2025 Hearts and Minds Journal by Saint Peter's University

Honoring

Virginia “Ginny”

Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Magis Award

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

Loyalty to Saint Peter’s Award

James G. Rizzo ’81 Professional Achievement Award

Emcee Fund-a-Scholar Co-Hosts

Ernabel Demillo, M.S. Chair & Lecturer of Communication

Eugene O. Flinn ’80

Trustee

Leah M.

Leto, M.Ed.

’05

Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs

Past Award Recipients

1992

Bernard M. Hartnett Jr., Esq. ’51 †

1993

Lawrence R. Codey, Esq. ’66

1994

Thomas P. Mac Mahon ’68

William J. Murray ’52 †

John P. Sheridan Jr., Esq. ’64 †

1995

Hon. Marilyn C. Clark ’72

William J. Cozine ’60

William J. Marino ’66

1996

John G. Collins ’58, H ’97

Mary Jean M. Potenzone, Esq. ’71

Frank B. Reilly Jr., Esq. ’67 †

1997

Benjamin S. Bucca HA ’97 †

James J. Daly, Esq. ’59

Chris Degheri HA ’97 †

James J. Loughlin ’64

John P. Murray ’57, H ’02 †

1998

Bernard W. Cicirelli Sr. ’55 †

Kathleen Fitzgerald Cocca ’71

Stephen A. Hennesey ’58

Raymond M. Tierney Jr., Esq. HA ’98 †

1999

Joseph V. Braddock, Ph.D. ’51 †

Barbara A. Chryst HA ’99 †

Sharon A. Pastore ’73

Garry A. Prime ’65

2000

Joseph D. Donnelly, Esq. ’68

Joseph R. Gromek ’68

Paul M. Pantozzi HA ’00

Edward W. Reuter ’64 †

2001

Carol B. Bastek, Ed.D. ’70

William J. Bell ’61

John W. Kennedy H ’01 †

William J. Mealia ’60

2002

Hon. Joseph V. Doria Jr. ’68

John P. Ferguson ’70

Fred J. Jacques Sr. ’34 †

2003

John F. Connolly, M.D. ’57 †

Hon. James A. McLaughlin Jr. HA ’03 †

Pamela T. Miller, Esq. ’77

Hon. Peter G. Sheridan, U.S.D.J. ’72

2004

George T. Croonquist ’54

Robert J. Donato ’65

Edward J. Heavey, S.J., HA ’04 †

Francis J. Mertz, Esq. ’58 †

2005

Thomas W. Duncan ’65

Carmel Galasso ’79

Joseph A. Kelly, S.J., H ’05 †

John B. Wilson, Esq. ’70, H ’18

2006

Thomas D. Carver, Esq. ’58, H ’08 †

Jerome A. Dolan, M.D. ’44 †

Robert L. Marcalus H ’96, HA ’06 †

Joseph P. Riccardo Sr. ’67 †

2007

Donna Falconcino Blauvelt ’81 †

Joseph P. Blauvelt ’80 †

M. Brian Maher HA ’07

Kathleen M. McKenna, Esq. ’75

Joseph A. Panepinto, Esq. ’66 † Denotes deceased

Sodality of the Children of Mary of St. Teresa HA ’02

Past Award Recipients

2008

Frederick R. Cranwell HA ’08 †

Robert G. Lahita, M.D., Ph.D. ’67

Cecilia Ann Michalik ’73

Geraldine Adele Michalik, Ph.D. ’71

Joseph A. Michalik ’83

Ralph R. Russo ’70 †

2009

Hon. Frank J. Guarini H ’94

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)

Frank G. Ziegler ’63

2010

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey

Thomas L. Wickiewicz, M.D. ’72

2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties

Frank D’Amelio ’79

2013

Mac Mahon Student Center Founders:

Carol B. Bastek, Ed.D. ’70

Thomas W. Duncan ’65

Hon. Frank J. Guarini H ’94

Thomas P. Mac Mahon ’68

M. Brian Maher HA ’07

William J. Marino ’66

Kathleen M. McKenna, Esq. ’75

Robert G. Morris

Joseph A. Panepinto, Esq. ’66

Sodexo, Inc.

