Saint Peter's University Winter 2016 Magazine

I N S I D E : REMEMBERING REV. L. EDWARD GLYNN, S.J.

WINTER 2016

Magazine

Long Live the Liberal Arts

PRESIDENT’S

Strutting Their Peacock Pride

The stands of The Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center were filled on January 28, when the men’s basketball team faced Rider University. The Broncs encountered a “whiteout” of Peacock fans who were decked out in the newly designed “Strut Your Pride” t-shirts, courtesy of Saint Peter’s University athletics.

Coverage of athletics, including the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, begins on page 23.

Message

As Saint Peter’s has grown over the last decade, new academic majors and preprofessional programs were deliberately designed in the tradition of the broadbased liberal arts. From accounting to nursing and the visual arts, Saint Peter’s students continue to graduate from this institution with a great advantage. Along with their academic majors, they learn to inquire, reflect and form intellectual arguments from their exposure to the core curriculum—theology, philosophy, English, mathematics, modern languages, history,

It Takes Vision and Fortitude

fine arts and social and natural sciences.

By his own account, Rev. Robert I. Gannon,

in an increasingly complex world.

S.J., faced an enormous challenge when

It’s certainly aspirational—our Jesuit mission calls us to form well-rounded individuals—and also practical and critical Saint Peter’s graduates who go

he arrived in Jersey City in the summer of

on to medicine and nursing need to

1930. Saint Peter’s College, which had been

communicate clearly and effectively with

closed in 1918 due to the impact of World

their patients. Business graduates need

War I, would reopen in September. There

to think creatively and problem solve in

were no faculty, facilities or campus, but

order to be successful. All industries and

the Jesuit didn’t dwell on that. Inspired by

professional sectors wrestle with ethical

possibility, he resurrected this institution

issues, and the most important quality

and introduced a rigorous course of study

college graduates can bring to the modern

in the liberal arts that lives on today in our

workforce is the ability to adapt to constant

core curriculum and accomplished faculty.

change in a global society.

Vision and fortitude brought this

We live in an age of increasing

institution back to life. And it shaped

academic specialization, so we frequently

the lives of generations of Saint

encounter the question, “Who needs

Peter’s graduates who are connected

the liberal arts?” Our response, “Every

by the transformative power of Jesuit

undergraduate who attends Saint Peter’s

education, grounded in the liberal arts,

University.” Vision and fortitude helped to

that taught them to think critically, act

establish this legacy and we remain firmly

compassionately and lead lives of purpose

committed to sustaining our Jesuit liberal

and consequence.

arts tradition for today’s Saint Peter’s

Public discourse on higher education

students and all those to come.

may have lost sight of the value of a liberal arts education, but we see the concrete

Sincerely,

outcomes in our graduates. Mary Ann McGuigan ’72, Len Fogge ’73 and Joseph Gromek ’68—whose stories are featured in this magazine—used their respective

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.

degrees in English, philosophy and history

President

as a springboard to extraordinary careers.

They are hardly alone.

Saint Peter’s University

1

IN THIS

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: Rachel Wifall, Ph.D., associate professor of English and director of the Dr. James V. Bastek Honors Program at Saint Peter’s University

FEATURES 10.

14.

16.

20.

22.

23.

CONNECT

Cover Story: Long Live the Liberal Arts Springboard to Success 10 Minutes with...Beatrice Mady, M.F.A. Alumni Say: Survey Results Career Ready: Regent Initiatives Impact Student Lives Once a Peacock, Always a Peacock

DEPARTMENTS 3.

18.

24.

26.

30.

32.

University News Men & Women for Others Peacock U Class News & Notes Remembering Rev. L. Edward Glynn, S.J. Then and Now

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

2

Winter 2016

Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05 Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. Special Assistant to the President Denton Stargel Vice President for Finance and Business

WINTER 2016 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY Volume 35, Number 2 Editor Sarah Malinowski Ferrary Executive Director of University Communications Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group Contributors & Editorial Assistance Angeline Boyer Ana Cravo Mary Kinahan-Ockay Sarah Lacz, M.B.A. ’11

Daryl Delgaizo Levy ’83 Sharon Morrissey, M.B.A., M.Ed. ’13 Photography Greg Buyalos Al Ferreira Michael Marmora Catherine Mernar Saint Peter’s University Archives Saint Peter’s University is printed on FSC certified paper containing 10% post-consumer waste and was manufactured using 100% Green-e certified renewable energy.

UNIVERSITY

News

Life After Saint Peter’s Begins Freshman Year With a new space in centrally located Dinneen Hall and a new executive director, the Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL) aims to help students with career development the moment they enter Saint Peter’s University.

“We want students to start their education at Saint Peter’s with their career awareness in mind,” said Laura Pakhmanov, MHRM, who was appointed executive director of CEEL last fall. The center is also working to involve more students—undergraduates and adult learners—in its growing roster of programs and services.

In addition to resumé writing, interview skill building and internship placements, CEEL offers students a deliberate and proactive approach to career development. This includes establishing individualized action plans so that

“We want students to start their education at Saint Peter’s with their career awareness in mind.” students can identify the key opportunities and experiences that will best prepare them for employment or graduate Continued on next page

Saint Peter’s University

3

UNIVERSITY

News

Continued from previous page studies. It also involves coaching and preparing

to any industry our students want to work in.

students for any career break that comes

CEEL is about providing students with the re-

their way.

sources and education they need to be proactive

Last October, CEEL teamed up with the School

about the career planning process.”

of Business for the University’s first Elevator Pitch Competition, a program that challenged students to craft and deliver concise messages

STUDENT ELECTED BOARD OF ED PRESIDENT By day, Adam Parkinson ’17 is an elementary education and American studies major at Saint Peter’s University. At night, you can find him presiding over school board meetings in West New York, N.J. The 20-year-old was elected president of the board of education in January.

“It’s a very humbling experience and I’m blessed,” Parkinson told NJ Advance Media after becoming the youngest West New York school board president.

Parkinson was the 2013 valedictorian of Memorial High School in West New York. When he was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 2014 at the age of 18, Parkinson said he wanted to bring the voice and perspective of students to the board of education. Voters later elected Parkinson to a three-year term, and he was named the board’s vice president in 2015.

about themselves and their value to an organization. Pakhmanov is planning more of this type of collaboration because, while the Fall Career Fair brought a record number of employers to campus, “students have a limited time to let these employers know who they are and what they have to offer.” She also foresees providing CEEL services to alumni.

The resources and services available through CEEL, which are aligned with Pathways to Distinction, the University’s strategic plan, are applicable to all majors and programs of study, according to Pakhmanov.

“We would like to have the opportunity to touch the lives of every student at Saint Peter’s,” she said. “A liberal arts education can be applied

Guarini White Paper Series Debuts Issues of public importance have a new forum

Ph.D., outlined ways for municipalities to

in New Jersey.

meet Sustainable Development Goal objectives adopted by United Nations member states to

The Guarini Institute for Government and

strengthen resiliency to mitigate the effects of

Leadership at Saint Peter’s University recently

natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy.

unveiled the Guarini White Paper Series (GWPS), a research initiative designed to

Edward Moskal, M.S., M.M.S. ’79,

provide insight, analysis and recom-

assistant professor and chair of computer science and information

mendations on a host of public poli-

science, identified the vulner-

cy issues affecting New Jerseyans.

abilities of nuclear power plants

“The White Paper Series is an

to cyberattacks, and presented

opportunity for faculty to use

recommendations to safeguard

their expertise or knowledge base to increase awareness of state

at

and local policy issues,” said Leila

Sa

er int P e t er’s U niv

Sadeghi, Ph.D. ’05, who was appointed executive director of the Guarini Institute last September.

In addition to raising awareness, the series

4

Winter 2016

CEEL resources and services are available to all students at Saint Peter’s.

y s it

nuclear power plants in the state.

Dr. Sadeghi plans to have more faculty experts contribute to the GWPS to generate interest in challenging issues of

public policy and spark action.

“We want policy makers within the state to

proposes solutions. In the first white paper

read this work and utilize it,” she said. The GWPS

published by the Guarini Institute, Assistant

is accessible to the public at saintpeters.edu/

Professor of Political Science Alexander Mirescu,

guarini-institute.

Moderator Rebecca Jarvis with panel participants Elizabeth Walker, Dan Schawbel and Jennifer Schramm

MOTIVATING THE MODERN WORKFORCE Move over, Gen X workers. Millennials (adults

Millennial Branding; Elizabeth Walker, vice presi-

age 18–34 in 2015) are now 53.5 million strong

dent of global talent management for Campbell

and have surpassed Generation X to become

Soup Company; and moderator Rebecca Jarvis,

the largest share of the American workforce,

chief business and economics correspondent and

according to a Pew Research Center report.

host and managing editor of Real Biz with Rebecca Jarvis at ABC News.

Insights on how to man-

The panelists addressed

age and inspire the millennial generation drew more than

issues ranging from attracting

200 industry leaders, faculty

and retaining quality employ-

and students to the 44th

ees to engaging an increas-

Annual Regents Business

ingly diverse workforce and

Symposium on November

the impact of technology on

6, 2015, at the Mac Mahon

the workplace.

Student Center.

This year’s event, Beyond the Gold Watch:

The Symposium is one of New Jersey’s longestrunning forums designed to inspire and educate

Motivating the Modern Workforce, featured a

professionals of all industries about business

keynote address by bestselling author and

trends, challenges and best practices. A portion

motivational expert Chester Elton. The panel of

of the event’s proceeds benefited The Patricia Q.

experts included Jennifer Schramm, manager of

Sheehan H ’77 Scholarship and the Mac Mahon

workplace trends and forecasting at the Society

Student Center.

for Human Resource Management; Dan Schawbel, millennial expert and managing partner of

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming symposia.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RECOGNIZED Two community organizations recognized Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., for outstanding contributions in 2015.

