Scaling New Heights

Alumni Succeed at Fidelity

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INSIDE: MASTER PLAN UNVEILED

Enduring ConnectionsThere is nothing quite like being a

freshman on a college campus.

The anticipation, excitement and

hope as witnessed through the eyes of

our first-year students have always

energized the entire University

community. This year even more so,

since Saint Peter’s University welcomed

more than 600 freshmen, the largest

class in 15 years, and 100 transfer

students, to a more cohesive campus

anchored by the newly opened Mac

Mahon Student Center.

We are extremely blessed to have

a magnificent facility that is building

community and forging connections

that will endure long after graduation.

These lifetime bonds form the bedrock

of a Jesuit education and it’s a theme

we explore in this issue of Saint Peter’s

University magazine.

You will read about an impressive

number of Saint Peter’s graduates, several

of them interns just six or seven years

ago, who quickly established successful

careers at Fidelity Investments. Many

have been promoted to leadership roles

in the company and embody the Univer-

sity’s mission to develop high achievers

who not only earn a living, but also lead

lives worth living.

Marking its fourth trip to Quito,

Ecuador, the University’s Global Outreach

(GO) Team has built a meaningful part-

nership with the Working Boys Center,

a Jesuit ministry based in Quito, while

deepening bonds with one another and

the people they were there to serve.

The enduring connection to Saint

Peter’s is also evident in our Board of

Regents, who are giving back to an

institution they love by helping the next

generation of students succeed. Saint

Peter’s Ready is an exciting, new initiative

that will better prepare students to enter

a more competitive job market by arming

them with a combination of 21st Century

knowledge and skills and a commitment

to the magis.

And although they have been Peacocks

just a few short weeks as this magazine

goes to press, the Class of 2017, too, is

establishing its lifelong connection to

Saint Peter’s. While their backgrounds,

majors and future goals are certainly

diverse, they were all drawn to The Jesuit

University of New Jersey by a sense of

belonging and connectedness.

We celebrate these connections.

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.

President

PRESIDENT’S

Message

“The anticipation, excitement and hope witnessed through the eyes of our first-year students have always energized the entire University community.”

Another First Milestones came full circle in 2012–2013. The academic year began with the first freshman class to enter Saint Peter’s University and, fittingly, ended when more than 800 men and women became the first to graduate from the newly designated University. “I am very honored to be a member of your class,” Rev. James Martin, S.J. H ’13 said in the keynote address for Saint Peter’s 122nd Commencement, held on May 20 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. The University awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, to Fr. Martin, a bestselling author and contributing editor of the national Catholic magazine America. The Jesuit urged graduates (many of whom sported tricked out mortar boards for the occasion) to seek joy, humor and laughter in life. The Class of 2013 joined the ranks of alumni that now number more than 30,000 worldwide.

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

FALL 2013 SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITYVolume 33, Number 1

EditorSarah Malinowski Ferrary Director of University Communications

Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group

Contributors & Editorial AssistanceAngeline BoyerAna M. Cravo

Leah LetoCecilia MartinezGloria Mercurio

PhotographyMichael MarmoraCatherine MernarSaint Peter’s University ArchivesJeffrey Vock

FEATURES

10. Scaling New Heights: Alumni Succeed at Fidelity

14. 10 Minutes with Warren Fristensky ’74

16. Desire to Serve: The GO Team in Quito, Ecuador

18. Planning for the Future: Master Plan Unveiled

20. Goal in Sight for Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University

DEPARTMENTS

3. University News

22. Donors Who Make a Difference

24. Peacock U

26. Class News and Notes

32. Then and Now

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: This issue of Saint Peter’s University chronicles the success of graduates at Fidelity Investments.

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 Fall 2013

IN THIS Issue

UNIVERSITY

News

The Saint Peter’s University Class of 2017 represents the largest enrollment since 1998. Yet as the University transforms and grows, some things remain consistent: the more than 600 freshmen include siblings of upperclassmen as well as children and grandchildren of several Saint Peter’s alumni.

“This year has been a whirlwind!” said Assistant Vice Pres-

ident for Enrollment and Dean of Undergraduate

Admissions Elizabeth Sullivan. “It was a great experience

to personally meet these new ‘Peacocks’ and their

families at many of our events, like our Accepted Student

Day. Clearly, there is an energy that is catching on with

future classes of Saint Peter’s students.”

Dean Sullivan is quick to share credit for the successful

recruitment effort with everyone. “The entire Saint Peter’s

community was invested in the admissions cycle and it

truly took the village to accomplish this goal.”

“I am very much looking forward to this year,” she

added. “The students and their families are a wonder-

ful addition to Saint Peter’s University. Welcome to your

home-away-from-home, Class of 2017!”

Welcome, largest class in 15 years.

Continued on next page

Saint Peter’s University 3

SAINT PETER’S RANKS HIGH FOR AFFORDABILITY

According to the College Affordability list released by the U.S. Department of Education last June, Saint Peter’s net tuition price is the fourth lowest among four-year independent colleges and universities in New Jersey. The report was based on 2010–2011 data and listed the University’s net price at $16,614. The net price is a tool introduced to help students and families determine the actual cost of higher education before they apply to a particular institution. According to the report, 99 percent of the undergraduate student body at Saint Peter’s received grants and other forms of assistance in 2010–2011, which made a personalized, private, Jesuit education nearly as affordable as some of the state’s public institutions of higher learning. According to the 2014 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Saint Peter’s leads in the average amount of need-based aid awarded to students. With an average award from federal, state and institutional grants of $25,539, Saint Peter’s is ranked number one in New Jersey.

Freshmen too, were excited to begin the aca-

demic year. The Class of 2017 and more than

100 transfer students packed into the Rev. Victor

R. Yanitelli, S.J., Recreational Life Center on

August 27 for the New Student Convocation.

Khalid Onaola ’17 from East Orange, N.J., said

he already made a lot of friends in the largest

class in recent history, but that the University

still feels like family. “The small family atmo-

sphere here at Saint Peter’s is important to me,”

he said. Onaola, the son of Kimyetta Bynum ’08,

plans to study international business.

Kaycee De Voogd ’17 is also following in her

family’s footsteps. Her father, Sebastiaan De

Voogd ’97, was a member of the Saint Peter’s

men’s basketball team that won the MAAC

championship in 1995. Kaycee will play for the

women’s basketball team and is studying inter-

national business. “I’m anxious to get started

with my classes and with my team,” she said.

Dean of Freshmen and Sophomores Nicole

DeCapua noted that this was the first official

gathering for the Class of 2017. It certainly won’t

be the last. “I’m excited to work with these

students and see them graduate in four years,”

she said. “It’s going to be a great academic year.”

(from previous page)

Jesu-What? An Introduction to Ignatian SpiritSaint Peter’s students aren’t waiting

for Ignatian Heritage Week to pro-

mote the Jesuit and Catholic identity

of the University. During a session of

Freshman Orientation held on July

13, O-Team members put an Ignati-

an spin on their entrance with the

animated call and response cheer

“Jesu-What.” It was a nice moment,

and, for the incoming freshmen,

parents and everyone gathered, a

tangible reminder of how Jesuit val-

ues, ideals and spirit inhabit student

lives and the day-to-day workings of

Saint Peter’s University.

UNIVERSITY

News

4 Fall 2013

FILM FESTIVAL PUTS JERSEY CITY ON THE MAPMore than 30 films were screened over a four-day period at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre and other area venues when the Golden Door International Film Festival returned to Jersey City October 10–13. Saint Peter’s University was one of the sponsors of the annual festival. The highly respected film festival featured international, independent and short films from emerging and established filmmakers, including the Alexandra Pelosi documentary “Fall to Grace” about former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Actor and director Bill Sorvino, a native of Jersey City, founded the film festival, which has drawn more than 3,000 attendees since its inception. In attendance was Sorvino’s uncle, “Goodfellas” star Paul Sorvino.

BACK IN THE MAACPat Coyle takes the helm of women’s basketball

After a decade of coaching in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and three seasons in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), basketball veteran Pat Coyle is thrilled to return to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) as the new head coach of women’s basketball at Saint Peter’s University.

“I think it’s a terrific conference,” Coyle told reporters after Director of Athletics Joe Quinlan announced the appointment last July. “They have wonderful people here [at Saint Peter’s], the leadership is outstanding and for me it’s a really good, competitive conference.”

Peacock Nation is energized by the hire of Coyle, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the college and profes-sional levels. She spent more than 10 years

with the New York Liberty, rising from assistant to head coach and leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003 and 2008. In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Coyle most recently served as associ-ate head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the WNBA in 1999, she built a winning record in the MAAC as head coach of Loyola University Maryland, where the Philadelphia native guided the Greyhounds to their only two MAAC championships and NCAA tournament appearances.

Coyle’s aim this first season is steady improvement. “Not to really talk in wins and losses, but to simply get better,” she said. “Yes, we want to compete in championships, but the only way to get there is by getting better each day.”

“Yes, we want to compete in championships, but the only way to get there is by getting better each day.”

Saint Peter’s University 5

Entrepreneurship Meets Higher EducationCBA Graduates Offered University CreditsWith the newly announced partnership between

Saint Peter’s University and Rising Tide Capital (RTC),

the opportunity for higher education expands its

reach and opens doors for many budding entrepre-

neurs. Based in Jersey City, RTC is a nonprofit that

supports women, minorities and immigrants with

guidance and education as they start—and grow—

successful businesses in low-income urban commu-

nities. The organization, which was co-founded in

2004 by University Trustee Alfa Demmellash H ’10,

CEO, and Alex Forrester, COO, provides entrepreneurs

the tools they need for basic business management

through its Community Business Academy (CBA).

By way of this alliance, qualified CBA graduates

can receive up to six credits through prior-learning

from the School of Professional and Continuing

Studies at Saint Peter’s.

When Demmellash and Forrester established

RTC, they were fairly new to the business world,

and wanted to make a difference. “We were inspired

by our own personal faith and what that means in

terms of being proactive in the world, and doing

things that make other people’s lives better off,”

Demmellash explained.

