Full-time mother and wife at home. Full-time program coordinator at work. Full-time online student at St. Joseph’s College.

Miren Blackwood of Jamaica, N.Y., does it all.

“I felt it was now or never,” said the mother of three, remembering her decision this year to return to college and enroll in SJC’s online human services program.

But with more than two decades of professional experience in her field, she wanted her training and accomplishments to count for something. She also wanted a college that offered the flexibility she needed to accommodate her demanding schedule – at home and as a senior program lead/coordinator of the Sickle Cell Program at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn.

“When I first contacted SJC, everyone was very professional and helpful. I honestly did not feel the need to contact other colleges,” said Blackwood, who expects to graduate from SJC Online in 2019 with a B.S. in Human Services and an M.S. in Human Services Leadership.

After learning that SJC offers Prior Experiential Learning Assessment (PELA), which allows qualified adult students to turn their professional experience into college credits, Blackwood knew SJC was the right choice. 

Her Career

As the senior program lead/coordinator of the Sickle Cell Program at Interfaith Medical Center — where she has worked for 25 years — she has gained a wealth of college-level knowledge. In addition to screening newborns for sickle cell anemia, she is the study coordinator for several research projects on state and national levels. She has also written grants for programs and received more than $1 million to service the community of people suffering from sickle cell disease. 

Blackwood’s work at Interfaith Medical Center not only got her recognized by SJC, but helped make a huge impact on the sickle cell community. She was a program coordinator and study coordinator on a clinical trial to find a treatment option for all people suffering from sickle cell anemia.

As the study coordinator on the Phase 3 Study of L-Glutamine Therapy in Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle ß0-Thalassemia, Blackwood shared her experience May 24 at the Open Public Hearing Session at the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting.

L-Glutamine (Endari), the resulting product of nearly three decades of work, was approved July 7 by the FDA as a treatment of sickle cell disease. The drug becomes available to patients this month.

“Because of this new drug’s availability, there is hope for these patients and another treatment option that can hopefully improve the quality of these patients’ lives,” she said. “There has never been a drug approved by the FDA specific to the use of sickle cell disease for the past 107 years for both children and adults.”

Blackwood also had the privilege of co-authoring an abstract for the article written about this study, “Phase 3 Study of L-Glutamine Therapy in Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle ß0-Thalassemia Subgroup Analyses Show Consistent Clinical Improvement.” It was featured in the Journal of Blood in December 2016. 

“My favorite thing about my job is the rewarding feeling when patients with sickle cell disease are able, against all odds, to do well academically and in their daily lives. Witnessing an individual with a chronic medical condition combat the challenges they encounter makes me realize how fortunate we are and how easy it is to take things like good health for granted.”

Her Education

At the end of the day, Blackwood still felt that continuing her college education was long overdue. After co-worker and friend Craig Pogue, a 2007 SJC Brooklyn graduate, informed her about his wonderful experience at SJC and how he was able to get PELA credits, Blackwood reached out to the College. During spring 2017, she transferred prior college credits, applied for 21 PELA credits — the most someone applying for a dual degree can receive — and started working toward her dual degree at SJC Online.

“My children are getting older and in their own rights have received — or are receiving — degrees from great schools, including Ivy League colleges,” she said. “My youngest is a sophomore in high school … My husband and children have been my biggest inspirations. They have been so supportive and encouraging. So many times I would make excuses as to why I could not return to further my education, and they would tell me that I have sacrificed so much and it is my time.”

In addition to thanking her family for continuing to push her to achieve her dreams, Blackwood is extremely appreciative to the people at SJC who have helped along the way.

“I have to specially acknowledge the following people: Vanessa Russo, who was my first contact at SJC, and Linda Fonte, DoriAnne Sapienza and Ashley Benson for their assistance and guidance. Professor Ronald Tabbitas was the professor for my Problem Solving class. His class … has been the most motivational.”

To read Blackwood’s heartfelt presentation at the Open Public Hearing Session at the FDA’s Oncological Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting on May 24, scroll to page 151. 

‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the College, students were scurrying — to find last-minute gifts for friends and family. Lucky for you, SJC Long Island’s Bookstore has some pretty great options. Return your textbooks and use the money you get back to buy these affordable presents for loved ones:

1. An SJC ornament.

Share some school spirit with this festive SJC ornament that’s sure to bring style to any Christmas tree.

2. Texting gloves.

Give the gift of texting in cold weather with these touchscreen-compatible knit gloves.

3. A plush Hot Wyngz.

Encourage your younger siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews to follow in your footsteps with this adorable plush version of SJC Long Island’s lovable mascot Hot Wyngz.

4. A long-sleeve shirt.

Help keep your friends and family warm with this comfortable ugly-Christmas-sweater-style shirt.

5. An SJC mug.

Pair this mug with their favorite hot cocoa for a gift all your friends will love.

SJC Long Island Bookstore hours this week:

Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Call them at 631.447.2018 with any questions.

Happy holidays, and happy shopping!

First there were movies the likes of “Marley & Me,” “Beethoven” and “Turner & Hooch.”

And then came “The Dog Whisperer,” an SJC 100 course that – like those Hollywood movies – paid tribute to the strong bond between humans and dogs. Offered every fall since 2015, the course gave students an opportunity to demonstrate their love for dogs. And last semester they did just that, by donating gifts to the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, Long Island. 

“I wanted to create an SJC 100 course that would allow freshman students to feel comfortable discussing various college-related issues with a non-threatening approach,” said Debra Zaech, assistant dean of academic services and lecturer at SJC Long Island. “Conversation focusing on dogs facilitates communication.”

Twenty students took Zaech’s class titled “The Dog Whisperer,” which focused on various topics that helped incoming first-year students transition into the College.

“Such topics as self-esteem, depression, anxiety attachment and ethics helped the students discover themselves and others,” Zaech said. “The topics afforded them the opportunity to get to know others, explore their own positive qualities and make moral decisions regarding college and personal life. Throughout the semester, we also discussed Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Ainsworth and Bowlby’s theories of attachment, Kübler-Ross’s theory on death and dying, Erick Erikson’s psychosocial theory, Watson’s classical conditioning and Skinner’s operant conditioning, among others.”

