Saint Peter's University Magazine - Fall 2015

FALL 2015

Magazine

Our Next Strategic Plan

FIFTH IN THE NATION for “Colleges That Add the Most Value.” *See inside.

Hello Peacocks!

PRESIDENT’S

Message

A total of 651 freshmen and transfer students joined the University community this fall. Read about the Class of 2019 on page 5.

category of “Colleges That Add the Most Value” for 2015–2016 by MONEY® Magazine. Together, these milestones affirm what is most distinctive about The Jesuit University of New Jersey: our culture of care, our academic excellence, our tradition of inclusivity and our commitment to educating students to lead successful lives of purpose and consequence.

At this auspicious moment, I am pleased to introduce Pathways to Distinction: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University, 2015–2020. The previous strategic plan, VISION 2015, expanded institutional

An Extraordinary Moment History has converged on the Class of 2019.

capacity through program development and facility expansion. Pathways to Distinction will maximize the impact of our students’ experiences. It will capitalize on our unique strengths, challenge us to

As Saint Peter’s University opened its arms to its newest students, it also welcomed Pope Francis to New York City and reflected on the 50th anniversary of the historic visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H ’65 to campus.

Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States offered the Saint Peter's community a living example of the very

“Pathways to Distinction... will challenge us to pursue excellence, enrich the living and learning environment and create more opportunities that change students’ lives.”

Ignatian values they will be challenged to embrace. His progressive leadership has energized this campus, inspiring more students to attend Mass, make time to reflect on their faith and engage in meaningful service to others.

Alumni who were fortunate to have witnessed Dr. King’s speech 50 years ago still recall every detail of that historic day. They shared their memories with the campus community in one of many events to mark the milestone. The words and actions of the civil rights leader at the 1965 Michaelmas Convocation inspired many of those students to choose

pursue excellence, enrich the living and learning environment and create more opportunities that change students’ lives.

Pathways to Distinction—its impact on our growing student body and the progress of this institution—is the focus of this issue of Saint Peter’s University.

I encourage you to read on and discover all we have accomplished on behalf of students and where this great institution is headed.

Sincerely,

professions of healing, advocacy and social justice.

The intersection of these events coincides with the news that Saint Peter’s

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.

has been named fifth in the nation in the

President

Saint Peter’s University

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INTHIS THIS IN

Issue Issue

HOW TO REACH US Alumni News and Notes E-mail: alumni@saintpeters.edu Office of Alumni Engagement 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306 Letter to the Editor E-mail: smalinowski@saintpeters.edu Editor, Saint Peter’s University 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306 Telephone: (201) 761-6239 Fax: (201) 761-6241 On the cover: Emblem for Pathways to Distinction: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University, 2015–2020

FEATURES

CONNECT

9. Introducing Pathways to Distinction: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University, 2015–2020 20. Ten Minutes with... Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D. 22. Igniting Entrepreneurship: Ignite Institute Awarded $100,000 Signature Grant from the Provident Bank Foundation 24. Getting to Know ‘Boe’: Meet the University’s New Director of Athletics

DEPARTMENTS 3. University News 26. Class News and Notes 32. Ad Finem: #JesuitEducated

ADMINISTRATION Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. President Virginia Bender, Ph.D. ’78 Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning Rev. Michael L. Braden, S.J. Vice President for Mission and Ministry Jeffrey Handler, M.A. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

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Fall 2015

*MONEY is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. From MONEY Magazine, August 2015 ©2015 Time Inc. MONEY and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Saint Peter’s University.

Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05 Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs

FALL 2015 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY Volume 35, Number 2

Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Editor Sarah Malinowski Ferrary Executive Director of University Communications

Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. Special Assistant to the President

Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group

Denton Stargel Vice President for Finance and Business

Contributors & Editorial Assistance Angeline Boyer Charley Falkenburg Sarah Lacz

Photography Michael Marmora Catherine Mernar John O’Boyle Saint Peter’s University Archives

Saint Peter’s University is printed on FSC certified paper containing 10% post-consumer waste and was manufactured using 100% Green-e certified renewable energy.

UNIVERSITY

News

Fifth in the Nation

for “Colleges That Add the Most Value”

MONEY® Magazine ranked Saint Peter’s University number five nationwide in the category of “Colleges That Add the Most Value” for 2015–2016. Saint Peter’s earned high marks in the category based on value-added grades for graduation rates, post-graduate earnings and net tuition price, which is the bottom line cost to attain a degree.

The University community was thrilled that Saint Peter’s was recognized for its value and affordability. “Our consistent recognition in national college rankings in the value category demonstrates Saint Peter’s commitment to providing the best return on investment for our students,” said University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. The announcement came as no surprise to Jessica Garrett ’17, a psychology major from Brick, N.J., who is able to attend Saint Peter’s through a combination of scholarships, financial assistance and student loans.

At the first event Garrett attended for Saint Peter’s scholarship students, she had an epiphany. “There were so many of us in the room who were recipients of scholarships,” she said. “I realized, ‘Wow, it’s not just me.’”

“Saint Peter’s is definitely deserving of the title,” said Anica Bustamante ’18, a presidential scholar from Metuchen, N.J. “I wanted a great education, but didn’t want to be buried in debt. I love that Saint Peter’s gave me this opportunity so I don’t have to sweat about it.”

Associate Vice President for Enrollment/Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Elizabeth Sullivan said the comprehensive value of Jesuit higher education continues to resonate with the millennial generation. “Students see the affordability of Saint Peter’s and its commitment to making college a reality without the heavy debt burden,” she said. “I think they also recognize the value of our location near New York City and the distinctive level of care or cura personalis given to each student.”

Continued on next page

Saint Peter’s University

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UNIVERSITY

News

Continued from previous page For Ariel Innocent ’18, a health and physical

to do a community service project of marketing

track & field team, cura personalis takes many

strategies for the University’s Campus Kitchen,”

forms. Figuring out the finances and meeting

she said. “Ignatian values really run through the

the demands of a rigorous Jesuit education is

education here.”

hard, “but everyone is willing to help you. Saint

EVENT SERIES HONORS DR. KING “Michaelmas 1965: An Alumni Panel Presentation of Dr. King’s Historic Visit to Saint Peter’s,” held on September 21, was one in a year-long series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a defining moment in Saint Peter’s University history.

Four alumni—all present when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H ’65 addressed the 1965 Michaelmas Convocation and received an honorary degree— spoke of the significance of the event.

Hon. Kevin G. Callahan ’69, associate professor of criminal justice, was a freshman in 1965. Hearing Dr. King speak was an “overwhelming kind of thing for a 17-year-old,” he said. “Rev. Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J., brought this man to campus and it changed my life,” said Professor Callahan, who also moderated the panel.

The series continues throughout the semester with exhibits, guest speakers, documentary film screenings and more.

For further information, visit saintpeters.edu/mlk.

Fall 2015

Earlier this year, a report from the Brookings

Peter’s is small, but it offers a lot of opportunities

Metropolitan Policy Program ranked Saint Peter’s

that I can use to my advantage.” Bustamante

among the top 67 colleges and universities and

relishes the chance to apply business studies to

fourth in New Jersey in the category of “value-

worthy causes. “I definitely appreciate the value

added alumni earnings.” Moreover, Saint Peter’s ranked among the top 100 Regional Universities (North) in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2016 guide.

In its release of overall rankings based on quality of education, affordability and outcomes, MONEY ranked Saint Peter’s 134 out of 736 colleges and universities in the country. This positions the University in the top 18 percent nationwide, sixth in New Jersey and third among private institutions in the state.

MONEY is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. From MONEY Magazine, August 2015 ©2015 Time Inc. MONEY and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Saint Peter’s University.

Saint Peter’s is gaining recognition for its value and affordability.

Message from Michaelmas: Become an agent of change Fifty years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H ’65 addressed the Michaelmas Convocation at Saint Peter’s University, Pamela T. Miller, Esq. ’77 urged students to be agents of change in the world. The president and CEO of Summit Global Strategies, Ltd., Miller delivered the keynote address at the 2015 Michaelmas Convocation, held on September 30. “Prepare yourselves well for the future of becoming a strong and effective change agent,” she said. “It will rarely be easy to go against the grain, but it will always ultimately be worth it.”

Following tradition, 10 senior students were inducted into the oldest scholarship society at Saint Peter’s, the Most Noble Order of the Peacock.

The students attained the highest scholastic average in all courses during their first three years of study at the University.

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of ‘men and women for others.’ We were able

education major and member of the men’s

Pamela Miller, Esq. ’77 addressed the attendees at the Michaelmas Convocation.

JOYOUS WELCOME FOR POPE FRANCIS “So proud of my Jesuit Pope and my Jesuit college,” was a Facebook post from one alumna that expressed the joy and excitement felt by many in the Saint Peter’s University community during Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States, September 22–27. Five million people who watch the TODAY Show saw an enthusiastic group of Saint Peter’s students and staff welcome the Pope to New York City outside the TODAY Show on September 24.