The organization has seen the direct impact that

business education can have on individuals, families

and surrounding communities. And now, with the

partnership with Saint Peter’s, RTC has reached a

new height. “That higher education credential, in our

socio-economic scenario right now, is really, really

important,” Demmellash said.

Michael Caslin, RTC’s managing director of strategy

and development, acknowledged this partnership’s

potential. “I think it’s going to be powerful on so

many different levels,” he said. “Rising Tide Capital

is one of only a few entrepreneurship/management,

micro-enterprise programs in the country that’s

partnered with an accredited university. The power

of the on-ramp between RTC and Saint Peter’s

cannot be overstated.”

Rising Tide Capital will honor Saint Peter’s

University for national innovation and leadership

in education at its gala on December 10, to be held at

Saint Peter’s University.

“The power of the on-ramp between RTC and Saint Peter’s cannot be overstated.”

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS OUTREACHApproximately 125 business leaders, public officials and representatives of Bergen County organizations attended a meet and greet with Saint Peter’s officials at the Englewood Cliffs campus in June. The event kicked off a larger outreach effort to increase awareness of the University in the Englewood Cliffs area. Michael Lord, special assistant to the provost, said more events are planned for the academic year. “The goal is to make business leaders and others well aware of the advantages of having a university campus nearby,” he said. “We want them to see this campus as a resource that can help educate employees, grow business and serve as a forum for professional networking, all under the auspices of Saint Peter’s.”

(L to R): Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., Alfa Demmellash H ’10 and Alex Forrester

MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRITOn September 11, students, faculty, administrators and staff filled St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church, for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. A tradition at Jesuit institutions that dates back to the Middle Ages, members of the campus community prayed for wisdom and guidance for the academic year and affirmed Ignatian ideals of service, compassion and to lead lives as “men and women for others.”

UNIVERSITY

News

6 Fall 2013

COMMEMORATING MLK VISIT

An iconic event in University history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s appearance at the Saint Peter’s Michaelmas Convocation on September 22, 1965, is commemorated in a new exhibition at the Theresa and Edward O’Toole Library. The permanent display, unveiled on September 23, includes photographs, documents and other material from the civil rights leader’s visit, during which he delivered a speech titled “The American Dream.” Saint Peter’s also conferred an honorary Doctorate of Laws to Dr. King for his contribution to the cause of civil rights. Dr. King made a second visit to Jersey City when he spoke at the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church on March 27, 1968. He was assassinated a week later in Memphis, Tenn.

Saint Peter’s University Establishes Master of Public Administration ProgramProfessionals and students seeking greater lead-

ership responsibilities in the public, nonprofit and

private sector can now complete a Master of Public

Administration (M.P.A.) from Saint Peter’s Univer-

sity. The 36-credit program launched this fall with-

in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Marylou Yam, provost and vice president for

academic affairs, said the latest graduate

offering is rooted in Saint Peter’s long tradition

of social justice and its mission to serve com-

munities. The University’s Non-Governmental

Organization (NGO) status and proximity to the

United Nations also provides unique and rele-

vant learning experiences for graduate students.

M.P.A. graduates will be qualified for a

variety of roles, including work in federal, state

and municipal government, nonprofit organi-

zations, research organizations, public policy

management and a host of other organizations.

With the addition of the M.P.A., Saint Peter’s

now offers 12 graduate and doctoral programs in

six academic areas of study. To learn more, visit

saintpeters.edu/mpa.

Chinese Students to Study at Saint Peter’sSaint Peter’s University and Nanchang Institute

of Science and Technology (NIST), a university

located in the capital city of Nanchang in the

Province of JiangXi, China, signed an academic

collaboration agreement for two new undergrad-

uate programs. A one plus three program will al-

low qualified students to complete their first year

of undergraduate study at NIST, and then matric-

ulate at Saint Peter’s for three years to complete a

bachelor’s degree. A one-year program will bring

NIST students to Saint Peter’s to study language

and culture as non-matriculated students.

“The University is an ideal place for interna-

tional students because of our extraordinarily

diverse student body, broad curricular offerings,

location in Jersey City and our close proximity to

leading industries and business in the New York

metropolitan area,” said Velda Goldberg, Ph.D.,

dean of the College of Arts and Sciences/School

of Business Administration.

NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

TRUSTEE AND REGENT NEWSThe Board of Trustees of Saint

Peter’s University elected five ac-

complished alumni to serve three-

year terms at its meeting last May.

Four of the five board members

elected, Kathleen McKenna, Esq.

’75, a labor and employment attor-

ney with Proskauer LLP; Certified

Public Accountant Fred Nitting ’83;

Joseph Panepinto, Esq. ’66,

principal of Panepinto Properties;

and Sharon Pastore ’73, AT&T

sales center vice president; have

served previous terms on the

Board of Trustees.

The fifth trustee elected,

Mark Kahrer ’83, is serving his

first term. The former chair of

the Board of Regents, Kahrer is

a longtime employee of PSE&G,

and is currently leading Business

Performance & Improvement at

the energy company.

The Board of Regents wel-

comed three new members to its

ranks: Doreen Catanio, CPA ’85,

founder and principal of Profes-

sional Financial Services, Ltd.;

Andres Cifuentes ’04, vice

president fixed income & com-

modities at Morgan Stanley; and

Anthony I. Day ’92, president of

Loyola Blakefield High School in

Towson, Md.

The 40-plus alumni and

friends who make up the

volunteer board advise the

University’s president and vice

president for advancement and

external affairs on matters per-

taining to the advancement of

Saint Peter’s mission. The Regents

also help sponsor and organize

the annual Regents Business

Symposium, which will take

place on November 8 in The

Duncan Family Sky Room of the

Mac Mahon Student Center.

Saint Peter’s University 7

UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDSThe University appointed Professor of Psychology Andrea Bubka, Ph.D., director of faculty research and faculty programs on June 19. In this role, Dr. Bubka will assist faculty in submitting government grants and will work with the Director of Faculty Devel-opment David Surrey, Ph.D., on furthering professional development opportunities for faculty. A sought-after expert on the causes and remediation of motion sickness, Dr. Bubka has published peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has made more than 70 conference presentations on the topic. In addition, she has co-authored

presentations and publications with more than 50 Saint Peter’s undergraduates.

Cynthia Walker, Ph.D., is the new chair of the communication department at Saint Peter’s University. A faculty member since 2005, Dr. Walker will oversee the under-graduate program. She has been a journalist for more than 40 years and is an entertain-ment reporter and critic for The Record, The Home News and the Asbury Park Press.

The University awarded the George F. Johnson, S.J., Faculty Award to Professor of Mathematics Larry Thomas, Ph.D., at the John J. Delaney ’50 Alumni Reception on May 16 at the newly opened Mac Mahon Student Center. In his acceptance speech,

THE CULTURE OF PEACEMichelle Perez ’16 is taking full advantage of Saint Peter’s proximity to the United Nations as well as programs offered through the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership, which connects undergraduates to opportunities within the global organization. Perez, a political science major, authored “The Culture of Peace—What it Means to Us” for the Youth Forum section of UNITY magazine, a United Nations Initiative and Technology publication. She serves as a world youth representative for the International Public Policy Institute at the U.N. An administrative assistant at the Guarini Institute, Perez also facilitated an event on women and violence at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW57), held last March in New York. The CSW is the principal global policy-making body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women.

FACULTY NOTEBOOK

UNIVERSITY

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8 Fall 2013

Dr. Thomas, who has taught at Saint Peter’s for more than 40 years, said he was proud, honored and amazed to be the 43rd recipient of the award.

“Tradition, of course, is a backward look-ing kind of thing,” he said. “By contrast, look at where we are now—this brand new place, which is not just a building, but a symbol of a forward looking Saint Peter’s University. So, I am pleased and honored to accept this award tonight as a kind of mark to a happy union between the College’s distinguished past and the University’s bright future.”

RECOGNITION FOR MATH AND PHYSICS FACULTYProfessor of Mathematics Brian Hopkins, Ph.D., will begin a four-year term as editor of the College Mathematics Journal (CMJ) in January 2014. Editor-elect since January 2013, the mathematics professor has big plans for the prestigious academic journal published by the Mathematical Associa-tion of America (MAA). He hopes to boost auxiliary materials on CMJ’s Supplements to Articles web page and produce special issues covering topics such as the Rubik’s Cube, Ramsey theory and experimental mathematics.

The Saint Peter’s professor is the recipient of the George Polya Award for an article he co-authored, “The Truth About Königsberg.” The New Jersey Section of the MAA named him Distinguished Teacher of the Year in 2011.

Industry and academia continue to look to the Physics Department at Saint Peter’s University for research and innovation. The American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to Assistant Professor of Physics Debing Zeng, Ph.D., for proposed research on multispectral infrared imaging for oil spill detection.

Associate Professor of Math and Physics Wei-Dong Zhu, Ph.D., presented “Atmo-spheric Pressure Non-Thermal Plasma with Water and Water Borne Bacteria,” at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Electrostatics Society of America, held last June in Cocoa Beach, Fla. There, Dr. Zhu also chaired the session “Gas Discharges and Microplasmas.”

Drs. Zeng and Zhu also serve as advisors and collaborators on undergraduate research projects and presentations. Two student teams were recently awarded grants from the Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) to investigate skin abnormalities us-ing thermal infrared imaging and the study of krypton cathode boundary layer discharge.

SAINT PETER’S PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO TOP CITY POSTStacey Lea Flanagan, M.A., adjunct lectur-er in public policy at Saint Peter’s University, became the director of the Department of Health and Human Services of Jersey City on July 29. Professor Flanagan brings more than 20 years of experience in the public health sector to the post, most notably as director of Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the largest nutrition program in the State of New York. Appointed to the position by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, she oversees a program that serves 14,000 people.

A resident of Jersey City since 1998 and an instructor at Saint Peter’s for the past seven years, Professor Flanagan traced her public policy roots to her adopted hometown.

“Jersey City is where my interest in public service started nearly 24 years ago when I volunteered at the York Street Project with a group of friends from high school,” she said. “It is truly an honor to be able to now lead the city’s Health Department under the Fulop administration. I am looking forward to developing policy initiatives that have a real impact on the lives of the people in our city.”

