Saint Peter's University Winter 2014 Magazine

FALL 2013 WINTER 2014

Magazine

“Send Us More Saint Peter’s Teachers” The School of Education prepares students for today’s world

I NIS NISDIED:EM : “AlumniIn” A S T E R P L A NPrograms UNVEILED

Making Our Mark for Peace Inspired by activists/artists, and continuing a tradition of social justice through creative activism on campus, students were invited to create, as a community, a Praxis of Hope. With the help of artist Ericka Izdebski, students took to the parking lot at the Mac Mahon Student Center last November to tell stories of social and political hope and to manifest that hope in the form of vibrant, spontaneous drawings.

PRESIDENT’S

Message

Passion for life-long learning extends to all of our majors and concentrations.

Through the “AlumniIn” programs featured in this issue, professionals in law, finance, healthcare and, soon, education are networking with their fellow Saint Peter’s alumni while pursuing professional certifications and interacting with industry leaders.

“The seeds planted so faithfully in Jersey City are taking firm root in classrooms throughout New Jersey and beyond.”

A Passion for Learning

We also believe strongly in education

As educators, we at Saint Peter’s Univer-

beyond the classroom, as evidenced

sity find great joy in the success of all

at the 42nd Annual Regents Business

of our students and alumni. We believe

Symposium, where renowned thought

that our graduates go on to seek magis;

leaders from the world of marketing

that they leave these halls enthused with

shared best practices with hundreds of

the desire to do more for Christ and for

business professionals, including current

others. For this reason, seeing our School

students and distinguished alumni.

of Education alumni carry our passion

Our cover features a request heard

for life-long learning to a new generation

from a number of school administrators:

of students fills us with a unique sense

“Send us more Saint Peter’s teachers.”

of accomplishment.

Over the course of 56 years, Saint

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Saint Peter’s University and the School of

Peter’s has prepared thousands of

Education, it gives me great pride to say,

students to carry the torch of scholar-

“They’re on the way.”

ship into careers as teachers and school administrators. In fact, more than 4,500 Saint Peter’s alumni have majored in education, earned graduate degrees in education, or followed their hearts into education careers.

Our early adoption of the New Jersey

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. President

Alternate Route Program in 1985 has enabled an additional 3,500 college graduates to become certified teachers. Clearly, the seeds planted so faithfully in Jersey City are taking firm root in classrooms throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Saint Peter’s University

1

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: Saint Peter’s School of Education graduates are shaping young minds throughout New Jersey and beyond.

FEATURES

CONNECT

10. Aligning Your Brand: 42nd Annual Regents Business Symposium 12. Cover Story: Teaching Teachers 16. Here Comes the Common Core 18. Enduring Connections: “AlumniIn” Groups 20. Raising its Hand: Local Law Firm Makes Leadership Gift to Students at the Center

DEPARTMENTS 3.

22.

24.

26.

32.

University News Donors Who Make a Difference Peacock U Class News and Notes Ad Finem

ADMINISTRATION Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. President Marylou Yam, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 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

2

Winter 2014

Michael A. Fazio, M.B.A. Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jeffrey Handler, M.A. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. Special Assistant to the President Denton Stargel Vice President for Finance and Business

WINTER 2014 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY Volume 33, Number 2 Editor Sarah Malinowski Ferrary Director of University Communications Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group Contributors & Editorial Assistance Angeline Boyer Ana M. Cravo Daryl Levy

Leah Leto Cecilia Martinez Gloria Mercurio Photography Deborah Grosmark Michele Lacey Jerry McCrea Catherine Mernar Jeffrey Vock 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

Prayer and Provisions for the Philippines

The Saint Peter’s University community responded to an emergency on the other side of the world with prayer and an outpouring of support.

a candle procession led by Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., director of campus ministry.

Fr. Salazar, born and educated in the Philippines, still has family in the island nation. “As a man of faith and

When Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines

hope, my heart is guarded (but never exempt!) from the

(where it was called “Yolanda”) in early November 2013, it

darkness of despair,” he said. “Firm and constant prayer—

brought a storm surge of up to 17 feet and wind speeds of

and the offer and promise of prayer by members of the

nearly 200 miles per hour, making it the most powerful—

University community and brother Jesuits—provide

and the deadliest—typhoon on record. After days of lashing

substance to things hoped for, and the generous extension

winds and pounding water, government sources confirmed

of charity to me and to those I love.”

6,183 fatalities, with 1.9 million people left homeless and six million displaced.

Within days, the Saint Peter’s University community

In collaboration with Saint Peter’s Prep and St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church, The Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. Office of Campus Ministry helped collect 32 crates

responded with prayer and a generous outpouring of

of footwear, blankets, bed linens, towels and medicine,

support. On November 13, 2013, Rev. Lito Salazar, S.J., and

which were sent to the Philippines via the United Nations.

Saint Peter’s Asian American Student Union invited the

Campus ministry also collected monetary donations,

Saint Peter’s University community to celebrate a special

which were sent to Catholic Relief Services to aid their

Mass for the Philippines in Saint Peter Chapel, followed by

work in the Philippines.

Saint Peter’s University

3

UNIVERSITY

News

HISTORIC FIRST MEETING BETWEEN JESUIT SUPERIOR GENERAL AND U.S. COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Hundreds of Jersey City schoolchildren are learning valuable lessons in saving, spending and money management using resources and lessons developed by Neal Godfrey, an award-winning author of financial literacy books geared to children and adults.

Launched in January at Jersey City’s Public School #34 and Middle School #40, the five-month financial education program consists of activities and take-home materials for students in grades four through eight and their parents. The initiative is offered through the Saint Peter’s University Center for After School and Expanded Learning (CASEL) utilizing a grant from the PNC Bank Foundation. Elnardo J. Webster, Ed.D. ’69, a University trustee, was instrumental in securing the grant, which introduces effective money management to children at an early age and prepares them for realworld challenges.

University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Francis McGrail ’79, Rev. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus, and Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.

Rev. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus, met for the first time with all presidents and board of trustee chairs of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.

During this historic meeting at Loyola University Chicago on October 11, 2013, Fr. Nicolás shared his thoughts on how the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, can inspire leadership at today’s institutions of higher education.

Tracye McDaniel Inaugurates Conversations at the Cliffs Speaker Series Tracye McDaniel, founding president and chief

“In New Jersey, we have more scientists and

executive officer of Choose New Jersey, Inc., a

engineers per square mile than anywhere else

nonprofit organization founded to encourage

in the world,” said McDaniel. “That says we

economic growth throughout the state, was the

are competitive in STEM and that we have a

ideal speaker to help kick off the new Conversations

stronghold in that market. We have a workforce

at the Cliffs speaker series on October 2, 2013, at the

that can attract companies very quickly.”

Englewood Cliffs campus.

Conversations at the Cliffs was designed to help

The next Conversations at the Cliffs is scheduled for May 13.

nurture business relationships and networking opportunities near the Englewood Cliffs campus.

McDaniel was able to give attendees an in-depth look at the overall business environment in the state of New Jersey. McDaniel spoke about the many competitive advantages the state offers, such as its highly educated workforce, as well as its perfect location in close proximity to a huge consumer market with seaports and airports that provide unparalleled global access.

On the subject of education, she discussed the Building Our Future Bond Act, which authorized $750 million in state bonds to provide much-needed capital investments in New Jersey’s higher education institutions, as well as the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

4

Winter 2014

Englewood Cliffs Mayor Joseph Parisi Jr. and Tracye McDaniel, CEO of Choose New Jersey

MEET THE FIRST MS. WHEELCHAIR NEW JERSEY Saint Peter’s University M.P.A. Candidate Inaugurates State Pageant The Garden State has crowned its first Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey: elite athlete, NGO intern and current Saint Peter’s graduate student Maggie Redden ’15. A candidate for a Master of Public Administration degree, Redden took it upon herself to inaugurate the pageant in New Jersey, qualifying for Ms. Wheelchair America 2013, where she placed third runner up last July.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for women like myself to make a difference,” said Redden, who was born in India and contracted polio as a young child. Paralyzed from the waist down, this self-described fighter views unfortunate circumstances as blessings and opportunities. “They have opened many doors for me to go through,” she stated.

The Ms. Wheelchair America program began in 1973 to educate and advocate for the 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Redden, who was adopted at the age of two by Professor of Chemistry Patricia Ann Redden, Ph.D., is a highly accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the organization. A 2007 graduate of Penn State, she competed at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and worked as the community outreach coordinator for New Jersey Paralympic Sport Clubs.

In 2012, she returned to India for the first time and spent the better part of the year working at Shishur Sevay, a home for orphan girls with severe disabilities. The experience made Redden realize two things: she wanted a career in the nonprofit sector and needed an advanced degree to achieve that goal. The M.P.A. at Saint Peter’s was “a good fit” to accomplish both.

In addition to graduate classes, the pageant winner interns with the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (CSW), which works in consultation with the United Nations, and is helping to plan the CSW Forum 2014 in March. “I don’t think the awe of working with UN representatives has worn off yet,” she said.

With the help of a small volunteer board, Redden is also committed to launching a full-fledged statewide pageant this spring and passing the crown on to the next Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey. Competing in the national contest opened her eyes to the program’s enormous potential. “We are educating the public on issues pertaining to women who just happen to have a disability,” she said. “I thought it was important to give others in New Jersey an opportunity to succeed.”

The Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. Office of Campus Ministry dedication

CHALLENGE GOAL SURPASSED It’s official. Nine months after Saint Peter’s University announced a fundraising challenge to memorialize Rev. Joseph A. Kelly, S.J., a campus minister for more than 20 years, the new office for campus ministry was blessed in the beloved Jesuit’s memory.

On December 7, 2013, 60 alumni, friends and family members gathered on the first floor of the Mac Mahon Student Center for the dedication of The Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. Office of Campus Ministry. The naming of the space was sparked by “The Kelly Challenge,” which included a lead gift of $200,000 from Trustee Joseph Gromek ’68 and raised nearly $1 million— double the targeted goal—in gifts, pledges and bequest intentions.

Saint Peter’s graduate student and Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey 2013 Maggie Redden ’15

Saint Peter’s University

5

UNIVERSITY

News

Move Gives WSPR Cause to Shout “Voice of Saint Peter’s University” now has a state-of-the-art studio

PIZZA & POLITICS The Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership has hosted many large-scale lectures and symposia at the University, but these events often didn’t give students the opportunity to join in the dialogue.

