Saint Peter's University Winter 2018 Magazine

WINTER 2018

Magazine

Broader Perspectives Global Engagement Grows

I N S I D E : 10 MINUTES WITH BRYAN FELT, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

PRESIDENT’S

Message

#StrutYourPride

of our commitment to providing effective

When it comes to Peacock pride, Saint Peter’s University cheerleaders rule the roost, entertaining the crowd at home basketball games. But they’re not the only ones flipping for the 2017-18 Peacock squad.

Alumni have flocked to home basketball contests to check in at the alumni hospitality table and mingle at special receptions for graduates. At the Peacocks’ home opener on November 29, 2017, an enthusiastic crowd gathered in the Quad for a tipoff tailgate event before cheering the Peacocks on to a 77-53 win over Fairleigh Dickinson University.

With big shoes to fill following last year’s national championship in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT), this season’s Peacocks won their first five home games at The Rev. Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center––their best home start since the 1986–87 season.

Arts on Bergen, just one of the ways we’re

resources to support student success; and forging community partnerships. We’ve also instituted new academic resources, like the STEM Engagement Center that opened last year, and continue to enhance unique University assets and experiences such as CEEL (Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning).

Accomplishing so much in so short a period of time takes the commitment of a talented team. Every day, Saint Peter’s faculty and administrators lead the way,

Our Incredible Journey When students apply to Saint Peter’s University, they often look to us with a singleminded focus—launching a successful career. Once they arrive on campus, they find the path to their future leads far beyond their initial expectations. In the true spirit of Jesuit higher education, their journey involves intellectual exploration to embrace new ideas, experiences

inspiring our path with their dedication

“Like our students, Saint Peter’s University is forging its own pathway to distinction.

Together, we are building incredible opportunities for students of great promise.”

and cultures. The University’s distinctive Ignatian focus produces highly motivated

to scholarship and innovation. Gener-

and employable graduates who lead in the

ous benefactors and alumni provide the

workplace, the community and the world.

support that is so vital to advancing our

Saint Peter’s University is also on an

plans. At the center of it all are Saint

incredible journey, guided by Pathways to

Peter’s students, who embody the bright,

Distinction. This five-year plan is the road-

promising future we’ve worked so hard to

map steering us toward new initiatives

create.

that broaden and deepen the academic

Like our students, Saint Peter’s is

experience. Every new initiative we con-

forging its own pathway to distinction.

sider is viewed through the lens of this

Together, we are building incredible

plan to create a very intentional path that

opportunities for students of great

elevates the University and its students.

promise who truly do, in the words of

Today, we’re halfway there. The strategic plan culminates in 2020, and I’m proud

Saint Ignatius Loyola, “Go forth and set the world on fire.”

to report that we’ve made great strides toward the five strategic initiatives that

Sincerely,

define our effort. You’ll read about some of them in this issue: new international programs that enhance global knowledge and engagement; national recognition for CELAC (Center for English Language Ac-

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.

quisition and Culture), a concrete example

President

Saint Peter’s University

1

IN THIS

Issue

HOW TO REACH US Alumni News & Notes Email: alumni@saintpeters.edu Office of Alumni Engagement 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306 Letter to the Editor Email: 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: Gaëtane Garçon ’17 traveled to Machu Picchu while studying at Universidad Ignacio de Loyola in Lima, Peru.

FEATURES 9. World of Opportunities: Growing Global Perspectives 16. The Year in Giving 18. 10 Minutes with...Director of Athletics Bryan Felt

CONNECT

DEPARTMENTS 3.

20.

22.

32.

University News Peacock U Class News & Notes Ad Finem

ADMINISTRATION Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. President Virginia Bender, Ph.D. ’78 Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning Frederick Bonato, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J. Vice President for Mission and Ministry Jeffrey Handler, M.A. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

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Winter 2018

Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05 Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. HA ’17 Special Assistant to the President Anthony Skevakis, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Life and Development Hector Paredes, M.B.A. ’07 Interim Vice President for Finance and Business Miloš Topić, MSIS, M.B.A. Vice President for Information Technology and Operations

WINTER 2018 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY Volume 37, Number 2 Photography Editor Dan Bassini Sarah Malinowski Ferrary Gaëtane Garçon ’17 Executive Director of University GR Productions Communications Scott Keller Editorial & Design Services Ericka Leynes ’18, ’19 Erbach Communications Group Michael Marmora Patricia Ann Redden, Ph.D. Contributors & Editorial Assistance Saint Peter’s University Archives Angeline Boyer, M.B.A. ’15 David Simon ’19 AnnMarie Gervasio David Surrey, Ph.D. Mary Kinahan-Ockay Katherine Wydner, Ph.D. Sarah Lacz, M.B.A. ’11 Melissa Murray 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

Canines Precious Braswell ’19 and Traveler

for Others

Some furry new students have arrived in Saint Peter’s University classrooms, thanks to the University’s new Puppy Club. The club provides

people can do if they have the help,” she explained.

students with opportunities to train service dogs for

Clinic of Bayonne has donated medical services for the pup-

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a nonprofit

pies. In addition, a grant received by CCI assists the students in

that presents canine helpers to people with disabilities. The first two Peacock puppies, Traveler and Daughtry, live with their

While Puppy Club members agree to pay all costs for food and veterinary care, Philip F. Frezzo, D.V.M. ’69 of the Animal

purchasing pet food.

Ayanna Patterson ’19 and her roommate, Precious

student handlers while attending classes and learning basic

Braswell ’19, are training Traveler, who lives with the students

obedience and socialization skills.

at the 140 Glenwood Avenue student residence. Patterson said

The club is a natural extension of the University’s mission to

they adhere to strict CCI training guidelines and must receive

produce men and women for others, according to Patricia Ann

permission from professors to bring Traveler to class. After

Redden, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and Puppy Club adviser.

18 months in training, Traveler will become the companion

The mother of two adult paraplegic daughters, Dr. Redden has

of a disabled person. Patterson acknowledged that it will be

trained several service dogs through CCI. “Having a service

tough to say goodbye, but added, “At the end of the day, we’ll

puppy on campus raises awareness about what disabled

Continued on next page

Saint Peter’s University

3

UNIVERSITY

News

Continued from previous page

Mission Journey Saint Peter’s University has embarked on a year-

of Trustees—in dialogue exploring Jesuit identity

long journey to study and reinforce its Catholic,

through online surveys and forums on campus.

Jesuit mission. Mandated by the Very Rev.

Nearly 500 students responded to the online

Arturo Sosa, S.J., superior general of the Society

survey, while more than 50 turned out at a

of Jesus, the University’s Institutional Mission

gathering to share their thoughts.

Examen journey is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen Jesuit higher education in the United States. It focuses on four key areas of Jesuit education:

The University is the first of the Jesuit institutions to include students on its Institutional Mission Examen committee and to use an online survey as part of the process,

leadership commitment

initiatives Fr. Danzi attributes to

Daughtry with Eliany Pedraza ’18 and Miguel Castro Batista ’20

to mission and integrity;

Dr. Hamilton and Rev. Claudio

Jesuit campus culture

of the Saint Peter’s Jesuit

be helping someone in

and Jesuit presence; and

community and special

need. Traveler will be that

service to the community

assistant to the vice president

person’s new best friend.”

and the local church.

for mission and ministry. A team

M. Burgaleta, S.J., Ph.D., rector

academic life; the Catholic,

comprised of representatives

Eliany Pedraza ’18 and

“The result will be a

her husband, Miguel Castro

deeper understanding of

Batista ’20, commute to

our mission that identifies

Saint Peter’s from Union

opportunities for growth,”

City with Daughtry, who

explained Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., the

arrived in December 2017.

University’s vice president for mission

Pedraza and Batista both

and ministry, who is co-chairing the initiative with

Institutional Mission Examen will be presented to

grew up with dogs. “This

Maryellen Hamilton, Ph.D., chair of the psychology

Fr. Sosa and Pope Francis.

combines my passion for

department. “We are moving through a journey

dogs and helping people,”

that will continue long after we get this document

Peter’s, so our Institutional Mission Examen

Pedraza explained. “When

together.”

journey really connects with who we are,” Fr. Danzi

I hand him off, I know

The Saint Peter’s Examen has engaged

from the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, as well as several Jesuit universities, will conduct a site visit at Saint Peter’s in April. A narrative detailing the findings of the

“We have enculturated this process to Saint

said. “It’s getting us to talk about that which is

he’ll be out there doing

the University community—faculty, staff,

really essential to the Catholic, Jesuit identity at

something great.”

administrators, students, alumni and the Board

the core of Saint Peter’s.”

The trained dogs are formally presented to their new owners during a graduation ceremony attended by their handlers.

Dr. Redden remembers the simultaneous sadness and joy she felt in saying goodbye to her last service dog, Gracie, who now assists a woman with multiple sclerosis. “You walk onto the stage and give the leash to the new partner,” Dr. Redden said. “You see, in that graduation, what a difference you’ve made.”

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Winter 2018

HOW ESTHER FORTUNOFF REIGNITED THE FAMILY BRAND Esther Fortunoff shared valuable insights on rebuilding the iconic Fortunoff brand at WE Succeed: A Women’s Entrepreneurship Celebration on October 24, 2017. The president of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry and pioneer in the diamond and jewelry business, Fortunoff delivered an inspiring keynote at the event presented by the Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University.

Attendees also gleaned business startup information from a panel of women entrepreneurs moderated by Kymberlee Norsworthy, M.J., a strategic communications professional and adjunct faculty member at Saint Peter’s. Established in 2014, the Ignite Institute provides thought leadership, academic research and direct educational service to local entrepreneurs.

GREEN RECOGNITION: FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR The Princeton Review named Saint Peter’s University to its 2017 edition of Guide to 375 Green Colleges, the fourth consecutive year the University was cited as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada.