University representatives participated in media coverage of the papal visit, and Saint Peter’s was

ENROLLMENT GROWS WITH THE CLASS OF 2019 Six hundred fifty-one freshmen and transfer students joined the Saint Peter’s University community for the 2015–2016 academic year. The University’s full-time undergraduate population climbed to more than 2,000 students, the largest number since 1997.

With a record number of 882 graduate students, enrollment for the academic year stands at 3,406.

The diverse Class of 2019 boasts the largest group of honors students in five years.

Top high schools, including Jersey City’s McNair Academic High School and Saint Peter’s Prep, are also sending more graduates to The Jesuit University of New Jersey.

The logo above was designed by Alexandra Rivera ’17.

also part of a national campaign to highlight the transformational power of Jesuit higher education (see page 32, #JesuitEducated).

UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The pews of Saint Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church were filled on September 16 for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. A centuriesold tradition at Jesuit and Catholic colleges throughout the world, the Mass brings together the University community to invoke God’s blessing for the new academic year.

A campus-wide barbeque was held in Panepinto Plaza of the Mac Mahon Student

The Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated the 50th anniversary of the visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H ’65 to Saint Peter’s.

Center following the Mass.

Saint Peter’s University

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UNIVERSITY

News

FACULTY NOTEBOOK

NEWSMAKERS Philip Mark Plotch, Ph.D., director of the Master of Public Administration program, appeared on CBS This Morning on September 16 to discuss the progress of New York City’s long-awaited Second Avenue subway line. Expected to open in December 2016, the project is the first major expansion of the New York City subway system in more than 50 years.

Currently, one subway line serves 650,000 people living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. “It carries more people than the subways in Boston and Chicago and San Francisco combined,” said Dr. Plotch, who is writing a book about the Second Avenue subway. “It’s so crowded that when people try to get on the train, they crash into people who are getting off.”

Dr. Plotch previously served as the director of World Trade Center redevelopment and special projects at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. He is the author of Politics Across the Hudson: The Tappan Zee Megaproject.

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Fall 2015

SYMPOSIUM EXPLORES POWER AND VIOLENCE HBO’s epic fantasy Game of Thrones has inspired new courses and seminars in academia.

Professor of English William Luhr, Ph.D. William Luhr, Ph.D., spoke at “Game of Thrones: Hierarchy and Violence,” a public symposium held at Arizona State University on September 19. The event analyzed conflicting aspects of medieval hierarchy and compared political history with the fiction of Game of Thrones.

Dr. Luhr is the author and co-author of more than 10 books on film and literature including Film Noir (New Approaches to Film Genre).

MONEY MATTERS AT THE VATICAN “The Bank Scandal No One is Talking About”

by Professor of Theology Eileen P. Flynn, Ph.D., appeared in America Magazine in July.

The author of Ethical Lessons of the Financial Crisis, published in 2012, Dr. Flynn was awarded a faculty fellowship from Saint Peter’s University to research the history and practices of the Vatican Bank. “A Primer on the Vatican Bank” by Dr. Flynn appeared in the May 2015 issue of The Montreal Review, an international online magazine whose contributors include leading thinkers, journalists and academics.

THE FANS OF U.N.C.L.E. Fans of the 1960s spy television series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. had the opportunity to meet U.N.C.L.E. authority Cynthia W. Walker, Ph.D., when the Cynthia Walker, Ph.D.

associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Media Culture appeared in August at Creature Features Store and Art Gallery in Burbank, Calif. “I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between audiences and creators,” said Dr. Walker, whose appearance was timed with the opening of The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a film directed by Guy Ritchie. “U.N.C.L.E. was the beginning. It invited audiences to participate. The show’s DNA runs through a great deal of our pop culture today.”

Dr. Walker is the author of Work/Text: Investigating the Man From U.N.C.L.E. (Hampton Press, 2013), which explores the participatory culture of the series that gave rise to media franchises influenced by fan participation such as Star Trek.

INSPIRING PASSION FOR LITERATURE Kathleen N. Monahan, Ph.D. ’70, presented the paper “Charity in Chaos: The Desperate City in Arthur Mervyn,” at the American Literature Association Symposium on The City and American Literature in September.

A noted scholar, Dr. Monahan has published numerous works on authors Nathaniel Hawthorne, William Kennedy and William Carlos Williams. A member of the English Department since 1987, she is the 2015 recipient of the University’s George F. Johnson, S.J., Faculty Award for excellence in teaching.

The announcement that Dr. Monahan would transition to phased retirement after more than 25 years of dedicated service prompted messages of thanks and appreciation from students and alumni. One graduate described courses with Dr. Monahan this way: “It wasn’t until I sat in one of your classes that I met another person who truly made me feel their passion for the American word. I left every single class of yours feeling like I had gained something. You always encouraged us to think, and you led your classes with such grace, that I always admired you.”

ACCOLADES FOR SCHOOL OF NURSING FACULTY Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Generic B.S.N. Program Lisa Garsman, R.N., M.S., F.N.P.Lisa Garsman, R.N., B.C., is a Jonas Center Nurse M.S., F.N.P.-B.C. Leaders Scholar, a program of the Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare, which aims to develop more D.N.P. and Ph.D. faculty to teach in nursing schools nationwide.

Professor Garsman is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing at Rutgers University, where she examines the relationship between the stress of adapting to a new culture and obesity among immigrants—in particular, first and second generation immigrant college students. She develops training workshops for “promotores” who act as liaisons between medical providers and the community to advance access to preventive healthcare.

“There is a lack of preventive services being used to identify individuals at risk for hypertension, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease,” Professor Garsman said. “Early detection and programs promoting physical activity and nutrition counseling are essential to address the increasing rates of obesity among Latinos.”

She presented her findings at the Jonas Scholar Leadership Conference in October.

Patricia Ahearn, B.S.N., M.S.N., clinical assistant professor of nursing, received the national DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Nursing Faculty Award, which celebrates nursing faculty for inspiring the nurses of tomorrow. The annual award is presented by the nonprofit DAISY Foundation, which works to raise the profile of the nursing profession and provides funding for research and evidence-based practice projects.

Sandra Horvat, B.S.N., M.S.N., clinical assistant professor, and Kathleen Motacki, B.S.N., M.S.N., clinical professor, are faculty counselor and secretary, respectively, of Mu Theta At Large, one of 28 chapters in region 14 of Sigma Theta Tau Internation-

al, the nursing honor society. The chapter embraces the wider aims of the honor society by promoting excellence and helping nurses prepare for nursing education, leadership, research and scholarship.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Valera Hascup, Ph.D., was recognized for her many contributions to nursing education and her research on postpartum depression in Latina women.

On September 19, Felician College presented its Outstanding Alumni Award to Dr. Hascup, a 1999 graduate of the college’s B.S.N. program. The following day, Dr. Hascup was one of nine nursing leaders inducted into the Nursing Hall of Honor, which was established at Felician to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its School of Nursing.

ACS RECOGNIZES DECADES OF SERVICE The American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized Professor of Chemistry Patricia A. Redden, Ph.D., Patricia Redden, Ph.D. for 30 years of service to the academic society at its national meeting in August.

An elected representative of the New York Section of ACS, Dr. Redden served on numerous national committees of the scientific society including the Committee on Chemical Safety, the Subcommittee on Resources and several subcommittees that published safety guidelines.

Dr. Redden was named an ACS Fellow in 2011 for her contributions to science and the chemistry profession and a Division of Chemical and Health Safety Fellow in 2001.

WRITING PROGRAM DIRECTOR ADDRESSES SCI-FI CONVENTION Tolkien scholar Constance G. J. Wagner, M.A., director of the writing program, spoke on several panels at 2015 DragonCon, the gathering of fantasy and science fiction fans, writers, artists and scholars held in Atlanta, Ga., each year. Professor Wagner has spoken on all things Middle-earth at both academic and fan-friendly events nationally and internationally since 2005. Her book, The War Within: Frodo as Sacrificial Hero (Oloris Books), is forthcoming.

Lauren O’Hare, Ed.D., R.N.

WELCOME TO CAMPUS Lauren E. O’Hare, Ed.D., R.N., became dean of the School of Nursing on June 1.

Dr. O’Hare was most recently a faculty member at the Evelyn Spiro School of Nursing at Wagner College.

Prior to that, she served as chair of the School of Nursing, senior capstone coordinator and second degree program coordinator.

Leila Sadeghi, Ph.D. ’05 was appointed executive director of the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership in September.

Dr. Sadeghi served most recently as the chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at Kean University. She also worked as an assistant professor with the Center of Executive Leadership in Government at Rutgers University.

Leila Sadeghi, Ph.D. ’05

Saint Peter’s University

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News

Serving the University: New Trustees and Regents Kevin J. Downes ’73, Kevin P. Guckian ’83 and Raymond A. Yannuzzi, D.A. ’70 were elected to the Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees in May.

10,000 MEALS AND COUNTING The Campus Kitchen celebrated its one-year anniversary in September and a new milestone: 10,000 meals served. The program, which repurposes extra unused food into nutritious meals for the hungry, began with a plan to make 50 meals a week. That number has grown to approximately 400 meals a week. More than 200 people have volunteered for the service initiative that serves 30 individual homes as well as shelters and lowincome housing organizations.