The Institute is now hosting smaller gatherings called “Pizza & Politics,” which enable the campus community to listen to guest speakers and discuss important political issues in a relaxed setting.

Upcoming Pizza & Politics guests include Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano Jr. ’77, Michael Soliman ’01, managing director of Mercury Public Affairs and former state director for Senator Robert Menendez ’76, and Maria Nieves, president and CEO, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. For further information, visit saintpeters.edu/ guarini-institute.

WSPR Radio, “the voice of Saint

as hosts, copywriters, producers,

Peter’s University,” has moved to

newscasters, sportscasters, editors,

a professional new studio on the

managers, program developers and

fourth floor of the Mac Mahon

directors. Other positions, including

Student Center.

sales, will be developed in the

“The facility has all the requisite equipment, soundproof interior

coming months.

WSPR held a ribbon-cutting for the studio on November 20, 2013,

commercial facilities in major

and commemorated the day with

markets,” said Adjunct Professor

a special on-air guest: former

of Communication and General

ESPN anchor and radio host Mike

of options, including running iPod

Manager for WSPR Joseph J.

Yam calling in from the West

playlists, conducting interviews

Lamachia. WSPR Radio currently

Coast to discuss his job as studio

via cellphone and more.

provides more than two dozen

host for the PAC-12 conference.

“This space is tremendous!”

different programs weekly, with more than 30 students taking part

New studio equipment gives

said Ricardo De Jesus ’14,

WSPR hosts an expanded range

secretary for WSPR Radio.

Sparking Urban Revitalization Ignite Institute hosts inaugural event Ignite Institute, Saint Peter’s newest Center of

Small Business Owners to Help Them Find Money,”

Excellence, launched its first event on December 6,

featured an expert panel discussing concrete ways

2013 in The Duncan Family Sky Room at the

business owners can obtain financing for their com-

Mac Mahon Student Center. The Institute brings

panies, ideas, products and services.

together representatives from government, indus-

Winter 2014

“It was fantastic beyond belief,” Dr. Alorbi said of

try and higher education to discuss critical issues

the well-attended event, which was facilitated by the

related to economic growth and revitalization.

Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation and hosted

Assistant Professor of Business Administration

by Ignite, the Guarini Institute for Government and

Karl Alorbi, Ph.D., called Ignite a focal point for in-

Leadership and the Department of Business Admin-

formation, connections and solutions that help local

istration at Saint Peter’s. With the launch of Ignite,

economies grow. The inaugural program, “Funding

the University is becoming more integrated with the

Entrepreneurs: Resources for Entrepreneurs and

business community, which is good for students, Saint Peter’s and the local economy. “The idea is to work on urban renewal and entrepreneurship in a sustainable manner so businesses in this area can grow for a long, long time,” he said.

“The Ignite Institute is exactly what we are talking about when we speak of taking action,” said Alfa Demmellash H ’10, chief executive officer of Rising Tide Capital, when the initiative was announced at an economic summit at Hudson County Community College in November 2013. “We are thrilled to be working

The Ignite panel discusses issues related to economic growth and revitalization.

6

Marylou Yam, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, sits at the control desk surrounded by the students of WSPR.

and furnishings comparable to

on this initiative with Saint Peter’s University, and we are excited that our combined efforts will make this endeavor bigger and better.”

IN THE CLASSROOM Game theory is logically demanding, but employing it in the classroom can lead to insights on how people, organizations or nations

“This is where the decision-makers are.

This is where the power players are.” So begins a video celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Saint Peter’s University M.B.A. program.

The video showcases Jersey City as a dynamic center of commerce and features banking executive Titus Pierce ’12.

Established in 1988, the Saint Peter’s M.B.A. has adapted with the changing and complex business environment and now includes specializations in finance, healthcare administration, human resources management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing and risk management.

Classes are offered on the Jersey City campus and in Englewood Cliffs.

To view the video, visit www.saintpeters. edu/mbavideo.

decide to cooperate or compete. “Usually, I have students pick a current events topic and use game theory as a way to model the situation and make some predications,” Dr. Hopkins continued.

“Six months or a year later, they can go back and see if the predictions made sense.”

Dr. Hopkins has been a member of the Saint

Brian Hopkins, Ph.D., introduces game theory in his undergraduate classes.

Peter’s faculty since 2001 and recently became

Saint Peter’s Students Use Game Theory to

research involves the structure of symmetric

Predict Global Conflict Outcomes

2 x 2 games such as Prisoner’s Dilemma, Stag and

China calls them the Diaoyu Islands. To Japan,

Hare, and Chicken. His passion for the subject is

the chain of uninhabited islands in the East

contagious; during his tenure, approximately 30

China Sea are the Senkaku Islands. For decades,

undergraduates have conducted original research

Asia’s two largest powers have been locked in a

with him and several students devoted their

territorial dispute that has ignited nationalistic

honors theses to game theory.

passions and tense relations.

editor of the College Mathematics Journal. His own

Samik Adhikari ’11 examined the dynamic

The conflict is ripe for game theory, an

aspect of game theory in his honors thesis by

area of expertise Professor of Mathematics

applying Brams’ Theory of Moves to standoffs

Brian Hopkins, Ph.D., has introduced to

such as the East China Sea conflict and the

undergraduates in classes such as “Mathematical

Greek debt crisis. Studying game theory with Dr.

Modeling” and “Topics in Applied Mathematics.”

Hopkins was among his most interesting and

“Game theory is the mathematical study of how decision-makers interact,” explained Dr.

challenging courses at Saint Peter’s, he said.

Has he used game theory outside of the

Hopkins. Developed in the 1940s, it was initially

classroom? “Absolutely,” he replied. “I think

used to understand economic behavior and

the whole definition of game theory is that it

became more widespread as scholars applied

helps you make strategic choices no matter

it to the scientific study of decision-making in

what kind of situations you face.” After Adhikari

biology, social sciences and international politics.

completed his bachelor’s in mathematics and

“One of the first times game theory was

economics at Saint Peter’s, he spent two years

thought of in a political context was the Cuban

in India as a research assistant with the Centre

Missile Crisis. The United States, Cuba and

for Micro Finance. He is now studying policy

Russia were playing a game of Chicken. In

and international development at the Kennedy

retrospect, it’s not clear that anyone in power

School of Government at Harvard University

was thinking about it that way,” said Dr. Hopkins,

and also taking a graduate level course in

who also teaches a graduate course in the

game theory.

“It helps you think about next steps in general,” Adhikari said. “It’s helped me a lot in real life as well—it’s made me a more rational and logical person.”

Department of Politics at New York University.

“But game theory was still very, very new. Now it’s more accepted and more people are aware of it and use it as a tool.”

Saint Peter’s University

7

UNIVERSITY

News

FACULTY NOTEBOOK

NEW M.S. IN DATA SCIENCE In order to meet the growing demand for data scientists, Saint Peter’s University has developed a Master of Science in Data Science with a concentration in Business Analytics program. Scheduled to start in the fall, the program will integrate courses in analytics, computer science and business intelligence to prepare graduates for careers as predictive modelers, data mining engineers and analysts in data-driven industries such as marketing, finance, banking, healthcare and other relevant fields.

The program was developed by computer science engineers to align with best practices in Big Data concepts utilized by industry leaders such as Oracle Corporation, the premier database company in the world.

The 12-course/36-credit program is designed for full-time students interested in pursuing careers in industry-specific analytical fields.

For more information, visit www.saintpeters.edu/ datascience.

8

Fall 2013

PARSE WORKSHOP SHAKES THINGS UP Sophisticated scientific equipment does not have to break the bank. In fact, at the PARSE Workshop last October, science teachers from across New Jersey built their own fully-functional seismometers for around $300 in parts.

William Gutsch, Ph.D. ’67, distinguished professor of the College of Arts and Sciences, described the simple, but effective device as “a slinky toy in a tube, hooked up to a magnet.” When the earth trembles, the coil and the magnet move, creating an electric charge. “It’s a fairly simple device,” he said, “and yet the beauty is, it works.” Indeed, these hand-made monitors are sensitive enough to register a magnitude five quake on the other side of the world.

“This was an attempt to take an inexpensive instrument and put it into the hands of high school teachers and their students in northern New Jersey. It’s that simple and that wonderful,” added Dr. Gutsch. “Real scientific instrumentation for not a lot of money.”

PARSE, which stands for Practical Application of Research in Science Education, was founded in 2008 to develop the next generation of scientists and technologists.

The PARSE Institute offers science teachers in Hudson County the opportunity to perform scientific research and incorporate experimental findings into their curriculum.

The two-part PARSE workshop was organized by Dr. Gutsch and Debing Zeng, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics. Ted Channel, an instrument technician from Boise William Gutsch, Ph.D. ’67

State University, and Patrick McQuillan, education and outreach specialist from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, helped run the sessions.

Marylou Yam, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs

SAINT PETER’S PRESENTS PAPER AT HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Marylou Yam, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education Jennifer Ayala, Ph.D., and Professor of Sociology and Director of the Title V Program David S. Surrey, Ph.D., presented a paper, “Strengthening the Achievement Gap: A 306 Percent Participant Action Report,” at the 27th Annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) meeting in Chicago in October 2013.

The paper, co-written with student Valezka Cruz ’14, highlighted many of the activities of the $2.8 million Title V grant, which is used to assist students from ninth grade through

Professor of Sociology David Surrey, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Education Jennifer Ayala, Ph.D.

college graduation. Also discussed were assessment measures and the planning process. The goal of the HACU annual conference is to provide an opportunity to discuss the latest trends, model programs, research and cutting edge issues of importance to the Hispanic higher education community.

SAINT PETER’S PARTICIPATES IN MARKETING EDGE STUDENT CAREER FORUM Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., assistant professor of business administration, and 25 Saint Peter’s business students attended the New York City Marketing EDGE Career Forum on November 1, 2013. They heard from guest speakers including Mark Fine, director of digital marketing for the New York Mets.

Students were also given the opportunity to build their professional network and get tips from career specialists about resumes, job search, interviewing and more.

Saint Peter’s students at the New York City Marketing EDGE Career Forum last November

MATHEMATICS PROFESSOR ELECTED TO THE FARA Katherine Safford-Ramus, Ed.D., professor of mathematics, was elected Division I representative of the National Collegiate Athletics Association Faculty Athletics Representative Ramus Associate (FARA).

Dr. Safford-Ramus has been Saint Peter’s faculty athletics representative for eight years, and has been a member of the mathematics faculty since 1996.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT Saint Peter’s University is a participating institution in Montclair State University’s grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative for Networking and Engaging in Computer Science and Information Technology Program.