A cross section of Saint Peter’s initiatives highlighted

by The Princeton Review include the Sustainability Council, environmental science major, green-focused student groups, LEED Silver-certified Mac Mahon Student Center and a Jersey City campus powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

The University was also named as a finalist for the 2017 Climate Leadership Awards for innovation in sustainability, climate mitigation and resilience.

Saint Peter’s students thanked benefactors at the President’s Reception.

Bravo to Benefactors Saint Peter’s University applauded the leadership

academic year, said, “I think that as a whole, we,

of President’s Council members at the President’s

the current Saint Peter’s students, represent the

Reception on October 19, 2017. Held at Pleasant-

greater legacy left behind by you, the alumni and

dale Château in West Orange, the event is hosted

members of the Saint Peter’s community who

annually by President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.,

make our education possible.”

to recognize the generosity of donors who invest $1,000 or more annually in the University.

Students mingled with attendees, offering their thanks for the vital support benefactors provide to assist Saint Peter’s in advancing academic pro-

During the event, the University also debuted a new community impact video detailing Saint Peter’s tremendous contributions to Jersey City and the state.

For more information, or to join the President’s

grams, scholarships and campus improvements.

Council, please contact Linda S. Moore, J.D.,

Addressing the event, Anica Bustamante ’18, one

director of leadership giving, at (201) 761-6128 or

of 57 legacy students enrolled at Saint Peter’s this

lmoore2@saintpeters.edu.

NATIONAL HONOR FOR CELAC The Center for English Language Acquisition and Culture (CELAC) at Saint Peter’s University was selected as a finalist for a national award

by Excelencia in Education, an organization that recognizes higher education programs improving Latino student achievement. Representatives from the University—including faculty, administrators and students—marked the honor by attending an event, called Celebracion de Excelencia, in Washington, D.C., in October 2017.

CELAC was one of five finalists selected nationally from a pool of baccalaureate programs that improve Latino success in higher education. A committee of national experts uses a results-driven process to identify finalists each year.

Saint Peter’s students across many ethnicities benefit from resources including state-of-the-art language labs, English acquisition courses, tutoring, opportunities for conversation practice and cultural immersion through CELAC. The University’s program is unique because it emphasizes building proficiency in both English and students’ native languages, Nicole M. Houser, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, told MSNBC.com last year. “Students are stronger cognitively when they learn multiple languages, and that translates to any workplace environment,” Dr. Houser said. “If you understand multiple languages and multiple cultures, it makes you more marketable.”

Saint Peter’s University

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UNIVERSITY

News

FACULTY NOTEBOOK

UNIVERSITY RECEIVES AWARD FROM RISING TIDE CAPITAL Saint Peter’s University received the Community Catalyst Award from Rising Tide Capital (RTC), a non-profit organization based in Jersey City, which supports individuals, particularly women, minorities and immigrants to start and grow successful businesses and build stronger communities.

The University received this honor for its work in the community through its partnership with RTC and beyond.

“We take great pride in the work the University has done to empower entrepreneurs and its contribution to local economic development,” said Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., interim KPMG dean of the School of Business at Saint Peter’s University.

The award was presented at Rising Tide’s Community Business Academy graduation ceremony, which was held at Saint Peter’s on January 11.

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Winter 2018

Peter’s exploring the philosophical content in Dylan’s lyrics. “He is an incredibly prolific, deep thinker. The value of philosophy is in the day-today lives people live, and the power of music and life is such a universal human dimension.

Couple that with Dylan’s profound thoughts, and you’re in a different space intellectually.”

Lisa O’Neill Sanders, Ph.D.

UNPACKING BOB DYLAN Lisa O’Neill Sanders, Ph.D., first encountered Bob Dylan’s music at age 6, when she learned to play “Blowin’ in the Wind” on the guitar. Now a Saint Peter’s University philosophy professor and chair of the philosophy department, she was recently the world’s first research associate to visit the newly-opened Bob Dylan Archive in Tulsa, Okla.

Dr. Sanders spent a week in October 2017 advancing her research on Dylan, poring through original manuscripts, photos and personal documents penned by the renowned Nobel Prize winner. The archive’s contents were so vast that she returned in February. “It was jaw-dropping,” she said. “There are generations of work there.

Lots of it is handwritten material. This archive will totally change the scholarship on Dylan.”

Before visiting the archive, scholars must submit proposals for approval. Researchers check all electronic devices at the door, and agree to work only with pencil and paper to preserve the integrity of the archive’s contents, according to Dr. Sanders, a published scholar on Dylan.

“He has always intrigued me from an intellectual point of view,” explained Dr. Sanders, who teaches a course at Saint

WEIGHTY BOOK Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, has co-authored a new book, The Human Body and Weightlessness: Operational Effects, Problems and Countermeasures (Springer, 2017) with William Thornton, M.D. The book examines the major problems associated with the absence of body weight in space.

A former president of the Faculty Senate and former chair of the psychology department, Dr. Bonato has published widely on aerospace medical topics such as motion sickness, space motion sickness, simulator sickness, cyber sickness and commercial spaceflight. The National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have funded his research. A fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, Dr. Bonato was elected to the International Academy for Aviation and Space Medicine in 2015.

Frederick Bonato, Ph.D.

OUT OF THIS WORLD To Worlds Beyond is the title of Liberty Science Center’s new Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium theater show, which was written by William A. Gutsch Jr., Ph.D. ’67, H ’95, distinguished professor of the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to writing the show, Dr. Gutsch co-produced and directed the narration for the presentation, which was recorded by Star Trek’s John Billingsley. Dr. Gutsch served as a consultant on the state-of-the-art video projection equipment for the new planetarium, the largest IMAX/planetarium theater in the Western Hemisphere.

NEW ADMINISTRATOR FOR ST. AEDAN’S Rev. John R. Hyatt, S.J., has been appointed the new administrator of St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church. Fr. Hyatt has spent much of his time in the priesthood serving immigrants and the needy.

A pastoral year in a parish near Boston first sparked Fr. Hyatt’s commitment to work in poor parishes with immigrant populations. That mission has led him all over the world, to Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Australia and Spain. In the United States, he has also served at parishes in Brooklyn and Staten Island, as well as Jersey City.

Fr. Hyatt entered the Society of Jesus in 1963. Ordained to the priesthood in 1977, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College, a master’s degree from UCLA and a master of divinity degree from Weston College.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE OPIOID CRISIS The November 22, 2017 edition of One on One with Steve Adubato featured Edgar Rivera Colón, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology and urban studies, who discussed New Jersey’s opioid crisis. Dr. Colón pointed to medications prescribed to young athletes for sports injuries as a gateway to opioid addiction.

“Young people then transition to street drugs,” he explained, adding that society needs to reconsider the way it approaches addiction. “We have to rethink addiction as a health issue, not a criminal issue.”

STORIES THAT ENDURE The winter 2017 issue of KnowLa, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities magazine, featured a review of The Mayor of New Orleans: Just Talking Jazz, a 1987 collection of three novellas by Fatima Shaik, M.A., assistant professor of communication. The publication of two novels by other authors with strong ties to Louisiana last year sparked the review, which called one of Professor Shaik’s novellas “a critique of race, art and politics that stings as much, if not more so, today than it did three decades ago.” Her collection of short stories, What Went Missing and What Got Found (Xavier Review Press, 2015), is a love letter to those who populated New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina.

FOUR BOOKS FOR DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR John “Jack” J. Hampton, M.B.A., D.B.A., professor of business administration, recently published four books examining recent trends in academia. All published in 2017 by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, these works advocate for specific reforms in universities, the professoriate, the liberal arts and the current approach to academic scholarship. The titles include Culture, Intricacies, and Obsessions—Why Colleges and Universities are Struggling to Deliver the Goods, The Professoriate Today—Languishing in Dante’s Purgatory, Liberal Arts in the Doldrums—Rethink, Revise, and Reverse the Trend and The Malaise of Academic Scholarship: Why it Starts with the Doctoral Dissertation as a Baptism of Fire.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report featured comments by Dr. Hampton in its January 18 article, “Find MBA Programs That Teach Prediction Skills.”

Saint Peter’s University

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THE COMMUNITY-ORIENTED CONCERT SERIES OF SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY at

Spotlight on Julie Delaney Fristensky ’73 Six things to know about soprano Julie Delaney

4. The Arts on Bergen debut in 2016 presented a

Fristensky ’73, who returns to Arts on Bergen on

mixture of feelings. “It was self-affirming and so

Wednesday, April 18, for a noon recital at Saint

wonderful to come home to Saint Peter’s, and ter-

Peter Chapel:

rifying at the same time, because so much can go wrong in a short period of time,” Fristensky said.

1. Singing started at home. Fristensky cannot

The hour-long recital in 2016, however, was flaw-

remember a time when she didn’t sing. “Everyone

less and the classical works performed drew high

in my family can sing, and there are eight of us,”

praise from the audience.

she said. “We sang in the car,

5. Fristensky is taking the next concert in a new

we sang every-

direction. A portion of the musical program will

where; we were

be devoted to “trouser roles” — a woman singing

that family.”

the role of a male character, dressed in male cos-

When Fristensky

tume. Fristensky will perform arias by Cherubino,

turned 8, girls

the love-obsessed page from The Marriage of Figaro,

were allowed to

and Orpheus from Orfeo ed Euridice. “The piece

sing in the choir

from Orpheus is one of the most moving pieces

at the family’s

I’ve ever done,” Fristensky said, noting the Greek

parish, St. Aloy-

hero was forced to make a devastating sacrifice

sius Church in

for love. The soprano will sing some happy tunes,

Jersey City, and

too, possibly Broadway favorites featuring inde-

she has sung

pendent-minded women.

in choirs ever since.

