategically invest in the Brooklyn Campus, so that there is now a new athletic field, parking garage and the new College of Pharmacy facility.
Brooklyn Campus
Air Right Initiative
LIU In-Kind Investment
Strategic Partnership
$60,000,000
$35,000,000
Pharmacy Space Allocation 55,000 sq. ft.
Pharmacy Research/Product Development
Retail Space Initiative Development
The Brooklyn Paramount Theater project was important to Long Island University (LIU) because it solidified LIU's role as a cultural driver, demonstrating LIU's commitment to the arts and its role in the Brooklyn community. Additionally, the restoration preserved the venue’s original architectural details and the Wurlitzer organ as well as a redesigned marquee, reconstructed front entrance, and reimagined ticket lobby. The Brooklyn Paramount Theater is now more accessible and appealing to a new generation of audiences.
TOTAL ATTENDANCE TO DATE (NOVEMBER 2024) 170,664 AVERAGE MONTHLY ATTENDANCE 28,444
Post Campus
The Post Campus will also benefit from a strategic $20M LIU investment along with a $10M grant from the New York State Long Island Technology Corridor initiative to build a new College of Science Applied Research & Innovation Facility.
Enhance Engagement Through Distinctive Experiences
LIU achieved significant growth in student enrollment by enhancing recruitment efforts, expanding geographic outreach, and refining digital engagement.
• First-year applications rose by 92% year-over-year, from 13,659 to 26,200.
• First-year enrollment increased by 28%, with an 11-point rise in average SAT scores, reaching 1250 for the Fall 2024 cohort.
• Out-of-state and international recruitment efforts led to a 215% increase in out-of-state applications and an 84% increase in international applications.
LIU transformed the campus visit experience to increase engagement among prospective students and their families. New initiatives included bi-weekly Shark Saturday Events and restructured campus tours designed to highlight LIU’s academic strengths and campus life.
• Over 2,200 prospective students participated in campus tours, with 14,000+ total visitors attending admissions events in 2023-2024.
Strategic Partnerships for Student Opportunities
LIU continues to build partnerships that offer students valuable experiential learning opportunities and career connections.
• Virtual Enterprise Partnership: Through events and collaborative projects, LIU engaged over 3,000 Virtual Enterprise (VE) students, with 74 VE students enrolling in the Class of 2028.
• High School Scholars Program: LIU’s High School Scholars Program now partners with 72 high schools, allowing high-achieving students to earn college credit and gain exposure to LIU’s academic programs.
• DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America): Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
• FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America): Inspires students to become communityminded business leaders through education and career development programs.
• Regeneron ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair): Showcases student innovation in science, technology, engineering, and math with a global competition platform.
• Key Club International: Empowers high school students to lead and serve through volunteering and impactful community projects
Student Recognition and Awards
LIU celebrates the outstanding achievements of its students across a diverse range of disciplines, highlighting their dedication, innovation, and leadership. These accolades reflect the university's commitment to fostering academic excellence and career readiness.
• Innocense Gumbs: Undergraduate student selected for a prestigious Fulbright award to South Korea.
• Loida Garcia-Febo: Palmer student and past-president of the American Library Association (ALA) was awarded the ALA Medal of Excellence.
• Michael Carlson: Ed.D. student and Assistant Superintendent was awarded the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) Raymond R. Delaney Annual Scholarship and presented at the New York School Boards Association.
• Lars Clemensen: Ed.D. student elected president of NYSCOSS and presented at the New York School Boards Association.
• Kristina Holzweiss: Palmer alumnus and Educational Technology Specialist at Syosset High School won the National School Library of the Year Award.
• Colleen Higgins: Palmer student awarded the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship for her internship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
• Olivija Liepa: Palmer School student received the F. Gerald Ham and Elsie Ham Scholarship for graduate archival education, as cited in Archival Outlook.
• Dr. Corinthia Price: Palmer alumnus elected to the ALA Executive Board, demonstrating leadership in the library sciences.
• Kevin Wilson: Health/Physical Education undergraduate received an award from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.
