Alumni Succeed at Fidelity
INSIDE: MASTER PLAN UNVEILED
FALL 2013
Magazine
Scaling New Heights
Another First Milestones came full circle in 2012–2013. The academic year began with the first freshman class to enter Saint Peter’s University and, fittingly, ended when more than 800 men and women became the first to graduate from the newly designated University. “I am very honored to be a member of your class,” Rev. James Martin, S.J. H ’13 said in the keynote address for Saint Peter’s 122nd Commencement, held on May 20 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. The University awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, to Fr. Martin, a bestselling author and contributing editor of the national Catholic magazine America. The Jesuit urged graduates (many of whom sported tricked out mortar boards for the occasion) to seek joy, humor and laughter in life. The Class of 2013 joined the ranks of alumni that now number more than 30,000 worldwide.
PRESIDENT’S
Message
who not only earn a living, but also lead lives worth living. Marking its fourth trip to Quito, Ecuador, the University’s Global Outreach (GO) Team has built a meaningful partnership with the Working Boys Center, a Jesuit ministry based in Quito, while deepening bonds with one another and the people they were there to serve. The enduring connection to Saint Peter’s is also evident in our Board of Regents, who are giving back to an institution they love by helping the next generation of students succeed. Saint Peter’s Ready is an exciting, new initiative
Enduring Connections There is nothing quite like being a freshman on a college campus. The anticipation, excitement and hope as witnessed through the eyes of our first-year students have always
“The anticipation, excitement and hope witnessed through the eyes of our first-year students have always energized the entire University community.”
energized the entire University community. This year even more so,
that will better prepare students to enter
since Saint Peter’s University welcomed
a more competitive job market by arming
more than 600 freshmen, the largest
them with a combination of 21st Century
class in 15 years, and 100 transfer
knowledge and skills and a commitment
students, to a more cohesive campus
to the magis.
anchored by the newly opened Mac Mahon Student Center. We are extremely blessed to have
And although they have been Peacocks just a few short weeks as this magazine goes to press, the Class of 2017, too, is
a magnificent facility that is building
establishing its lifelong connection to
community and forging connections
Saint Peter’s. While their backgrounds,
that will endure long after graduation.
majors and future goals are certainly
These lifetime bonds form the bedrock
diverse, they were all drawn to The Jesuit
of a Jesuit education and it’s a theme
University of New Jersey by a sense of
we explore in this issue of Saint Peter’s
belonging and connectedness.
University magazine.
We celebrate these connections.
You will read about an impressive number of Saint Peter’s graduates, several of them interns just six or seven years ago, who quickly established successful careers at Fidelity Investments. Many have been promoted to leadership roles in the company and embody the Univer-
Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. President
sity’s mission to develop high achievers
Saint Peter’s University
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INTHIS THIS IN
Issue Issue
HOW TO REACH US Alumni News and Notes E-mail: alumni@saintpeters.edu Office of Alumni Engagement 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306 Letter to the Editor E-mail: smalinowski@saintpeters.edu Editor, Saint Peter’s University 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306 Telephone: (201) 761-6239 Fax: (201) 761-6241 On the cover: This issue of Saint Peter’s University chronicles the success of graduates at Fidelity Investments.
FEATURES
CONNECT
10. Scaling New Heights: Alumni Succeed at Fidelity 14. 10 Minutes with Warren Fristensky ’74 16. Desire to Serve: The GO Team in Quito, Ecuador 18. Planning for the Future: Master Plan Unveiled 20. Goal in Sight for Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University
DEPARTMENTS 3. 22. 24. 26. 32.
University News Donors Who Make a Difference Peacock U Class News and Notes Then and Now
ADMINISTRATION Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. President Marylou Yam, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Virginia Bender, Ph.D. ’78 Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning Rev. Michael L. Braden, S.J. Vice President for Mission and Ministry
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Michael A. Fazio, M.B.A. Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jeffrey Handler, M.A. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Eileen Poiani, Ph.D. Special Assistant to the President Denton Stargel Vice President for Finance and Business
FALL 2013 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY Volume 33, Number 1 Editor Sarah Malinowski Ferrary Director of University Communications Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group Contributors & Editorial Assistance Angeline Boyer Ana M. Cravo
Leah Leto Cecilia Martinez Gloria Mercurio Photography Michael Marmora Catherine Mernar Saint Peter’s University Archives Jeffrey Vock Saint Peter’s University is printed on FSC certified paper containing 10% post-consumer waste and was manufactured using 100% Green-e certified renewable energy.
UNIVERSITY
News
Welcome, largest class in 15 years.
The Saint Peter’s University Class of 2017 represents the largest enrollment since 1998. Yet as the University transforms and grows, some things remain consistent: the more than 600 freshmen include siblings of upperclassmen as well as children and grandchildren of several Saint Peter’s alumni.
families at many of our events, like our Accepted Student Day. Clearly, there is an energy that is catching on with future classes of Saint Peter’s students.”
Dean Sullivan is quick to share credit for the successful recruitment effort with everyone. “The entire Saint Peter’s community was invested in the admissions cycle and it truly took the village to accomplish this goal.”
“This year has been a whirlwind!” said Assistant Vice Pres-
“I am very much looking forward to this year,” she
ident for Enrollment and Dean of Undergraduate
added. “The students and their families are a wonder-
Admissions Elizabeth Sullivan. “It was a great experience
ful addition to Saint Peter’s University. Welcome to your
to personally meet these new ‘Peacocks’ and their
home-away-from-home, Class of 2017!” Continued on next page
Saint Peter’s University
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UNIVERSITY
News
SAINT PETER’S RANKS HIGH FOR AFFORDABILITY According to the College Affordability list released by the U.S. Department of Education last June, Saint Peter’s net tuition price is the fourth lowest among four-year independent colleges and universities in New Jersey. The report was based on 2010–2011 data and listed the University’s net price at $16,614. The net price is a tool introduced to help students and families determine the actual cost of higher education before they apply to a particular institution. According to the report, 99 percent of the undergraduate student body at Saint Peter’s received grants and other forms of assistance in 2010–2011, which made a personalized, private, Jesuit education nearly as affordable as some of the state’s public institutions of higher learning. According to the 2014 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Saint Peter’s leads in the average amount of need-based aid awarded to students. With an average award from federal, state and institutional grants of $25,539, Saint Peter’s is ranked number one in New Jersey.
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(from previous page)
Freshmen too, were excited to begin the aca-
family’s footsteps. Her father, Sebastiaan De
demic year. The Class of 2017 and more than
Voogd ’97, was a member of the Saint Peter’s
100 transfer students packed into the Rev. Victor
men’s basketball team that won the MAAC
R. Yanitelli, S.J., Recreational Life Center on
championship in 1995. Kaycee will play for the
August 27 for the New Student Convocation.
women’s basketball team and is studying inter-
Khalid Onaola ’17 from East Orange, N.J., said
national business. “I’m anxious to get started
he already made a lot of friends in the largest
with my classes and with my team,” she said.
class in recent history, but that the University
Dean of Freshmen and Sophomores Nicole
still feels like family. “The small family atmo-
DeCapua noted that this was the first official
sphere here at Saint Peter’s is important to me,”
gathering for the Class of 2017. It certainly won’t
he said. Onaola, the son of Kimyetta Bynum ’08,
be the last. “I’m excited to work with these
plans to study international business.
students and see them graduate in four years,”
Kaycee De Voogd ’17 is also following in her
Jesu-What? An Introduction to Ignatian Spirit Saint Peter’s students aren’t waiting for Ignatian Heritage Week to promote the Jesuit and Catholic identity of the University. During a session of Freshman Orientation held on July 13, O-Team members put an Ignatian spin on their entrance with the animated call and response cheer “Jesu-What.” It was a nice moment, and, for the incoming freshmen, parents and everyone gathered, a tangible reminder of how Jesuit values, ideals and spirit inhabit student lives and the day-to-day workings of Saint Peter’s University.
she said. “It’s going to be a great academic year.”
BACK IN THE MAAC Pat Coyle takes the helm of women’s basketball After a decade of coaching in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and three seasons in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), basketball veteran Pat Coyle is thrilled to return to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) as the new head coach of women’s basketball at Saint Peter’s University. “I think it’s a terrific conference,” Coyle told reporters after Director of Athletics Joe Quinlan announced the appointment last July. “They have wonderful people here [at Saint Peter’s], the leadership is outstanding and for me it’s a really good, competitive conference.” Peacock Nation is energized by the hire of Coyle, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the college and professional levels. She spent more than 10 years
“Yes, we want to compete in championships, but the only way to get there is by getting better each day.”
with the New York Liberty, rising from assistant to head coach and leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003 and 2008. In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Coyle most recently served as associate head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the WNBA in 1999, she built a winning record in the MAAC as head coach of Loyola University Maryland, where the Philadelphia native guided the Greyhounds to their only two MAAC championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Coyle’s aim this first season is steady improvement. “Not to really talk in wins and losses, but to simply get better,” she said. “Yes, we want to compete in championships, but the only way to get there is by getting better each day.”
FILM FESTIVAL PUTS JERSEY CITY ON THE MAP More than 30 films were screened over a four-day period at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre and other area venues when the Golden Door International Film Festival returned to Jersey City October 10–13. Saint Peter’s University was one of the sponsors of the annual festival. The highly respected film festival featured international, independent and short films from emerging and established filmmakers, including the Alexandra Pelosi documentary “Fall to Grace” about former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Actor and director Bill Sorvino, a native of Jersey City, founded the film festival, which has drawn more than 3,000 attendees since its inception. In attendance was Sorvino’s uncle, “Goodfellas” star Paul Sorvino.