In addition to helping to ameliorate hunger and food insecurity, The Campus Kitchen also aims to empower communities. “We hope to continue reclaiming wasted food, but expand our services to go beyond simply feeding the hungry,” said Erich Sekel, associate director of campus ministry for community service. “We hope to address the root causes of hunger and work to improve the lives of our clients.”

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Fall 2015

Downes is regional vice president for Staples, Inc. in New York.

He holds a M.B.A. from Fordham University and brings more than 30 years of retail management experience to the board. A member of the Board of Regents since 2010, Downes was instrumental in securing the Staples sponsorship of the Regents Business Symposium for several years.

Guckian is a partner in the EY (formerly Ernst & Young) National Professional Practice Group in New York, where he leads a group providing technical assistance on accounting issues. A former member of the Board of Regents, he has held leadership positions for EY in the Netherlands, Philadelphia and Bermuda. With a M.B.A. in finance from the Stern School of Business, New York University, he is a licensed CPA, a member of the American Institute of CPAs and a fellow in the Life Management Institute.

Dr. Yannuzzi has served as president of Camden County College since 2006. He also served as vice president of academic affairs and held teaching and administrative positions at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Delaware County Community College and Baltimore City Community College. Dr. Yannuzzi earned a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate from Catholic University of America.

The new trustees were elected to three-year terms. The Board of Trustees also elected Matthew Feeney ’15, a finance associate at Pfizer, Inc., to a one-year term in July.

Additionally, seven new members were elected to the Board of Regents in July: Catherine Carnevale ’83, Christopher DePizzo,

(From top): Kevin Downes ’73, Kevin Guckian ’83 and Raymond Yannuzzi, D.A. ’70

Esq. ’09, James Donofrio, Steve Ellerman ’74, Philip Mongelluzzo, M.D. ’94, Kenneth Moore ’91 and Maryellen Scott Moran ’88. Warren Fristensky ’74 was named chair of the Board of Regents.

Celebrating the Caulfield School of Education On October 15, the Saint Peter’s University community, together with friends and family (pictured left) of Patrick J. Caulfield, Ph.D. ’47, celebrated the naming and dedication of the University’s first named school, the Caulfield School of Education. Dr. Caulfield spent much of his life at Saint Peter’s, first as a student and then as a professor. “We proudly look forward to future generations of Caulfield School of Education graduates who will carry with them the life, the legacy and tradition of Dr. Caulfield,” said Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. For more information, visit saintpeters.edu/news.

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Story

What's next for Saint Peter's University?

A five-year strategic plan that builds on the University's core strengths for greater student success.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Unique University Assets and Experiences

Effective Resources to Support Student Success Global Knowledge and Engagement

Prominent Community Partnerships

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Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Pathways to Distinction grew from the success of VISION 2015: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University 2010–2015.

University status, expanded degree programs, including Saint Peter’s first doctoral programs in education and nursing, and renovated academic facilities, as well as the construction of the Mac Mahon Student Center, are the catalysts for future growth, innovation and excellence.

In a matter of minutes, marine oil spills can do lasting

member or advisor and demonstrate their capabilities

damage. With a Society of Physics (SPS) Chapter Re-

to admissions committees at top graduate schools and

search Award, a team of Saint Peter’s University student

prospective employers.

researchers experimented with technologies that have

Pathways to Distinction calls on the University com-

the potential to mitigate or prevent oil spill disasters like

munity to raise the academic bar even higher. With

Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

infrastructure and programs established in the previous

“Mistakes happen,” said Sabin Pradhan ’16, who coled the team with Prajwal Niraula ’15. “Our focus was

strategic plan, VISION 2015, the new plan is tailored to unleash the full potential of the people of Saint Peter’s

on how we can tackle an oil spill efficiently, find it in its nascent state and contain the damage.”

The team, mentored by Assistant Professor of Physics Debing Zeng, Ph.D., designed an experiment to test the visibility of oil in water using a thermal infrared camera

“Our focus was on how we can tackle an oil spill efficiently, find it in its nascent state and contain the damage.”

and an optical spectrometer and lasers to remotely measure the depth of an oil spill. Advancing remote tech-

and the communities it serves. Initiatives are designed

nologies is significant, according to the paper Pradhan

to enhance student success, grow professional develop-

and Niraula published in The SPS Observer because “they

ment opportunities for faculty and continue to innovate

could detect early failures in equipment and inform

academic programs that prepare graduates for lives of

response teams about the best course of action.”

purpose and positive consequence.

From TriBeta grants for biology research to a Universi-

Dr. Zeng, who has mentored undergraduate research-

ty-wide academic symposium showcasing findings from

ers in their freshman year, thinks that’s a good thing.

the social sciences, sciences and humanities, Saint Peter’s

“It’s important to go beyond the course material,” he said.

undergraduates have ample opportunity to investigate

“Involving students gets them interested in the discipline

academic areas of interest, work alongside a faculty

and it’s beneficial for jobs and graduate school.”

Exceeding Expectations Pathways to Distinction is a student-focused strategic plan. Advancing excellence in teaching, learning and research at the University will prepare distinctive graduates who exceed expectations and are well prepared to make significant contributions to their professions and communities.

Five academic goals will further excellence at Saint Peters: • Recruit and retain a diverse, talented student body • Recruit and retain outstanding faculty • Increase student success through high impact teaching, experiential learning, advising and career preparedness • Improve student learning experiences to enhance outcomes and engagement • Enhance curriculum through innovation to respond to student needs and changing market demands

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Fall 2015

What Success Looks Like Greater number of faculty members and students engaged in research and scholarly activity.

More experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students via internships, research, leadership and service.

Sabin Pradhan ’16 and Debing Zeng, Ph.D., test the infrared camera in the Center for Microplasma Science and Technology.

Saint Peter’s by 2020 Cutting edge technology and online academic programs that extend the reach and cura personalis of on-campus courses.

Highly qualified graduates ready to make their mark in the workplace, graduate school and with service organizations like the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Enrollment will reach

3,600 2,600 1,000

students undergraduate and graduate students

Saint Peter’s University

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Unique University Assets and Experiences

The Starting Point The Jesuit mission and identity of Saint Peter’s University is stronger as a result of VISION 2015. Ignatian principles such as cura personalis, magis and the lifelong commitment to be “men and women for others” inspired each strategic direction of Pathways to Distinction. These ideals form the greatest asset and promise offered to every student entering Saint Peter’s.

By the time Matthew Feeney ’15 applied for the Pfizer

onset,” said Associate Vice President for Academic

Professional Development Program in Finance during

Affairs & Assessment Mildred Mihlon, Ph.D. “Students

his senior year, the Jersey City native had amassed a

are eligible for internships their first year, which is not

distinctive resumé. As a freshman, Feeney and a busi-

typically the case at other institutions.” With Pathways

ness classmate won a national marketing competition.

to Distinction, opportunities for experiential learning will

The following year, he landed a fellowship for first-

be identified and enhanced, making what is currently a

generation college students. He went on to intern at

widespread practice among students ubiquitous.

Lehman Brothers in Jersey City, was selected for a summer management training program at Wal-Mart and wrote his honors thesis on the economic implications of virtual bitcoin.

He credits these experiences to relationships formed

“Students are eligible for internships their first year, which is not typically the case at other institutions.”

at Saint Peter’s University. “Early on, I got involved with The new Center for Career Engagement and Experien-

professors and administrators,” he said. “They knew who I was—as an individual, not just as a student—and

tial Learning on the first floor of Dinneen Hall estab-

helped me connect with the right opportunities.”

lishes a central facility for traditional undergraduates

Feeney, along with Muhammad Shaoour Mir ’15 and

and adult learners to secure opportunities for practical

Tamara Encalada ’15, were among 15 students selected

experience through internships, service learning and

last May for the highly competitive Pfizer externship,

part-time jobs. The Center will also create workshops

which is coordinated by the Independent College Fund

and seminars and provides an ideal location for on-

of New Jersey. Feeney was hired by Pfizer as a finance as-

campus recruiting. The initiative is also unique in that

sociate in August. The applied learning, internships and

many career opportunities are grounded in the Jesuit

leadership development he experienced at Saint Peter’s

ideal of service.

“It goes beyond resumé building,” stressed Dr. Mihlon.

are available to all students.

“We engage students in career planning from the

“We are preparing students for the world of work with a perspective that is consistent with our mission. We are preparing them for purposeful lives.”

High Scores for Student Engagement Collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and a supportive campus environment are indicators of student engagement, a key predictor of college success. According to the 2013 National Survey of Student Engagement,* Saint Peter’s outperformed peer institutions in several categories: • 78 percent of seniors developed understanding of people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds, compared to 60 percent of peer institutions.

• 65 percent of seniors participated in a community-based project as part of a course, compared to 56 percent of peer institutions.