Conversations focusing on dogs facilitate communication.”

-Debra Zaech, assistant dean of academic services and lecturer at SJC Long Island

In order to make her students more comfortable discussing these topics, she had them first apply the ideas to people, and then to dogs.

“As discussion is often difficult when speaking about theory, once dogs are introduced, students feel more comfortable expressing their opinions,” she said. “They shared their interesting, humorous and heartwarming stories about their relationships with their dogs and creatively applied these to the theories we discussed.”

Zaech’s class also spent a lot of time focusing on issues with depression and anxiety, as college students sometimes struggle with these feelings. After looking at Beck’s depression inventory scale, the students modified it to apply the concept to dogs, creating their very own Dog Depression Scale. The students were moved to action, wanting to help dogs that may be struggling with depression. They created a list of objects that may offer comfort, such as blankets, dog toys, dog treats, towels, pillows and grooming accessories, and they decided to donate these items to a foundation in need. 

Earlier in the semester, the class was visited by Guide Dog Foundation volunteer Lisa Rossano after SJC freshman Brigid Nash recommended Zaech contact her.

“Lisa spoke to my class and explained the training involved in therapy dogs and guide dogs, their importance to the disabled and the veterans, and how donations are necessary and appreciated,” Zaech said. “She brought her dogs Olympia and Andy with her, and the class fell in love.”

“Throughout the rest of the semester, most of the students left donations in my office,” Zaech said. “Afterward, my husband and I delivered the items to the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown.”

Due to their sizable donation, the class received a certificate from the Foundation. 

This class will be offered again to first-year students in fall 2018.

Are you finding it difficult to choose a college major because your interests are so numerous and your career aspirations are just as vast? Then a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from SJC Long Island might be for you. Here’s why to major in philosophy and religious studies at St. Joseph’s:

1. Gain the needed tools and versatility for the future.

Both philosophy and religious studies are rooted in the past, relevant to the present and focused on tomorrow.

“The classes I took in religious studies have been tremendously important in my everyday life. They play a role in not only helping me better understand the history I will teach, since religion has played a role in most world events, but also the diverse students who will make up my classroom. Having knowledge of all major religions will enable me as a teacher to better meet my students’ needs and understand their backgrounds. These courses will not only change the way you view the world, but also how you view yourself.”

–Dana Rundberg ’17, B.A. in History and Philosophy/Religious Studies

2. Focus on questions of broad human concern.

Who am I? What can I hope for? What are justice, freedom and beauty, and why should I care? These big questions center on what matters in our personal lives, careers and our roles as citizens. They also exemplify our core values here at SJC; intellectual and spiritual values, integrity, service and social responsibility.

Philosophical study acquaints our students with the historical conversation about human concerns and helps them develop the ability to recognize problems, analyze and articulate them and solve them in creative ways. Religious studies invites students to acquire a deep understanding of the universal religious impulse and its manifestation in different historical periods and cultures, as well as its role in today’s world.

3. Combine a strong foundation in the liberal arts with  sound professional training

Philosophy and religious studies courses can complement your professional course of study by encouraging you to think deeply about issues that arise in your chosen career and make you better able to move up to leadership positions by expanding your creative and critical thinking.

“When I applied to St. Joseph’s College for my undergraduate degree, I never thought I would become a double major in speech pathology and philosophy/religious studies. The classes I took on Buddhism and Hinduism were my favorite because I really got to open my mind and understand the world through a different lens. I know the religious studies classes I took will benefit me in my spiritual and professional life moving forward.”

–Melissa Miglionico ’17, B.A. in Philosophy/Religious Studies and Speech Pathology

4. Become a thoughtful and caring agent in the workplace and the larger world.

Whether you’re in accounting, management, the healing professions or teaching, a better understanding of religion will assist you in working with your clients, patients and students. Training in philosophical thinking will strengthen your analytical skills and position you to engage in divergent thinking.

5. Prepare yourself for creative career options.

Our major has a flexible core with classes in both religious studies and philosophy. Students then choose to specialize in either religious studies or philosophy, as their interests take them. Graduates have gone on to graduate programs in law, library science, social work and the ministry.

Because philosophy focuses on thinking well rather than just knowing, asking questions as well as answering them and justifying viewpoints instead of just having one, it can help you as you evolve your professional directions and prepare you for careers that do not exist today.

“Philosophy opened my mind to think in ways that it had not been trained before. Studying philosophy prepares students to think critically and question the status quo. These skills are invaluable for any career path.”

–Alexandra Mercado ’13, B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies*

*Went on to get a master’s degree in library and information science.

No, it’s not to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. To these nursing students, this golden ticket is even better.

St. Joseph’s College selected their top 12 nursing juniors to attend Northwell Health’s 2018 Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase, held today. This invitation-only event marks Northwell Health’s 10th annual student nurse networking reception.

“The students have already demonstrated their dedication to the nursing profession,” Patricia Hedderson, coordinator and instructor for the four-year nursing program, said. “The Northwell Golden Ticket allows them a fantastic opportunity to explore the expansive world of nursing.”

Seven SJC Long Island and five SJC Brooklyn students received the special ticket for this prestigious event.

During the Nursing Showcase, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y., students get to meet high-level administrators and interact with nurses and other staff at Northwell Health. This provides them the opportunity to establish connections that can be instrumental to their future careers. In turn, students might get invited to participate in Northwell Health’s highly competitive nurse externship program.

“I felt like all my hard work so far has paid off and that people are noticing how passionate I am about becoming a nurse,” Kasey Ryan of SJC Long Island said about receiving her golden ticket. “I am honored to be graduating in the first class of the BSN program from St. Josephs College.”

Patchogue golden tickets #sjcny #NorthwellLife #IGotANorthwellGoldenTicket

A post shared by Frank Antonawich (@frankiea712) on Nov 21, 2017 at 10:20am PST

“At first, I was nervous about receiving a golden ticket,” said SJC Long Island junior Francis Antonawich. “But upon learning more about the opportunity, I felt not only excited for this chance but proud to be part of the first group selected. I hope to gain more knowledge from the event itself and potential opportunities that could come from it, and to make connections that could be beneficial after I graduate,” added Antonawich, who already holds a B.S. in Biology from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.