Saint Peter’s University
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UNIVERSITY
News
Entrepreneurship Meets Higher Education CBA Graduates Offered University Credits With the newly announced partnership between
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS OUTREACH Approximately 125 business leaders, public officials and representatives of Bergen County organizations attended a meet and greet with Saint Peter’s officials at the Englewood Cliffs campus in June. The event kicked off a larger outreach effort to increase awareness of the University in the Englewood Cliffs area. Michael Lord, special assistant to the provost, said more events are planned for the academic year. “The goal is to make business leaders and others well aware of the advantages of having a university campus nearby,” he said. “We want them to see this campus as a resource that can help educate employees, grow business and serve as a forum for professional networking, all under the auspices of Saint Peter’s.” 6
Fall 2013
Saint Peter’s University and Rising Tide Capital (RTC), the opportunity for higher education expands its reach and opens doors for many budding entrepreneurs. Based in Jersey City, RTC is a nonprofit that supports women, minorities and immigrants with guidance and education as they start—and grow— successful businesses in low-income urban commu-
“The power of the on-ramp between RTC and Saint Peter’s cannot be overstated.”
(L to R): Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., Alfa Demmellash H ’10 and Alex Forrester The organization has seen the direct impact that business education can have on individuals, families and surrounding communities. And now, with the partnership with Saint Peter’s, RTC has reached a
nities. The organization, which was co-founded in
new height. “That higher education credential, in our
2004 by University Trustee Alfa Demmellash H ’10,
socio-economic scenario right now, is really, really
CEO, and Alex Forrester, COO, provides entrepreneurs
important,” Demmellash said.
the tools they need for basic business management through its Community Business Academy (CBA). By way of this alliance, qualified CBA graduates
Michael Caslin, RTC’s managing director of strategy and development, acknowledged this partnership’s potential. “I think it’s going to be powerful on so
can receive up to six credits through prior-learning
many different levels,” he said. “Rising Tide Capital
from the School of Professional and Continuing
is one of only a few entrepreneurship/management,
Studies at Saint Peter’s.
micro-enterprise programs in the country that’s
When Demmellash and Forrester established
partnered with an accredited university. The power
RTC, they were fairly new to the business world,
of the on-ramp between RTC and Saint Peter’s
and wanted to make a difference. “We were inspired
cannot be overstated.”
by our own personal faith and what that means in
Rising Tide Capital will honor Saint Peter’s
terms of being proactive in the world, and doing
University for national innovation and leadership
things that make other people’s lives better off,”
in education at its gala on December 10, to be held at
Demmellash explained.
Saint Peter’s University.
MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT On September 11, students, faculty, administrators and staff filled St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church, for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. A tradition at Jesuit institutions that dates back to the Middle Ages, members of the campus community prayed for wisdom and guidance for the academic year and affirmed Ignatian ideals of service, compassion and to lead lives as “men and women for others.”
NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Saint Peter’s University Establishes Master of
Chinese Students to Study at Saint Peter’s
Public Administration Program
Saint Peter’s University and Nanchang Institute
Professionals and students seeking greater lead-
of Science and Technology (NIST), a university
ership responsibilities in the public, nonprofit and
located in the capital city of Nanchang in the
private sector can now complete a Master of Public
Province of JiangXi, China, signed an academic
Administration (M.P.A.) from Saint Peter’s Univer-
collaboration agreement for two new undergrad-
sity. The 36-credit program launched this fall with-
uate programs. A one plus three program will al-
in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
low qualified students to complete their first year
Marylou Yam, provost and vice president for
ulate at Saint Peter’s for three years to complete a
offering is rooted in Saint Peter’s long tradition
bachelor’s degree. A one-year program will bring
of social justice and its mission to serve com-
NIST students to Saint Peter’s to study language
munities. The University’s Non-Governmental
and culture as non-matriculated students. “The University is an ideal place for interna-
United Nations also provides unique and rele-
tional students because of our extraordinarily
vant learning experiences for graduate students.
diverse student body, broad curricular offerings,
M.P.A. graduates will be qualified for a
An iconic event in University history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s appearance at the Saint Peter’s Michaelmas Convocation on September 22, 1965, is commemorated in a new exhibition at the Theresa and Edward O’Toole Library. The permanent display, unveiled on September 23, includes photographs, documents and other material from the civil rights leader’s visit, during which he delivered a speech titled “The American Dream.” Saint Peter’s also conferred an honorary Doctorate of Laws to Dr. King for his contribution to the cause of civil rights. Dr. King made a second visit to Jersey City when he spoke at the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church on March 27, 1968. He was assassinated a week later in Memphis, Tenn.
of undergraduate study at NIST, and then matric-
academic affairs, said the latest graduate
Organization (NGO) status and proximity to the
COMMEMORATING MLK VISIT
location in Jersey City and our close proximity to
variety of roles, including work in federal, state
leading industries and business in the New York
and municipal government, nonprofit organi-
metropolitan area,” said Velda Goldberg, Ph.D.,
zations, research organizations, public policy
dean of the College of Arts and Sciences/School
management and a host of other organizations.
of Business Administration.
With the addition of the M.P.A., Saint Peter’s now offers 12 graduate and doctoral programs in six academic areas of study. To learn more, visit saintpeters.edu/mpa.
TRUSTEE AND REGENT NEWS The Board of Trustees of Saint
Mark Kahrer ’83, is serving his
Loyola Blakefield High School in
Peter’s University elected five ac-
first term. The former chair of
Towson, Md.
complished alumni to serve three-
the Board of Regents, Kahrer is
year terms at its meeting last May.
a longtime employee of PSE&G,
friends who make up the
Four of the five board members
and is currently leading Business
volunteer board advise the
elected, Kathleen McKenna, Esq.
Performance & Improvement at
University’s president and vice
’75, a labor and employment attor-
the energy company.
president for advancement and
ney with Proskauer LLP; Certified
The Board of Regents wel-
The 40-plus alumni and
external affairs on matters per-
Public Accountant Fred Nitting ’83;
comed three new members to its
taining to the advancement of
Joseph Panepinto, Esq. ’66,
ranks: Doreen Catanio, CPA ’85,
Saint Peter’s mission. The Regents
principal of Panepinto Properties;
founder and principal of Profes-
also help sponsor and organize
and Sharon Pastore ’73, AT&T
sional Financial Services, Ltd.;
the annual Regents Business
sales center vice president; have
Andres Cifuentes ’04, vice
Symposium, which will take
served previous terms on the
president fixed income & com-
place on November 8 in The
Board of Trustees.
modities at Morgan Stanley; and
Duncan Family Sky Room of the
Anthony I. Day ’92, president of
Mac Mahon Student Center.
The fifth trustee elected,
Saint Peter’s University
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UNIVERSITY
News
FACULTY NOTEBOOK
THE CULTURE OF PEACE Michelle Perez ’16 is taking full advantage of Saint Peter’s proximity to the United Nations as well as programs offered through the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership, which connects undergraduates to opportunities within the global organization. Perez, a political science major, authored “The Culture of Peace—What it Means to Us” for the Youth Forum section of UNITY magazine, a United Nations Initiative and Technology publication. She serves as a world youth representative for the International Public Policy Institute at the U.N. An administrative assistant at the Guarini Institute, Perez also facilitated an event on women and violence at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW57), held last March in New York. The CSW is the principal global policymaking body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women.
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Fall 2013
UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS The University appointed Professor of Psychology Andrea Bubka, Ph.D., director of faculty research and faculty programs on June 19. In this role, Dr. Bubka will assist faculty in submitting government grants and will work with the Director of Faculty Development David Surrey, Ph.D., on furthering professional development opportunities for faculty. A sought-after expert on the causes and remediation of motion sickness, Dr. Bubka has published peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has made more than 70 conference presentations on the topic. In addition, she has co-authored
presentations and publications with more than 50 Saint Peter’s undergraduates. Cynthia Walker, Ph.D., is the new chair of the communication department at Saint Peter’s University. A faculty member since 2005, Dr. Walker will oversee the undergraduate program. She has been a journalist for more than 40 years and is an entertainment reporter and critic for The Record, The Home News and the Asbury Park Press. The University awarded the George F. Johnson, S.J., Faculty Award to Professor of Mathematics Larry Thomas, Ph.D., at the John J. Delaney ’50 Alumni Reception on May 16 at the newly opened Mac Mahon Student Center. In his acceptance speech,
Dr. Thomas, who has taught at Saint Peter’s for more than 40 years, said he was proud, honored and amazed to be the 43rd recipient of the award. “Tradition, of course, is a backward looking kind of thing,” he said. “By contrast, look at where we are now—this brand new place, which is not just a building, but a symbol of a forward looking Saint Peter’s University. So, I am pleased and honored to accept this award tonight as a kind of mark to a happy union between the College’s distinguished past and the University’s bright future.” RECOGNITION FOR MATH AND PHYSICS FACULTY Professor of Mathematics Brian Hopkins, Ph.D., will begin a four-year term as editor of the College Mathematics Journal (CMJ) in January 2014. Editor-elect since January 2013, the mathematics professor has big plans for the prestigious academic journal published by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). He hopes to boost auxiliary materials on CMJ’s Supplements to Articles web page and produce special issues covering topics such as the Rubik’s Cube, Ramsey theory and experimental mathematics. The Saint Peter’s professor is the recipient of the George Polya Award for an article he co-authored, “The Truth About Königsberg.” The New Jersey Section of the MAA named him Distinguished Teacher of the Year in 2011. Industry and academia continue to look to the Physics Department at Saint Peter’s University for research and innovation. The American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to Assistant Professor of Physics Debing Zeng, Ph.D., for proposed research on multispectral infrared imaging for oil spill detection.
Associate Professor of Math and Physics Wei-Dong Zhu, Ph.D., presented “Atmospheric Pressure Non-Thermal Plasma with Water and Water Borne Bacteria,” at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Electrostatics Society of America, held last June in Cocoa Beach, Fla. There, Dr. Zhu also chaired the session “Gas Discharges and Microplasmas.” Drs. Zeng and Zhu also serve as advisors and collaborators on undergraduate research projects and presentations. Two student teams were recently awarded grants from the Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) to investigate skin abnormalities using thermal infrared imaging and the study of krypton cathode boundary layer discharge. SAINT PETER’S PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO TOP CITY POST Stacey Lea Flanagan, M.A., adjunct lecturer in public policy at Saint Peter’s University, became the director of the Department of Health and Human Services of Jersey City on July 29. Professor Flanagan brings more than 20 years of experience in the public health sector to the post, most notably as director of Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the largest nutrition program in the State of New York. Appointed to the position by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, she oversees a program that serves 14,000 people. A resident of Jersey City since 1998 and an instructor at Saint Peter’s for the past seven years, Professor Flanagan traced her public policy roots to her adopted hometown. “Jersey City is where my interest in public service started nearly 24 years ago when I volunteered at the York Street Project with a group of friends from high school,” she said. “It is truly an honor to be able to now lead the city’s Health Department under the Fulop administration. I am looking forward to developing policy initiatives that have a real impact on the lives of the people in our city.”