• 27 percent worked on a research project with a faculty member outside of a course, compared to 21 percent of peer institutions. *A national survey administered every three years that measures student growth and engagement that fosters learning and personal development.

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Fall 2015

Enriching the Opportunities Students will be able to apply classroom learning, volunteer or engage with a resurgent Jersey City and the greater metropolitan area in fuller breadth and depth.

A diverse and welcoming community (more than 40 first languages spoken on campus) will embrace initiatives to become even more inclusive.

Saint Peters students begin internships as early as freshman year.

Saint Peter’s by 2020 Academic programs, service and co-curricular activities and alumni networking will distinguish Saint Peter’s students as lifelong leaders.

Winning athletic programs will boost University spirit and build pride and recognition.

Students will graduate with experiential learning, leadership and service experiences.

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Effective Resources to Support Student Success

The $2.8 million Title V grant attained during VISION 2015 established the Center for English Language Acquisition and Culture and other programs to support student success. These initiatives positively impacted student performance and identified strategies to enhance students’ development and better prepare them for future challenges and opportunities.

Every Wednesday, a learning community composed of

to the University in July. The funds, distributed in

freshmen from the Saint Peter’s University’s summer

increments of $220,000 annually for up to five years,

and fall Academic Success Program (ASP) meets in Pope

will establish a SSS program for approximately 140

Hall. Some weeks, they review course requirements or

participants at Saint Peter’s.

learn about community service opportunities. Other times, they engage in activities such as a British style debate to develop presentation skills.

Tushar Trivedi, MSW, coordinator of ASP, describes

“Students feel connected and part of a group.”

the program as intense and collaborative. Incoming

According to Virginia Bender, Ph.D. ’78, special

students pre-selected for ASP take seminar classes,

assistant to the president for institutional planning,

develop math and writing skills and participate in

the federal grant will extend current support services

workshops on time management and effective study

by addressing the entire student experience. This

skills. More importantly, Trivedi noted, “Students feel

includes new learning communities, enhanced

connected and part of a group.” This has bolstered

advising and dedicated coaches for personal and

individual GPAs, increased the persistence of first year

career development.

“Pathways to Distinction is student-focused and

students and helped participants set and achieve goals.

Students say the program also builds a foundation for

is intended to prepare students as effectively as

success. “I felt really anxious about college,” said summer

possible for their future lives,” Dr. Bender said. With

session attendee Kaity Cruz ’19. “Once I went through the

programs and services established with the TRIO

program, I felt more comfortable and excited.”

grant, “students will be setting goals and developing

Pathways to Distinction contains comprehensive

strategies to achieve those goals beginning in their

initiatives designed to help more students advance in

first year at Saint Peter’s. The program integrates

college. The U.S. Department of Education awarded a

academic, personal and career planning so students

$1.1 million TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant

can envision their own paths to success.”

Fiscal Resilience Saint Peter’s is now better positioned to support students in their pursuit of excellence—whether by growing the honors program, improving facilities for studentathletes or funding initiatives that help first generation students prepare for college.

The University must continue its path of fiscal resiliency to sustain its mission.

Key financial initiatives will aim to: • Build brand and market share by communicating the value of Jesuit higher education and graduate outcomes so enrollment remains stable and strong.

• Support the growth of non-tuition revenue sources such as facility rentals and entrepreneurial activities.

• Make a green campus even greener by increasing environmental sustainability while also making campus operations more cost-efficient.

• Expand the donor base in preparation for the next transformational capital campaign.

14

Fall 2015

Resources Make All the Difference Investments in the people of Saint Peter’s, those who teach, mentor, support and inspire students, will deepen the University’s distinctive culture of care.

Establishment of a long-range capital improvement fund will enhance facilities to support all aspects of the Saint Peter’s experience.

A new learning community bridges students from the summer and fall Academic Success Program.

Saint Peter’s by 2020 Updates to the University’s IT plan will capitalize on emerging technologies to improve teaching and learning.

Growing financial support will generate direct assistance to help students succeed in, out and beyond the classroom.

Stable enrollment growth and strategic budget planning will ensure that the University will have

resources aligned with vital priorities to support students sufficient

on their own pathways to distinction.

Saint Peter’s University

15

COVER

Story

Global Knowledge and Engagement

The Center for Global Learning was established in 2011 to boost study abroad opportunities and faculty-led travel courses.

Last spring, students studied in Singapore and Hong Kong (Business), London (Dr. James V. Bastek Honors Program), Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam (Criminal Justice) and Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona (Fine Arts).

Global learning takes many forms at Saint Peter’s

international student population, deepens cultural

University. Students regularly intern with the United

understanding among the entire University community.

“Everyone was interested in who we were,” recalled

Nations, participate in Global Outreach service trips or spend a semester or year studying abroad. International

Kapil Batola ’12, ’16, a former international student

study is now more accessible to Saint Peter’s students

from Nepal. “We met a lot of people from all over

since the University’s Center for Global Learning

the world.” Pathways to Distinction aims to intensify

established new agreements in more affordable

recruitment of international students and faculty

locations such as South Korea and China.

and integrate more global perspectives into teaching,

The University has also partnered with Leave UR

learning and research.

Mark, a social enterprise that provides internships and travel opportunities to India. Open to undergraduates, graduate students and even alumni, the program enables participants of all majors to choose trips to Bangalore, Mumbai and Goa. The program now offers

“Everyone was interested in who we were. We met a lot of people from all over the world.”

five $1,000 scholarships to Saint Peter’s each year; the Batola, an operations quantitative analyst with PSE&G

grants were provided by the HCG Oncology Hospital in Bangalore after Dolly Basaldua ’17 spent a month-long

who is pursuing a master’s degree in the University’s

medical internship at the facility. Basaldua, a biology

data science program, said his life was shaped by a

and psychology major, said the internship broadened

diverse campus that mirrors the world. Before Saint

her outlook on life. “It made me realize there is so much

Peter’s, he said, “I had never left Katmandu for more

more out there to experience,” she said.

than one week. I didn’t know what I wanted to study or

Of course, students don’t always need to leave

do in the future, but there were so many opportunities

the Jersey City campus to gain a world view. Saint

here that helped me with that. I’ve been given an

Peter’s diverse home student body, coupled with an

opportunity not too many people get in my country.”

International Enrollment Takes Off International student enrollment in the University’s Master of Science in Data Science with a concentration in business analytics has taken off. When the program debuted in Fall 2014, four international students enrolled. One year later, 28 international students matriculated to the fast-growing graduate program, which has more than doubled its overall enrollment.

International students account for most of the growth, said Sylvain Jaume, Ph.D., assistant professor of data science and director of the program. Digital marketing and admissions efforts abroad have also raised awareness of Saint Peter’s University.

“Saint Peter’s was ahead of the curve in anticipating the demand for data science programs,” said Dr. Jaume. “We also introduced specific areas such as big data and cloud computing that do not always feature in other [data science] programs.”

The program receives daily inquiries from international students about graduate assistantships, industry partnerships and research. “It is a very competitive market,” added Dr. Jaume. “But Saint Peter’s has a lot to offer.”

16

Fall 2015

Advancing Perspectives Global issues and perspectives will be infused into the curriculum through the introduction of international courses of study or concentrations in academic degree programs.

Ties to the international Jesuit community and other partners will be strengthened to globalize curriculum, research and outreach.

Pathways to Distinction will encourage more students to study, volunteer or work abroad.

Saint Peter’s by 2020 More Saint Peter’s students will gain new perspectives in a range of study abroad opportunities and will be well equipped to succeed in an interconnected world.

With intensified recruitment in Asia, Latin America and other foreign locations, international students will comprise a higher percentage of the student body.

The University will become a

destination campus in the New York-New Jersey region for domestic and international students alike and be more widely known as a

gateway to opportunity.

Saint Peter’s University

17

COVER

Story

Prominent Community Partnerships

Two National Awards recognized Saint Peter’s University for community partnerships and service.

The University earned a 2015 Community Engagement Classification from The Carnegie Foundation and was named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in all four of its categories.

Jersey City residents are discovering Saint Peter’s

Mr. Mustart commemorated the 50th anniversary of the

University at the Grove Street PATH Plaza Farmers’

visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H ’65 to Saint Peter’s by

Market, JC Fridays, the citywide arts and cultural

painting new images of the civil rights leader and the

program held four times a year, and even neighborhood

University president who invited him to campus, Rev.

block parties. “Saint Peter’s students are also Jersey City

Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. (see page 31).

The Mac Mahon Student Center also served as a host

residents,” said Ed Daniels ’14, ’16, a graduate assistant in the Office of Campus Ministry, who represented the

location for the 25th annual JC Art & Studio Tour in

University at the Astor Place Neighborhood Association

October and Saint Peter’s representatives are a regular

Block Party. “We need to branch out more.”

presence at the downtown Farmers’ Market.