SJC Brooklyn nursing junior William Harris believes this golden ticket should act as a means to motivate other students.

“I’m honored to be one of the students to represent our institution and hope that Northwell’s active interest in scouting top performing students pushes both prospective and current students in the nursing program to work as hard as they can,” said the nursing extern for Huntington Hospital’s emergency department.

#SJCNY #IGotAGoldenTicket #NorthwellLife

A post shared by Claudia Marie Bizzaro (@diamariexo) on Dec 19, 2017 at 1:14pm PST

“I was so humbled and ecstatic to have received this golden ticket,” said Danielle Monteverde, captain of SJC Long Island’s dance team. “Since we are the inaugural class of this four-year program, it is an extreme honor to have been selected to represent our class at this event. I am very excited to see what is in store for this event and to show what I have to offer.”

SJC Brooklyn students who received golden tickets:

Marissa Barrow, William Harris, Sean Kelly, Haichatou Sall and Alondra Villanueva-Sanchez.

SJC Long Island students who received golden tickets:

Jordan Ahmed, Francis Antonawich, Claudia Bizzaro, Samantha Mann, Camila Martinez, Danielle Monteverde and Kasey Ryan.

To take a look at what last year’s event was like, click here.

It was the first of its kind at St. Joseph’s College, and in Long Island. A class where nine “outside” college students were taught alongside nine “inside” students at a correctional facility.

CJ 370: Voices from the Inside, in conjunction with the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and held at Suffolk County’s jail in Riverhead last fall, proved to be a rewarding and transforming experience for the students and the professors. 

“The kind of outside students who are attracted to a program such as this are already people who are intrigued and interested,” said SJC Long Island’s Department of Criminal Justice Chair Barbara Morrell, Ph.D., who led the course together with SJC Long Island English professor Gregory Bruno. “They come with a thirst to understand beyond the book. And I think they’re going to get it.”

Bruno said the class helped St. Joe’s students develop a greater appreciation and understanding of empathy. “Especially among students that might be working with similar populations in the future,” added Bruno, who earned a bachelor’s in English from SJC Long Island in 2012.

The main takeaway from this course for outside students seems to be just what Bruno had hoped for.

“This course has taught me that we are all people; inside or out, we all bleed the same blood and feel the same love,” said one of the outside students. “We are all human.”

Inside students also left the course feeling transformed.

“Inside-Out has changed me,” said an inside student. “It’s inspired and motivated me to do the right thing when I get out in a few weeks. Honestly, I’m planning on going back to school, and I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

The organizers of the class asked that we not include students’ names.

This semester-long course was offered to all majors — not just to those students studying criminal justice. The predominant majors among the participants were English secondary education, criminal justice, psychology and political science. Women at the Riverhead DWI Correctional Facility interested in the course participated as inside students. Both inside and outside students went through an interview process. 

“Last year, we had a biology major who wanted to be a dentist, and she said, ‘I want to serve all people, like Doctors Without Borders, and I want to be able to understand all kinds of people,’” Dr. Morrell said. 

“I walked into this room with the expectation that we’re going to unite human beings. And that’s what we did.” –Barbara Morrell, Ph.D., chair of the criminal justice department

The idea for this course came about when Dr. Morrell and Bruno attended conferences where people presented on the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, created in 1997 by Lori Pompa, a professor of criminal justice at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

“SJC’s former Senior Vice President Christopher Frost, Ph.D., gave money through a social justice grant in order for this class to happen,” explained Dr. Morrell. “Tim Bishop, who’s also the current director of SJC’s Center for Community Solutions, made outstanding contributions in support of the course and in coordinating efforts with the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. And Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent F. DeMarco was very welcoming.”

Once a week, the class met to discuss an array of topics, including philosophies of punishment, and various assigned readings that included the works of Plato, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The students and instructors sat together in a circle, alternating seats between inside and outside students.

“I walked into this room with the expectation that I’m going to unite human beings,” said Dr. Morrell. “And that’s what we did.”

At the end of the semester, the class participants received certificates of recognition during a Dec. 7 ceremony at the jail. In attendance were Interim Executive Dean of SJC Long Island and Chair of the Department of Philosophy Wendy Turgeon, Ph.D., former U.S. Rep Timothy Bishop and James “Butch” Langhorn, assistant to the sheriff.

Regarding the inside students, Dr. Morrell said, “to be able to go back with a certificate that they completed a program, it’s pretty meaningful.”

Dr. Morrell and Bruno are looking forward to the course being offered again in fall 2018. 

A trio of players on St. Joseph’s College basketball teams – two in Long Island and one in Brooklyn – have each eclipsed 1,000 career points this season.

Victoria Porcasi, a junior from Franklin Square, New York, hit 1,000 with a three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter of SJC Brooklyn’s 78-55 win over Purchase State College on Jan. 13. At SJC Long Island five days later, senior Isaiah Moore scored his 1,000th point during the Eagles’ 61-53 win over Purchase.

Back in November, senior Andrea Iavarone became the eighth player in SJC Long Island women’s basketball program history to eclipse the 1,000 career point mark. She hit the milestone during the Eagles’ season-opening 103-55 victory at Medgar Evers College.

SJC Long Island’s Andrea Iavarone.

The Miller Place resident is averaging 19.6 points per game this season. She broke the program’s single-game rebound record earlier this month, grabbing 27 boards during an 83-69 victory over Farmingdale State College.

Porcasi passed 1,000 points in just her 66^th collegiate game. The team captain has averaged 15.2 points per game over her first three seasons with SJC Brooklyn. Earlier this month, she scored a career-high 28 points during a Bears’ win over Sarah Lawrence, shooting 52.6 percent from the field. She has scored at least 20 points in eight contests this season.

Moore Scoring More Than Ever

Moore also made a three-point shot to reach 1,000 career points. The North Babylon senior’s first-half trey was part of his game-high 18 points. The four-year starter is averaging a career-high 13.8 points per game this season. He leads the team in scoring and is second on the team in rebounding.

SJC Long Island’s Isaiah Moore.

For schedules of all SJC Long Island’s athletic events, click here. For SJC Brooklyn’s athletics schedules, click here.

St. Joseph’s College is set to host an education policy forum Feb. 9 that will feature the College’s new president, the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York and several other leaders in education.

