BROOKVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Long Island University welcomed New York Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky to campus today as part of the University’s Centennial CEO Speaker Series, bringing hundreds of LIU students together for a conversation on leadership, career development and the business of professional sports.
Ledecky shared his career trajectory, lessons on leadership and his innovative approach to leading the New York Islanders. The conversation was moderated by LIU alumnus and ESPN personality Alan Hahn and concluded with a student question-and-answer session.
“Our partnership with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena is creating extraordinary opportunities for our students,” said LIU President Kimberly R. Cline. “Welcoming Jon Ledecky to campus to share his leadership and experience is a great example of that partnership in action.”
Ledecky was introduced by the captains of LIU’s Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey teams. Following the program, LIU student-athletes presented him with a personalized LIU Sharks jersey and named him Honorary Captain of LIU Hockey for the 2026–27 season.
“This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn directly from a leader at the highest levels of sports and business,” said LIU Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Kelly Nash. “These are the experiences that make an LIU education so special.”
Ledecky’s visit builds on the five-year strategic partnership announced earlier this year between Long Island University, the New York Islanders and UBS Arena to advance the growth and development of hockey throughout Long Island and New York City.
LIU is home to the only NCAA Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey programs in the New York City and Long Island region, with both teams playing their home games at Northwell Health Ice Center, the official practice facility of the New York Islanders. LIU maintains permanent, state-of-the-art facilities at the arena, including dedicated locker rooms, coaching offices and player spaces for its Division I hockey programs.
“Long Island is a hockey community, and LIU is proud to represent this region at the Division I level,” said LIU Men’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Brendan Riley. “Having Jon on campus shows the strength of our partnership with the Islanders and our shared commitment to growing the game.”
A centerpiece of the partnership is the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men’s hockey tournament at UBS Arena. LIU will serve as the host institution and compete in the tournament each year, with the inaugural event scheduled for December 28–29, 2026.
The partnership also extends beyond competition. LIU supports the Islanders’ Learn to Play program, which introduces children throughout the region to hockey, while LIU students gain expanded opportunities for experiences with the Islanders, UBS Arena and leaders across the sports and entertainment industries.
The Centennial CEO Speaker Series is part of Long Island University’s yearlong celebration of its 100th anniversary, bringing prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to campus to share their experiences and insights with the next generation of leaders.
About Long Island University
Long Island University, founded in 1926, is a leading research and teaching university that continues to redefine higher education by providing high-quality academic instruction by world-class faculty, serving more than 16,000 students from its Long Island and Brooklyn campuses. Recognized by Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning and by the Brookings Institution for its “value added” to student outcomes, the University is ranked in the top 7% of national research universities. LIU has a network of over 285,000 alumni, including industry leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe. Visit www.liu.edu for more information
About the New York Islanders
The New York Islanders Hockey Club is the proud winner of four Stanley Cup Championships and record nineteen consecutive playoff series victories. The Islanders play in the National Hockey League’s Eastern Conference, and have eight players, two general managers and one coach inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Islanders Children’s Foundation has helped countless youngsters in need around the world since its inception. Donations are raised through the efforts of our players, management, and employees, along with our fans and partners.
UBS Arena is the team’s state-of-the-art home and features world class premium hospitality, great sightlines from every seat, and a loud and intimate bowl. Isles Lab, the official team store of the New York Islanders, offers fans traditional NHL merchandise, unique collaborations and exclusive products. Isles Lab is located inside UBS Arena or can be shopped online at IslesLab.com.
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SOURCE Long Island University