“We are out and meeting people within the community,” said Nicholas Chiaravalloti, director of community engagement, who accompanied several students to the block party. “The University has always done a good job

“Saint Peter’s students are also Jersey City residents. We need to branch out more.”

on community engagement, but with the new strategic plan, it’s more intentional and conscious. With Path-

Outreach is also underway beyond Hudson County.

ways to Distinction, we are building direct relationships

Chiaravalloti noted that the location of the Englewood

between the institution and the community.”

Cliffs campus led the University to establish ties with

This includes a number of initiatives that take place

The Community Chest, an organization that supports

off and on campus. Since 2012, the social justice and

local nonprofits in the Englewood area. “The feedback

honors programs have hosted JC Fridays at the King-

from the community has been 100 percent positive,” he

Kairos Social Justice House. The new season kicked

said. “People are interested in what’s happening at Saint

off in September with an exhibit of two artists in the

Peter’s and they are impressed with our students. With

community garden, Joe Zappa-Costa and Mr. Mustart.

each new success our credibility grows, so the potential

Known for revitalizing Jersey City with his vivid murals,

is just incredible.”

Town and Gown For the second year, students enrolled in a senior business seminar developed marketing and promotional plans for local companies through Town and Gown, a partnership between the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and Saint Peter’s University.

Approximately 60 students put their business learning into action on a range of initiatives for nine Chamber member businesses. In addition to fostering stronger ties to area businesses, graduating seniors said the consultancy project provided valuable career experience. The program operates under the auspices of the Ignite Institute, a Center of Excellence at Saint Peter’s that partners with Rising Tide Capital to provide thought leadership, academic research and direct service to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Hudson County.

18

Fall 2015

Growing with the Community The University will develop a strategic plan for engagement with corporate, community and educational organizations.

Community partnerships will expand from a local to a regional level.

Men’s basketball team members meet the community at the downtown Farmers’ Market in Jersey City.

Saint Peter’s by 2020 From winning NCAA Division I teams to mentoring programs for pre-college students, more people and organizations will look to Saint Peter’s as a vital resource for the community.

Advancing the Ignite Institute and other community-oriented initiatives will establish Saint Peter’s as a catalyst for urban innovation and development.

Community partnerships will increase by

50%

500+

and the University will enhance or establish relationships with corporations, organizations and nonprofit institutions in Jersey City, Hudson County and the metropolitan region.

Saint Peter’s University

19

10 MINUTES

with...

Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D.

Catholic Higher Education is his Vocation Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D., keeps a hand truck in the corner of the office he now occupies in McDermott Hall. Back in the day, the provost and vice president for academic affairs used it to haul textbooks. Today, it’s a reminder and also a symbol of the academic’s leadership style: decisive, collaborative and always ready to pitch in when needed.

You became provost and vice president for academic

but people here have tremendous good will, great faith

affairs in July. What were your first impressions of

in our future and great faith in our students and their

Saint Peter’s University?

ability to perform.

It’s a very welcoming environment and it’s nice to be back home among the Jesuits. You can find all of the great opportunities and challenges related to private higher education at Saint Peter’s. There is a spirit here that is rare in urban institutions of like size and type. There’s tremendous hope and optimism here. Of course, we have our challenges related to resources, 20

Fall 2015

Is that what attracted you to Saint Peter’s?

It certainly was. The administration, faculty and staff, under the expert leadership of University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., live their dedication to cura personalis, care of the person, in a way that I have rarely seen in other institutions of higher education.

You began your career as an English professor. What

I have that red hand truck in the corner. It’s been in

prompted you to move into administration?

every office where I have served in the past 18, going

As a brand new assistant professor, I was asked to

on 19, years. I used it to carry textbooks to the Federal

begin work on a major revision of curriculum in my

Reserve Bank in East Rutherford, where I developed an

first semester of service. And I carried that out with

adult degree completion program at Felician College

great diligence and many mistakes and missteps

some years ago. I was the person who was actually

along the way. It made me realize if I wanted to make

charged with schlepping the textbooks back and forth.

a change to better the higher education experience

It’s a reminder to me that it is important for anyone in

for learners, I would have more of an impact as an

an executive leadership position to be able to roll up

administrator than I could have as a faculty member.

their sleeves and haul a hand truck if needed.

But, don’t get me wrong, I miss teaching every single day that I’m in this office.

More students now enter college with a career outcome in mind. How can colleges address this and

You have been quoted as saying, “Catholic higher

still provide a rich, liberal arts education?

education is not just my profession, it’s my vocation.”

I really see institutions like Saint Peter’s preparing

What do you appreciate most about Catholic and

students for a different world of work that demands

Jesuit schools?

that they be able to learn new skills quickly. The best

That we really attend to the needs of the whole

way to do that is to expose students to a strong core

person. Also, that we’re not afraid to ask and answer,

of liberal arts learning objectives designed to get them

however tentatively, the big questions. And I find

to think critically and analytically, to apply numeracy

tremendous freedom in that. I believe that a lot of

as a skill in any situation and to ask deep and probing

professors find themselves in a curious position in

questions from the perspectives of philosophy, theol-

public institutions of higher education because they

ogy, history, sociology and all the social and behavioral

can’t raise questions about God, freedom and the

sciences. Our students aren’t only going to be employ-

immortality of the soul. And we, by the nature of

ees. They are going to be parents, community leaders,

Catholic higher education, must ask those questions

problem solvers and peacemakers. They are going

in practically every course that we teach.

off to change the world. I want to be able to equip

There’s also a tremendous commitment to ethics and integrity and raising serious questions of moral concern. We can do that in a very open way and we can encourage students to engage in give and take around the biggest of the questions human beings ask every day.

“I’m not someone who works only at a 30,000-foot level. I think it’s very important to be on the ground with colleagues.”

them with the skills they need to think creatively and imaginatively about the world.

Saint Peter’s just welcomed 651 new undergraduate students to its ranks. Looking back to your own freshman experience at Fordham University, what do you know now that you wish you knew then?

Looking back, I’d say I wish I had a better sense of what I did not know and what I really needed to learn. Along the way, I met some wonderful mentors at Fordham, who led me in that direction and made it very clear what I needed to learn and where I

Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D., brings 18 years of experience

I believe wholly and firmly in distributed leadership

in Catholic higher education to Saint Peter’s. He previously

rather than delegated authority. And in order to

served as vice president for academic affairs of Neumann

distribute leadership, you have to meet everyone with

University in Aston, Penn., where his leadership was

whom you work and you have to know as much as

credited for increased enrollment, investment in faculty

you possibly can about the institution that you serve.

and improved learning outcomes. Dr. O’Sullivan has

I’m not someone who works only at a 30,000-foot

also held academic positions at Felician College and

level. I think it’s very important to be on the ground

Fordham University.

Quality will be enriched by attaining specialized accreditation for certain degree programs. “Committing to specialized accreditations is a good way of ensuring quality across the curriculum,” said Dr. O’Sullivan. Saint Peter’s will also seek Quality Matters certification for assessment and assurance of online learning.

Identity will inform progress and innovation of academics. “We are firmly and deeply committed to ensuring that the Jesuit mission and identity is reflected across all facets, both curricular and co-curricular.”

Sustainability will guide the development of future degree programs, including a market study and business plan, “to ensure that we have the resources and faculty to meet the needs generated by that new program.”

needed to go.

How would you describe your leadership style?

SETTING ACADEMIC GOALS For the 2015–2016 academic year, Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D., has identified three areas of focus to advance Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Pathways to Distinction: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University, 2015–2020.

with colleagues.

Saint Peter’s University

21

Igniting

Entrepreneurship Representatives from The Provident Bank Foundation presented a $100,000 check to the Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University. (L to R): Norbert Kong ’17; University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.; Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., acting director of the Ignite Institute and assistant professor of business administration; Carlos Hernandez, chairman of The Provident Bank Foundation; Jane Kurek, executive director of The Provident Bank Foundation; Christopher Martin, president of The Provident Bank Foundation; Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs for Saint Peter’s University and Yeimy Fuentes ’16

The success of the Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s Uni-

originated,” Leto said of the bank, a longtime supporter

ago, the Institute sought to transform lives and com-

of the University.

munities through entrepreneurship. It was a purely Ig-

Foundation, said her organization is confident that

told followers, “Go forth and set the world on fire.”

Saint Peter’s “will drive sustainable community en-

Operating with a modest investment, Ignite has done just that.

This year, The Provident Bank Foundation rewarded

hancement and long-term change.”

Together with local partners including Rising Tide Capital, a Jersey City nonprofit, the Ignite Institute takes

the Institute’s efforts with a $100,000 grant. The award is

a two-pronged approach to fulfill its mission. Thought

considered the Foundation’s “signature grant,” provided

leadership and academic research provide the intel-

to organizations in three priority areas: community

lectual capital needed to spark innovative business

enrichment, education and health, youth and families.

practices, while educational programming gives direct

Saint Peter’s was among 10 organizations invited to apply

support and training to entrepreneurs.

for the competitive grant in the education category.