The goals of the grant include supporting students through graduate study in computer science and enhancing collaboration among northern New Jersey higher education institutions that offer computer science degree programs. Along with Montclair State, Saint Peter’s will be working alongside other institutions such as Seton Hall University to achieve these goals.

(L to R): Cassandra Demosthenes ’14, Afsha Gouse ’14, Bernadette Sylla ’14 and Natia Molineros ’14.

TRIBETA RESEARCH GRANTS Five Saint Peter’s students have been awarded research grants from Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta), the National Biological Honor Society, for four separate studies.

Professor of Biology Laura Twersky, Ph.D., Professor of Biology E. Regina Giuliani, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Biology Jill E. Callahan, Ph.D., serve as research advisors and collaborators. The research will be conducted during this academic year.

“The undergraduate research experience is invaluable in preparing students for their future scientific careers,” said Dr. Twersky. “We are very proud of them.”

Cassandra Demosthenes ’14 and Munazza Rafique ’14; research advisor/collaborator: Dr. L. Twersky The effects of curcumin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on neurulation and brain development in Xenopus laevis (clawed frog) Afsha Gouse ’14; research advisors/collaborators: Dr. L. Twersky and Dr. R. Giuliani Effects of erythropoietin on reciprocal inductive effects in eye development of Xenopus laevis (clawed frog) Bernadette Sylla ’14; research advisors/ collaborators: Dr. R. Giuliani and Dr. L. Twersky The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on Xenopus laevis neurodevelopment Natia Molineros ’14; research advisor: Dr. J. Callahan The antiplaque analysis of green tea and soursop and examination of synergistic effects with cinnamic and caffeic acids on Streptococcus mutans

Saint Peter’s University

9

Former NFL commissioner discusses marketing best practices at the 42nd Annual Regents Business Symposium

Aligning Your Brand

The NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee recognized this year’s Symposium by supporting it as a regional event leading up to the Big Game!

10

Winter 2014

REGENTS

Business Symposium

Months before the hordes descended upon East Rutherford, N.J., for the National Football League championship game, hundreds of attendees at the 42nd Annual Regents Business Symposium got to hear, first-hand, how the Host Committee selected New Jersey for this year’s biggest game.

The Symposium is one of New Jersey’s longest-running forums designed to inspire and educate professionals of all industries regarding business trends, challenges and best practices. Paul Tagliabue H ’05, former commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) and member of the board of directors of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee, served as the spotlight speaker. Presenting Sponsor Patton Boggs, Executive Sponsor United Way of Hudson County and more than 20 other generous sponsors made the November 8, 2013, event possible.

The Symposium theme, inspired by the imminence of the sports mega-event, was Brand Alignment: A Powerful Marketing Tool. Esteemed speakers examined the value of strategic and creative alignments that can serve to bolster one’s brand, whether the organization is a start-up, nonprofit, small business or established company.

For the first time in over a decade, the Symposium was held on the Saint Peter’s University Jersey City campus; The Duncan Family Sky Room in the Mac Mahon Student Center was filled with hundreds of business professionals from across the tri-state area. Louis Ruvolo M.B.A. ’80, ’08, director of graduate business programs at Saint Peter’s, served as moderator.

In addition to Tagliabue, guests heard from a panel of well-regarded marketing experts including Porter Gale, former vice president of marketing for Virgin Atlantic; Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN; and Steve Stoute, marketing and branding guru and chief executive officer of Translation LLC. The panel provided valuable recommendations for established business leaders, as well as students and recent graduates. “Individuals also have a brand to manage and, when it comes to students, you should manage your brand as you would manage a business,” said Gale.

Stoute took the advice a step further. “Online behavior is like a tattoo for life,” he said. “You have to make sure your backyard is clean!”

Taking questions from the audience, Tagliabue discussed his personal role in the discussions that brought the Super Bowl to New Jersey, as well as his experience in establishing the big game as not only the “most exciting event in America,” but as an official “mid-winter holiday.”

Clockwise from top left: The skyline is the backdrop for Louis Ruvolo M.B.A. ’80, ’08, Porter Gale, former vice president of marketing for Virgin Atlantic, Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue H ’05, Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., Steve Stoute, chief executive officer of Translation LLC and Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN; Bill Cozine ’60; Paul Tagliabue H ’05; applause for the speakers; Paul Tagliabue H ’05 and Louis Ruvolo M.B.A. ’80, ’08; the crowd in The Duncan Family Sky Room; Porter Gale; Bill Rasmussen; and Steve Stoute

Saint Peter’s University

11

1958 Saint Peter’s College establishes a full-time undergraduate education program. Patrick J. Caulfield, Ed.D. ’47 becomes the program’s first director and serves for 30 years.

1966 One hundred women begin full-time undergraduate studies in the Day Session at Saint Peter’s, resulting in a greater number of graduates entering the field of elementary education.

1979

The graduate program in education is established by Dr. Caulfield with the support of Saint Peter’s President Rev. Edward Glynn, S.J. The initial focus of the program, administration supervision, propels in-service teachers to positions of educational leadership.

1985

Saint Peter’s launches the Alternate Route Program for college graduates to become certified teachers. To date, the program has awarded certification to more than 3,500 individuals.

2005

Graduate program in education enrollment grows to 450 students, who pursue certifications and advanced degrees in Jersey City, Englewood Cliffs and satellite locations in South Amboy, Kearny and Garfield.

2009

The School of Education is established to enhance the presence and identity of the education program.

2010

New certification programs in school counseling and special education are added.

Pictured in these spreads: classroom scenes from Primary Prep in Jersey City, where an estimated 80 Saint Peter’s students have completed their student teaching.

12

Winter 2014

EACHING TEACHERS

TIMELINE

COVER

Story

W

hen Professor Emeritus Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61

observed School of Education students at their assigned schools last fall, principals came looking for him. “I had four student teachers in four different schools, and four principals all came to me and said, ‘Send us more Saint Peter’s students. We’d love to have them.’”

Beginning as a small undergraduate program in the late 1950s and growing to a master’s and doctoral degree granting School of Education that enrolls 475 graduate and undergraduate students, today Saint Peter’s is recognized for preparing highly motivated educators with an instinct to lead.

A Teacher to Other Teachers For many alumni in education, the face of the program has long been Patrick J. Caulfield, Ed.D. ’47. Known simply as “Doc” to his students and colleagues, he lobbied hard for the full-time education program that Saint Peter’s launched in 1958. Until then, the program had been a oneman operation, small, but highly effective.

“I don’t think any students were better prepared for a career in teaching than we were,” said Joseph Ellis, Ed.D. ’59, one of the program’s early graduates. Dr. Ellis began his career teaching English in Hackensack, N.J., became English

The proof is in our graduates.

For 56 years, Saint Peter’s University has prepared thousands of students with the knowledge, experience and desire to improve teaching and learning in New Jersey classrooms and beyond.

department chair of the School District of South Orange and Maplewood, N.J., then assistant principal and principal of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut. Now retired after more than 40 years in the field, he remembers his former professor fondly. “He exhibited a love of teaching and was a teacher in every sense of the word. Over the years, a lot of people made an impression on me, but Pat Caulfield gave me my start.”

Dr. Caulfield passed away in 2002, but he set a standard that lives on today. “One of the things that always attracts people to the School of Education is that we try to find a way to help them achieve what they are trying to achieve,” said Dr. Harty. “Doc never said, ‘Do this.’ We saw the way he helped so many students enter teaching careers and continued it.” The introduction of graduate education in 1979, also initiated by Dr. Caulfield, marked a major turning point.

“We started with the administration supervision program,” said James P. Jacobson, M.A. ’86, former chair of the education program. “It enabled students who went through our program to come back part-time into the graduate program and they worked their way up to vice principal, principal and superintendent.” This bolstered the education program even further.

“We could reach out to people who knew our program and were in a position to hire our graduates.”

Graduate programs in the School of Education now include six master’s degree programs in educational leadership, reading, school counseling, teaching, special education with a specialization in applied behavior analysis and special

Saint Peter’s University

13

education with a specialization in literacy; seven certifications and two doctoral degree programs in educational leadership (K–12) and higher education. Saint Peter’s was also an early innovator of the State of New Jersey’s Alternate Route program, a non-traditional program that has helped an estimated 3,500 college graduates obtain teaching certification. Teacher programs at Saint Peter’s are nationally accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

Pre-service training is a core component of each program. “Our Future, Our Teachers” (2011), a national plan for teacher education reform and improvement by the Obama administration and United States Department of Education, cites the need for rigorous clinical experience. According to the plan, only 50 percent of current teaching candidates receive supervised clinical training and 62 percent of new teachers report feeling “unprepared for classroom realities.”

“Real-world experience is an integral part of Saint Peter’s, and our graduates are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of 21st century classrooms,” said Joseph V. Doria Jr. Ed.D. ’68, dean of the School of Education. Further rigor is cited in the School of Education’s “Assessment Plan for Teaching Programs (Graduate and Undergraduate),” which points to a recent state law that requires the evaluation of new teacher candidates by mentor teachers, vice principals and principals before being granted permanent certification.

Since the state began requiring this pre-certification “induction” year, 100 percent of Saint Peter’s graduates have been granted permanent certification.

“...we were taught to give back to the community. You yearn to be in a leadership role to ensure that the mission is achieved.”

4,500

Alumni who either majored in education, earned a graduate degree in education or are working in education.

Inspired to Lead While the expansion of certificate and degree programs provided the credentials students needed to enter the field, Jesuit ideals and values molded graduates into teachers and effective leaders. “It was the sum of the Saint Peter’s experience,” said Dr. Ellis. “The Jesuits really stressed the idea of going beyond where you are now and becoming a better person through education.

14

Winter 2014

COVER

Story

The expectation was that you would go beyond

management and earned his teaching certification

classroom teaching to have a greater effect on teachers

after graduating from Saint Peter’s, saw school

and students.”

administration as an opportunity to do the most good.

“I loved the Jesuit atmosphere and the can-do atti-

TIMELINE 2010

A former special education and business education

tude of the faculty,” said James Albro, M.A. ’00, the newly

teacher at Hackensack High School, he rose from vice

appointed superintendent of schools in Wallington,

principal to principal and the dual position of principal/

N.J. Albro chose the Alternate Teaching Route at Saint

superintendent in various districts.