The Rotary Club of Jersey City honored Dr. Cornacchia for Service to Vocations at its “Legacy of Service” awards fundraiser dinner last October. The award presented to Dr. Cornacchia is one of the service organization’s “Five Pillars of Rotary Service.”

Black Interest Team Enterprise, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusive communities in Jersey City, recognized Dr. Cornacchia with the Distinguished Leadership Award at a gala last October. Dr. Cornacchia said he was “deeply honored and grateful” to be selected for the Distinguished Leadership award because, “it recognizes the contributions made to advance human relations and improve the quality of life in Jersey City and the surrounding areas.”

Saint Peter’s University

5

UNIVERSITY

News

FACULTY NOTEBOOK What is Microplasma?

Plasma is considered the fourth state of matter. The other states are solid, liquid and gas.

Microplasmas are small in dimension, ranging from tens to thousands of micrometers.

They can be used in commercial, industrial and medical applications, giving rise to the evolving field of microplasma science and the Center for Microplasma Science and Technology (CMST) at Saint Peter’s University.

SAINT PETER’S FACULTY STUDY AURORA BOREALIS A team of Saint Peter’s University faculty traveled to the Norwegian Arctic to photograph and study the Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the phenomenon is the result of electrons colliding with the upper reaches of the Earth’s atmosphere. The group was led by William Gutsch Jr., Ph.D. ’67, distinguished professor emeritus of the College of Arts and Sciences, and included Katherine Wydner, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, and Richard Petriello, Ph.D., professor emeritus of biology.

(L to R): William Gutsch Jr., Ph.D. ’67, Katherine Wydner, Ph.D., and Richard Petriello, Ph.D.

CMST DIRECTOR SPEAKS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Weidong Zhu, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and physics, was invited by the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Germany’s Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology to present his research findings at the first Sino-German symposium on “Atmospheric Pressure Gas Charges and Plasma Applications” held in Beijing in October 2015. Dr. Zhu was among three non-German or Chinese scientists selected to speak at the conference. He discussed “Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Water Related Applications,” detailing an alternative method of oxidation processes for water purification and liquid-based chemical processing.

Dr. Zhu is the director of the Center for Microplasma Science and Technology (CMST) at Saint Peter’s University, a center of excellence dedicated to advanced research, development and education in the emerging field of microplasma. See “What is Microplasma?” sidebar.

Weidong Zhu, Ph.D.

6

Winter 2016

BIOLOGY FACULTY ADVISE STUDENTS WITH TRIBETA RESEARCH GRANT PROJECTS Beta Beta Beta (Tribeta) is continuing its longstanding support of undergraduate research at Saint Peter’s University. The national biological honor society awarded research grants to three projects involving five undergraduates for the 2015–2016 academic year.

Robert Graffin ’17 received funding to study the effects of artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharin, aspartame and rebaudioside on tadpoles. His research advisor and collaborator, Professor of Biology Laura Twersky, Ph.D., also advises Laura Kelly ’16, who is using the Tribeta grant to test the effects of a popular body-building supplement, creatine monohydrate, on the renal function of rats.

Summen Mushtag ’16, Valentina Osorio ’16 and Sophia Touri ’18 are investigating the transgenerational effects of certain plasticizing agents on aspects of reproductive functioning in worms. The group is advised by Assistant Biology Professor Maria Agapito, Ph.D., Assistant Biology Professor Jill Callahan, Ph.D. and Dr. Twersky.

Since 1998, Tribeta has funded 33 undergraduate research projects involving more than 55 Saint Peter’s students.

EDUCATION FACULTY DEBUTS TEXTBOOK Nicole Luongo, Ed.D., associate professor of education, has authored a new textbook, The New English Language Arts Classroom: Teaching in a Digital World. The book explores how digital literacy is the focus of learning in the teaching of English language arts today. Featured topics include podcasting, screencasting, digital storytelling and blogging and using Twitter, Tumblr and other forms of social media. Dr. Luongo explains how teachers can integrate technology into any classroom.

The book, published and distributed by Cognella, Inc., is available in print and digital formats at https://students. universityreaders.com/store/.

CCNE accreditation is good news for the University and School of Nursing students.

School of Nursing Achieves Accreditation until 2025 The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) awarded 10-year accreditation to the Saint Peter’s University School of Nursing for its baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate program.

The CCNE is an independent accrediting agency that works to ensure the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing throughout the United States.

The baccalaureate and master’s degree nursing programs initially received CCNE accreditation in 2000 and were reaccredited. The DNP, which began in 2010, was also reaccredited, and the post-graduate certificate program was accredited for the first time. All of Saint Peter’s nursing programs are certified until 2025.

WHO PREDICTIONS The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts the number of people age 60 and over will increase from 605 million in 2000 to 2 billion in 2050. With an aging population, more gerontology nurses are needed to support healthy aging so that older adults can maintain a good quality of life.

To meet the demand, the School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing Primary Care—AdultGerontology Practitioner and a Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program.

For more information, visit saintpeters.edu/ school-of-nursing.

Dean of the School of Nursing Lauren O’Hare, Ed.D., said this was great news for students and the University. “The process is quite intense and it gives us a chance to really evaluate how we administer our programs,” she stated. Dr. O’Hare noted that in preparation for the CCNE site visit last April, the School of Nursing assessed data in every area of program administration. “Most importantly, accreditation helps the School of Nursing to enhance our strengths,” she added, “so that we can better serve our students now and in the future.”

Saint Peter’s University

7

UNIVERSITY

News

Contemplation in the Age of Twitter Life may be speeding up, but award-winning journalist, poet and essayist Judith Valente ’76 spoke to the Saint Peter’s

The John Tagliabue ’67 H ’05 Lecture Series has brought acclaimed authors, artists and speakers to the Jersey City campus. Guest lecturers in the past three years have included Chris Lowney, author of Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads, the poet David Vincenti and Tim Ternes, director of The Saint John’s Bible Project.

NewsWeekly and a commentator for National Public Radio and Chicago Public Radio.

The lecture series was established through

University community about creating

a generous gift from former National Football

balance by taking the time to pause

League commissioner Paul Tagliabue H ’05 in

and reflect in “Contemplation in the Age of Twitter,” held on November 10, 2015 in The Duncan Family Sky Room. The

honor of his brother, John Tagliabue, a 1967 Saint Peter’s graduate and New York

program, a joint presentation of The John Tagliabue

Times reporter. The series

’67 H ’05 Lecture Series and Alpha Sigma Nu,

features authors, journalists

provided attendees with ways to incorporate the

and writers who are con-

monastic practices of silence, listening, hospitality,

cerned with preserving and

simplicity, prayer and praise into their daily lives.

renewing the University’s

Valente is a regular contributor to the national PBS-TV news program Religion & Ethics

Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity.

Judith Valente ’76

U.N. Ambassador Speaks to Faculty on Climate Change H.E. Caleb Otto, M.D., United Nations Ambassador

The former ambassador of Sierra Leone, Sylvester

of the Republic of Palau, was the featured speaker

Rowe, and his wife, Juliana, also spoke to faculty

for the Saint Peter’s University faculty colloquium

members about ethical leadership.

on November 17, 2015.

The flag of the Pacific island nation of Palau

The colloquium, sponsored by The Guarini

Dr. Otto addressed

Institute for Government and Leadership at

climate change and its

Saint Peter’s University, serves to deepen the

effects on his native

international perspective of the University com-

country and other

munity by providing an exclusive dialogue with

small Pacific islands.

visiting U.N. ambassadors.

SKY-HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

‘Best Of’ Award goes to The Duncan Family Sky Room The Duncan Family Sky Room at Saint Peter’s

and Jersey City, LEED Silver certification and

University was recognized with a Unique Venues

flexible design of the 8,000-square-foot space

Best of Award for 2015 from Unique Venues

that can be configured for a variety of confer-

Magazine. The hospitality industry publication

ences and events.

recognizes 20 venues in a range of categories each year.

Located on the sixth floor of the Mac Mahon

Winter 2016

further information, contact Lauren LaGreca,

Student Center, The Duncan Family Sky Room

manager of conferencing and event services, at

was named the “Best Training and Development

(201) 761-7414 or email llagreca@saintpeters.edu.

Venue” for its spectacular views of New York City

8

Saint Peter’s alumni can rent the University’s premier facility at a 20 percent discount. For

HOW DO YOU OBSERVE LENT? Saint Peter’s University spoke to a campus minister, a graduate student and University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., about their plans for Lent and what they are doing differently for the Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis.

“Part of my Lenten journey is reading The Name of God is Mercy, the new book by Pope Francis, and incorporating that into my prayer life and in my work at Saint Peter’s,” said Rev. Jason Downer, S.J., campus minister for retreats and spiritual life. “As for giving something up, this year I’m giving up social media—Facebook and Twitter. It’s one of the biggest distractions, and sometimes there’s not a lot of mercy on social media. I get frustrated with that. This is a good opportunity to step away and reflect on how I use social media.”

Jeffrey Burgos ’14 ’17, a graduate student in the data science program, has also decided to reduce his screen time for Lent.

“I’m giving up social media—Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat— all that stuff,” he said. “I’m also not playing video games so that I spend more time reading physical books and enjoying time with people instead of looking at a screen.” Burgos is also focused on the Spiritual Works of Mercy, particularly forgiving others. “For me, especially, it can be tough to forgive people and love them the way that God made them.

That’s something we all need to work on.”

“Normally for Lent we decide to give up something,” said Dr. Cornacchia. “This year, we decided to do something.” He and his wife, AnnMarie, are giving another five percent of their income to charity. “In addition to Saint Peter’s, we have a few other charities we will support. It’s a way to have another impact on the world,” he said.

Saint Peter’s University

9

COVER

Story

LONG LIVE THE Gabriella Robles ’18 enrolled in Saint

Peter’s University intending to major in

education. But during her freshman year, she took an English composition course required under the core curriculum and fell in love with writing.

