Accent - Special Edition

S p e c i a l

E d i t i o n

Accent End of an Era :

The Legacy of Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda

a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends Vol. 45, No. 2 • Spring 2017

Dr. Rosalie Mirenda and her husband Tony with Neumann’s Presidential Ambassadors at the Union League of Philadelphia in 2008.

Accent a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

S p e c i a l

E d i t i o n

Vol. 45, No. 2 • Spring 2017

f e at u r e s

President

Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D.

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What They’re Saying Reaction from students, alumni and community leaders

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations

Henry A. Sumner, M.A., CFRE Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Stephen T. Bell Director of Publications

Carol DiAntonio

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Highlights of 21 Years The Mirenda legacy ON THE COVER: Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda in Sacred Heart Chapel.

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Who’s That with Rosalie?

A lifetime of Neumann advocacy

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An Impressive Biography

Director, Alumni Relations and Special Programs

Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13 Photography

Kelly & Massa, Hunter Martin David Jackson Jerry Millevoi Accent Magazine is published two times annually

by Neumann University, Office of Public Relations and Marketing, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298.

Tel: (610) 558-5549.

Copyright by Neumann University.

Accent Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Neumann University and is printed on recycled paper.

Please send change-of-address correspondence to: Office of Institutional Advancement Neumann University One Neumann Drive Aston, PA 19014-1298 or to alumni@neumann.edu.

Mr. James Delaney, chairperson the Neumann University Board of Trustees, shared the news of Dr. Mirenda’s retirement plans and the process to select a successor in the letter below.

August 1, 2016 Dear Students, Alumni, Parents, Faculty, Staff and Friends, Greetings from Neumann University. I write to inform you that Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, the University’s beloved and longestserving president, will retire on June 30, 2017. She became president in 1996 and is in her 21st year at the helm.

Dr. Mirenda has been a tireless advocate and savvy visionary for Neumann University while never taking her eye off its Catholic Franciscan identity. During her presidency, Neumann has grown from a commuter college of fewer than 900 students to a residential university of almost 3,000. Under her leadership, annual and capital giving has increased, the endowment has grown from $1.6 million to $30 million, the campus has expanded from 14 to 68 acres, new academic programs have been added at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, athletic teams have grown from 9 to 24, and state of the art residence halls were built to accommodate 700 students. She led the multi-year effort that culminated with Neumann achieving university status in April 2009. Just one month ago, the University received re-affirmation of its accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education with commendation for its self-study process.

On behalf of the entire University Board of Trustees, I express my deep gratitude to Dr. Mirenda for her exceptional leadership of and unwavering devotion to Neumann University. We also recognize the incredible support and commitment of her husband, Tony.

The Board is in the process of formalizing the search process to select Dr. Mirenda’s successor. I will oversee the search committee that will be representative of our trustees, alumni, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, faculty, staff, and students.

This committee, to be co-led by two experienced trustees, will review and interview candidates who respond to our search and recommend finalist(s) to the Board of Trustees for final approval and recommendation to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for their affirmation.

Dr. Mirenda has prepared us for this moment of change and transition. We have an academically robust faculty and staff who are committed to student success, and a strategic plan to guide us through 2019. Her faith-based leadership and voice enhanced Neumann’s commitment to its Catholic Franciscan mission, which is grounded in the belief that knowledge, while valuable in itself, is best used in the service of others. The guidance that she provided as we celebrated the 50th anniversary in 2015 underscored the Franciscan ideal that is Neumann’s North Star: In giving, we receive.

We will certainly plan to celebrate Dr. Mirenda and her accomplishments. Until then, at this historic point in Neumann’s history, please join me in saluting her extraordinary leadership and selfless devotion to our wonderful university. We unite in wishing her and Tony an abundance of God’s blessings as they begin this next chapter in their lives.

Warm Regards,

James Delaney Chair, Board of Trustees Neumann University

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Below is the letter that Dr. Rosalie Mirenda sent to the Neumann University community on August 1, 2016, announcing her decision to retire on June 30, 2017.

August 1, 2016 My dear Neumann Family, I write today to share with each of you that I have prayerfully reached my decision to retire on June 30, 2017, the end of this academic year.

