Long Island’s business and education leaders came together on Sept. 24 at The Mansion at Oyster Bay for the latest Schneps Connects Breakfast, exchanging ideas, building new connections and exploring the evolving role of higher education in shaping the region’s future.

The morning’s panel, “Building Long Island’s Future Through Education,” explored the evolving role of higher education in shaping Long Island’s workforce, economy and future.

During the breakfast, Schneps Media also announced plans to expand Schneps Connects into Brooklyn and Queens.

The discussion focused on higher education’s critical role in Long Island’s economy and workforce, particularly as artificial intelligence, demographic shifts and changing workplace demands reshape the industry.

Schneps Media President Vicki Schneps moderated the panel, which featured Dr. Maria Conzatti, chief administrative officer of Nassau Community College; Dr. Robert S. Prezant, president of Farmingdale State College; and Dr. Timothy E. Sams, president of SUNY Old Westbury.

The panelists discussed enrollment trends, affordability and the factors driving students to Long Island’s public colleges, noting strong enrollment and continued demand for high-quality, accessible education.