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INSIDE: “AlumniIn” Programs

“Send Us More Saint Peter’s Teachers”

The School of Education prepares students for

today’s world

Making Our Mark for Peace Inspired by activists/artists, and continuing a tradition of social justice through creative activism on campus, students were invited to create, as a community, a Praxis of Hope. With the help of artist Ericka Izdebski, students took to the parking lot at the Mac Mahon Student Center last November to tell stories of social and political hope and to manifest that hope in the form of vibrant, spontaneous drawings.

A Passion for LearningAs educators, we at Saint Peter’s Univer-

sity find great joy in the success of all

of our students and alumni. We believe

that our graduates go on to seek magis;

that they leave these halls enthused with

the desire to do more for Christ and for

others. For this reason, seeing our School

of Education alumni carry our passion

for life-long learning to a new generation

of students fills us with a unique sense

of accomplishment.

Over the course of 56 years, Saint

Peter’s has prepared thousands of

students to carry the torch of scholar-

ship into careers as teachers and school

administrators. In fact, more than 4,500

Saint Peter’s alumni have majored in

education, earned graduate degrees in

education, or followed their hearts into

education careers.

Our early adoption of the New Jersey

Alternate Route Program in 1985 has

enabled an additional 3,500 college gradu-

ates to become certified teachers. Clearly,

the seeds planted so faithfully in Jersey

City are taking firm root in classrooms

throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Passion for life-long learning extends

to all of our majors and concentrations.

Through the “AlumniIn” programs fea-

tured in this issue, professionals in law,

finance, healthcare and, soon, education

are networking with their fellow Saint

Peter’s alumni while pursuing profes-

sional certifications and interacting with

industry leaders.

We also believe strongly in education

beyond the classroom, as evidenced

at the 42nd Annual Regents Business

Symposium, where renowned thought

leaders from the world of marketing

shared best practices with hundreds of

business professionals, including current

students and distinguished alumni.

Our cover features a request heard

from a number of school administrators:

“Send us more Saint Peter’s teachers.”

On behalf of the faculty and staff of

Saint Peter’s University and the School of

Education, it gives me great pride to say,

“They’re on the way.”

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.

President

PRESIDENT’S

Message

“The seeds planted so faithfully in Jersey City are taking firm root in classrooms throughout New Jersey and beyond.”

Saint Peter’s University 1 Saint Peter’s University 1

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

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 StargelVice President for Finance and Business

WINTER 2014 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITYVolume 33, Number 2

EditorSarah Malinowski Ferrary Director of University Communications

Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group

Contributors & Editorial AssistanceAngeline BoyerAna M. CravoDaryl Levy

Leah LetoCecilia MartinezGloria Mercurio

PhotographyDeborah GrosmarkMichele LaceyJerry McCreaCatherine MernarJeffrey Vock

FEATURES

10. Aligning Your Brand:

42nd Annual Regents Business Symposium

12. Cover Story: Teaching Teachers

16. Here Comes the Common Core

18. Enduring Connections: “AlumniIn” Groups

20. Raising its Hand: Local Law Firm Makes Leadership

Gift to Students at the Center

DEPARTMENTS

3. University News

22. Donors Who Make a Difference

24. Peacock U

26. Class News and Notes

32. Ad Finem

HOW TO REACH US Alumni News and NotesE-mail: alumni@saintpeters.eduOffice of Alumni Engagement 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306

Letter to the EditorE-mail: smalinowski@saintpeters.eduEditor, Saint Peter’s University 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07306 Telephone: (201) 761-6239Fax: (201) 761-6241

On the cover: Saint Peter’s School of Education graduates are shaping young minds throughout New Jersey and beyond.

CONNECT

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.

IN THIS Issue

2 Winter 2014

IN THIS Issue

UNIVERSITY

News

The Saint Peter’s University community responded to an emergency on the other side of the world with prayer and an outpouring of support.

When Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines

(where it was called “Yolanda”) in early November 2013, it

brought a storm surge of up to 17 feet and wind speeds of

nearly 200 miles per hour, making it the most powerful—

and the deadliest—typhoon on record. After days of lashing

winds and pounding water, government sources confirmed

6,183 fatalities, with 1.9 million people left homeless and

six million displaced.

Within days, the Saint Peter’s University community

responded with prayer and a generous outpouring of

support. On November 13, 2013, Rev. Lito Salazar, S.J., and

Saint Peter’s Asian American Student Union invited the

Saint Peter’s University community to celebrate a special

Mass for the Philippines in Saint Peter Chapel, followed by

a candle procession led by Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., director of

campus ministry.

Fr. Salazar, born and educated in the Philippines, still

has family in the island nation. “As a man of faith and

hope, my heart is guarded (but never exempt!) from the

darkness of despair,” he said. “Firm and constant prayer—

and the offer and promise of prayer by members of the

University community and brother Jesuits—provide

substance to things hoped for, and the generous extension

of charity to me and to those I love.”

In collaboration with Saint Peter’s Prep and St. Aedan’s:

The Saint Peter’s University Church, The Joseph A. Kelly,

S.J. Office of Campus Ministry helped collect 32 crates

of footwear, blankets, bed linens, towels and medicine,

which were sent to the Philippines via the United Nations.

Campus ministry also collected monetary donations,

which were sent to Catholic Relief Services to aid their

work in the Philippines.

Prayer and Provisions for the Philippines

Saint Peter’s University 3

Tracye McDaniel Inaugurates Conversations at the Cliffs Speaker Series Tracye McDaniel, founding president and chief

executive officer of Choose New Jersey, Inc., a

nonprofit organization founded to encourage

economic growth throughout the state, was the

ideal speaker to help kick off the new Conversations

at the Cliffs speaker series on October 2, 2013, at the

Englewood Cliffs campus.

Conversations at the Cliffs was designed to help

nurture business relationships and networking

opportunities near the Englewood Cliffs campus.

McDaniel was able to give attendees an in-depth

look at the overall business environment in the

state of New Jersey. McDaniel spoke about the

many competitive advantages the state offers,

such as its highly educated workforce, as well as

its perfect location in close proximity to a huge

consumer market with seaports and airports

that provide unparalleled global access.

On the subject of education, she discussed

the Building Our Future Bond Act, which

authorized $750 million in state bonds to

provide much-needed capital investments in

New Jersey’s higher education institutions,

as well as the importance of STEM (science,

technology, engineering and math) education.

“In New Jersey, we have more scientists and

engineers per square mile than anywhere else

in the world,” said McDaniel. “That says we

are competitive in STEM and that we have a

stronghold in that market. We have a workforce

that can attract companies very quickly.”

The next Conversations at the Cliffs is scheduled

for May 13.

Englewood Cliffs Mayor Joseph Parisi Jr. and Tracye McDaniel, CEO of Choose New Jersey

FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR YOUNG PEOPLEHundreds of Jersey City schoolchildren are learning valuable lessons in saving, spending and money management using resources and lessons developed by Neal Godfrey, an award-winning author of financial literacy books geared to children and adults. Launched in January at Jersey City’s Public School #34 and Middle School #40, the five-month financial education program consists of activities and take-home materials for students in grades four through eight and their parents. The initiative is offered through the Saint Peter’s University Center for After School and Expanded Learning (CASEL) utilizing a grant from the PNC Bank Foundation. Elnardo J. Webster, Ed.D. ’69, a University trustee, was instrumental in securing the grant, which introduces effective money management to children at an early age and prepares them for real-world challenges.

HISTORIC FIRST MEETING BETWEEN JESUIT SUPERIOR GENERAL AND U.S. COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

Rev. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus, met for the first time with all presidents and board of trustee chairs of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. During this historic meeting at Loyola University Chicago on October 11, 2013, Fr. Nicolás shared his thoughts on how the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, can inspire leadership at today’s institutions of higher education.

University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Francis McGrail ’79, Rev. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus, and Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY

News

4 Winter 2014

CHALLENGE GOAL SURPASSEDIt’s official. Nine months after Saint Peter’s University announced a fundraising challenge to memorialize Rev. Joseph A. Kelly, S.J., a campus minister for more than 20 years, the new office for campus ministry was blessed in the beloved Jesuit’s memory. On December 7, 2013, 60 alumni, friends and family members gathered on the first floor of the Mac Mahon Student Center for the dedication of The Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. Office of Campus Ministry. The naming of the space was sparked by “The Kelly Challenge,” which included a lead gift of $200,000 from Trustee Joseph Gromek ’68 and raised nearly $1 million—double the targeted goal—in gifts, pledges and bequest intentions.

MEET THE FIRST MS. WHEELCHAIR NEW JERSEYSaint Peter’s University M.P.A. Candidate Inaugurates State Pageant

The Garden State has crowned its first Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey: elite athlete, NGO intern and current Saint Peter’s graduate student Maggie Redden ’15. A candidate for a Master of Public Administration degree, Redden took it upon herself to inaugurate the pageant in New Jersey, qualifying for Ms. Wheelchair America 2013, where she placed third runner up last July.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for women like myself to make a difference,” said Redden, who was born in India and contracted polio as a young child. Paralyzed from the waist down, this self-described fighter views unfortunate circumstances as blessings and opportunities. “They have opened many doors for me to go through,” she stated.

The Ms. Wheelchair America program began in 1973 to educate and advocate for the 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Redden, who was adopted at the age of two by Professor of Chemistry Patricia Ann Redden, Ph.D., is a highly accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the organization. A 2007 graduate of Penn State, she competed at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and worked as the community outreach coordinator for New Jersey Paralympic Sport Clubs.

In 2012, she returned to India for the first time and spent the better part of the year working at Shishur Sevay, a home for orphan girls with severe disabilities. The experience made Redden realize two things: she wanted a career in the nonprofit sector and needed an advanced degree to achieve that goal. The M.P.A. at Saint Peter’s was “a good fit” to accomplish both.

In addition to graduate classes, the pageant winner interns with the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (CSW), which works in consultation with the United Nations, and is helping to plan the CSW Forum 2014 in March. “I don’t think the awe of working with UN representatives has worn off yet,” she said.

With the help of a small volunteer board, Redden is also committed to launching a full-fledged statewide pageant this spring and passing the crown on to the next Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey. Competing in the national contest opened her eyes to the program’s enormous potential. “We are educating the public on issues pertaining to women who just happen to have a disability,” she said. “I thought it was important to give others in New Jersey an opportunity to succeed.”

Saint Peter’s graduate student and Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey 2013 Maggie Redden ’15

The Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. Office of Campus Ministry dedication

Saint Peter’s University 5

Sparking Urban Revitalization

Ignite Institute hosts inaugural event

Ignite Institute, Saint Peter’s newest Center of

Excellence, launched its first event on December 6,

2013 in The Duncan Family Sky Room at the

Mac Mahon Student Center. The Institute brings

together representatives from government, indus-

try and higher education to discuss critical issues

related to economic growth and revitalization.

Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Karl Alorbi, Ph.D., called Ignite a focal point for in-

formation, connections and solutions that help local

economies grow. The inaugural program, “Funding

Entrepreneurs: Resources for Entrepreneurs and

Small Business Owners to Help Them Find Money,”

featured an expert panel discussing concrete ways

business owners can obtain financing for their com-

panies, ideas, products and services.

“It was fantastic beyond belief,” Dr. Alorbi said of

the well-attended event, which was facilitated by the

Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation and hosted

by Ignite, the Guarini Institute for Government and

Leadership and the Department of Business Admin-

istration at Saint Peter’s. With the launch of Ignite,

the University is becoming more integrated with the

business community, which is good for students,

Saint Peter’s and the local economy. “The idea is to

work on urban renewal and entrepreneurship in a

sustainable manner so businesses in this area can

grow for a long, long time,” he said.

“The Ignite Institute is exactly what we are talking

about when we speak of taking action,” said Alfa

Demmellash H ’10, chief executive officer of Rising

Tide Capital, when the initiative was announced at an

economic summit at Hudson County Community Col-

lege in November 2013. “We are thrilled to be working

on this initiative with Saint Peter’s University, and we

are excited that our combined efforts will make this

endeavor bigger and better.”

PIZZA & POLITICSThe Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership has hosted many large-scale lectures and symposia at the University, but these events often didn’t give students the opportunity to join in the dialogue. The Institute is now hosting smaller gath-erings called “Pizza & Politics,” which enable the campus commu-nity to listen to guest speakers and discuss important political issues in a relaxed setting.

Upcoming Pizza & Politics guests include Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano Jr. ’77, Michael Soliman ’01, managing direc-tor of Mercury Public Affairs and former state director for Senator Robert Me-nendez ’76, and Ma-ria Nieves, president and CEO, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. For further information, visit saintpeters.edu/guarini-institute.

The Ignite panel discusses issues related to economic growth and revitalization.

Move Gives WSPR Cause to Shout “Voice of Saint Peter’s University” now has a state-of-the-art studio

WSPR Radio, “the voice of Saint

Peter’s University,” has moved to

a professional new studio on the

fourth floor of the Mac Mahon

Student Center.

“The facility has all the requisite

equipment, soundproof interior

and furnishings comparable to

commercial facilities in major

markets,” said Adjunct Professor

of Communication and General

Manager for WSPR Joseph J.

Lamachia. WSPR Radio currently

provides more than two dozen

different programs weekly, with

more than 30 students taking part

as hosts, copywriters, producers,

newscasters, sportscasters, editors,

managers, program developers and

directors. Other positions, including

sales, will be developed in the

coming months.

WSPR held a ribbon-cutting for

the studio on November 20, 2013,

and commemorated the day with

a special on-air guest: former

ESPN anchor and radio host Mike

Yam calling in from the West

Coast to discuss his job as studio

host for the PAC-12 conference.

New studio equipment gives

WSPR hosts an expanded range

of options, including running iPod

playlists, conducting interviews

via cellphone and more.

“This space is tremendous!”

said Ricardo De Jesus ’14,

secretary for WSPR Radio.

Marylou Yam, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, sits at the control desk surrounded by the students of WSPR.

UNIVERSITY

News

6 Winter 2014

“This is where the decision-makers are. This is where the power players are.” So begins a video celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Saint Peter’s University M.B.A. program. The video showcases Jersey City as a dynamic center of commerce and features banking executive Titus Pierce ’12. Established in 1988, the Saint Peter’s M.B.A. has adapted with the changing and complex business environment and now includes specializations in finance, healthcare administration, human resources management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing and risk management. Classes are offered on the Jersey City campus and in Englewood Cliffs. To view the video, visit www.saintpeters.edu/mbavideo.

Saint Peter’s Students Use Game Theory to Predict Global Conflict OutcomesChina calls them the Diaoyu Islands. To Japan,

the chain of uninhabited islands in the East

China Sea are the Senkaku Islands. For decades,

Asia’s two largest powers have been locked in a

territorial dispute that has ignited nationalistic

passions and tense relations.

The conflict is ripe for game theory, an

area of expertise Professor of Mathematics

Brian Hopkins, Ph.D., has introduced to

undergraduates in classes such as “Mathematical

Modeling” and “Topics in Applied Mathematics.”

“Game theory is the mathematical study of

how decision-makers interact,” explained Dr.

Hopkins. Developed in the 1940s, it was initially

used to understand economic behavior and

became more widespread as scholars applied

it to the scientific study of decision-making in

biology, social sciences and international politics.

“One of the first times game theory was

thought of in a political context was the Cuban

Missile Crisis. The United States, Cuba and

Russia were playing a game of Chicken. In

retrospect, it’s not clear that anyone in power

was thinking about it that way,” said Dr. Hopkins,

who also teaches a graduate course in the

Department of Politics at New York University.

“But game theory was still very, very new. Now

it’s more accepted and more people are aware of

it and use it as a tool.”

Game theory is logically demanding, but

employing it in the classroom can lead to

insights on how people, organizations or nations

decide to cooperate or compete. “Usually, I have

students pick a current events topic and use

game theory as a way to model the situation and

make some predications,” Dr. Hopkins continued.

“Six months or a year later, they can go back and

see if the predictions made sense.”

Dr. Hopkins has been a member of the Saint

Peter’s faculty since 2001 and recently became

editor of the College Mathematics Journal. His own

research involves the structure of symmetric

2 x 2 games such as Prisoner’s Dilemma, Stag and

Hare, and Chicken. His passion for the subject is

contagious; during his tenure, approximately 30

undergraduates have conducted original research

with him and several students devoted their

honors theses to game theory.

Samik Adhikari ’11 examined the dynamic

aspect of game theory in his honors thesis by

applying Brams’ Theory of Moves to standoffs

such as the East China Sea conflict and the

Greek debt crisis. Studying game theory with Dr.

Hopkins was among his most interesting and

challenging courses at Saint Peter’s, he said.

Has he used game theory outside of the

classroom? “Absolutely,” he replied. “I think

the whole definition of game theory is that it

helps you make strategic choices no matter

what kind of situations you face.” After Adhikari

completed his bachelor’s in mathematics and

economics at Saint Peter’s, he spent two years

in India as a research assistant with the Centre

for Micro Finance. He is now studying policy

and international development at the Kennedy

School of Government at Harvard University

and also taking a graduate level course in

game theory.

“It helps you think about next steps in

general,” Adhikari said. “It’s helped me a lot in

real life as well—it’s made me a more rational

and logical person.”

Brian Hopkins, Ph.D., introduces game theory in his undergraduate classes.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Saint Peter’s University 7

PARSE WORKSHOP SHAKES THINGS UPSophisticated scientific equipment does not have to break the bank. In fact, at the PARSE Workshop last October, science teachers from across New Jersey built their own fully-functional seismometers for around $300 in parts.

William Gutsch, Ph.D. ’67, distinguished professor of the College of Arts and Scienc-es, described the simple, but effective device as “a slinky toy in a tube, hooked up to a magnet.” When the earth trembles, the coil and the magnet move, creating an electric charge. “It’s a fairly simple device,” he said, “and yet the beauty is, it works.” Indeed, these hand-made monitors are sensitive enough to register a magnitude five quake on the other side of the world.

“This was an attempt to take an inexpen-sive instrument and put it into the hands of high school teachers and their students in northern New Jersey. It’s that simple and that wonderful,” added Dr. Gutsch. “Real scientif-ic instrumentation for not a lot of money.”

PARSE, which stands for Practical Ap-plication of Research in Science Education, was founded in 2008 to develop the next generation of scientists and technologists. The PARSE Institute offers science teachers in Hudson County the opportunity to perform scientific research and incorporate experi-mental findings into their curriculum.

The two-part PARSE workshop was organized by Dr. Gutsch and Debing Zeng, Ph.D., as-sistant professor of physics. Ted Chan-nel, an instrument technician from Boise

State University, and Patrick McQuillan, education and outreach specialist from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seis-mology, helped run the sessions.

SAINT PETER’S PRESENTS PAPER AT HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIESProvost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Marylou Yam, Ph.D., Associate Pro-fessor of Education Jennifer Ayala, Ph.D., and Professor of Sociology and Director of the Title V Program David S. Surrey, Ph.D., presented a paper, “Strengthening the Achievement Gap: A 306 Percent Par-ticipant Action Report,” at the 27th Annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) meeting in Chicago in October 2013.

The paper, co-written with student Valezka Cruz ’14, highlighted many of the activities of the $2.8 million Title V grant, which is used to assist students from ninth grade through

NEW M.S. IN DATA SCIENCE In order to meet the growing demand for data scientists, Saint Peter’s University has developed a Master of Science in Data Science with a concentration in Business Analytics program. Scheduled to start in the fall, the program will integrate courses in analytics, computer science and business intelligence to prepare graduates for careers as predictive modelers, data mining engineers and analysts in data-driven industries such as marketing, finance, banking, healthcare and other relevant fields. The program was developed by computer science engineers to align with best practices in Big Data concepts utilized by industry leaders such as Oracle Corporation, the premier database company in the world. The 12-course/36-credit program is designed for full-time students interested in pursuing careers in industry-specific analytical fields. For more information, visit www.saintpeters.edu/datascience.

FACULTY NOTEBOOK

William Gutsch, Ph.D. ’67

Marylou Yam, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs

Professor of Sociology David Surrey, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Education Jennifer Ayala, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY

News

8 Fall 2013

college graduation. Also discussed were assessment measures and the planning pro-cess. The goal of the HACU annual confer-ence is to provide an opportunity to discuss the latest trends, model programs, research and cutting edge issues of importance to the Hispanic higher education community.

SAINT PETER’S PARTICIPATES IN MARKETING EDGE STUDENT CAREER FORUMMary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., assistant profes-sor of business administration, and 25 Saint Peter’s business students attended the New York City Marketing EDGE Career Forum on November 1, 2013. They heard from guest speakers including Mark Fine, director of digital marketing for the New York Mets. Students were also given the opportunity to build their professional network and get tips from career specialists about resumes, job search, interviewing and more.

MATHEMATICS PROFESSOR ELECTED TO THE FARAKatherine Safford-Ramus, Ed.D., professor of mathematics, was elected Division I representative of the National Collegiate Athletics Association Faculty Athletics Representative Ramus Associate (FARA). Dr. Safford-Ramus has been Saint Peter’s faculty athletics representative for eight years, and has been a member of the mathematics faculty since 1996.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANTSaint Peter’s University is a participating institution in Montclair State University’s grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative for Networking and Engaging in Computer Science and Information Technology Program. The goals of the grant include supporting students through graduate study in computer science and enhancing collaboration among northern New Jersey higher education institutions that offer computer science degree programs. Along with Montclair State, Saint Peter’s will be working alongside other institutions such as Seton Hall University to achieve these goals.