“The Future of Education Policy” seminar will delve into subjects related to the future of educational policies in America. Presented by the Center for Community Solutions and SJC Long Island’s departments of Child Study and Adolescence Education, the event will be held in SJC Long Island’s McGann Conference Center in O’Connor Hall, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

“The topics will include the issue of affordability in higher education, how we will fund our educational institutions in the future, and the important role that education plays in the life of our nation,” SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said. “I am very much looking forward to this important discussion. I anticipate a lively and productive dialog.”

The education policy seminar will aim to address both current and future concerns regarding education policy, as it relates to both faculty and students, said former Congressman Timothy Bishop, a visiting professor of civic engagement and public service at St. Joseph’s.

“It is my hope that the panelists will cover the full range of issues that are currently in play for pre-K through 12 education, as well as higher education, said Bishop, who helped organize the seminar.

“These issues include funding from both the federal government and the state government, particularly as it relates to programs like the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA), support – or lack thereof – for charter schools, vouchers, tax credit scholarships to attend private schools and future of Common Core.”

Bishop added that higher education issues at the education policy seminar will include ways to enhance access and affordability, proposals to modify the federal student aid programs, impact of free college tuition for New York state schools, particularly as it relates to independent colleges like St. Joseph’s.

“Forums such as this one are important for many reasons, but primary among them is that people on the front lines of delivering educational services to our students, such as teachers and administrators, need to have a clear understanding of the factors that influence how they do their jobs,” he said. 

Registration is required for the event, which is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kara Felton at kfelton@sjcny.edu or 631.687.2402.

Here’s a list of the seminar’s six panel members.

Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., President, St. Joseph’s College

Timothy J. McNiff, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of New York

Michael Hynes, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Patchogue-Medford School District and Adjunct Professor, SJC Long Island.

Joseph Lemke, Ed.D., Director of Social Studies, Bay Shore School District and Adjunct Professor, SJC Long Island and Long Island University.

LaQuita Outlaw, Ed.D., Principal, Bay Shore Middle School

Shawn Robertson, Ed.D., Associate Professor, SJC Long Island

If you give a president a pancake, he’ll probably hang out and talk.

At least, that’s what happened Wednesday at SJC Long Island’s “Pancakes with the President,” an event where students chowed down free pancakes while getting to know their College’s leader, Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.

“It’s fun for them to see that the president of their college is just like them — that he’s not any different,” said Dr. Boomgaarden, who prefers his pancakes with butter and maple syrup, and bacon cooked into them. “They really enjoy hearing stories about how you became a president.”

Students lined up at 9 a.m. to get their pancakes in the Eagle’s Nest Cafe in O’Connor Hall, then dined with Dr. Boomgaarden.

“You know the kind of conversations that happen when everyone is relaxed at a dinner party?” said Vice President of Student Life Rose Mary Howell, Ed.D., who organized the event. “It’s like that. He gets to learn about them — their interests and their majors — and they get to learn about him.”

Even though Dr. Boomgaarden has an open-door policy, it’s sometimes still intimidating to students to go in and speak with him, Dr. Howell explained. She said that’s why she approached Dr. Boomgaarden with the idea for this event, which also took place last semester.

When you’re with the students, it helps you to remember why you got into this field. And sometimes, you can forget that if you’re in the office all day.” — SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.

Dr. Howell added that the president “loved the idea of going into the students’ space” because it brings out what the students and the president have in common.

“Getting the opportunity to interact with the College’s president was important, since it allowed students to really understand what type of person is in charge,” said Cameron Johnston, a student at SJC Long Island. “Dr. Boomgaarden was very personable and friendly to all of the students who showed up. He gave off a very positive impression.”

Johnston also added he enjoyed that the pancakes at the event were free.

As for Dr. Boomgaarden, he liked that events like this help to reinvigorate him.

“When you’re with the students, it helps you to remember why you got into this field,” Dr. Boomgaarden said. “And sometimes, you can forget that if you’re in the office all day and you just have one meeting after another. For me, I think it’s important to connect with the students. Most of the college presidents I know who enjoy being presidents connect with the students a lot. Today, I’m doing this, and then this afternoon I’m going to teach my class, so I feel really connected to them.”

Need a hand – or maybe a heart – to help get you in the Valentine’s Day spirit? You need not look any further than SJC Long Island and SJC Brooklyn. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the College’s clubs and student government groups have lined up a plethora of activities and events, all aimed at spreading a little more love this week.

Valentine’s Day at SJC Long Island …

• Stop by the student lounge in O’Connor Hall Feb. 13 for SJC’s National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association Club’s “Valentine’s Day Bake Sale”. The bake sale will be held from 1-2 p.m. For more information about this event contact: li@student.sjcny.edu
• Treat yourself to the soothing gift of meditation led by SJC’s Peer Health Educators Feb. 14 in St. Joseph’s College Center for Wellness, 1-2 p.m. For more information, visit the center on campus or call 631.687.1259.
• Join the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for their two events Feb. 14 – a “Valentine’s Day Celebration” inside the Eagles Nest in O’ Connor Hall and a “Build a Buddy” event in the Cafeteria. Both take place from 1-2 p.m. For more information about how to get involved, contact li@student.sjcny.edu
  
• SJC’s Latin Dance Club raised funds Feb. 7 while hosting a “Goodie Bag Sale.” Proceeds went to the multiservice community resource, Adelente of Suffolk County. For more information about the club and the organization they support, contact li@student.sjcny.edu.

Valentine’s Day at SJC Brooklyn …

• Join in on the festivities while also supporting a good cause with the Recreation Club Feb. 12, as they host their “Valentine’s Day Dance for The Guild of Exceptional Children.” This event will be held in the Tuohy Hall Auditorium from 6-8 p.m. Guests will treated to free food, arts and crafts, raffles, prizes, music and dance. You must RSVP in order to attend this event. To RSVP, go here or contact the Recreation Club here.
• Feel the love Feb. 13 when you join SJC’s CAB for their “Puppy Love” Valentine’s Day celebration, held in the Tuohy Hall Auditorium, from 1- 2 p.m. There will be food and a live musical performance. For more information about the event, contact CAB here.
• Join SJC’s Campus Ministry for their two events Feb. 13. “Zen Meditation” will be held in the chapel in McEntegart Hall. A “Valentines Day and Mardi Gras Party” will take place in the Tuohy Hall Auditorium. Guests at this event can expect food, music and more, as they kick off the Valentine’s Day celebrations. Both are set to begin at 1 p.m.
• On Feb. 14, enjoy some decadent desserts and a lovely Valentine’s Day chat with SJC’s SGA and Martial Arts Club at the McEntegart Library Lobby from 5 -7 p.m.