Peter’s for its convenience and returned for a master’s

In 2012, the Roxbury Board of Education appointed

program that was uniquely tailored to his needs and

Dr. Tierney superintendent. He oversees 3,900 students,

goals. “It struck me as a place where students count,” he

500 employees, seven school buildings and a budget

explained. “The cura personalis is profound.”

of more than $65 million. “It’s a multi-faceted job,” he

Currently, there are more than 4,500 Saint Peter’s

and concerns of students, teachers and administrators.

graduate degree in education or work in education

I draw on all aspects of my education, even going to

today. Their contributions are sizeable.

school in Jersey City. You’re exposed to diversity and are

Union City High School, for instance, is gaining national attention at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, due, in large part, to the work of Science Supervisor Nadia Makar ’69. In their respective roles as assistant superintendent of Hudson County Schools of Technology and principal of the highly ranked High Tech High School, Joseph Sirangelo, Ed.D. ’71 and Joseph Giammarella, Ed.D. ’71 have turned their schools into showcases for innovation and success.

A number of graduates are playing vital roles in perpetuating Jesuit and Catholic education. Jordan Roldan, M.A. ’11 is a guidance counselor at Boston College High School; Brian McCabe ’97 serves as dean of faculty at Xavier High School in New York; and Loyola Blakefield recently named Anthony I. Day ’92 its first lay president (see Peacock Profile on page 27).

2,600

Alumni working in or retired from the field of education.

2012

New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education awards certificate of excellence in teacher education to Saint Peter’s University.

said. “My role is to be a facilitator, to listen to the needs

alumni who either majored in education, earned a

able to look at things from a whole different perspective.”

Three for Three “Just great!” is how Primary Prep Principal Maureen she meets. Hoffman estimates that 80 Saint Peter’s students have completed their pre-service training at the Jersey City elementary school, and 10 University alumni are employed as faculty members. “Saint Peter’s students are warm, caring and very open to any kind of suggestion that is going to make them a better teacher,” she said.

Among the school’s newest teachers is Maria Suazo ’13, an elementary education and Spanish major who student-taught at Primary Prep last fall. “Student teaching went really well for me,” said Suazo, who has since been hired to teach Spanish. Suazo’s classmates,

3,500

College graduates who have received teaching certification through Saint Peter’s Alternate Route program.

Doing the Most Good

Samantha Ellis ’13 and Gianna Cafaro ’13, also parlayed

Saint Peter’s alumni in education bring distinctive gifts

their student teaching assignments into entry-level

to their schools, whether public, private or faith-based.

teaching positions. All three say they are well prepared

“From the Jesuit perspective, we were taught to give

for the challenges that lie ahead. “Teacher assessment is definitely getting harder, but I’m optimistic,” Suazo

of Schools Patrick Tierney, Ed.D. ’94. “You yearn to

said. “I’m going to do what I have studied and what

be in a leadership role to ensure that the mission

I’ve been prepared to do at Saint Peter’s: teach kids

is achieved.” Dr. Tierney, who majored in business

what they need to know to the best of my ability.”

A second doctoral program, a concentration in higher education, is introduced.

2013

Hoffman describes the Saint Peter’s student teachers

back to the community,” said Roxbury Superintendent

The School of Education introduces a doctoral program in education leadership to prepare educators to implement strategies to improve teaching and learning.

Renovations begin on Dinneen Hall, the new home for the School of Education and the School of Business. When completed in 2014, the School of Education will have a state-of-the-art facility for teaching, learning and collaboration.

2014

Saint Peter’s will soon launch its fourth networking group, Alumni in Education. The group will provide a forum for educators to meet fellow professionals, share best practices and reconnect with their alma mater. Contact Claudia Pope-Bayne at cpopebayne@saintpeters. edu for more information.

Joseph Cirillo ’96, ’04, ’14, superintendent of schools, Palisades Park School District, is the first doctoral student to complete the University’s Ed.D. Program and successfully defend his dissertation within the School of Education.

This rigorous 54-credit program and dissertation defense was completed in 3 1/2 years.

Saint Peter’s University

15

10 MINUTES

with...

Schools are getting ready for some big changes next fall. Forty-five states, including New Jersey, have adopted the Common Core State Standards.

This nationwide initiative to establish consistent academic benchmarks and standards has sparked great debate among parents, educators and community members. School of Education faculty members James “Jake” Jacobson, M.A. ’86, Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61 and Nicole Luongo, Ed.D., weigh in on the Common Core and what it may mean for students, teachers and New Jersey schools.

What is the rationale for New Jersey adopting the Common Core?

Jake Jacobson: You have to go back a little way. We’ve had what were called the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content standards. Those were developed over the last 10 to 12 years in all subjects. A lot of the states had their own standards.

Nicole Luongo: In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act came into play and that law established standards for each state as well as assessments. Before that time, there really wasn’t a standard to say ‘At the end of

Here Comes the Common Core 16

Winter 2014

fourth grade, this is what every child should be able to do.’ So I think that was the reason behind having any sort of standards.

JJ: The state is ultimately responsible for the school systems. They allow individual towns to run the schools, unless they mess it up. Then the state will come in and take over. Basically, name a big urban school district in New Jersey, and the state is there…

Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Camden. The idea with adopting standards is that if we are all teaching the same thing, it will help the lower achieving schools catch up.

Not every subject will go to the Common Core, though. In New Jersey, schools will still use the Core Curriculum Content standards for things other than reading or math. So for social studies, it’s not Common Core, it’s New Jersey Core Curriculum.

Will that mean more or less of a change for day-to-day teaching and learning in classrooms?

Harry Harty: Some of the new standards for the Common Core are not as specific as the New Jersey Core Curriculum standards. But they still do the same basic things. For example, look at one of the reading standards, ‘Be able to read and interpret a passage’ or ‘Analyze two different passages and compare them.’

We’ve been doing that forever. That’s what you do when you teach reading.

NL: I know a lot of teachers are what we call, ‘teaching to the test,’ yet teachers know where they need to go.

They know there is a set of criteria and assessments that students have to get to. How you get there is where you get your skilled educator. That’s where you are able to be creative, that’s where you’re able to implement different teaching and learning strategies. And it’s kind of exciting. Do I think it will completely change the way teachers teach in the classroom? I hope not. It may, because teachers will be nervous about meeting the standards and all of the pressures that come along with

Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61, Nicole Luongo, Ed.D. and James Jacobson, M.A. ’86 Is there a better way to measure learning outcomes?

JJ: I think there is a place for the testing. I don’t think there should be so much of it, or as much of an emphasis on it. I don’t know that we have figured out accurately enough to gauge how effective a teacher is by the scores that students attain on a test. But I don’t mind testing three or four days out of the year.

that. But I’m hoping it doesn’t.

HH: When you look back at our generation, the

There has been a lot of outcry from parents and teachers

school and the teachers drove everything. How do

that there is too much of a focus on standardized testing.

we know that? Because we never were tested the

Does that concern you?

way students are today. So maybe good things are

JJ: Yes, for the usual reasons that you read about. It’s

happening in schools, but the tests can’t show that.

putting a lot of pressure on the teachers and students.

They don’t show what the teachers are doing. The most

It’s taking away from teaching days. People feel we’re

important thing is to have students develop a positive

going to evaluate you as a teacher based on how well

attitude about learning, and the tests don’t necessarily

your students pass the test. A lot of people find fault

show that. And in some ways they may even destroy it.

with that because it’s not a really good evaluative tool for teachers.

HH: And it’s not just the amount of testing days. We spend a tremendous amount of time getting students in New Jersey ready for that specific test.

NL: When I used to test students, it wasn’t at the end of the year. I believe some of the tests are conducted in March—so is that really a test of the full grade level?

There are advantages, though. I think having a Common Core for the entire United States works in theory. As a teacher, you know that every child that leaves first grade has to be able to do X, Y and Z. If that child moves from New Jersey to Utah, their secondgrade teacher should be able to jump right in because the student was able to complete first-grade material.

You also will have a baseline when students move from district to district or state to state.

perception is that everyone worked really hard in

What is the role of Saint Peter’s University in preparing educators for more uniform standards and assessments?

JJ: Our role is really simple. Our students need to be aware of these standards. Let’s say I’m teaching a class on how to teach reading to young children. I’m making sure my students know all the Common Core standards for teaching reading, language arts and literacy, and they know how to teach them. So when they are out there working, they know how to develop a lesson plan based on those standards…

HH: …And when we go out to observe student teaching, they have to give us a formal lesson plan, and we evaluate their lesson plan, which has to include New Jersey Core Curriculum standards. So whatever students are teaching, they have to find the corresponding standard, where it appears and trace it down, so you see precisely what they are teaching.

continued on Page 28

Saint Peter’s University

17

ENDURING CONNECTIONS “AlumniIn” groups bring graduates back to the fold

“AlumniIn”

PROGRAMS

As of January 2014, more than 200 million people

Barclays Capital. “Everyone understands that

were registered with LinkedIn worldwide, and two

atmosphere.” Cutro forecasts steady growth for the

new members join every second. The top reasons for

group. “We learn from every event what we should

joining include finding a job and making business

be doing for the next one.”

The success of Alumni in Finance was followed

connections.

The Saint Peter’s University “AlumniIn” programs

by the launch of Alumni in Healthcare in Decem-

have given a rapidly growing number of Saint Peter’s

ber 2011. The group provides a forum for long-time

alumni an even richer incentive to “link in.” The Hon.

healthcare professionals to offer insights and discuss

Kevin G. Callahan, J.D. ’69 put it best when he said,

current industry challenges with recent alumni and

“These networks reconnect successful professionals

current students.

with the school they love, so their experience can

“I am impressed with the caliber of the industry

be made available to today’s students.” Callahan is a

leaders we bring in as speakers,” said Nikki Mederos

founding member of the Alumni in Law networking

’07, ’10, director of external affairs and patient

group host committee, which, along with Alumni in

relations at Palisades Medical Center. “I appreciate

Finance and Alumni in

the opportunity to

Healthcare, has recon-

learn from experts,

nected hundreds of

network, and keep

Saint Peter’s graduates

in touch with my

with the school that

alma mater.”

Alumni in Law,

shaped their lives and

the youngest of the

careers.

groups, was launched

The “AlumniIn” groups leverage the

in response to an

reach and ease of

insight from Judge

LinkedIn to provide

Callahan. When the

an opportunity for

former New Jersey

individuals to partici-

Superior Court judge

pate, learn, exchange

returned to teach at

ideas and explore new professional relationships while connecting and engaging with

NETWORKING 101 Saint Peter’s University asked Daniel Joyce ’79, principal with LPL Financial, what attendees should expect from their first networking event.