Together with my husband and family, I thought and prayed at length about this decision. The Good Lord has shown us in many ways that now is the right time for this transition for us and for our beloved Neumann University. Our leadership team is strong, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed our accreditation and commended our self-study process. Our University trustees are the most wonderful of people; they are courageous leaders with the acumen to continue to guide the institution to new and greater heights. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, as they have for more than 50 years, continue their sponsorship and support of Neumann and its Catholic Franciscan identity and mission.

I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude for the privilege to serve as Neumann’s President. I prayed daily for strength and wisdom to handle with integrity and authenticity the responsibility I viewed as vocation. For more than half my life, I have ascended this holy hill almost every day. I have been and continue to be inspired by the goodness of our students, the talents of our faculty and staff, and the knowledge and generosity of colleagues across the campus, the region, and our Church.

Most especially, I am inspired by our Catholic Franciscan identity — the rock on which Neumann University and my leadership has stood.

My past 20 years as president and the many years before that as a faculty member and administrator were filled with awe and inspiration and have been, for Tony and me, a labor of love. It has been a sacred privilege to be on this journey with each and every one of you. Each day, over the years and still today, I witnessed and led change. Keep in mind, however, that Neumann University has not changed from what it was into something else. It has changed in order to remain true to its original calling — a university committed to the pursuit of truth in love in service to the Church, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia, and the world. There is abundant evidence that Neumann University is blessed and will continue to prosper into the future.

May these last days of summer bring you peace, joy, and energy as we welcome our new and returning students to campus.

My prayer and desire for each of you is to do all that you are here to do and to do it the very best you can.

You are what will keep Neumann University thriving.

Pace e Bene,

Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D. President

What They’re Saying . . . About Dr. Mirenda She will be missed for sure. They both have touched many lives, in the past, and still continue to do so in the present.

Jaclyn Ritter ’01

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Congratulation, God answers prayers! He will never leave you nor forsake you. Many blessings to you and your family,

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Pleasantte Kinsler-Johnson ’11

Dear Rosalie, THIS is a beautiful!!! letter to all. Your warmth, earnestness and love fills every line. We WILL NEVER be able to say enough “Thank You’s” — but for NOW, bask in the affection and gratitude.

Sister Kathleen Moffatt ’67

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You have devoted your life to Neumann, and you have done wondrous things to make Neumann what it is today.

I work for Sodexo and it has been a pleasure working with you and serving you and your staff on many occasions.

God bless you and your family.

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Joanne White Scanlon, Sodexo

Thank you for your many years of devotion and servant leadership. You will be missed. Enjoy your retirement.

It is well timed and deserved. With love.

Tasliym Muhammad-Goodman ’13

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My deepest congrats on your planned retirement. I have been a part of the Neumann faculty since January of 2009 and have come to embrace the values that the University instills in their students, employees, and family/friends of Neumann University. I thank you and Neumann University to allow me to bring my knowledge and experiences to pass onto the students and faculty of Neumann University.

Robert M. Frazier, Chief of Police, Ridley Park Police Department

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Dr. Mirenda impressed students with her presence at almost every student event.

Here, she is surrounded by student-angels at the 2015 Greccio celebration.

When I first set foot on Neumann’s campus as a high school senior, I instantly felt a connection with Neumann because of the outstanding individuals who help make Neumann a uniquely personal experience. Reflecting back on my years as a college student and now as a proud alumni, I am forever thankful that I chose Neumann University to become a large part of my extended family. Neumann is what it is today because of your tireless dedication and strong leadership role.

I certainly would not have developed into the person I am today without Neumann University and, most importantly, you, as a guiding force.

I have had a vast amount of memories during my time at Neumann, but the fondest memory is when I walked across the graduation stage on May 16, 2015, to receive my diploma from you. I will always remember your hug and how emotional those few minutes were; the milestone of receiving my college diploma and the milestone of walking in public for the first time in my life were priceless. Congratulations and best wishes!!

Lauren C. Shipman ’15

Wow, all I can say is that God placed an angel in our lives and in the entire Neumann family.

Larry Weathers (Development Committee member)

In the days and weeks that followed Dr. Mirenda’s announcement, hundreds of alumni, students and community leaders sent her notes and emails to express their gratitude for her lifelong dedication to Neumann University.

Below are some of these congratulatory messages.