When you commit to college, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll end up committing to a whole lot more.

So says a Facebook Data Sciences study that found more than one-in-four married college graduates say they met their spouse while attending the same college. Facebook based the results on users that indicated their marital status and the colleges they attended.

St. Joseph’s College has its share of campus sweethearts, some of who opened up to OnCampus about what makes college the right place and the right time for so many people to find love.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, SJC Sweethearts opened up about their relationships and how St. Joseph’s played Cupid.

Kevin Deutsch ’14 and Nicole Sabatello ’14, ’17

“It’s convenient because you are able to spend so much time together while shaping your lives and becoming the people you will be in the future,” Nicole Sabatello ’14, ’17 said about meeting a significant other at college. “Also, going to a commuter college means that you’re bound to live relatively close to one another. After college, it can be a lot more difficult to findsomeone because there aren’t as many opportunities to spend as much time in productive social settings.”

Sabatello met her now fiancé Kevin Deutsch ’14 while attending SJC Long Island. Deutsch proposed last year during a trip to Atlantic City with five other SJC alumni.

Their message to SJC this Valentine’s Day: “Always be a team. It’s never about just one person or the other. Consider what you can do for the other person to ultimately be better together.”

Sean Dorso ’11 and Madeline DiNapoli ’13

“It’s a very social time in your life where you are surrounded by a tight-knit group of people who have so much in common (similar age, same school, possibly same studies),” said Madeline DiNapoli ’13. “It’s easier and more comfortable toapproach people and take risks in this type of environment.”

DiNapoli met Sean Dorso ’11 at SJC Brooklyn, though they didn’t have their first conversation until they were at the train station after leaving class one day.

“The proposal was perfect,” DiNapoli said. “Beginning in August 2017, Sean started gradually giving me themed puzzle pieces that were collectively putting together photos from our seven-and-a-half-year relationship. All the pieces to each section of the puzzle were in individual themed bags that I received during special moments leading up to the proposal day. On October 22, 2017, Sean brought me to the Central Park Zoo, where I finished the final section of the puzzle that read “Will you marry me?”

Their message to SJC this Valentine’s Day: “Happy Valentine’s Day, SJC! Always remember to love and appreciate your friends, family and significant others not only today, but every day.”

Christopher Wurglics ’13 and JoAnna Meyers Wurglics ’13

“A person really develops into who they will be during their college years,” said JoAnna Meyers Wurglics ’13, who married her SJC Sweetheart Christopher Wurglics ’13 on Oct. 20, 2017. “Neither one of us was supposed to come (to SJC Long Island). Chris was supposed to go away, and I wanted to go to Suffolk. But my brother (Michael Meyers ’08) told me, ‘You’re going to St. Joe’s.’ And a week before college started, Chris decided to stay home. This school really is the reason we’re together. It was destiny.”

Mr. and Mrs. Wurglics met during their freshmen year at an SJC dodgeball tournament in early October. They went on their first date Oct. 20, 2009.

Their message to SJC this Valentine’s Day: “Celebrate and appreciate your relationship every day, not just on Valentine’s Day.”

Cristian Murphy ’14 and Nina Franza ’14

“College is such a formative time for so many individuals, which, in my opinion, brings about great opportunities to make lasting connections,” said SJC Long Island Director of Campus Ministry Cristian Murphy ’14, who recently proposed to Nina Franza ’14 on campus at a spot that means a lot to both of them. “With regards to us and our relationship, we connected because of the opportunities that college gave us and the environments for which we were able to learn in. It is within those situations that incredible trust and companionship can be formed between two people. Luckily for us, the companionship and friendship we formed within our college community grew into something truly beautiful.”

Their message to SJC this Valentine’s Day: “Find a love that is built on service and companionship. To love is to give, and to give is to truly live.”

Thomas Fonte ’75 and Linda Incorvaia Fonte ’75

“As SJC became coed the year before we entered, I never expected that I would find the love of my life there,” said Linda Incorvaia Fonte ’75, who met her husband Thomas Fonte ’75 while at SJC Brooklyn. “You just never know what is in store for you.”

Many years later, the story of their proposal is still humorous to Mrs. Fonte. “He dropped me off after a date,” she said. “We sat in the car and, being a man of very few words, he handed me a letter asking me to marry him. Those who know him find this hilarious.”

Their message to SJC this Valentine’s Day: “In the words of Thomas Merton: “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone — we find it with another.” SJC was the right place at the right time for both of us!”

Stephen Bates ’14, ’15 and Anna Domingo ’14

“You get to meet people from different towns and from different backgrounds than the “sameness” of your high school community,” Stephen Bates ’14, ’15 said. “College lets people grow and meld together.” Bates met his now fiancée Anna Domingo ’14 in the SJC Long Island cafeteria during a break between class, where they split a black and white cookie.

Bates proposed to Domingo in December 2017 at the Jones Beach light show. “Anna was in disbelief,” he said. “Eventually she ripped the ring out of my hand and exclaimed yes!”

Their message to SJC this Valentine’s Day: “SJC is a special place and you, too, can meet your best friend and soulmate there — perhaps over a cookie during a break.”

A panel of distinguished local educators participated earlier this month in SJC Long Island’s panel discussion, “The Future of Education Policy,” discussing trends in education on both the national and local level and how they are impacting students and their families.

The six educators, including St. Joseph’s College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and Timothy McNiff, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York, addressed the challenges that teachers and school administrators face with education policy, in an age when the importance of education has never been more apparent.

Dr. Boomgaarden, cited the “learned ministry,” a Jesuit concept that calls upon educators to apply their knowledge to develop whole people and leave behind something meaningful. Only through this, he said, “can we understand why we became teachers and how we can reach into the world and transform it for the better.”

SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.

Visiting Professor and former U.S. Congressman Tim Bishop organized the education policy forum to keep the College’s many aspiring teachers, as well as the local community, informed about changes in pedagogy and educational policy. More than 100 students, faculty and members of the community attended the event, held in the McGann Conference Center.

Dr. Michael Hynes, Ed.D., superintendent of schools for the Patchogue-Medford School District, covered the shortcomings of a content-heavy, testing-driven curriculum. He emphasized the superior outcomes borne from more innovative approaches that focused on individual thinking and empathy.

Likewise, the inadequacies of some public schools, particularly as they impact low-income communities, was discussed by Dr. Shawn Robertson, associate professor of child study at SJC Long Island, when he presented the model of charter schools as an enterprise that has enjoyed success (as well as setbacks) in advancing the needs of low-income learners.

Dr. LaQuita Outlaw, principal of Bay Shore Middle School, asked, “We have different cultures in our schools; what are we doing to welcome them?” and then shared with the audience her comprehensive approach to integrating parents into the learning community.

“The role of teachers are not simple and staid; they are constantly being pulled in different directions,” noted Dr. Joseph Lemke ’04, an SJC alum and director for social studies at Bay Shore School District. “Any meaningful educational reforms must acknowledge this, reinforce and support teachers first.”

Despite the challenges presented by certain policies, the value of central tenets of education espoused by generations of faculty at St. Joseph’s to thousands of students over the decades still bore true – faith, family, and the importance of the teacher – across the discussion.

Dr. McNiff stressed this as he discussed how the Catholic approach to education, with an emphasis on faith, excellence, and family commitment, have led to remarkable rates of college attendance and graduation among low-income minority populations.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his executive budget has proposed to eliminate the Bundy Direct Aid Program, which provides unrestricted support to St. Joseph’s College and other independent colleges and universities, depending on how many students they graduate.

Funds from Bundy are traditionally used to provide scholarship support to deserving and qualified students at SJC Brooklyn and SJC Long Island. Realizing the importance of this, a contingent of SJC students from both campuses went to Albany this month to speak with state legislators, as part of the Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities annual Lobby Day.

“During my time at SJC, I attended the Democratic National Convention, spoke to local politicians in their districts and interned for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries,” said Juanita Arias, a biology and sociology major at SJC Brooklyn. “As a graduating senior, I welcomed the chance to go to Albany for Lobby Day and learn about the legislative process.”

To prepare for the Lobby Day trip, Arias, along with students Conor Johnson and Nicholas Bates from SJC Long Island, learned about the state’s budget process and how citizens can work to advance their interests with their legislators in the state Assembly and state Senate, as well as discover which issues are important to legislators in different regions.

“As a student of politics, it’s always a thrill to see how things get done,” said Johnson, a senior and political science major at SJC Long Island. “In preparing for this trip, during our visits, and the subsequent follow-up, I learned a great deal about how the state budget works and how to advocate effectively for my interests.”

While in Albany, the advocacy team spoke to staffers from the offices of state Sen. Martin Golden and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker of Brooklyn, and Assembly members Steve Engelbright and Kimberly Jean-Pierre of Long Island to share their stories of how Bundy Aid and other state aid from made it possible for them to work toward their dreams at SJC. At the end of each meeting, the students urged the legislators and their staffs to sign on to letters asking for the reinstatement of funding for the Bundy Aid Program.

“New York state financial aid makes it possible for thousands of students to go to SJC,” said Bates, a senior and political science major at SJC Long Island. “This trip gave me the opportunity to fight for myself and my fellow students. No one is going to do it for us.”

Improve your attentiveness. Reduce your stress. Enhance your clarity.

The Mindfulness and Contemplative Living minor now offered at SJC Brooklyn and SJC Long Island is teaching students how to appreciate the importance of calmness and concentration in order to create an atmosphere in which clarity, wisdom and compassion thrive.

“I believe St. Joseph’s is a great place to offer this minor because the spirit of mindfulness is the same spirit as this College’s motto, ‘To be, not to seem,’ said Peter Lin, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at SJC Brooklyn.

SJC is among the colleges to offer this minor, combining Western techniques like meditation with Eastern beliefs of psychotherapy.

“I am very excited that Peter Lin has brought his extensive expertise in mindfulness to develop an extremely useful and relevant interdisciplinary minor,” said Dominique Treboux, Ph.D., professor and chair of SJC’s psychology department. “This minor will bring students an excellent overview of principles and practices that underlie contemplative practices, including mindfulness. It supplements knowledge and critical thinking skills gained in many majors, not just psychology.”

The new minor is ideal for students looking to work in helping fields, such as mental health counselors, clinical social workers, pastor counseling, creative art therapists and speech pathologists.

“I believe St. Joseph’s is a great place to offer this minor because the spirit of mindfulness is the same spirit as this College’s motto, ‘To be, not to seem.’”
– Peter Lin, Ph.D., professor of psychology at SJC Brooklyn

Mindfulness on the Rise

In recent years, mindfulness and contemplative practices have become part of the American mainstream. Mindfulness has been applied in different settings, ranging from hospitals to schools to corporations.

“This minor really started between (professor and chair of religious studies ) Tom Petriano and I,” Dr. Lin said. “Dr. Petriano and I feel that a minor that combines the wisdom from the East and West is a great gift for our students.”

In order to complete the mindfulness and contemplative living minor, students need to complete a minimum of 18 credits in contemplative and mindfulness courses in the areas of psychology, religious studies, philosophy, communication studies and physical education.

“It’s definitely something that everyone should be exposed to,” SJC Brooklyn sophomore Lauren Quesada said in reference to mindfulness. “It’s helped me grow as a person. It helps me better understand myself and who I am. I think it’s something that could be beneficial to a lot of different people.”

Quesada, a psychology major, took Dr. Lin’s course on mindfulness and meditation last fall. She declared her minor in mindfulness and contemplative living.

“No matter what career I pursue, having this background will definitely help me understand myself and other people better, and I think that through teaching other people the things I’ve learned through this minor, that together, we could just accomplish so much,” she said.

Borrowing a message from the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., shared at his presidential installation ceremony today what he says is the foundation of his mission as St. Joseph’s College’s newest president.