TRIBETA RESEARCH GRANTS Five Saint Peter’s students have been awarded research grants from Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta), the National Bio-logical Honor Society, for four separate studies.

Professor of Biology Laura Twersky, Ph.D., Professor of Biology E. Regina Giuliani, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Biology Jill E. Callahan, Ph.D., serve as research advisors and collaborators. The research will be conducted during this academic year.

“The undergraduate research experience is invaluable in preparing students for their future scientific careers,” said Dr. Twersky. “We are very proud of them.”

Cassandra Demosthenes ’14 and Munazza Rafique ’14; research advisor/collaborator: Dr. L. TwerskyThe effects of curcumin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on neurulation and brain development in Xenopus laevis (clawed frog)Afsha Gouse ’14; research advisors/collaborators: Dr. L. Twersky and Dr. R. GiulianiEffects of erythropoietin on reciprocal inductive effects in eye development of Xenopus laevis (clawed frog)Bernadette Sylla ’14; research advisors/ collaborators: Dr. R. Giuliani and Dr. L. TwerskyThe effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on Xenopus laevis neurodevelopmentNatia Molineros ’14; research advisor: Dr. J. CallahanThe antiplaque analysis of green tea and soursop and examination of synergistic effects with cinnamic and caffeic acids on Streptococcus mutans

Saint Peter’s students at the New York City Marketing EDGE Career Forum last November

(L to R): Cassandra Demosthenes ’14, Afsha Gouse ’14, Bernadette Sylla ’14 and Natia Molineros ’14.

Saint Peter’s University 9 Saint Peter’s University 9

Former NFL commissioner discusses marketing best practices at the 42nd Annual Regents Business Symposium

Aligning Your Brand

The NY/NJ Super BowlHost Committee

recognized this year’sSymposium by

supporting it as a regional event

leading up to the Big Game!

10 Winter 2014

REGENTS

Business Symposium

Months before the hordes descended upon East Rutherford, N.J.,

for the National Football League championship game, hundreds

of attendees at the 42nd Annual Regents Business Symposium

got to hear, first-hand, how the Host Committee selected New

Jersey for this year’s biggest game.

The Symposium is one of New Jersey’s longest-running

forums designed to inspire and educate professionals of all

industries regarding business trends, challenges and best

practices. Paul Tagliabue H ’05, former commissioner of the

National Football League (NFL) and member of the board of di-

rectors of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee, served as the

spotlight speaker. Presenting Sponsor Patton Boggs, Executive

Sponsor United Way of Hudson County and more than 20 other

generous sponsors made the November 8, 2013, event possible.

The Symposium theme, inspired by the imminence of the

sports mega-event, was Brand Alignment: A Powerful Marketing

Tool. Esteemed speakers examined the value of strategic and

creative alignments that can serve to bolster one’s brand,

whether the organization is a start-up, nonprofit, small busi-

ness or established company.

For the first time in over a decade, the Symposium was held

on the Saint Peter’s University Jersey City campus; The Dun-

can Family Sky Room in the Mac Mahon Student Center was

filled with hundreds of business professionals from across the

tri-state area. Louis Ruvolo M.B.A. ’80, ’08, director of graduate

business programs at Saint Peter’s, served as moderator.

In addition to Tagliabue, guests heard from a panel of

well-regarded marketing experts including Porter Gale, former

vice president of marketing for Virgin Atlantic; Bill Rasmussen,

founder of ESPN; and Steve Stoute, marketing and branding

guru and chief executive officer of Translation LLC.

The panel provided valuable recommendations for estab-

lished business leaders, as well as students and recent grad-

uates. “Individuals also have a brand to manage and, when

it comes to students, you should manage your brand as you

would manage a business,” said Gale.

Stoute took the advice a step further. “Online behavior is like

a tattoo for life,” he said. “You have to make sure your backyard

is clean!”

Taking questions from the audience, Tagliabue discussed his

personal role in the discussions that brought the Super Bowl

to New Jersey, as well as his experience in establishing the big

game as not only the “most exciting event in America,” but as

an official “mid-winter holiday.”

Clockwise from top left: The skyline is the backdrop for Louis Ruvolo M.B.A. ’80, ’08, Porter Gale, former vice president of marketing for Virgin Atlantic, Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue H ’05, Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., Steve Stoute, chief executive officer of Translation LLC and Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN; Bill Cozine ’60; Paul Tagliabue H ’05; applause for the speakers; Paul Tagliabue H ’05 and Louis Ruvolo M.B.A. ’80, ’08; the crowd in The Duncan Family Sky Room; Porter Gale; Bill Rasmussen; and Steve Stoute

Aligning Your Brand

Saint Peter’s University 11 Saint Peter’s University 11

TEAC

HING

TEAC

HERS1958 Saint Peter’s College

establishes a full-time undergraduate education program. Patrick J. Caulfield, Ed.D. ’47 becomes the program’s first director and serves for 30 years.

1966 One hundred women begin full-time undergraduate studies in the Day Session at Saint Peter’s, resulting in a greater number of graduates entering the field of elemen-tary education.

1979 The graduate program in education is established by Dr. Caulfield with the support of Saint Peter’s President Rev. Edward Glynn, S.J. The initial focus of the program, administration supervision, propels in-service teachers to positions of educational leadership.

1985 Saint Peter’s launches the Alternate Route Program for college graduates to become certi-fied teachers. To date, the program has awarded certi-fication to more than 3,500 individuals.

2005 Graduate program in education enrollment grows to 450 students, who pursue certifications and advanced degrees in Jersey City, Englewood Cliffs and satellite locations in South Amboy, Kearny and Garfield.

2009 The School of Education is established to enhance the presence and identity of the education program.

2010 New certification programs in school counseling and special education are added.

Pictured in these spreads: classroom scenes from Primary Prep in Jersey City, where an estimated 80 Saint Peter’s students have completed their student teaching.

TIMELINE

12 Winter 2014

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TEAC

HING

TEAC

HERS When Professor Emeritus Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61

observed School of Education students at their assigned

schools last fall, principals came looking for him. “I had

four student teachers in four different schools, and four

principals all came to me and said, ‘Send us more Saint

Peter’s students. We’d love to have them.’”

Beginning as a small undergraduate program in the

late 1950s and growing to a master’s and doctoral degree

granting School of Education that enrolls 475 graduate and

undergraduate students, today Saint Peter’s is recognized for

preparing highly motivated educators with an instinct to lead.

A Teacher to Other TeachersFor many alumni in education, the face of the program

has long been Patrick J. Caulfield, Ed.D. ’47. Known simply

as “Doc” to his students and colleagues, he lobbied hard

for the full-time education program that Saint Peter’s

launched in 1958. Until then, the program had been a one-

man operation, small, but highly effective.

“I don’t think any students were better prepared for a

career in teaching than we were,” said Joseph Ellis, Ed.D. ’59,

one of the program’s early graduates. Dr. Ellis began his

career teaching English in Hackensack, N.J., became English

department chair of the School District of South Orange and

Maplewood, N.J., then assistant principal and principal of

Ridgefield High School in Connecticut. Now retired after more

than 40 years in the field, he remembers his former professor

fondly. “He exhibited a love of teaching and was a teacher in

every sense of the word. Over the years, a lot of people made

an impression on me, but Pat Caulfield gave me my start.”

Dr. Caulfield passed away in 2002, but he set a standard

that lives on today. “One of the things that always attracts

people to the School of Education is that we try to find a

way to help them achieve what they are trying to achieve,”

said Dr. Harty. “Doc never said, ‘Do this.’ We saw the way

he helped so many students enter teaching careers and

continued it.” The introduction of graduate education in 1979,

also initiated by Dr. Caulfield, marked a major turning point.

“We started with the administration supervision program,”

said James P. Jacobson, M.A. ’86, former chair of the education

program. “It enabled students who went through our program

to come back part-time into the graduate program and they

worked their way up to vice principal, principal and superin-

tendent.” This bolstered the education program even further.

“We could reach out to people who knew our program and

were in a position to hire our graduates.”

Graduate programs in the School of Education now include

six master’s degree programs in educational leadership,

reading, school counseling, teaching, special education with

a specialization in applied behavior analysis and special

The proof is in our graduates. For 56 years, Saint Peter’s University has prepared thousands of students with the knowledge, experience and desire to improve teaching and learning in New Jersey classrooms and beyond.

Saint Peter’s University 13

education with a specialization in literacy; seven certifica-

tions and two doctoral degree programs in educational

leadership (K–12) and higher education. Saint Peter’s

was also an early innovator of the State of New Jersey’s

Alternate Route program, a non-traditional program that

has helped an estimated 3,500 college graduates obtain

teaching certification. Teacher programs at Saint Peter’s

are nationally accredited by the Teacher Education

Accreditation Council (TEAC).

Pre-service training is a core component of each

program. “Our Future, Our Teachers” (2011), a national

plan for teacher education reform and improvement by

the Obama administration and United States Depart-

ment of Education, cites the need for rigorous clinical

experience. According to the plan, only 50 percent of

current teaching candidates receive supervised clinical

training and 62 percent of new teachers report feeling

“unprepared for classroom realities.”

“Real-world experience is an integral part of Saint

Peter’s, and our graduates are well prepared for the chal-

lenges and opportunities of 21st century classrooms,”

said Joseph V. Doria Jr. Ed.D. ’68, dean of the School of

Education. Further rigor is cited in the School of

Education’s “Assessment Plan for Teaching Programs

(Graduate and Undergraduate),” which points to a recent

state law that requires the evaluation of new teacher

candidates by mentor teachers, vice principals and

principals before being granted permanent certification.

Since the state began requiring this pre-certification

“induction” year, 100 percent of Saint Peter’s graduates

have been granted permanent certification.

Inspired to LeadWhile the expansion of certificate and degree programs

provided the credentials students needed to enter the

field, Jesuit ideals and values molded graduates into

teachers and effective leaders. “It was the sum of the

Saint Peter’s experience,” said Dr. Ellis. “The Jesuits

really stressed the idea of going beyond where you are

now and becoming a better person through education.

4,500Alumni who either majored in education, earned a graduate degree in education or are working in education.

“...we were taught to give back to the community. You yearn to be in a leadership role to ensure that the mission is achieved.”

14 Winter 2014

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Story

The expectation was that you would go beyond

classroom teaching to have a greater effect on teachers

and students.”