JERSEY CITY’S NEW MAYOR When Steven Fulop was elected mayor of Jersey City last May, Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., was one of many community leaders asked to serve on his transition team, which comprised 11 committees. Dr. Cornacchia served on the Education and Recreation Committee that identified ways for Jersey City and the Board of Education to promote educational and recreational opportunities for the city’s schoolchildren and the community. The committee made multiple recommendations that included the formation of partnerships with area businesses to provide internships for local students and the utilization of local universities to mentor and tutor schoolchildren. Mayor Fulop was sworn into office on July 1.
Saint Peter’s University
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Fall 2013
Scaling New Heights On a hot, blistery afternoon in 2006, Grevin Rodriguez ’07 took a break from his summer internship at Fidelity Investments to pose for a cover story in this magazine about the “new” Jersey City and the economic renaissance that was creating greater opportunities for Saint Peter’s students. As one of 16 undergraduates to land paid internships at Fidelity that summer, Rodriguez learned a great deal from the experience. “I’m treated more like a colleague than an intern,” the mathematics major said. Start of a Great Career Rodriguez didn’t know it at the time, but the three-month internship marked the start of a very successful and satisfying career. Now a data analyst and team lead within the Referen-
Alina Gatskova-Rodzeviciene ’07, ’09 was among the 16 Saint Peter’s students chosen for a Fidelity internship in the summer of 2006. An international business major from Odessa, Ukraine, she parlayed an internship in the Market and Risk
tial Department, he is hardly alone. Today, seven former interns of Saint Peter’s University— Nina Agudelo ’08, ’11, Cynthia Calderon ’09, Alina Gatskova-Rodzeviciene ’07, ’09, Grevin Rodriguez ’07, Rabia Sattaur ’06, Ryan Schoendorf ’06 and Maria Vira ’09, as well as four graduates, Alexandra Pshenychka ’07, ’09, Chris Radler M.B.A. ’96, Ronald DePoalo ’04 and Jill Ribaudo ’88 —have well-established careers with the company and a significant number are leading teams on corporate campuses in Jersey City, Rhode Island and Texas.
“I’ve definitely grown professionally and personally from the experience. It’s something I’ll take with me forever.” Collateral Department into a part-time job senior year. That turned into the full-time position of junior risk analyst in the Credit Risk and Customer Protection Department shortly after graduation. Promoted three times in six years, GatskovaRodzeviciene is now a credit risk manager in the
Fidelity employees (Clockwise): Grevin Rodriguez ’07, Jill Ribaudo ’88, Chris Radler M.B.A. ’96 and Rabia Sattaur ’06
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Story
team lead. “It was a very successful transition,” Pshencychka noted. “I’ve definitely grown professionally and personally from the experience. It’s something I’ll take
“These are big success stories of how students can turn an internship into a bigger opportunity, expand their career and grow professionally.”
with me forever.” Agudelo, also an international business major, interned with Fidelity twice: first in Smithfield, R.I., the summer after sophomore year, and a second internship the following summer in Jersey City. “I lucked out,” said Agudelo, who worked closely with the University’s Office of Career Services to land both internships. When the second internship in the Margin Department ended, Agudelo was offered a permanent position, but still needed to complete her bachelor’s degree. Determined, she took evening and Saturday classes the last two semesters and began a full-time career with the financial services firm. That resolve also proved useful when she was promoted to senior analyst in 2010 and relocated to
department and is responsible for assessing
Boston; Agudelo was able to complete her Saint Peter’s
the financial and operational risk of institutional
M.B.A. online. Today, she is back in Rhode Island as a
clients. She calls her years with the company a
client conversion manager working to enhance the
wonderful experience and added, “I feel privileged to
platform experience of Fidelity clients. “I’m glad I took
be a part of such a great firm and team. Fidelity allowed me to grow professionally and offered, and continues to offer, numerous development opportunities.”
“They really want you to learn, grow and move up within the company.”
Seizing Opportunities One of those opportunities was earning an M.B.A.
on this opportunity,” she said. “It’s great to interact
through the company’s Tuition Reimbursement Pro-
with people outside of the company.”
gram. Fidelity is deeply committed to education and
Vice President of Margin Chris Radler M.B.A. ’96 also
training that arms its employees with the skills and
completed his M.B.A. at Saint Peter’s, but was work-
abilities needed to innovate and perform better in the
ing for a different Jersey City firm at the time. “It was
marketplace. Gatskova-Rodzeviciene, along with Nina
terrific,” he said of the program he chose for its location
Agudelo ’08, ’11 and Alexandra Pshencychka ’07, ’09,
and focus on management and information systems.
all chose the M.B.A. program at Saint Peter’s Universi-
“Everything we use here [at Fidelity] related to databas-
ty, where they successfully balanced the demands of
es and system automation, I attribute to the things I
graduate school with a full-time career.
learned at Saint Peter’s.”
“I was still fresh out of school [when I came back],” remembered Pshencychka, an international business
Success Stories
major who began her Fidelity career as a brokerage
Director of Career Services Crescenzo Fonzo said it was
analyst in the company’s Restricted Stock Services Di-
gratifying to see the number of Saint Peter’s graduates
vision. “It was tough at times. I went to work during the
hired by Fidelity and thriving in a corporate culture
day and school at night.”
that nurtures upward potential. “These are big success
The hard work paid off with a leadership role within
stories of how students can turn an internship into a
Restricted Stock Services and the opportunity to move
bigger opportunity, expand their career and grow pro-
from New York to Westlake, Texas, where she trained
fessionally,” he noted. “From academia to career, this is
new members of the department and now serves as
how we form leaders for tomorrow.”
COVER
Story
“Fidelity is committed to empowering students and helping them achieve academic success to pursue their unique paths through college and their careers,” said Fidelity Institutional President Gerard McGraw. Alumni, in turn, attribute their success in the fastpaced financial services industry to a supportive workplace environment. “We have a good sense of teamwork here,” said Jill Ribaudo ’88, who joined the company four years ago following more than 20 years in the financial services industry. “What I really love about Fidelity is that you have the full support of your senior managers,” said Ryan Schoendorf ’06, a business analyst who recently moved from Jersey City to Boston to join the General Management Apprenticeship (GMA), an elite program designed to develop high potential talent. “They really want you to learn, grow and move up within the company.” From internship to management, graduates say they are valued every step of the way. “The most important thing is the relationships I’ve built,” said Rabia Sattaur ’06, now a manager in the Margin & Money Movement Division and member of the University’s Board of Regents. Sattaur, a political science and philosophy major, interned with Fidelity in 2005. She calls the internship “a perfect opportunity” for the way it exposed her to the business world and gave her access to managers. Sattaur initially joined the company following graduation and then landed a permanent position as a brokerage operations representative. She said the seven years she has spent with the company have been challenging and rewarding. “There are a lot of opportunities offered to us and many Fidelity employees have been here a long time,” she added. “That’s a sign in itself it’s a good working environment.” Schoendorf agreed. “I have been given a lot of autonomy. When you’re trusted at that level, it really inspires you to strive for more. I’m really dependent on my own success.” With the Board of Regents initiative Saint Peter’s Ready (story on page 14) underway, Fonzo hopes to further connections between Fidelity employees and students. “We want to keep the relationship growing, not only in terms of internships, but in alumni coming back and sharing their professional experiences,” he stated.
Fidelity Investments and Saint Peter’s University share more than a Jersey City location. Since 2004, Fidelity has been a sponsor of the Regents Business Symposium (RBS), New Jersey’s foremost forum on business trends and leadership. The company’s commitment to the annual event has helped to bring innovators such as Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and journalists Bob Woodward, David Broder and Neil Cavuto to speak to the business community about best industry practices, trends and issues. Saint Peter’s students and young alumni that attend RBS have an opportunity to meet and network with business leaders from Fidelity and other major companies based in New York and New Jersey. Presented this year by lead sponsor Patton Boggs LLP, a leader in public policy, litigation and business law, the Symposium is also sponsored by dozens of other organizations including United Way of Hudson County, Capital One Bank and Sodexo. “Brand Alignment: A Powerful Marketing Tool” is the theme of the 42nd annual Symposium, to be held Friday, November 8, in The Duncan Family Sky Room of the Mac Mahon Student Center. Featured speakers include Paul Tagliabue H ’05, former commissioner of the NFL and current member of the board of directors of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee; ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen; Steve Stoute, founder and CEO of Translation; and Porter Gale, an award-winning author and former vice president of marketing at Virgin America. For further information, contact cpopebayne@saintpeters.edu or visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/rbs2013.
“These graduates are success stories that our current students can look up to.”
Right, from top: Paul Tagliabue H ’05, Bill Rasmussen, Steve Stoute and Porter Gale
Saint Peter’s University
13
10 MINUTES
with...