“It’s important to go into networking opportunities without any expectations, good or bad,” he advised. “This is a great way to develop and start building relationships.” He offered the following tips for honing your networking skills: 1: Stay open to people; talk about things that help you get to know each other better.

2: Ask for a business card. They won’t offer unless you ask.

3: Follow up; go out for coffee. Followup is of primary importance.

He added, “I always have a fantastic time at Saint Peter’s events. They always go first class and have a great group of people.”

From left: Alumni in Finance (AiF) Host Committee Member Andres Cifuentes ’04, University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., featured speaker Thomas Joyce, and AiF Host Committee members Robert Cutro ’75 and Thomas Jordan ’63

the University.

Saint Peter’s in 2012, he noticed how many accomplished lawyers and jurists call Saint Peter’s their alma mater

The first of the groups, Alumni in Finance, now

and proposed ways of reaching out and bringing

in its fourth year, has united nearly 400 Saint Peter’s

them back into the fold. The project began with a

University graduates and friends from all fields of

continuing legal education course, which is manda-

finance. Its most recent event, on December 4, 2013,

tory to practice in the state of New Jersey.

drew more than 100 alumni in the business and

“We opened that up to our alumni for free. It has

financial sector, as well as students interested in

now blossomed and we’re thinking of doing other

business management, to the Down Town Associa-

things with them. Honoring some alumni. Holding a

tion in New York. Guest speaker Thomas M. Joyce,

dinner. Bringing them in for tours. Helping them con-

former chairman and CEO of Knight Capital Group,

tinue the legal education that is so vital for all these

spoke about the securities industry market structure

attorneys,” said Judge Callahan. In a short period of

and how competition, regulation and technology are

time, Alumni in Law has successfully gathered more

impacting its financial design. He also discussed the

than 100 alumni and friends to continuing legal edu-

importance of ethics and strong management.

cation lectures and other events.

Venue is an important part of an Alumni in Fi-

Alumni of the University’s vaunted education pro-

nance event. “We keep it in Manhattan, in a finan-

gram will soon have an “In” of their own. See page 15

cial venue,” said founding host committee member

for news about the first meeting of the Saint Peter’s

Robert A. Cutro ’75, managing director (retired) of

University Alumni in Education group.

Saint Peter’s University

19

Raising its

Hand

Local Law Firm Makes Leadership Gift to Students at the Center

SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AT GENOVA BURNS GIANTOMASI WEBSTER ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW George Garcia, Esq. ’95, Eugene Paolino, Esq. ’69 and Frank Giantomasi, Esq. ’76

The support of contributors like Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster Attorneys-at-Law helps Saint Peter’s University maintain its commitment to the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis. The Newark-based firm, which employs eight alumni, recently made a commitment of $555,000 to the University, helping push Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University over the $60 million mark.

20

Winter 2014

Nicholas R. Amato, Esq. ’61 George L. Garcia, Esq. ’95 Frank J. Giantomasi, Esq. ’76 Patrick W. McGovern, Esq. ’76 Eugene T. Paolino, Esq. ’69 George L. Schneider, Esq. ’62 Kenneth J. Sheehan, Esq. ’94 David A. Tango, Esq. ’02

ADVANCEMENT

Partner Frank Giantomasi, Esq. ’76 addressed the firm’s

Eugene Paolino, Esq. ’69 is not only a partner at

ongoing support. “Saint Peter’s University is New Jer-

Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster, but also counsel to

sey’s only Jesuit university, and it stands for liberal arts

Saint Peter’s University. Reflecting on the University’s

education,” he said. Giantomasi appreciates the

recent growth, he said, “I am immensely proud of

real-world experience students receive at Saint Peter’s.

being part of the talented team assembled by President

He experienced it firsthand and now sees value in

Cornacchia that helped bring to reality the Mac Mahon

making that experience—and more—available to

Student Center.” He also addressed the progress and

students. “It’s a school that’s going to educate you in

changes that have occurred since his days as a student.

philosophy, in theology, in literature, and we see that the

“While I was a student at Saint Peter’s College, my

University is preparing people in the most well-rounded

concerns were simpler. Today, my concerns as general

fashion for a life experience. So that’s what we like.”

counsel extend to the entire Saint Peter’s community:

Although their tenures at the University span several

I now return to that community in a different capacity

decades and a wide range of individual experiences, the

and at a different stage, bringing a great deal of care,

alumni who work at the firm share a deep-seated com-

concern and commitment to a place that nourished me

monality in their outlook on education. “We believe in

when I was among the many in need.”

a liberal arts education at our firm and we live it every

Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs

day,” said Giantomasi. “We don’t believe in the training

Michael A. Fazio said, “The firm’s commitment is an

school model as being the best preparation for life and

inspiring example of corporate citizens in action. Frank,

what it encounters. So we’re very bullish on Saint

Gene, George and their colleagues saw the real, mean-

Peter’s, and, to that extent, we made the commitment to

ingful impact their gift would make. So they raised their

the contribution to include participating in the growth

hand and, as a result, our students and our University

and development of Saint Peter’s in the coming years.”

are now stronger.”

George Garcia, Esq. ’95 is an attorney at Genova Burns

Giantomasi also sees the simultaneous growth at

Giantomasi Webster. He appreciates working with indi-

Saint Peter’s University and in Jersey City as interwoven

viduals who believe in supporting Saint Peter’s Univer-

elements that reflect urban society-at-large. “The

sity, where he gained so much. “I’m a city kid with a

University is a wide-open campus that’s integrated

single mom who had four kids,” he said. “It’s absolutely

and part of urban American living and the urban

fantastic that I can give back and work with people who

American renaissance that we’re seeing,” he said.

are giving back to the University.”

“People are moving back to the cities, people want to be next to educational institutions, universities, hospitals and mass transportation, and that’s why Saint Peter’s is part of this whole resurgence in Jersey City. You can’t separate the two.”

Campaign North/Central JerseyProgress

Spring 2011

99%

$61,509,581

$62 Million

Campaign Priority Progress Student Center:

82%

$28,741,191

The Saint Peter Fund:

$16,374,083 Endowment:

$9,119,589

Academics:

$752,043

Athletics (Peacock Nation):

$1,227,984

Goal Reached

$12 Million

Goal Reached

$7.5 Million

96%

$5,293,891 Jesuit Mission & Identity:

$35 Million

75%

$5.5 Million $1 Million

Goal Reached

$1 Million

Saint Peter’s University

21

Profiles in Philanthropy

Coming Full Circle

Looking Ahead by Giving Back

Five years ago, Anthony Amato ’72 learned that his

Alumni can make a difference no matter how much—

goddaughter, Jamie Lisanti ’13, planned to enroll at Saint

or little—time has passed since they graduated.

Peter’s University. Jamie’s choice of colleges inspired the

Saugat Karki ’11 is proof of that. The recent graduate,

Bayonne native to reconnect with an institution that had

now a controller at Goldman Sachs, majored in eco-

played an integral role in his own life, helping shape him

nomics, with minors in mathematics and accounting.

as an adult.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for the

His curiosity about the present-day University led

education I received at Saint Peter’s and a generous

to a meeting with Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05, associate vice

Presidential Scholarship. Now it’s my turn to give back,”

president for advancement and external affairs. He was

he said. And give back he has, along with Goldman

taken on a tour of the modernized campus and learned

Sachs, through the company’s matching gift program.

about the University’s many new initiatives. This was

From his involvement in organizations including

followed by an introduction to Ann Tritak, Ed.D., R.N.,

Omicron Delta Epsilon, the Student Alumni Association

dean of nursing.

and the Leadership Education and Development Program,

After his encounter with Dr. Tritak, Amato said, “Everything was coming together for me.” The alumnus explained his desire to honor his late wife and

to his enjoyment of cultural experiences on- and offcampus, Karki maximized his time as a student.

“Being close to New York City was always exciting,“

her inspiring career as a neonatal intensive care nurse.

he said, and cites the class ‘Art in the City,’ taught by

“Throughout her nursing career, Joanne touched the

Professor of Fine Arts and Department Chair Jon D.

lives of hundreds of moms and dads and, as she referred

Boshart, Ph.D., as the perfect embodiment of the New

to them, all of ‘her babies,’” Amato said. “The Joanne

York City cultural experience. “Every week we went on

Amato Excellence in Clinical Nursing Award will once

an educational tour of a museum in the city. I would

again give my Joanne a chance to touch people’s lives

highly recommend his class.”

and remain part of the ongoing success stories in nursing at the University.”

Although his niece graduated last spring, Amato’s

Karki offered advice to current students: “When setting any kind of goal, be realistic in assessing your current abilities or situation, but always aim higher than

renewed relationship with Saint Peter’s University has

you think you can when assessing your potential to ac-

continued. “Since meeting the members of the current

complish something,” he advised. “You may be surprised

administration, I got a real feel for their commitment to

at how far you can go with a little bit of extra motiva-

a significant action plan,” he said. “I knew I wanted to be

tion, hard work and preparation.”

part of this. Saint Peter’s, its staff and the reach of the

Karki looks to the future not only for himself, but

alumni and supporters are, and will be, there for you.

for the University as well. “I hope that Saint Peter’s

That is one powerful, broad network to tap into.”

continues to reach new heights in its new path as a university, while striving to maintain the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis,” he said.

22

Winter 2014

DONORS WHO MAKE A

Difference

Local Education, Global Commitment

Gratitude with Pride

“I could be a student all my life. Saint Peter’s taught me

Katrina Sabater, M.D. ’00 and Patrick Annello, M.D. ’99

that,” said Vera Nazarian ’05, who attended Saint Peter’s

were both undergraduate students at Saint Peter’s

University’s Englewood Cliffs campus as a nontraditional

University with full scholarships and their eyes on

student. She had already completed college in her native

medical school. They met while working as tutors at

Argentina before moving to the United States, having

the Center for Advancement of Language and Learning.

three children and establishing her own business. When

After graduating from Saint Peter’s, Drs. Sabater and

she was ready to expand her horizons once more, she

Annello went on to the Stritch School of Medicine at

found what she was looking for at Saint Peter’s.

Loyola University Chicago. Later, they completed their

“Saint Peter’s broadened my view about the American

anesthesiology residencies together at New York

system of education,” she said. “I’m grateful for the way

Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan.