“I loved the Jesuit atmosphere and the can-do atti-

tude of the faculty,” said James Albro, M.A. ’00, the newly

appointed superintendent of schools in Wallington,

N.J. Albro chose the Alternate Teaching Route at Saint

Peter’s for its convenience and returned for a master’s

program that was uniquely tailored to his needs and

goals. “It struck me as a place where students count,” he

explained. “The cura personalis is profound.”

Currently, there are more than 4,500 Saint Peter’s

alumni who either majored in education, earned a

graduate degree in education or work in education

today. Their contributions are sizeable.

Union City High School, for instance, is gaining

national attention at the Intel International Science

and Engineering Fair, due, in large part, to the work of

Science Supervisor Nadia Makar ’69. In their respective

roles as assistant superintendent of Hudson County

Schools of Technology and principal of the highly ranked

High Tech High School, Joseph Sirangelo, Ed.D. ’71 and

Joseph Giammarella, Ed.D. ’71 have turned their schools

into showcases for innovation and success.

A number of graduates are playing vital roles in

perpetuating Jesuit and Catholic education. Jordan

Roldan, M.A. ’11 is a guidance counselor at Boston

College High School; Brian McCabe ’97 serves as dean

of faculty at Xavier High School in New York; and

Loyola Blakefield recently named Anthony I. Day ’92 its

first lay president (see Peacock Profile on page 27).

Doing the Most GoodSaint Peter’s alumni in education bring distinctive gifts

to their schools, whether public, private or faith-based.

“From the Jesuit perspective, we were taught to give

back to the community,” said Roxbury Superintendent

of Schools Patrick Tierney, Ed.D. ’94. “You yearn to

be in a leadership role to ensure that the mission

is achieved.” Dr. Tierney, who majored in business

management and earned his teaching certification

after graduating from Saint Peter’s, saw school

administration as an opportunity to do the most good.

A former special education and business education

teacher at Hackensack High School, he rose from vice

principal to principal and the dual position of principal/

superintendent in various districts.

In 2012, the Roxbury Board of Education appointed

Dr. Tierney superintendent. He oversees 3,900 students,

500 employees, seven school buildings and a budget

of more than $65 million. “It’s a multi-faceted job,” he

said. “My role is to be a facilitator, to listen to the needs

and concerns of students, teachers and administrators.

I draw on all aspects of my education, even going to

school in Jersey City. You’re exposed to diversity and are

able to look at things from a whole different perspective.”

Three for Three “Just great!” is how Primary Prep Principal Maureen

Hoffman describes the Saint Peter’s student teachers

she meets. Hoffman estimates that 80 Saint Peter’s

students have completed their pre-service training at

the Jersey City elementary school, and 10 University

alumni are employed as faculty members. “Saint

Peter’s students are warm, caring and very open to any

kind of suggestion that is going to make them a better

teacher,” she said.

Among the school’s newest teachers is Maria Suazo

’13, an elementary education and Spanish major who

student-taught at Primary Prep last fall. “Student

teaching went really well for me,” said Suazo, who has

since been hired to teach Spanish. Suazo’s classmates,

Samantha Ellis ’13 and Gianna Cafaro ’13, also parlayed

their student teaching assignments into entry-level

teaching positions. All three say they are well prepared

for the challenges that lie ahead. “Teacher assessment

is definitely getting harder, but I’m optimistic,” Suazo

said. “I’m going to do what I have studied and what

I’ve been prepared to do at Saint Peter’s: teach kids

what they need to know to the best of my ability.”

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TIMELINE

2,600Alumni working in or retired from the field of education.

3,500College graduates who have received teaching certification through Saint Peter’s Alternate Route program.

2010 The School of Education introduces a doctoral program in educa-tion leadership to prepare educators to implement strategies to improve teaching and learning.

2012 New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education awards certificate of excellence in teacher education to Saint Peter’s University.

A second doctoral program, a concentration in higher education, is introduced.

2013 Renovations begin on Dinneen Hall, the new home for the School of Education and the School of Business. When completed in 2014, the School of Education will have a state-of-the-art facility for teaching, learning and collaboration.

2014 Saint Peter’s will soon launch its fourth networking group, Alumni in Education. The group will provide a forum for educators to meet fellow professionals, share best practices and reconnect with their alma mater. Contact Claudia Pope-Bayne at cpopebayne@saintpeters.edu for more information.

Joseph Cirillo ’96, ’04, ’14, superintendent of schools, Palisades Park School District, is the first doctoral student to complete the University’s Ed.D. Program and successfully defend his dissertation within the School of Education. This rigorous 54-credit program and dissertation defense was completed in 3 1/2 years.

Saint Peter’s University 15 Saint Peter’s University 15

Schools are getting ready for some big

changes next fall. Forty-five states,

including New Jersey, have adopted

the Common Core State Standards.

This nationwide initiative to establish

consistent academic benchmarks and

standards has sparked great debate

among parents, educators and community

members. School of Education faculty

members James “Jake” Jacobson, M.A. ’86,

Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61 and Nicole Luongo,

Ed.D., weigh in on the Common Core and

what it may mean for students, teachers

and New Jersey schools.

What is the rationale for New Jersey adopting the

Common Core?

Jake Jacobson: You have to go back a little way. We’ve

had what were called the New Jersey Core Curriculum

Content standards. Those were developed over the last

10 to 12 years in all subjects. A lot of the states had

their own standards.

Nicole Luongo: In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act

came into play and that law established standards for

each state as well as assessments. Before that time,

there really wasn’t a standard to say ‘At the end of

fourth grade, this is what every child should be able to

do.’ So I think that was the reason behind having any

sort of standards.

JJ: The state is ultimately responsible for the school

systems. They allow individual towns to run the

schools, unless they mess it up. Then the state will

come in and take over. Basically, name a big urban

school district in New Jersey, and the state is there…

Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Camden. The idea with

adopting standards is that if we are all teaching the

same thing, it will help the lower achieving schools

catch up.

Not every subject will go to the Common Core,

though. In New Jersey, schools will still use the Core

Curriculum Content standards for things other than

reading or math. So for social studies, it’s not Common

Core, it’s New Jersey Core Curriculum.

Here Comes the Common

Core16 Winter 2014

10 MINUTES with...

Will that mean more or less of a change for day-to-day

teaching and learning in classrooms?

Harry Harty: Some of the new standards for the

Common Core are not as specific as the New Jersey

Core Curriculum standards. But they still do the same

basic things. For example, look at one of the reading

standards, ‘Be able to read and interpret a passage’ or

‘Analyze two different passages and compare them.’

We’ve been doing that forever. That’s what you do when

you teach reading.

NL: I know a lot of teachers are what we call, ‘teaching

to the test,’ yet teachers know where they need to go.

They know there is a set of criteria and assessments

that students have to get to. How you get there is where

you get your skilled educator. That’s where you are able

to be creative, that’s where you’re able to implement

different teaching and learning strategies. And it’s kind

of exciting. Do I think it will completely change the way

teachers teach in the classroom? I hope not. It may,

because teachers will be nervous about meeting the

standards and all of the pressures that come along with

that. But I’m hoping it doesn’t.

There has been a lot of outcry from parents and teachers

that there is too much of a focus on standardized testing.

Does that concern you?

JJ: Yes, for the usual reasons that you read about. It’s

putting a lot of pressure on the teachers and students.

It’s taking away from teaching days. People feel we’re

going to evaluate you as a teacher based on how well

your students pass the test. A lot of people find fault

with that because it’s not a really good evaluative tool

for teachers.

HH: And it’s not just the amount of testing days. We

spend a tremendous amount of time getting students

in New Jersey ready for that specific test.

NL: When I used to test students, it wasn’t at the end

of the year. I believe some of the tests are conducted in

March—so is that really a test of the full grade level?

There are advantages, though. I think having a

Common Core for the entire United States works in

theory. As a teacher, you know that every child that

leaves first grade has to be able to do X, Y and Z. If that

child moves from New Jersey to Utah, their second-

grade teacher should be able to jump right in because

the student was able to complete first-grade material.

You also will have a baseline when students move from

district to district or state to state.

Is there a better way to measure learning outcomes?

JJ: I think there is a place for the testing. I don’t

think there should be so much of it, or as much of an

emphasis on it. I don’t know that we have figured out

accurately enough to gauge how effective a teacher is

by the scores that students attain on a test. But I don’t

mind testing three or four days out of the year.

HH: When you look back at our generation, the

perception is that everyone worked really hard in

school and the teachers drove everything. How do

we know that? Because we never were tested the

way students are today. So maybe good things are

happening in schools, but the tests can’t show that.

They don’t show what the teachers are doing. The most

important thing is to have students develop a positive

attitude about learning, and the tests don’t necessarily

show that. And in some ways they may even destroy it.

What is the role of Saint Peter’s University in preparing

educators for more uniform standards and assessments?

JJ: Our role is really simple. Our students need to be

aware of these standards. Let’s say I’m teaching a class

on how to teach reading to young children. I’m making

sure my students know all the Common Core standards

for teaching reading, language arts and literacy, and they

know how to teach them. So when they are out there

working, they know how to develop a lesson plan based

on those standards…

HH: …And when we go out to observe student teaching,

they have to give us a formal lesson plan, and we

evaluate their lesson plan, which has to include New

Jersey Core Curriculum standards. So whatever students

are teaching, they have to find the corresponding

standard, where it appears and trace it down, so you see

precisely what they are teaching. continued on Page 28

Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61, Nicole Luongo, Ed.D. and James Jacobson, M.A. ’86

Saint Peter’s University 17

ENDURING CONNECTIONS

“AlumniIn” groups bring graduates back to the fold

“AlumniIn”

PROGRAMS

NETWORKING 101Saint Peter’s University asked Daniel Joyce ’79, principal with LPL Financial, what attendees should expect from their first networking event. “It’s important to go into networking opportunities without any expectations, good or bad,” he advised. “This is a great way to develop and start building relationships.” He offered the following tips for honing your networking skills:1: Stay open to

people; talk about things that help you get to know each other better.

2: Ask for a business card. They won’t offer unless you ask.

3: Follow up; go out for coffee. Follow-up is of primary importance.

He added, “I always have a fantastic time at Saint Peter’s events. They always go first class and have a great group of people.”

As of January 2014, more than 200 million people

were registered with LinkedIn worldwide, and two

new members join every second. The top reasons for

joining include finding a job and making business

connections.

The Saint Peter’s University “AlumniIn” programs

have given a rapidly growing number of Saint Peter’s

alumni an even richer incentive to “link in.” The Hon.

Kevin G. Callahan, J.D. ’69 put it best when he said,

“These networks reconnect successful professionals

with the school they love, so their experience can

be made available to today’s students.” Callahan is a

founding member of the Alumni in Law networking

group host committee, which, along with Alumni in

Finance and Alumni in

Healthcare, has recon-

nected hundreds of

Saint Peter’s graduates

with the school that

shaped their lives and

careers.