It took just a gentle nudge from her professor, who recognized Robles’ writing talent, for the student to switch gears and double major in English and communication. One year later, the Kearny, N.J., resident enjoys a diverse range of authors and has added a journalism minor with experience writing for The Pauw Wow to her growing resumé. Robles is also enthusiastic about other liberal arts courses, including philosophy and theology.

“I never had to take philosophy or theology in high school, and I was a little bit skeptical about why I needed to take these courses in college,” she recalled. “Now I understand why they’re required. They help you to think more clearly and analyze different situations. That’s something you can use in whatever field you choose.”

Robles’s affinity for the liberal arts affirms what CEOs have long understood: employees who are well-schooled in the liberal arts cultivate creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills—all in high demand in today’s global marketplace.

In fact, a 2013 survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities revealed that 80 percent of employers agree that regardless of major, all college students should have broad knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences. There are five key areas they’d like to see strengthened in graduates: critical thinking, complex problem solving, written and oral communication and applied knowledge in realworld settings. In other words, the very hallmarks of a Jesuit, liberal arts education.

Gabriella Robles ’18

LIBERAL ARTS same guiding disciplines still ensure that, no matter their

Accrediting bodies in higher education have also

placed greater emphasis on teaching values and ethics, a

chosen majors, all graduates leave the University with a

standard to which Saint Peter’s has long adhered. “Values

firm foundation in the liberal arts.

and pluralism are now mandated by the Middle States

“At a time when students feel more pressure to prepare

Commission on Higher Education Accreditation,” said

for jobs and careers, the faculty and administration really

Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., chair and professor in the

got behind the core,” said Fr. DeStephano, who served on

Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Litera-

the Core Curriculum Task Force. Currently, all Saint Peter’s

tures. “Some of these standards may be new to the rest of

undergraduates are required to take a minimum of 57 of

the country, but it’s still the good old Jesuit tradition.”

120 credits in the liberal arts. “If you look at it over a 20year span, the core is still extraordinarily large, which is

The Core of Success

a heavy investment in the Jesuit liberal arts tradition,”

If the founders of Saint Peter’s could look forward in time

Fr. DeStephano added.

to 2016, would they be pleased with the curriculum offered by the “College on the Hill?” The answer lies in the 1961 memoir The Poor Old Liberal Arts penned by Rev. Robert I. Gannon, S.J. In 1930, the Jesuit was tasked with re-opening Saint Peter’s, which had shuttered its doors in 1918, a casualty of World War I. In the midst of the Great Depression, Fr. Gannon arrived in Jersey City and quickly realized he was facing a clean slate in terms

80%

of employers agree that, regardless of their major, all college students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.

Source: “It Takes More than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success.” AAC&U, 2013

of creating a curriculum. In fact, he referred to himself as the “dean of a college that was still in the Mind of God.” Armed with the rich liberal arts background he had

Institutional support of the liberal arts extends beyond the core. Last year, 73 of 113, or 65 percent, of full-time

gleaned as a Georgetown University student, the new

faculty members were in the liberal arts, which includes

dean vowed that “the new Saint Peter’s College would

disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural

be a novelty in American education,” and would offer

sciences. Data also shows that the liberal arts represented

a first-class liberal arts course to intelligent and

61 percent of majors in the Day Session and 56 percent of all

ambitious students.

undergraduate degrees awarded in 2014.

“...the core is still extraordinarily large, which is a heavy investment in the Jesuit liberal arts tradition.”

That vision lives on today. Through the years, Saint

Associate Professor of History David Gerlach, Ph.D., teaches required history courses to the spectrum of majors represented on campus. As a historian, he recognizes that history and other core subject areas help to broaden the educational expanse of all students.

“I’m not concerned that the history major is going to

Peter’s has introduced new majors and pre-professional pro-

become obsolete,” explained Dr. Gerlach, who is also chair of

grams. The core curriculum underwent a full-scale review

the history department. “People change careers throughout

and new requirements were introduced in 2012, but the

their lives, and the liberal arts provide them with a broad

Saint Peter’s University

11

COVER

Story

The core curriculum is still the cornerstone of the Saint Peter’s experience. Last year, 73 of 113 full-time faculty members, or 65%, were in the liberal arts.

65%

during World War II. It keeps resurfacing in the current world.”

Associate Professor of Theology Susan L. Graham, Ph.D., specializes in Early Christianity and has researched areas including Jewish-Christian relations and organized a conference at Saint Peter’s on the common ground between Christians, Jews and Muslims. Through her historical research, she has traced both the cooperative relationships and the conflicts that have marked the interaction between

based skill set that they can use to approach a variety of careers. That kind of flexibility can be very valuable.”

Scholarship: Center of the Liberal Arts For Dr. Gerlach and other Saint Peter’s University facul-

Christians and Jews over centuries.

Without understanding the historical context, Dr. Graham said it’s difficult to comprehend what she called the “hot points” that spark conflict today.

“Here’s one of the values of a liberal arts education:

ty members, a strong emphasis on the liberal arts also extends to their research, which, in turn, informs their approach to teaching. In the University’s Academic Handbook, a passage places faculty at the center of the liberal arts tradition, referring to them as “persons who believe in scholarship, secure in their own identity and

“People change careers throughout their lives, and the liberal arts provides them with a broad-based skill set that they can use to approach a variety of careers.”

leading others to freedom, both by instruction and the example of free commitment to a way of life.”

Dr. Gerlach is researching how the shift in property

that lies underneath the surface level of the issues,” she

and political developments in the Cold War and post-

explained, “then you are not going to be able to have

Cold War periods. It’s a historical problem that is still

an informed judgment at any given point about what’s

relevant today. “We are continuing to hear about this in

going on in the world and how to respond to it.”

The research interests of Associate Professor of

issue, the fact that the Germans had never fully com-

English Rachel Wifall, Ph.D., focus on Shakespearean

pensated them for property, money and things taken

drama. Dr. Wifall enlivens 16th-century literature

Associate Professor of English Rachel Wifall, Ph.D., has served as director of the University’s Dr. James V. Bastek Honors Program since 2009. A Shakespearean scholar, Dr. Wifall is currently writing a chapter for the forthcoming book, Jane & Will: The Literary Love Affair Between Austen and Shakespeare. In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Wifall is the author of the short story collection What You Need and Typewriter Man: A Story of World War II.

Winter 2016

literature, if you haven’t thought about the substance

relations during World War II influenced economic

the Greek debt crisis,” he noted. “Greece brought up the

12

if you don’t know your history, if you haven’t read the

David Gerlach, Ph.D., is associate professor of history and chair of the history department. The author of several published articles, he recently completed The Economy of Ethnic Cleansing, which examines economic implications of the expulsion of ethnic Germans in Eastern Europe following World War II. Dr. Gerlach is currently on sabbatical from the University continuing his research.

classes with staged performances. She has been invited

skills that help you get through in the world. I think

to write about Jane Austen and William Shakespeare

maybe we need to redefine what are the practical,

and their legacy as iconic English writers, a project for

usable skills.”

Dr. Graham also points to the success of graduates

which she enlisted Robles’ research assistance.

who combine theology with another major and achieve

Redefining the Real Skills Graduates Need

successful careers. One such graduate is Jolie Hoppe, D.O. ’09, who had a double major in biology and theology,

As director of the Dr. James V. Bastek Honors Program

and credits her theology background with informing her

at Saint Peter’s, Dr. Wifall has the opportunity to teach

practice of medicine.

and advise some of the brightest students on campus.

“Of course, I’m absolutely thrilled,” Dr. Graham said

Often, these students arrive at the University with a

of her former student. “One of the things with theology,

major in mind and a specific career they’d like to

in particular, and the liberal arts, in general, is how our

pursue. A few question why they must spend time on liberal arts core subjects instead of delving deeper into their major. Dr. Wifall said that eventually, most begin to develop an appreciation for the liberal arts. Some discover new interests and combine business or education with a second liberal arts major or minor.

Dr. Wifall and other liberal arts faculty have worked closely with students who have double

61%

In 2014, liberal arts majors accounted for 61% of the undergraduate student body.

56% of all undergraduate degrees awarded that year were in the liberal arts.

majored in political science and biology with an eye toward a future career in public health issues, or chose an academic path that included the humanities

graduates use what they’ve learned as they grow into

and science.

functioning and contributing adults. You can’t do that

“I think that people come around to realize what’s

in a silo. We do that in interactions, and we do that in

missing in the picture,” Dr. Wifall noted. “You always

context of our principles—social, human and religious.

have action and reaction, and we do live in a world

If someone can take this and consciously use it, that’s

where you have to have practical skills. But people

exactly what we’re gunning for.”

aren’t realizing that analysis, knowledge of history, knowledge of human nature and writing are practical

Associate Professor of Theology Susan L. Graham, Ph.D., is a noted expert on Early Christianity. Her research sheds light on the relationship of sacred monuments in Jerusalem to the polemic between Christians and Jews in late antiquity, and offers historical context to the state of religious tensions today.

Dr. Graham has written about the topic for several academic journals and is currently writing a book on the subject.

Fluent in 15 languages, Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., is chair and professor in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures. He also serves as director of the Asian Studies program. Fr. DeStephano is writing a biography of the 19th Century Spanish author Rev. Luis Coloma, S.J. Fr. DeStephano is chaplain to a sustainable coffee project in the Philippines and is writing a book about the country’s history of coffee.

Saint Peter’s University

13

COVER

Story

Springboard to Success

Three liberal arts graduates.

Three amazing careers.