2014

Aileen G. Arriola, M.D. ’07

Robert A. Cutro ’75

Charles J. Vickers ’47 †

2016

Frank L. Fekete, CPA ’75

Toni Ann Turco ’86

2017

Drew J. Bauman, Esq. HA ’17

Anthony O. Pergola, Esq. ’92

Maureen (Lemke) Pergola ’94

Eileen L. Poiani, Ph.D. HA ’17

2018

Julie Delaney Fristensky ’73

Warren C. Fristensky ’74

Robert J. Goldstein ’60, M.B.A. ’06 †

Elnardo J. Webster, Ed D. ’69 †

2019

Niurka “Nikki” Mederos ’07, ’10

Eugene T. Paolino, Esq. ’69

2021

Patricia McQuillan Cummings ’77

& Kevin Cummings

Cheryl & Joseph Della Rosa 2022

Mesfin Fekadu ’08

Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC

Christine & Fausto Rotundo, CPA ’91

2023

Bigyan R. Bista, Ph.D. ’07

Robert C. Garrett

Sandra R. & Charles M. Lizza, Esq. ’77

2024

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. H ’24

† Denotes deceased

TRUSTEES’ CIRCLE

We are honored to be recognized with the Loyalty to Saint Peter’s Award alongside Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78 Magis Award and James G. Rizzo ’81 Professional Achievement Award and gratefully acknowledge the love and support of our family and friends.

— Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Most sincere congratulations to this year’s honorees

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D.

Magis Award

Noreen Heath-Beaman

William Beaman

Loyalty to Saint Peter's Award

James G. Rizzo

Professional Achievement Award

Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration

Honorable Frank J. Guarini

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

LEADERSHIP

CIRCLE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo ’81

Maureen (Lemke) Pergola ’94 & Anthony O. Pergola, Esq. ’92

In loving memory of Lawrence Lemke

Congratulations on this great achievement.

LEADERSHIP

CIRCLE

We are very proud of you, Dad.

Love, Jennifer, Michael & Donna

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE

We are proud to support the Saint Peter’s University scholarship fund to help ensure students’ success. These are the leaders who will guide the future of a better community for all.

MARIA SOLORZANO, 1984 PRESIDENT/CEO MEMBER OF THE SAINT PETER’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONGRATULATIONS

VIRGINIA “GINNY”

FORRESTER BENDER

NOREEN HEATH-BEAMAN & WILLIAM BEAMAN

JAMES G. RIZZO

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE

WE EXTEND OUR BEST WISHES TO OUR HONOREES.

James G. Rizzo ’81

Thank you for all that you and your firm have done for Saint Peter’s! You are a great partner!

Ginny Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Your contributions to Saint Peter’s can’t be measured! You have been a driving force, often behind the scenes, of our University’s success! So happy that you are being recognized! Thank you!

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & Bill Beaman

We can’t think of a more deserving couple! Noreen, we are especially blessed for your leadership on the Board of Trustees!

Congratulations and thank you all!

Ken ’91 and Beth Moore

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE

PATRON CIRCLE

Congratulations to your 2025 Honorees

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. Magis Award

Noreen Heath-Beaman & William Beaman

Loyalty to Saint Peter’s Award

James G. Rizzo

Professional Achievement Award

Best Wishes and Continued Success on Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration.

Congratulations and best wishes to this year’s honorees!

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo ’81

Mary Cristantiello Jain ’79

PATRON CIRCLE

PATRON CIRCLE

In honor of Virginia ''Ginny'' Forrester Bender, Ph.D. '78

Noreen Heath-Beaman '86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo '81

Thank you for your great work!

Murray Kushner

Jonathan Kushner

Marc Kushner

Jeremy Kaplan

We are proud to support the Saint Peter’s University Hearts & Minds Scholarship Celebration and congratulate the 2025 honorees McCarter & English, LLP Four Gateway Center, 100 Mulberry St., Newark, NJ 07102 973.622.4444 | www.mccarter.com

PATRON CIRCLE

PATRON CIRCLE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 202 5 HEARTS & MINDS HONOREES

PATRON CIRCLE

PREMIER SPONSOR

Panepinto Properties is Proud to Support the Hopes and Dreams of the Deserving Students of

Virginia "Ginny" Forrester Bender, Ph.D. '78

Noreen Heath-Beaman '86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo '81

PATRON CIRCLE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo ’81

Joseph P. Pieroni ’68 & Barbara B. Pieroni ’70

pseg.com

PATRON CIRCLE

PATRON CIRCLE

Jimmy, You continually prove that hard work, determination and perseverance lead to success.

