Ralph Licciardi Selected To New Hofsta Student-Athlete Academy

Ralph Licciardi of West Hempstead has been named to the inaugural class of Hofstra University’s new Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret.) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy. Licciardi, a senior, is one of 20 student-athletes at the school selected for the program.

The Hofstra University Department of Athletics announced the formation of the academy late last year. It is supported by Colonel David Woycik, who attended Hofstra 40 years ago and has remained active in university programs. The new initiative is designed to cultivate an environment in which student-athletes have the opportunity to evolve into impactful leaders.

Colonel Woycik was raised in Huntington and attended Hofstra for his undergraduate degree and then received his Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law. He also played for the university’s men’s lacrosse program and earned a commission as a second lieutenant in the Hofstra ROTC program. Colonel Woycik served in the U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm, and recently for Operation Enduring Freedom in the War Against Terrorism. He is a well-decorated soldier and has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Ribbon.

Colonel Woycik resides in Garden City. He is a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at Sanders, Sanders Block, Woycik, Viener & Grossman, P.C., of Mineola. For many years, Colonel Woycik has expressed his allegiance to the university and he has received numerous university recognitions. The new academy would not be possible without the support of Colonel Woycik and his wife, Carolyn Sanchez.

"Hofstra has been a big part of my life and gave me a sense of belonging," said Colonel Woycik. “While Carolyn grew up on the West Coast and earned her law degree from the California Western School of Law, she has found Hofstra to be a very warm and welcoming place. She is not just the spouse of an alumnus, but an adopted alumnus."

Another Hofstra Benefactor

Another benefactor is James C. Metzger, founder, chairman and CEO of The Whitmore Agency, a leading Long Island insurance brokerage and financial services firm headquartered in Garden City. Metzger is a major contributor to Hofstra education and athletics, including the men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. The James C. Metzger Hall, located on the west side of Hofstra’s James M. Shuart Stadium, is home to the Fried Center for Student-Athlete Development and offices for Hofstra's Student-Athlete Services staff. The Hofstra Athletics Department’s Capital Improvements Fund was renamed The James C. Metzger Fund for Capital Improvements to acknowledge the millions of dollars Metzger has contributed to the university.

Last year, Metzger provided a total of six figures in financial support among five nonprofit organizations, including Hofstra Athletics, in Colonel Woycik’s honor. The support for Long Island nonprofits and Hofstra University was presented at a critical time as many organizations addressed fundraising, operation and volunteer concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hofstra Pride Leadership Academy

The new Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. Pride Leadership Academy promotes success by instilling his motto (H-Honesty, I- Integrity, L-Loyalty, L- Leadership and S-Service -- the HILLS FACTOR) to selected student-athletes. The program features world-class speakers who teach values and lifelong lessons.

The inaugural class of the Pride Leadership Academy features student-athletes who were chosen following a rigorous selection process that included an application, academic requirement, multiple rounds of interviews and letters of recommendation.

Licciardi attended H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square. At Hofstra, he was named to the dean’s list. He is a spring 2020 CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll recipient (participation in a CAA-sponsored sport, attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 during designated academic term and enrolled as a full-time student). During 2020, Lucciardi was Hofstra men’s cross country and track representative on the university’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Student-athletes participating in the Pride Leadership Academy receive additional training and development in critical leadership areas such as personal leadership styles, strategies and tactics. Members also participate in a mentorship program, learn foundational principals of etiquette, organize and complete a community service project, take part in a networking luncheon with prominent Hofstra alumni, receive feedback from the Pride Leadership Academy Committee, and celebrate their transition to leaders of impact with an end-of-the-year pinning ceremony.