Saint Peter’s prepared me to go to graduate school.” After

They are married with three children.

graduating from the University, Nazarian went on to

Part of their history together also includes involve-

earn a master’s degree in human rights from Columbia

ment with the University’s recent developments. “The

University.

growth of this institution has been absolutely tremen-

Nazarian’s current endeavors span the globe. She is

dous,” said Dr. Annello. “I sat on the strategic planning

the founder of Iniciar for Global Action, an international

committee to help plan the next phases in student

foundation that supports interdisciplinary partnerships

housing and student life on campus.”

on the local, regional and global levels to promote reform

Dr. Sabater concurred. “The new campus and student

and sustainable development. Nazarian is of Armenian

center facilities are breathtaking,” she said. “It makes

descent and also serves as a delegate and advisor at the

me feel very proud to be an alumna.”

Armenian Mission, focusing on topics such as human rights and nuclear disarmament.

Nazarian said she gives back to the University to show

Dr. Sabater’s pride in the University is also the result of her experience as a student. She was able to customize her own minor. “I was a biology major and wanted to

her gratitude for the way Saint Peter’s contributed to her

minor in music,” she said. “I was able to design my own

current success. She requested that her gift be used for

curriculum with my faculty advisor. This is, I believe,

continuing education, specifically at the Englewood Cliffs

the most special aspect of Saint Peter’s. The education is

campus.

truly individual, and the support is there.”

A seasoned marathon runner, Nazarian is no stranger

The couple’s ties to Saint Peter’s have laid the

to perseverance. She understands the challenges of start-

groundwork for their choice of giving opportunity. Dr.

ing college at any point in life, and offered some wise

Annello credits the University and the late Rev. James

words for those who doubt their own abilities. “We need

N. Loughran, S.J., Ph.D., former University president, for

to learn. We need to keep our minds open, feed our soul,

his success. “Saint Peter’s and Fr. Loughran believed in

our hearts and our brain. Don’t be afraid of doing that.

me and took great interest in my dreams and goals. I

Educate yourself until the last breath in life.”

want to make sure that young adults have the same opportunities that I was given.”

Saint Peter’s University

23

All in the Family Kaycee DeVoogd ’17 and her father, Sebastiaan “Bas” DeVoogd ’97 24

Winter 2014

A legacy of competitive sportsmanship proves what they say about families that play together…

In 1995, Sebastiaan “Bas” DeVoogd ’97 made a big impression—in fact, a 7' impression. As the starting center on the Saint Peter’s men’s basketball team, he helped the Peacocks win that season’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship.

DeVoogd’s journey from the Netherlands to Saint Peter’s had been quite deliberate. While he was being recruited by colleges, he had two paramount considerations. “When I came to America, I wanted to be somewhere interesting and not in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “So the location definitely played a role for me to be at Saint Peter’s. But another factor for me was the size of the school. I wanted to go to a small school.” DeVoogd wanted to be in a place where he could make personal connections with his coaches as well as his professors.

DeVoogd played professional basketball in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands before returning with his family to the United States to settle in Edison, N.J. Eighteen years after playing basketball for Saint Peter’s College, DeVoogd accompanied his daughter, Kaycee DeVoogd ’17, to Accepted Students Day at Saint Peter’s University. He encountered several familiar faces. “Quite a few of my professors and other people who were there when I was there, are still there,” he said.

PEACOCK

U

The younger DeVoogd, who plays

MAAC championship as a way to

forward-center on the women’s

deepen her family’s legacy at the

basketball team, initially thought

University. “I really want to win

a rural college setting might be the

one, just so I can say I have one

way to go. But after learning more

with him,” she said. “It’s something

about Saint Peter’s University, she

I never thought I would think was

shifted the direction of her search.

cool, but the longer I’m here, it’s

“I knew I wanted to be close to

really cool to say, ‘My dad went

home,” she said. “And I love going to

here!’ It’s not a connection many

Hoboken.” Like her father, she also

people have.”

appreciates the personal nature of

From her hopes for a MAAC title,

being at a smaller school. “I like that

to her appreciation of the small

at this school, I’m not a number.” In

class size, to the close proximity to

fact, during her first semester at the

Hoboken, Manhattan and her New

University, she was in a class taught

Jersey hometown, DeVoogd spoke

by Joyce Henson, Ph.D., associate

about Saint Peter’s with enthusiasm

professor of business administra-

and energy. “Everyone really does

tion, who had also taught her father.

know everyone. It’s a little community,” she said.

“The campus looks so much better. The new student center is just beautiful, fabulous.”

DeVoogd’s pride in his daughter is undeniable. “Since I came from overseas and returned [to Europe] after graduation, I could never imagine my daughter returning to Saint Peter’s,” he said. “When I first visited Saint Peter’s, I was culture shocked.

These days, the senior DeVoogd

It was my first time in the United

finds himself on campus often,

States, and initially I questioned if

as he attends all of his daughter’s

Saint Peter’s was the right fit for me.

home games, and it’s an experience

However, the people made me feel at

he’s still getting used to. He said,

home and I think that has played a

“The campus looks so much better.

factor for Kaycee, as well.”

Even what they call ‘the old cafete-

The Family that Plays Together: Meet the Jimenez Siblings “Before coming to Saint Peter’s University, Peter told me that joining a team would change my college experience,” said Vera Jimenez ’17, “and he was absolutely right!”

“Peter” is Vera’s big brother, Peter Jimenez ’13, who swam for the Peacocks on an athletic scholarship.

Another brother, Paolo Jimenez ’15, currently competes in breaststroke/ freestyle for the University, while Vera manages the soccer team.

“When Paolo and I were on the swim team, we would travel to practice and meets together, while also offering each other advice on both athletics and academics.

Attending Saint Peter’s at the same time as my brother allowed me to form a relationship with him that I really cherish,” said Peter. “Now that I’ve graduated, I come back and watch my brother race. ” With differing interests and sports, Vera and Paolo assumed they would all go their separate ways. “Fortunately,” said Paolo, “Saint Peter’s had everything we were all looking for.”

ria’ is better than the cafeteria that we used to have. The new student center is just beautiful, fabulous. My wife said, ‘I used to drive up here to see you and it’s really weird to drive up here to see our daughter now.’”

DeVoogd is surprised and pleased to reconnect with his alma mater.

“The heart of Saint Peter’s, I don’t think that’s changed—the people are still the same. That’s still the reason why I enjoyed my four years there, and I enjoy coming back,” he said.

Kaycee DeVoogd, an international business major, keeps an eye on a

Batter’s Up! Peacock softball has welcomed a new head coach.

A former assistant coach at Adelphi University, Ken Passante enters the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) excited to work with the team and get the season going. Passante got his first example of Peacock loyalty and team spirit when he learned that the team had been running practices even before he was hired. “They were out there practicing on the field by themselves, trying to make things work,” he said. “I really couldn’t have been dealt a better hand.” Practices commenced on January 16, and the season kicked off at Coastal Carolina University on March 1.

Saint Peter’s University

25

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

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.

1952

1974

Richard P. Gallagher, Sr. and his wife, Marge, of Richmond, Va., celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on October 11, 2013.

John A. Anderson was elected councilman in New Brunswick, N.J. This was his first try at elected office after having been appointed to the New Brunswick Parking Authority.

1953 C. Richard Hollenbach and his wife, Lois, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 26, 2013. In recognition, they returned to their honeymoon location in the Poconos.

1956 Joseph L. Konzelman, D.D.S., has been named president of the Walter Reed Society, which was founded in 1996 to benefit the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and its educational, patient, treatment and research activities.

1958 Donald P. MacDonald, a 12-year Hospice of Michigan volunteer, was named the “Heart of Hospice” award winner by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. This is the highest award given by the organization, which has 130 member hospices across the state.

26

Winter 2014

1976 William F. Regan has joined Capstone Financial Group in Irvine, Calif., as chief operating officer.

Deborah K. Smarth is the author of America’s Lost Opportunity (Stolen Victories 2012), what she calls a “citizen’s account” of the 2012 presidential election focusing on the GOP nomination process, the national convention, general election and its aftermath. The book is available at Xlibris.com, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

1980 Joseph M. Redling was recently named president of consumer services for the United States and Canada for Vonage Holdings Corp.

1984

Engagements

Michael T. Corridon, CPA, was recently named “CFO of the Year– Best Growth Manager” by NJBIZ magazine.

Agustina N. Manganiello ’12 is engaged to Peter J. Walukiewicz, ATC, former assistant athletic trainer for Saint Peter’s University.

They will be married in September 2014 in Puerto Rico with Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., director of campus ministry and University chaplain, officiating.

1997 Xavier High School in Manhattan named Brian McCabe dean of faculty last fall. Prior to the appointment, McCabe served the Jesuit secondary school as dean of students, encouraging new levels of personal growth and responsibility among the Xavier student body.

2002 Leesandra Medina was recently presented with the “Estrella del Condado de Essex Award” (Stars of Essex County) at the Annual Essex County Latino Heritage Celebration.

2006 Christine (Zappella) Simone received a master’s degree in art history from CUNY Hunter College. She is currently a doctoral student in art history at the University of Chicago, focusing on Italian Renaissance paintings.

Marriages David A. Bryngil ’91, director of recreational life, The Victor R. Yanitelli Recreational Life Center and the Mac Mahon Student Center, married Nina Di Rienzo on November 1, 2013 at Saint Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, N.J., with the reception at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, N.J. The reception was attended by Mike Burgess ’94, John Burke ’93, John DeStefano ’73, Brian Dorsey ’91, Patricia Gentile ’03, Alissa Musto-Morris ’90, Richie Peluso ’95, Jenny Rosetti ’06, Carla Tharp ’01 and Kristopher Tharp ’01.

Join us on Connections are happening everyday on our Alumni Facebook page.

Don’t miss out on the action! facebook.com/saintpetersalumni

PEACOCK PROFILE

Called to Catholic Education ANTHONY DAY ’92 NAMED FIRST LAY PRESIDENT OF LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD When Anthony I. Day ’92 began his studies at Saint Peter’s University, he intended to become a veterinarian.

Fortunately for the students, alumni and faculty of Loyola Blakefield, a Jesuit preparatory school for boys in Towson, Md., Day heard the call toward Catholic and Jesuit education.

Last September, following an extensive national search, the Loyola Blakefield Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Day the first lay president of the school. Day, who had served the school as principal and interim president, was also named director of work, with responsibility for guiding the school’s Ignatian mission.