The “AlumniIn”

groups leverage the

reach and ease of

LinkedIn to provide

an opportunity for

individuals to partici-

pate, learn, exchange

ideas and explore new

professional relation-

ships while connect-

ing and engaging with

the University.

The first of the groups, Alumni in Finance, now

in its fourth year, has united nearly 400 Saint Peter’s

University graduates and friends from all fields of

finance. Its most recent event, on December 4, 2013,

drew more than 100 alumni in the business and

financial sector, as well as students interested in

business management, to the Down Town Associa-

tion in New York. Guest speaker Thomas M. Joyce,

former chairman and CEO of Knight Capital Group,

spoke about the securities industry market structure

and how competition, regulation and technology are

impacting its financial design. He also discussed the

importance of ethics and strong management.

Venue is an important part of an Alumni in Fi-

nance event. “We keep it in Manhattan, in a finan-

cial venue,” said founding host committee member

Robert A. Cutro ’75, managing director (retired) of

Barclays Capital. “Everyone understands that

atmosphere.” Cutro forecasts steady growth for the

group. “We learn from every event what we should

be doing for the next one.”

The success of Alumni in Finance was followed

by the launch of Alumni in Healthcare in Decem-

ber 2011. The group provides a forum for long-time

healthcare professionals to offer insights and discuss

current industry challenges with recent alumni and

current students.

“I am impressed with the caliber of the industry

leaders we bring in as speakers,” said Nikki Mederos

’07, ’10, director of external affairs and patient

relations at Palisades Medical Center. “I appreciate

the opportunity to

learn from experts,

network, and keep

in touch with my

alma mater.”

Alumni in Law,

the youngest of the

groups, was launched

in response to an

insight from Judge

Callahan. When the

former New Jersey

Superior Court judge

returned to teach at

Saint Peter’s in 2012,

he noticed how many

accomplished lawyers

and jurists call Saint

Peter’s their alma mater

and proposed ways of reaching out and bringing

them back into the fold. The project began with a

continuing legal education course, which is manda-

tory to practice in the state of New Jersey.

“We opened that up to our alumni for free. It has

now blossomed and we’re thinking of doing other

things with them. Honoring some alumni. Holding a

dinner. Bringing them in for tours. Helping them con-

tinue the legal education that is so vital for all these

attorneys,” said Judge Callahan. In a short period of

time, Alumni in Law has successfully gathered more

than 100 alumni and friends to continuing legal edu-

cation lectures and other events.

Alumni of the University’s vaunted education pro-

gram will soon have an “In” of their own. See page 15

for news about the first meeting of the Saint Peter’s

University Alumni in Education group.

From left: Alumni in Finance (AiF) Host Committee Member Andres Cifuentes ’04, University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., featured speaker Thomas Joyce, and AiF Host Committee members Robert Cutro ’75 and Thomas Jordan ’63

Saint Peter’s University 19

Raising itsHand

SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AT GENOVA BURNS GIANTOMASI WEBSTER ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW

Nicholas R. Amato, Esq. ’61George L. Garcia, Esq. ’95Frank J. Giantomasi, Esq. ’76Patrick W. McGovern, Esq. ’76Eugene T. Paolino, Esq. ’69George L. Schneider, Esq. ’62Kenneth J. Sheehan, Esq. ’94David A. Tango, Esq. ’02

The support of contributors like Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster Attorneys-at-Law

helps Saint Peter’s University maintain its commitment to the Jesuit ideal of cura

personalis. The Newark-based firm, which employs eight alumni, recently made a

commitment of $555,000 to the University, helping push Students at the Center: The

Campaign for Saint Peter’s University over the $60 million mark.

George Garcia, Esq. ’95, Eugene Paolino, Esq. ’69 and Frank Giantomasi, Esq. ’76

Local Law Firm Makes Leadership Gift to Students at the Center

20 Winter 2014

ADVANCEMENT

Partner Frank Giantomasi, Esq. ’76 addressed the firm’s

ongoing support. “Saint Peter’s University is New Jer-

sey’s only Jesuit university, and it stands for liberal arts

education,” he said. Giantomasi appreciates the

real-world experience students receive at Saint Peter’s.

He experienced it firsthand and now sees value in

making that experience—and more—available to

students. “It’s a school that’s going to educate you in

philosophy, in theology, in literature, and we see that the

University is preparing people in the most well-rounded

fashion for a life experience. So that’s what we like.”

Although their tenures at the University span several

decades and a wide range of individual experiences, the

alumni who work at the firm share a deep-seated com-

monality in their outlook on education. “We believe in

a liberal arts education at our firm and we live it every

day,” said Giantomasi. “We don’t believe in the training

school model as being the best preparation for life and

what it encounters. So we’re very bullish on Saint

Peter’s, and, to that extent, we made the commitment to

the contribution to include participating in the growth

and development of Saint Peter’s in the coming years.”

George Garcia, Esq. ’95 is an attorney at Genova Burns

Giantomasi Webster. He appreciates working with indi-

viduals who believe in supporting Saint Peter’s Univer-

sity, where he gained so much. “I’m a city kid with a

single mom who had four kids,” he said. “It’s absolutely

fantastic that I can give back and work with people who

are giving back to the University.”

Eugene Paolino, Esq. ’69 is not only a partner at

Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster, but also counsel to

Saint Peter’s University. Reflecting on the University’s

recent growth, he said, “I am immensely proud of

being part of the talented team assembled by President

Cornacchia that helped bring to reality the Mac Mahon

Student Center.” He also addressed the progress and

changes that have occurred since his days as a student.

“While I was a student at Saint Peter’s College, my

concerns were simpler. Today, my concerns as general

counsel extend to the entire Saint Peter’s community:

I now return to that community in a different capacity

and at a different stage, bringing a great deal of care,

concern and commitment to a place that nourished me

when I was among the many in need.”

Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs

Michael A. Fazio said, “The firm’s commitment is an

inspiring example of corporate citizens in action. Frank,

Gene, George and their colleagues saw the real, mean-

ingful impact their gift would make. So they raised their

hand and, as a result, our students and our University

are now stronger.”

Giantomasi also sees the simultaneous growth at

Saint Peter’s University and in Jersey City as interwoven

elements that reflect urban society-at-large. “The

University is a wide-open campus that’s integrated

and part of urban American living and the urban

American renaissance that we’re seeing,” he said.

“People are moving back to the cities, people want to

be next to educational institutions, universities,

hospitals and mass transportation, and that’s why

Saint Peter’s is part of this whole resurgence in Jersey

City. You can’t separate the two.”

North/Central Jersey Spring 2011

Campaign Priority Progress

Campaign Progress

Goal Reached $1 MillionAthletics (Peacock Nation):

$1,227,984

75% $1 MillionJesuit Mission & Identity:

$752,043

96% $5.5 Million Academics:

$5,293,891

Goal Reached $7.5 MillionEndowment:$9,119,589

Goal Reached $12 MillionThe Saint Peter Fund:

$16,374,083

82% $35 Million Student Center:

$28,741,191

99% $62 Million$61,509,581

Raising itsHand

Saint Peter’s University 21 Saint Peter’s University 21

Profiles in Philanthropy

Coming Full CircleFive years ago, Anthony Amato ’72 learned that his

goddaughter, Jamie Lisanti ’13, planned to enroll at Saint

Peter’s University. Jamie’s choice of colleges inspired the

Bayonne native to reconnect with an institution that had

played an integral role in his own life, helping shape him

as an adult.

His curiosity about the present-day University led

to a meeting with Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05, associate vice

president for advancement and external affairs. He was

taken on a tour of the modernized campus and learned

about the University’s many new initiatives. This was

followed by an introduction to Ann Tritak, Ed.D., R.N.,

dean of nursing.

After his encounter with Dr. Tritak, Amato said,

“Everything was coming together for me.” The

alumnus explained his desire to honor his late wife and

her inspiring career as a neonatal intensive care nurse.

“Throughout her nursing career, Joanne touched the

lives of hundreds of moms and dads and, as she referred

to them, all of ‘her babies,’” Amato said. “The Joanne

Amato Excellence in Clinical Nursing Award will once

again give my Joanne a chance to touch people’s lives

and remain part of the ongoing success stories in nurs-

ing at the University.”

Although his niece graduated last spring, Amato’s

renewed relationship with Saint Peter’s University has

continued. “Since meeting the members of the current

administration, I got a real feel for their commitment to

a significant action plan,” he said. “I knew I wanted to be

part of this. Saint Peter’s, its staff and the reach of the

alumni and supporters are, and will be, there for you.

That is one powerful, broad network to tap into.”

Looking Ahead by Giving BackAlumni can make a difference no matter how much—

or little—time has passed since they graduated.

Saugat Karki ’11 is proof of that. The recent graduate,

now a controller at Goldman Sachs, majored in eco-

nomics, with minors in mathematics and accounting.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for the

education I received at Saint Peter’s and a generous

Presidential Scholarship. Now it’s my turn to give back,”

he said. And give back he has, along with Goldman

Sachs, through the company’s matching gift program.

From his involvement in organizations including

Omicron Delta Epsilon, the Student Alumni Association

and the Leadership Education and Development Program,

to his enjoyment of cultural experiences on- and off-

campus, Karki maximized his time as a student.

“Being close to New York City was always exciting,“

he said, and cites the class ‘Art in the City,’ taught by

Professor of Fine Arts and Department Chair Jon D.

Boshart, Ph.D., as the perfect embodiment of the New

York City cultural experience. “Every week we went on

an educational tour of a museum in the city. I would

highly recommend his class.”

Karki offered advice to current students: “When

setting any kind of goal, be realistic in assessing your

current abilities or situation, but always aim higher than

you think you can when assessing your potential to ac-

complish something,” he advised. “You may be surprised

at how far you can go with a little bit of extra motiva-

tion, hard work and preparation.”

Karki looks to the future not only for himself, but

for the University as well. “I hope that Saint Peter’s

continues to reach new heights in its new path as a

university, while striving to maintain the Jesuit tradition

of cura personalis,” he said.

22 Winter 2014

DONORS WHO MAKE A

Difference

Local Education, Global Commitment “I could be a student all my life. Saint Peter’s taught me

that,” said Vera Nazarian ’05, who attended Saint Peter’s

University’s Englewood Cliffs campus as a nontraditional

student. She had already completed college in her native

Argentina before moving to the United States, having

three children and establishing her own business. When

she was ready to expand her horizons once more, she

found what she was looking for at Saint Peter’s.

“Saint Peter’s broadened my view about the American

system of education,” she said. “I’m grateful for the way

Saint Peter’s prepared me to go to graduate school.” After

graduating from the University, Nazarian went on to

earn a master’s degree in human rights from Columbia

University.

