Adelphi Men's Lacrosse NCAA Division II Champions Hosted By the White House
Garden City, NY (07/22/2024) — The Adelphi University men's lacrosse team was hosted by the White House on Monday, July 22, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's second annual NCAA Sports Day. The special event, held on the White House's South Lawn, celebrated the achievements of every 2023-24 NCAA national champion from across the country.
The Adelphi University men's lacrosse team won their eighth NCAA Division II trophy in May 2024 after defeating the Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears by a score of 12-10. This was the team's first national championship win since 2001 and the eighth in the team's history.
During the White House event, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the athletes, their championship teams and those who supported them, expressing her pride in their accomplishments.
"When you play, you inspire people across our nation," said Vice President Harris. "You remind all of us what can be achieved with hard work and ambition. Congratulations on all you have accomplished. And good luck on all that is to come. Wherever you all go from here, you will always be champions. And we will always be so proud of you."
Adelphi graduate student Ryan Butler also shared his thoughts about traveling to the nation's capital with his teammates.
"It is an absolute honor and pleasure to have our team represented at the White House," said Butler. "It is extremely fulfilling and rewarding to have our hard work and dedication for countless months be recognized at such a high level."
Adelphi Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Gordon Purdie '88, who has spent 17 years with the team, expressed his pride in attending the event.
"I am truly honored and thrilled to have my team receive an invitation to visit the White House," said Purdie. "I have always admired the rich history and significance of this iconic symbol of American democracy. Representing Adelphi University on this historic occasion is a true blessing, and I am incredibly excited and proud about the opportunity."
The event was live-streamed on the White House YouTube channel.
About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university in the United States with a personalized approach to higher learning
Adelphi University, New York, US, is a highly awarded, internationally ranked and powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives. It is recognized for small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training at the undergraduate and graduate level with particular strength in its 'Core Four' academic areas: the Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness.
Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. It serves more than 7,250 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Brooklyn, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 119,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities, and the world.
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The Adelphi University men’s lacrosse team, NCAA Division II national champions, was hosted by the White House on Monday, July 22, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s second annual NCAA Sports Day.