JERSEY CITY’S NEW MAYORWhen Steven Fulop was elected mayor of Jersey City last May, Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., was one of many community leaders asked to serve on his transition team, which comprised 11 committees. Dr. Cornacchia served on the Education and Recreation Committee that identified ways for Jersey City and the Board of Education to promote educational and recre-ational opportunities for the city’s schoolchildren and the community. The committee made multiple recommendations that included the formation of partnerships with area businesses to provide in-ternships for local students and the utilization of local universities to mentor and tutor schoolchildren. Mayor Fulop was sworn into office on July 1.

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

10 Fall 2013

Scaling New Heights

COVER

Story

Start of a Great CareerRodriguez didn’t know it at the time, but the

three-month internship marked the start of a

very successful and satisfying career. Now a

data analyst and team lead within the Referen-

tial Department, he is hardly alone. Today, seven

former interns of Saint Peter’s University—

Nina Agudelo ’08, ’11, Cynthia Calderon ’09, Alina

Gatskova-Rodzeviciene ’07, ’09, Grevin Rodriguez

’07, Rabia Sattaur ’06, Ryan Schoendorf ’06

and Maria Vira ’09, as well as four graduates,

Alexandra Pshenychka ’07, ’09, Chris Radler

M.B.A. ’96, Ronald DePoalo ’04 and Jill Ribaudo ’88

—have well-established careers with the compa-

ny and a significant number are leading teams on

corporate campuses in Jersey City, Rhode Island

and Texas.

Alina Gatskova-Rodzeviciene ’07, ’09 was

among the 16 Saint Peter’s students chosen for a

Fidelity internship in the summer of 2006. An in-

ternational business major from Odessa, Ukraine,

she parlayed an internship in the Market and Risk

Collateral Department into a part-time job senior

year. That turned into the full-time position of ju-

nior risk analyst in the Credit Risk and Customer

Protection Department shortly after graduation.

Promoted three times in six years, Gatskova-

Rodzeviciene is now a credit risk manager in the

On a hot, blistery afternoon in 2006, Grevin Rodriguez ’07 took a

break from his summer internship at Fidelity Investments to pose

for a cover story in this magazine about the “new” Jersey City and

the economic renaissance that was creating greater opportunities

for Saint Peter’s students. As one of 16 undergraduates to land paid

internships at Fidelity that summer, Rodriguez learned a great deal

from the experience. “I’m treated more like a colleague than an

intern,” the mathematics major said.

“I’ve definitely grown professionally and personally from the experience. It’s something I’ll take with me forever.”

Fidelity employees (Clockwise): Grevin Rodriguez ’07, Jill Ribaudo ’88, Chris Radler M.B.A. ’96 and Rabia Sattaur ’06

department and is responsible for assessing

the financial and operational risk of institutional

clients. She calls her years with the company a

wonderful experience and added, “I feel privileged to

be a part of such a great firm and team. Fidelity allowed

me to grow professionally and offered, and continues

to offer, numerous development opportunities.”

Seizing Opportunities One of those opportunities was earning an M.B.A.

through the company’s Tuition Reimbursement Pro-

gram. Fidelity is deeply committed to education and

training that arms its employees with the skills and

abilities needed to innovate and perform better in the

marketplace. Gatskova-Rodzeviciene, along with Nina

Agudelo ’08, ’11 and Alexandra Pshencychka ’07, ’09,

all chose the M.B.A. program at Saint Peter’s Universi-

ty, where they successfully balanced the demands of

graduate school with a full-time career.

“I was still fresh out of school [when I came back],”

remembered Pshencychka, an international business

major who began her Fidelity career as a brokerage

analyst in the company’s Restricted Stock Services Di-

vision. “It was tough at times. I went to work during the

day and school at night.”

The hard work paid off with a leadership role within

Restricted Stock Services and the opportunity to move

from New York to Westlake, Texas, where she trained

new members of the department and now serves as

team lead. “It was a very successful transition,” Pshen-

cychka noted. “I’ve definitely grown professionally and

personally from the experience. It’s something I’ll take

with me forever.”

Agudelo, also an international business major,

interned with Fidelity twice: first in Smithfield, R.I., the

summer after sophomore year, and a second intern-

ship the following summer in Jersey City. “I lucked out,”

said Agudelo, who worked closely with the Universi-

ty’s Office of Career Services to land both internships.

When the second internship in the Margin Department

ended, Agudelo was offered a permanent position, but

still needed to complete her bachelor’s degree. Deter-

mined, she took evening and Saturday classes the last

two semesters and began a full-time career with the

financial services firm.

That resolve also proved useful when she was

promoted to senior analyst in 2010 and relocated to

Boston; Agudelo was able to complete her Saint Peter’s

M.B.A. online. Today, she is back in Rhode Island as a

client conversion manager working to enhance the

platform experience of Fidelity clients. “I’m glad I took

on this opportunity,” she said. “It’s great to interact

with people outside of the company.”

Vice President of Margin Chris Radler M.B.A. ’96 also

completed his M.B.A. at Saint Peter’s, but was work-

ing for a different Jersey City firm at the time. “It was

terrific,” he said of the program he chose for its location

and focus on management and information systems.

“Everything we use here [at Fidelity] related to databas-

es and system automation, I attribute to the things I

learned at Saint Peter’s.”

Success StoriesDirector of Career Services Crescenzo Fonzo said it was

gratifying to see the number of Saint Peter’s graduates

hired by Fidelity and thriving in a corporate culture

that nurtures upward potential. “These are big success

stories of how students can turn an internship into a

bigger opportunity, expand their career and grow pro-

fessionally,” he noted. “From academia to career, this is

how we form leaders for tomorrow.”

“They really want you to learn, grow and move up within the company.”

“These are big success stories of how students can turn an internship into a bigger opportunity, expand their career and grow professionally.”

COVER

Story

Fidelity Investments and Saint Peter’s University share more

than a Jersey City location. Since 2004, Fidelity has been a

sponsor of the Regents Business Symposium (RBS), New

Jersey’s foremost forum on business trends and leadership.

The company’s commitment to the annual event has helped

to bring innovators such as Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes

and journalists Bob Woodward, David Broder and Neil Cavuto to

speak to the business community about best industry practices,

trends and issues.

Saint Peter’s students and young alumni that attend RBS

have an opportunity to meet and network with business

leaders from Fidelity and other major companies based in

New York and New Jersey.

Presented this year by lead sponsor Patton Boggs LLP,

a leader in public policy, litigation and business law, the

Symposium is also sponsored by dozens of other organizations

including United Way of Hudson County, Capital One Bank

and Sodexo.

“Brand Alignment: A Powerful

Marketing Tool” is the theme of the

42nd annual Symposium, to be held

Friday, November 8, in The Duncan

Family Sky Room of the Mac Mahon

Student Center. Featured speakers

include Paul Tagliabue H ’05,

former commissioner of the NFL

and current member of the board

of directors of the NY/NJ Super Bowl

Host Committee; ESPN Founder

Bill Rasmussen; Steve Stoute,

founder and CEO of Translation;

and Porter Gale, an award-winning

author and former vice president of

marketing at Virgin America.

For further information, contact

cpopebayne@saintpeters.edu or visit

alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/rbs2013.

Right, from top: Paul Tagliabue H ’05, Bill Rasmussen, Steve Stoute and Porter Gale

“Fidelity is committed to empowering students and

helping them achieve academic success to pursue their

unique paths through college and their careers,” said

Fidelity Institutional President Gerard McGraw.

Alumni, in turn, attribute their success in the fast-

paced financial services industry to a supportive work-

place environment. “We have a good sense of teamwork

here,” said Jill Ribaudo ’88, who joined the company four

years ago following more than 20 years in the financial

services industry.

“What I really love about Fidelity is that you have

the full support of your senior managers,” said Ryan

Schoendorf ’06, a business analyst who recently moved

from Jersey City to Boston to join the General Manage-

ment Apprenticeship (GMA), an elite program designed

to develop high potential talent. “They really want you

to learn, grow and move up within the company.”

From internship to management, graduates say they

are valued every step of the way. “The most important

thing is the relationships I’ve built,” said Rabia Sattaur ’06,

now a manager in the Margin & Money Movement Divi-

sion and member of the University’s Board of

Regents. Sattaur, a political science and philosophy

major, interned with Fidelity in 2005. She calls the

internship “a perfect opportunity” for the way it

exposed her to the business world and gave her access

to managers. Sattaur initially joined the company

following graduation and then landed a permanent

position as a brokerage operations representative.

She said the seven years she has spent with the

company have been challenging and rewarding. “There

are a lot of opportunities offered to us and many Fidelity

employees have been here a long time,” she added.

“That’s a sign in itself it’s a good working environment.”

Schoendorf agreed. “I have been given a lot of

autonomy. When you’re trusted at that level, it really

inspires you to strive for more. I’m really dependent on

my own success.”

With the Board of Regents initiative Saint Peter’s Ready

(story on page 14) underway, Fonzo hopes to further

connections between Fidelity employees and students.

“We want to keep the relationship growing, not only

in terms of internships, but in alumni coming back

and sharing their professional experiences,” he stated.

“These graduates are success stories that our current

students can look up to.”

Saint Peter’s University 13

Generations of Saint Peter’s students have benefited from a strong alumni network that

introduced them to internships, employers and career-building opportunities. Now, the Board

of Regents is taking the University network to a new level with Saint Peter’s Ready, a program

designed to prepare graduates for an increasingly complex and ultra-competitive job market.

Warren C. Fristensky ’74, retired senior vice president information technology and chief

information officer of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is spearheading the new initiative and fills Saint

Peter’s University in on the details.

How did Saint Peter’s Ready come about?

It really came out of a couple of things. The Board of

Regents has always been a strong supporter of the Uni-

versity through the Regents Business Symposium (RBS)

and mentoring initiatives. Saint Peter’s builds people for

others and a lot of us are graduates who want to give

back and drive support for the University.

The economic landscape has also changed and we see

there’s a need for more help. The ability for students to

network with companies that are hiring at an entry level

has quieted down quite a bit. Companies have cut back

on hiring graduates right out of school; they now want

Saint Peter’s READY

Warren Fristensky ’74

14 Fall 2013

10 MINUTES with...

employees with experience. What used to be a relatively

small gap has now become a large chasm, and we want

to build a bridge between education and employability.