6. It’s an honor to be honored. Fristensky and her husband, Warren ’74, a member of the Board

2. Talent was recognized and nurtured. Fristensky

of Regents, will be 2018 Hearts & Minds: The Saint

sang solos in choir “here and there,” and in high

Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration honorees on

school, was accepted to the Juilliard Pre-College

May 4. “Our lives have been so blessed and I have

Division. “Every Saturday I spent at Juilliard,” she

to attribute a good portion of what we’ve achieved

recalled. The soprano began private voice study in

to our time at Saint Peter’s,” she said. “I’m thrilled

1987, which she continues to this day.

that this event is for scholarships. The University is a very unique institution. When they say, ‘Students

3. Glee club at Saint Peter’s offered some surpris-

are our primary concern,’ it really is true.”

ing opportunities. Fristensky arrived at Saint Peter’s in 1969, three years after the day session

Arts on Bergen continues this spring with free evening

became co-educational. The glee clubs, however,

concerts at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University

were single sex, which turned out to be very

Church and noon concerts at Saint Peter Chapel. A

empowering for the women involved. Fristensky

project of the Office of the Provost, Office of Campus

served as president senior year. “There was a real

Ministry and the Department of Fine Arts, it is made

sisterhood,” she recalled. Lifelong friendships

possible by the generosity of the Saint Peter’s Jesuit

also formed between members of the Men’s and

Community and the William E. Simon Foundation. For

Women’s Glee clubs.

a schedule of upcoming performances, visit the Arts on Bergen Facebook page.

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Winter 2018

Sa

ers int P e t er’s U niv

it y

PANEL DISCUSSES UNIONS AND THE FUTURE OF ORGANIZED LABOR The Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Saint Peter’s University recently hosted a panel discussion on “Power, Perils and Possibilities: The Future of Organized Labor.”

Panelists included Barry Kushnir, secretarytreasurer of the Hudson County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Dwayne Williams, adjunct lecturer of education, inquiry and justice at Georgetown University and director of education talent search at Minority Access, Inc. Kushnir and Williams discussed the ramifications of the February 26 ruling of the United States Supreme Court on Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31. This ruling will determine whether Abood v. Detroit Board of Education should be overruled, invalidating “agency shop” arrangements for all public sector employees.

To learn about future Guarini Institute events, visit saintpeters.edu/ guarini-institute.

COVER

Story

WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

The global vision Saint Peter’s University conceived in its five-year strategic plan, Pathways to Distinction, is coming to fruition.

With new partnerships and programs, students have more opportunities to expand their worldview through travel courses, international exchanges and study abroad programs.

Stateside, the Jersey City campus is enriched by an increasingly international presence. After graduation, Peacock alumni with a broad global perspective are taking the world by storm.

David Simon ’19 and his host family in Nagoya, Japan.

(L to R): Renee Lladoc ’18, ’19 in India; undergraduate and graduate students and faculty at the Taj Mahal, Agra, during the School of Business travel course to India; Ara Herrera ’19 on an environmental science travel course to the Amazon; and international business major Ericka Leynes ’18, ’19 graduated from travel courses to a summer internship in China

F

or Catherine Argueta ’19, a Saint Peter’s University

Honors Program. Courses have included domestic destinations,

travel course to the Peruvian Amazon last summer

but for the most part, span the globe.

marked her first trip outside the United States. A

Last year, 42 students compared and contrasted the legal

fellow traveler, Ara Herrera ’19, had been to Peru

systems in the United States and Great Britain when they trekked

several times. Yet, both students describe the 10-day

to Ireland, Wales and England, while 24 undergraduate and

expedition as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

graduate business students spent their spring break in India. The

“I had to do this trip,” said Argueta, a biology

10-day itinerary, co-led by Chanaz Gargouri, M.B.A. ’98, lecturer of

major from North Bergen, N.J. Having elected to

business administration, and Louis Ruvolo, M.B.A. ’80, ’08, director

minor in environmental science, Argueta was eager

of graduate business programs, featured a tour of the country’s

to delve deeper into her studies. The travel course, led by Patricia

largest automobile manufacturer, Tata Motors, meetings with

Ann Redden, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, and Katherine

business leaders, a visit to the Taj Mahal and the celebration of

Wydner, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, presented a perfect

the Holi Festival, one of India’s biggest holidays. “It was an eye-

opportunity. The students examined the ecosystem of the world’s

opener to other ethnicities, cultures and religions,” said Professor

second-longest river, explored the rainforest canopy and assisted

Gargouri. “It’s very important that students travel overseas,

in a research study involving dolphin vocalizations and the

especially future business managers, in order to understand how

interpretation of their language.

other cultures operate and think.”

Throughout the trip, Saint Peter’s students were completely

The Center for Global Learning facilitates the travel courses

immersed in the indigenous culture of the region. They slept

and its director, Scott Keller, is heartened by the program’s

on mats, learned to function without running water, met with a

burgeoning popularity. Pathways to Distinction includes a

shaman and performed a day of service at a local village. “We got

framework for strengthening global engagement and the breadth

the whole experience,” said Herrera, a biochemistry major from

of travel course offerings, combined with growing participation,

Sayreville, N.J. “It gave me a greater appreciation for the diversity

are promising indicators of success.

of the people, the climate, the topography...everything. It opens your mind to things you haven’t experienced yet.”

Travel Courses Span the Globe

“Travel courses continue to climb,” said Keller, noting that the program is a good option for the many Saint Peter’s students who juggle demanding class schedules, jobs, family obligations and other commitments. “The hope is that travel

Each year, approximately 120 students participate in a range of

courses whet students’ appetites to do study abroad or an

travel courses led by faculty members in the College of Arts and

international internship.”

Sciences, the School of Business and The Dr. James V. Bastek

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Winter 2018

COVER

Story

Taking on a Global Internship Ericka Leynes ’18, ’19, an international business major enrolled in the University’s accelerated M.B.A. program, graduated from travel courses to an extended internship overseas. Since freshman year, Leynes got to

TOP 5

STUDY ABROAD DESTINATIONS*

experience Hong Kong, Singapore, Cuba and India courtesy of School of Business travel courses. Now, she is looking forward to “Encountering Japan: Business, Society & Culture” with Professor Ruvolo and Lori Buza, J.D., chair and associate professor of accountancy. “These trips definitely opened my mind to the importance of immersing yourself in different cultures,” said Leynes.

Last summer, she tested herself further by working for DeHeng Law Offices in China. Though the firm hires a number of international student interns throughout the year, Leynes was the only American summer intern at the Chengdu branch. “It was a big step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I went to China on my own, not knowing anyone.” Gradually, Leynes adapted. She mastered the city’s transit system, explored the culture and was exposed to multiple international perspectives by working with student interns from Korea, France and Hong Kong.

One of the most gratifying experiences was when international students looked to Leynes for help with their presentations. “English was not the first language for many of the international students,” she recalled. “Here I am in another country, and other students are asking me for help. It felt great to be able to help them.”

*2017-2018 for full semester or academic year

120 STUDENTS expected to participate in travel courses in 2018.

Destinations include:

MEXICO

ITALY

CZECH REPUBLIC

GERMANY JAPAN

CUBA

NICARAGUA

Saint Peter’s University

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(L to R): David Surrey, Ph.D., professor of sociology, led a travel course to Mayan Mexico in January. The group (which included Bill Armbruster ’71) visited the Pyramid of Kukulkan in Chichén Itzá, Yucatan; Ashalee Madden ’20, Keajah Hall ’18 and Daryelis Yailene Santamaria ’19 in front of Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-uponAvon, U.K.

Making International Experiences More Accessible Financial constraints can be a hurdle to studying abroad, but many Saint Peter’s students have found support through a number of initiatives. Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc. (g-MEO) awarded scholarships to Leynes and other University undergraduates to work and study in China. Thanks to the generosity of the late Carmen A. Orechio, a former New Jersey state senator and former mayor of Nutley, N.J., several travel grants were awarded to study abroad participants the past two years through the Orechio Foundation.

David Simon ’19, a double major in international business and Asian studies who became fascinated with Japan at age 7, said the grant was essential for his intensive, year-long study of Japanese language and culture at Nanzan University, a Catholic university in Nagoya. “I am extremely grateful for the funds Mr. Orechio provided for me,” he said. “The money from the scholarship was enough to secure my textbooks, my commuter pass for the train and even a set of advanced Japanese books I plan to study upon my return to America.”

International student exchange programs have also made a semester or year of study abroad feasible, since institutional and financial aid awarded to students can be applied to tuition.

Exchange agreements have grown from two to six colleges and universities in the last two years, opening up opportunities for global learning in South Korea, Bilbao and Madrid, Spain, the

Philippines, Ireland and London, England. The fact that all are Catholic institutions of higher learning is 100 percent intentional.

Mission-Aligned Partnerships “The idea is to integrate our mission into study abroad programs by letting our students see what Jesuit and Catholic education looks like in the Philippines or South Korea,” said Keller. Exchange students can complete their theology requirement at these institutions, and the Jesuit and Catholic partners typically offer service opportunities, as well. More exchange partnerships are in the works. Keller says Sophia University, a Jesuit institution in Tokyo, is slated to be the seventh exchange partner in 2018-2019, and the Center is working on a potential agreement with Catholic University in Melbourne, Australia.

“Study abroad is such a transformative experience and so essential in preparing students to thrive in today’s workplace,” Keller stressed. “My mission is to get students over the hurdles to do it.”

Simon, who prior to studying abroad in Japan had not traveled beyond the East Coast of the United States, is very glad he made the leap.