I worked at Neumann in the Admissions office from 2003-2007. While on facebook today I came across the news that you are retiring from Neumann. Please accept my congratulations and prayers on a job that has been well done over the years. I’ve always been inspired by your leadership and tenacity. You made the school special by embracing it as part of your life. In the words of St. Francis de Sales, “Those who stay, go. Those who go, stay.” I know that Neumann will be forever changed by your presence, and will continue to excel in your retirement because of your commitment.

With prayers and love, Gregory Boulden, former Admissions Counselor

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Fortunate to call Rosalie Mirenda — a friend — wishing her much peace as she retires as President at Neumann University — really good person.

Phil Martelli (Twitter), St. Joseph’s University Men’s Basketball Coach

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I wanted to congratulate you on your retirement. It was really because of you that Neumann is the loving environment that it is. I am currently doing a year of service with people from all different universities, and when I tell them that I had a relationship with my university’s president, they are shocked because they never saw their president. You made it your mission to truly know every student. You didn’t expect us to come to you, you come to our spaces. It was so special for me that I was able to attend Mass with you.

It was with your guidance, leadership, support, and modeling of how to be a powerful woman that I am able to be where I am today. Thank you so much for everything. I hope this last year at Neumann is going to be a wonderful one for you.

Shannon Evans ’16

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Dr. Mirenda, you will be missed. Thank you for all you have done to make my experience at Neumann University a positive one. Leaders like you are hard to come by — a leader who makes everyone feel that they matter.

Dr. Laura McLaughlin Taddei, Associate Professor of Education

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Rosalie, thank you for all you have done for Neumann, you are a great OB instructor, and a great President.

You will be missed.

Karen A. Kleinschmidt ’81

Dr. Mirenda had a huge impact on my life!

I thank her for her service to Neumann University and for making it what it is today.

She is a great leader and a wonderful person.

Ed Federico ’98

Congratulations on your decision to retire at the conclusion of this academic year! I know that this decision-making process was quite difficult, as it was for me; but we all reach a time in our lives when we know, for various reasons, that the time to begin a new chapter in our lives is about to begin. Rosalie, I have so many fond memories of our conversations and interactions during your tenure at Neumann.

I so vividly recall you sitting me down and telling me what you envisioned for Neumann in the next 20 years or so, even pointing out where the center of the campus would most likely be located. And mostly everything you saw in your mind’s eye has become a reality!

Everything Neumann has become is because of your leadership and vision. And I am so blessed to have been a part of that journey for 26 years. God bless you as you move toward the next chapter.

Larry Friedman (former Registrar; honorary alumnus 2014)

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When I was the Archbishop of Philadelphia, it was a great joy to have your wonderful collaboration. It was always a pleasure for me to visit the University and enjoy such a gracious welcome. I believe that your contribution to Catholic education has been immense. Thank you for all your dedicated work.

Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia

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The best of the best! Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Rosalie!

Susan Barr ’84

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This is an exceptional message and your retirement will be a great loss, but you have led Neumann to such heights and it is well-poised for future success.

What an amazing career you’ve had and what a terrific impact on your colleagues in the region. I know and am grateful that will continue through next June!

Julie E. Wollman, Ph.D., President, Widener University Special Edition 5

You will never retire! Your career and true mission has built Neumann in more ways than we can count. In every way, you have and continue to be model for all of us.

You and Tony deserve a more relaxed life but the legacy is huge. You have been a great influence on Neumann, the nursing profession and women in leadership positions.

You are an exemplar for all of us in Catholic higher education. Your Alma Mater loves and respects and appreciates you — and so do I, dear friend. You are Neumann!!

Louise Fitzpatrick, Dean, Villanova University College of Nursing

We will have more time for lunch! Together! I am so blessed to have you as my friend/sister. You are an inspiration.

With love, admiration, and blessings . . . welcome to the world of transition.

Pat Ciarrocchi, former CBS 3 anchor

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Congratulations on your retirement, Rosalie!

Your legacy of excellence will endure for many years to come. I wish you all the best!

Bob Palestini, Associate Professor, St. Joseph University

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Congratulations on a wonderful tenure at Neumann. From my vast experience of two months, I can assure you that retirement is wonderful. You will be greatly missed. Many blessings on you.

