Adelphi Joins First WorldPride March in New York City

On Sunday, June 30, 10 alumni, seven staff, three students and eight guests made history as they joined around 5 million people in Manhattan for the first WorldPride event held in the United States. The event also marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

“I was honored to carry the Adelphi University banner in the march, because I’m so proud of the work Adelphi is doing to be a model of diversity and inclusion,” said Adam Visconti, associate director of residential life and housing and chair of the LGBTQ+ Task Force. “A call to support LGBTQ+ students was what led me to the field of student affairs, and I’m thankful that I get to work for a University that allows me to support all students every day.”

Adelphi’s transgender flag joined the LGBTQ+ flag in June 2019.

Jeffrey Kessler, former assistant vice president and dean of student affairs, also participated. “I was proud to walk behind the beautiful Adelphi Pride banner as part of an inspirational event, one that was brimming with joy and peace,” he said.

Another, attendee, Katie Grant, associate director of alumni relations, said, “As a member of the Adelphi community, I was incredibly proud to be a part of this historic event and represent Adelphi at such a momentous occasion.”

“Participating in WorldPride alongside my colleagues, students and alumni was an experience I will never forget,” added Anna Zinko, director of the Center for Student Involvement. “This event embodied the best of Adelphi University: our strong sense of community, commitment to social justice and our connection to New York City. I’m so grateful to work at a university that supports and embraces all of its members.”

The event also marked the launch of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Group, said Grant. The goals of the group include: Creating a sense of belonging for Adelphi alumni in the LGBTQ+ community, promoting Adelphi pride and inclusion throughout the community, invigorating communications about achievements and efforts among all constituencies and the University with regard to LGBTQ+ support and supporting the efforts of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ Task Force and LGBTQ+ and Allies Committee.

Including alumni is important to Scott Zotto, coordinator of substance use counseling and prevention programming and a member of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Committee, who said, “Probably, the most meaningful part of the day, for me, was seeing alumni in the crowd shouting and waving, so excited to see Adelphi marching. We want to keep making our alumni proud each year.”