• CVM DVM Students Alana Gates and Carlos Meijas: Awarded grants from the USDA Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), with Gates also receiving a Morris Animal Foundation research award.
Advancing Student Life And Campus Experience
LIU fosters a vibrant campus community through initiatives that encourage student engagement and enhance campus facilities.
• Increased Student Engagement: Over 2,730 student events were held during the 20232024 academic year, with the creation of 21 new student organizations. Athletic and performing arts events, including 963 athletic games and 79 performances, further enriched the student experience.
• Enhanced Facilities: Investments in student spaces, such as the renovation of the Gold Coast Cinema at LIU Post and technological upgrades at the Kumble Theater at LIU Brooklyn, significantly improved campus life.
Experiential Learning and Career Preparation
LIU emphasizes experiential learning to equip students with practical skills and professional opportunities.
• Shark Nation Spirit Store: Expanded through pop-up locations and an online platform, resulting in a 150% increase in sales year-over-year.
• Campus Recreation Expansion: Introduced club sports like softball, baseball, and volleyball, with 1,500 students participating in competitive and intramural activities.
These initiatives reflect LIU's dedication to creating a dynamic and supportive environment where students thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
Athletics Highlights
LIU’s athletics program continues to excel, supporting 37 NCAA-sponsored sports the most in the country and 34 championship-sponsored sports, tying with Harvard for the nation’s top spot. The program’s achievements reflect LIU’s commitment to athletic excellence, community engagement, and academic success.
Conference Titles And National Competition
• Six teams secured conference championships: Baseball, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Volleyball, and Women’s Water Polo
• Teams earned NCAA Tournament bids, competing against top-ranked programs such as the University of North Carolina, Nebraska, and the University of Virginia.
• Notable matchups included:
o Football against Baylor.
o Men’s Ice Hockey hosting 16th-ranked Penn State.
o Women’s Ice Hockey facing Northeastern University.
o Baseball winning at the University of Miami.
o Men’s Basketball playing UCLA at the iconic Pauley Pavilion.
Additional Athletic Achievements
• Acrobatics and Tumbling: Concluded the season with a six-game winning streak.
• Cheerleading and Dance: Secured their second consecutive national championship, with the Sharks team winning the Open Spirit Program Game Day division at the UCA/UDA national championships.
• Fencing: Mo Elsayed represented Egypt at the Olympics, earning a bronze medal. LIU also hosted the NCAA Northeast Regionals.
• Wrestling: Sent its first competitor to the NCAA Championships and recognized four Academic All-Americans, while receiving a $50,000 donation from the Town of Babylon.
• Ice Hockey:
o Men’s Alumni: Nine players signed professional contracts, with one player entering development camp with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.
o Women’s Players: Represented Austria and Sweden at international championships. Assistant Coach Shelly Picard earned national recognition as an intern coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team.
• Women’s Volleyball: Miabella Musigna represented Puerto Rico at the U21 NORCECA Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship.
• Cross Country: Both men’s and women’s teams won the NEC 2023-24 Sportsmanship Award.
Student-Athletes Excel In The Classroom
LIU’s student-athletes demonstrated academic excellence, earning prestigious awards and recognition:
• NEC Team GPA Awards:
o Men’s Cross Country: 3.46
o Swimming and Diving: 3.49
o Men’s Tennis: 3.92 (highest GPA in the conference)
o Women’s Lacrosse: 3.65
o Women’s Swimming and Diving: 3.68
o Women’s Tennis: 3.82
• Individual Academic Achievements:
o 350 student-athletes received all-conference academic honors.
o 280 were named to the NEC Academic Honor Roll.
o 12 Men’s Hockey players earned All-American Scholar status from the American Hockey Coaches Association.
o 25 Women’s Hockey players received NEWHA All-Academic Honors, with three earning Student-Athlete of the Year recognition for 4.0 GPAs.
o All 16 members of the Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams were named ITA Scholar-Athletes, marking a program milestone.
o Five Men’s Golfers were named 2023-24 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars.