“Studying abroad has granted me a deeper, more realistic understanding of Japan,” he said. “Actually living in another country teaches one that, like America, it isn’t perfect. And that’s OK. I feel that taking Japan off of a pedestal has helped me appreciate it even more and become more receptive to its culture and conduct. It really is a tremendously positive and eye-opening experience.”

Lasting Connections Thirty-five years have passed since Manuela Ruosi was an exchange student from Italy on the Jersey City campus, yet in many ways she remains closely connected to Saint Peter’s University. Her journey began at Georgetown University in 1983, where Ruosi was enrolled in an intensive English language and culture course. When it concluded, Ruosi, a political science major, had a choice of colleges throughout the U.S., and opted for Saint Peter’s for its Jesuit mission and proximity to New York.

“It was one of my first long experiences abroad and was particularly meaningful for me,” said Ruosi, who works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome. The relationships she established endured time and distance; Ruosi even reunited with the Peacock family on the Ignatian pilgrimage with Saint Peter’s to Rome in 2016.

“I would certainly still suggest [international] students have study experience at Saint Peter’s,” she added. “My experience was tremendously positive, both for my studies and at a personal level.”

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COVER

Story

International exchange students who arrived for the spring 2018 semester are from South Korea, Ireland and the Philippines.

THE WORLD COMES TO

SAINT PETER’S

The Center for Global Learning facilitates international enrollment with the Office of Admission and provides guidance and support to help make students’ transitions as smooth as possible.

This includes a comprehensive orientation, group excursions to learn the mass transit system, mentoring by student ambassadors and organized trips to cultural destinations.

While the growing global presence adds unique viewpoints

Just as more Saint Peter’s University students are departing for

to the campus community, international students also see their

global destinations, greater numbers of international students

worldview transformed. “It has helped me be a better person,

are discovering The Jesuit University of New Jersey. Forty new

especially in relation to others,” said Bandelli. “Although we’re all

international students, representing 17 different countries,

different, we have so much in common.”

joined the University community this fall. The number represents an 82 percent increase over the previous year and includes a mix of undergraduates, as well as graduate, transfer and visiting exchange students, through the University’s six international partnerships.

Total international enrollment has climbed steadily in recent years, reaching 110 students in 2017, a 36 percent increase since 2015. Students hail from 27 different countries and the factors

40 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM

17 COUNTRIES BEGAN THEIR STUDIES AT SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY IN FALL 2017, AN

82% INCREASE OVER 2016.

driving their enrollment are often similar to their domestic counterparts: strong academic offerings, the supportive University community, proximity to New York City and Division I sports teams. Gabriele Bandelli ’18, a health and physical education major from Florence, Italy, was looking for all these.

During his four years at the University, he was inducted into the Most Noble Order of the Peacock (MNOP), interned with physical therapy practices in the metropolitan region and played for the men’s soccer team.

“It’s been a great experience,” said Bandelli, the only member of his high school graduating class to attend college abroad. “I did the right thing coming to the United States.”

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BODY REPRESENTS

27 COUNTRIES

AROUND THE WORLD: Canada, China, Croatia, Ecuador, France, India, Italy, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom

6 INTERNATIONAL

EXCHANGE PARTNERSHIPS WITH JESUIT AND CATHOLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE WORLD: St. Mary’s University, London Mary Immaculate College, Limerick Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid University of Deusto, Bilbao Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City Sogang University, Seoul

Saint Peter’s University

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Taking the World by TRANSFORMING LIVES Colleen Hekemian Brennan, R.N., B.S.N. ’00 Operational International Operation Kids Co-founder Destination: Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and other impoverished countries.

Mission: Provides free medical/ surgical care for children, as well as education and medical equipment to doctors, nurses and hospitals.

Passion to Help: “I feel love and compassion for mothers and children who, because of location, do not have the same human rights and access to healthcare as we do in developed countries.”

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HEART IN HAITI John K. “Jack” McNally, D.D.S. ’67 Mobile Mission 4 Haiti Destination: Haiti Mission: Provides free dental care to impoverished people in Haiti at popup clinics also staffed by physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Previously volunteered in Jamaica.

Peacock Connections: Invited to volunteer in Haiti by Rev. Eugene P. Squeo, Esq. ’65. Serves annually in Haiti with Yamilee Bazile ’96, and nurses Lois Meli, wife of Anthony P. Meli Jr. ’67, and Mary Beth Cardillo, wife of Richard M. Cardillo ’67.

Motivation: “The reason I went into healthcare and medicine is to make a big difference. Working in Haiti is a religious experience for me. God asks me to do this.”

DUTCH ADVENTURE Kevin P. Guckian ’83 Ernst & Young LLP, Partner Saint Peter’s University Trustee Destination: Netherlands and Bermuda Impact Abroad: Served two large international financial services clients in the Netherlands for four years. Previously spent a year in Bermuda working with several of the firm’s larger insurance clients.

Highlight: Living in and traveling Europe with his family, including his two children, who attended school in the Netherlands. “Our kids have seen so much of Europe. It was an exciting family time together outside of professional opportunities.”

Business Insight: “The experience got me to work on very large global companies and gave me a broad appreciation for different cultures and the way things are done around the world.”

COVER

Story

Storm

Meet Saint Peter’s University alumni who have built impressive careers and provided service to others abroad.

AFFINITY FOR AFRICA Suegatha Kai-Rennie ’12 Boston University, Graduate Student Destination: Zambia and Uganda After Saint Peter’s: Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, promoting health and empowerment for women and girls, for 27 months. Enrolled in Boston University, and then worked last summer at the United States Embassy in Uganda through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Motivation: Escaped the civil war in Liberia as a young child. “My heart is in Africa. In college classes on economic development, we focused a lot on Africa and Latin America.”

Spark for Service: “As a sophomore at Saint Peter’s, I did a global outreach trip to Ecuador, and worked at an orphanage. It opened my eyes. Helping young girls and women is something I’m passionate about.”

CULTURAL BRIDGE Robb L. Santos ’91 BDO Unibank, Inc. Senior Vice President Transaction Banking Group & Elizabeth Viray Santos ’91 Destination: Philippines U.S.–Filipino Connection: Immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1983.

Global Experience: Robb said, “I’m a classic ‘third culture’ person who has elements of two cultures that form a third. Because of that, I’m able to bridge the gap between my compatriots here in Manila and our global stakeholders, because I brought experience acquired globally.”

Jesuit-Inspired: Volunteers in poor Filipino neighborhoods. “It really brings home how blessed we are compared to many here in the Philippines. Yet, we see many happy faces grateful for the life they’ve been given,” he added.

MALAWI ON HIS MIND Garry Prime ’65 Village Orphan Care—Africa (VOCA) Board Director Destination: Malawi International Impact: Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi after Saint Peter’s graduation. Worked abroad in Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, the United Kingdom, Norway, Italy and China.

Mission-driven: Has volunteered with AIDS orphans in Malawi for 20 years. Co-founder of VOCA, which creates income-generating activities to grow sustainable projects that empower Malawians.

Motivation: “You can’t have spent time in Malawi and not have in your memory someone who has died of AIDS. Look at the kids and tell me you could ignore those smiles.”

Saint Peter’s University

15

The Year in

Giving

$8,298,823 Raised

3,325 Total Donors

190 16

Winter 2018

GOLD Donors (Graduates Of the Last Decade)

33,309 Living Alumni

ADVANCEMENT

Facts and figures from our fiscal year, July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017, tell a powerful story about the generosity and engagement of our Peacock family.

The entire University community joins together in gratitude.

501

Gifts from First-Time Donors

31 Alumni and

$1,679,623

Donor Events

2,281

in Donor-Funded Scholarships

Attended Peacock Events

570

Members of the President’s Council

2,564 Alumni Donors

$1,524,451 for The Saint Peter Fund

Saint Peter’s University

17

10 MINUTES

with...

Bryan Felt

From Pirate to Proud Peacock Division I teams at Saint Peter’s University got a big boost when Bryan Felt was named director of athletics last September. While at Seton Hall University, he raised a record amount of support that transformed the Pirate athletic program. The new Peacock A.D. sat down for a conversation about his background, first impressions of Saint Peter’s and the future of athletics.

When did your interest in sports first develop?

You started to work professionally in broadcast news.

I grew up in a sports household. My father was a big

What prompted your return to athletics?

baseball fan. My sister and I were big into soccer from

My story was unique in that, after college, I jumped at

the time we were kids through high school. I actually

the opportunity to do television news following an in-

had the dream that I would play soccer or baseball in

ternship at MSNBC. News was never really my ambition,

college, but I was kidding myself a bit. Then, I started to

but I loved every minute of it. I worked on the 2000 pres-

think about all the things you can do in sports besides

idential campaign and had such incredible experiences.

being a star athlete. When I got to Seton Hall, my first

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Winter 2018

Then, a position to raise money for Seton Hall opened

campus job was in the sports information department.

up. Now, this was a change, but soon after I started, I re-

That’s where I fell in love with athletics administration

alized it was all about relationships. It’s asking people to

and the entire athletic world.

support something they believe in. That experience led

to me becoming really involved in the athletic side of

It’s important for our student-athletes to see just

fundraising and become really at home with it.

how much the administration is pulling for them—

What drew you to Saint Peter’s?

I knew I wanted to take the next step to athletic director. This seemed like such a great fit.

Your hire was widely seen as great news for athletics and the University, but that also comes with high expectations. How are you managing the expectations?

I certainly hope to bring some stability to the department, and I am focused on bringing positive change.

Change isn’t easy, but you know what? We can chip away. We can find a way. You can’t make the fixes that need to happen overnight, but you just have to keep moving forward. And that really has been my approach here every day. What is it that we are going

not only in the pool or on the field, but in life, in everything.

There’s a lot of pride in our student-athletes’ GPAs, for teams to become more competitive without sacrificing a strong academic record?