“I have the best job in the world,” said Day, who has spent more than 25 years engaged with Jesuit education. He traces his path back to Saint Peter’s, where he was deeply immersed in campus ministry and discovered a love of English literature. In his senior year, Day began to consider teaching as a career, and Rev. Carsten Martensen, S.J., the University’s director of campus ministry at the time, pointed him toward Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y. “I was so energized by the experience,” said Day, who taught five sections of freshman English his first year at Fordham Prep. “For me, Jesuit education was something I was locked into spiritually and emotionally. I was convinced that this was the place for me.” Day went on to earn a master’s

“For me, Jesuit education was something I was locked into spiritually and emotionally. I was convinced that this was the place for me.”

continued. “Urgency pushes us toward the magis and to seek more. We’re seeking to be better all the time and if we act with a sense of urgency, we don’t become complacent and are always moving our schools forward.”

Formally installed as president of Loyola Blakefield on

degree in education from Fordham University and a Master of

November 5, 2013, Day spoke about the responsibility of the

Letters from Drew University. He taught English at Regis High

Loyola school community to set the standard. “We can never

School in Manhattan and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child

be completely satisfied being amazing one day, and mediocre

in Summit, N.J. In 2006, he returned to Regis as assistant prin-

the next,” he said. “There’s no room for that here. We must

cipal and became principal of Loyola Blakefield in 2008.

remain forever unsettled in a way that pushes us toward

Educators like Day, who bring firsthand experience of Jesuit education, have been crucial to sustaining and growing the mission of the Society of Jesus. “I think our mission is rooted

greatness every day we set foot on campus and every day we represent this fine institution.”

A member of the Saint Peter’s Board of Regents, Day is

in our faith,” said Day. “It’s a compass for so many of us.” He

married to Laura Higney Day ’86, a college counselor at Notre

also sees a tremendous resolve among Ignatian educators

Dame Preparatory School in Baltimore. The couple has three

who embrace the mission of the Society of Jesus as their

children.

own. “There’s a sense of urgency that exists for a lot of us,” he

Saint Peter’s University

27

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

Here Comes the Common Core continued from Page 17 NL: Every teacher who comes out of the School of Education at Saint Peter’s has to know about the Common Core standards and assessment. I teach a class called “Tests and Measurements.”

Alumni and Friends Gather for Wine Tasting at the Center

A lot of students come into the course thinking we’re going to talk about creating tests, but it’s really about the whole idea of assessment, and that is a process. What I think the standards have given us is that now at every grade level there are standards that are very much like learning objectives. So, if you use each standard as a learning objective in your classroom, you can then go back, evaluate and possibly modify the lesson plan.

If you could change the present system of standards and assessment, what would it be?

JJ: I would like to get more of the people in education involved in

Alumni and friends gathered in The Duncan Family Sky Room

the regulation and laws that affect education.

at the Mac Mahon Student Center for an insightful and infor-

So a seat at the table?

JJ: Not only a seat at the table, a big seat at the table. I think with more teachers and administrators making the regulations and laws, it would come out to be a fairer system.

mative presentation by Sommelier Ron Bartels, followed by wine tastings paired with cheeses and hors d’oeuvres on February 12. Guests enjoyed sampling seven varieties of high quality wines of the world, including old world vs. new world wines.

“Events such as the wine tasting provide a great opportunity

Given the greater accountability of teachers as well as competition

for alumni and friends to gather together, relax and mingle,

for jobs, how do you feel about the future of the profession?

all while getting reacquainted with alma mater,” said Gloria

HH: The high schools I have gone in to observe are fantastic. High

Mercurio, executive director of alumni engagement at Saint

school students want to achieve. They still want to learn; they still respect teachers. I’ve seen that in the urban and suburban schools. For the future, I think it’s just as bright for our graduates today as when I was in school. I don’t think people have changed that much.

JJ: But I would disagree with Harry a little bit. While I agree that students are more or less the same, the teachers themselves are finding a different environment in the schools. There’s more testing to be a teacher, there’s a greater GPA requirement. It’s a whole different game. But those coming into it don’t know what it was like before, so they’re not necessarily missing anything.

NL: You have to love it. I always say to my students, ‘If you don’t

Peter’s University.

Ron Bartels is a certified sommelier from Wente Vineyards in California and is the general manager of Wine Events USA. He was awarded first place in a blind wine tasting contest at a 2009 industry food and wine expo in Jersey City. Bartels is an active member of the Society of Wine Educators, U.S. Sommeliers Inc., Vibrant Rioja and the French Wine Society Organization.

Proceeds from the event supported the Mac Mahon Student Center, one of six fundraising priorities within Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University. If you are interested in learning more about these priorities, or wish to make a gift to the Campaign, please visit saintpeters.edu/campaign.

love what you are doing, if you don’t have a passion for this job, don’t get into teaching.’ You have to feel that fire when you get in front of a group of children. And there’s always going to be a need for teachers. I would hire the majority of education students I had in my language arts class last semester. They were that good, and that motivated, creative and excited about teaching. So I do have a positive feeling about the future of this profession.

James Jacobson, M.A. ’86 is associate professor of education and former chair of the education program. Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61 is professor emeritus of education. Nicole Luongo, Ed.D., has been a member of the Saint Peter’s University faculty since 2006. Prior to Saint Peter’s, she taught first, second and fourth grade in Rockaway Borough public schools.

28

Winter 2014

Pictured at top (L to R): Sharon Pastore ’73, Joe Giordano and Sommelier Ron Bartels. Above (L to R): Robert Donato ’65, Carmel Galasso ’79, Ana Cravo and Thomas F. Wraback ’83.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 22nd Jersey City Campus at 10:00 a.m.

Become a Teacher!

Saint Peter’s University has developed a variety of education degrees to provide new teachers the essential knowledge and skills needed for today’s most demanding and diverse classrooms.

We offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and provide flexible schedules, evening classes, and convenient campuses in Jersey City, Englewood Cliffs, and at satellite locations throughout New Jersey.

Programs include: Master of Arts in Education with concentrations in Educational Leadership, Reading, School Counseling, Special Education (ABA), Special Education (Literacy) and Teaching, and the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (including an option with Middle School Certification).

Alternative Route to Certification: The Saint Peter’s University Alternate Route Program is a method for college graduates to become fully certified teachers without receiving a master’s degree. Starting with the “24 Hour Program,” this route to a teaching career has four steps which take place over the course of a calendar year.

CONTACT US: (201) 761-6470 saintpeters.edu/ school-of-education

School of Education

Taking Care of Loved Ones While Creating a Lasting Legacy As you take steps to protect your family’s future by creating a will or estate plan, you can also include charitable gifts for Saint Peter’s University. These gifts will ensure that many deserving students will not miss their chance to make their mark because of the rising costs of education. Your gift in support of our mission will leave a lasting legacy of your values and help our students chart successful futures. For more information, contact Ana Cravo, director of planned giving, at (201) 761-6104 or acravo@saintpeters.edu.

saintpeters.edu/giftplanning

Saint Peter’s University

29

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

Saint Peter’s Visits the Sunshine State Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., and members of the campus community visited Florida to update alumni on the progress of the University.

John Murray ’57, H ’02 hosted an event in Port St. Lucie on January 17, and Josephine and Tom O’Reilly ’69 hosted a reception in Naples on January 19. Dr. Cornacchia updated the attendees on the status of the capital campaign, enrollment, new academic initiatives and what the future has in store for the University. He also expressed his gratitude for their support in providing the necessary financial resources to allow the University to make campus improvements and offer new programs.

In addition, Dr. Cornacchia announced that Florida alumni had surpassed their fundraising campaign goal of $4 million, reflecting the alumni commitment to magis.

Clockwise from top left: (L to R) Former Board Chairs John Murray ’57, H ’02, John Collin ’58, H ’97, University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., and Frank Ziegler ’63; University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., presenting a gift to Josephine and Tom O’Reilly ’69; Thomas Mac Mahon ’68, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, updates the group; the Naples alumni gathering; and alumni at the Port St. Lucie gathering.

Thomas P. Mac Mahon ’68, chairman of the Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees, also spoke to the group in Naples.

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.

Edward J. Adam ’84 Rev. Anthony S. Aracich, S.J. Walter F. Barber ’61 August W. Barberi, CPA ’53 Francine Bellapianta ’94 Richard J. Brushett ’58 Gerard J. Byrne ’71 Michael T. Capobianco ’58 Joan M. Carpenter ’03 Vincent J. Casey ’50 Alex Ciesmelewski ’87 John J. Cochrane ’40 Patricia Cohen ’86 James T. Conneen ’61 Peter W. Conrad, M.D. ’50 James S. Cramer, Esq. ’50 Anthony M. D’Amore, Sr. ’52 Joseph V. DeFelice ’56 Phillip L. Delbert ’72 Francis E. Demott ’69 30

Winter 2014

Raymond J. Doles ’63 Fred Doyle ’80 Robert J. Drew ’64 Thomas E. Dyer, M.D. ’53 Robert J. Fensterman ’60 John M. Finn ’50 Judy Remy Franco ’75 Rev. Charles A. Gallagher, S.J. Gregory J. Gerba ’74 Adriana M. Fabbrini Gibbs, D.M.L. John J. Giuliano ’48 Victor Gromosaik ’68 Wendell B. Harris, Jr. ’81 Mortimer J. Harvey ’57 Gilbert Howley ’68 Christopher J. Igneri ’61 Cherie L. Isakson ’82 Alton R. Johnson ’76 James P. Keady ’64 Lawrence W. Levine ’63

John P. Malloy ’61 John R. Marano ’50 Thomas McGarvey ’99 Harold T. McGovern, Esq. ’50 John G. McGovern ’57 Joseph McKeon, Ph.D. ’59 Lawrence W. Menapace, Ph.D. ’60 Louis R. Molinelli ’59 Richard D. Moriarty ’66 Vincent E. Morrone ’56 Edward F. Moskal Robert E. Motacki, Jr. William E. Murphy ’95 Frank J. Murphy, Jr., Esq. ’69 Joanna Nikolakakou Naclerio ’73 Andrei Neimanis ’97 James S. Nolan, Ph.D. ’47 Maureen E. O’Brien ’84 Francis N. Pacifico ’64 John L. Powanda ’60

Brian A. Reardon ’71 Joseph A. Ruffing ’50 George I. Salerno, M.D. ’57 Paul A. Samperi ’50 Daniel K. Shea ’09 Joseph R. Sofia ’70 Gilbert B. Sorg ’50 William K. Stoms, Sr. Richard T. Sullivan ’51 John E. Sundman ’50 Edward M. Sweeney ’68 Vincent A. Taraszkiewicz, D.D.S. ’55 Douglas W. Tobin ’72 Albert A. Wallace ’49 Kathleen D. Warnock ’98 Jennifer L. Whitney ’08 John M. Wozniak, Ph.D. ’38 Paul E. Zych ’52

REMEMBRANCES A FORCE FOR RENEWAL Over the course PHOTOS of nearly 50 years, TO COME Rev. Charles A. (Chuck) Gallagher, S.J., helped transform the lives of millions of married Christian couples around the globe through his work as founder and driving force behind the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement.

