Adelphi University Is the Single National Winner of the AAUA Khaladjan Award for International Innovation
Garden City, NY (09/18/2025) — Adelphi University's innovative Bhise Global Learning Experience (BGLE) has been recognized with the highly coveted 2025 Khaladjan International Award for Innovation in Higher Education by the American Association of University Administrators.
The BGLE, established in 2023 through a generous gift from the family of alumnus Bharat Bhise, MBA '78, immerses students in an intensive 10-day study tour of India. By eliminating cost barriers, it is transforming how Adelphi University students access international learning opportunities. This bold initiative ensures that a student's financial background never stands between them and a life-changing education that fosters cultural awareness and prepares them for leadership roles. The BGLE is one of several global initiatives launched by the Bhise family at Adelphi.
The Khaladjan award recognizes groundbreaking programs like these that significantly impact teaching methods, broaden access to education, or employ innovative technologies to enhance student learning. Adelphi is the sole recipient of this year's award. Past recipients include UC Berkeley, Institute of International Education (IIE) and New York University, Abu Dhabi.
Bringing International Education to All Students
"Learing about business, culture or mindset on-line or from a country's diaspora is like trying to assess that country from a historical lens; not from present day reality," said Bhise, CEO and founder of Bravia Capital. "It isn't just about travel - it's about opening minds and building human-to-human bridges, preparing tomorrow's leaders for an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world."
To date, the program has provided 23 students with exposure to India's economics, think tanks, historical legacies, academia and culture. Guided by Adelphi faculty, participants visit businesses, nongovernmental organizations, artisan manufacturing, healthcare facilities, environmental programs, universities, schools and cultural institutions, enhancing their global mindset. As part of the experience, the students conduct research and present that research at the University's annual research day.
"Now, more than ever, it's critical for young people to have direct exposure to different countries and cultures to broaden their understanding of the world," said Christopher Storm, PhD, interim president of Adelphi University. "We are honored by this prestigious recognition from AAUA, and we're incredibly grateful to the Bhise family for bringing international education and life-changing experiences to Adelphi students, regardless of their economic status or background."
About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning
Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. U.S. News & World Report named Adelphi a 2025 Best College, Best Value College, and Top Performer in Social Mobility. In addition, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal/ America's Top Colleges all ranked Adelphi the top private university on Long Island.
Adelphi serves more than 7,600 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 Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 121,000 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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Adelphi students and faculty in India as part of the Bhisé Global Learning Experience.