Nazarian’s current endeavors span the globe. She is

the founder of Iniciar for Global Action, an international

foundation that supports interdisciplinary partnerships

on the local, regional and global levels to promote reform

and sustainable development. Nazarian is of Armenian

descent and also serves as a delegate and advisor at the

Armenian Mission, focusing on topics such as human

rights and nuclear disarmament.

Nazarian said she gives back to the University to show

her gratitude for the way Saint Peter’s contributed to her

current success. She requested that her gift be used for

continuing education, specifically at the Englewood Cliffs

campus.

A seasoned marathon runner, Nazarian is no stranger

to perseverance. She understands the challenges of start-

ing college at any point in life, and offered some wise

words for those who doubt their own abilities. “We need

to learn. We need to keep our minds open, feed our soul,

our hearts and our brain. Don’t be afraid of doing that.

Educate yourself until the last breath in life.”

Gratitude with PrideKatrina Sabater, M.D. ’00 and Patrick Annello, M.D. ’99

were both undergraduate students at Saint Peter’s

University with full scholarships and their eyes on

medical school. They met while working as tutors at

the Center for Advancement of Language and Learning.

After graduating from Saint Peter’s, Drs. Sabater and

Annello went on to the Stritch School of Medicine at

Loyola University Chicago. Later, they completed their

anesthesiology residencies together at New York

Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan.

They are married with three children.

Part of their history together also includes involve-

ment with the University’s recent developments. “The

growth of this institution has been absolutely tremen-

dous,” said Dr. Annello. “I sat on the strategic planning

committee to help plan the next phases in student

housing and student life on campus.”

Dr. Sabater concurred. “The new campus and student

center facilities are breathtaking,” she said. “It makes

me feel very proud to be an alumna.”

Dr. Sabater’s pride in the University is also the result

of her experience as a student. She was able to custom-

ize her own minor. “I was a biology major and wanted to

minor in music,” she said. “I was able to design my own

curriculum with my faculty advisor. This is, I believe,

the most special aspect of Saint Peter’s. The education is

truly individual, and the support is there.”

The couple’s ties to Saint Peter’s have laid the

groundwork for their choice of giving opportunity. Dr.

Annello credits the University and the late Rev. James

N. Loughran, S.J., Ph.D., former University president, for

his success. “Saint Peter’s and Fr. Loughran believed in

me and took great interest in my dreams and goals. I

want to make sure that young adults have the same

opportunities that I was given.” Saint Peter’s University 23

In 1995, Sebastiaan “Bas” DeVoogd ’97

made a big impression—in fact, a 7'

impression. As the starting

center on the Saint Peter’s men’s bas-

ketball team, he helped the Peacocks

win that season’s Metro Atlantic Athletic

Conference (MAAC) championship.

DeVoogd’s journey from the Neth-

erlands to Saint Peter’s had been quite

deliberate. While he was being recruited

by colleges, he had two paramount con-

siderations. “When I came to America,

I wanted to be somewhere interesting

and not in the middle of nowhere,” he

said. “So the location definitely played

a role for me to be at Saint Peter’s. But

another factor for me was the size of

the school. I wanted to go to a small

school.” DeVoogd wanted to be in a

place where he could make personal

connections with his coaches as well as

his professors.

DeVoogd played professional bas-

ketball in Germany, Belgium and the

Netherlands before returning with his

family to the United States to settle in

Edison, N.J.

Eighteen years after playing basket-

ball for Saint Peter’s College, DeVoogd

accompanied his daughter, Kaycee

DeVoogd ’17, to Accepted Students Day

at Saint Peter’s University. He encoun-

tered several familiar faces. “Quite a

few of my professors and other people

who were there when I was there, are

still there,” he said.

A legacy of competitive sportsmanship proves what they say about families that play together…

All

in t

he

Fam

ily

Kaycee DeVoogd ’17 and her father, Sebastiaan “Bas” DeVoogd ’97

24 Winter 2014

PEACOCK

U

The younger DeVoogd, who plays

forward-center on the women’s

basketball team, initially thought

a rural college setting might be the

way to go. But after learning more

about Saint Peter’s University, she

shifted the direction of her search.

“I knew I wanted to be close to

home,” she said. “And I love going to

Hoboken.” Like her father, she also

appreciates the personal nature of

being at a smaller school. “I like that

at this school, I’m not a number.” In

fact, during her first semester at the

University, she was in a class taught

by Joyce Henson, Ph.D., associate

professor of business administra-

tion, who had also taught her father.

These days, the senior DeVoogd

finds himself on campus often,

as he attends all of his daughter’s

home games, and it’s an experience

he’s still getting used to. He said,

“The campus looks so much better.

Even what they call ‘the old cafete-

ria’ is better than the cafeteria that

we used to have. The new student

center is just beautiful, fabulous. My

wife said, ‘I used to drive up here to

see you and it’s really weird to drive

up here to see our daughter now.’”

DeVoogd is surprised and pleased

to reconnect with his alma mater.

“The heart of Saint Peter’s, I don’t

think that’s changed—the people are

still the same. That’s still the reason

why I enjoyed my four years there,

and I enjoy coming back,” he said.

Kaycee DeVoogd, an international

business major, keeps an eye on a

MAAC championship as a way to

deepen her family’s legacy at the

University. “I really want to win

one, just so I can say I have one

with him,” she said. “It’s something

I never thought I would think was

cool, but the longer I’m here, it’s

really cool to say, ‘My dad went

here!’ It’s not a connection many

people have.”

From her hopes for a MAAC title,

to her appreciation of the small

class size, to the close proximity to

Hoboken, Manhattan and her New

Jersey hometown, DeVoogd spoke

about Saint Peter’s with enthusiasm

and energy. “Everyone really does

know everyone. It’s a little commu-

nity,” she said.

DeVoogd’s pride in his daughter

is undeniable. “Since I came from

overseas and returned [to Europe]

after graduation, I could never imag-

ine my daughter returning to Saint

Peter’s,” he said. “When I first visited

Saint Peter’s, I was culture shocked.

It was my first time in the United

States, and initially I questioned if

Saint Peter’s was the right fit for me.

However, the people made me feel at

home and I think that has played a

factor for Kaycee, as well.”

The Family that Plays Together: Meet the Jimenez Siblings“Before coming to Saint Peter’s Uni-

versity, Peter told me that joining a

team would change my college

experience,” said Vera Jimenez ’17,

“and he was absolutely right!”

“Peter” is Vera’s big brother, Peter

Jimenez ’13, who swam for the

Peacocks on an athletic scholarship.

Another brother, Paolo Jimenez ’15,

currently competes in breaststroke/

freestyle for the University, while

Vera manages the soccer team.

“When Paolo and I were on the

swim team, we would travel to

practice and meets together, while

also offering each other advice

on both athletics and academics.

Attending Saint Peter’s at the same

time as my brother allowed me to

form a relationship with him that

I really cherish,” said Peter. “Now

that I’ve graduated, I come back and

watch my brother race. ”

With differing interests and

sports, Vera and Paolo assumed

they would all go their separate

ways. “Fortunately,” said Paolo,

“Saint Peter’s had everything we

were all looking for.”

“The campus looks so much better. The new student center is just beautiful, fabulous.”

Batter’s Up!Peacock softball has welcomed a new head coach. A former assistant coach at Adelphi University, Ken Passante enters the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) excited to work with the team and get the season going. Passante got his first example of Peacock loyalty and team spirit when he learned that the team had been running practices even before he was hired. “They were out there practicing on the field by themselves, trying to make things work,” he said. “I really couldn’t have been dealt a better hand.” Practices commenced on January 16, and the season kicked off at Coastal Carolina University on March 1.

Saint Peter’s University 25 Saint Peter’s University 25

1952

Richard P. Gallagher, Sr. and his wife, Marge, of Richmond, Va., celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on October 11, 2013.

1953

C. Richard Hollenbach and his wife, Lois, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Decem-ber 26, 2013. In recognition, they returned to their honeymoon location in the Poconos.

1956

Joseph L. Konzelman, D.D.S., has been named president of the Walter Reed Society, which was founded in 1996 to benefit the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and its educational, patient, treat-ment and research activities.

1958

Donald P. MacDonald, a 12-year Hospice of Michigan volunteer, was named the “Heart of Hospice” award winner by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. This is the highest award given by the orga-nization, which has 130 member hospices across the state.

1974

John A. Anderson was elected councilman in New Brunswick, N.J. This was his first try at elected office after having been appointed to the New Brunswick Parking Authority.

1976

William F. Regan has joined Capstone Financial Group in Irvine, Calif., as chief operating officer.

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 after- math. The book is available at Xlibris.com, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

1980

Joseph M. Redling was recently named president of consumer services for the United States and Canada for Vonage Holdings Corp.

1984

Michael T. Corridon, CPA, was recently named “CFO of the Year–Best Growth Manager” by NJBIZ magazine.

1997

Xavier High School in Manhattan named Brian McCabe dean of faculty last fall. Prior to the appointment, McCabe served the Jesuit secondary school as dean of students, encouraging new levels of personal growth and responsibility among the Xavier student body.

2002

Leesandra Medina was recently presented with the “Estrella del Condado de Essex Award” (Stars of Essex County) at the Annual Essex County Latino Heritage Celebration.

2006

Christine (Zappella) Simone received a master’s degree in art history from CUNY Hunter Col-lege. She is currently a doctoral student in art history at the Univer-sity of Chicago, focusing on Italian Renaissance paintings.

Engagements

Agustina N. Manganiello ’12 is engaged to Peter J. Walukiewicz, ATC, former assistant athletic trainer for Saint Peter’s University. They will be married in September 2014 in Puerto Rico with Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., director of campus ministry and University

chaplain, officiating.

Marriages

David A. Bryngil ’91, director of recreational life, The Victor R. Yanitelli Recreational Life Center and the Mac Mahon Student Center, married Nina Di Rienzo on November 1, 2013 at Saint Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, N.J., with the recep-tion at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, N.J. The reception was attended by Mike Burgess ’94, John Burke ’93, John DeStefano ’73, Brian Dorsey ’91, Patricia Gentile ’03, Alissa Musto-Morris ’90, Richie Peluso ’95, Jenny Rosetti ’06, Carla Tharp ’01 and Kristopher Tharp ’01.

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.

facebook.com/saintpetersalumni

Join us on

Connections are happening everyday on our

Alumni Facebook page. Don’t miss out on the action!

26 Winter 2014

CLASS NEWS & Notes

PEACOCK PROFILE

Called to Catholic EducationANTHONY DAY ’92 NAMED FIRST LAY PRESIDENT OF LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD

When Anthony I. Day ’92 began his studies at Saint Peter’s

University, he intended to become a veterinarian.