The work of Ignite, a Center of Excellence at Saint

“The signature grant from Provident Bank will help build and expand our programs, credibility and visibility.” tremendous impact on the community where the bank

Fall 2015

Jane Kurek, executive director of The Provident Bank

natian goal, borne of a desire to, as Saint Ignatius often

Peter’s, appealed to the Foundation because it has a

22

“It helps lift the community where Provident Bank

versity is nothing short of amazing. Launched two years

Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., acting director of the Ignite Institute and assistant professor of business administration, credits the program’s success to its community-wide focus.

“It’s not just about entrepreneurship,” Dr. Naatus explained. “Ignite takes a very holistic approach to empower small businesses and create better neighborhoods.”

In true Ignatian spirit, the Institute’s reach has the

was founded in 1839, according to Saint Peter’s Vice

potential to widen far beyond Jersey City neighborhoods

President for Advancement and External Affairs Leah

to become a model that Jesuit institutions can emulate

Leto, M.Ed. ’05.

to stimulate local economies worldwide.

ADVANCEMENT

A new School of Business service learning model,

Ignite team members Dr. Naatus, her research partner Aleksandra Lacka and Marilu Marcillo-Gomez, Ph.D.,

The Microbusiness Consulting Program, will pool the

assistant professor of business administration at Saint

talents of students in a variety of majors to address

Peter’s, traveled to Uruguay last summer to share best

unique problems faced by entrepreneurs and create

practices with Jesuit educators from around the world

action-oriented business plans to accelerate growth.

The grant will also fund Innovation Fellows, a new

at the 2015 World Forum of The International Association of Jesuit Business Schools.

Since its inception, Ignite has hosted a number

internship opportunity offering stipends for student fellows to work with businesses that wouldn’t other-

of on-campus initiatives including the Google Women

wise have the resources to hire an intern. In addition,

TechMakers Conference and Technology Forum and

Dr. Naatus said Ignite will introduce a Social Entrepre-

an Artisan Holiday Sale in partnership with campus

neur Award to recognize local businesses making a

ministry and the social justice program for local

positive social impact.

Ignite will host the annual Local Living Economies

entrepreneurs.

In its first year of operation, Ignite received a Seed

Summit, scheduled for March 30, 2016, which is pro-

Funding Grant from Hudson County real estate devel-

duced in collaboration with Rising Tide Capital with the

oper SILVERMAN. The $10,000 grant was critical to the

support of the Local Economy Working Group. A key

Institute’s growth, Dr. Naatus said.

public policy initiative, the summit last year brought

“By showing its commitment to local businesses

almost 200 leaders in business, the nonprofit sector,

and institutions, the signature grant from Provident

higher education and public policy to campus to work

Bank will help build and expand our programs,

toward creating sustainable, local economies.

“The Provident Bank Foundation grant is going to

credibility and visibility,” Dr. Naatus explained. “It’s going to help us gain momentum and get recognition

catalyze the Ignite Institute,” Leto said. “They’ve been

from other funders.”

doing this amazing work on a limited budget. Now, Ignite can truly catch fire.”

NEW FUND OPENS DOORS FOR ASPIRING DOCTOR For Chabely Santos ’19, attending Saint Peter’s University is the first leg of a challenging journey she hopes will culminate with a career in medicine.

A 2015 graduate of Saint Vincent Academy in Newark, N.J., Santos worried that she wouldn’t have the money to attend Saint Peter’s. Then, her high school guidance counselor told her about a new University award established by William J. Marino ’66 and his wife, Paula.

The Marino Family Foundation Award Fund has helped to pay tuition and enabled Santos to live on campus while pursuing a major in biochemistry. Being close to her classes and professors helps her juggle a demanding academic schedule.

“So far, it’s been so much work and no play,” Santos said. “I'm glad I was able to get the opportunity to dorm instead of commuting. It’s been such a great experience.”

Chabely Santos ’19

The Marinos have strong affiliations with both Saint Peter’s and Saint Vincent Academy.

Longtime financial supporters of both institutions, William has served on the University’s Board of Trustees, while Paula is a member of the Saint Vincent Advisory Board. “We thought the idea of simultaneously supporting Saint Peter’s and helping a Saint Vincent graduate was a positive way to reflect our support for both institutions,” William explained.

Paula echoed her husband’s sentiment about the two institutions. A nurse, she and Santos have bonded over their mutual interest in medicine. “She is very sweet and gracious,” Paula said of the aspiring doctor. “She is very motivated and has specific goals.”

Annual renewable scholarships like the Marino Family Foundation Award Fund can be established with a minimum gift of $10,000. For more information, contact Sarah Lacz at slacz@saintpeters.edu or (201) 761-6103.

Paula and William Marino ’66

Saint Peter’s University

23

Getting to Know

‘Boe’ She was a winning studentathlete and became an outstanding coach and respected administrator.

Peacock Nation has high hopes for new Director of Athletics Belinda “Boe” Pearman.

24

Fall 2015

PEACOCK

U

Only three days into her tenure as director of athletics

Pearman said she was fortunate to serve as assis-

and Belinda “Boe” Pearman looked very much at home

tant coach at her alma mater for 12 years before joining

in The Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center.

the New England Blizzard of the American Basketball

Named director of athletics on September 3, Pearman

League as associate head coach, where she worked with

said the mission of Saint Peter’s University, as well as its

K.C. Jones, retired NBA player and head coach of the

core values and people, drew her to Jersey City. “These

Boston Celtics. “I only had a year and a half with K.C.,

are things I can identify with. I felt this was a great

but I would never trade that experience,” she said. “He

opportunity to help make a difference in a place where

taught me so much about how to be a professional.”

I believe in all the things the institution stands for.”

Pearman brings more than 20 years of experience

As the head women’s coach at the University of Rhode Island, Pearman guided the Rams to the Atlantic

in college athletics to the Peacock program, most

10 Conference championship game for only the second

recently as senior associate director of athletics at

time in the history of the program. She credits former

Manhattan College, a member of the Metro Atlantic

director of athletics at Southern Connecticut State

Athletic Conference (MAAC). Pearman is the second

University Patricia Nicol for the opportunity to transi-

female athletic director in the MAAC and one of only

tion from coaching to administration. Pearman served

three female athletic directors at the 28 Jesuit colleges

as associate director of athletics and then interim

and universities in the nation. According to 2013–2014

director of athletics at Southern Connecticut before

NCAA statistics, women comprise 37 of the 313 athletic

moving on to Manhattan College. “I owe [Pat] a great

directors in Division I sports.

deal of gratitude for opening that door for me because that allowed me to get where I am today.”

“Sports had such a profound effect on me and helped me develop as a person. I wanted to give back to student-athletes.”

The new director of athletics said she would spend the first six months assessing programs, meeting with and listening to members of the Department of Athletics and addressing day-to-day issues. “I think you have to start with smaller, daily operational things

Pearman has done it all—student-athlete, coach and

before you can start talking about the bigger things,”

administrator—and through her record and programs,

Pearman said. “If I can make things better every day for

is widely respected by players, coaches and colleagues

our coaches in terms of daily operations, I will feel like

in college and professional sports.

I have accomplished something this year.”

She grew up in a basketball family in Hagerstown,

Longer term, Pearman sees Pathways to Distinction:

Md., but didn’t play any organized sports until sopho-

The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University, 2015–2020 as

more year of high school. “Boe” is a family nickname

the means to take Division I sports at the University to

that caught on when Pearman made the basketball

the next level.

team. Once she began competing, Pearman was quickly

“For athletics to be involved in the whole strategic

recruited for a full athletic scholarship, “and my life

plan says a lot,” she stressed. “It says that athletics is

changed very fast,” she said.

important and that it can be a vibrant part of the

Pearman played for the University of Maryland

campus. We want to provide great athletics for the

Terrapins, where she helped lead the women’s basket-

student-athletes who are in it and those who

ball team to the Final Four in 1982. She loved competing

support it.”

and winning, but also recognized the lifelong value of sports. “My college experience as a student-athlete is

CROWDFUNDING A MASCOT The Peacock mascot really makes the rounds. Whether it is attending open houses to meet prospective students or promoting University spirit at campus, athletic and alumni events, the Peacock costume is subject to a lot of wear and tear.

A new mascot suit is needed, and Saint Peter’s University will soon launch a crowdfunding effort to fund the upgrade.

Members of the University community are invited to participate in the effort, which will support a beloved mascot and boost Peacock pride.

The crowdfunding website will go live in mid-November; visit impact. saintpeters.edu.

why I chose to get into the profession of coaching,” she explained. “Sports had such a profound effect on me and helped me develop as a person. I wanted to give back to student-athletes.”

The Peacocks’ official website has a new streamlined look, plus all the news and updates on the University’s 19 Division I teams. Visit saintpeterspeacocks.com.

Saint Peter’s University

25

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

Alumni Weekend 2015 Saint Peter’s University welcomed more than 100 alumni and friends from the Class of 1955 and the Class of 1965 to Alumni Weekend, September 19–21, including 15 alumni who had not been back to campus since graduation.

Highlights of this year’s reunion included campus tours led by Pavo Society student ambassadors and a State of the University

John Cap Jr. ’55 and Hubert O’Toole ’55

Luncheon, during which University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., gave a University update and select faculty discussed student and alumni academic achievement and professional excellence.