A member of the Saint Peter’s Jesuit community in Jersey City, Fr. Gallagher died on July 21, 2013.

Since 1967, he had been devoted to the work of Marriage Encounter, a force of renewal in the Church that has inspired couples to live the Sacrament of Marriage to its fullest potential. The originator and author of Engaged Encounter, the Parish Renewal EXperience (PREX), and the Parishioner Empowerment weekend, Fr. Gallagher personally trained more than 7,000 priests and 45 bishops to give the parish renewal weekend in their parishes.

In his earlier years as a Jesuit, Fr. Gallagher taught at Canisius and Xavier high schools and led the Spiritual Exercises at two Jesuit retreat houses. He authored 10 major books and more than 50 booklets.

Fr. Gallagher is survived by his sister, Therese Sweeney, and his niece, Meghan Sweeney.

A GIFT OF LANGUAGES Fluent in Croatian, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, and Polish, Rev. Anthony S. Aracich, S.J., utilized his extraordinary ear

for languages to it fullest, teaching modern languages at Saint Peter’s University; Saint Peter’s Prep; Xavier High School, Regis High School and the Loyola School in Manhattan; and Loyola School in Brooklyn.

A graduate of Regis High School and Holy Cross, Fr. Aracich passed to eternal life on September 12, 2013. He was 77 years old, had been a member of the Society of Jesus for 58 years and a priest for 46. Fiercely proud of his Croatian heritage, Fr. Aracich was also zealously concerned with the spiritual care of Hispanic immigrants. He served as pastor at Nativity Parish on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and as associate pastor and coordinator of Hispanic activities at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Brooklyn and Assumption/All Saints parish in Jersey City.

For the past several years, he spent a month each summer in Guadalajara, Mexico.

He is survived by two cousins, Lucy Aracich Hughes and Gloria Aracich Del Corso.

FROM PISA TO JERSEY CITY A professor of foreign language at Saint Peter’s University for more than 30 years, Adriana M. Fabbrini Gibbs, D.M.L., passed away at the age of 88, at home, surrounded by her family, on August 2, 2013.

Dr. Gibbs was born in Pisa, Italy in 1925, and was raised in Tuscany, Italy, before moving to the Lake Shawnee section of Jefferson Township, N.J. She supported her family as a high school teacher before receiving her master’s degree from Seton Hall University and, in 1983, her Doctor of Modern Languages degree from Middlebury College.

“Dr. Gibbs was the best colleague you could have wanted,” said Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., chairman and professor of modern and classical languages and literatures and director of the Asian Studies Program. “She was a funny, tough woman, who taught until the age of 84. She was a great defender of the humanities and language programs, and a woman of tremendous faith.”

In addition to her expertise in modern languages, Dr. Gibbs was also a Dante scholar and poet who had a passion for both medieval and modern Italian literature.

She is survived by her daughter, Diana Gibbs; son, Charles, and his wife, Nancy; brother, Alfredo Fabbrini, and his wife, Carol; and seven grandchildren.

A SON OF SAINT PETER’S John M. Wozniak, Ph.D., ’38 passed away on December 2, 2013. A United States Army veteran, Dr. Wozniak led the Loyola University Chicago Department of Education as acting chair and the School of Education as dean for a total of 28 years. He retired in 1989.

“To say he was profoundly respected would be to put it mildly,” said Glen Gabert, Ph.D., president of Hudson County Community College and Dr. Wozniak’s former graduate assistant and adjunct faculty member. “He is a son of Saint Peter’s in whom you should all take great pride.”

Dr. Wozniak is survived by his sons, Robert and John, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Saint Peter’s University

31

AD

Finem

“American” as those born here

Imagine growing up with your classmates

in the United States. In many cases

from elementary school through high

they have spent the bulk of their lives

school with the dream of one day going to college, only to discover that you are in fact

here, attended school here, worked here

an undocumented immigrant. This is an un-

and their self-identity is inexorably tied into

fortunate reality for many students across

being American.

the country who have plans to enroll in college, but cannot afford to because their immigration status prevents them from receiving financial aid.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act or DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that seeks to address the struggles faced by students who were raised in the United States and attended school in this country, but are not afforded the same opportunities as other young people

Opening the Door to the DREAMers

have a vibrant community that is enriched by young people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Indeed, as the only Catholic and Jesuit university in New Jersey, Saint Peter’s is blessed to serve primarily first-generation college students of diverse backgrounds who wish to grow intellectually and become “men and women with and for others.”

This year several of our students attended a Jesuit university outreach effort in

because of their parents’ immigration status. If their parents are undocumented,

At Saint Peter’s, we are fortunate to

Last month the New Jersey Senate passed

Washington, D.C. and met with members of

these students have no way to obtain legal

a bill to allow undocumented youth to pay

Congress to discuss the life and impact of

residency.

in-state tuition rates at state colleges and

DREAMers on our campus. This resulted in

enable them to qualify for state financial

those students forming a group on campus

that we often find that a fair number of our

aid. Last week Governor Christie reacted to

that meets monthly to discuss immigration

students arrive at our institutions with a

allegations that he is flip-flopping on his

reform efforts and challenges. Regardless

passionate desire to get a college education;

support for the legislation.

of one’s political or religious affiliation,

The challenge for higher education is

however their immigration status prevents

Some argue that we should not use tax-

immigration reform is an important issue—

them from receiving federal, and in most

payer money to subsidize tuition for “illegal”

economically, socially and ethically. I am

cases, state financial aid. This makes ob-

immigrants. There is also the argument that

proud of the efforts and the passion of our

taining a college degree financially beyond

individuals who disregard our nation’s im-

students, staff and faculty members on this

their reach. These DREAMers simply want

migration laws should not be afforded the

issue.

a chance to achieve what so many other

same opportunities as those who put the

Americans dream of achieving: a college

effort into gaining legal status.

degree, a good career and the personal

The DREAM Act would enable thousands

As the president of a private university, I strongly support opening the door to federal and state financial aid programs

satisfaction that comes from obtaining a

of students in New Jersey to reach their

for the DREAMers. Although many of these

college degree.

maximum potential and contribute to the

students would be likely to enroll in public

state’s economy. New Jersey has already

institutions due to financial constraints,

Law Center, through the DREAM Act, certain

invested in these students over the course

I would like to see as many DREAMers as

immigrant students who have grown up in

of their K-12 education so this bill would

possible on the Saint Peter’s campus. It is

the United States would be able to apply for

enable them to give back to the state in an

essential to provide them with the oppor-

temporary legal status and become eligi-

even greater way through their higher life-

tunity for a college education. It is the right

ble for United States citizenship if they go

time earning power.

thing to do. It is the just thing to do. It is the

According to the National Immigration

to college. The Act would also eliminate a

These students have enormous economic

Christian thing to do.

federal provision that penalizes states that

potential that this nation surely could use.

provide in-state tuition regardless of immi-

The failure to harness their creativity and

This piece by Saint Peter’s University President

gration status.

their energy will prove to be one of those

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., was featured on

lost opportunities in the American story

The Huffington Post website on December 12,

general requirements of the DREAM Act and

that we will regret and will haunt us for

2013. Several weeks after this post, New Jersey

they can be found all across the country.

generations to come.

Governor Chris Christie signed the DREAM Act,

DREAMers are individuals who meet the

Many of our students at Saint Peter’s University are DREAMers.

32

Winter 2014

Furthermore, in every way except immigration status, these young people are as

granting in-state tuition to immigrant students who lack legal status.

Calendar 2014 Saturday, April 5, 2014 Meet the Saint Peter’s Peacock Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, N.J. Thursday, April 10, 2014 An Evening with Legendary Actor Paul Sorvino The Duncan Family Sky Room Mac Mahon Student Center Saint Peter’s University

April

Monday, June 16, 2014 St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church Fundraiser and Wine Dinner Amanda’s Restaurant, Hoboken, N.J. Join President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., his

June

March Friday, May 2, 2014 Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration The Duncan Family Sky Room Mac Mahon Student Center Saint Peter’s University

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Alumni Golf Outing

Colts Neck Golf Club

Colts Neck, N.J. Tuesday, May 13, 2014 Conversations at the Cliffs 8:00 a.m., Englewood Cliffs Campus Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

June 2–9, 2014 In the Footsteps of Ignatius Alumni and Friends Trip to Spain

wife, AnnMarie, and Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, for an unforgettable eight-day journey through Spain to walk In the Footsteps of Ignatius. Saint Peter's University draws from a rich heritage that goes back to 16th century Spain when a visionary young man, Ignatius of Loyola, responded to God’s call. We will visit places that shaped Saint Ignatius’ life and spirituality and gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural context that gave birth to the Society of Jesus.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Huey Lewis & the News Alumni and Friends Reception and Concert Grand Cru Wine Bar/bergenPAC, Englewood, N.J.

May

June 2-9, 2014

September 19–21, 2014 Class of 1964/Golden Peacock Reunion Weekend Saint Peter’s University

Cost: $2,565.00 per person based on double occupancy (airfare and airport transfers not included)

Friday, November 7, 2014 43rd Annual Regents Business Symposium The Duncan Family Sky Room For more information, please visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/travel or contact Jonathan Staunch at (201) 761-6113 or jstaunch@saintpeters.edu.

Mac Mahon Student Center Saint Peter’s University

November

September

To register for any of these events, visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/events.

For questions or more information, contact Claudia Pope-Bayne, assistant director of alumni engagement, at (201) 761-6111 or cpopebayne@saintpeters.edu.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 79 S. Hackensack, NJ

Office of University Communications

2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Change Service Requested

The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration

Honoring Aileen G. Arriola ’07 Robert A. Cutro ’75 Charles J. Vickers ’47

Friday, May 2, 2014 Mac Mahon Student Center Saint Peter’s University BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/hm2014.