Fortunately for the students, alumni and faculty of Loyola

Blakefield, a Jesuit preparatory school for boys in Towson,

Md., Day heard the call toward Catholic and Jesuit education.

Last September, following an extensive national search, the

Loyola Blakefield Board of Trustees unanimously appointed

Day the first lay president of the school. Day, who had served

the school as principal and interim president, was also

named director of work, with responsibility for guiding the

school’s Ignatian mission.

“I have the best job in the world,” said Day, who has spent

more than 25 years engaged with Jesuit education. He traces

his path back to Saint Peter’s, where he was deeply immersed

in campus ministry and discovered a love of English liter-

ature. In his senior year, Day began to consider teaching as

a career, and Rev. Carsten Martensen, S.J., the University’s

director of campus ministry at the time, pointed him toward

Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y.

“I was so energized by the experience,” said Day, who

taught five sections of freshman English his first year at

Fordham Prep. “For me, Jesuit education was something I was

locked into spiritually and emotionally. I was convinced that

this was the place for me.” Day went on to earn a master’s

degree in education from Fordham University and a Master of

Letters from Drew University. He taught English at Regis High

School in Manhattan and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child

in Summit, N.J. In 2006, he returned to Regis as assistant prin-

cipal and became principal of Loyola Blakefield in 2008.

Educators like Day, who bring firsthand experience of Jesuit

education, have been crucial to sustaining and growing the

mission of the Society of Jesus. “I think our mission is rooted

in our faith,” said Day. “It’s a compass for so many of us.” He

also sees a tremendous resolve among Ignatian educators

who embrace the mission of the Society of Jesus as their

own. “There’s a sense of urgency that exists for a lot of us,” he

continued. “Urgency pushes us toward the magis and to seek

more. We’re seeking to be better all the time and if we act

with a sense of urgency, we don’t become complacent and are

always moving our schools forward.”

Formally installed as president of Loyola Blakefield on

November 5, 2013, Day spoke about the responsibility of the

Loyola school community to set the standard. “We can never

be completely satisfied being amazing one day, and mediocre

the next,” he said. “There’s no room for that here. We must

remain forever unsettled in a way that pushes us toward

greatness every day we set foot on campus and every day we

represent this fine institution.”

A member of the Saint Peter’s Board of Regents, Day is

married to Laura Higney Day ’86, a college counselor at Notre

Dame Preparatory School in Baltimore. The couple has three

children.

“For me, Jesuit education was something I was locked into spiritually and emotionally. I was convinced that this was the place for me.”

Saint Peter’s University 27

Pictured at top (L to R): Sharon Pastore ’73, Joe Giordano and Sommelier Ron Bartels. Above (L to R): Robert Donato ’65, Carmel Galasso ’79, Ana Cravo and Thomas F. Wraback ’83.

Alumni and Friends Gather for Wine Tasting at the Center

NL: Every teacher who comes out of the School of Education at

Saint Peter’s has to know about the Common Core standards and

assessment. I teach a class called “Tests and Measurements.”

A lot of students come into the course thinking we’re going to

talk about creating tests, but it’s really about the whole idea of

assessment, and that is a process. What I think the standards have

given us is that now at every grade level there are standards that

are very much like learning objectives. So, if you use each standard

as a learning objective in your classroom, you can then go back,

evaluate and possibly modify the lesson plan.

If you could change the present system of standards and

assessment, what would it be?

JJ: I would like to get more of the people in education involved in

the regulation and laws that affect education.

So a seat at the table?

JJ: Not only a seat at the table, a big seat at the table. I think with

more teachers and administrators making the regulations and

laws, it would come out to be a fairer system.

Given the greater accountability of teachers as well as competition

for jobs, how do you feel about the future of the profession?

HH: The high schools I have gone in to observe are fantastic. High

school students want to achieve. They still want to learn; they

still respect teachers. I’ve seen that in the urban and suburban

schools. For the future, I think it’s just as bright for our graduates

today as when I was in school. I don’t think people have changed

that much.

JJ: But I would disagree with Harry a little bit. While I agree that

students are more or less the same, the teachers themselves

are finding a different environment in the schools. There’s more

testing to be a teacher, there’s a greater GPA requirement. It’s a

whole different game. But those coming into it don’t know what it

was like before, so they’re not necessarily missing anything.

NL: You have to love it. I always say to my students, ‘If you don’t

love what you are doing, if you don’t have a passion for this job,

don’t get into teaching.’ You have to feel that fire when you get in

front of a group of children. And there’s always going to be a need

for teachers. I would hire the majority of education students I had

in my language arts class last semester. They were that good, and

that motivated, creative and excited about teaching. So I do have a

positive feeling about the future of this profession.

James Jacobson, M.A. ’86 is associate professor of education and former

chair of the education program. Harry Harty, Ed.D. ’61 is professor

emeritus of education. Nicole Luongo, Ed.D., has been a member of the

Saint Peter’s University faculty since 2006. Prior to Saint Peter’s, she

taught first, second and fourth grade in Rockaway Borough public schools.

Here Comes the Common Core continued from Page 17

Alumni and friends gathered in The Duncan Family Sky Room

at the Mac Mahon Student Center for an insightful and infor-

mative presentation by Sommelier Ron Bartels, followed by

wine tastings paired with cheeses and hors d’oeuvres on Febru-

ary 12. Guests enjoyed sampling seven varieties of high quality

wines of the world, including old world vs. new world wines.

“Events such as the wine tasting provide a great opportunity

for alumni and friends to gather together, relax and mingle,

all while getting reacquainted with alma mater,” said Gloria

Mercurio, executive director of alumni engagement at Saint

Peter’s University.

Ron Bartels is a certified sommelier from Wente Vineyards in

California and is the general manager of Wine Events USA. He

was awarded first place in a blind wine tasting contest at a 2009

industry food and wine expo in Jersey City. Bartels is an active

member of the Society of Wine Educators, U.S. Sommeliers Inc.,

Vibrant Rioja and the French Wine Society Organization.

Proceeds from the event supported the Mac Mahon Student

Center, one of six fundraising priorities within Students at the

Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University. If you are inter-

ested in learning more about these priorities, or wish to make

a gift to the Campaign, please visit saintpeters.edu/campaign.

28 Winter 2014

CLASS NEWS & Notes

saintpeters.edu/school-of-education

School of Education

Become a Teacher!Saint Peter’s University has developed a variety of education degrees to provide new teachers the essential knowledge and skills needed for today’s most demanding and diverse classrooms.

We offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and provide flexible schedules, evening classes, and convenient campuses in Jersey City, Englewood Cliffs, and at satellite locations throughout New Jersey.

Programs include: Master of Arts in Education with concentrations inEducational Leadership, Reading, School Counseling, Special Education (ABA), Special Education (Literacy) and Teaching, and the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (including an option with Middle School Certification).

Saturday,March 22nd

Jersey CityCampus

at 10:00 a.m.

OPENHOUSE

Alternative Route to Certification:The Saint Peter’s University Alternate Route Program is a method for college graduates to become fully certified teachers without receiving a master’s degree. Starting with the “24 Hour Program,” this route to a teaching career has four steps which take place over the course of a calendar year.

CONTACT US:(201) 761-6470

As you take steps to protect your family’s future by creating a will or estate plan, you can also include charitable gifts for Saint Peter’s University. These gifts will ensure that many deserving students will not miss their chance to make their mark because of the rising costs of education. Your gift in support of our mission will leave a lasting legacy of your values and help our students chart successful futures. For more information, contact Ana Cravo, director of planned giving, at (201) 761-6104 or acravo@saintpeters.edu.

Taking Care of Loved Ones While Creating a Lasting Legacy

saintpeters.edu/giftplanning

Saint Peter’s University 29

Edward J. Adam ’84Rev. Anthony S. Aracich, S.J. Walter F. Barber ’61August W. Barberi, CPA ’53 Francine Bellapianta ’94Richard J. Brushett ’58Gerard J. Byrne ’71Michael T. Capobianco ’58Joan M. Carpenter ’03 Vincent J. Casey ’50Alex Ciesmelewski ’87John J. Cochrane ’40Patricia Cohen ’86James T. Conneen ’61Peter W. Conrad, M.D. ’50James S. Cramer, Esq. ’50Anthony M. D’Amore, Sr. ’52Joseph V. DeFelice ’56Phillip L. Delbert ’72Francis E. Demott ’69

Raymond J. Doles ’63 Fred Doyle ’80Robert J. Drew ’64Thomas E. Dyer, M.D. ’53 Robert J. Fensterman ’60John M. Finn ’50Judy Remy Franco ’75Rev. Charles A. Gallagher, S.J.Gregory J. Gerba ’74Adriana M. Fabbrini Gibbs, D.M.L.John J. Giuliano ’48Victor Gromosaik ’68 Wendell B. Harris, Jr. ’81Mortimer J. Harvey ’57Gilbert Howley ’68Christopher J. Igneri ’61Cherie L. Isakson ’82Alton R. Johnson ’76James P. Keady ’64Lawrence W. Levine ’63

John P. Malloy ’61John R. Marano ’50Thomas McGarvey ’99Harold T. McGovern, Esq. ’50 John G. McGovern ’57Joseph McKeon, Ph.D. ’59Lawrence W. Menapace, Ph.D. ’60Louis R. Molinelli ’59Richard D. Moriarty ’66Vincent E. Morrone ’56Edward F. Moskal Robert E. Motacki, Jr. William E. Murphy ’95Frank J. Murphy, Jr., Esq. ’69Joanna Nikolakakou Naclerio ’73Andrei Neimanis ’97James S. Nolan, Ph.D. ’47Maureen E. O’Brien ’84Francis N. Pacifico ’64John L. Powanda ’60

Brian A. Reardon ’71Joseph A. Ruffing ’50George I. Salerno, M.D. ’57 Paul A. Samperi ’50 Daniel K. Shea ’09Joseph R. Sofia ’70Gilbert B. Sorg ’50William K. Stoms, Sr. Richard T. Sullivan ’51John E. Sundman ’50Edward M. Sweeney ’68Vincent A. Taraszkiewicz, D.D.S. ’55Douglas W. Tobin ’72Albert A. Wallace ’49Kathleen D. Warnock ’98Jennifer L. Whitney ’08John M. Wozniak, Ph.D. ’38Paul E. Zych ’52

Requiescant in PaceSaint 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.

Saint Peter’s Visits the Sunshine StateSaint Peter’s University President Eugene

J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., and members of the

campus community visited Florida to update

alumni on the progress of the University.

John Murray ’57, H ’02 hosted an event in

Port St. Lucie on January 17, and Josephine and

Tom O’Reilly ’69 hosted a reception in Naples

on January 19. Dr. Cornacchia updated the at-

tendees on the status of the capital campaign,

enrollment, new academic initiatives and what

the future has in store for the University. He

also expressed his gratitude for their support in

providing the necessary financial resources to

allow the University to make campus improve-

ments and offer new programs.