Do you see Saint Peter’s Ready as a way to address how

the economy and job market have changed?

It really is the time to do this. What we’re seeing with

the economy is not a temporary situation; this is a per-

manent, going forward state of the world. There’s a shift

and we’re looking to build a bridge to make employers

interested in hiring our students by providing education

and focus—not to exclude liberal arts disciplines or any-

thing else—but to focus on the specific things students

need to be basically secure on.

You have been with John Wiley & Sons for 21 years. What

are employers looking for in today’s graduates?

Students and graduates face an increasingly competitive

global employment market. This is a big deal not only in

the U.S. and at Saint Peter’s, but worldwide. So there are

things students need to get facile with as they mature.

They need to be job-ready and around the job readiness

skills are the life-ready skills. Are you culturally diverse?

Are you comfortable with the global aspect of the world?

Now, everybody bandies that about, but Wiley is a global

company. We live in all of these markets, whether it’s

Europe, India, South America or China, so we have

people on staff who either speak these languages or

who we can deploy because they are culturally sensitive

to these markets.

That’s some of what we’re seeing in our business life

and that’s what we want to help Saint Peter’s students

with. Through our brand of job and life readiness, Saint

Peter’s Ready will allow the students to have confidence

as they go into an interview and talk to people or plan

their careers.

You mentioned life-ready skills. What do you think Jesuit

schools do particularly well in terms of preparing students

for life after college?

In the academic realm, one of the things that the Jesuit

learning model insists upon is that they care for you. But

sometimes that means that they really push you around

and challenge you to do better and challenge you intel-

lectually. I once summarized it, as the Jesuits say, “learn,

damn it!” And they mean it. They want you to learn

and they won’t let you get away with anything. Jesuit

education keeps you centered; they don’t let you waste

your time. That to me was a fundamental difference…so

that’s the Saint Peter’s difference.

So what’s the status of this new initiative?

We’re in launch mode. We decided that we would

support the students at the October job fair by running

a career preparedness seminar to introduce the

program. It included a lunchtime seminar and panel

discussion with a number of Regents who conducted

a Q&A on job search and career preparedness. Every

student who signed up for the job fair hopefully signed

up for this seminar. We also were at the job fair to

support students. We coached them, observed and then

did a debrief at the end to determine: “Did this work?

Did it help? Did it hurt? How can we make sure we’re

making it effective?” We have a lot of support at the

moment, but now the heavy lifting begins.

What advice would you give the freshman class who

are more career-focused, but also more concerned about

their future?

I had two observations from attending Freshman

Orientation in August. Every student I spoke to, except

one, had declared a major, which is the reverse of when

I started out. They are very articulate, accomplished and

prepared and there’s a focus on career, whether it’s the

sciences, accounting or education. So that is good, and

would be a piece of advice if it weren’t already being

applied. Stay focused; stay connected.

It’s also important to meet a lot of people. Get in-

volved. Join the clubs and then help your fellow students.

When you see someone in distress or in need of some

help, get outside of yourself and go and help. When

you’re too self-focused, you get a lot of anxiety from that.

But if you’re concentrating on something else and that is

helping others, then it actually helps you help yourself.

Warren Fristensky ’74 retired from John Wiley & Sons in August

2013. In addition to serving on the Board of Regents for nine

years, in which he was recently elected vice-chair, he also serves

on the board of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the Ameri-

can Revolution. He is married to Julie Delaney Fristensky ’73

and is the son-in-law of the late John J. Delaney ’50, for whom

the annual Delaney Reception for graduating seniors is named.

“What used to be a relatively small gap has now become a large chasm, and we want to build a bridge between education and employability.”

Warren Fristensky ’74

Saint Peter’s University 15

Desire to Serve

From May 23 through June 6, the University’s GO Team

dove into summer with a much-anticipated two-week

service trip to Quito to work for the WBC. Founded in

1964 by Rev. John Halligan, S.J., to provide young boys

who shined shoes on the streets of Quito with educa-

tion and skills to work their way out of poverty, the WBC

draws service-minded volunteers from Jesuit secondary

schools, colleges and universities throughout the U.S.

This was the Saint Peter’s GO Team’s fourth trip to Quito.

Over the years, the WBC has expanded its mission

to support working boys and girls and their families.

Students learn mechanics, cosmetology, industrial sew-

ing, baking, sales and marketing and more as part of the

organization’s training and educational mission.

This year, the Saint Peter’s group was housed at one

of the center’s three school compounds, which serve as

the base for several working businesses, including a hair

salon, a bakery, a diner and a furniture store. The team

worked with children on-site and played with them

during breaks. They also participated in a community

construction experience known as a Minga.

And while they were certainly there to help, they

also picked up some new skills of their own. Rosanna

Nguyen ’15 said, “I actually got to learn a bit about auto

mechanics directly from the students, who explained or

demonstrated how to do things like figuring out why a

car won’t start or changing a tire.”

Issues of Faith and JusticeThe journey to Quito was the first for Dwayne Paul ’08,

assistant director for faith and global justice, who

described how students connected to the spiritual

aspects of service and solidarity and examined critical

issues of faith and justice. He explained, “We did

reflections every other night, during which we would

talk about the day and reflect on it in light of the

Gospel. Talking about what we’re doing through the

lens of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching makes

a big difference.”

Addressing the topic of global poverty through the

real-world experiences of the poor in Quito was a true

source of learning. “It was certainly a challenge to talk

For nearly 50 years, the Working Boys Center (WBC), a Jesuit ministry based in Quito, Ecuador, has worked to improve the lives of some of the country’s poorest families. Its mission—to eliminate poverty among working children and their families—brought 10 student members of the Saint Peter’s University Global Outreach (GO) Team to Quito last summer.

MEET DWAYNE PAUL ’08After earning a Master of Arts in Religion at Yale Divinity School and spending seven months in Central America, Dwayne Paul ’08 joined the Office of Campus Ministry in October 2012. He is delighted to be back at Saint Peter’s and with his role: assistant director for faith and global justice. “It was a real pleasure in a lot of ways to be traveling and working and thinking with this group of students,” said Paul. “It was really confirming, that I really like what I’m doing and with whom I’m doing it.”

16 Fall 2013

MEN & WOMENFOR OTHERS

Desire to Serveabout global poverty in a way where we don’t roman-

ticize the ability of a family to live on very little,” Paul

continued. Keeping the conversations on track was

critical for accomplishing this goal. “I think the most

constructive conversation is investigating and inter-

rogating the roots of the poverty we encounter, not

making fruitless comparisons to our context, and not

over-generalizing, but staying focused on the context.”

Lasting ImpressionSome student volunteers realized that they’d like to do

more work in the area of social justice. The families they

encountered left lasting impressions. Nelcida Garcia ’15

hopes to share her experience and the mission of the

WBC with as many people as possible. She explained,

“I want to educate my community about the hardships

faced by the Ecuadorian families I had the pleasure of

meeting this past summer. I also want to encourage

others to volunteer or donate to the Working Boys

Center, because it really does everything it claims to do

and more.”

Paul said he saw growth in several students during

their stay in Quito. “They were thinking really long-term

about their lives and about the orientation their careers

would take. It was amazing to see,” he recounted. “On

the last day, we were having a closing ritual and reflec-

tion, and some of the students voiced new insights and

new desires about wanting to help people as a vocation

or as a career. That was impressive.”

Cassandra Iverson ’14 was another student on whom

the trip to Quito had a strong impact. “One of my paths

may lead me—quite happily—back to the WBC as a

year-long volunteer, or perhaps to another organization

for others,” she stated.

Iverson recalled meeting Gloria, an elderly adult in

WBC’s program. “She was learning the alphabet and

basic literacy,” Iverson said. “She had never known that

she was deserving of an education. She smiled as if the

sun would never set, the grass would never brown and

as though each moment was precious.”

Afterward, Iverson reflected on what she had wit-

nessed. “I want more people to learn their worth, to

know that even though I do not know them, I love them.

We were not there just for the trip. We were there for

the people.”

Opposite page: There was time for work and play—Valentina Osario ’16, Nelcida Garcia ’15, Renee Brzyski ’13 and Sunita Kumar ’14 at the Working Boys Center; Renee Brzyski ’13 giving a little girl a lift. Above: Richard Palma ’15, Sunita Kumar ’14 and Roger Arias ’15 help children in class; Renee Brzyski ’13 gives a boy a piggyback ride.

Saint Peter’s University 17

The Master Plan for Saint Peter’s University Planning for the Future

One year from now, students in the School of

Education will have their own dedicated space to learn,

collaborate and work on academic projects. Business

students will be able to access real time market data on

a simulated trading floor, and Saint Peter’s University

will have a state-of-the-art facility to further the

academic excellence of two flagship programs. The

renovation of Dinneen Hall, one piece of a multi-phase

master plan for the University, is underway.

Phase I: Moving AheadRemediation of Dinneen Hall began in August and is

expected to take nine months. When completed in

2014, the three-story facility will house the School

of Education and the School of Business and provide

21st-century updates. “The new building, with a state-

of-the-art technology infrastructure, will increase

capabilities for teaching and learning and will provide

our students with hands-on simulations which

enhance their career preparedness,” said Provost and

Vice President for Academic Affairs Marylou Yam, Ph.D.

A core component of the School of Education will be

the Center for Collaborative Learning, located in the first

floor of the facility. There will be ample space for conver-

sation, study and collaboration all supported by multime-

dia technology and equipped with features such as inter-

active white boards for students and faculty to capture

information and knowledge for later use and discussion.

The Interactive Learning Halls for the School of

Business will occupy the lower plaza level of Dinneen. In

addition to the simulated financial trading floor, where

business students will put textbook teaching into action,

the space will also feature conference rooms, a com-

puter lab and lecture hall supported by technology that

enhances classroom learning.

The renovation is being overseen by NK Architects,

the architectural and structural engineering firm that

facilitated the development of the University’s new

master plan.

