Carol Ammon Delivers Keynote at Ceremony for Adelphi University Education and Health Science Graduates
Adelphi University hosted a series of graduation ceremonies and events last month, culminating in the 2023 Commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 23, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Among the events celebrating Adelphi Class of '23 graduates was a pre-Commencement ceremony for the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences students, which featured a keynote address provided by Carol Ammon, herself an MBA graduate of Adelphi and daughter of the College's namesake.
"I'm absolutely assured that you are going to be special teachers and make a difference in students' lives because of the education you received here," said Ammon to the graduates. "Your job in totality is enormous. The rewards are just incredible."
The college's name celebrates the life and legacy of Ruth S. Ammon '42. Born in 1919, Ruth was a gifted second-grade teacher and an inspiration to her daughter.
"She understood how education is the route to fulfill your dreams, become successful and touch other people's lives," said Ammon. "I'd like today's students to be encouraged by her legacy and to follow her example."
Carol Ammon's life is rich in experiences and accomplishments, and she says she owes this to the many people who helped her along the way, especially her mother Ruth, her father and three brothers. She describes her mother as an "educator, nurturer and disciplinarian when she needed to be." The elder Ammon instilled in her children, her students and in everyone she knew the importance of education, tenacity, resilience and of giving back to help others.
"My mother indoctrinated the value of education in us, and this has served us throughout our lives," Ammon said.
Carol Ammon rose through the ranks at E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company to advance from an associate scientist in research and development to lead a management team in the buyout and founding of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. After retiring as Endo's CEO, she obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing so she could pursue a second career helping improve the health of others, especially those in vulnerable communities. She is now a philanthropist who oversees the Carol A. Ammon Fund and serves several nonprofit and education organizations as a volunteer or benefactor.
In 2006, through a generous donation from Ammon in honor of her mother, the University named the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education. Now Adelphi continues to honor the Ammon legacy by naming the College the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences. In addition to the naming, the Ammon legacy provides funds for scholarships, professorships and innovation.
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