In addition, Dr. Cornacchia announced

that Florida alumni had surpassed their

fundraising campaign goal of $4 million,

reflecting the alumni commitment to magis.

Thomas P. Mac Mahon ’68, chairman of the

Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees, also

spoke to the group in Naples.

Clockwise from top left: (L to R) Former Board Chairs John Murray ’57, H ’02, John Collin ’58, H ’97, University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., and Frank Ziegler ’63; University President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., presenting a gift to Josephine and Tom O’Reilly ’69; Thomas Mac Mahon ’68, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, updates the group; the Naples alumni gathering; and alumni at the Port St. Lucie gathering.

CLASS NEWS & Notes

30 Winter 2014

A FORCE FOR RENEWALOver the course of nearly 50 years, Rev. Charles A. (Chuck) Gallagher, S.J., helped transform the lives of millions of married Christian

couples around the globe through his work as founder and driving force behind the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement.

A member of the Saint Peter’s Jesuit community in Jersey City, Fr. Gallagher died on July 21, 2013.

Since 1967, he had been devoted to the work of Marriage Encounter, a force of renewal in the Church that has inspired couples to live the Sacrament of Marriage to its fullest potential. The originator and author of Engaged Encounter, the Parish Renewal EXperience (PREX), and the Parishioner Empowerment weekend, Fr. Gallagher personally trained more than 7,000 priests and 45 bishops to give the parish renewal weekend in their parishes.

In his earlier years as a Jesuit, Fr. Gallagher taught at Canisius and Xavier high schools and led the Spiritual Exercises at two Jesuit retreat houses. He authored 10 major books and more than 50 booklets.

Fr. Gallagher is survived by his sister, Therese Sweeney, and his niece, Meghan Sweeney.

A GIFT OF LANGUAGESFluent in Croatian, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, and Polish, Rev. Anthony S. Aracich, S.J., utilized his extraordinary ear

for languages to it fullest, teaching modern languages at Saint Peter’s University; Saint Peter’s Prep; Xavier High School, Regis High School and the Loyola School in Manhattan; and Loyola School in Brooklyn.

A graduate of Regis High School and Holy Cross, Fr. Aracich passed to eternal life on September 12, 2013. He was 77 years old, had been a member of the Society of Jesus for 58 years and a priest for 46. Fiercely proud of his Croatian heritage, Fr. Aracich was also zealously concerned with the spiritual care of Hispanic immigrants. He served as pastor at Nativity Parish on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and as associate pastor and coordinator of Hispanic activities at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Brooklyn and Assumption/All Saints parish in Jersey City.

For the past several years, he spent a month each summer in Guadalajara, Mexico. He is survived by two cousins, Lucy Aracich Hughes and Gloria Aracich Del Corso.

FROM PISA TO JERSEY CITYA professor of foreign language at Saint Peter’s University for more than 30 years, Adriana M. Fabbrini Gibbs, D.M.L., passed away at the age of 88, at

home, surrounded by her family, on August 2, 2013.

Dr. Gibbs was born in Pisa, Italy in 1925, and was raised in Tuscany, Italy, before moving to the Lake Shawnee section of Jefferson Township, N.J. She supported her family as a high school teacher before receiving her master’s degree from Seton Hall University and, in 1983, her Doctor of Modern Languages degree from Middlebury College.

“Dr. Gibbs was the best colleague you could have wanted,” said Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., chairman and professor of modern and classical languages and literatures and director of the Asian Studies Program. “She was a funny, tough woman, who taught until the age of 84. She was a great defender of the humanities and language programs, and a woman of tremendous faith.”

In addition to her expertise in modern languages, Dr. Gibbs was also a Dante scholar and poet who had a passion for both medieval and modern Italian literature. She is survived by her daughter, Diana Gibbs; son, Charles, and his wife, Nancy; brother, Alfredo Fabbrini, and his wife, Carol; and seven grandchildren.

A SON OF SAINT PETER’S John M. Wozniak, Ph.D., ’38 passed away on December 2, 2013. A United States Army veteran, Dr. Wozniak led the Loyola University Chicago

Department of Education as acting chair and the School of Education as dean for a total of 28 years. He retired in 1989.

“To say he was profoundly respected would be to put it mildly,” said Glen Gabert, Ph.D., president of Hudson County Community College and Dr. Wozniak’s former graduate assistant and adjunct faculty member. “He is a son of Saint Peter’s in whom you should all take great pride.”

Dr. Wozniak is survived by his sons, Robert and John, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

REMEMBRANCES

PHOTOSTO COME

Saint Peter’s University 31

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Imagine growing up with your classmates

from elementary school through high

school with the dream of one day going to

college, only to discover that you are in fact

an undocumented immigrant. This is an un-

fortunate reality for many students across

the country who have plans to enroll in

college, but cannot afford to because their

immigration status prevents them from

receiving financial aid.

The Development, Relief and Education

for Alien Minors Act or DREAM Act is bipar-

tisan legislation that seeks to address the

struggles faced by students who were raised

in the United States and attended school

in this country, but are not afforded the

same opportunities as other young people

because of their parents’ immigration

status. If their parents are undocumented,

these students have no way to obtain legal

residency.

The challenge for higher education is

that we often find that a fair number of our

students arrive at our institutions with a

passionate desire to get a college education;

however their immigration status prevents

them from receiving federal, and in most

cases, state financial aid. This makes ob-

taining a college degree financially beyond

their reach. These DREAMers simply want

a chance to achieve what so many other

Americans dream of achieving: a college

degree, a good career and the personal

satisfaction that comes from obtaining a

college degree.

According to the National Immigration

Law Center, through the DREAM Act, certain

immigrant students who have grown up in

the United States would be able to apply for

temporary legal status and become eligi-

ble for United States citizenship if they go

to college. The Act would also eliminate a

federal provision that penalizes states that

provide in-state tuition regardless of immi-

gration status.

DREAMers are individuals who meet the

general requirements of the DREAM Act and

they can be found all across the country.

Many of our students at Saint Peter’s Uni-

versity are DREAMers.

Last month the New Jersey Senate passed

a bill to allow undocumented youth to pay

in-state tuition rates at state colleges and

enable them to qualify for state financial

aid. Last week Governor Christie reacted to

allegations that he is flip-flopping on his

support for the legislation.

Some argue that we should not use tax-

payer money to subsidize tuition for “illegal”

immigrants. There is also the argument that

individuals who disregard our nation’s im-

migration laws should not be afforded the

same opportunities as those who put the

effort into gaining legal status.

The DREAM Act would enable thousands

of students in New Jersey to reach their

maximum potential and contribute to the

state’s economy. New Jersey has already

invested in these students over the course

of their K-12 education so this bill would

enable them to give back to the state in an

even greater way through their higher life-

time earning power.

These students have enormous economic

potential that this nation surely could use.

The failure to harness their creativity and

their energy will prove to be one of those

lost opportunities in the American story

that we will regret and will haunt us for

generations to come.

Furthermore, in every way except immi-

gration status, these young people are as

“American” as those born here

in the United States. In many cases

they have spent the bulk of their lives

here, attended school here, worked here

and their self-identity is inexorably tied into

being American.

At Saint Peter’s, we are fortunate to

have a vibrant community that is enriched

by young people from a wide variety of

cultural backgrounds. Indeed, as the only

Catholic and Jesuit university in New Jersey,

Saint Peter’s is blessed to serve primarily

first-generation college students of diverse

backgrounds who wish to grow intellectual-

ly and become “men and women with and

for others.”

This year several of our students attend-

ed a Jesuit university outreach effort in

Washington, D.C. and met with members of

Congress to discuss the life and impact of

DREAMers on our campus. This resulted in

those students forming a group on campus

that meets monthly to discuss immigration

reform efforts and challenges. Regardless

of one’s political or religious affiliation,

immigration reform is an important issue—

economically, socially and ethically. I am

proud of the efforts and the passion of our

students, staff and faculty members on this

issue.

As the president of a private universi-

ty, I strongly support opening the door to

federal and state financial aid programs

for the DREAMers. Although many of these

students would be likely to enroll in public

institutions due to financial constraints,

I would like to see as many DREAMers as

possible on the Saint Peter’s campus. It is

essential to provide them with the oppor-

tunity for a college education. It is the right

thing to do. It is the just thing to do. It is the

Christian thing to do.

This piece by Saint Peter’s University President

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., was featured on

The Huffington Post website on December 12,

2013. Several weeks after this post, New Jersey

Governor Chris Christie signed the DREAM Act,

granting in-state tuition to immigrant students

who lack legal status.

Opening the Door

to the DREAMers

Calendar 2014

32 Winter 2014

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Huey Lewis & the News Alumni and Friends Reception and Concert Grand Cru Wine Bar/bergenPAC, Englewood, N.J.

April

Saturday, April 5, 2014 Meet the Saint Peter’s PeacockTurtle Back Zoo, West Orange, N.J.

Thursday, April 10, 2014An Evening with Legendary Actor Paul SorvinoThe Duncan Family Sky Room

Mac Mahon Student CenterSaint Peter’s University

May

Friday, May 2, 2014Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship CelebrationThe Duncan Family Sky Room Mac Mahon Student CenterSaint Peter’s University Thursday, May 8, 2014 Alumni Golf Outing Colts Neck Golf Club Colts Neck, N.J.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 Conversations at the Cliffs8:00 a.m., Englewood Cliffs Campus Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

June

June 2–9, 2014 In the Footsteps of Ignatius Alumni and Friends Trip to Spain

Monday, June 16, 2014 St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church Fundraiser and Wine Dinner Amanda’s Restaurant, Hoboken, N.J.

September

September 19–21, 2014Class of 1964/Golden Peacock Reunion WeekendSaint Peter’s University

November

Friday, November 7, 2014 43rd Annual Regents Business SymposiumThe Duncan Family Sky Room Mac Mahon Student CenterSaint Peter’s University

Calendar 2014

March

To register for any of these events, visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/events. For questions or more information, contact Claudia Pope-Bayne, assistant director of alumni engagement, at (201) 761-6111 or cpopebayne@saintpeters.edu.

Cost: $2,565.00 per person based on double occupancy (airfare and airport transfers not included)

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

For more information, please visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/travel orcontact Jonathan Staunch at (201) 761-6113 or jstaunch@saintpeters.edu.

2641 John F. Kennedy BoulevardJersey City, New Jersey 07306

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The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Celebration

Honoring Aileen G. Arriola ’07Robert A. Cutro ’75

Charles J. Vickers ’47

Friday, May 2, 2014 Mac Mahon Student Center

Saint Peter’s University

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/hm2014.