Dr. Stephen Virgilio, a long time resident of East Williston has recently retired from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. He spent 31 years on the faculty serving as professor, the Associate Dean, Department Chair and Director of Graduate Physical Education. Upon retirement, he was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus.
Dr.Virgilio is internationally known for his research on children’s health and physical activity behaviors. He is the author of four books, translated to six different languages, as well as over 75 published manuscripts in his area of expertise. He has presented his work throughout the world and has been quoted in over 100 newspaper articles and magazines. In 2006, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the National organization- The Society for Health and Physical Educators. From 1979-1990, Dr.Virgilio was on the faculty at The University of New Orleans and LSU Medical School where he served as co-principal investigator in a six million dollar NIH grant which led to the development of the nationally acclaimed Heart Smart Program. This initiative was designed for schools as a national cardiovascular health education model, and it was featured on 20/20 and in news documents around the country.
Dr.Virgilio also helped create the first line of fitness equipment for preschool children, and served as a writer to the PBS show “Kidfitness”.
Most recently, he is the lead author of the National Document, Active Start- A Statement of Physical Activity Guidelines for Children from birth to Age five.
As a community member, Dr.Virgilio served on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association-Long Island. He was also a member of the East Williston recreation committee and served as a East Williston Little League coach for six years.
Dr.Virgilio graduated from Notre Dame Elementary School in New Hyde Park and Herricks High School where he played on the varsity basketball and baseball teams and served as the sportswriter for the Herald Courier.
In retirement, he and his wife, Irene, will split their time in East Williston and their home in the Finger Lakes.