The multi-million dollar renovation is being funded

in part by monies provided by the Building Our Future

Bond Act, an investment in higher education passed by

New Jersey voters last November. Fifty-two million of

the $750 million authorized in state bonds was slated

for independent colleges and universities in New Jersey.

Community-Wide Input for PlanGrounded in VISION 2015: The Strategic Plan for Saint

Peter’s University, the master plan’s aim is to better

support a vibrant living and learning environment

and create a more attractive urban campus. It was

developed with community-wide input from surveys

and interviews with various campus constituencies

“We’ve been here for more than 140 years, so this is one chapter in the overall life of the institution.”

Survey SaysCommunity input for the master plan included survey responses from more than 250 students, faculty members, administrators and staff. According to respondents, the top five priorities for improving the physical campus included: better technology, quality of academic facilities, quality and variety of student housing, and parking, as well as student commons and gathering spaces. These responses, along with VISION 2015: The Strategic Plan for Saint Peter’s University and representatives from all campus constituencies serving on the Master Plan Steering Committee, helped to inform the master planning process.

18 Fall 2013

Planning for the Futureand a Master Plan Steering Committee comprised of

students, faculty, administrators and trustees.

The process identified eight phases for new or

improved facilities to be implemented over the next 15

to 20 years, according to Denton Stargel, vice president

for business and finance. This long-range view is not

unusual for master plans. He explained, “You look at

campuses over a span of time. We’ve been here for

more than 140 years, so this is only one chapter in the

overall life of the institution. Master plans are based on

the current physical standing of the campus and then

identifying and anticipating needs going forward.”

A Residential CampusA later phase identified in the master plan addresses

the need for more residential housing. Nearly 750

students are living on campus for the 2013–2014

academic year. Capacity could increase by more than

40 percent when the plan for more residential space

comes to fruition.

“The current housing stock is aging and in need of

repair,” Stargel said. “The master plan has earmarked

new sites for residence halls to accommodate the grow-

ing trend toward a residential university campus.”

Residential housing could expand to nearby McGinley

Square. The University is working with a private devel-

oper on a plan, which calls for mixed-use construction

including retail, dining and entertainment, as well as

residential housing for Saint Peter’s students. New Jersey

Future, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works

to promote responsible land-use policies, recognized the

plan with a Smart Growth Award in 2012 for its blueprint

for revitalizing an urban area while providing maximum

benefit to diverse communities.

Also contained in the Master Plan for Saint Peter’s

University are improvements that will provide more

classroom space and labs for undergraduate and

graduate programs, expansion of facilities to support

more competitive Division I athletics, the development

of more recreational space, additional parking and

enhancing the overall appeal and “walkability” of the

Jersey City campus.

Top to bottom: Rendering of Dinneen Hall; a simulated financial trading floor will be the centerpiece of the Interactive Learning Halls for the School of Business; the Center for Collaborative Learning in the School of Education.

MASTER

PLAN

Saint Peter’s University 19

Goal in SightHistoric campaign raises more than $58 million and three priorities surpass initial mark

The Mac Mahon Student Center is open and wowing visitors and the

campus community alike, and three of the six priorities outlined in Students

at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University have surpassed their

financial goals. The final phases of the University’s most ambitious capital

campaign, which has taken Saint Peter’s to new levels of recognition and

excellence, are nearing completion. With 94 percent of the $62 million

goal raised, the campaign finish line is in sight.

“We are very grateful to reach this point in the Campaign,” said Vice

President for Advancement and External Affairs Michael A. Fazio. “Trust-

ees, Regents, alumni, friends and members of the University community

have supported Students at the Center with great vision and generosity.”

Since its public launch in 2011, more than 8,500 donors have

matched their passions and interests to one or more of the six giving

priorities that comprise Saint Peter’s historic campaign. Gifts to The

Saint Peter Fund, also known as the annual fund, Endowment and

Peacock Nation (Athletics) have exceeded, by at least 117 percent,

their initial goals of $12 million, $7.5 million and $1 million respec-

tively. In addition, every sector of the Saint Peter’s community is well

represented in contributions to the Campaign—a critical component

to the success of Students at the Center thus far, Fazio noted.

“I’m blown away by the response—by the belief—of our

donors,” Fazio continued. “They see what we’re doing here for

our students and so far, nearly 8,500 have said, ‘I want to invest

in that.’ We’ve received gifts in person, over the phone, online,

through the mail, even by text message. It’s really amazing.”

Longtime Supporters Step UpDonors continue to come forward in support of the

Campaign’s centerpiece, the Mac Mahon Student Center,

which opened last spring. The Theresa and Edward O’ Toole

Foundation, the independent foundation that contributed

the lead gift to build the University’s library in 1967, recently

made a six-figure commitment to the student center. The

Pennsylvania-based foundation is named for a late New

“Trustees, regents, alumni, friends and members of the University community have supported Students at the Center with great vision and generosity.”

20 Fall 2013

ADVANCEMENT

Jersey couple who owned and operated a religious-goods

business and is known for its support of faith-based

institutions like Saint Peter’s.

Recently, Bernard M. Hartnett, Jr. ’51, along with friends

and family, gathered at the Office of Campus Ministry

in the Mac Mahon Student Center for the dedication of

a suite, which was named in memory of his late wife,

Eleanor Kelly Hartnett.

While not a graduate, Eleanor attended many events

at Saint Peter’s with her husband of 60 years. “She loved

Saint Peter’s,” said Hartnett. “She particularly loved the

Jesuits. I think she would be thrilled to have an office

named in her honor in campus ministry.”

Campaign TimelineWith the University looking to conclude the Campaign

within the next 18 months, officials and campaign

volunteers will be on the road in the coming months,

hosting events to acquire the support that will bring

Students at the Center to a successful conclusion.

“Alumni and friends have clearly demonstrated their

admiration and love of this institution,” said Campaign

Chairman Francis A. McGrail ’79. “With additional sup-

port, we are very close to accomplishing the major goals

that will strengthen Saint Peter’s life-changing mission

for generations to come.”

North/Central Jersey Spring 2011

Campaign Priority Progress

Campaign Progress

Goal Reached $1 MillionAthletics (Peacock Nation):

$1,172,815

75% $1 MillionJesuit Mission & Identity:

$748,098

95% $5.5 Million Academics:

$5,206,731

Goal Reached $7.5 MillionEndowment:$8,758,265

Goal Reached $12 MillionThe Saint Peter Fund:

$14,348,951

81% $35 Million Student Center:

$28,338,702

94% $62 Million$58,577,307

‘This is Our Moment’If you haven’t made it back to campus

recently, check out “This is Our Moment,”

the eight-part series of short videos about

the new Mac Mahon Student Center and

its overwhelmingly positive impact on

the Saint Peter’s community and beyond.

Student-athletes Cherrice Brown ’13 and

Ali Hassan ’13 relate how the new student

center is elevating the living and learning

experience in episode 1.

“This building is providing us an

opportunity to connect, invite and to build

community,” said Director of Campus

Ministry Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., (pictured

above) in episode 4.

To view the entire web series and the

many ways the Mac Mahon Student Center

is advancing the mission and vision for

Saint Peter’s, visit saintpeters.edu/campaign.

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

A Golden Opportunity

Josefine M. Castan, Ph.D.,

professor emerita of Spanish in the

department of modern languag-

es and literatures at Saint Peter’s

University, was ahead of her time

in many ways. In 1960, she became

the then-all-male institution’s first

female professor. By 1966, she was

named the first dean of women and

joined Saint Peter’s in welcoming female students to the

Day Session. And while she stayed out of the spotlight

herself, she brought attention to the arts at Saint Peter’s

with several musical productions, including the 1972

presentation of the Cuban opera Cecilia Valdes.

Before her passing in 2010, the Spanish professor

made a bequest to the University that will support new

program development in liberal arts, languages and in-

ternational relations. Through this act of generosity, Dr.

Castan’s respect for the traditions of the Ratio Studiorum

and cura personalis will live on.

Rev. Mark DeStephano, S.J., Ph.D., chairman and

professor of the department of modern and classical lan-

guages and literatures and director of the Asian studies

program, succeeded her in the department. He knew the

Spanish professor well and noted her love for the arts.

“She especially loved what we call the Golden Age

of Spanish literature, and she also had a tremendous

interest in Spanish music,” he said. “It was no surprise

to me that she had made this very generous bequest for

the development of the program in Spanish language

and Spanish culture.”

Enriching Freshman SeminarTo start, the funds have been applied to a new, six-credit

interdisciplinary course, “Hispanic New York,” that is

being taught by both Fr. DeStephano and Jon Boshart,

Ph.D., chairman of the fine arts department. As part of

Freshman Seminar, a program designed to help first-year

students transition to college, participants will benefit

from the University’s proximity to Manhattan, as about

half of the instruction time will be spent off campus at

roughly 20 metropolitan area sites. The course will sat-

isfy students’ Fine Arts Core Requirement as well as half

of their World Language Core Requirement.

“Hispanic New York” is expected to be an effective

recruiting tool and has been targeted to a number of

incoming freshmen. Fr. DeStephano explained that this

effort is aimed at cultivating an interest in the arts for

these students early on. The course also focuses on

the importance of language and culture for Hispanic

students. “Many students report that Spanish is their

first language, so our goal is to help them make that

professionally viable—to strengthen their formal and

professional Spanish skills,” he noted. To this end,

Fr. DeStephano plans to teach his portion of the course

entirely in Spanish.

Students enrolled in the course will receive trans-

portation and entrance fees to the locations they’ll visit

throughout the semester, and they’ll receive mobile

devices that will help maximize each experience’s

educational potential.

A Provost’s Lecturer Program in the Humanities, an

International Studies major, and participation in the

Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows Program, sponsored

by the Council of Independent Colleges, are future

programs also under consideration.

A Shared BeliefFr. DeStephano said that he felt a personal connection

to Dr. Castan, as he recalled her strong belief in Jesuit

ideals and dedication to Saint Peter’s throughout her

career, which spanned more than 30 years.

“The office that I’m in was her office,” he said.

“When you walk into our department, we have a

picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was hers. I’ve

kept it up, in memory of her and a couple of other

colleagues of hers who were also very devout Catholics.

She was an inspiration to me, and now more so.”