Where She Belongs When Mary Ann McGuigan ’72 learned that her first novel, Cloud Dancer, would be published, few people

McGuigan majored in English, but kept her literary ambitions to herself. She taught English for eight years after

knew that she was even writing a book. “I always wanted graduating from Saint Peter’s and became a freelance to be a writer,” said McGuigan, who grew up in the

business editor because, “I was itching to see what I could

Bronx and wrote her first play at the age of 9. “I just

do.” Over the next three decades, she built a successful

didn’t tell anyone.”

career as an editor and writer in finance, wealth man-

Part of a large Irish-Catholic family, McGuigan moved to Jersey City at the age of 11. “We were extremely poor,” she recalled. “There was no money for groceries, never mind college tuition.” Still, McGuigan applied and was accepted to Saint Peter’s, but even with a scholarship, she

agement and corporate communications and served as

didn’t have the funds to attend full time. She planned to

executive editor and publisher for Bloomberg Press.

get a job and enroll part time until Rev. Edmund Ryan, S.J.,

an insightful novel about a teenage girl’s journey to self-

arranged a work-study position that allowed McGuigan to

worth, started as a short story for adults. At a writer’s

attend Saint Peter’s full time.

conference, McGuigan learned that the young adult genre didn’t require a literary agent. She submitted the

wondered how things would have gone if Fr. Ryan hadn’t

manuscript directly to Scribner’s Children’s books, which

asked about my financial circumstances. Evidently, there

was later acquired by Simon & Schuster, and the novel

was some kind of intervention and it changed the course

was published in 1992.

of my life.”

Winter 2016

McGuigan never gave up fiction writing. Cloud Dancer,

stepped in. The academic dean found a state grant and

“I was tremendously grateful,” she recalled. “I always

14

“I always wanted to be a writer. I just didn’t tell anyone.”

Continued on Page 29

Taking the Road Less Traveled Len Fogge ’73 got his first doctor’s kit at the age of three.

the assassinations

It sealed his decision to become a doctor when he grew

of Martin Luther

up. Or so he thought.

King Jr. H ’65 and

Years later, as a freshman pre-med major at Saint

Robert F. Kennedy.

Peter’s University, Fogge enrolled in a philosophy class

Fogge joined

required as part of the core curriculum. It changed the

other students on

course of his life. He decided to abandon his childhood

Friday nights to

career goal and become a philosophy major.

discuss important

“It was endlessly fascinating to be contemplating the

issues of the day

big issues of life, man and God,” Fogge recalled. “It really

with Fr. Cassidy.

“During that

opened my mind.”

Fogge has parlayed the critical thinking skills he

period, my whole

gleaned from his philosophy major into an award-

world view expand-

winning career in entertainment marketing. Today, he is

ed and changed,”

president of marketing and digital for NBC Entertainment, Fogge said. through the years developing campaigns for hit television programs such as Dexter, The Tudors and The Voice.

The discourse facilitated by Fr. Cassidy profoundly influenced the way

As a philosophy major, Fogge dove into his studies with Fogge approached discussions. “He was pretty conservaenthusiasm. The late Rev. Laurence L. Cassidy, S.J., became tive and I was pretty liberal,” he said with a laugh. “He his academic advisor and mentor. In the turbulent late

challenged my ideas. I had to come up with an intellec-

’60s and early ’70s, students were grappling with complex

tual rationale for my decisions.”

Continued on page 27

social and moral issues ranging from the Vietnam War to

Asking the Right Questions Joseph R. Gromek ’68 may have

He is best known for the turnaround of the Warnaco

grown up in the family busi-

Group, Inc. As CEO and president, Gromek took the com-

ness, but when he attended

pany from post-bankruptcy in 2003 to becoming one of

Saint Peter’s University, his

the world’s leading retail organizations.

mind was on law school. “I

As a fashion industry leader and trustee of Saint Peter’s

majored in history and minored and other nonprofit institutions, Gromek, who retired in political science. It seemed

from Warnaco in 2012, believes the liberal arts are essen-

relevant for law school,” said

tial to an organization’s success. “The skill sets that are

Gromek, who has served on the

needed today require collaboration, effective communica-

University’s Board of Trustees

tion and problem solving,” he said. “All of these things are

since 2012.

principles within a Jesuit liberal arts education.”

Gromek’s parents, Joseph

Gromek also appreciates that the liberal arts bolster

W. and Nellie Gromek, owned and operated a stationery

critical thinking skills and the ability to ask the right

business in Jersey City. As a college student, Gromek as-

questions. “Being able to ask questions appropriately,

sumed more responsibilities at the store, “And I realized

without pre-determining the answer, is critical,” he said.

how much I enjoyed it.”

“I think back to my philosophy courses when we asked

After graduation, instead of going to law school, he

open-ended questions like, ‘Does the end justify the

joined the executive training program at Lord & Taylor,

means?’ That’s very different from, ‘The end justifies the

now the oldest luxury department store in North Amer-

means.’”

ica. Gromek went on to senior management positions

Throughout his career, Gromek consistently looked to

with Ann Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Limited Brands,

liberal arts colleges and universities for talent. “I felt the

Inc., and served as president and CEO of Brooks Brothers

students were much more well-rounded,” he said. “It’s all

from 1996 to 2002.

about success, and I look for people who play to win.”

Saint Peter’s University

15

10 MINUTES

with...

Beatrice M. Mady, M.F.A.

The Hopeless Romantic

From an early age, Beatrice M. Mady, M.F.A., knew she would become an artist. The work of this prolific painter, graphic artist and photographer can be found in the public collections of corporate headquarters, regional museums and galleries that inspire hope. The fine arts professor has also been a visible presence in group and solo exhibitions in New Jersey and New York for nearly 40 years. Saint Peter’s University visited Professor Mady’s Jersey City studio and discussed the value of art education, the impact of technology on artistic expression and the difference between looking and seeing.

When did you know you wanted to become an artist?

From that early age, I realized I was a hopeless roman-

I knew I was an artist when I was about three or four

tic. I had seen a movie about Frédéric Chopin and was

years old. It is who I am, not just what I do. My mother

enamored with the notion of dying for one’s art.

was a dancer and my father was a chemical engineer, so I’m coming from the sciences and the arts. My parents were always very encouraging to me as an artist.

16

Winter 2016

Where do you find inspiration?

My main inspiration comes from my travels. I try to take a major trip each year so that I can draw

inspiration from patterns and symbols that people use

main thing I see about how technology is changing art.

in other areas of the world. Last year I visited Korea and

There are certainly diehard painters who are not going

the year prior to that, India. I’ve been to Peru, Japan,

to leave that realm, and technology people aren’t going

most of Europe and the American Southwest. I like the

to leave their computers, but there are a lot of us who

pueblo Native American work in the Southwest, and so

bridge the gap.

I’ve been to the Four Corners region, Mesa Verde and the national parks in that area.

“Looking is just getting what is out there; seeing is understanding.”

Has the breakdown of these boundaries been good for art students?

It has. In the past, there was a stigma attached to graphic art. In fact, it wasn’t called graphic art, it was called commercial art, and so the fine artist looked down on the commercial artist because they were

How did patterns and symbols come to inform your work?

It’s just a fascination I have. There are symbols that are everywhere, whether it’s a dot, dashes or spirals. They are used everywhere and in every time period. Carl Jung, founder of analytical psychology, wrote about

making product to be sold. In actual fact, fine artists do the same thing. They make a product—a painting—and they want to sell it. Technology has helped to eliminate or wear down the stigma that came with being a commercial artist or a graphic artist.

universal patterns that transcend culture and history.

You work with a variety of majors at Saint Peter’s—

The scholar Joseph Campbell applied these ideas to

graphic arts, communication and even business.

myths as they relate to humans. These symbols become

What role do the fine arts play in educating the

part of our psyche, and that is very intriguing to me

whole person?

because it relates to my own work and artwork in other

Oh my goodness. What would the world be like without

parts of the world.

the arts? It helps one understand math and science.

If you could create art in any time period or era, which one you would choose?

Oh, this one. Art is a product of the period we live in. I don’t think I’d be able to create the art that I currently make in another time.

You have said that painting is your first love, but you are also fascinated by the technical aspects of art.

I started digital work in the mid-1980s when Mac computers became readily available to the public. An oil painting is laborious because of the slow drying nature of the medium. I have to work on four or five pieces at the same time, otherwise I’m making one painting a year. There is a spontaneous quality to digital work.

I can sit down at my computer and have something that’s pretty solid and concrete within four or five hours; I really like that aspect of it.

How do you think technology has impacted art?

Technology has broken down the boundary between fine art and graphic art. There are many fine artists

Studying art unleashes creativity and outside-the-box thinking. Analyzing art helps one deconstruct and comprehend other subjects. Certainly learning how to draw is learning how to see rather than look.

What is the difference between seeing and looking?

Looking is taking a cursory glance. ‘I looked into my kitchen and saw a pot on the stove.’ Seeing my kitchen is different. I see the pot on the stove, its shadows and shape. I can understand the three-dimensional quality, the color, form and texture rather than a flat shape. Looking is just getting what is out there; seeing is understanding.

Beatrice M. Mady, M.F.A., is professor of fine arts at Saint Peter’s University and coordinator of the graphic arts major.

Her most recent exhibition, “The Floating World: Shadows and Dreams,” is at the Drawing Rooms in Jersey City.

Her work was also selected to appear in the 2016 New Jersey Arts Annual at the Noyes Museum of Art, Stockton University, April 6–July 28.

who are doing digital work that could be considered graphic art. The reverse is true as well, and that’s the

TRAVEL SPARKS ART “Virtue of Charity” is one in a series of abstract paintings inspired by the time Beatrice M. Mady, M.F.A., spent in Japan. The visual reference is Mt. Fuji, which she photographed and then re-imagined in the 2010 oil painting. Color plays a significant role in her artistic process.

“The colors are really a reflection of how I felt about Japan,” Professor Mady said. “I think every place has its own colors, smells and feel.

When I get home, I try to incorporate how I felt about a place into the painting.”

She makes frequent use of contrast in her work, as well. “I always work with the idea of dualities,” she said.

“I have been intrigued with the ideas of opposites both spiritually and conceptually in the way the shapes and forms play out compositionally.”