Thanks for sharing your good news with me. It has been such a privilege to work with you over these last twenty years and I am going to really miss you. Thankfully I have another year to watch your superb leadership and enjoy our friendship. Thanks for all you do for Neumann and our sector!

Don Francis, President, AICUP

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I just wanted to say thank you for your service, integrity and stewardship. I am a new BSN student here, and I have been welcomed here with open arms. Your stellar staff is compassionate in serving others and students are eager to learn. Thank you for the diverse culture and commitment to pushing students through.

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I am very passionate in serving others and only can hope I may be an extraordinary example, such as yourself in my community.

Although we have never met, I pray that God continues to bless you on this new journey in your life.

Bob and I extend our warmest congratulations to you on your many years of exemplary service to Neumann and wish you the best in retirement. From our days together in the Neylan group, CIC and ACCU, I remember you as a wise, warm and insightful and fun colleague. And we both remember Tony from many CIC Presidents Institutes. Good luck in your last year at Neumann and the very best in the ones that follow. Warmest regards to you and Tony.

I wish you nothing but the best on your retirement! You are a huge inspiration to me as part of the Neumann University world and I will be sad to see you go. I enjoy seeing you at ALL the Neumann events over the past couple of years of my NU journey and I thank you for all you do! I will pray that St. Francis and St. Clare continue to bless you in all you do in your new journey. God Bless!

Carol Ann Mooney, former President, St. Mary’s College

Patrice Rolle (current student)

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Anne L. Deming, PhD, President Emerita, Notre Dame College

Lori Heeney ’15

Rosalie, I hope you will find retirement a very enjoyable time to relax, travel and spend some time with your family. Your years at Neumann have been very successful and your legacy will be long remembered. May you have many years of good health to enjoy your retirement and your family.

I’m very sad to hear that you will not be leading all of the great choices and decisions that come out of Neumann. I know whichever way God may lead you it will be the brightest way. I hope to keep in touch and don’t forget I can still get you Liscios Bread whenever you may need or want it.

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Jack Holefelder (former Trustee)

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Stephanie C. DiCicco (current student)

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May God Bless this next step of your journey with Him.

Beautiful message and a job well done. Congratulations!!

Tony Ciaverelli (parent of current student)

William J. Watkinson, President and CEO, Watkinson Capital Advisors

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As a recent graduate of Neumann, I have moved to Washington, D.C., to do a year of service with Franciscan Mission Service. I serve, live, and work with all Catholic young adults, most of whom attended Catholic colleges. With that being said, I want to thank you for the culture you helped create at Neumann. An atmosphere of growth and presence.

I can promise you that your approach to leadership, your attention to detail, and your dedication to attending community events is rare and has been appreciated.

On a personal note, being a witness to your kind heart and servant leadership has given me a humble outlook on life regardless of where I end up in the rank of hierarchy. I don’t know how many people can say that their University President asked about their recovery from surgery as they were handing them their diploma, but I am so blessed to have been this lucky.

Amanda Saunders ’16

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You are an awesome president and a woman of great vision.

Literally no president with whom I have worked in my career has achieved so much.

Dr. Alfred Mueller, Dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences

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God bless you for all the wonderful work you have done in your time at Neumann. I wish you and your husband happiness, joy and peace in your retirement at the end of this coming academic year.

Jory A. Barrad ’89

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The only thing I can say about Rosalie is: You are the best in faith and service.

Fr. Joseph M. Corley ’89

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Congratulations to Rosalie — a wonderful person, visionary leader and incredible nurse.

Mary Ann G. Holt ’80

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Congratulations. Enjoy your much deserved retirement.

Susan (Hewitt) Moore ’92

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I just heard that this will officially be your last year at Neumann.

Although, I am deeply saddened by this, I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you have done for me and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. You are an amazing person and woman with a genuine spirit which is really hard to find. I look up to you because you have proven that women can do anything we set our minds to.

Sameera Peterson (current student)

Amy and I just wanted to thank you for all you have done for Neumann and all you have done for us over the last several decades. I think the thing that means the most to us is your complete dedication to walking the Christian walk, and not just talking the talk. Thankfully, this dedication has trickled down to every level of Neumann. Although I can’t stress strongly enough how much we are going to miss your physical presence at NU, we pray that your spiritual presence, and the legacy you have put into motion, will continue to permeate this holy hill.

God bless you and your family on the next step of your journey.