Warren Fristensky ’74
Saint Peter’s READY
Generations of Saint Peter’s students have benefited from a strong alumni network that introduced them to internships, employers and career-building opportunities. Now, the Board of Regents is taking the University network to a new level with Saint Peter’s Ready, a program designed to prepare graduates for an increasingly complex and ultra-competitive job market. Warren C. Fristensky ’74, retired senior vice president information technology and chief information officer of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is spearheading the new initiative and fills Saint Peter’s University in on the details. How did Saint Peter’s Ready come about? It really came out of a couple of things. The Board of
14
Fall 2013
back and drive support for the University. The economic landscape has also changed and we see
Regents has always been a strong supporter of the Uni-
there’s a need for more help. The ability for students to
versity through the Regents Business Symposium (RBS)
network with companies that are hiring at an entry level
and mentoring initiatives. Saint Peter’s builds people for
has quieted down quite a bit. Companies have cut back
others and a lot of us are graduates who want to give
on hiring graduates right out of school; they now want
employees with experience. What used to be a relatively
and challenge you to do better and challenge you intel-
small gap has now become a large chasm, and we want
lectually. I once summarized it, as the Jesuits say, “learn,
to build a bridge between education and employability.
damn it!” And they mean it. They want you to learn
Do you see Saint Peter’s Ready as a way to address how the economy and job market have changed? It really is the time to do this. What we’re seeing with the economy is not a temporary situation; this is a per-
and they won’t let you get away with anything. Jesuit education keeps you centered; they don’t let you waste your time. That to me was a fundamental difference…so that’s the Saint Peter’s difference.
manent, going forward state of the world. There’s a shift
So what’s the status of this new initiative?
and we’re looking to build a bridge to make employers
We’re in launch mode. We decided that we would
interested in hiring our students by providing education
support the students at the October job fair by running
and focus—not to exclude liberal arts disciplines or any-
a career preparedness seminar to introduce the
thing else—but to focus on the specific things students
program. It included a lunchtime seminar and panel
need to be basically secure on.
discussion with a number of Regents who conducted
You have been with John Wiley & Sons for 21 years. What are employers looking for in today’s graduates? Students and graduates face an increasingly competitive global employment market. This is a big deal not only in the U.S. and at Saint Peter’s, but worldwide. So there are things students need to get facile with as they mature. They need to be job-ready and around the job readiness skills are the life-ready skills. Are you culturally diverse?
a Q&A on job search and career preparedness. Every student who signed up for the job fair hopefully signed up for this seminar. We also were at the job fair to support students. We coached them, observed and then did a debrief at the end to determine: “Did this work? Did it help? Did it hurt? How can we make sure we’re making it effective?” We have a lot of support at the moment, but now the heavy lifting begins.
Are you comfortable with the global aspect of the world?
What advice would you give the freshman class who
Now, everybody bandies that about, but Wiley is a global
are more career-focused, but also more concerned about
company. We live in all of these markets, whether it’s
their future?
Europe, India, South America or China, so we have
I had two observations from attending Freshman
people on staff who either speak these languages or
Orientation in August. Every student I spoke to, except
who we can deploy because they are culturally sensitive
one, had declared a major, which is the reverse of when
to these markets.
I started out. They are very articulate, accomplished and
“What used to be a relatively small gap has now become a large chasm, and we want to build a bridge between education and employability.”
prepared and there’s a focus on career, whether it’s the sciences, accounting or education. So that is good, and would be a piece of advice if it weren’t already being applied. Stay focused; stay connected. It’s also important to meet a lot of people. Get involved. Join the clubs and then help your fellow students. When you see someone in distress or in need of some
That’s some of what we’re seeing in our business life
help, get outside of yourself and go and help. When
and that’s what we want to help Saint Peter’s students
you’re too self-focused, you get a lot of anxiety from that.
with. Through our brand of job and life readiness, Saint
But if you’re concentrating on something else and that is
Peter’s Ready will allow the students to have confidence
helping others, then it actually helps you help yourself.
as they go into an interview and talk to people or plan their careers.
Warren Fristensky ’74 retired from John Wiley & Sons in August
You mentioned life-ready skills. What do you think Jesuit
2013. In addition to serving on the Board of Regents for nine
schools do particularly well in terms of preparing students
years, in which he was recently elected vice-chair, he also serves
for life after college?
on the board of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the Ameri-
In the academic realm, one of the things that the Jesuit
can Revolution. He is married to Julie Delaney Fristensky ’73
learning model insists upon is that they care for you. But
and is the son-in-law of the late John J. Delaney ’50, for whom
sometimes that means that they really push you around
the annual Delaney Reception for graduating seniors is named.
Saint Peter’s University
15
Desire to Serve
MEET DWAYNE PAUL ’08 After earning a Master of Arts in Religion at Yale Divinity School and spending seven months in Central America, Dwayne Paul ’08 joined the Office of Campus Ministry in October 2012. He is delighted to be back at Saint Peter’s and with his role: assistant director for faith and global justice. “It was a real pleasure in a lot of ways to be traveling and working and thinking with this group of students,” said Paul. “It was really confirming, that I really like what I’m doing and with whom I’m doing it.”
16
Fall 2013
For nearly 50 years, the Working Boys Center (WBC), a Jesuit ministry based in Quito, Ecuador, has worked to improve the lives of some of the country’s poorest families. Its mission—to eliminate poverty among working children and their families— brought 10 student members of the Saint Peter’s University Global Outreach (GO) Team to Quito last summer. From May 23 through June 6, the University’s GO Team
And while they were certainly there to help, they
dove into summer with a much-anticipated two-week
also picked up some new skills of their own. Rosanna
service trip to Quito to work for the WBC. Founded in
Nguyen ’15 said, “I actually got to learn a bit about auto
1964 by Rev. John Halligan, S.J., to provide young boys
mechanics directly from the students, who explained or
who shined shoes on the streets of Quito with educa-
demonstrated how to do things like figuring out why a
tion and skills to work their way out of poverty, the WBC
car won’t start or changing a tire.”
draws service-minded volunteers from Jesuit secondary schools, colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
Issues of Faith and Justice
This was the Saint Peter’s GO Team’s fourth trip to Quito.
The journey to Quito was the first for Dwayne Paul ’08,
Over the years, the WBC has expanded its mission
assistant director for faith and global justice, who
to support working boys and girls and their families.
described how students connected to the spiritual
Students learn mechanics, cosmetology, industrial sew-
aspects of service and solidarity and examined critical
ing, baking, sales and marketing and more as part of the
issues of faith and justice. He explained, “We did
organization’s training and educational mission.
reflections every other night, during which we would
This year, the Saint Peter’s group was housed at one
talk about the day and reflect on it in light of the
of the center’s three school compounds, which serve as
Gospel. Talking about what we’re doing through the
the base for several working businesses, including a hair
lens of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching makes
salon, a bakery, a diner and a furniture store. The team
a big difference.”
worked with children on-site and played with them
Addressing the topic of global poverty through the
during breaks. They also participated in a community
real-world experiences of the poor in Quito was a true
construction experience known as a Minga.
source of learning. “It was certainly a challenge to talk
MEN & WOMEN FOR
OTHERS
about global poverty in a way where we don’t romanticize the ability of a family to live on very little,” Paul continued. Keeping the conversations on track was critical for accomplishing this goal. “I think the most constructive conversation is investigating and interrogating the roots of the poverty we encounter, not making fruitless comparisons to our context, and not over-generalizing, but staying focused on the context.”
Lasting Impression Some student volunteers realized that they’d like to do more work in the area of social justice. The families they encountered left lasting impressions. Nelcida Garcia ’15 hopes to share her experience and the mission of the WBC with as many people as possible. She explained, “I want to educate my community about the hardships faced by the Ecuadorian families I had the pleasure of meeting this past summer. I also want to encourage others to volunteer or donate to the Working Boys Center, because it really does everything it claims to do and more.” Paul said he saw growth in several students during their stay in Quito. “They were thinking really long-term about their lives and about the orientation their careers would take. It was amazing to see,” he recounted. “On the last day, we were having a closing ritual and reflection, and some of the students voiced new insights and new desires about wanting to help people as a vocation or as a career. That was impressive.” Cassandra Iverson ’14 was another student on whom the trip to Quito had a strong impact. “One of my paths may lead me—quite happily—back to the WBC as a year-long volunteer, or perhaps to another organization for others,” she stated. Iverson recalled meeting Gloria, an elderly adult in WBC’s program. “She was learning the alphabet and basic literacy,” Iverson said. “She had never known that she was deserving of an education. She smiled as if the sun would never set, the grass would never brown and as though each moment was precious.” Afterward, Iverson reflected on what she had witnessed. “I want more people to learn their worth, to know that even though I do not know them, I love them. We were not there just for the trip. We were there for the people.”
Opposite page: There was time for work and play—Valentina Osario ’16, Nelcida Garcia ’15, Renee Brzyski ’13 and Sunita Kumar ’14 at the Working Boys Center; Renee Brzyski ’13 giving a little girl a lift. Above: Richard Palma ’15, Sunita Kumar ’14 and Roger Arias ’15 help children in class; Renee Brzyski ’13 gives a boy a piggyback ride.
Saint Peter’s University
17
Planning for The Master Plan for Saint Peter’s University One year from now, students in the School of
A core component of the School of Education will be
Education will have their own dedicated space to learn,
the Center for Collaborative Learning, located in the first
collaborate and work on academic projects. Business
floor of the facility. There will be ample space for conver-
students will be able to access real time market data on
sation, study and collaboration all supported by multime-
a simulated trading floor, and Saint Peter’s University
dia technology and equipped with features such as inter-
will have a state-of-the-art facility to further the
active white boards for students and faculty to capture
academic excellence of two flagship programs. The
information and knowledge for later use and discussion.
renovation of Dinneen Hall, one piece of a multi-phase master plan for the University, is underway.
The Interactive Learning Halls for the School of Business will occupy the lower plaza level of Dinneen. In addition to the simulated financial trading floor, where business students will put textbook teaching into action,
“We’ve been here for more than 140 years, so this is one chapter in the overall life of the institution.”
the space will also feature conference rooms, a computer lab and lecture hall supported by technology that enhances classroom learning. The renovation is being overseen by NK Architects, the architectural and structural engineering firm that facilitated the development of the University’s new master plan. The multi-million dollar renovation is being funded in part by monies provided by the Building Our Future
Phase I: Moving Ahead
Bond Act, an investment in higher education passed by New Jersey voters last November. Fifty-two million of
Remediation of Dinneen Hall began in August and is
the $750 million authorized in state bonds was slated
expected to take nine months. When completed in
for independent colleges and universities in New Jersey.