“Live in a place of one desire where your dream and God’s dream are one,” said Dr. Boomgaarden, quoting one of the maxims that Jean-Pierre Médaille wrote in the 17^th century to assist the sisters in their spirituality. “That’s the way I feel about being the president here.

“My dream is the dream of leading this College forward, of helping it continue to grow and to thrive as a wonderful place of spirituality and education,” he added.

An audience filled with students, faculty, staff, alumni and local dignitaries attended the two-hour ceremony inside The Muriel and Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts at SJC Long Island. On March 14, SJC Brooklyn will host another installation ceremony for Dr. Boomgaarden.

“That idea of dreaming God’s dream is such a great message for all of us. Let go of your dream. Think of the dream that you share with God,” Dr. Boomgaarden said. “That’s an important way to connect with the source of all good things in the universe. When we are connected to that source, incredible things can happen. We can overcome almost anything.”

Since becoming president on July 1, it’s clear that Dr. Boomgaarden’s message of hope and transformation has resonated with students, faculty members, staff, alumni and the College’s Board of Trustees.

“President Boomgaarden isn’t just someone who says he’s going to do something for the students, he follows through with it,” said Kaitlyn Rodriguez ’19, vice president of the campus’ Student Government Association, during her salutation to the president.

“He wants the students to love and to feel proud of their decision to study here at St. Joseph’s College,” she added.

Even before his arrival from Scranton University, where he served as provost and vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Boomgaarden promised to support St. Joseph’s students in their quest to find themselves and to understand “that whatever they are suffering from, they can be transformed into something really magnificent.”

Speaking at the installation ceremony, Michael Meyers ’08, former president of the SJC Long Island Alumni Association, remembered the phone call he received last spring from Dr. Boomgarden introducing himself.

“I expected the phone call to last two to three minutes. Well, that’s simply not this President,” Meyers said. “An hour later, I realized that a very special person was about to lead this College into its next chapter.

“Dr. Boomgaarden passionately asked me about every facet of our College and intently listened to my response,” he continued. “Dr. Boomgaarden, you did not need to do that. But you wanted to – which says so much to me about you.”

Dr. Boomgaarden, who succeeded Jack P. Calareso, Ph.D., is just the eighth president in the College’s 101-year history. St. Joseph’s sixth president, Sister Elizabeth A. Hill ’64, C.S.J., J.D., delivered the invocation at today’s event.

“Keep on eye on our world, and as did the founding Sisters of St. Joseph, assess its needs, and challenge our students to create islands of humaneness and possibility for all without distinction,” S. Elizabeth, the College’s beloved President Emerita who led St. Joseph’s from 1997 to 2013, said during the invocation.

Christopher R. Carroll ’88, chair of the school’s Board of Trustees, said that, with Dr. Boomgaarden, St. Joseph’s has found a leader with “the heart of S. Elizabeth.”

“That’s what we want — and that’s we have,” said Carroll, who formally hooded Dr. Boomgaarden during the event. “Seeing S. Elizabeth up here on stage and seeing Don, that’s the community that I love. And that’s the community who has made me who I am.

“It means everything to me to know that the future of our community, the future of our family … is in a good place,” added Carroll, during an installation ceremony informally titled “Transformed in Hope.”

Along with his positive message, Dr. Boomgaarden has brought to St. Joseph’s his enthusiasm and passion for music. A country fiddler and concert pianist, the new president routinely practices on pianos at SJC Long Island and SJC Brooklyn. It’s even rumored that he might take part in SJC Long Island’s talent show on March 9.

The installation’s mistress of ceremonies, Judith Phagan, D.A., chair of SJC Long Island’s English department, called Dr. Boomgaarden a “renaissance man.”

During his salutation to Dr. Boomgaarden, St. Joseph’s Interim Provost Thomas Travis, Ph.D., commended Dr. Boomgaarden not just for his extensive background in education, but for being a man of many talents.

“This (past) summer … all of us here at the College anxiously awaited word of what our new president would be like,” said Dr. Travis, setting the audience up for his quip that followed. “Expecting a person with a predictable presidential profile, instead we now have a leader who is a concert pianist, who rides a motorcycle and who has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.”

Dr. Travis further noted that President Boomgaarden has “shown himself to be a man of intelligence, integrity and good will.”

During his salutation, James Blakely, Ph.D., chair of SJC Long Island’s history department, said that he and his colleagues among the faculty were hoping the arrival of a president would bring about “a renewed sense of common purpose on campus, for a spirit of collegiality to prevail, for optimism at the top.”

“In just the first months of your tenure, President Boomgaarden, I see that good spirit is flourishing again,” Dr. Blakely said. “We have high hopes and root for your success. The faculty is ready to meet the challenges with you that will undoubtedly face the College.”

Dr. Boomgaarden said during the ceremony that he has grown closer in his spiritual relationship with St. Joseph.

“When I walk into (O’Connor Hall) and I go past the statue of St. Joseph, I think of him as St. Joseph the teacher, St. Joseph the leader, St. Joseph who gave of himself and stepped into the

background once he had accomplished his mission,” he said.

St. Joseph’s College Trustee Sister Helen Kearney ’67, C.S.J., Ph.D., spoke during the ceremony of the peaceful and hopeful atmosphere Dr. Boomgaarden fosters on both of St. Joseph’s College’s campuses.

“How refreshing in this moment of our history to have a leader who creates humaneness and possibility in the midst of our world’s culture of fear and turmoil,” said S. Kearney, president of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood.

Michelle Frati ’18, a senior administrative assistant in SJC Long Island’s Center for Student Involvement, Leadership and Multicultural Planning, spoke on behalf of the staff at the campus.

“Your journey, President Boomgaarden, led you here, where you are among friends who are keen to walk alongside you as you develop a richer understanding of this house, our home away from home,” she said. “As your spirit becomes imbedded in the mosaic of our college community, together may we be transformed in hope, and celebrate all that is St. Joseph’s College”

No, it’s not to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. To these nursing students, this golden ticket is even better.

St. Joseph’s College selected their top 12 nursing juniors to attend Northwell Health’s 2018 Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase, held today. This invitation-only event marks Northwell Health’s 10th annual student nurse networking reception.