Jersey Jesuits, a retrospective of the Society of Jesus at Saint

Former members of the Glee Club greeted alumni as they entered the Mac Mahon Student Center.

Peter’s from the ’50s, ’60s and beyond, including a look at the current and future evangelization efforts, was presented by Rev. Damian Halligan, S.J. ’55 and Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J. Ceremonial class gift checks were presented in the amounts of $590,000 from the Class of 1965 and $87,000 from the Class of 1955. The Class of 1965 also established The Class of 1965 Endowed Scholarship with approximately $120,000 of the class gift.

A Mass at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church remembering deceased class members was followed by the Golden Peacock Society Brunch, where Dr. Cornacchia awarded the Golden Peacock medals and certificates to the Class of 1965.

and an “honorary godfather” for hundreds of children.

Send us your news!

Saint Peter’s University wants to publish your good news.

We welcome any and all news about your career, education, family life and reconnecting with other Saint Peter’s alumni.

Submit a note via e-mail to alumni@saintpeters.edu or send to: Office of Alumni Engagement, 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

1953

1959

Joseph DeMayo, M.D., is celebrating 50 years of medical practice as a family physician in Nutley, N.J. Still practicing, he is director of the Department of Family Practice at Clara Maass Medical Center of Barnabas Health in Belleville, N.J.

Bill Powers was acknowledged for his service by St. Michael Church in Cranford, N.J. He has served as principal usher there for much of the last 30 years, as well as a volunteer director of the parish CYO group, a member of the Liturgy and Lazarus committees

26

Fall 2015

The Class of 1965 Reunion Committee. Top row (L to R): Robert Donato ’65, John Ridley, Esq. ’65, William Lau ’65 and John Schroeder, Ph.D. ’65; Bottom row (L to R): Garry Prime ’65, Rev. Eugene Squeo ’65 and Arthur Vespignani ’65

1960 Marty Walsh presented an educational course on “The Work and Philosophy of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin” at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. In attendance was fellow Saint Peter’s alumnus Dave Lynch ’59, who reported that the thoughtprovoking presentation was well received and evoked lively discussions in the class.

1965 Peter J. Griffin received the Monmouth County Light of Hope Award at Catholic Charities’ 26th Annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance in October. The award acknowledges a person or organization for their support and commitment to the work of Catholic Charities in their community.

1969 Professor Emeritus Neal Goodman, Ph.D., guided the Chief Talent and Learning Officers Board of 25 of the world’s leading organizations, including Warner Brothers, EMC, Ford, Nike, Boeing, Twitter and LinkedIn in a best

practices examination of global leadership development at the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dr. Goodman was also recently recognized by the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity as their top thought leader in the area of Culturally Competent Healthcare for their 5,000 members.

1971 The Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors presented Duane Morris partner Walter J. Greenhalgh, Esq., with the Manny Katten Award at its 31st annual Bankruptcy and Restructuring Conference in June.

The annual award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication

and service to the bankruptcy, restructuring and turnaround field.

1972 Author Mary Ann McGuigan published a new young adult novel, Crossing Into Brooklyn (Merit Press), in June. McGuigan’s first young adult novel, Cloud Dancer, was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, and her second, Where You Belong, was a National Book Award finalist.

1975 The late Paul Gerber, former Passaic Valley Regional High School District business administrator/board secretary and Parsippany, N.J. resident, posthumously received a Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Association of

School Business Officials for his long-term, exemplary service. His wife and daughter accepted the award on his behalf.

1976 Judith Valente, a senior correspondent at National Public Radio’s Illinois State University affiliate WGLT-89.1, as well as founder of the Valente-Blihar Family Distinguished Poet Series at Saint Peter’s, was introduced to two fellow alumni, Marylou and Jerome Bongiorno ’84, by Saint Peter’s own Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. The Bongiornos produced a documentary, The Rule, about St. Benedict’s Prep, a school run by Benedictine monks for at-risk boys in Newark’s inner city. Valente works for PBS’s Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, which featured highlights from the documentary.

1978 Bruce Perryman was appointed vice chair of financial services by the Promotional Products Association International, a nonprofit association in Irving, Texas, that serves more than 11,000 corporate members of the $19.8 billion promotional products industry.

1979 Carmel Galasso was selected Italian Woman of the Year for the 2015 Jersey City Columbus Day Parade, held on October 10.

1983 Cathy Carnevale was among 37 women honored on May 6 at the 36th annual Tribute to Women and Industry Awards Dinner, sponsored by the YWCA Union County.

The sky is the limit inside The Duncan Family Sky Room.

Consider alma mater for your next corporate function or personal gathering.

As a special benefit, we offer Saint Peter’s alumni a 20% discount off facility rentals on all event spaces including the University’s premier event space, The Duncan Family Sky Room.

For more information or to book your event today, please call (201) 761-7414 or visit saintpeters.edu/specialevents.

Saint Peter’s University

27

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

New Alumni Board Leadership The Alumni Board of Saint Peter’s University elected Niurka (Nikki) Mederos ’07 ’10 president and John Hallanan III, Esq. ’03 vice president for the 2015–2016 year.

Mederos is the director of external relations and community outreach for Palisades Medical Center. She previously served as vice president of the alumni board and has been involved in many community organizations in Hudson County.

For Mederos, leadership runs in the family. The new Alumni Board president is also the

Nikki Mederos ’07 ’10

mother of Nicholas Mederos ’15, who was president of the Student Government Association when he attended Saint Peter’s.

Hallanan is assistant corporation counsel for the City of Jersey City and a graduate of the Rutgers School of Law. He has completed a number of terms on the Alumni Board and participates in the Alumni in Law professional networking group.

The Saint Peter’s alumnus previously served as president of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy and for decades has been an advocate for the preservation of Jersey City landmarks. Hallanan and his father, John Hallanan, Jr., were profiled in Legendary Locals of Jersey City (Arcadia 2014).

Hallanan married Elizabeth Cervenak on October 9 in Jersey City. The couple met when they were students at Rutgers School of Law.

John Hallanan III, Esq. ’03

1985 Col. Oreste Varela retired on June 1 after 30 years of service with the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

1989 Jan Marose-Swiszcz is celebrating 15 years of service with the RE/MAX Network as a realtor in Colorado.

1991 William Price has been appointed vice president and chief communications officer for Zoetis.

In this new role, he will be leading a global communications team responsible for building and protecting the company’s reputation as the world’s most valued and respected leader in animal health.

He will oversee the strategy, policies and execution of external, 28

Fall 2015

colleague and leadership communications, as well as branding and crisis communications.

1991 Saint Peter’s Associate Director of Graduate Business Mark Lovenson ’91 ’07 was accepted to a management doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management for the class of 2018.

1994 Phil Mongelluzzo, M.D., published his first book, Achieving Health and Happiness with 30 Daily Doables, in March.

Patty Ryan Kowalski won the Governor’s Educator of the Year Award for 2014–15 last spring.

She is a teacher in School 8 in Linden, N.J.

1998 John J. Doyle, Ph.D., recently received his doctorate in biology with an M.S. in forensic pathology/ molecular biology from the University of Connecticut.

1999 Nicole Cippoletti has been named the new assistant dean of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at Union County College.

2000 John Schrier received the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award in the chemical sciences, a Fulbright Fellowship for chemical physics to the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, Germany and was promoted to associate professor

of chemistry at Haverford College in Haverford, Pa.

2003 Nicholas Edwards has been named baseball coach for Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, N.J. Ebonie Copeland was inducted by the National Association of Professional Women into their VIP Women of the Year Circle.

2004 John Hack was named head football coach for Morris Catholic High School, Denville, N.J., in June.

C AT C H I N G U P W I T H . . .

2005

2015

Br. Patrick A. Winbush, O.S.B, was appointed assistant headmaster of Saint Mary School in Newark in July. Founded in 1842, Saint Mary is the oldest Catholic school in the state and is now a division of Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, which was founded in 1868 by the Benedictine Monks of Newark Abbey.

John Eric Bormann was named superintendent of the Rumson, N.J., school district. He assumed his new role in August.

2007 Lindsey Navarro, director of business support for Delta Region at LiftFund, has been selected by the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) as a 2015 Colegio Community Economic Development Fellow and will participate in a nine-month NALCAB leadership training program.

Robert Zegarra was hired as part of a U.S. Fixed Income Rates Trading Team for Odeon Capital Group LLC.

2008 Kristina Gagliardi-Wilson, owner/founder of Poofy Organics, opened The Healing Zen.

2009 Robert Zywicki was appointed superintendent of schools for Millburn, N.J., beginning July 1.

Marqwuese K. Bayne was recently hired as a United States federal probation officer.

Future Physician James MacConchie ’11 Nearly four years ago, James MacConchie ’11 was featured in

Marriages Reuben Bruce White ’92 married Megan Danielle Davis on April 9 at the Palms Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach, Fla. John Hallanan III, Esq. ’03 married Elizabeth Cervenak on October 9 in Jersey City.

a story about the power of cura personalis in Saint Peter’s University.