Ryan and Amy Savitz (faculty)

Congratulations! I am sure it was a difficult decision but you have done a fabulous job at Neumann and have raised the institution to another level. Enjoy the final year and have fun. I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments for Neumann and Catholic Higher Education.

Peter Donohue, President, Villanova University

I hope all has been well, I have been thinking about you especially after getting the email that you will be retiring after this school year. You played a major role in assisting in my growth as a young professional and I could not thank you enough for that. Appointing me a student ambassador and having the willingness to write the most wonderful Letter of Recommendation I have ever received is more than any student could ask for and I am forever thankful for that!

It will be hard to replace you, I cannot imagine how many college students can say they have met their President on a personal level and have had the wonderful encounters with you as I and many other Neumann students had.

Joe Buscemi ’14

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We are so blessed to be where we are, and faith in God’s goodness puts a song in our heart.

Scott Bogard, Director of External Relations, Neumann University

Bless you in all you do in your new journey . . . God Bless!

End of an Era:

The Legacy of Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda

In 2009, the Board of Trustees named the new athletic facility the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development after Dr. Mirenda and her husband Tony.

1996 – 2017

With the opening of Living and H i g h l i g hts Learning Center I in 1997, Dr. Mirenda guided the transition from a commuter to a residential campus.

The latest campus expansion is the John J. Mullen Communication Center that boasts state-of-the-art TV and radio studios.

At an October 4, 2016, dedication and blessing, Dr. Mirenda helped John and Joan Mullen cut the ribbon to open the Center.

Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, Neumann University’s longest-serving president, will retire on June 30, 2017. She became president in 1996 and is in her twenty-first year at the helm of the University.

In a heartfelt August 1 letter to the University community, Dr. Mirenda wrote . . .

Together with my husband and family, I thought and prayed at length about this decision. The Good Lord has shown us in many ways that now is the right time for this transition for us and for our beloved Neumann University.

Special Edition  9 

In 2011, the number of Neumann alumni surpassed 10,000.

Students formed a giant “U” on the lawn behind the Rocco Abessinio Building to celebrate gaining university status in 2009.

The women’s basketball team won the CSAC championship in 2010, part of an athletic legacy that grew under Dr. Mirenda’s leadership.

During her more than two decades of leadership, the University has expanded its academic programs, become a residential campus, advanced its fundraising capacity, added academic and recreational facilities, broadened its community service outreach, launched new athletic teams, captured national championships, and achieved university status — all the while remaining true to the Catholic Franciscan mission that has been at the heart of Neumann University since 1965.

See pages 12 – 13 for a few highlights of her remarkable tenure.

The Knights captured their first national championship in 2009, winning the NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey title.

Dr. Mirenda (center) holds the trophy.

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Neumann University Presidents 1965 – 1971 Sister Mary Everilda Flynn, OSF † Thanks to a generous gift from Mark and Ann Baiada (center), the spacious entrance to the Mirenda Center was named the Bayada Atrium in 2010. At left are Fr. Philip Lowe, university chaplain, and Dr. Mirenda. Jay Devine, chairperson of the Board, is at the right.

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1971 – 1983 Sister Madonna Marie Cunningham, OSF † ✦

1983 – 1989 Sister M. Margarella O’Neill, OSF † ✦

Dr. Mirenda receives the applause of the crowd at the 2011 Keys and Sword Award, established by the Cathedral Parish of Saints Peter and Paul to acknowledge individuals whose actions reflect the Gospel values of faith, valor, selfless service, personal sacrifice and respect.

1989 – 1996 Dr. Nan Hechenberger † ✦

1996 – present Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda † Deceased

Philanthropy at Neumann skyrocketed under Dr. Mirenda.

The Class of 2016 gift was the largest in university history.

The University marked its 50th anniversary in 2015 with Dr. Mirenda at the helm of a year-long celebration.

At the blessing of the new Bruder Athletic Fields in 2012, Dr. Mirenda held the ceremonial first pitch softball with the Neumann Knight and Tim Bruder, who represented the entire Bruder family at the ceremony.