Fr. DeStephano called Dr. Castan’s generosity and its

long-term potential “a wonderful, fitting start.”

“Professor Castan devoted her life to Saint Peter’s,” he

said, “so I think it’s wonderful that she’ll be setting the

precedent for what I hope will really be a big push now

in modern language studies.”

For more information about leaving a legacy like Dr.

Castan, please contact Ana Cravo at (201) 761-6104 or

acravo@saintpeters.edu.

A legacy steeped in Jesuit tradition

RATIO STUDIORUMThe Ratio Studio-rum (Latin for plan of studies) is a seminal document in the Society of Jesus. First published in 1586, nearly 40 years after the first Jesuit schools opened, and finalized in 1599, it estab-lished a standard plan for all of the Society’s educa-tional institutions. Called the “Magna Carta of Jesuit edu-cation” by historian Rev. John O’Malley, S.J., it has been a guiding pedagog-ical document for Jesuit education worldwide.

22 Fall 2013

DONORS WHO MAKE A

Difference

MAKING NEW CONNECTIONSMore than 4,000 fans and counting. The Facebook presence of Saint Peter’s University alumni more than doubled in 2012–2013 as alumni and friends flocked to the official fan page to connect, reminisce and receive up-to-the-minute news on events and happenings at the University. Join the dialogue at facebook.com/saintpetersalumni.

Bill Stein Keeps GivingDuring his 26-year tenure as director of athletics, Bill Stein worked tirelessly on behalf

of student-athletes and Saint Peter’s athletics. It comes as no surprise that even after

retiring in 2008, Stein has continued to advance the University’s mission and vision.

He served as a fundraiser in the Office of Advancement and External Affairs

and worked closely with alumni to grow the William J. Murray All Sports Golf

Outing into a highly successful annual event. As director of athletics, Stein

knew every student-athlete personally. Those relationships formed the

bedrock of support that continues to help today’s Peacock players excel.

Stein has also made the kind of commitment he has asked of others

over the years: he provided for Saint Peter’s athletics in his estate

plan. “I envision Saint Peter’s continuing its mission, focusing on

cura personalis and remaining strong academically with a competitive

athletic program,” he said, and called for more alumni-athletes

to come forward. “The University assisted you financially to get an

education. Now it’s time to pay it forward for the next generation.”

For more information on planned giving, visit saintpeters.edu/giftplanning.

With the fiscal year closing on June 30, 4,106 donors

contributed more than $5.5 million, a pillar of support

that enhances teaching, learning and student life at

the University. Alumni giving also increased.

Annual scholarships and athletics recorded

significant increases. Contributions to scholarships

reached $474,381, a 48 percent increase over the

previous year, while donations to Peacock Nation

jumped 25 percent to provide $152,509 in support of

the men’s and women’s Division I teams.

For the second year, “Let’s Do it Again, May 10,” a

24-hour campaign for new donors and contributions

before the close of the University’s fiscal year, produced

an inspiring display of generosity. Word quickly spread

to generations of Peacocks and over a two-year period,

this new media appeal brought in 727 donors.

Donors also prefer the convenience of online giving.

Not only did the rate of online contributions increase

by 28 percent in 2012–2013, the amount raised surged

to $153,265, a 49 percent increase from the previous

year. Participation from Saint Peter’s newest alumni,

the Class of 2013, also went up by double

digits; 260 graduates said thank you to The Jesuit

University of New Jersey with a gift to the University, a

30 percent increase over the previous year.

A legacy steeped in Jesuit tradition

The Class of 2013 presented a generous gift to Saint Peter’s.

SUPPORT FOR THE UNIVERSITY GROWS

Saint Peter’s University 23

Full-Time Commitment Inspires Student-Athletes

Get to know the head coaches

behind Saint Peter’s Division I teams

and one fact is clear: there’s no such

thing as part-time when it comes

to Peacock pride. Though the vast

majority of head coaches balance

day jobs and other coaching obliga-

tions with the demands of Division

I competition, it’s a challenge they

face head-on.

Director of Athletics Joe Quinlan

acknowledged the unique type of

commitment that all of the Univer-

sity’s part-time coaches have. Of the

19 NCAA Division I teams at Saint

Peter’s, only two, men’s and wom-

en’s basketball, are led by full-time

head coaches. “It can be a challenge

because they all have other profes-

sional responsibilities, yet they work

tirelessly for our students and for

the individual programs,” Quinlan

noted. “We’re very grateful for the

efforts that they put forth on behalf

of our students.”

These efforts have also brought

greater visibility to Saint Peter’s

athletics. Under the leadership of

Mike Massone, men’s and women’s

track and field and cross country

Saint Peter’s University’s part-time head coaches demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to their student-athletes and teams.

Above: Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Andrew Brown and Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Head Coach Mohamed Abdelaal

24 Fall 2013

coach, Saint Peter’s has dominated

the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic

Conference), winning five titles in

three years. The MAAC also named

Massone Women’s Coach of the

Year three years in a row, while

Mohamed Abdelaal, men’s and

women’s swimming and diving

coach, was honored as the MAAC

Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year.

‘I Don’t Know How He Does It’Abdelaal, the University’s aquatics

director, manages the pool and

schedules it for swimming lessons,

age-group swim teams, rental

groups and, of course, the teams

he coaches. Abdelaal, who has two

assistant coaches, approaches each

season one goal at a time. “We

encourage everybody to get off to a

good start,” he explained. “We keep

them focused on the next thing and

try not to look too far ahead. Then

we try to make the correlation be-

tween how they performed at their

first meet and how they performed

at the end of the year.”

Swimmer Alejandro Rubin

Panvini ’15 said, “[Abdelaal] is fully

committed to our team and to every

swimmer he trains. I don’t know

how he does it.”

Volleyball Day and NightPerforming a different kind of

balancing act is Women’s Volleyball

Head Coach Andrew Brown, who

juggles a total of four coaching jobs.

“It’s volleyball from 6:30 a.m. until

10:00 or 10:30 p.m.,” he noted.

“So it’s constantly working at a

practice, driving to another facility,

prepping for that practice, prep-

ping for a game, getting back in the

car, driving to another facility and

repeating that.” His to-do list may

sound daunting, but he describes

it with enthusiasm and passion for

the sport. “It definitely tests your

organizational skills and your time

management, but I’d rather be very,

very busy doing this than any other

job in the world,” he said.

To be clear, having multiple

commitments doesn’t dilute Brown’s

focus on any level. Most of last

year’s practices were scheduled in

the early morning, and the team

really stepped up to the challenge.

“I have a great bunch of women who

are willing to put in the time and

effort, and they want to get better,”

Brown said. “We always have music

in the mornings to wake everybody

up, get the tempo of practice going,

and forget about the fact that the

sun’s not even out yet and we’re the

only ones on campus.”

The turnaround Brown has facili-

tated has not gone unnoticed. Laura

Reinhart ’14 said, “To say that he’s

just a good coach is short-changing

him—he’s a great person.” Reinhart

addressed the period of growth the

team is currently experiencing. “Not

many people would have taken on

the role in the state our program

was in, but he did without hesita-

tion, and we hope to view our pro-

gram as a winning program soon.”

Stephanie Mills ’14 also spoke

highly of Brown’s commitment to

the team. “He is basically a full-time

coach with all the time and effort

he puts in to working with us,” she

stated. “He’s here before and after

practices, motivated and prepared

to go.”

A Successful Balancing ActRob Bielan stepped into his role as

head coach of the women’s soccer

team just last year. The former

semi-pro player has his work cut

out for him as he balances life

with three daughters and a job

as a full-time Bayonne firefighter.

To that end, he acknowledges the

support he gets from his colleagues

and wife as being instrumental in

his ability to get it all done. “I work

with great men on the Bayonne Fire

Department,” he said. “It’s a broth-

erhood where everybody wants you

to succeed.”

Brown emphasizes two points

for the students on his team: first,

the chain of command, and second,

each team member’s role as a rep-

resentative of Saint Peter’s. “I want

them to be ambassadors of this

school,” he said.

Bielan is also grateful to his di-

rector of athletics. “Mr. Quinlan has

given me an excellent opportunity,”

he said. “I’ve been dreaming about

coaching at the Division I level for

years. And I want to give these stu-

dents the same opportunity.”

Maddie Gregory ’14 said, “[Rob

Bielan] became our coach at the end

of last year, and within a month

he brought in 11 awesome recruits,

so we were able to field a team at

a time when that didn’t seem pos-

sible.”

Quinlan noted the undeniable

connection between the coaches’

love for what they do and the

athletes’ appreciation for their

efforts. “They’re very professional,

they enjoy what they do, and that’s

evident in their work,” he said. “I

think all of them enjoy the respect

of their students as well, which is a

very, very critical aspect to having a

successful team.”

PEACOCK

U

“...they work tirelessly for our students and for the individual programs.”

WE’RE ALL PEACOCKS NOWFor decades, the NCAA Division I men’s teams at Saint Peter’s were called Peacocks, while the women’s teams adopted the nickname Peahens. Since Saint Peter’s attained university status in 2012, all 19 intercollegiate athletic teams are known as Peacocks. Saint Peter’s remains the only NCAA Division I institution whose mascot is the Peacock.

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

1950

Joseph E. Scuro and his wife, Phyllis Scuro, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 7 in Orlando, Fla.

1955

Joseph A. Kelly, M.D., produced a video for the Antarctica Soci-ety, “My Year at Hallett Station, 1960–61.” The video chronicles his yearlong tour of duty as a physician with the U.S. Navy in Antarctica during Deep Freeze-61 and is described as a “very honest recounting—sometimes humorous, sometimes sad—of a young phy-sician’s coming of age during this most challenging year of his life.” To learn more, visit antarctican.org.

1960

Conrad Romanick and his wife, Tina, celebrated their 55th wed-ding anniversary on May 31.

1962

Brig. Gen. Vincent E. Stahl, Jr. USA (Retired), served as the guest speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremony of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foun-

dation on May 27 in Holmdel, N.J. Gen. Stahl was commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduat-ing as an ROTC Distinguished Mil-itary Graduate from Saint Peter’s. His military career included serving with the 4th Medium Tank Battal-ion, 37th Armor., the 5th Special Forces Group and the Army Re-serve. He enjoyed a successful ca-reer in the pharmaceutical industry and makes frequent appearances related to his experience.

