Former Garden City math teacher donates to alma mater, Adelphi University, to support first-generation college students

Community Events Former Garden City math teacher donates to alma mater, Adelphi University, to support first-generation college students … Comments Posted on October 27, 2026 President Michael Balboni ’81, JD, Judith Ammerman, MA ’64, MS ’73, and Vice President of Advancement and External Relations Thomas A. Kline, EdD, shared a moment at Adelphi’s 2026 Gala, where Ammerman committed $500,000 to an endowed scholarship for first-generation students. Adelphi University Adelphi University alumna Judith Ammerman has donated $500,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for first-generation college students. Ammerman, who earned a master’s degree in arts in 1964 and a master’s degree in science in 1973 from Adelphi, announced the gift at the university’s 26th annual gala in September 2026. She signed the gift agreement before the event with Adelphi President Michael Balboni and Thomas A. Kline, vice president of University Advancement and External Relations. The Judith Ammerman First-Generation Endowed Scholarship Fund will support eligible undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attend college. Nearly half of Adelphi’s students are first-generation college students. Ammerman’s gift complemented the gala’s theme, “A Celebration of Firsts.” “There was no more perfect way to begin our ‘Celebration of Firsts’ than by honoring Judy’s extraordinary generosity,” Kline said. “Her profound commitment to our first-generation students perfectly captures the spirit of Adelphi, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain wide open for those ready to pave a new path for their families.” Ammerman taught mathematics at Garden City Middle School for nearly 30 years after teaching for several years in Roosevelt. Now retired and living in Florida, she traveled to Long Island for the gala. Her gift reflects her belief in education’s ability to create opportunities for students and future generations. While at the gala, she offered advice to the students who will benefit from the scholarship. “Being the first in the family has some responsibilities,” Ammerman said. “Get yourself off to a good start, crack open those books, write those papers and do a great job. Remember you have an obligation to set a good example for the rest of your family.” The scholarship builds on a separate $1.5 million planned gift Ammerman announced in 2023. That estate commitment is intended to establish three endowed funds supporting undergraduate scholarships, faculty development and university facilities and projects. “Judy’s steadfast belief in our students is truly inspiring,” Kline said. “Between her generous planned gift and this new endowed scholarship, her philanthropic impact will create a powerful ripple effect — removing barriers for our first-generation students and empowering them to achieve their boldest goals.” Liana Esau, a junior nursing student at Adelphi and a first-generation college student, also spoke at the gala about the pride and responsibility that come with being the first in her family to attend college. “As a first-generation student, I know I carry the hopes and dreams of those who came before me and create new possibilities for those who will come after me,” Esau said. For more scene & seen event photos, click here. About the Author Conversations Profile All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections. Today, 11 am Back Pain Workshop Connetquot Public Library Today, 11 am The Disappearance of Landscape: Oakleyville The Watermill Center Today, noon CancerCare Community Table Connetquot Public Library Today, 2:30 pm Afternoon Poetry Club: Halloween Poetry Connetquot Public Library Today, 4 pm French with Cecile Hampton Library Today, 5 pm Fall Health Reset: A Community Workshop with Peggy Kraus Southampton Arts Center Today, all day Belmont Park Village’s October Halloween Celebrations Belmont Park Village Today, 7 pm Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse The Gateway Playhouse Dan’s Papers Jennifer Lopez Rumored to Be Dating ‘Ted Lasso’ Star Brett Goldstein amNY MTA officials say Queens Bus Network redesign made ‘The World’s Borough’ buses faster, more reliable Noticia El puertorriqueño Francisco Lindor gana el Premio Roberto Clemente 2026 Behind the Hedges California-Inspired Cottage Asks $2.849M in Sag Harbor