Special Edition 11

1996 to present

Highlights during Dr. Rosalie Mirenda’s Presidency

1996 Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda becomes fifth president

2002 Living and Learning Center III completes the residential quadrangle

1997 Living and Learning Center I, first residence

2002 First million-dollar federal grant received from

hall, opens

Health Resources and Services Administration

1998 Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies

2003 The Rocco A. Abessinio Building is acquired,

is established and endowed

named, and dedicated

1999 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character

2003 On the Wings of Angels campaign celebrates

Development is launched

a record of $10.3 million in gifts

1999 Living and Learning Center II opens 2000 First Scholarship Gala is held at Longwood Gardens 2000 First Evening in Vienna to advance the arts

becomes first doctoral program

2006 The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

2001 Total enrollment hits 2,000 students 2001 First Endowed Chair is established —

2005 The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

program opens

2009 Men’s ice hockey team wins first NCAA

the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Endowed Chair of Franciscan Theology

national championship

2009 Neumann achieves university status

Longwood Gardens was the site of the first Scholarship Gala, held on March 25, 2000. This annual event has raised more than $2 million for student scholarships.

Dr. Mirenda has personally awarded degrees to thousands of grateful students.

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Rocco ’79 and Mary Abessinio have supported the University for decades. The Rocco A. Abessinio Building was dedicated on September 21, 2003.

The University established its Presidential Humanitarian Award in 2002. In 2010, Dr. Mirenda, her husband Tony, and Board Chairperson Jay Devine (right), pose with recipients Bill Baldini (with his wife) and Sr. Theodore Klingseisen, OSF.

2009 Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development opens

2010 Installation of statues of St. John Neumann and Mother Francis Bachmann complete St. John Neumann Circle, the new center of campus

2010 Grow to Inspire campaign closes at $7.2 million, surpassing $6.5 million goal

2011 The number of alumni hits the 10,000 mark at graduation

2011 The Buoni Building, housing 80 students, opens at Convent and Concord Roads

2012 Neumann included in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

2013 First Ph.D. program (Pastoral Counseling) launched in the fall

2014 Money magazine ranks Neumann #12 on its list

of Most Affordable Private Colleges in the nation

2014 University library renovation is completed in time for fall classes

2015 Dr. Mirenda serves on the board of directors for the World Meeting of Families

2015 Money magazine ranks Neumann #14 on its list of Best Private Colleges for Merit Aid

2016 Roller Hockey club wins fourth national championship (second in Division I)

2016 The John J. Mullen Communication Center opens

Neumann achieved university status in April 2009 and Dr. Mirenda unveiled its new logo one month later with Jay Devine, chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Mirenda began the Presidential Ambassador program in 2002 to let alumni, friends, trustees and donors see the character and intellectual ability of Neumann students.

Ellyn Jones’13 sums up the Mirenda era with a smile and an energetic thumbs-up.

Special Edition 13

Who’s That with Rosalie?

With former First Lady Laura Bush, wife of President George W. Bush, and Tony.

In her years at Neumann University, Dr. Mirenda has met hundreds of influential people and has sung the praises of Neumann to them all.

Here is a collection of her photos with faces you’ll recognize.

U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan and Pennsylvania State Representative Stephen Barrar, celebrating Neumann’s 50th anniversary.

Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and Ambassador Tony Mirenda.

The Mirendas with Cardinals Anthony Bevilacqua and Justin Rigali.

With Dr. Nan Hechenberger, president from 1989-96, and Henry Sumner, who served as vice president for institutional advancement and university relations for both presidents.

The founders of the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development (Dom DiGiulia, Jimmy Murray, Dr. Leonard DiPaul, and Dr. Robert Palestini) with Haley Scott DeMaria. The four men approached Dr. Mirenda with the idea for the Institute, which was founded in 1999.

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Former Penn State football player Adam Taliaferro, who overcame a paralyzing injury.

Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star centerfielder Gary Maddox.

Monsignor Michael Doyle, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and founder of the Heart of Camden Housing project.

A dvocacy

With Board Chairperson Jay Devine, awarding an honorary degree to Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia.

University Counsel Jonathan Peri, Esq. (now President of Manor College) and United States Senator Robert Casey.

Former Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Corbett and former Delaware County District Attorney Michael Green.

Television anchors Pat Ciarrocchi and Amy Caples.

Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.

State Representative Stephen Barrar and State Senator Dominic Pileggi.

Bishop Dennis Sullivan of the Camden Diocese.