Your service and dedication to family, friends and community is an inspiration to all. Congratulations on this prestigious honor.

I am proud to be your sister.

PATRON CIRCLE

Love, Annmarie

Congratulations Jimmy, on this well-deserved honor. Your love of family and service to Saint Peter’s University is a testament to all that you are.

Many years of happiness.

Love your brother, Frank

PATRON CIRCLE

Congratulations to the 2025 Hearts & Minds honorees

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. '78

Noreen Heath-Beaman '86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo '81

Fausto and Christine Rotundo

PATRON CIRCLE

Paul Schaetzle ’75

PATRON CIRCLE

President Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D. proudly salutes this year's honorees, Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman James G. Rizzo ’81 and gratefully acknowledges the sponsors and supporters of Hearts & Minds who are helping us turn opportunity into certainty for our students.

Congratulations to our parents, Noreen and William Beaman, on being recognized for such an incredible honor!

Your hard work and dedication to giving back is so inspiring. We are so proud of you both.

Love, Elizabeth, Peter, Emily, Nicholas, and Jack

From Then... To Now

You’ve shown us every day what it means to strive for the Magis in all you do.

We are so proud of you and grateful for your loving example of generous service to others.

We love you! Congratulations!

Your loving family, Rich, Cathy, Pat, Liz, Amelia, Henry, Matt, Anna, Maura, and Grace

Congratulations to the honorees from Dyan and Bobby Cutro ’75 GO PEACOCKS!

Graystone Consulting is Proud to Support Saint Peter’s University

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Robert Dow, CIMA® Institutional Consultant

Brett Herbison Institutional Consultant 2211 York Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 630-573-9697 graystoneoakbrook@ morganstanley.com www.msgraystone.com/ graystoneconsultingoakbrook

Congratulations to Noreen & Bill for your outstanding service to Saint Peter’s University.

Nick & Julia Marsini

SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HEARTS & MINDS GALA AND TONIGHT’S HONOREE JAMES

NJM Insurance Group is proud to support Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration 2025 and congratulates this year’s honorees

The St. Peter’s Jesuit Community

With Blessings and Congratulations to this year’s Hearts & Minds award recipients

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D.

Noreen Heath-Beaman & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo

Spanarkel Browne & Associates

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

115 West Century Road Paramus, NJ 07652

201.967.4817

https://advisor.ml.com/sites/nj/paramus-nj/spanarkel_browne

Congratulations!

James Rizzo

Noreen Heath-Beaman & William Beaman

Ginny Bender

Daniel Altilio H '15

President

Louis Pantoliano '86

COO

Thomas Wraback '83

CFO

James Egan '68

Chairman ofthe Board

Carmel Galasso '79

Director ofHousing

Tevin Ighalo '22

Finance Manager

Congratulations and thank you to

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

For your support of Saint Peter’s and its students.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

–Benjamin Franklin

Joyce & John B. Wilson

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo ’81

I’m privileged to share this recognition with my fellow honorees, Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman and James G. Rizzo ’81 You are truly men and women for others in all you do for Saint Peter's University, and for your communities. — Ginny Bender ’78

Brach Eichler is proud to support HEARTS & MINDS

The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration and joins them in congratulating this year’s remarkable honorees Ginny Forrester Bender, Ph.D. Noreen Heath-Beaman & William Beaman and James G. Rizzo for their inspirational impact on the

Proud supporters of our deserving students and the Robert Conrad & Deborah Jacobus Endowed Scholarship.

James G. Rizzo on your Professional Achievement Award. A well-deserved honor.

—Bob Conrad ’12 & Deb Jacobus

From your friends at Louis Gargiulo Company, Inc.