Absolutely. I think the more competitive we become, our GPAs will get even better, because we’re going to do it the right way. I say this to the staff all the time: ‘We preach excellence across the board.’ That means academically and athletically. When our studentathletes are having a better experience, the results will show.

to do today to take that next step? What is our little

Anything else you want Peacock Nation to know?

victory going to be? It’s that mentality that keeps me

I have a few months in, and, as we keep going, we

focused. I know what needs to be accomplished here

are going to have a strong plan in place. And we are

and am very confident that we’re going to get there.

going to communicate that message to people, so

In terms of what needs to be accomplished, what are some of your priorities for athletics?

We all know that facilities need attention. And we do have some financial challenges, but, at the end of the day, every move we make has to impact the studentathlete experience positively. That has to be the top priority. Improving facilities and finances helps the student-athlete experience. The attention we give our student-athletes helps. The resources we provide them off the field and court helps.

I am very excited that we were able to create a new position, using funding from a NCAA program, for a coordinator for leadership and development for student-athletes. It will include workshops on mental health, but also résumé writing and networking for when they go out into the real world. It’s something that’s needed, because our student-athletes are busy. Bringing programs directly to our studentathletes will make sure that they are equipped for the things that are coming at them while they’re in school and after they graduate from Saint Peter’s.

PEACOCK BULLETIN Want to know which Peacock team posted the highest GPA at the end of the Fall 2017 term? (Women’s tennis, which surpassed a 3.5 GPA.) Catch up on team news, read about new coach and staff hires and more by subscribing to Peacock Bulletin, a new online newsletter delivered to your inbox.

The intention of the monthly bulletin, according to Director of Athletics Bryan Felt, is to strengthen fans’ connection to Saint Peter’s athletics. “A lot of different and great things are happening, but people may not be hearing about it. This is a way for us to start getting our message out there.”

Sign up for Peacock Bulletin at saintpeterspeacocks.com.

The first four issues of the newsletter can be found on the athletics website, as well.

which are well above the NCAA average. Is it possible

they know what we are trying to accomplish and can become a part of it.

There is so much opportunity here. I have had the chance to meet some of the great supporters and fans from Peacock Nation. It’s been phenomenal and I am excited to meet more of our alumni and friends.

I will be very forthcoming in saying that we need greater participation, because we can’t do it alone. I love it when alums and fans ask, ‘How can I help?’

I tell them right off the bat, I need you to remain supportive, stay positive, contribute and get others to contribute. Tell your friends. Bring them to games.

Every little bit is going to count. We can’t do it without an army of help.

Bryan Felt became director of athletics in September 2017.

A graduate of Seton Hall University, he served his alma mater for 16 years, notably as a senior administrator credited with raising more than $40 million for athletics. He lives with his wife, Tara, three children and puppy in New Providence, N.J.

We hear you’ve been on the road with student-athletes for away games and competitions.

I try to get out to meet all of them, and I’m going to see every one of our teams compete. Our teams have been great; I am so impressed, because we have so many tremendous young men and women.

Saint Peter’s University

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Honoring Legends Peacock pride was front and center in the Mac Mahon Student

David Chesney ’89, baseball, Anthony Commandatore ’85,

Center for the 2017 Saint Peter’s University Athletics Hall of Fame

men’s soccer, and Thomas Weatherall ’91, special achievement,

Induction Ceremony on October 14, 2017. At the 34th annual event,

joined a trio of men’s basketball players—Ryan Bacon ’11, Wesley

six individuals and two teams took their place among Peacock

Jenkins ’11 and Antonio Keith Sellers ’03—to comprise the Class

greats previously inducted.

of 2017 individual honorees. Teams inducted included the 1969-70 football team and the 1996-97 women’s soccer team.

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Winter 2018

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1. David Chesney ’89 and Director of Athletics Bryan Felt 2. University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D. 3. Anthony Commandatore ’85 4. 1969-70 football team 5. More than 180 alumni, family members and friends attended the Hall of Fame event.

6. Thomas Wickiewicz, M.D. ’72, team orthopedist, and his wife, Catherine Amoroso Wickiewicz ’75 7. Thomas Weatherall ’91 8. Antonio Keith Sellers ’03 9. Wesley Jenkins ’11 10. Ryan Bacon ’11 11.1996-97 women’s soccer team

PEACOCK

U

Did you know?

#StrutYourPride

@SPUAthletics has more than 75,000 followers on Twitter! Tweet and use #StrutYourPride to get the latest news and connect with more fans.

Making Hoops History Two Peacock legends have claimed spots on a list of the top 25 men’s collegiate basketball players in New Jersey history. Keydren “Kee-Kee” Clark ’06 was 11th and Elnardo Webster, Ed.D. ’69 was 22nd on the list compiled by Jerry Carino, a Gannett New Jersey sports writer and columnist for The Asbury Park Press.

Now a player for Peristeri of the Greek 2nd Division, Clark holds nine career records as a Peacock, including 3,058 points with a scoring average of 25.9 per game. In the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Clark was a three-time All-MAAC first team selection and a MAAC Rookie of the Year.

Webster’s 1967-68 Peacock team advanced to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals and recorded a team-record 24 wins. In addition to his performance that season, Webster was recognized on the list for his 24.8 scoring average. He later went on to play a season in the American Basketball Association and recently served as a member of the Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees.

DRESSED TO WIN Saint Peter’s University Peacocks will be styling the latest athletic gear, thanks to a multiyear partnership inked between the University and adidas. The leading sports apparel provider will supply Saint Peter’s athletic teams with footwear, athletic uniforms, swimwear and other apparel through the 2023-24 season.

In addition to providing team apparel for all games, practices and other athletic events, adidas will be the Peacocks’ official brand for accessories and equipment, including bats, gloves, batting helmets, travel bags, headwear, socks, wristbands, watches, eyewear, hard goods and inflatables. To purchase your Peacock gear, visit peacocksplace.com.

Saint Peter’s University

21

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

Have you…

• Landed your first job?

Send us your news!

• Retired from your last job?

• Met the love of your life?

• Celebrated a milestone anniversary?

• Welcomed a child?

• Welcomed a grandchild?

• Reminisced with friends from Saint Peter’s?

• Received a promotion or honor?

Saint Peter’s University welcomes any and all news about your career, education, family life and reconnecting with other alumni. Submit a note via email to alumni@saintpeters.edu or send to: Office of Alumni Engagement, 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

1960

John DePalma received a lifetime achievement award from the state of Connecticut for an outstanding career in business and community service.

James J. Magee, Ph.D., has had his novel Peace Comes Dropping Slow: Linked Tales of Rain Finding Distressed Family Trees (Kindle, 2017) published.

1957

1961

Arthur Dunne, a self-proclaimed “four-time failure at retirement,” is active in his parish on the Pastoral Council and Stewardship Committee. He leads Bible study at two senior residences every month in Rochester, Minn. He plans to attend his 33rd annual retreat at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House.

Kenneth Johnson was the last man to finish the 2017 Ray Licata Memorial Swim in the ocean off Long Branch, and he was the thirdoldest swimmer in the race.

Donald Williamson, Esq., received a five-star book review rating for his memoir, Confrontations: No Challenge Too Tough (Page Publishing, Inc., 2017).

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Winter 2018

Alfred Hanley Jr., Ph.D., published a book, Fatima at a Hundred Years: God’s Mother Speaks a Crucial Message—Then and Now (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017), available on Amazon.

George Degnon was inducted into the Marist High School Hall of Fame as a recipient of a Spirit of Marist award for professional achievement in November 2017.

Bob Armbruster has given more than 40 talks on the Second Vatican Council: 20 in the United States, 20 in the Philippines and one each in Canada and Colombia.

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James J. D’Amato, Ph.D., has retired from Thermo Fisher Scientific as the director of quality assurance and training.

1962 In October 2017, the auditorium at the Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford, N.J., was rededicated in memory of late teacher James Williams and is now called the James Williams Performing Arts Center. Williams, who passed away in late 2016, was a longtime physics teacher, theater director and coach in the district.

Peter Johnson ’64 and his wife, Frances, enjoy spending time with their little future Peacock grandson, Jackson.

William Hazelton has been on the faculty at Saint Peter’s since 1968. He is an adjunct lecturer in the education department and recently completed his observation of student teachers.

S. Kenneth Dinolfo and his wife, Rita, celebrated the wedding of their son, Ken, to Trish on the beach in Long Branch in summer 2017.

On November 9, 2017, Dan Toomey, Esq., senior counsel to McManus & Felsen LLP, became the 2017 recipient of the Daniel G. Grove Award. This award was given to Dan “in grateful recognition of his exceptional work as a teacher” in the NITA Advanced Trial Advocacy: Next-Level Trial Techniques Program.

Dan had led the program for 12 years, stepping down as co-director last year.

1965 Dick Libretti and his wife, Lois, hosted their 12th annual dinner

for the Jesuit community in early November. The Librettis, Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., Rev. Claudio Burgaleta, S.J., Ph.D., Rev. John Hyatt, S.J., Rev. David Stump, S.J., and Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J., from New York were joined by Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., and Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05, vice president for advancement and external affairs, at Osteria Trevi in Madison.

James Brown retired as a school psychologist from the Newark school district in 2013. He worked as a teacher and guidance director.

James Donohue, M.D., will be honored with the Breathing for Life Award at the 10th annual American Thoracic Society (ATS) Foundation Research Program Benefit on May 19 in San Diego. The Breathing for Life Award is the highest honor given by the foundation for philanthropy, scientific achievement and commitment to mentorship. Dr. Donohue is professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he has been on the faculty for more than 40 years and served as vice chair of internal medicine and chief of the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine.

