Garden City, N.Y. - As the calendar turns to a new academic year, Adelphi University has unveiled its 10 Under 10 award winners, which includes three former student-athletes.
Gordon Purdie, Jr. '16, Mary Camarano '17, and Sean Kildare '19 were all announced as 10 Under 10 recipients - for exceptional career and professional accomplishments—before even celebrating their 10-year Adelphi reunion.
Carrying on the Purdie legacy at Adelphi, "Junior"
is a teacher and coach in the Herricks School District, where he works with middle school students and leads the varsity boys' soccer team. A former Adelphi lacrosse standout and student-athlete leader, Gordon now channels his passion for mentoring through Checkmate Lacrosse, a travel program founded by his father and proudly revived by Gordon.
A legacy Panther, Gordon grew up near Adelphi and always felt connected to the campus where his parents met. He chose Adelphi for its strong academics, athletics and close-knit community. In addition to coaching, Gordon is involved in lacrosse equipment design and has represented Australia in international play. His proudest accomplishment is rebuilding Checkmate Lacrosse, creating a community where young athletes can grow in skill, confidence and character.
Camarano '17, DMD, is lead associate dentist at a private practice in Brooklyn and Harlem, where she blends clinical expertise with a deep commitment to compassionate, community-based care. A graduate of Adelphi's Honors College and a standout track and field athlete, Mary went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where she led the Student Government Association.
One of her proudest achievements remains winning all three Northeast 10 Conference hurdle events in 2016—an example of her dedication and drive. She encourages students to fully embrace all that Adelphi has to offer.
Also a fellow track athkete, Kildare is chairperson of the Collaborative Care Council at Cohen Children's Medical Center, where he leads innovations in pediatric behavioral healthcare. A proud Adelphi graduate and former student-athlete, Sean balanced a demanding nursing curriculum with competing as a track and field team captain. His leadership and perseverance were nurtured by mentors like Coach Katie Rees, who supported him through clinicals and personal growth.
Sean recently completed his MSN in Nursing Education at SUNY Delhi and mentors emerging nurses. He credits Adelphi for shaping his resilience, values, and career—and for introducing him to his wife who is also an Adelphi alum.
All three will be recognized on Adelphi's Spirit Weekend, with an evening celebration on Friday, October 3 on the Garden City Campus. Currently, the event is invite only, but more information can be found at adelphi.edu/spiritweekend.