1968

David Cicirelli, son of Ralph Cicirelli ’68 and Phyllis Amoroso-Cicirelli ’70, recently authored Fakebook: A True Story. Based on Actual Lies, a book Publisher’s Weekly describes as a “wacky and bold memoir about identity in this cockeyed social media environment.”

1969

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) selected Nadia Makar to serve on its Advi-sory Board. Elected chairperson of the Diversity Committee, Makar will also serve on the Executive Board of the ISEF. The science supervisor of the Union City public schools, Makar was honored for the presti-gious appointments at The Jersey

Journal/Hudson County Science Fair Awards Ceremony on May 30.

1972

William DeFabiis, Ed.D., retired on June 30 after 23 years as South Hackensack Superintendent.

1973

John J. Pron and his wife, Sha-ron, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 2.

1974

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., ordained Louis Quaglia to a member of the permanent diaconate on June 1 at the Cathe-dral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Deacon Quaglia is a member of the Saint Charles Borromeo parish in Bensalem, Pa.

1975

The Summit Speech School elected Michael J. Polisin, M.D., FAAP, to a three-year term on its Board of Trustees last May.

1967

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.

1977

Saul Ewing Partner Charles M. Lizza, Esq., was appointed Trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey.

1978

Albert Favate, M.D., has been appointed Director of the Neuro-vascular Team (Stroke) NYU- Langone Medical Center/NYU School of Medicine.

1979

Patrick S. Devery and his wife, Marylou, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on May 28.

Diana Rubino is the author of numerous romance and historical novels, including A Necessary End: The Act of a Desperate Rebel (2013), a paranormal twist on John Wilkes Booth and his plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. She recently completed a biography of Martha Washington and can be contacted at dianaru-bino.com or dianarubinoauthor.blogspot.com.

1980

Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos is a priest of the Archdiocese of Manila, in charge of the parochial school system of the Archdiocese, the catechetical ministry of Manila and CBCP executive secretary for cat-echesis and Catholic education.

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.

26 Fall 2013

CLASS NEWS & Notes

PEACOCK PROFILE

Saint Peter’s Great Samaritan

The photo says it all.

Published in Peacock Pie as part of the

co-dedication of the 2003 yearbook to William Knapp ’68,

the image (inset) is quintessential Knapp: on the ground,

prepping the audio-visual equipment as he had done with

great precision, focus and dedication for countless events

throughout his 43-year career at Saint Peter’s. Certainly not

the most dignified of photos, but an image ingrained in the

consciousness of a University community that came to rely on

Knapp for so many things.

As the director of the Instructional Resource Center (IRC)

from 1976–2006 and then as director of special events and

projects, Knapp, who retired on June 30, touched many lives

at Saint Peter’s. Though much of his work was behind the

scenes, he mentored hundreds of work-study students (“They

had to be able to get a 16 mm projector and screen up the

stairs of McDermott in five minutes; that was the test,” Knapp

stated), befriended faculty and employees, was an assuring

presence at nearly every campus event and program, and

even inspired the original jazz tune, “Guess I’ve Got to Call Bill

Knapp,” written by late English Professor Steven J. Rosen, Ph.D.

“I was here to serve,” said Knapp, who had an epiphany

while an undergraduate at Saint Peter’s, where he also worked

on the audio-visual crew. “I was in the quadrangle and I had

this mental inspiration,” he recalled. “Maybe this is where I

was meant to be the rest of my life.” After graduation, Knapp

went to work for Chase, but was able to return to Saint Peter’s

as the assistant director of the IRC in 1970.

“Bill is a presence, and a very effective presence,” said

Associate Professor of History Jerome Gillen, Ph.D. “He solved

our problems. You could always talk to him and he was always

there. He is going to be missed very much.”

“You do a little bit of everything,” is how Knapp describes

his multiple roles and duties over the years. Day or night, he

provided technical (and moral) support to Argus Eyes pro-

ductions, installed the sound system so the Peacocks could

play the Scarlet Knights at the Jersey City Armory in 2007, and

oversaw the University’s first Head of State visit when Philip-

pine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo spoke on campus in

2003. Most gratifying, however, was the day-to-day business of

supporting the teaching and instructional needs of the faculty

and “getting things done.”

“It just became a mission,” he added. “We were here to help

students learn. The most effective way to help students learn

is to help teachers teach. If somebody has a problem and they

walk through the door, it will be addressed right then and

there. That was the modus operandi.”

Professor of English William Luhr, Ph.D., calls Knapp, “Saint

Peter’s great Samaritan. His value is way beyond the techni-

cal,” Dr. Luhr said. “He connects with people on a human level.

He is easily one of the most valuable people I’ve known at

Saint Peter’s. Period.”

Saint Peter’s confers an award, the Bene Merenti, to faculty

and staff who have been with the University for 20 years. With

his 43 years of service, Knapp is a double Bene Merenti.

He declined a formal retirement party, but at the Faculty

Convocation on August 27, he received a special tribute. The

father of three plans to fix up a home he purchased in New

Hampshire and explore his spiritual life on a deeper level.

Knapp is also thrilled at the prospect of welcoming his first

grandchild in November.

“Mission accomplished,” he concluded. “Now the other

third of my life is beginning.”

Saint Peter’s University 27

1981

Anthony Olszewski has orga-nized and continues to operate Jersey City Free Books, a commu-nity book exchange that provides something to read without charge, obligation, registration or indoc-trination. Jersey City Free Books serves seniors, students, the unemployed and working families.

1982

The recent book, Hit List: An In-Depth Investigation into the Mys-terious Deaths of the Witnesses to the JFK Assassination by Richard Belzer and David Wayne, cites research and information unearthed by Kathleen Collins regarding the death of actress Karyn Kup-cinet. Active in the JFK community since 2001, Collins’ research is also mentioned by the authors in the introduction to Hit List.

Bartholomew John Erbach authored and published his first book, Gather Up Your Soul, a collection of poems.

1984

The Beach Haven School District of Long Beach Island, N.J., appointed EvaMarie Raleigh superintendent, effective July 1. Raleigh has 15 years of experi-ence as a school administrator in both New Jersey and Florida. She obtained an M.B.A. from Rutgers University in 1995.

1993

The East Coast Label Group of Universal Music Group (UMG) named Mauro DeCeglie vice president, brand partnerships.

1997

Marcus & Millichap Capital Cor-poration hired Brian McCabe as a director in the firm’s New Jersey office. McCabe will arrange debt financing for all types of commer-cial real estate assets, including multi-family, retail, office and industrial properties.

2000

The Wallington Board of Edu-cation appointed James Albro, M.Ed., superintendent of schools last July. Albro previously served as school principal in the district.

Joshua Schrier, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of chemistry at Haverford College. He is the recent co-recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to support research on The Dark Reaction Project: A Machine Learning Approach to Materials Discovery. A respected lectur-er, Dr. Schrier has presented at several institutions, including Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Harvard, Clark University and Wesleyan.

2004

Donte Johnson was named gen-eral manager of Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, D.C.

2005

The District 23 Toastmasters pre-sented Darnelle L. Richardson with the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) medallion at its spring con-ference, held on May 18. To earn the designation, a member must demonstrate excellence in public speaking and leadership. Richard-son presented 40 speeches at the club and community level and also performed 27 leadership projects.

2007

Wayne Guarino is a social stud-ies teacher at Montville Township High School and coach of three sports: football, bowling and base-ball. He is engaged to marry Ra-chel Armenti at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church on November 30.

2008

The Gamma chapter of Gamma Epsilon Tau, the national graph-ic arts honor society, honored Michael Connors at its 2013 Golden Key Awards ceremony last May. As managing director of the production department at The New York Times, Connors is the coordinator of diversity events at The Times’ production plant in College Point, N.Y., and also directs the newspaper’s mentoring program with the Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity, and supports the GED Plus Program in the Bronx. Connors was recog-nized for his support of graphic arts and technical education, and creating opportunities that further the industry and improve people’s lives. Connors holds a B.S. in Business Management from Saint Peter’s and earned an M.B.A. from the University in 2010. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the University’s School of Business.

2009

Jolie Hoppe graduated from Tou-ro University-California College of Osteopathic Medicine last June.

More than 100 alumni, faculty, administrators and friends turned out to support St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church on May 29 at Amanda’s in Hoboken, N.J. Amanda’s owners Eugene Flinn ’80 and wife Joyce (pictured above with Rev. Thomas Sheridan, S.J.) hosted the five course dinner with wine pairings. All proceeds from the event benefited St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church.

Wonderful food. Wonderful cause.

28 Fall 2013

CLASS NEWS & Notes

2012

Van Dyk Health Care, Inc. hired Nicole Cofini DNP ’12, cardi-ac nurse practitioner, to oversee HeartWays, a cardiac rehabilitation program at its Montclair facility.

Don Kennedy H ’02 Elected to Hall of Fame

The New York City Basketball Hall of Fame honored renowned men’s basketball coach and Director of Athletics Don Kennedy H ’02 at its 24th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony on September 19. The late Kennedy, whose 22-year reign turned Saint Peter’s basketball into a national contender, coached the Peacocks to 323 victories and five appearances in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach alongside New York Knicks/Indiana Pacers player turned sportscaster Jerry Harkness

and Hank Whitney, founder of the American Basketball Association and one of the original members of the New Jersey Americans, now known as the Brooklyn Nets.

Kennedy passed away in 2004 at the age of 97. His son, George Kennedy, represented the Peacock coach at the induction ceremony held at the New York Athletic Club.

Clockwise from top left: Rev. James Martin, S.J., Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Callahan ’14; the Rum Runners silhouetted by the view from The Duncan Family Sky Room with One World Trade Center in the background; AnnMarie Cornacchia, Rev. James Martin, S.J., Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.; Bob Donato ’65, Ed Reuter ’64 and Eugene Flinn ’80

President’s Reception

Gratitude, appreciation and thanks: these values

filled every individual’s heart in attendance at

the President’s Reception, held on September

20 in The Duncan Family Sky Room at the

Mac Mahon Student Center. The annual event

honors alumni and friends who have demon-

strated their dedication to the University’s

mission by giving at leadership levels.