2014, the three-story facility will house the School of Education and the School of Business and provide
Community-Wide Input for Plan
21st-century updates. “The new building, with a state-
Grounded in VISION 2015: The Strategic Plan for Saint
of-the-art technology infrastructure, will increase
Peter’s University, the master plan’s aim is to better
capabilities for teaching and learning and will provide
support a vibrant living and learning environment
our students with hands-on simulations which
and create a more attractive urban campus. It was
enhance their career preparedness,” said Provost and
developed with community-wide input from surveys
Vice President for Academic Affairs Marylou Yam, Ph.D.
and interviews with various campus constituencies
Survey Says
Community input for the master plan included survey responses from more than 250 students, faculty members, administrators and staff. According to respondents, the top five priorities for improving the physical campus included: better technology, quality of academic facilities, quality and variety of student housing, and parking, as well as student commons and gathering spaces. These responses, along with VISION 2015: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University and representatives from all campus constituencies serving on the Master Plan Steering Committee, helped to inform the master planning process. 18
Fall 2013
MASTER
PLAN
the Future and a Master Plan Steering Committee comprised of students, faculty, administrators and trustees. The process identified eight phases for new or improved facilities to be implemented over the next 15 to 20 years, according to Denton Stargel, vice president for business and finance. This long-range view is not unusual for master plans. He explained, “You look at campuses over a span of time. We’ve been here for more than 140 years, so this is only one chapter in the overall life of the institution. Master plans are based on the current physical standing of the campus and then identifying and anticipating needs going forward.”
A Residential Campus A later phase identified in the master plan addresses the need for more residential housing. Nearly 750 students are living on campus for the 2013–2014 academic year. Capacity could increase by more than 40 percent when the plan for more residential space comes to fruition. “The current housing stock is aging and in need of repair,” Stargel said. “The master plan has earmarked new sites for residence halls to accommodate the growing trend toward a residential university campus.” Residential housing could expand to nearby McGinley Square. The University is working with a private developer on a plan, which calls for mixed-use construction including retail, dining and entertainment, as well as residential housing for Saint Peter’s students. New Jersey Future, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to promote responsible land-use policies, recognized the plan with a Smart Growth Award in 2012 for its blueprint for revitalizing an urban area while providing maximum benefit to diverse communities. Also contained in the Master Plan for Saint Peter’s University are improvements that will provide more classroom space and labs for undergraduate and graduate programs, expansion of facilities to support more competitive Division I athletics, the development of more recreational space, additional parking and enhancing the overall appeal and “walkability” of the Jersey City campus.
Top to bottom: Rendering of Dinneen Hall; a simulated financial trading floor will be the centerpiece of the Interactive Learning Halls for the School of Business; the Center for Collaborative Learning in the School of Education.
Saint Peter’s University
19
Goal in Sight Historic campaign raises more than $58 million and three priorities surpass initial mark The Mac Mahon Student Center is open and wowing visitors and the campus community alike, and three of the six priorities outlined in Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University have surpassed their financial goals. The final phases of the University’s most ambitious capital campaign, which has taken Saint Peter’s to new levels of recognition and excellence, are nearing completion. With 94 percent of the $62 million goal raised, the campaign finish line is in sight. “We are very grateful to reach this point in the Campaign,” said Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Michael A. Fazio. “Trustees, Regents, alumni, friends and members of the University community have supported Students at the Center with great vision and generosity.” Since its public launch in 2011, more than 8,500 donors have matched their passions and interests to one or more of the six giving priorities that comprise Saint Peter’s historic campaign. Gifts to The Saint Peter Fund, also known as the annual fund, Endowment and Peacock Nation (Athletics) have exceeded, by at least 117 percent, their initial goals of $12 million, $7.5 million and $1 million respectively. In addition, every sector of the Saint Peter’s community is well represented in contributions to the Campaign—a critical component to the success of Students at the Center thus far, Fazio noted.
“Trustees, regents, alumni, friends and members of the University community have supported Students at the Center with great vision and generosity.” “I’m blown away by the response—by the belief—of our donors,” Fazio continued. “They see what we’re doing here for our students and so far, nearly 8,500 have said, ‘I want to invest in that.’ We’ve received gifts in person, over the phone, online, through the mail, even by text message. It’s really amazing.”
Longtime Supporters Step Up Donors continue to come forward in support of the Campaign’s centerpiece, the Mac Mahon Student Center, which opened last spring. The Theresa and Edward O’ Toole Foundation, the independent foundation that contributed the lead gift to build the University’s library in 1967, recently made a six-figure commitment to the student center. The Pennsylvania-based foundation is named for a late New
20
Fall 2013
ADVANCEMENT
Jersey couple who owned and operated a religious-goods business and is known for its support of faith-based institutions like Saint Peter’s. Recently, Bernard M. Hartnett, Jr. ’51, along with friends and family, gathered at the Office of Campus Ministry in the Mac Mahon Student Center for the dedication of a suite, which was named in memory of his late wife, Eleanor Kelly Hartnett. While not a graduate, Eleanor attended many events at Saint Peter’s with her husband of 60 years. “She loved Saint Peter’s,” said Hartnett. “She particularly loved the Jesuits. I think she would be thrilled to have an office
‘This is Our Moment’
named in her honor in campus ministry.”
If you haven’t made it back to campus recently, check out “This is Our Moment,”
Campaign Timeline
the eight-part series of short videos about
With the University looking to conclude the Campaign
the new Mac Mahon Student Center and
within the next 18 months, officials and campaign
its overwhelmingly positive impact on
volunteers will be on the road in the coming months,
the Saint Peter’s community and beyond.
hosting events to acquire the support that will bring
Student-athletes Cherrice Brown ’13 and
Students at the Center to a successful conclusion.
Ali Hassan ’13 relate how the new student
“Alumni and friends have clearly demonstrated their admiration and love of this institution,” said Campaign Chairman Francis A. McGrail ’79. “With additional sup-
center is elevating the living and learning experience in episode 1. “This building is providing us an
port, we are very close to accomplishing the major goals
opportunity to connect, invite and to build
that will strengthen Saint Peter’s life-changing mission
community,” said Director of Campus
for generations to come.”
Ministry Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., (pictured
above) in episode 4. To view the entire web series and the many ways the Mac Mahon Student Center is advancing the mission and vision for Saint Peter’s, visit saintpeters.edu/campaign.
Campaign North/Central JerseyProgress
Spring 2011
94%
$58,577,307
$62 Million
Campaign Priority Progress Student Center:
81%
$28,338,702 The Saint Peter Fund:
$14,348,951 Endowment:
$8,758,265 Academics:
$748,098 Athletics (Peacock Nation):
$1,172,815
Goal Reached
$12 Million
Goal Reached
$7.5 Million
95%
$5,206,731 Jesuit Mission & Identity:
$35 Million
75%
$5.5 Million $1 Million
Goal Reached
$1 Million
Saint Peter’s University
21
A Golden Opportunity A legacy steeped in Jesuit tradition Josefine M. Castan, Ph.D.,
RATIO STUDIORUM The Ratio Studiorum (Latin for plan of studies) is a seminal document in the Society of Jesus. First published in 1586, nearly 40 years after the first Jesuit schools opened, and finalized in 1599, it established a standard plan for all of the Society’s educational institutions. Called the “Magna Carta of Jesuit education” by historian Rev. John O’Malley, S.J., it has been a guiding pedagogical document for Jesuit education worldwide.
“Hispanic New York” is expected to be an effective
professor emerita of Spanish in the
recruiting tool and has been targeted to a number of
department of modern languag-
incoming freshmen. Fr. DeStephano explained that this
es and literatures at Saint Peter’s
effort is aimed at cultivating an interest in the arts for
University, was ahead of her time
these students early on. The course also focuses on
in many ways. In 1960, she became
the importance of language and culture for Hispanic
the then-all-male institution’s first
students. “Many students report that Spanish is their
female professor. By 1966, she was
first language, so our goal is to help them make that
named the first dean of women and
professionally viable—to strengthen their formal and
joined Saint Peter’s in welcoming female students to the
professional Spanish skills,” he noted. To this end,
Day Session. And while she stayed out of the spotlight
Fr. DeStephano plans to teach his portion of the course
herself, she brought attention to the arts at Saint Peter’s
entirely in Spanish.
with several musical productions, including the 1972 presentation of the Cuban opera Cecilia Valdes. Before her passing in 2010, the Spanish professor
Students enrolled in the course will receive transportation and entrance fees to the locations they’ll visit throughout the semester, and they’ll receive mobile
made a bequest to the University that will support new
devices that will help maximize each experience’s
program development in liberal arts, languages and in-
educational potential.
ternational relations. Through this act of generosity, Dr.
A Provost’s Lecturer Program in the Humanities, an
Castan’s respect for the traditions of the Ratio Studiorum
International Studies major, and participation in the
and cura personalis will live on.
Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows Program, sponsored
Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., Ph.D., chairman and professor of the department of modern and classical languages and literatures and director of the Asian studies
by the Council of Independent Colleges, are future programs also under consideration.
program, succeeded her in the department. He knew the
A Shared Belief
Spanish professor well and noted her love for the arts.
Fr. DeStephano said that he felt a personal connection
“She especially loved what we call the Golden Age
to Dr. Castan, as he recalled her strong belief in Jesuit
of Spanish literature, and she also had a tremendous
ideals and dedication to Saint Peter’s throughout her
interest in Spanish music,” he said. “It was no surprise
career, which spanned more than 30 years.
to me that she had made this very generous bequest for
“The office that I’m in was her office,” he said.
the development of the program in Spanish language
“When you walk into our department, we have a
and Spanish culture.”
picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was hers. I’ve
Enriching Freshman Seminar To start, the funds have been applied to a new, six-credit interdisciplinary course, “Hispanic New York,” that is being taught by both Fr. DeStephano and Jon Boshart, Ph.D., chairman of the fine arts department. As part of
kept it up, in memory of her and a couple of other colleagues of hers who were also very devout Catholics. She was an inspiration to me, and now more so.” Fr. DeStephano called Dr. Castan’s generosity and its long-term potential “a wonderful, fitting start.” “Professor Castan devoted her life to Saint Peter’s,” he
Freshman Seminar, a program designed to help first-year
said, “so I think it’s wonderful that she’ll be setting the
students transition to college, participants will benefit
precedent for what I hope will really be a big push now
from the University’s proximity to Manhattan, as about
in modern language studies.”
half of the instruction time will be spent off campus at
22
Fall 2013
roughly 20 metropolitan area sites. The course will sat-
For more information about leaving a legacy like Dr.
isfy students’ Fine Arts Core Requirement as well as half
Castan, please contact Ana Cravo at (201) 761-6104 or
of their World Language Core Requirement.
acravo@saintpeters.edu.