Peter J. Gargiulo, President

We extend our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Noreen and Bill Beaman on this well-deserved honor. Your steadfast commitment to Saint Peter’s University has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of many.

It is an honor to celebrate this special occasion with you and the other distinguished honorees.

The Heath Family

Congratulations to the 2025 Hearts & Minds Honorees.

Hudson Catholic High School

Proud Partner of Saint Peter’s University

Congratulations to this year’s

Hearts & Minds honorees

Virginia “Ginny”

Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Magis Award

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

Loyalty to Saint Peter’s Award

James G. Rizzo ’81

Professional Achievement Award

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES.

Saint Peter’s is grateful for your service and dedication.

-Tom ’74 and Janice Luddy

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

—St. Catherine of Siena

The McGrail Family, Class of ’79

Celebrating Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. and her visionary leadership at Saint Peter’s University.

We are proud to continue providing our services to such an outstanding university.

The Sodality of the Children of Mary of Saint Teresa

The Sodality of the Children of Mary of St. Teresa, wish to congratulate Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D., Noreen Heath Beaman & William Beaman and James G. Rizzo for their continued service to Saint Peter’s University.

May all of you be continually blessed in your service and involvement with Saint Peter’s.

Moderator .................................... Rev. James Miracky, S.J.

President............................................... Mrs. Rita Prezioso

Vice-President............................... Mrs. Marianne Costello

Treasurer Mrs. Diane Lynch

Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Anne Zampella

Councilors

Miss Jean Marie Ake

Mrs. Vito Colacurcio

Hon. Mary K. Costello

Ms. Ann L. McGovern

The Sodality of the Children of Mary of Saint Teresa, the “Teresians”, was formed in 1873 in response to an appeal from Father Victor Beaudevin, S.J., Rector of Saint Peter’s Parish Jersey City to assist in working with the poor. The women collected and distributed clothing and replenished linens and vestments for the parish and the Jesuit missions.

The Teresians involvement with Saint Peter’s University was reinforced in 1931 when the Sodalists contributed $30,000 to build the Chapel in Gannon Hall. Several years ago, the Teresians donated the Nativity Creche which stands outside the Chapel during the Christmas season. Annually the present donations of $10,000 to the Development Fund, and most recently to support the Food Kitchen. The “Teresians” remain a Sodality of Catholic women that seeks to further the spiritual growth of its members and to support the mission of Saint Peter’s University and the Society of Jesus.

LOYALTY TO SAINT PETER’S AWARD James G. Rizzo ’81

WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78 MAGIS AWARD

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

—Hank Tully ’70 & Joan Balmer Tully ’72

We proudly support Saint Peter’s deserving students through the General Scholarship Fund and The Balmer-Tully Family Endowed Scholarship.

FOUNDED 1873

Today’s Peacocks NEED YOU!

Your gift in support of Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Fund directly impacts our hard-working students by providing vital scholarships and invaluable learning experiences that will empower them to thrive and excel. Through your generosity, you will ensure that the next generation of Peacocks is equipped with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Every gift makes a difference.

Commissioner William O’Dea

Congratulations and Best Wishes To the Honorees:

James G. Rizzo ’81

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

MAGIS AWARD

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

LOYALTY TO SAINT PETER’S AWARD

Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration

Congratulations to the 2025 Hearts & Minds:

Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

Bill Knapp, Class of 1968

Saint Peter's University Celebration honorees.

Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

Noreen Heath-Beaman ’86 & William Beaman

James G. Rizzo ’81

— Sharon Pastore ’73

Warmest Congratulations Virginia “Ginny” Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78 on the Magis Award. From student to many extraordinary years as a colleague and friend.

Congratulations to this year’s Hearts & Minds honorees!

—Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. HA ’17

Steffan Provisions, Inc. congratulates Jim Rizzo ’81, the man who never stops giving, on his Professional Achievement Award.

Thomas L. Wickiewicz, M.D. ’72 & Catherine A. Wickiewicz ’75

On behalf of the Office of Advancement and External Affairs team, we congratulate Ginny, Jim and Noreen & Bill on their awards and offer our heartfelt gratitude to our entire community of generous supporters.