Saint Peter’s Business Network Gathers in the Financial District Alumni working in the field of business gathered for an evening of networking on December 4, 2017 at the Down Town Association in Manhattan. Organized by the Saint Peter’s Business Network (SPBN), formerly the Alumni in Finance Network, the event featured James M. Conti ’93, managing director of Goldman Sachs, presenting “A Career in Finance: Being Prepared, Building Your Network and Keeping a Focused Work Ethic.” SPBN provides opportunities for alumni and friends in all fields of business to exchange ideas and explore new professional relationships while connecting with the University. For more information on future events, contact Karen Hackett, Office of Alumni Engagement, at (201) 761-6113 or khackett@saintpeters.edu.

1. James Conti ’93 2. Alumni enjoyed an evening of networking.

Celebrating Love at Saint Peter’s On February 2, alumni couples from 1970 to 2017 gathered in The Duncan Family Sky Room for a special evening to celebrate Saint Peter’s love connections.

Rev. Rocco Danzi, 3. S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, blessed the couples’ hands and rings and invited each couple to share their love story. “For us, we are grateful for these continuing reminders of how much Saint Peter’s meant–and means–to us,” said Ann-Marie Nazzaro, Ph.D. ’70.

1966 Joseph A. Panepinto, Esq., of Panepinto Properties, was recently profiled in NJBIZ to honor his fourdecade milestone of property development in Jersey City. The article, published in the real estate section of the newspaper, is an interview with Panepinto detailing the growth and change in Jersey City since the late 1970s. In addition, he was knighted by the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George in November 2017.

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1. Left, Colleen (Dugan) Raccioppi ’78 and Michael Raccioppi ’78; Right, Virginia (Forrester) Bender, Ph.D. ’78, special assistant to the president for institutional planning, and Richard Bender ’78 2. John Payumo ’11 and Rachel (Slaiman) Payumo ’09

Saint Peter’s University

23

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

1967 Fred Ciociola and his wife, Kathleen, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2017. In addition to a celebration hosted by their two children and seven grandchildren, the couple was delighted with a trip to Rome and the Vatican, as well as the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

They are enjoying retirement.

John O’Shaughnessy, Esq., retired as a New Jersey Superior Court judge in July 2011. After 62 years living in both Jersey City and Princeton, he and his wife, Althea, now reside in Denver, Colo.

Nick Fugaro and his wife, Francine, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2017. The couple has three children and 10 grandchildren.

Early this year, in conjunction with colleagues in Europe, Bill Gutsch, Ph.D. ’67, H ’95 wrote, co-produced and directed a new feature for preschool-age children in Hollywood titled Khrumka’s Adventures in the Winter Forest. It will open in the United States, Europe and Japan in

2018. Also opening in 2018 will be Our Violent Planet, which is a documentary on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

Finally, in 2017, he delivered lectures at Meiji University in Tokyo and at Saint Peter’s, and did consulting work for a new science center in Bangladesh and for Raritan Valley Community College on its planetarium, which underwent a renovation. In addition, in August, he photographed the total eclipse of the sun in Oregon, and, in October, made another trek to the Arctic to research and photograph the Northern Lights in conjunction with the University of Tromsø, Norway.

This time, he had more than 25 photographers from across the United States under his instruction accompanying him. He will go again in November 2018. If any alumni are interested in joining him, contact alumni@saintpeters.edu.

1968 Margaret (Gillis) Bajor, James Guardino, Karen Gutch, Peter Leahy and Terence Madden, as

well as alumni from other class years including Raymond Bajor ’69, Walter Zubryckyj ’69, William Milczarski, Ph.D. ’70, and Michele (Cull) Cahill ’70, celebrated the 50th anniversary of participation in the Saint Peter’s service project in Warfield, Ky., in the summer of 1967.

The group gathered in New Jersey in Wharton and Montclair to mark the occasion.

In 2016, Hon. Joseph A. Egan Jr. retired after serving 26 years as a Connecticut probate judge, most recently in the Northern Fairfield County Probate District. From 2007-2008, he was president of the National College of Probate Judges.

1970 John Introcaso signed his first Broadway contract for his musical, Dangerous. Introcaso wrote the book, music and lyrics for the production.

In September, Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, N.J., unveiled the new Gary S. Horan Emergency Department. Gary S.

Powering Connections Peacock connections are strong at PSEG, thanks to Mark Kahrer ’83, vice president of regulatory affairs for New Jersey Resources and a former senior director at PSEG. A strong alumni network, along with programs for recent graduates offered through the University’s Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL), have assisted a number of graduates to advance their careers at the company. GOLD (Graduates Of the Last Decade) alumni now working at PSEG recently gathered for a special luncheon. They include Kapil Bastola ’12, ’16, Sunita Kumar ’14, Aashish Shrestha ’10, Shondel McPherson ’13, ’15, Edgar Tejada ’17 and Genesis Balarezo ’16, ’17.

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Winter 2018

Horan has served as CEO and president of the medical center since 2001.

John B. Wilson, Esq., was the recipient of the Henry Paley Memorial Award at the annual convention of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities on February 5 in Washington, D.C. The honor recognizes leaders who demonstrate unfailing service toward students and faculty of independent colleges and universities. Wilson has served as president of the Independent College Fund of New Jersey and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey for 28 years.

1972 Joseph Gualtieri retired after a successful career in healthcare marketing. He currently resides in Monroe, N.J., with his wife of 44 years, Sandra. He is looking forward to a peaceful retirement filled with children, grandchildren, travel and lifelong friends.

Dennis Murphy joined Rational Surgical Solutions, a leading healthcare technology provider, as chief operating officer and senior vice president of sales. In this position, he will oversee the company’s daily operations and lead the sales efforts to deliver technology solutions to clients.

1975 In November 2017, Patrick Driscoll was invited by the Rutherford Public Library to display some of his French grandfather’s World War I medals, citations, trench art and dog tags in honor of Armistice Day. Robert Kennedy, Ph.D., retired from GE Healthcare in 2007 after 25 years of working as a scientist

in biotechnology. He became a high school science teacher in 2007 and is still in the classroom. He was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society of London in 2015.

1977 Don Tretola received the ICON Honors award at the inaugural NJBIZ event. The award recognizes New Jersey business leaders over age 60 who have helped the Garden State’s business community grow, and continue to champion their industries through professional creativity, innovation and leadership.

Ernest Guaimano retired from a 35-year career as a logistics and supply chain consultant in the transportation industry.

1981 John Bosso, M.D., left a private practice in allergy/immunology in the northern New Jersey/Rockland County, N.Y., areas and relocated to Philadelphia, where he is a clinical associate professor at the Perelman

School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as the medical director of the Penn AERD Center and director of the OTOAllergy Clinic in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology.

The board of trustees of the Financial Accounting Foundation appointed Gary R. Buesser, a longtime portfolio manager and financial analyst, to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), effective July 1, 2018.

1984 Marty Sliwicki is pursuing a graduate certificate in cybersecurity at Penn State World Campus.

1986 Toni Ann Turco was recently featured on the TODAY show promoting her nonprofit, Home for Good Dog Rescue.

Noreen (Heath) Beaman, CEO of Brinker Capital Inc., made the Women to Watch list published by InvestmentNews. She will be rec-

ognized at the third annual awards luncheon in March.

1988 Tom Moran has been in the United States Foreign Service for 28 years and is currently posted at the United States Embassy in Tokyo.

1989 Tom O’Donnell and Dianne (Celentano) O’Donnell celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on October 17, 2017.

1992 NYK Ports has appointed cruise industry veteran Anthony Caputo as director of cruise services for Ceres Terminals Incorporated. In his new role, he will focus on new strategies for Ceres’ expanding North America cruise business while strengthening efforts for strong customer relationships. He has held a variety of senior management positions in the industry.

1994 In November, All Saints Catholic Academy received the 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools award in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. Nicole Narese ’94, ’02 was chairperson for the program bid.

1995 Joe Pagetta was recently named director of marketing and communications for the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville.

1997 Steve Fusco, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sussex Bank in Rockaway, was elected vice chair of the Financial Managers Society’s (FMS) board of directors at the 2017 FMS Forum.

1999 Willola Ashley has been named Child Study Team coordinator for the Englewood school district.

Getting “Reel”

Hon. Kevin Callahan ’69, Hon. Mary Costello and Hon. Jeffrey Jablonski

“Ethics in the ’Reel’ World” was the topic of an event sponsored by the Saint Peter’s University Alumni in Law network on November 16, 2017. Held in The Duncan Family Sky Room, the panel discussion highlighted popular movie clips to explore topics such as attorney advertising, lawyers as witnesses, dealing with self-represented clients and conflicts of interest.

Hon. Kevin G. Callahan ’69, retired New Jersey Superior Court judge and Saint Peter’s criminal justice professor, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Hon. Mary K. Costello and Hon. Jeffrey R. Jablonski, both of whom are Superior Court judges.

Alumni in Law sponsors a series offering continuing legal education (CLE) credits to attendees. The lectures focus on ethics in the legal profession, with an emphasis on criminal cases, the ethics governing judges and the disciplinary process involving judges and lawyers.

Saint Peter’s University

25

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

Laurence Carter and his wife, Peggy, are celebrating 24 years of marriage.

Patty Marchese-Gentile and Keydren “Kee-Kee” Clark ’06 were inducted into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Honor Roll and enshrined in The MAAC Experience exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2017.

2000 In September, the staff of The Theresa and Edward O’Toole Library worked with nursing alumna Colleen (Hekemian) Brennan, R.N., B.S.N. to donate less-needed nursing books from the library’s collection to a nursing school in Ghana.

Brennan co-founded Operation Kids in 2008. The organization’s latest mission in Techiman, Ghana, performed 68 surgeries and treated 700 children.

