The President’s Rounds - 2026 Spring

Dear friends,

This issue of New York Institute of Technology Magazine reflects a year marked by achievement, momentum, and impact, despite it being a challenging year for higher education. It highlights what makes New York Tech distinctive: research with real‑world purpose, creative problem‑solving, and a commitment to improving lives. From the work of our Ph.D. students and faculty innovators to the achievements of our alumni, these stories capture what it means to be part of our “doer-maker” community.

This year’s commencement has also marked a milestone for our newest graduates. The Class of 2026 joins New York Tech’s global alumni community, now more than 120,000 strong. We salute their accomplishments and are excited to see how they will carry forward the values and knowledge they developed here.

For me personally, this summer will mark the close of my first year as president of New York Institute of Technology. It has been an energizing and meaningful year, filled with opportunities to meet students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. I am continually reminded how proud I am to lead New York Tech and engage with a community where ideas become action and where we can make our students’ professional dreams come true. I hope this issue leaves you as inspired about New York Tech as I am.

Sincerely,

Jerry Balentine, D.O., FACEP

President and Chief Executive Officer

New York Institute of Technology

Magazine Staff

Associate Director, Editorial: Bessie Nestoras Knoblauch Vice President, Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications: Joseph Posillico, Ed.D. Senior Director, Strategic Communications: Libby Sullivan Senior Director, Digital Marketing and Creative Services: Erica Pennant Contributors: Kim Campo, Allison Eichler, Ashley Festa, Renée Gearhart Levy, Kathrin Havrilla-Sanchez, Sean Nalaboff, Joann Plockova, Carina Storrs, Libby Sullivan Copy Editor: Kathleen Scheiner Art Director: Lixia Guo

Senior Designer: Fran Lee

Alumni Relations

Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and External Affairs: Patrick Minson, Ed.D. Director, Alumni Relations: Sabrina Polidoro Coordinator, Alumni Relations: Kelly Imperial (M.B.A. ’19) Coordinator, Alumni Relations Vancouver, BC: Sabrina Polidoro, Shannon Svingen-Jones

NYITCOM Alumni Relations

Assistant Director, Alumni Relations: Kathryn Karwoski Specialist, Alumni Relations: Jared Meltzer

New York Institute of Technology Magazine welcomes submissions, story ideas, and feedback. Unsolicited manuscripts, related materials, photography, and artwork will not be returned. Please include your year of graduation, degree completed, and major or program of study. Email magazine@nyit.edu, or write to: Bessie Nestoras Knoblauch, New York Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000.

Update your contact information or mailing address: alumni@nyit.edu or 516.686.7800.

New York Institute of Technology Magazine is published by Strategic Communications, New York Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000.

The publication is distributed to alumni and other members of the New York Institute of Technology community. Copyright ©2026 NYIT. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

LET’S BE FRIENDS

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