Athletic Community Engagement And Philanthropy
LIU athletes foster community connections through impactful service initiatives:
• Men’s Hockey Captain Jack Quinn: Finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award, leading efforts for Island Harvest Food Bank, the Massapequa Fire Department, and the Tunnel to Towers Run & Walks.
• Football: Continued its partnership with the Beautiful Lives Project.
• Cross Country: Assisted Island Harvest at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Lacrosse Teams: Donated over 150 items to the Bethpage Turkey Drive.
• Softball: Delivered gifts to children through the New Beginnings program.
University Advancement
Advancement initiatives in 2023-2024 reflected a record-breaking year for philanthropic support, with over $34 million in gifts and pledges.
Key Contributions
• College of Veterinary Medicine: A $20.4 million grant from the Lewyt Charitable Trust is pending finalization to support student scholarships, faculty research, and shelter-animal services.
• Veterinary Medicine Lobby Naming: Trustee and alumnus Steve Hornstein committed a $1 million gift to name the lobby of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Supporting Students with Disabilities: The estate of Matthew Cooper donated $900,000 to provide scholarships for students pursuing arts education.
• Enhancing the Arts: Long-term support for the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and student scholarships came from Virginia Marshall with a $700,000 gift.
• Diversity Initiatives: The Brady Hunter Foundation awarded $230,000 to support Black students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Growth in Annual Fund: Enhanced campaigns resulted in a 50% increase in total donors and a 172% rise in total dollars raised
Below are gift highlights of the 2023-24 year:
• $1,000,000 gift from LIU Trustee and alumnus, Steve Hornstein ’81, to name the Lobby in the College of Veterinary Medicine
• $1 million testamentary gift from Wendy and Martin, both ‘72, ’75.
• $900,000 from the estate of Matthew Cooper to provide scholarships for students with disabilities pursuing an arts education degree.
• $700,000 from Virginia Marshall ’63 providing support for the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and student scholarships.
• 3-year sponsorship from Catholic Health as Season Sponsor of Tilles Center for the Performing Arts to enrich and inspire the Long Island Community through arts performance, education, and advocacy.
• $230,000 grant from the Brady Hunter Foundation to support Black students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine
• $250,000 gift from Eugene DeStaebler ’61 to name the Charles H. Zwicker, CPA Room in the College of Business, honoring Professor Zwicker’s extraordinary contributions to teaching accounting in the College of Management.
• $185,000 from CBS and Anderson Cooper to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the George Polk Awards in Journalism and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of the 2023 award recipients
• $100,000 grant from the David and Susan Rockefeller Foundation to endow the Polk Award for Environmental Reporting.
Alumni Engagement
Engaging LIU’s network of 285,000 alumni:
• 44 events were held in 2023-2024 focused on:
o Alumni engagement
o Annual fund giving
o Alumni-employer engagement opportunities for LIU students.
New initiatives included:
• Launch of an Alumni-owned Business Directory
• Implementation of an LIU-sponsored Travel Program
• Expansion of Regional Alumni Clubs outside of New York
• A rebranded LIU alumni website that helps to promote engagement.
Highlights included:
• 700 alumni attended LIU-sponsored events.
• 5 new Alumni Clubs were launched.
• 175 alumni participated in LIU Alumni Regional Clubs
• 35 new alumni-owned businesses registered for the LIU alumni business directory.
Annual Fund
The Annual Fund increased targeted campaigns and events to promote contributions to the fund. Highlights include:
• 50% increase in total donors contributing.
• 38% increase in total gifts
• 172% increase in total dollars raised.
Tilles Center For the Performing Arts
The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post continues its nearly 50-year mission to enrich the Long Island community through outstanding arts performance, education, and advocacy. Recognized as a premier university-based performing arts center, Tilles has cemented its reputation through collaborations with world-class cultural organizations, partnerships with industry leaders like Live Nation and AEG Bowery Presents, and presentations of distinguished artists across disciplines.