DONORS WHO MAKE A
Difference
SUPPORT FOR THE UNIVERSITY GROWS Annual scholarships and athletics recorded significant increases. Contributions to scholarships reached $474,381, a 48 percent increase over the previous year, while donations to Peacock Nation jumped 25 percent to provide $152,509 in support of the men’s and women’s Division I teams. For the second year, “Let’s Do it Again, May 10,” a 24-hour campaign for new donors and contributions before the close of the University’s fiscal year, produced an inspiring display of generosity. Word quickly spread to generations of Peacocks and over a two-year period, this new media appeal brought in 727 donors. Donors also prefer the convenience of online giving. Not only did the rate of online contributions increase by 28 percent in 2012–2013, the amount raised surged
The Class of 2013 presented a generous gift to Saint Peter’s.
to $153,265, a 49 percent increase from the previous year. Participation from Saint Peter’s newest alumni,
With the fiscal year closing on June 30, 4,106 donors
the Class of 2013, also went up by double
contributed more than $5.5 million, a pillar of support
digits; 260 graduates said thank you to The Jesuit
that enhances teaching, learning and student life at
University of New Jersey with a gift to the University, a
the University. Alumni giving also increased.
30 percent increase over the previous year.
MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS More than 4,000 fans and counting. The Facebook presence of Saint Peter’s University alumni more than doubled in 2012–2013 as alumni and friends flocked to the official fan page to connect, reminisce and receive upto-the-minute news on events and happenings at the University. Join the dialogue at facebook.com/ saintpetersalumni.
Bill Stein Keeps Giving During his 26-year tenure as director of athletics, Bill Stein worked tirelessly on behalf of student-athletes and Saint Peter’s athletics. It comes as no surprise that even after retiring in 2008, Stein has continued to advance the University’s mission and vision. He served as a fundraiser in the Office of Advancement and External Affairs and worked closely with alumni to grow the William J. Murray All Sports Golf Outing into a highly successful annual event. As director of athletics, Stein knew every student-athlete personally. Those relationships formed the bedrock of support that continues to help today’s Peacock players excel. Stein has also made the kind of commitment he has asked of others over the years: he provided for Saint Peter’s athletics in his estate plan. “I envision Saint Peter’s continuing its mission, focusing on cura personalis and remaining strong academically with a competitive athletic program,” he said, and called for more alumni-athletes to come forward. “The University assisted you financially to get an education. Now it’s time to pay it forward for the next generation.” For more information on planned giving, visit saintpeters.edu/giftplanning.
Saint Peter’s University
23
Full-Time Commitment Inspires Student-Athletes
Saint Peter’s University’s part-time head coaches demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to their student-athletes and teams. Above: Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Andrew Brown and Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Head Coach Mohamed Abdelaal 24
Fall 2013
Get to know the head coaches
Director of Athletics Joe Quinlan
tirelessly for our students and for
behind Saint Peter’s Division I teams
acknowledged the unique type of
the individual programs,” Quinlan
and one fact is clear: there’s no such
commitment that all of the Univer-
noted. “We’re very grateful for the
thing as part-time when it comes
sity’s part-time coaches have. Of the
efforts that they put forth on behalf
to Peacock pride. Though the vast
19 NCAA Division I teams at Saint
of our students.”
majority of head coaches balance
Peter’s, only two, men’s and wom-
day jobs and other coaching obliga-
en’s basketball, are led by full-time
greater visibility to Saint Peter’s
tions with the demands of Division
head coaches. “It can be a challenge
athletics. Under the leadership of
I competition, it’s a challenge they
because they all have other profes-
Mike Massone, men’s and women’s
face head-on.
sional responsibilities, yet they work
track and field and cross country
These efforts have also brought
PEACOCK
U
A Successful Balancing Act
coach, Saint Peter’s has dominated
“So it’s constantly working at a
the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic
practice, driving to another facility,
Conference), winning five titles in
prepping for that practice, prep-
head coach of the women’s soccer
three years. The MAAC also named
ping for a game, getting back in the
team just last year. The former
Massone Women’s Coach of the
car, driving to another facility and
semi-pro player has his work cut
Year three years in a row, while
repeating that.” His to-do list may
out for him as he balances life
Mohamed Abdelaal, men’s and
sound daunting, but he describes
with three daughters and a job
women’s swimming and diving
it with enthusiasm and passion for
as a full-time Bayonne firefighter.
coach, was honored as the MAAC
the sport. “It definitely tests your
To that end, he acknowledges the
Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year.
organizational skills and your time
support he gets from his colleagues
management, but I’d rather be very,
and wife as being instrumental in
very busy doing this than any other
his ability to get it all done. “I work
job in the world,” he said.
with great men on the Bayonne Fire
‘I Don’t Know How He Does It’ Abdelaal, the University’s aquatics
To be clear, having multiple
Rob Bielan stepped into his role as
Department,” he said. “It’s a broth-
director, manages the pool and
commitments doesn’t dilute Brown’s
erhood where everybody wants you
schedules it for swimming lessons,
focus on any level. Most of last
to succeed.”
age-group swim teams, rental
year’s practices were scheduled in
groups and, of course, the teams
the early morning, and the team
for the students on his team: first,
he coaches. Abdelaal, who has two
really stepped up to the challenge.
the chain of command, and second,
assistant coaches, approaches each
“I have a great bunch of women who
each team member’s role as a rep-
season one goal at a time. “We
are willing to put in the time and
resentative of Saint Peter’s. “I want
encourage everybody to get off to a
effort, and they want to get better,”
them to be ambassadors of this
Brown said. “We always have music
school,” he said.
“...they work tirelessly for our students and for the individual programs.” good start,” he explained. “We keep
Brown emphasizes two points
in the mornings to wake everybody
Bielan is also grateful to his di-
up, get the tempo of practice going,
rector of athletics. “Mr. Quinlan has
and forget about the fact that the
given me an excellent opportunity,”
sun’s not even out yet and we’re the
he said. “I’ve been dreaming about
only ones on campus.”
coaching at the Division I level for
The turnaround Brown has facili-
years. And I want to give these stu-
them focused on the next thing and
tated has not gone unnoticed. Laura
try not to look too far ahead. Then
Reinhart ’14 said, “To say that he’s
we try to make the correlation be-
just a good coach is short-changing
Bielan] became our coach at the end
tween how they performed at their
him—he’s a great person.” Reinhart
of last year, and within a month
first meet and how they performed
addressed the period of growth the
he brought in 11 awesome recruits,
at the end of the year.”
team is currently experiencing. “Not
so we were able to field a team at
many people would have taken on
a time when that didn’t seem pos-
Panvini ’15 said, “[Abdelaal] is fully
the role in the state our program
sible.”
committed to our team and to every
was in, but he did without hesita-
swimmer he trains. I don’t know
tion, and we hope to view our pro-
connection between the coaches’
how he does it.”
gram as a winning program soon.”
love for what they do and the
Stephanie Mills ’14 also spoke
athletes’ appreciation for their
Swimmer Alejandro Rubin
dents the same opportunity.” Maddie Gregory ’14 said, “[Rob
WE’RE ALL PEACOCKS NOW For decades, the NCAA Division I men’s teams at Saint Peter’s were called Peacocks, while the women’s teams adopted the nickname Peahens. Since Saint Peter’s attained university status in 2012, all 19 intercollegiate athletic teams are known as Peacocks. Saint Peter’s remains the only NCAA Division I institution whose mascot is the Peacock.
Quinlan noted the undeniable
Volleyball Day and Night
highly of Brown’s commitment to
efforts. “They’re very professional,
Performing a different kind of
the team. “He is basically a full-time
they enjoy what they do, and that’s
balancing act is Women’s Volleyball
coach with all the time and effort
evident in their work,” he said. “I
Head Coach Andrew Brown, who
he puts in to working with us,” she
think all of them enjoy the respect
juggles a total of four coaching jobs.
stated. “He’s here before and after
of their students as well, which is a
“It’s volleyball from 6:30 a.m. until
practices, motivated and prepared
very, very critical aspect to having a
10:00 or 10:30 p.m.,” he noted.
to go.”
successful team.”
Saint Peter’s University
25
CLASS NEWS
& Notes
Journal/Hudson County Science Fair Awards Ceremony on May 30.
Send us your news! Saint Peter’s University wants to publish your good news. We welcome any and all news about your career, education, family life and reconnecting with other Saint Peter’s alumni. Submit a note via e-mail to alumni@saintpeters.edu or send to: Office of Alumni Engagement, 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306.
1950 Joseph E. Scuro and his wife, Phyllis Scuro, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 7 in Orlando, Fla.
1955 Joseph A. Kelly, M.D., produced a video for the Antarctica Society, “My Year at Hallett Station, 1960–61.” The video chronicles his yearlong tour of duty as a physician with the U.S. Navy in Antarctica during Deep Freeze-61 and is described as a “very honest recounting—sometimes humorous, sometimes sad—of a young physician’s coming of age during this most challenging year of his life.” To learn more, visit antarctican.org.
1960 Conrad Romanick and his wife, Tina, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on May 31.
1962 Brig. Gen. Vincent E. Stahl, Jr. USA (Retired), served as the guest speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremony of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foun-
26
Fall 2013
dation on May 27 in Holmdel, N.J. Gen. Stahl was commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating as an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate from Saint Peter’s. His military career included serving with the 4th Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor., the 5th Special Forces Group and the Army Reserve. He enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry and makes frequent appearances related to his experience.