View and learn more about the artist’s work at beatricemady.com.

Saint Peter’s University

17

MEN & WOMEN FOR

OTHERS

Coming to the RESCUE

Toni Ann Turco ’86 and Matt Holowienka ’15; Holowienka is the son of Raymond ’84 and Charlotte ’85 Holowienka.

Toni Ann Turco ’86 draws on business experience to build canine nonprofit.

Toni Ann Turco’s professional life has gone to the dogs, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

A former Wall Street executive, the 1986 Saint Peter’s

Winter 2016

Wall Street. She decided to retire from her job as

graduate retired from a successful career in finance

director, operations compliance, with Barclays Capital,

to found Home for Good Dog Rescue, a nonprofit that

Inc. “Wall Street was not what it was in the ’80s,” Turco

rescues canines from high-kill shelters in South

explained “I was taught in the Jesuit tradition to give

Carolina and Georgia and transports them north to

back. It was time to do that.”

find forever homes.

18

At the same time, she began having second thoughts about the 24-year career she had built on

Extensive research to identify areas with the

For Turco, the rescue is a labor of love borne from grief.

greatest need led her to South Carolina and Georgia,

When her Collie mix, Manchester, was killed by a hit and

two states with a large number of high-kill shelters.

run driver in 2010, her other dog howled for five months.

She was shocked at the attitudes toward animal welfare

Heartbroken, Turco tried to find a way to work through

she encountered in rural areas, where people often fail

the sadness. She adopted another rescue, this one a Lab-

to spay and neuter pets, and dogs sometimes live in

rador, and began volunteering with a rescue organization.

deplorable conditions.

Turco started small, setting a goal to find homes

Last year, it was a natural for Turco to turn to Saint

in the Northeast for between five and 10 dogs. Soon,

Peter’s for recommendations about finding an employee

however, her fledgling rescue had grown to handle 80

to handle social media and public relations for the res-

dogs a month.

cue. She selected Matt Holowienka ’15, a communication

Six years after its founding, Home for Good Dog

major who is enthusiastic about the rescue’s mission.

“This has definitely made me a dog person,” Holow-

Rescue, based in Berkeley Heights, N.J., has placed almost 4,100 dogs in loving homes. More than 160 volunteers

ienka said. “They’re very smart animals and they know

and 65 families have signed on to help with everything

what’s happening to them. They don’t have a voice. I can

from fostering dogs to working in the office, bathing and

be the one to speak for them.”

The opportunity offered by Turco also enables

grooming canines, and staffing adoption events.

“I was taught in the Jesuit tradition to give back. It was time to do that.”

The rescue follows a rigorous adoption process that ensures families are matched with the right dog. In fact,

Holowienka to live the Jesuit mission of men and women for others. “Working at the rescue definitely fits in with the Jesuit mission. I’ve always wanted to work at a nonprofit to give back in my own way,” he explained.

“I help take animals from dire situations and give them good lives.”

It’s clear that her work provides Turco with a deep

Home for Good Dog Rescue boasts an impressive return

level of satisfaction that was missing on Wall Street.

rate of just 0.4 percent.

A business management major at Saint Peter’s, Turco

These days, it’s common for strangers to stop the

continues her affiliation with the University as vice

dynamic animal lover when she’s out shopping with

chair of the Board of Regents. Saint Peter’s University

her husband. They remind her that they adopted a dog

President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., isn’t surprised

from her and show her pictures of the animals given a

at the deep level of commitment Turco has devoted to

second chance at life thanks to her good work.

Her work has not gone unnoticed by the University.

her nonprofit.

“Toni Ann is committed to this cause,” Dr. Cornacchia

She will be honored for Service to Community at the

said. “Through the years, she has shown this same level

Saint Peter’s University Hearts & Minds Scholarship

of commitment and skill to expanding opportunities for

Celebration on May 6.

“Nobody knew me when I worked on Wall Street,” she

Saint Peter’s students. She truly is the epitome of someone who lives her life in the Jesuit spirit.”

ALMOST HOME Home for Good Dog Rescue is growing, thanks to the experience and contacts Toni Ann Turco ’86 gained in her Wall Street years.

The nonprofit has launched a capital campaign to construct a canine wellness center in Aiken, S.C. Called Almost Home, the center will also feature programs to change the area’s culture regarding animal welfare.

To learn more about the Home for Good Dog Rescue, visit homeforgooddogs.org.

said. “Everybody knows me now.”

Bringing the ‘wow factor’ to a Catholic school’s science program Assistant Professor of Biology Jeanette

Together, the dynamic duo built an enviable science program

Wilmanski, Ph.D. ’00 describes the

that engages students with stimulating labs, up-to-date technology

circumstances that brought her to Sa-

and tools including a full-size skeleton and new textbooks with

cred Heart School in Jersey City as

online learning materials.

“a perfect storm.”

When a Saint Peter’s University

Dr. Wilmanski explained,“The students are very energetic and have lots of potential if given the opportunity.” Long after the

student wanted to run a workshop for

initial workshop, Dr. Wilmanski has continued her involvement

elementary school students two years

with the school. She and Pezzano collaborate on developing

ago, Sacred Heart was suggested because

engaging labs, and Dr. Wilmanski helps to identify cost savings

a number of Saint Peter’s alumni teach

and continuing needs.

there. Dr. Wilmanski stepped in with grant funding she had already secured to enhance STEM programs in grades 5 through 8.

At the time, Sacred Heart had just hired Marielle Pezzano ’11 as

Sr. Frances Salemi, S.C., Sacred Heart principal, said the science program has far surpassed her initial expectations, writing, “Dr. Wilmanski has quite simply put us on the map in terms of science

a junior high science teacher. “Marielle was coming on board, and

programs.” Dr. Wilmanski plans to continue her partnership with

as she was learning, I was texting her to talk about how we could

Sacred Heart. “Change happens over time,” she said. “It’s not

add a little bit of a ‘wow factor’ to hook students and encourage

overnight. If the changes are to become permanent, it will take

them to pursue science.”

time. I am invested in Sacred Heart.”

Saint Peter’s University

19

Alumni Say Fall 2015 survey results are in The results of a recent online survey of Saint Peter’s alumni revealed valuable information about alumni perceptions, engagement and how the University can better serve and communicate with its graduates.

Nine hundred and ten alumni participated and respondents represented the full spectrum of graduating classes from the 1950s to 2015.

Here’s what Saint Peter’s alumni had to say about alma mater.

Forever Grateful

89%

of alumni say they are grateful for the education they received from Saint Peter’s University.

88%

have a positive opinion of the University.

20

Winter 2016

Top 3 Peacock

Connections Alumni Value:

1

Their connection to the University

2

Their connection to fellow alumni

3

Their connection to their academic department or major

ADVANCEMENT

Overall, alumni ranked e-mails from the University and

CROWDFUNDING COMES THROUGH

Saint Peter’s University as the top two communication

From Open Houses to athletic events, the Peacock

vehicles. Top topics include:

mascot has taken a lot of wear and tear during its 13

Best Ways to Stay in Touch

News, stories and profiles about alumni

Articles and profiles

about faculty research

and accomplishments

86% 77%

years of constant use. Thanks to the University’s new crowdfunding initiative, Impact Saint Peter’s, a new—and fiercer—Peacock costume will debut this spring. The online fundraising project for the new Peacock mascot raised more than $6,500 from 60 donors over a 30-day period—109 percent over goal.

Donors included students, faculty, administrators and alumni. A challenge grant issued by Special Assistant to the President Eileen Poiani, Ph.D., spurred

News, updates and stories

about strategic planning

and campus improvements

75%

an impressive amount of participation from the student body. Assistant Vice President for Advancement Sarah Lacz, M.B.A. ’11, said that in addition to getting worthwhile projects off the ground, Impact Saint Peter’s is bringing the University community together. “Raising money is helping us build a culture of philanthropy,”

Reasons to Give Back

93%

of alumni donors say they give back to Saint Peter’s because of the University’s overall mission.

Top 3 Giving Priorities

41% 38% 33%

she said.

Impact Saint Peter’s is open to all faculty, students and staff who wish to raise money for approved projects and initiatives at the University. Other recent crowdfunding efforts included a project to build a second food preparation area for The Campus Kitchen and garnering online support for the Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. Memorial Scholarship.

“We are looking forward to launching new projects this spring,” Lacz added.

To learn more or support a project, visit impact.saintpeters.edu.

give to strengthen academics give to scholarships give to The Saint Peter Fund

Have you moved recently?

Changed your e-mail address? Do you have a new job?

Stay in the loop and update your contact information. To receive the latest news, updates and program information from Saint Peter’s, visit alumni.saintpeters.edu and click on “Contact Us.”

CONTACT US

The soon-to-be-retired Peacock mascot. Look for the unveiling of the new mascot in the spring issue.

Saint Peter’s University

21

ADVANCEMENT

Career Ready

Regent Initiatives Impact Student Lives also advancing Saint Peter’s. “We provide students with support that goes beyond their academic career,” he said.

To this end, Regents act as University ambassadors at admission open houses and reach out directly to students once they are accepted. They facilitate internships, conduct job interview preparation and even coach students on business etiquette through the Dinner With A Regent program. The group continues to refine its approach to career preparedness.

After Regents began attending University career fairs, they started meeting with companies to promote students and learn about the organizations’ workforce needs. “We started out by meeting and greeting students, and now we are brokering meetings between students and employers,” Fristensky said.

Nineteen of the 29 members of the Board of Regents at the 44th Annual Regents Business Symposium on November 6, 2015.

The Saint Peter’s University Board of Regents is noted for

New and ongoing University initiatives will bolster the

its signature event, the Regents Business Symposium, but

work of the Regents, including the new Center for Career

less well known is just how much this 29-member board

Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL) and the

has a direct and lasting impact on student lives.

attention placed on career preparedness in Pathways to

The alumni and friends elected to the volunteer body are deeply involved, from promoting the University to pro-

Distinction, Saint Peter’s new strategic plan.