2001

of Social Service at Lincoln Center and is currently a licensed clinical social worker who works part time as a faculty adviser for Fordham and full time for Bridgeway Crisis Intervention Services in Jersey City.

She also serves as a consultant for the Jersey City Fire Department to assess children involved in incidents of fire play in the city.

2013

A group of young alumni are working to enrich the relationship between recent graduates and Saint Peter’s University. Ten graduates have been appointed to a committee to tailor

Mike Murcia is currently serving in his second year as director of alumni relations at Saint Peter’s Preparatory School and notes, “Proud to have been educated by the Jesuits and to now work with them!”

2014

programming to the needs of GOLD (Graduates Of the Last Decade) alumni. Members of the committee include Vishnu Nayak ’09, Dimana Neykova ’11, Daria Peace ’12, Michelle Pérez ’16, Anthony Rodriguez ’10, Animesh Singh ’14, Kamen Stoykov ’08, Samana Bhatta ’13, Shambree Bonner ’15,

Steven J. Sheftall has been accepted into and will be attending New York University beginning this spring. He will be pursuing a master of science in clinical nutrition with plans to become a registered dietician.

Lisa M. Jones graduated from the Fordham University Graduate School

These Grads are GOLD

Timothy Brennan ’04, ’16, Chris DePizzo ’09, Arlene Ganess ’17, Daisy Guasch ’07, ’13 and Shishir Khadka ’12.

Privileges reserved for GOLD alumni, who graduated between 2008 and 2017, include reduced pricing for most alumni events, special programming designed for recent graduates, networking opportunities with Saint Peter’s graduates who are leaders in their fields and entry levels for the President’s Council, the University’s premier

Continued on page 28

leadership giving society.

Sunshine State Reunion Saint Peter’s University alumni and friends gathered in Florida on January 28 to reminisce and learn more about the future of the University. Josephine and Thomas O’Reilly ’69 hosted the event at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., vice president of mission and ministry, presided over Mass, which was followed by brunch, where Saint Peter’s President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., shared plans

President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., traveled to Florida to update Saint Peter’s alumni and friends on the latest University news.

26

Winter 2018

for the next chapter in the growth and development of the University.

Mike Brown ’56 Alumni

GOLF OUTING Wednesday, May 30 Galloping Hill Golf Course Kenilworth, N.J. For more information, contact Karen Hackett at (201) 761-6113 or khackett@saintpeters.edu.

William J. Murray All-Sports

GOLF OUTING Monday, June 18

Maplewood Country Club Maplewood, N.J. For more information, contact Anna Pitingolo at (201) 761-7300 or apitingolo@saintpeters.edu.

Saint Peter’s University

27

CLASS NEWS

& Notes

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

Continued from page 26

Katherine Sura ’09 and Ashley Costanzo Joshi ’09 When Saint Peter’s University magazine last spoke with Ashley Costanzo Joshi ’09 and Katherine Sura ’09 before graduation, the psychology majors had just returned from the Eastern Psychological Conference in Pittsburgh.

Their presentation on perceptions of academic and athletic cheating had earned top honors from Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology—and set the course for their respective careers as school psychologists.

As Saint Peter’s students, they had been invited by Joshua Feinberg, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, to conduct extensive studies on the topic. The experience provided

Katherine Sura ’09 (left) and Ashley Costanzo Joshi ’09 (right) in 2009.

them with important skills in research, communication and presentation that led

to opportunities for graduate school and employment. Today, they both work as school psychologists, Sura in Newton, N.J., and Joshi in Milltown, N.J. While Joshi always planned to work as a school psychologist, Sura had also majored in elementary education and initially wanted to teach. An interview for a master’s program in educational psychology at Kean University challenged that idea. “They were impressed with the work I had done with Dr. Feinberg,” Sura explained. “They offered me a place in the program on the spot.”

At Kean, Sura reconnected with Joshi, and they both earned master’s degrees in educational psychology. After graduation, Joshi worked briefly in another district before starting her tenure in Milltown, counseling children in grades pre-K3 through eight. “I love working with children,” she said. “I wear a lot of different hats, and no two days are ever the same.”

Sura explored teaching for a short time, but ultimately decided to dedicate her talents to school psychology in Newton. “The teacher in me likes working directly with children,” noted Sura, a volleyball player at Saint Peter’s who now also coaches at Bogota High School in New Jersey. “There’s never a boring day. There’s a lot of critical thinking and problem solving. For me, it’s a way to have the best of both worlds.”

Both credit their work with Dr. Feinberg and other Saint Peter’s to their success. Sura said, “I’m Peter’s and worked so closely with professors,” while Joshi added, “The relationship we had with Saint Peter’s faculty made our love and passion for psychology grow

Winter 2018

2017 Dominic Diaz was named a recipient of the annual Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Victory Scholarship, in partnership with the Sport Changes Life Foundation and the Rory Foundation. Along with five other MAAC student-athletes, he will participate in the 10-month Victory Scholars program in Ireland.

Marriages Ali Hassan ’13 recently married his Saint Peter’s sweetheart, Natalia (Carvalho) Hassan ’14. In addition, he has launched a new company called Crescent Crypto Asset Management and was featured in the Financial Times. The company is the leading cryptocurrency index fund provider and is growing very fast.

Tyler Smith ’07 and his wife, Claudia, welcomed their third daughter, Emily, in September 2017.

very grateful that I went to Saint

28

Allyson A. Cook, M.Ed., recently completed the Education Pioneers Summer Fellowship working at the United Way of New York City to create a school development plan for its ReadNYC initiative. She was also promoted to program director of the CollegeSpring New York team this summer. CollegeSpring is a national nonprofit that gives students from low-income backgrounds the academic skills and mentoring they need to close the SAT, ACT and college opportunity gaps.

Births

faculty members as a springboard

so much more.”

2015

Katherine Sura ’09

Ashley Costanzo Joshi ’09

Faith in Action at the United Nations May and hopes to someday serve as secretary-general of the United Nations. “I am surrounded by experts, ambassadors and our very own Holy See diplomats. I am seeing all I have learned in the classroom put into action. It’s quite an honor and a humbling feeling to sit behind or in the seat that represents the Holy See in these meetings.”

While at Saint Peter’s University, the political science major held leadership roles including president of the Student Government Association, student representative to the Board of Trustees and the University’s youth envoy to the United Nations. She also put her Catholic faith into action as an altar server and coordinator of the University’s clothes and food As a young girl, Michelle Pérez ’16

pantry.

dreamed of working at the United

A Colombian-American, Pérez admires Pope Francis for

Nations. Now a graduate student at

his compassion and ability to relate to others across ethnic

Seton Hall University, she is interning with the Permanent

divides. Latinos look with hope to the Church’s first South

Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

American pope, said Perez. “He is a child of migrants and so is

Pérez is this year’s recipient of the St. John Paul II

intimately aware of the life of migrants,” she explained. “He is

Fellowship through Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy,

relatable: so many youth, non-Catholics and Catholics alike,

assisting the Holy See to bring Catholic social teaching

have begun to listen to and engage with his message. His

into the international community. In this role, she attends

efforts have shown that greater fraternity between peoples

high-level meetings, forums, conferences and discussions

and religions is possible.”

on a wide range of topics, including the status of women,

Her work at the United Nations has deepened Pérez’s

migration, biodiversity, population and development. After

understanding of the importance of Ignatian spirituality:

each session, she submits a report that is shared internally,

“I continue to witness and understand why the Jesuits

often with the Secretariat of State in the Vatican.

included among their principles the importance of sharing

“It’s like a dream coming true,” said Pérez, who will receive a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations in

our gifts, pursuing justice and having concern for the poor and marginalized.”

Gateway to America: Alumni Tour of Ellis Island Join alumni and friends at the gateway to America, Ellis Island. Experience expertly-guided tours of the gallery, museum and much more. Afterward, enjoy a private lunch and hear from Cynthia Tosatto Harris ’73, manager of the New Jersey Room of the Jersey City Free Public Library and genealogical expert, as she helps you explore your ancestry.

Friday, April 13 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $40 per person

Please arrive promptly at 10:00 a.m. Ample time is required to park, gather at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, proceed to the security checkpoint and board our assigned ferry.

For more information or to register, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (201) 761-6122 or alumni@saintpeters.edu. Space is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit one guest per alum. Please respond by Friday, April 6.

Parking is $7 and is available at Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, N.J.

Saint Peter’s University

29

CLASS NEWS

& Notes REMEMBRANCES

The John Tagliabue ’67, H ’05 Lecture Series “Extending the Jesuit Mission Today: Love, Mercy and the University” Featured guest speaker Timothy P. Muldoon, Ph.D., theologian, award-winning author, director of mission education for Catholic Extension and professor at Boston College, presents his most recent book, Living Against the Grain: How to Make Decisions That Lead to an Authentic Life, to raise the consciousness of the presence of the Church among marginalized communities in the United States.

Master of Ceremonies James D. Manney ’67 Author and former Senior Editor at Loyola Press Thursday, April 12 6:30 p.m. – Reception – Meet the Author 7:00 p.m. – Presentation 7:45 p.m. – Q&A and Book Signing The Duncan Family Sky Room Mac Mahon Student Center 47 Glenwood Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306 Parking and shuttle service will be available at Lot #1 (Armory) located on Montgomery Street between Jordan Avenue and Tuers Avenue.

To register, please contact Sharon T. Morrissey, M.B.A., M.Ed. ’13 at (201) 761-6126 or smorrissey@saintpeters.edu.

The John Tagliabue ’67, H ’05 Lecture Series was established through a generous gift from Paul Tagliabue H ’05, former National Football League commissioner, in honor of his brother, John Tagliabue, a 1967 graduate of Saint Peter’s and reporter with The New York Times, with the purpose of featuring authors, journalists and writers of interest who are concerned with preserving and renewing the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity.

