Garden City, N.Y. - On Thursday, April 19, the Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated its 42nd annual Hall of Fame Dinner. Adelphi honored six inductees as well as special recognition award recipients, and inducted the 1984 softball team as a Panther Legendary Team. In total, approximately 250 guests were on hand for the prestigious event.

The evening began with a special pre-event reception for current and former Hall of Fame honorees held on the second floor of the Ruth S. Harley University Center. The event then moved to the ballroom for a cocktail reception for all guests.

The induction portion of the program began with Associate VP/Director of Athletics Robert E. Hartwell presenting the Frank Cassell Memorial Award and Woodruff Awards. Gayle D. Insler, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, received the Cassell Award for going above and beyond in her contributions to Adelphi athletics. Jose L. Lopez, president of Long Island Tri-Coach and Racing Unlimited, was honored with the Woodruff Award for his life-time achievement in athletics throughout Long Island and the metropolitan New York area.

Next, Adam Siepiola, Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations, took over emcee duties for the induction portion of the ceremony. Hubert Blue '82 (track and field), Melissa DeMasi '06 (women's lacrosse), Gordon Hinds '83 (track and field), Katherine Hock '05 (women's lacrosse), Gary Reh '95 (men's lacrosse) and Brian Tower '01 (men's lacrosse) were each honored and gave an induction speech.

The Legendary Team award closed the evening and was presented to the 1984 softball team, coached by Adelphi University legend Janet L. Ficke. That season, the Panthers set a school record by going 42-7 as a Division I squad, and made a monumental run to the College World Series. The unforgettable season featured a walkoff home run by Regina Dooley to capture the Northeast Regional title, and the first-ever College World Series perfect game (pitched by Julie Bolduc). Their introduction was capped with a video that detailed that magical season.

The Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1961, under the direction of former Athletic Director George Faherty, to honor those former Adelphi athletes, coaches and friends who have distinguished themselves during their time at the University or thereafter.