“The University has broadened its focus on career pre-

spective students to Regents Ready, an initiative designed

paredness,” said Fristensky. “It goes beyond just the School

to enhance students’ career preparedness.

of Business, it involves all academic majors. We want to

Board Chair Warren Fristensky ’74 said the program gives students leverage in a competitive job market while

partner with CEEL and the University, identify directions and take it to the next level.”

NEW REGENTS CONTRIBUTE ENTHUSIASM AND EXPERIENCE Seven new Regents were elected this year, bringing a wealth of

James Donofrio, M.B.A., son of Victor Donofrio ’57, is managing

accomplishment and philanthropic spirit to the Board.

director and fixed income portfolio manager with Deutsche Bank

Catherine Carnevale ’83, director of IT projects, Consumer

Asset and Wealth Management.

Research & Development, at GlaxoSmithKline, earned a bachelor’s

Stephen Ellerman ’74 has served as president of the Saint Peter’s

degree in computer science from Saint Peter’s.

Alumni Board of Directors. He is vice president of One Call

Christopher DePizzo, Esq. ’09 is an associate at Latham &

Medical, Inc. Ellerman’s daughter is Meghan Ellerman ’09.

Watkins, LLP.

Phillip Mongelluzzo, M.D. ’94 met his wife, Maria Luz “Pinky”

Kenneth Moore, M.B.A. ’91 is chief administrative and financial

Mongelluzzo ’93 at Saint Peter’s. Dr. Mongelluzzo is a board-

officer with the investment firm Jennison Associates LLC. Maryellen Scott Moran ’88 manages the Sarbanes-Oxley program at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics.

22

Winter 2016

certified internist in private practice in Connecticut.

PEACOCK

U

Once a Peacock, Always a Peacock

Thomas Wickiewicz, M.D. ’72 pays it forward with world-class care for the University’s Division I athletic program.

A little more than four decades have passed since Thom- assistant team physician for eight years for the New York as Wickiewicz, M.D. ’72 graduated from Saint Peter’s University.

During that span, he’s built a successful career as a

Giants, earning two Super Bowl rings along the way.

His accomplishments in knee and shoulder surgery have drawn accolades from his peers, who have consis-

noted orthopedic surgeon at The Hospital for Special

tently named him one of America’s Top Doctors. Major

Surgery and a professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at

news programs have tapped him to provide expert com-

Weill Cornell Medical College.

mentary numerous times.

“I never lost sight of the fact that this is where I came from. I always felt a debt of gratitude.”

A specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Wickiewicz has treated many professional athletes and served as

Professionally, he’s come a long way from the Jersey City kid who played club football for Saint Peter’s. But he’s never forgotten his roots. Today, Dr. Wickiewicz donates his time and expertise to serve as team orthopedist for Saint Peter’s Division I teams, a position he took on after retiring from the Giants organization in 1993.

Continued on page 25

Saint Peter’s University

23

9.

CLASS ACTS:

Hall of Fame Induction

1.

2.

3.

Seven individuals and two teams were honored as the 33rd induction class at the 2016 Hall of Fame Ceremony held on February 6 at the Mac Mahon Student Center.

“It is tonight’s inductees and those who have come before them, who have built the foundation of this formidable athletics program.” said Athletic Director Boe Pearman.

The honorees represented a wide spectrum of Saint Peter’s University athletics. Al Jago ’51, a champion of the Saint Peter’s athletic program for more than 50 years, was honored for Special Services.

Rob Tandy ’95 earned All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) recognition during his baseball career and also received Order of the Cross Keys, National Jesuit Honor Society and Scholastic All-American honors. Liz Stivers ’99, who lettered in soccer and softball for four seasons, is regarded as one of the best soccer defenders in school history and ranks in the Top 10 in six offensive categories for softball.

Chris DeAbreu ’09, a four-year letter winner on the men’s soccer team, helped lead his

4.

team to back-to-back MAAC championship games. Conor Mullee ’10 played baseball for four years and was drafted by the New York Yankees. Pete Falloon ’65 not only excelled in the sport of golf, but has been leading this generation of golfers to MAAC championships as men’s golf head coach.

Teams honored were the 1967–68 men’s basketball team, which advanced to the National Invitational Tournament Semifinals and the 1971–72 women’s basketball team, which paved the way for future women’s basketball teams at Saint Peter’s by seeking equality on the court. The men’s team welcomed a special guest, Fred Cranwell HA ’08, who was director of sports information during the 1967-68 season.

“The University recognizes that competitive athletics provide enriching experiences for students, while also promoting cultural values like endurance, perseverance, leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork. These qualities all strengthen the spirit of the University,” said University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. “Our athletes are some of the most academically talented students on campus.”

24

Winter 2016

5.

PEACOCK

U

Continued from page 23 It’s a way to pay it forward for the opportunities he received from the University and to stay connected with Peacock sports programs, according to Dr. Wickiewicz, a 1976 graduate of New Jersey Medical School.

“I never lost sight of the fact that this is where I came from,” he said. “I’ve always felt a debt of gratitude. A desire to give back to the school is what led me to be involved long term.”

When Dr. Wickiewicz was a student, Saint Peter’s boasted the best club football program on the East Coast.

The team traveled to far-flung cities like Saint Louis and Detroit. “We would travel pretty far,” he recalled. “It was a real big-time program for us. It was seven-days-a-week

6.

football and it was non-scholarship.”

As a student-athlete, he supported other Peacock teams, too, especially the men’s basketball program.

These days, you’ll most likely find him on the sidelines at men’s and women’s basketball games cheering on the teams and keeping a watchful eye out for injuries. While he commutes from his Manhattan home to attend many basketball games, Dr. Wickiewicz also lends his expertise to student-athletes who participate in other sports.

He sees a strong correlation between himself and today’s student-athletes.

“When I was in college, Saint Peter’s reflected Hudson

7.

8.

County, N.J.,” explained Dr. Wickiewicz, who was inducted into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999. “As the demographics have changed, so has Saint Peter’s. But kids are kids. They want the opportunity to be athletes, they want the opportunity to play. And you’ve always been able to get a great education at Saint Peter’s.”

A key benefit for the University’s student-athletes has been access to the nation’s premier orthopedic hospital, courtesy of Dr. Wickiewicz and his affiliation with the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Injured student-athletes are treated side by side with

9.

the New York City area’s top professional athletes. Many

1. Athletic Director Boe Pearman, Hall of Fame Inductee Al Jago ’51 and University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.; 2. Tom Mac Mahon ’68, member of the 1967–68 men’s basketball team; 3. Clare and Joseph Mullee, accepting the award for their son, Conor ’10; 4. Chris DeAbreu ’09; 5. Pete Falloon ’65; 6. The 1971–72 women’s basketball team; 7. Fred Cranwell HA ’08; 8. Rob Tandy ’95; 9. The 1967–68 men’s basketball team; 10. Liz Stivers ’99 10.

wouldn’t be able to afford that caliber of care on their own.

But Dr. Wickiewicz’s generous donation of time, coupled with University insurance, ensure that Peacock team members receive world-class care.

“I like to think that’s my biggest gift to the students of Saint Peter’s,” said Dr. Wickiewicz, who is also a member of the University’s Board of Regents and founding member of the athletics subcommittee of the Board of Trustees. “This is the same institution that cares for three-fourths of the top athletes in the New York City area. It’s a real benefit to them as student-athletes.”

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.

1937 Vincent Daniel turned 100 years young on October 14, 2015. His family celebrated the milestone with a party in Cranford, N.J. Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, attended and wished him well on behalf of Saint Peter’s.

and his family received the Spotlight Award at the second annual Bridging the Gaps of Hope Gala for their dedication and long-time work for those with special needs.

Jankowski’s son, Jack, accepted the award on behalf of the family at the November 2015 event held at the Moorpark Country Club in Moorpark, Calif.

1955

1960

Tom Jankowski, son of the late Conrad Jankowski and Sue Andrews Jankowski, sister of Bud Andrews,

Bruce Graham published a novel, And the Next President Is…, which details a scenario in which a presi-

dential election winner dies before the electoral college votes. It is available as an e-book through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

1965 The Board of Trustees of the Italian Educational and Cultural Center at Casa Colombo honored Robert (Bob) Donato at their 2016 Carnevale Celebration on January 31. He was honored for his service as retired principal of Jersey City’s Dickinson High School.

1966 William Netchert, Esq. and his wife, Barbara, were among the awardees at the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s eighth annual Legends Ball. Netchert, a lifelong Jersey City resident, is a senior partner in the law firm of Netchert, Dineen & Hillman, and has been chairman of the Hudson County Community College Board of Trust-

ees since 2003, involved in the funding of resources for the college’s $250 million physical expansion.

1967 Richard Geffken has published a book, The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965–2015, with co-author Don Burden. It is an updated version of The Story of Shrewsbury by Richard Kraybill, and is a history of the second-oldest town in Monmouth County.

On November 6, 2015, Frederick Ducca, Ph.D., gave a plenary talk at the 2015 International Forum on Integrated Planning for Mega City Clusters in Beijing, China, sponsored by the Beijing University of Technology. His topic was transportation issues faced by large urban clusters.

President’s Reception

The President’s Reception on December 3, 2015, honored the 582 members of the President’s Council who made an investment of $1,000 or more to Saint Peter’s University in 2014–2015. Held in The Duncan Family Sky Room of the Mac Mahon Student Center, the event recognizes alumni and friends who have demonstrated an admirable dedication to the University’s mission and students.