FY24 Highlights
• Celebrated Performances and Acclaimed Artists
The Tilles Center hosted an extraordinary lineup of national and international performers, including winners of:
o 46 Grammys
o 27 Emmys
o 16 Tonys
o 1 Oscar
o 1 Pulitzer Prize
o 2 Time 100 Awards
• Residency Partnerships
Long-term collaborations with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Jazz at Lincoln Center offered multi-performance residencies. Jazz at Lincoln Center also spearheaded the inaugural Tilles Jazz Fest, featuring nine concerts on four stages, headlined by multiple Grammy winner Branford Marsalis and his celebrated quartet.
• Student-Focused Campus Connections Program
The 2023/24 Campus Connections Program engaged over 300 LIU students in transformative opportunities such as:
o Master classes with luminaries like Broadway icons Lin Manuel Miranda, Audra McDonald, Ali Stroker, Jessica Vosk, and Jaime Lozano
o Professional performance opportunities and guest lectures.
• Dance and Music Programs
Students benefited from professional engagements with Parson’s Dance, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and music convocations led by Jazz at Lincoln Center, San Jose Taiko, and legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb.
Supporting Student Development
• On-Campus Employment
Tilles Center remained a significant campus employer, hiring over 65 LIU students in roles such as administrative support, box office, production, and usher staff during FY24.
• Hands-On Training
Intensive internships and paid performance opportunities offered students practical experience and training for careers in the arts sector.
Community Engagement Through Arts Education
In addition to presenting world-class performances to the Long Island community, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts is proud to educate, engage and inspire tens of thousands of children and adult learners throughout Long Island each year through its meaningful and impactful arts education programs. Tilles Center’s annual Swing for Kids Tournament, under the longtime leadership of Swing for Kids Chair Peter Tilles, helps fund these integral arts education initiatives. The 2024 Tournament, hosted at the prestigious Glen Oaks Club, honored Joseph Capone President and Owner of Total Fire Protection, and raised nearly half a million dollars to support Tilles Center’s Arts Education Program.
Tilles Center’s education initiatives touched over 15,000 individuals annually, with a focus on underserved populations. Key programs included:
• Weekday Matinee Performances tailored for schoolchildren.
• In-School Partnerships with low-income school districts.
• Sensory-Immersive Programs for children and adults with autism.
• New Programming for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, offering enriching arts experiences.
Long Island University’s achievements in 2023-2024 underscore its commitment to academic excellence, financial health, sustainable innovation, and student engagement. Guided by the LIU 2030 strategic plan, the university has expanded academic programs, enhanced research capabilities, and strengthened partnerships across industries.
With a robust financial foundation and record-breaking philanthropic support, LIU is positioned to advance its mission and deliver transformative educational experiences to students. Through innovation, strategic growth, and a focus on community impact, Long Island University is shaping a vibrant future as a leading institution for education, research, and public service.
Advance Academic Excellence Through Innovation
• Create new and expand existing innovative programs that are competitive and relevant to evolving workforce needs
• Recruit, develop and retain distinguished faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research and service aligned with the University’s signature priorities
• Recruit, retain and graduate high achieving national and international students
• Foster collaboration and support new multidisciplinary research and educational programs to advance excellence and leadership
• Pursue rigorous and relevant approaches to innovative teaching and learning to include essential literacy; critical and creative thinking; analytic, quantitative, reasoning and communication skills
• Increase competitive position in national university rankings
• Ensure high impact experiential learning opportunities
Advance Solutions For A Sustainable Global Future
• Support globally focused leadership in the University’s signature research areas
• Impact diplomacy and policy as a stakeholder on the global stage
• Establish a culture of creativity, knowledge development and application
• Internationalize the LIU educational experience
Advance Exceptional Fiscal Health and Agility
• Maintain commitment to a high-quality, affordable education
• Expand and diversify non-tuition revenue to continue financial prominence
• Align resource allocation with strategic priorities
• Double the endowment by 2030
Advance Student Engagement Through Extraordinary and Distinctive Experiences
• Enhance the student experience to maximize success
• Champion a competitive Division 1 Athletic Program
• Promote global awareness and cultural competency