Alvin Williams, basketball star with Villanova University and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

With the late Arlen Specter, United States Senator.

The late Bishop Joseph McFadden (Diocese of Harrisburg), Trustee Thomas Bruder, and Sister Lynn Patrice Lavin, former Congregational Minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

With the Holy Father, Pope Francis, during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

Special Edition 15

Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda President of Neumann University

Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda became president of Neumann University in July of 1996. From the moment she took the helm of the institution, she has forged a reputation as a tireless advocate and savvy visionary.

Since she became president, the total enrollment tripled (from 900 to 2,900), annual and capital giving increased by more than 30 percent, the campus has expanded from 14 to 68 acres, new academic programs were added (including three doctorates), athletic teams have grown from 9 to 24, and state of the art residence halls have been built to accommodate more than 700 students.

In 2009, the University opened the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, a 72,000 square foot facility named in honor of Dr. Mirenda and her husband, Tony. Designed to be more than an athletic center, the building uses exhibits and storytelling to provide a new perspective on sports, one that goes beyond the obvious element of competition to address the myriad ways in which students learn life lessons, develop character, and deepen spirituality through sports. Athletic fields were added and/or upgraded and the science and nursing laboratories were renovated as was the library and the Chapel to ensure appropriate environments for student learning, growth, and success.

Dr. Mirenda is committed to the Catholic Franciscan mission of the University, which is based on the belief that knowledge, while valuable in itself, is best used in the service of others. She has enhanced this distinctive identity while leading Neumann into its future. Dr. Mirenda takes great pride in sharing her Catholic faith, beliefs and wisdom with others, both as a writer and a speaker. She participated and spoke at the Rally for

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Freedom: Relevance to higher Education — Stand up for Religious Freedom in 2012.

In addition, Dr. Mirenda has presented at a number of varied higher education annual meetings and conferences on the Role of Mission and Student Experience, Optimizing the Role of Collaboration in Meeting Institutional Challenges, and Ensuring Student Success: Getting the Right Fit. She has served on many boards, including the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the PA Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Seton Hall University, Archmere Academy, Holy Child Academy, and the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Recently, she served on the board of the World Meeting of Families 2015, Inc., and served as Chair of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Task Force on College, which completed its work in June 2013. She was appointed by the late Bishop Joseph McFadden to the ExCorde Ecclesiae Working Group for the Committee on Catholic Education of the U.S. Conference of Bishops. Neumann University, through Dr. Mirenda’s efforts, spearheaded the formation of the Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester, PA, now celebrating its 10th year.

Dr. Mirenda has been recognized by a number of organizations for her steadfast faith, distinguished character and numerous accomplishments. She received the Benemerenti Medal (2016) from Pope Francis, the Gary Papa Award (2013) from the Delaware County Community Foundation, the Sons of Italy Distinguished Achievement Award (2013), the Sourin Award (2012) from the Catholic Philopatrian Society, the Catholic Graduate Hall of Fame Award (2011) from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Woman on the Move Award (2011) from The Main Line Times, The Keys and Sword Award (2011) from Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Catholic Leadership Institute Award (2010), the Outstanding Alumnus Award (2006) from Widener University, the Pontifical Honor of the Cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (2003), and the Nursing Alumna Award (1999) from Villanova University. In 2005, Dr. Mirenda was awarded the honorary degree from Saint Charles Seminary.

Dr. Mirenda earned her Ph.D. from Widener University, her MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and her B.S. in Nursing from Villanova University. She has been married to Anthony D. Mirenda for more than 50 years. They have three children and five grandchildren.

4 4 Ye ar s o n th e H o ly H ill :

Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda’s Journey 1973 – 1984 Faculty in Nursing 1984 – 1990 Head of the Nursing Department 1990 – 1996 Vice President for Academic Affairs 1996 – 2017 President

FORWARD WITH FAITH Neumann University announces Forward With Faith ­­— a special campaign initiative that pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president, who retires on June 30, 2017, and her husband, Tony, Neumann’s ambassador for their twenty-one years of leadership, vision, and passion for Neumann University and its students, and that ensures the pervasive integration of its Catholic Franciscan identity and its excellence.

To contribute to Forward with Faith, please visit www.neumann.edu/ForwardWithFaith.

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Dr. Rosalie and Mr. Tony Mirenda with their five grandchildren at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in November 2016.