26

Winter 2016

(Clockwise from top) Elias Desport ’16, Theresa Kwiatkowski ’72, Theodore Kwiatkowski, D.M.D. ’70, Samantha Storms ’17, Annette Corbin ’84, Michelle Perez ’16, Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., Gabriele Bandelli ’18 and Jonathan O’Donnell, Esq. ’94; Mary Gerraah ’16 and Nadia Makar ’69; The Aidan C. McMullen Chorale

Continued from page 15

1968 James Matthews and Michael Nulty ’08 have formed a CPA partnership. Matthews, who opened his practice in 1983, has offered accounting and tax services for more than three decades. In early 2015, Nulty joined him as a partner of the East Brunswick firm.

Wayne Mello, Esq., was sworn in as first assistant prosecutor of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office on January 6.

James J. Miller Sr. was among the awardees at the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s eighth annual Legends Ball. He is CEO of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union.

1970 Peter Himchak joined Omega Protein as senior fisheries scientist.

Prior to his new position, he worked for 39 years for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife as a fisheries biologist.

1973 Julia DiGioia, M.D., was among the awardees at the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s eighth annual Legends Ball. The Jersey Cityborn surgeon has spent 25 years diagnosing and surgically treating breast cancer.

Robert Larkins was re-elected to the board of directors of the Eicher Arts Center, Inc. in Ephrata, Pa., in December 2015. Earlier in 2015, Larkins won a Doctor Who trivia contest. He and his wife, Carolyn, a former staff member at Saint Peter’s library, live happily in Pennsylvania.

Armed with his philosophy degree, Fogge set out to forge a career. He moved to New York after his car was repossessed and applied for jobs in advertising, public relations and import/export.

An ad agency hired him to file Xeroxes.

Fogge’s hard work and determination paid off in the form of promotions and a job at Grey Advertising. He eventually became president of the firm, shaping Grey Entertainment into the top entertainment agency with a client list including Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures and ABC, as well as Broadway shows such as M.

1981

Butterfly and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

John Rizzo authored a book, Wisdom Learned at the Feet of the Lord: 33 Lessons for Peace, Hope, Love, and Eternal Life, available at CreateSpace.com and Amazon.com.

After a stint as president of Franklin Spier Inc., Fogge began a 15year tenure with Showtime Network, Inc. As executive vice president of creative, marketing, research and digital media, he directed the creation of promotional campaigns for acclaimed television programs such as The L Word, Californication and The Big C. Fogge moved to NBC in 2011 to manage NBC’s prime time, day-

1982

time and late night marketing projects, including The Voice.

Bartholomew Erbach published a book titled Space, which features his collection of poetry and spectacular photos. The book can be ordered at space-poetry.com.

paigns he’s developed. “In school, you read something and have

1984

important to him is the decision of his niece, Nina D’Ambrosio ’18,

Susan Costello Nelson Hamilton ’84 ’94 was promoted to assistant vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

communication, she has chosen to emulate her uncle in her higher

“It’s very much like what I did in school,” he said of the camto get to the heart of the idea. It’s the same with entertainment products. You have to ask, ‘What is the heart of the idea?’ Communicating that clearly and concisely is what matters.”

Fogge has earned many honors for his work. But perhaps most to follow in her uncle’s footsteps. A double major in marketing and education and career choices.

“She has always looked up to me and I’ve been very close to her,” said Fogge, who visited campus last spring to discuss branding and digital marketing in the media industry.

Fogge said the Jesuit education he received at Saint Peter’s was life changing. “The Jesuit training of putting a notion through an endless series of questions has taught me to not accept things blindly, to challenge other people and support my own beliefs with cogent arguments,” he said. “My life path would have been very different without it.”

Florida Alumni Outreach University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., his wife, AnnMarie, and members of Saint Peter’s advancement, alumni engagement and campus ministry teams traveled to the Sunshine State in January to meet with alumni and share the latest developments, including the inception of the Pathways to Distinction strategic plan.

In Naples, Josephine and Tom O’Reilly ’69 hosted a brunch and Mass. Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, and Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., director of campus ministry, celebrated a special alumni Mass and discussed the latest Office of Campus Ministry initiatives and projects.

Saint Peter’s University

27

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

‘BIG DATA: REVOLUTIONIZING THE WORLD OF FINANCE’ ALUMNI IN FINANCE GATHER TO NETWORK AND LEARN David Chiang ’90 ’15 wanted to know how Big Data is transforming the world of finance. Ali Hassan ’13, an investment analyst with Goldman Sachs, was interested in networking with alumni. Both got their wish at the Alumni in Finance (AiF) event held on December 8, 2015, at Trinity Place Bar & Restaurant in Manhattan’s Financial District.

Gerardo Menegaz, chief technologist in the financial service sector of IBM Global Technology Services, spoke to AiF members representing classes from the 1960s to 2015 about “Big Data:

Host committee members James Rizzo ’81, Robert Cutro ’75, Thomas Jordan ’63 and Annette Corbin ’84 with President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D. (third from left) and speaker Gerardo Menegaz (fourth from left)

Revolutionizing the World of Finance.”

Since its inception in 2010, the AiF network has grown with each new event, as more business graduates learn about its opportunities for networking and professional growth. To learn about future events, join the Saint Peter’s Alumni in Finance group on LinkedIn or contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@saintpeters.edu or (201) 761-6122.

Sylvain Jaume, Ph.D. (second from right), director of the master’s program in data science with a concentration in business analytics, and students

Above: Speaker Gerardo Menegaz

1987 Pina Nazario was awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors. She is a sales associate with Coldwell Banker in Clifton, N.J. Nazario was ranked number one in Clifton based on closed sales performance from 2010—2014, and is on track to achieving it for a sixth year. Pina also ranks number four among all real estate agents in Passaic County.

1999 After serving New Jersey City University for more than 12 years as an administrator, Steven LoCascio accepted a position at Kean University as the director of educational leadership overseeing a master’s and doctoral program, as well as 28

Winter 2016

several certification programs. He continues to teach at the graduate level at the Caulfield School of Education at Saint Peter’s, and is in his seventh year serving on his local board of education, of which he has been president for three years.

Greg Abbott. The purpose of the commission is to develop and make recommendations for new systems of student assessment and public school accountability.

2000

Michelle Maren recently starred in an autobiographical film titled An Autobiography of Michelle Maren, released in fall 2015.

Joshua Schrier, Ph.D., received the Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar award in the chemical sciences, a Fulbright fellowship to the Fritz Haber Institute for Chemical Physics in Berlin, Germany. He was also promoted to associate professor of chemistry at Haverford College, Haverford, Pa. Quinton Vance, superintendent of KIPP Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Public Charter Schools, was appointed to the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability by Texas Gov.

2001

2005 Amy Romano, previously district assistant principal for the Rumson, N.J. School District, stepped into the position of principal of Knollwood School in Fair Haven, N.J., in January 2016.

2007 Nikki Mederos ’07 ’10 was honored at the 2015 Living United Heroes Luncheon for her service in healthcare. The event was held on December 3, 2015.

2008 Andrea Contreras began a new position as an institutional review board administrator for the University of Southern California Health Science Campus Institutional Review Board in October 2015. She is also in the process of completing a master’s degree in public health (biostatistics and epidemiology).

Bryan Eichenbaum was named vice president of consumer lending at American Heritage Federal Credit Union.

Continued from page 14 “I was shocked when I learned it would be published,” McGuigan said. “And that’s how it started.”

The author followed up with Where You Belong, a finalist for the National Book Award for young people’s literature in 1997, and its sequel, Morning in a Different Place. Her most recent novel, Crossing Into Brooklyn, was published in 2015. In a genre overrun with dystopian thrillers and romantic series, McGuigan’s books stand out for their poignant storytelling and emotionally complex characters.

“I have to take care that the mindset is suitable for a teenager,” McGuigan responded when asked how difficult it is to capture the voice of a 16-year-old. “Times may have changed, but the fears and anxieties that lie underneath haven’t. Young people still want to be valued and understood.”

McGuigan has also authored short stories that have appeared in numerous literary journals; “The Broken Place” published in The Cortland Review was nominated for a 2016 Pushcart Prize.

The critically acclaimed author believes the liberal arts “provided a broad and rich foundation for appreciating the layers of meaning in everything we encounter.” Understanding different disciplines helped McGuigan understand multiple viewpoints and context. “In a nutshell, you don’t always have to be right,” she said. “You’re more likely to appreciate that there’s another way to see things—even if it’s not yours.”

Cloud Dancer and Where You Belong by Mary Ann McGuigan ’72

REQUIRED NCAA DISCLOSURE On February 2, 2016, the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions (“COI”) released a Public Infractions Report regarding violations of NCAA rules in Saint Peter’s University’s men’s and women’s swimming programs.

This infractions case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort that did not necessitate a COI hearing.

Saint Peter’s and the COI agreed that Level II violations of NCAA rules occurred in the University’s swimming programs, primarily during one academic year. Specifically: (1) In the 2013–14 academic year, four student-athletes received participation expenses while ineligible, and two of those student-athletes practiced or competed while ineligible. (2) During the 2011–12 through 2013–14 academic years, at least three student-athletes practiced with non-university teams coached by the then head swimming coach. (3) In the 2013– 14 academic year, the then head swimming coach arranged for seven student-athletes to submit lifeguard work-study hours at the University’s aquatics center for which there were no records of the student-athletes actually working.

Additionally, the COI found that the then head swimming

were recently reprinted and are available on amazon.com.

coach violated NCAA ethical conduct rules by intentionally

2009

Births

to fully cooperate in the investigation of the case.

Robert Zywicki, Ed.D., was appointed superintendent of schools for the Weehawken Township, N.J., School District at the district’s board of education meeting in November 2015. Dr. Zywicki assumed his post officially on February 1.

Wayne Guarino ’07 and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their first child, Giancarlo Joseph, on August 6, 2015. The baby was baptized at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church on November 14, 2015.

rules at Saint Peter’s, and the University regrets that the

Marriages Doreen Catanio ’85, a member of the Saint Peter’s University Board of Regents, married Matthew Hinzpeter, a graduate of Colgate University and vice president at Hartz Mountain Industries, in July 2015 in Westwood, N.J.

