SUNY Old Westbury and the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc. will mark a major milestone with the 2026 Own Your Future Gala, an elegant evening celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary and the fifth anniversary of President Timothy E. Sams’ leadership at the campus.
The gala will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, located at 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale, New York.
As the crowning celebration of what has been a year-long observance of the campus’ anniversary, the 2026 Own Your Future Gala honors six decades of academic excellence, access, and institutional impact while galvanizing support for SUNY Old Westbury’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders. Distinguished leaders from across Long Island and New York City are expected to gather for an evening of celebration, recognition, and philanthropy dedicated to advancing student success.
Along with commemorating SUNY Old Westbury’s legacy while looking ahead to its bright future under President Sams, the evening will also honor three exceptional leaders whose service and accomplishments exemplify SUNY Old Westbury’s values and impact:
- Janet & Steven Connolly, CPA and distinguished alumnus and owners, Co-Source Solutions
- Patricia Hill Williams, Ed.D., distinguished alumna and president, Association of Council Members and College Trustees of the State University of New York
- Victoria Schneps-Yunis, president and co-publisher, Schneps Media
Proceeds from the gala will support initiatives that expand access, enrich academic programs, and ensure SUNY Old Westbury students have the resources they need to succeed, lead, and truly “own their futures.”
Sponsors for this year’s event include the Alumni Association of SUNY Old Westbury with BK9 and Gary Casimir ’88, Dr. Ravi Bhooplapur, Chartwells and Thompson Hospitality, Flushing Bank, the Long Island Nets, and M&T Bank.
For event updates, sponsorship opportunities, or ticket information, please contact SUNY Old Westbury Office of Institutional Advancement at 516-876-3207 or visit the gala website.