Guest speaker Rev. James Martin, S.J. H ’13,

an award-winning author and contributing

editor of America magazine, echoed these sen-

timents during his address. “Why is gratitude

important?” asked Fr. Martin. “St. Ignatius called

ingratitude ‘the most abominable of sins’…for

it is a forgetting of the graces, blessings and

benefits received.”

The Honor Roll of Donors, now an online publication as part of the University’s commitment to green initia-tives, lists the contributors who have supported Saint Peter’s University during our last fiscal year (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). Beginning January 15, 2014, you will be able to view the Honor Roll of Donors by visiting saintpeters.edu/campaign/honorroll2013.

Saint Peter’s University 29

Births

Sabahat Khan ’93 and his wife, Gail Mooney, and son, Dublin Ryder, welcomed Trinity Kells Rose Mooney-Khan in March. Trinity was born in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Gustavo L. Adrianzen ’96 and his wife, Janeth, welcomed their second child, Emeli Belle, on June 22. Emeli joins her big sister, Ariela Rose.

Rachel Walker-Johnson ’99 and Derek Johnson welcomed their third daughter on July 15, 2012. Katelyn Alessia joins big sisters, Julie Milana, 7, and Lisa Sienna, 3 1/2. The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on October 4.

Frank Ciesla ’63 came to

Alumni Weekend with some-

thing he had saved for a very

special occasion: port wine

bottled the very year of his

graduation. Ciesla shared the

wine with his classmates at the

reunion, held from September

13–15 at Saint Peter’s University,

that was made sweeter by all

the changes that have taken

place on campus since 1963.

“This year’s reunion was espe-

cially exciting because we were

able to host many of the events

in the Mac Mahon Student Cen-

ter—a first for the annually held

Alumni Weekend,” Executive

Director of Alumni Engagement

Gloria Mercurio said.

The capstone affair of the

weekend was the Golden

Peacock Mass and Brunch,

during which the Class of 1963

was inducted into the Golden

Peacock society.Frank Ciesla ’63 displays his 1963 vintage bottle of port.

Reunion is Sweet for the Class of ’63

TOURING GRACIE MANSION

On September 25, Saint Peter’s University hosted

an exclusive tour of Gracie Mansion, one of the

most celebrated landmarks in New York City

and among the oldest structures standing in

Manhattan. The tour was given by Dyan Cutro,

wife of University Trustee Robert A. Cutro ’75.

Fifty alumni and friends took part in this unique

event, which included a tea party, a guided tour

of the house and magnificent views of the East

River promenade.

Left: Alumni and friends at Gracie Mansion

Save the DatePresident Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., will be visiting Florida in January 2014. Two alumni gatherings are currently planned during his visit:

Friday, January 17, 2014 - 6:00 p.m.Alumni Reception - Island Club at PGA Village9200 One Putt Place - Port St. Lucie, FL Hosted by John P. Murray ’57, H ’02

Sunday, January 19, 2014 - 10:30 a.m.Alumni Mass & Brunch - Naples Sailing & Yacht Club896 River Point Drive - Naples, FL Hosted by Josephine & Thomas O’Reilly ’69

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Gloria Mercurio at (201) 761-6125 or gmercurio@saintpeters.edu.

CLASS NEWS & Notes

30 Fall 2013

Ralph J. Astarita ’58Anthony J. Avallone ’53Anthony J. Baragona ’60Dominic J. Barilla ’39 William E. Billack ’51Catherine L. Bonome ’98James T. Buckley, Jr., Esq. ’42 Frank Bulzis ’70Joseph D. Buonadies ’63William J. Butler ’63W. David Carew ’60Charles L. Casner ’61James J. Chapman ’49James K. Clark ’85James C.G. Conniff ’42Thomas J. Conway, Jr. ’72 Francis X. Crahay, Esq. ’48Aneillo D’Amelio ’88John B. Daly ’64 Patrick DeClemente ’78

Frank J. Dewan ’47Joseph M. Dicks ’58Thomas J. Doyle, Esq. ’41George S. Fetchko ’72James G. V. Fitzgerald ’56 Paul J. Foley ’50Adriane GibbsJames Gerald Gillick ’50Alfred R. Goerke ’54Thomas Haluschka ’70David D. Haneke ’01James J. Hasson, Esq. ’52 Raymond M. Hobin, Esq. ’56Elizabeth W. Howard ’84 George R. Irwin ’59Richard V. Jablonski ’72Patrick M. Kirwan ’50John A. LaRocca ’68 John J. Loughlin ’45Adelene P. Lynch ’76

John A. Lynskey ’63Thomas F. Maher ’59Ronald D. Marotta ’58Cheryl E. Martin ’84John J. McCarthy, Esq. ’41Robert A. McNamara ’55Albert I. Meisler, D.D.S. ’47Margaret Kealy Micucci ’71Frank S. Miklos ’72Gregory J. Miller ’67Thomas W. Moore III ’67Kevin P. Norton ’63James J. Norton ’54Ralph L. Nudo ’54James J. O’Donnell ’47John H. Pearson ’54George B. Pepper ’48George J. Pinyuh ’53Hermann Krumbhaar Platt, Ph.D.Chester Pogorzelski ’50

Robert D. Sarg ’67Paul J. Savage ’70Louis N. Scotti, M.D. ’54 Joachim B. Schweitzer, OSB ’49Jacquelin Shalhoub ’86Ronald J. Slakie ’63John J. Slavin, Esq. ’57Arthur M. Smith ’58 Erwin G. Szela, Sr. ’49Vincent G. Tolisano ’54 Henry V. Topoleski ’49Fernando TrindadeDavid R. Troth ’55William F. Tuohey ’64Cosmo Vacca ’87, ’04Anne B. VickersJohn M. Werbalis ’67John C. Wiegartner ’50 Raymond Zanowski ’69

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.

‘THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER JAMES C.G. CONNIFF’

Around the Saint Peter’s quad, Professor of English James C.G. Conniff ’42 was known for his high stan-dards, intense demeanor and intolerance of lazy writ-ing. Generations of students

sweated through his classes, but became better writers, presenters and people as a result. The professor, who passed away on June 8 at the age of 92, is also credited with launching the writing and journalism careers of many Saint Peter’s alumni.

“We stayed in touch after I graduated,” said Diana Rubino ’79, the author of 14 novels. “He’s the one who encouraged me to write my first novel. After sending him something I’d written, he called me and said, ‘You’re going to make it, kid.’ I never forgot that. I owe so much to him—he whipped my writing into shape. There will never be anoth-er James C.G. Conniff.”

Professor Conniff was the author of seven books, including Governor Al Smith, a biography of the first Catholic presidential candidate, and also wrote for the Saturday Evening Post, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Magazine and other publications.

In a well-known New York Times Magazine article, “Manchild Coming of Age,” Professor Conniff reflected on the decision he and his wife, Dorothy, made to raise at home their child with Down’s syndrome. “For 31 years, Mark has been a central fact of our family life, knitting us together, trying our patience, helping us laugh, probably making us better people than we would have been without him,” he wrote.

In later years, Professor Conniff worked to preserve the historic character of Montclair, N.J., and advocated for the Bellevue branch of the Montclair Library to remain open. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy, and is survived by three daughters, Susan Manney, Deborah Suta and Cynthia Cavnar; three sons Gregory, Richard and Mark; a sister, Julia Demarsky; and 12 grand-children and nine great-grandchildren.

HERMANN KRUMBHAAR PLATT, PH.D.The Saint Peter’s communi-ty mourned the passing of Hermann Krumbhaar Platt, Ph.D., professor emeritus of history, who passed away on May 20 at the age of 76. A dedicated

member of the faculty for more than 40

years, he taught at Saint Peter’s for his entire professional career.

Dr. Platt’s fortitude, intellect and humor inspired many. Born with arthrogriposis, a rare condition that severely immobilized his joints, family members say he epitomized the English poet George Herbert’s suggestion that, “living well is the best revenge.”

Dr. Platt was a passionate teacher and an expert on New Jersey history and political figures. He authored Charles Perrin Smith: New Jersey Political Reminiscences, 1828–1882 and Water Rights and Railroads in Jersey City Politics and Public Opinion: 1840–1870. In 2012, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy awarded him the J. Owen Grundy History Award for his consummate scholarship and monographs on Edward F.C. Young, the Jersey City financier, power broker and owner of the Young estate, which was situated where Saint Peter’s University now stands.

Dr. Platt was a lifelong Red Sox fan and an adored uncle.

A memorial Mass was held on June 11 at Saint Peter Chapel to celebrate Dr. Platt’s life. He is survived by his sister, Rita Coney, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

REMEMBRANCES

Saint Peter’s University 31

Cap and GownCommencement has always been marked by pomp and circumstance, but as the number of Saint Peter’s graduates has grown, so have

their efforts to celebrate a great accomplishment. At the University’s 122nd Commencement last May, graduates acknowledged their

new status by adding personalized messages, mementos and a whole lot of creativity to the traditional mortar board.

THEN AND Now

1897

You can help them in their journey to achieve their dreams and make their mark by supporting Saint Peter’s University with a gift of any size.

Visit our new and improved secure online giving site at saintpeters.edu/giving to make your gift or pledge today.

Where did Saint Peter’s help YOU to go? Tell us at facebook.com/saintpetersalumni.

Donna Lindsey | Manager of Annual Giving | (201) 761-6109 | dlindsey@saintpeters.edu32 Fall 2013

You can help them in their journey to achieve their dreams and make their mark by supporting Saint Peter’s University with a gift of any size.

Visit our new and improved secure online giving site at saintpeters.edu/giving to make your gift or pledge today.

Where did Saint Peter’s help YOU to go? Tell us at facebook.com/saintpetersalumni.

Donna Lindsey | Manager of Annual Giving | (201) 761-6109 | dlindsey@saintpeters.edu

2641 John F. Kennedy BoulevardJersey City, New Jersey 07306

Change Service Requested

Office of University Communications

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAID Permit # 79

S. Hackensack, NJ

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.