30

Winter 2018

REMEMBERING FR. WRYNN Retired history professor and religious superior of the Jesuit community, Rev. John F. Wrynn, S.J., passed away on January 22. A mainstay at Saint Peter’s University for 36 years, Fr. Wrynn guided his students in a manner that was gentle, yet strong, noted Rev. Thomas L. Sheridan, S.J. “He was a superb teacher,” Fr. Sheridan said in a homily for the beloved late Jesuit. “Some of his former students, including some fellow Jesuits, say he was the best teacher they ever had.”

Born in New York City, Fr. Wrynn joined the Society of Jesus in 1957 and taught for three years at Saint Peter’s Preparatory School.

Next, he studied theology in the Netherlands, where he professed his final vows in 1975.

A year later, while still in the Netherlands, Fr. Wrynn earned a doctorate in history before returning to Jersey City as a full-time professor of history at Saint Peter’s University.

In addition to teaching at Saint Peter’s, Fr. Wrynn served as the University’s first archivist and was religious superior of the Jesuit community three times. A born historian, he developed deep interests in Jersey City and Irish history. In an obituary for Fr. Wrynn, Rev. Raymond A. Schroth, S.J., wrote, “He was a historian, with curiosity and enthusiasm that led him abroad and deep into Jersey City’s urban history and people…The dominating intellectual skill of his life was his dedication to Irish lore. He learned to teach and speak Gaelic and at Saint Peter’s offered a weekly Mass in the Gaelic tongue, which was attended often by a dozen congregants.”

CHAMPION FOR SAINT PETER’S When it came to his hometown, Hon. James McLaughlin Jr. H ’03 had a deep loyalty that rippled through many Jersey City institutions, including Saint Peter’s University. His devotion still resonates in the trail of good works he left when he passed away on October 8, 2017.

A regent emeritus at the University, McLaughlin graduated from Saint Peter’s Preparatory School and the University of Notre Dame. He returned home to Jersey City, working as owner and operator of McLaughlin Funeral Home for many years. In addition to serving as a member and chair of the Saint Peter’s Board of Regents, McLaughlin took part in the feasibility study and discussions resulting in the construction of the pedestrian bridge linking the East and West campuses across Kennedy Boulevard. A generous supporter of the University, he also co-chaired the 1997 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner and participated in the Board of Regents Business Symposium.

Elsewhere in the area, McLaughlin was a longtime Jersey City councilman, representing the city’s West Side. Among his many other posts, he was a trustee and president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County, commissioner and chair of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, trustee of Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, chair of the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation and trustee and chair of the Jersey City Medical Center, where he helped to spearhead construction of a new medical center.

Predeceased by his wife, Mary Ellen, McLaughlin is survived by daughters Maureen Byrne, Claire Juliana, Megan McLaughlin Becht ’85 and Maryellen McLaughlin; sons-inlaw Tom Byrne, David Juliana, Dan Becht and Sean Flannery; 11 grandchildren; and many other family members.

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.

Rev. Paul D. Bauknight Sr. ’91 William J. Brannick ’81 Ronald M. Brzenk, Ph.D. ’69 Priscilla Burke ’74 Francis P. Cardinale ’77 Michael F. Cocca ’60 Paul M. Coon ’63 Walter E. Corrigan, M.D. ’43 William L. Coyle ’55 Kevin F. Cunniff ’61 Philip J. Daly ’50 Col. John J. Danielson, USA (Ret.) ’56 George P. DeKeersmaeker ’60 John J. Donahue ’52 James J. Dougherty ’66 George Eckert Jr. ’52 Stephen C. Emmerth ’67 Michael Fushille, M.D. ’47 James C. Gannon ’51 Thomas R. Gentile ’75 Lawrence J. Gleason ’68 Robert J. Gleeson ’67 Dennis J. Gnudi ’79 Kenneth M. Godlash, M.D. ’57 Joseph J. Halleron, M.D. ’43 James F. Hanley ’71 Thomas W. Hasselmann ’68 James H. Heitzman ’63 Raymond F. Hoover ’58 Frank M. Inzitari ’69 Joseph J. Kazanchy, Esq. ’55 Robert K. Kelly ’54 Dean P. Kelly ’72 Francis S. Kowalczyk ’60 Christine M. LaGana, Ph.D. ’70 Robert D. Lynch ’58 Donald J. Marino ’68 John J. McGuire ’59 Hon. James McLaughlin Jr. H. ’03 John F. McManus ’53 Edmund Methfessel Gerald E. Murray ’53 Lawrence A. Musella ’48 Eugene N. Natoli ’58

William T. O’Connor, M.D. ’47 Robert D. Oppici ’63 Hon. Carmen A. Orechio Elise Radick ’02 Robert J. Ranucci, M.D. ’52 Paul G. Rizzo ’68 Rev. Thomas C. Roberts, LSW, CSW ’74 David Schneider, M.D. ’48 Carole A. Scott ’96 Joseph E. Scuro ’50 John W. Sheridan ’61 Richard Sostowski, M.D. ’69 James K. Sullivan ’79 Rev. John F. Wrynn, S.J. William J. Timney ’60 Anthony W. Zarejko ’69

Saint Peter’s University

31

AD

Finem

Merci professeurs.

by Virginia Forrester Bender, Ph.D. ’78

so many things I got to experience that

our students to go overseas and for interna-

year. Like a lot of Saint Peter’s students, I

tional students to come here.

esuit education has a way of pushing

had walked the streets of New York City

you out of your comfort zone. Here

to explore classical architecture as part of

part of the Saint Peter’s experience. In my

at Saint Peter’s University, there are

“Culture in the City,” with Dr. John Benson

day, the Jesuits and professors, many of

countless stories of graduates who

’53. In Paris, I got to take that experience

whom studied or earned degrees overseas,

were encouraged by the Jesuits and

to a whole other level at the theater, bal-

brought their worldview into the classroom.

let, opera and exploring all of the city’s

That has been enriched over time with

their professors to seize new opportunities.

Global perspectives have always been a

For me, the opportunity of a lifetime

museums. I traveled every chance I got, to

a more diverse teaching body; dozens of

began with a simple question from my ad-

Munich for Oktoberfest, to Rome for Christ-

faculty members today hold degrees from

visor, Professor John F. Dunn of the modern

mas, to London for Easter and to the French

international colleges and universities or

languages department, “Where are you go-

countryside to meet my roommate’s family.

have lived and studied overseas. Combine

ing for study abroad next year?” It was 1976

1976 was also a presidential election

this with a diverse student body, a campus

and I was near the end of my sophomore

year, and a group of us spent the night at

where foreign languages are spoken and the

year, pursuing a degree in French. Looking

the American Embassy watching the elec-

increase of international students, and one

back, I can see that Professor Dunn wasn’t

toral returns. The next day, I saw a politi-

can easily see how every day at Saint Peter’s

really asking, he was telling. Still, I was

cal cartoon in the paper of President-elect

is an international experience.

surprised and told him I hadn’t planned to

Jimmy Carter in farmer overalls, holding

go anywhere my junior year.

a pitchfork with the caption, “It’s true, in

evolved, too. It used to be that students

His response, “No, it’s really required for

The way students travel overseas has

America anyone can become president.”

could only enroll in a semester or full-year

you to go overseas,” had a big impact on my

Seeing a major American event unfold from

program, based mostly in Europe. Today,

life. I was a commuter student from Jersey

Paris was one of many eye-opening experi-

our students choose a range of experienc-

City and had never given study abroad seri-

ences that made me aware of how other

es—travel courses, international exchang-

ous consideration. But I really wanted to be a

people view and understand the world.

es, internships and service—all over the

French major and, if study abroad was something I had to do, then I was going to do it.

I spent the academic year in Paris at the

I often say that the year I spent in Paris

globe. In fact, 50 percent of this semester’s

was one of the greatest things that ever

study abroad participants are in non-west-

happened to me. Study abroad changed me

Sorbonne. Staying in a foyer run by the

intellectually, socially and spiritually, as it

ern countries. Pathways to Distinction, the University’s five-year strategic plan, made

Ursuline Sisters, I lived with young women

continues to change Saint Peter’s students

much of this progress possible. The Center

from every part of France who came to

today. Immersion into a different culture

for Global Learning continues to build on

study in Paris. Being completely immersed

is a tremendous gift because, even as you

these developments, so that more of our

in a different language and culture was

become more introspective, reflecting

graduates leave Saint Peter’s with inter-

more challenging than I had ever antici-

upon and pondering new experiences, your

national experiences that prepare them to

pated. I had studied French for four years

worldview grows exponentially.

lead and contribute in a complex world.

in high school, two in college, yet commu-

It even instilled in me a calling to

nication was so difficult in the beginning.

promote the study of the humanities, the

Virginia Bender, Ph.D. ’78 is special assistant

I had headaches because I was translating

liberal arts and study abroad. Fortunately,

to the president for institutional planning. Dr.

all the time, whether it was following a

that’s how I came to work in admissions

Bender has held many administrative roles at

professor’s lecture in French or getting to

at Saint Peter’s after graduation, promot-

Saint Peter’s in admissions, academic affairs and

know my French roommate.

ing the University and all its opportuni-

guiding the development of study abroad. She

ties. I was very excited when study abroad

holds a master’s degree in educational admin-

aches went away. I was so excited the first

became more formalized in the 1990s; the

istration from Rutgers University and doctoral

time I dreamed in French. It felt like the

establishment of reciprocal international

degree in educational leadership, administration

language was finally seeping in. There were

agreements provided expanded options for

and policy from Fordham University.

Then, by the end of November, the head-

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