Correction: The Fall 2015 issue of Saint Peter’s University erroneously listed Joshua Schrier, Ph.D. ’00 as “John” Schrier.

We apologize for this error.

committing some of the above-listed violations and by failing This is the first instance of significant violations of NCAA violations occurred. It is important to note that the violations were limited to one program during primarily one academic year. The University discovered the issues, reported them to the NCAA, and then worked closely with the NCAA to conduct the follow-up investigation. The COI and the NCAA staff stated their appreciation for Saint Peter’s cooperation throughout the process.

As a result of the above-listed violations, the COI and the University agreed to penalties that include public reprimand and censure for the university, two years of probation beginning February 2, 2016, vacation of records in which student-athletes participated while ineligible, and a $5,000 fine.

Additionally, the then head swimming coach received a five-year “show-cause order” from the COI. A complete copy of the COI’s Public Infractions Report can be found at the following link: saintpeterspeacocks.com/ general/2015-16/NCAAPublicInfractionsReport.

Saint Peter’s University

29

IN CLASS NEWS

Memoriam & Notes

A Real Rev. L. Edward Glynn, S.J., was a man of deep convictions.

“I have a little voice inside of me that keeps on prompting questions and asking if this is something to give one’s life to,” the 19th president of Saint Peter’s University said in a 1983 profile for this magazine. “If it isn’t, then I won’t do it for very long.”

Giving his all, as an academic, university president and decisive leader, was how Fr. Glynn, who died on January 23, lived a remarkable life.

“He was never one to take credit for things or to seek out accolades,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s. “The things he accomplished during his tenure as Saint Peter’s president has certainly shaped the University we know today.”

(Above): Rev. L. Edward Glynn, S.J.; Fr. Glynn in the years he served as president of Saint Peter’s University; 1. Fr. Glynn and Will Durant, Ph.D. (Class of 1907), in 1979, when Saint Peter’s awarded honorary degrees to Will and Ariel Durant H ’79; 2. With members of the President’s Club on a harbor cruise: 3. With C. Bari Sanders, manager of Exxon’s Bayonne plant; 4. Fr. Glynn with athletic award winners and staff in an undated photo.

Leo Edward Glynn came from humble beginnings.

Born in Clarks Summit, Pa., he was the eighth of nine children. Family resources were scarce, but a parish priest recognized his academic ability and the future Jesuit received a scholarship to attend Scranton Preparatory School.

He graduated from the University of Scranton, entered the Society of Jesus in 1955 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1967. A member of the Maryland Province Jesuits, he taught theology at Georgetown University and covered the 1972 Democratic National Convention and Watergate as contributing editor and columnist for America Magazine.

1.

30

Winter 2016

2.

Presence But as his Jesuit brother Rev. Raymond A.

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.

sity. He returned to New Jersey in 2007 to be the

Schroth, S.J., pointed out in a tribute that appeared founding president of Christ the King Preparatory in America, Fr. Glynn, “was made to run things.”

“He was a champion of bringing people up by their bootstraps and encouraging them to be the best they could be.”

School in Newark, part of the Cristo Rey network of urban Catholic schools.

“A lot of people have given up on urban education,” he told The Star-Ledger. “As a result, hundreds of thousands of lives of kids are…never developed.

But this has worked.” Cristo Rey schools rely on a corporate work study program to fund student tu-

After a stint as academic vice president at

ition, and Fr. Glynn turned to Saint Peter’s alumni

Gonzaga University, Fr. Glynn became president

to obtain the necessary sponsorships. He also con-

of Saint Peter’s in 1978. During his 12-year tenure,

vinced alumni and former colleagues from Saint

he re-introduced master’s degree programs,

Peter’s to serve on the school’s board of trustees.

welcomed the first residential students and en-

“Fr. Glynn led by example,” said John B. Wilson

hanced the diversity of the College community.

’70, president of the Independent College Fund

Those who knew Fr. Glynn best said his zeal for

of New Jersey, who helped secure sponsorships

creating opportunities for the less privileged grew

and later joined the board of trustees. “He didn’t

from his own experiences and upbringing.

say it, but everyone involved knew that Christ the

“He was a champion of bringing people up by their bootstraps and encouraging them to be the best they could be,” said Special Assistant to the

King students used to be us. Therefore, we have a responsibility to pay it forward.”

In 2015, the Maryland Province Jesuits honored

President Eileen Poiani, Ph.D., who was special

Fr. Glynn for celebrating 60 years in the Society of

assistant to Fr. Glynn. “He was someone who

Jesus. His legacy still lives on at Saint Peter’s and

didn’t care about where you came from; he cared

in the thousands of graduates’ lives he influenced.

“Fr. Glynn had a real presence, there’s no

about where you were going.”

After Saint Peter’s, Fr. Glynn became provincial

question about that,” Dr. Poiani said. “He was a

of the Maryland Province, and later served as

man who was deeply religious, but embraced the

president of Gonzaga and John Carroll Univer-

world and experiences around him.”

3.

Robert Biondi, M.D. ’60 Robert Bondira ’71 Frances Boyle ’51 Harold Brown ’76 Joseph F. Coleman ’73 Thomas Connell, USN (Ret.) ’38 Joseph Corbo, D.D.S. ’52 Carlos Diaz ’08 Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi H ’84 Rev. L. Edward Glynn, S.J. Richard Grace ’57 Anne T. Grady Thomas Healey ’60 Thomas Hogan ’61 Louis Jerome ’52 George Karabin ’69 Robert Kelly, Esq. ’62 Barbara Kelty Marie Laski ’76 Catherine McCabe ’84 Kevin Mehling, Ph.D. ’55 Francis Minchella ’49 Joseph Muller ’65 Diane Murray, Esq. ’71 Edward Pleffner ’91 Anthony Santoro, M.D. ’61 William Sexton ’57 Edmund Stapleton ’58 Fred Stickel ’43 Carmine Tarantino ’38 Loretta Valentino ’89 James Woods ’51

4.

Saint Peter’s University

31

CLASS THEN NEWS AND

&Now Notes

For Glee Club, Past and Present Converge For decades, vinyl recordings by the University’s famed Glee Club were preserved in the Guarini Center for Community Memory and in the record collections of Saint Peter’s University alumni. Soon, choral music fans will be able to enjoy performances of the men’s and women’s Glee Clubs on a re-mastered, two-disc compilation set that is as yet untitled.

University Director of Music Joseph Legaspi, D.M., digitized 40 tracks from vinyl records of Glee Club performances ranging from the 1950s to the early ’90s.

Hearing the quality of the voices and performances

1972

gave Dr. Legaspi a newfound appreciation for the Glee Club’s legacy at Saint Peter’s. “There is a long line of great singing on those recordings,” he said. “I feel a responsibility to keep that up.”

Glee Club alumni attended a listening party on

For now, the musical selections are under wraps, but Dr. Legaspi acknowledged that recordings of “Io

January 22 to review and select material for the com-

Pavo,” Saint Peter’s fight song, and “Alma Mater” will be

pilation. Alumni unable to attend the party on campus

included.

could participate online.

John Adams ’71, who attends Glee Club reunions and

The second CD will feature selections from the current Aidan C. McMullen Chorale and SCHOLA, the Uni-

performances, hopes the re-mastered recordings will

versity’s liturgical choir. Past and present will converge

catch the attention of members who have lost touch

when Glee Club alumni and students join voices on “Io

with the group. Alumni-singers, who were directed by

Pavo” and “Alma Mater” in a concert this spring.

G. Marston Haddock and then Patrick R. Clynes, share

The compilation CDs, anticipated to be released in

common experiences. “Both men were able to bring

September, will be available to download on iTunes or

culture to a bunch of Jersey City guys,” Adams said. “Not

may be ordered through saintpeters.edu. Look for more

everyone had a great voice, but they knew how to bring

details in the next issue of Saint Peter’s University.

the best out of everybody.”

Along with the recordings, the Glee Club patch worn on the navy blue jackets of male students has also been “remastered.” John Adams ’71 lost track of his jacket, but discovered one belonging to his brother-in-law, Martin Dolan ’72, who passed away in 2014. Adams had a version of the patch that was worn by alumni in the 1960s and ’70s duplicated and gave them to Glee Club members who attended the listening party (inset). (Right): Bill Milczarski ’70, Tom Casper ’70 and Adams join in song.

2016 32 32 Fall Winter 20152016

gratitude

impact

joy

GENEROSITY fulfillment

Testimonials of our Pavonia Heritage Society members reinforce that living generous and grateful lives in the spirit of our Jesuit values is fulfilling and rewarding. Bring joy to you and others in this way to deepen our Jesuit roots and traditions in one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the nation Pavonia - “land of the peacock.”

Connect with Sharon Morrissey, director of leadership and planned giving, at (201) 761-6126 or smorrissey@saintpeters.edu to discuss how you can make an impact by directing your hopes and dreams through a planned gift.

Sharon T. Morrissey, M.B.A., M.Ed. ’13

Director of Leadership and Planned Giving

The Pavonia Heritage Society is comprised of our esteemed alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who support Saint Peter’s University through planned gifts. The root of this Society’s name stems from the very roots of Jersey City. In the 1600s, Jersey City – then known as Pavonia (Latin for “land of the peacock”) – was founded as the first settlement in New Jersey. It was named Pavonia for its founder, the Dutch merchant Michael Pauw, whose surname is Dutch for “peacock.”

SAVE-THE-DATE for the Pavonia Heritage Society membership recognition event on Sunday, April 24.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

S. Hackensack, NJ Permit #79

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

Saint Peter’s University presents

Friday, May 6, 2016 6:30 p.m.

Mac Mahon Student Center Honoring: Frank L. Fekete, CPA ’75 Professional Achievement heartsandminds@saintpeters.edu

Toni Ann Turco ’86 Service to Community

(855) 772-1000