1968 David Cicirelli, son of Ralph Cicirelli ’68 and Phyllis Amoroso-Cicirelli ’70, recently authored Fakebook: A True Story. Based on Actual Lies, a book Publisher’s Weekly describes as a “wacky and bold memoir about identity in this cockeyed social media environment.”
1969 The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) selected Nadia Makar to serve on its Advisory Board. Elected chairperson of the Diversity Committee, Makar will also serve on the Executive Board of the ISEF. The science supervisor of the Union City public schools, Makar was honored for the prestigious appointments at The Jersey
1972 William DeFabiis, Ed.D., retired on June 30 after 23 years as South Hackensack Superintendent.
1973
1977 Saul Ewing Partner Charles M. Lizza, Esq., was appointed Trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey.
1978
John J. Pron and his wife, Sharon, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 2.
Albert Favate, M.D., has been appointed Director of the Neurovascular Team (Stroke) NYULangone Medical Center/NYU School of Medicine.
1974
1979
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., ordained Louis Quaglia to a member of the permanent diaconate on June 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Deacon Quaglia is a member of the Saint Charles Borromeo parish in Bensalem, Pa.
Patrick S. Devery and his wife, Marylou, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on May 28.
The Summit Speech School elected Michael J. Polisin, M.D., FAAP, to a three-year term on its Board of Trustees last May.
Diana Rubino is the author of numerous romance and historical novels, including A Necessary End: The Act of a Desperate Rebel (2013), a paranormal twist on John Wilkes Booth and his plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. She recently completed a biography of Martha Washington and can be contacted at dianarubino.com or dianarubinoauthor. blogspot.com.
1967
1980
Deborah K. Smarth is the author of America’s Lost Opportunity (Stolen Victories 2012), what she calls a “citizen’s account” of the 2012 presidential election focusing on the GOP nomination process, the national convention, general election and its aftermath. The book is available at Xlibris.com, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.
Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos is a priest of the Archdiocese of Manila, in charge of the parochial school system of the Archdiocese, the catechetical ministry of Manila and CBCP executive secretary for catechesis and Catholic education.
1975
PEACOCK PROFILE
Saint Peter’s Great Samaritan even inspired the original jazz tune, “Guess I’ve Got to Call Bill Knapp,” written by late English Professor Steven J. Rosen, Ph.D. “I was here to serve,” said Knapp, who had an epiphany while an undergraduate at Saint Peter’s, where he also worked on the audio-visual crew. “I was in the quadrangle and I had this mental inspiration,” he recalled. “Maybe this is where I was meant to be the rest of my life.” After graduation, Knapp went to work for Chase, but was able to return to Saint Peter’s as the assistant director of the IRC in 1970. “Bill is a presence, and a very effective presence,” said Associate Professor of History Jerome Gillen, Ph.D. “He solved our problems. You could always talk to him and he was always there. He is going to be missed very much.” “You do a little bit of everything,” is how Knapp describes his multiple roles and duties over the years. Day or night, he provided technical (and moral) support to Argus Eyes productions, installed the sound system so the Peacocks could play the Scarlet Knights at the Jersey City Armory in 2007, and oversaw the University’s first Head of State visit when Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo spoke on campus in 2003. Most gratifying, however, was the day-to-day business of supporting the teaching and instructional needs of the faculty and “getting things done.” “It just became a mission,” he added. “We were here to help The photo says it all. Published in Peacock Pie as part of the
students learn. The most effective way to help students learn is to help teachers teach. If somebody has a problem and they
co-dedication of the 2003 yearbook to William Knapp ’68,
walk through the door, it will be addressed right then and
the image (inset) is quintessential Knapp: on the ground,
there. That was the modus operandi.”
prepping the audio-visual equipment as he had done with
Professor of English William Luhr, Ph.D., calls Knapp, “Saint
great precision, focus and dedication for countless events
Peter’s great Samaritan. His value is way beyond the techni-
throughout his 43-year career at Saint Peter’s. Certainly not
cal,” Dr. Luhr said. “He connects with people on a human level.
the most dignified of photos, but an image ingrained in the
He is easily one of the most valuable people I’ve known at
consciousness of a University community that came to rely on
Saint Peter’s. Period.”
Knapp for so many things. As the director of the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) from 1976–2006 and then as director of special events and projects, Knapp, who retired on June 30, touched many lives
Saint Peter’s confers an award, the Bene Merenti, to faculty and staff who have been with the University for 20 years. With his 43 years of service, Knapp is a double Bene Merenti. He declined a formal retirement party, but at the Faculty
at Saint Peter’s. Though much of his work was behind the
Convocation on August 27, he received a special tribute. The
scenes, he mentored hundreds of work-study students (“They
father of three plans to fix up a home he purchased in New
had to be able to get a 16 mm projector and screen up the
Hampshire and explore his spiritual life on a deeper level.
stairs of McDermott in five minutes; that was the test,” Knapp
Knapp is also thrilled at the prospect of welcoming his first
stated), befriended faculty and employees, was an assuring
grandchild in November.
presence at nearly every campus event and program, and
“Mission accomplished,” he concluded. “Now the other third of my life is beginning.”
Saint Peter’s University
27
CLASS NEWS
& Notes
1981
1984
2000
2007
Anthony Olszewski has organized and continues to operate Jersey City Free Books, a community book exchange that provides something to read without charge, obligation, registration or indoctrination. Jersey City Free Books serves seniors, students, the unemployed and working families.
The Beach Haven School District of Long Beach Island, N.J., appointed EvaMarie Raleigh superintendent, effective July 1. Raleigh has 15 years of experience as a school administrator in both New Jersey and Florida. She obtained an M.B.A. from Rutgers University in 1995.
The Wallington Board of Education appointed James Albro, M.Ed., superintendent of schools last July. Albro previously served as school principal in the district.
Wayne Guarino is a social studies teacher at Montville Township High School and coach of three sports: football, bowling and baseball. He is engaged to marry Rachel Armenti at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church on November 30.
1982
1993
The recent book, Hit List: An InDepth Investigation into the Mysterious Deaths of the Witnesses to the JFK Assassination by Richard Belzer and David Wayne, cites research and information unearthed by Kathleen Collins regarding the death of actress Karyn Kupcinet. Active in the JFK community since 2001, Collins’ research is also mentioned by the authors in the introduction to Hit List.
The East Coast Label Group of Universal Music Group (UMG) named Mauro DeCeglie vice president, brand partnerships.
Bartholomew John Erbach authored and published his first book, Gather Up Your Soul, a collection of poems.
1997 Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation hired Brian McCabe as a director in the firm’s New Jersey office. McCabe will arrange debt financing for all types of commercial real estate assets, including multi-family, retail, office and industrial properties.
Wonderful food. Wonderful cause.
More than 100 alumni, faculty, administrators and friends turned out to support St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church on May 29 at Amanda’s in Hoboken, N.J. Amanda’s owners Eugene Flinn ’80 and wife Joyce (pictured above with Rev. Thomas Sheridan, S.J.) hosted the five course dinner with wine pairings. All proceeds from the event benefited St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church. 28
Fall 2013
Joshua Schrier, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of chemistry at Haverford College. He is the recent co-recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to support research on The Dark Reaction Project: A Machine Learning Approach to Materials Discovery. A respected lecturer, Dr. Schrier has presented at several institutions, including Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Harvard, Clark University and Wesleyan.
2004 Donte Johnson was named general manager of Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, D.C.
2005 The District 23 Toastmasters presented Darnelle L. Richardson with the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) medallion at its spring conference, held on May 18. To earn the designation, a member must demonstrate excellence in public speaking and leadership. Richardson presented 40 speeches at the club and community level and also performed 27 leadership projects.
2008 The Gamma chapter of Gamma Epsilon Tau, the national graphic arts honor society, honored Michael Connors at its 2013 Golden Key Awards ceremony last May. As managing director of the production department at The New York Times, Connors is the coordinator of diversity events at The Times’ production plant in College Point, N.Y., and also directs the newspaper’s mentoring program with the Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity, and supports the GED Plus Program in the Bronx. Connors was recognized for his support of graphic arts and technical education, and creating opportunities that further the industry and improve people’s lives. Connors holds a B.S. in Business Management from Saint Peter’s and earned an M.B.A. from the University in 2010. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the University’s School of Business.
2009 Jolie Hoppe graduated from Touro University-California College of Osteopathic Medicine last June.
President’s Reception
Gratitude, appreciation and thanks: these values filled every individual’s heart in attendance at the President’s Reception, held on September 20 in The Duncan Family Sky Room at the Mac Mahon Student Center. The annual event honors alumni and friends who have demonstrated their dedication to the University’s mission by giving at leadership levels. Guest speaker Rev. James Martin, S.J. H ’13, an award-winning author and contributing editor of America magazine, echoed these sentiments during his address. “Why is gratitude important?” asked Fr. Martin. “St. Ignatius called
Clockwise from top left: Rev. James Martin, S.J., Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Callahan ’14; the Rum Runners silhouetted by the view ingratitude ‘the most abominable of sins’…for from The Duncan Family Sky Room with One World Trade Center in the background; it is a forgetting of the graces, blessings and AnnMarie Cornacchia, Rev. James Martin, S.J., Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.; Bob Donato ’65, benefits received.” Ed Reuter ’64 and Eugene Flinn ’80
2012 Van Dyk Health Care, Inc. hired Nicole Cofini DNP ’12, cardiac nurse practitioner, to oversee HeartWays, a cardiac rehabilitation program at its Montclair facility.
The Honor Roll of Donors, now an online publication as part of the University’s commitment to green initiatives, lists the contributors who have supported Saint Peter’s University during our last fiscal year (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). Beginning January 15, 2014, you will be able to view the Honor Roll of Donors by visiting saintpeters.edu/campaign/ honorroll2013.