At the time, MacConchie was con-

James MacConchie ’11 ducting non-embryonic stem cell and Leonard Sciorra, research with Leonard J. Sciorra, Ph.D. Ph.D., chair of the Department of

Applied Science and Technology and the Reverend Joseph E. Shue, S.J. Professor of the Health and Natural Sciences, and preparing applications for medical school.

His plans turned into reality. Today, MacConchie is

Births

completing his second year at Cooper Medical School of

John J. Doyle, Ph.D ’98 and his wife, Catie, recently welcomed their first child, Sarah (Sadie) Catherine Doyle.

and I’m glad to have finally made it,” he said. “It’s easily

Rachel Walker-Johnson ’99 and her husband, Derek, welcomed their fourth daughter, Lainey Joy Ariella, on May 29. She joins her big sisters, Julie, 9, Lisa, 5, and Katelyn, 3.

Steve Llanes ’02 and his wife, Katrina, welcomed their second son, Christian James, on August 21.

John Hack ’04 and his wife, Katie, welcomed a new baby girl, Gianna Elizabeth, on June 17.

Jamie Bredehoft Jenkins MBA ’12 and her husband, Dave, welcomed David Joseph Jenkins on August 16.

Rowan University in Camden, N.J. “It was a long process, the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and it’s only going to get busier.”

When he was a freshman, MacConchie was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He sought aggressive treatment and returned to Saint Peter’s with the goal of becoming a doctor and possibly specializing in pediatric oncology.

“As an 18-year-old, I was treated as a pediatric patient along with toddlers and teenagers,” he explained in 2012.

“They didn’t always understand what was happening to them. Having that time, even though I was really ill, helped me focus on what I wanted to do.”

MacConchie had to put his education on hold again in 2014, after he was hit by a car while on vacation in the Caribbean. “It was a little easier to be a patient this time,” said MacConchie, who recovered from his injuries and resumed his medical studies in August.

Pediatric oncology is still on his radar, but MacConchie is also interested in emergency medicine. He’ll have the opportunity to delve into both specialities when he begins clinical rotations next year.

MacConchie recently became engaged to Sonia Iparraguirre ’08.

2010 Matthew Rinaldi was appointed chief tax assessor for Clifton, N.J.

The couple met in Dr. Sciorra’s research lab

James MacConchie ’11 and his fiancee, Sonia Iparraguirre ’08

and plan to marry in 2017.

Saint Peter’s University

29

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

2015 William J. Murray All Sports Golf Outing Saint Peter’s University held its annual William J. Murray All Sports Golf Outing on August 10 at the Rock Spring Golf Club in West Orange, N.J.

Sabry Mackoul, John P. Murray ’57, Rev. Dan Gatti, S.J., Fordham University alumni chaplain, and Bill Stein

Kathy Cehelsky ’86, Sharon Pastore ’73, Christina DiFeo Petrella and Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Gloria Mercurio

Join us as we explore the June 19–25, 2016

Jim O’Brien ’64, Bill Cozine ’60, Vin Albanito and Jim Walsh

Women of Saint Peter’s In the Spring 2015 issue of this magazine, readers were invited to identify the women in the archival photograph below. Many thanks to Maria Vlahos Stamas ’70, who tentatively identified classmates (L to R): Gail Gilroy ’70, Annmarie Nazarro ’70, Patricia Duncan ’70, Phyllis Amoroso ’70 and Patricia Briody ’70.

spiritual heritage of Saint Ignatius and the early Jesuits in Rome.

You’re invited to join President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., his wife, AnnMarie, and Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, for an unforgettable seven-day stay in Rome as we examine the imprint of the Jesuits on the Eternal City. You will be visiting Ignatian sites while enjoying all of what this thrilling city has to offer—fine art, museums, great food and more.

Cost: $2,675 per person based on double occupancy (airfare not included) For more information, please visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/travel or contact Gloria Mercurio at (201) 761-6125 or gmercurio@saintpeters.edu.

Mike Zawadewski, Rob Goldstein, Bob Goldstein ’60 and Frank Ziegler ’63

1960s

Champions for Peace In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H ’65, a local artist added new elements to the community garden mural located in the backyard of the King-Kairos Social Justice House. The mural now features the civil rights leader alongside former Saint Peter’s University President Rev. Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J.

Requiescant in Pace Saint Peter’s University wishes to extend its prayers and condolences to the families of alumni, members of the University community and friends who have passed away.

Joseph C. Antoniotti ’69 Jerome F. Baer ’55 John T. Berberich ’66 John F. Birnie ’56 Donna Falconcino Blauvelt ’81 Michael J. Blazina ’81 William H. Branagan, CPA ’60 Stephen F. Braun ’51 Claudio L. Buono ’92 Michael J. Burke ’74 Dennis P. Byrnes ’64 Dorie Cerruti ’86 James Ciancia ’77 Louis R. Conte, M.D. ’56 Leonard Martin Corcoran ’61 Thomas F. Curry ’65 George M. DeLuca ’74

Rev. Donald Devine, S.J. ’55 Edmund DiLello, M.D. ’72 Paul C. Fagan, M.D. ’39 Alfred M. Fiume, D.M.D. ’84 James J. Flynn ’55 Ann P. Fredenburgh ’70 Francis X. Gannon ’43 Donald J. Grady ’57 John T. Herrmann ’66 Robert M. Hughes ’60 Dr. Robert G. Johnson ’60 Thomas F. Kelleher ’51 Robert T. Kiley ’51 Eugene R. Klim ’57 Richard J. Krisinski ’58 James J. Lawlor ’65 James H. Lyons ’54

Bernard P. Malone, Esq. ’60 Thomas E. Manley ’61 Richard A. Markowski ’56 Louis J. Martine ’55 Patrick C. McConnell ’52 Michael M. McCormick ’55 Robert P. McGovern ’81 Edwin L. McGovern ’54 William E. McHugh ’51 Donald R. McKenna ’55 Kevin D. Mehling, Ph.D. ’55 Francis X. Miles ’55 Edwin G. Murphy ’54 John M. Ninonuevo ’55 James F. O’Toole ’67 Ralph W. Passage ’55 Robert J. Perrine ’55

Joseph F. Piserchia ’57 Stanley J. Rabuczewski ’37 Caesar Ricciardelli ’42 Robert F. Ryan ’59 Robert J. Sawicki, D.O. ’72 Woolsey E. Serven ’55 William R. Singer ’65 Ferdinand M. Snyder ’37 Martin O. Teevan ’64 Robert J. Tuohy ’71 Thomas J. Walsh, Sr. ’47, H ’67 Henry O. Wefing, Jr. ’62 Wilbur E. Wright ’55 Jeffrey G. Zwipf ’65

Saint Peter’s University

31

AD

Finem

#JesuitEducated Alumni of Jesuit colleges and universities share a powerful connection. During Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States, thousands of graduates participated in a media campaign exploring the meaning of #JesuitEducated. Outside the TODAY Show in New York, in news broadcasts throughout the region and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, students, alumni, faculty and administrators of Saint Peter’s University reflected on the momentous event.

“I love to help people. That’s part of cura personalis, which I got out of a Jesuit education—to make the most of your profession, and do everything that you can do within your profession.”

— Robert G. Lahita, M.D., Ph.D. ’67

“The spirituality of Saint Ignatius Loyola includes a strong sense of being available to the whole world.

We’re trained to be open to different ideas and to respect and honor other people, even those who think very differently than we do.”

“As an alumna of the University, I feel that I belong to something bigger than the small world in which I work and live.”

— Carmel Galasso ’79

— Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., professor of modern and classical languages, in The Record and northjersey.com

32

Fall 2015

Nearly 350,000 people saw the #JesuitEducated banner that welcomed the Pope to Philadelphia at the 30th Street Train Station. Saint Peter’s was among 28 schools that participated in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) campaign.

This is AMAZING! We LOVE seeing #JesuitEducated students from @saintpetersuniv in NYC on @TODAYshow!

— AJCU @jesuitcolleges

“Jesuit education and Catholic social teaching calls us to be agents of change for society and the world, and this calling is what attracted me to Saint Peter’s University. Here on the frontiers of urban society, we educate first generation students from incredibly diverse backgrounds to go forth and change the world.”

— Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University

Unrestricted Possibilities

At Saint Peter’s University, our mission calls on us to shape young adults who excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice. Our graduates aren’t just prepared for their careers, they are educated to be leaders in their communities and their industries. Your gift to The Saint Peter Fund makes it possible.

With your continued unrestricted support, there are endless possibilities to what we can achieve at Saint Peter’s.

Invest in our students with a gift to The Saint Peter Fund at saintpeters.edu/giving.

For more information, please contact Ana Cravo, director of annual giving, at (201) 761-6104 or acravo@saintpeters.edu.

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Friday, May 6, 2016 Mac Mahon Student Center Saint Peter’s University For more information, please contact Claudia Pope-Bayne, assistant director of alumni engagement, at (201) 761-6111 or cpopebayne@saintpeters.edu.