Don Kennedy H ’02 Elected to Hall of Fame The New York City Basketball Hall of Fame honored renowned men’s basketball coach and Director of Athletics Don Kennedy H ’02 at its 24th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony on September 19. The late Kennedy, whose 22year reign turned Saint Peter’s basketball into a national contender, coached the Peacocks to 323 victories and five appearances in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach alongside New York Knicks/Indiana Pacers player turned sportscaster Jerry Harkness and Hank Whitney, founder of the American Basketball Association and one of the original members of the New Jersey Americans, now known as the Brooklyn Nets. Kennedy passed away in 2004 at the age of 97. His son, George Kennedy, represented the Peacock coach at the induction ceremony held at the New York Athletic Club.
Saint Peter’s University
29
CLASS NEWS
& Notes
Births
TOURING GRACIE MANSION On September 25, Saint Peter’s University hosted
Sabahat Khan ’93 and his wife, Gail Mooney, and son, Dublin Ryder, welcomed Trinity Kells Rose Mooney-Khan in March. Trinity was born in County Down, Northern Ireland.
an exclusive tour of Gracie Mansion, one of the most celebrated landmarks in New York City and among the oldest structures standing in Manhattan. The tour was given by Dyan Cutro, wife of University Trustee Robert A. Cutro ’75. Fifty alumni and friends took part in this unique event, which included a tea party, a guided tour
Gustavo L. Adrianzen ’96 and his wife, Janeth, welcomed their second child, Emeli Belle, on June 22. Emeli joins her big sister, Ariela Rose. Rachel Walker-Johnson ’99 and Derek Johnson welcomed their third daughter on July 15, 2012. Katelyn Alessia joins big sisters, Julie Milana, 7, and Lisa Sienna, 3 1/2. The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on October 4.
of the house and magnificent views of the East River promenade.
Left: Alumni and friends at Gracie Mansion
Save the Date President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., will be visiting Florida in January 2014. Two alumni gatherings are currently planned during his visit:
Friday, January 17, 2014 - 6:00 p.m. Alumni Reception - Island Club at PGA Village 9200 One Putt Place - Port St. Lucie, FL Hosted by John P. Murray ’57, H ’02
Sunday, January 19, 2014 - 10:30 a.m. Alumni Mass & Brunch - Naples Sailing & Yacht Club 896 River Point Drive - Naples, FL Hosted by Josephine & Thomas O’Reilly ’69
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Gloria Mercurio at (201) 761-6125 or gmercurio@saintpeters.edu.
Reunion is Sweet for the Class of ’63 Frank Ciesla ’63 came to Alumni Weekend with something he had saved for a very special occasion: port wine bottled the very year of his graduation. Ciesla shared the wine with his classmates at the reunion, held from September 13–15 at Saint Peter’s University, that was made sweeter by all the changes that have taken place on campus since 1963. “This year’s reunion was especially exciting because we were able to host many of the events in the Mac Mahon Student Center—a first for the annually held
weekend was the Golden
Alumni Weekend,” Executive
Peacock Mass and Brunch,
Director of Alumni Engagement
during which the Class of 1963
Gloria Mercurio said.
was inducted into the Golden
The capstone affair of the 30
Fall 2013
Peacock society.
Frank Ciesla ’63 displays his 1963 vintage bottle of port.
REMEMBRANCES ‘THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER JAMES C.G. CONNIFF’ Around the Saint Peter’s quad, Professor of English James C.G. Conniff ’42 was known for his high standards, intense demeanor and intolerance of lazy writing. Generations of students sweated through his classes, but became better writers, presenters and people as a result. The professor, who passed away on June 8 at the age of 92, is also credited with launching the writing and journalism careers of many Saint Peter’s alumni. “We stayed in touch after I graduated,” said Diana Rubino ’79, the author of 14 novels. “He’s the one who encouraged me to write my first novel. After sending him something I’d written, he called me and said, ‘You’re going to make it, kid.’ I never forgot that. I owe so much to him—he whipped my writing into shape. There will never be another James C.G. Conniff.” Professor Conniff was the author of seven books, including Governor Al Smith, a biography of the first Catholic presidential candidate, and also wrote for the Saturday Evening Post, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Magazine and other publications.
In a well-known New York Times Magazine article, “Manchild Coming of Age,” Professor Conniff reflected on the decision he and his wife, Dorothy, made to raise at home their child with Down’s syndrome. “For 31 years, Mark has been a central fact of our family life, knitting us together, trying our patience, helping us laugh, probably making us better people than we would have been without him,” he wrote. In later years, Professor Conniff worked to preserve the historic character of Montclair, N.J., and advocated for the Bellevue branch of the Montclair Library to remain open. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy, and is survived by three daughters, Susan Manney, Deborah Suta and Cynthia Cavnar; three sons Gregory, Richard and Mark; a sister, Julia Demarsky; and 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. HERMANN KRUMBHAAR PLATT, PH.D. The Saint Peter’s community mourned the passing of Hermann Krumbhaar Platt, Ph.D., professor emeritus of history, who passed away on May 20 at the age of 76. A dedicated member of the faculty for more than 40
years, he taught at Saint Peter’s for his entire professional career. Dr. Platt’s fortitude, intellect and humor inspired many. Born with arthrogriposis, a rare condition that severely immobilized his joints, family members say he epitomized the English poet George Herbert’s suggestion that, “living well is the best revenge.” Dr. Platt was a passionate teacher and an expert on New Jersey history and political figures. He authored Charles Perrin Smith: New Jersey Political Reminiscences, 1828–1882 and Water Rights and Railroads in Jersey City Politics and Public Opinion: 1840–1870. In 2012, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy awarded him the J. Owen Grundy History Award for his consummate scholarship and monographs on Edward F.C. Young, the Jersey City financier, power broker and owner of the Young estate, which was situated where Saint Peter’s University now stands. Dr. Platt was a lifelong Red Sox fan and an adored uncle. A memorial Mass was held on June 11 at Saint Peter Chapel to celebrate Dr. Platt’s life. He is survived by his sister, Rita Coney, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
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. Ralph J. Astarita ’58 Anthony J. Avallone ’53 Anthony J. Baragona ’60 Dominic J. Barilla ’39 William E. Billack ’51 Catherine L. Bonome ’98 James T. Buckley, Jr., Esq. ’42 Frank Bulzis ’70 Joseph D. Buonadies ’63 William J. Butler ’63 W. David Carew ’60 Charles L. Casner ’61 James J. Chapman ’49 James K. Clark ’85 James C.G. Conniff ’42 Thomas J. Conway, Jr. ’72 Francis X. Crahay, Esq. ’48 Aneillo D’Amelio ’88 John B. Daly ’64 Patrick DeClemente ’78
Frank J. Dewan ’47 Joseph M. Dicks ’58 Thomas J. Doyle, Esq. ’41 George S. Fetchko ’72 James G. V. Fitzgerald ’56 Paul J. Foley ’50 Adriane Gibbs James Gerald Gillick ’50 Alfred R. Goerke ’54 Thomas Haluschka ’70 David D. Haneke ’01 James J. Hasson, Esq. ’52 Raymond M. Hobin, Esq. ’56 Elizabeth W. Howard ’84 George R. Irwin ’59 Richard V. Jablonski ’72 Patrick M. Kirwan ’50 John A. LaRocca ’68 John J. Loughlin ’45 Adelene P. Lynch ’76
John A. Lynskey ’63 Thomas F. Maher ’59 Ronald D. Marotta ’58 Cheryl E. Martin ’84 John J. McCarthy, Esq. ’41 Robert A. McNamara ’55 Albert I. Meisler, D.D.S. ’47 Margaret Kealy Micucci ’71 Frank S. Miklos ’72 Gregory J. Miller ’67 Thomas W. Moore III ’67 Kevin P. Norton ’63 James J. Norton ’54 Ralph L. Nudo ’54 James J. O’Donnell ’47 John H. Pearson ’54 George B. Pepper ’48 George J. Pinyuh ’53 Hermann Krumbhaar Platt, Ph.D. Chester Pogorzelski ’50
Robert D. Sarg ’67 Paul J. Savage ’70 Louis N. Scotti, M.D. ’54 Joachim B. Schweitzer, OSB ’49 Jacquelin Shalhoub ’86 Ronald J. Slakie ’63 John J. Slavin, Esq. ’57 Arthur M. Smith ’58 Erwin G. Szela, Sr. ’49 Vincent G. Tolisano ’54 Henry V. Topoleski ’49 Fernando Trindade David R. Troth ’55 William F. Tuohey ’64 Cosmo Vacca ’87, ’04 Anne B. Vickers John M. Werbalis ’67 John C. Wiegartner ’50 Raymond Zanowski ’69
Saint Peter’s University
31
THEN AND
Now
Cap and Gown Commencement has always been marked by pomp and circumstance, but as the number of Saint Peter’s graduates has grown, so have their efforts to celebrate a great accomplishment. At the University’s 122nd Commencement last May, graduates acknowledged their new status by adding personalized messages, mementos and a whole lot of creativity to the traditional mortar board.
1897
32
Fall 2013
You can help them in their journey to achieve their dreams and make their mark by supporting Saint Peter’s University with a gift of any size. Visit our new and improved secure online giving site at saintpeters.edu/giving to make your gift or pledge today. Where did Saint Peter’s help YOU to go? Tell us at facebook.com/saintpetersalumni.
Donna Lindsey | Manager of Annual Giving | (201) 761-6109 | dlindsey@saintpeters.edu
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 79 S. Hackensack, NJ
Office of University Communications
2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Change Service Requested
Join President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., his wife, AnnMarie, and Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, for an unforgettable eight-day journey through Spain to walk In the Footsteps of Ignatius. Saint Peter's University draws from a rich heritage that goes back to 16th century Spain when a visionary young man, Ignatius of Loyola, responded to God’s call. We will visit places that shaped Saint Ignatius’ life and spirituality and gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural context that gave birth to the Society of Jesus.
June 2-9, 2014 Cost: $2,565.00 per person based on double occupancy (airfare and airport transfers not included)
For more information, please visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/travel or contact Jonathan Staunch at (201) 761-6113 or jstaunch@saintpeters.edu.