“The students have already demonstrated their dedication to the nursing profession,” Patricia Hedderson, coordinator and instructor for the four-year nursing program, said. “The Northwell Golden Ticket allows them a fantastic opportunity to explore the expansive world of nursing.”

Seven SJC Long Island and five SJC Brooklyn students received the special ticket for this prestigious event.

During the Nursing Showcase, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y., students get to meet high-level administrators and interact with nurses and other staff at Northwell Health. This provides them the opportunity to establish connections that can be instrumental to their future careers. In turn, students might get invited to participate in Northwell Health’s highly competitive nurse externship program.

“I felt like all my hard work so far has paid off and that people are noticing how passionate I am about becoming a nurse,” Kasey Ryan of SJC Long Island said about receiving her golden ticket. “I am honored to be graduating in the first class of the BSN program from St. Josephs College.”

Patchogue golden tickets #sjcny #NorthwellLife #IGotANorthwellGoldenTicket

A post shared by Frank Antonawich (@frankiea712) on Nov 21, 2017 at 10:20am PST

“At first, I was nervous about receiving a golden ticket,” said SJC Long Island junior Francis Antonawich. “But upon learning more about the opportunity, I felt not only excited for this chance but proud to be part of the first group selected. I hope to gain more knowledge from the event itself and potential opportunities that could come from it, and to make connections that could be beneficial after I graduate,” added Antonawich, who already holds a B.S. in Biology from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.

SJC Brooklyn nursing junior William Harris believes this golden ticket should act as a means to motivate other students.

“I’m honored to be one of the students to represent our institution and hope that Northwell’s active interest in scouting top performing students pushes both prospective and current students in the nursing program to work as hard as they can,” said the nursing extern for Huntington Hospital’s emergency department.

#SJCNY #IGotAGoldenTicket #NorthwellLife

A post shared by Claudia Marie Bizzaro (@diamariexo) on Dec 19, 2017 at 1:14pm PST

“I was so humbled and ecstatic to have received this golden ticket,” said Danielle Monteverde, captain of SJC Long Island’s dance team. “Since we are the inaugural class of this four-year program, it is an extreme honor to have been selected to represent our class at this event. I am very excited to see what is in store for this event and to show what I have to offer.”

SJC Brooklyn students who received golden tickets:

Marissa Barrow, William Harris, Sean Kelly, Haichatou Sall and Alondra Villanueva-Sanchez.

SJC Long Island students who received golden tickets:

Jordan Ahmed, Francis Antonawich, Claudia Bizzaro, Samantha Mann, Camila Martinez, Danielle Monteverde and Kasey Ryan.

To take a look at what last year’s event was like, click here.

An SJC Long Island criminal justice professor who practiced law in Iran before moving to the United States co-authored an article on the effectiveness of body-worn cameras in policing that’s been published in the Journal of Criminal Justice.

Auzeen Shariati, Ph.D., carried out the study and wrote “A Field Experiment of the Impact of Body-worn Cameras (BWCs) on Police Officer Behavior and Perceptions” while earning her doctorate from Florida International University.

“It’s been a highly debated topic in the past few years,” Dr. Shariati said of body-worn cameras. “We’ve seen an increased attention in this technology across police departments, which was a result of tensions in police community relations, particularly minority communities.”

Police departments across the country are increasingly using body-worn cameras with hopes of alleviating rising tensions between civilians and officers by increasing police accountability and transparency, Dr. Shariati explained.  

We definitely need more research to better understand how successful this tool has been in achieving these goals.” – Auzeen Shariati, Ph.D., professor of criminal justice at SJC Long Island

In order to learn just how effective body-warn cameras are on the behavior and perceptions of police officers, Dr. Shariati and two colleagues from Florida International University developed a test pilot program using a partial randomized experimental design. The police department in Hallandale Beach, Florida, reached out for involvement in their study.

The Results

“In the case of police department that we studied, the community pushed for body-worn cameras after some shootings that happened in the city,” Dr. Shariati said. “They asked for them to increase transparency and reduce tensions between police and citizens. Our study indicated that officers wearing body-cams relied on less intrusive measures, meaning that they made less arrests but gave more citations and had more proactive contacts with citizens (when compared with control officers).”

However, their findings also indicated that officers’ perceptions of body-worn cameras remained pessimistic.

“Although a mandatory activation policy was set forth by the police department that we studied, our analysis showed that activation rate went lower over time, which might be a result of officers’ pessimistic perceptions of body-worn cameras,” Dr. Shariati said. 

One reason some police officers are unwilling to turn on the body-worn cameras is the so-called “de-policing effect.”

“We realized officers were concerned about (the de-policing effect) when we first started this research,” Dr. Shariati said. “This means that officers wearing body-cams might be reluctant to perform their normal duties when they know they are being watched. For instance, use of force is acceptable and even needed when a suspect is posing a serious threat to people’s lives.

“In this case, if body-cams make officers hesitant in performing their policing tasks because they are afraid of the evidence collected by cameras, this tool will be of a negative effect,” she continued. “However, our analysis provided evidence against this claim, showing that it’s not inhibiting officers’ normal duties.”

The Next Step

While policing agencies have invested millions of dollars into body-worn camera programs, many factors remain unclear in the determining the usefulness of body-worm cameras. 

“One thing to consider is the costs for storage and management of the videos,” Dr. Shariati said. “We have to see if the benefits outweigh the costs and whether the intended outcomes are achieved. We definitely need more research to better understand how successful this tool has been in achieving these goals.”

If you’re a student at St. Joseph’s College, you’ve probably interacted with a Sister one way or another, be it in the classroom, in the hallways or during community service events. But how much do you really know about these Sisters outside of their roles at the College? Chances are, not that much.

In honor of 2018 National Catholic Sisters Week, which ran March 8-14, SJC hosted a number of events honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph. Students were encouraged to learn more about these inspiring women by taking part in the events, celebrating the lives and contributions of Catholic Sisters. During a “Speed Dating with the Sisters” ice cream social on March 12, students and alumni got the chance to interview some of the Sisters who work at SJC Long Island.

“The Sisters are essential to the success of our college — they wear so many hats,” said SJC Long Island student Tatiana Belanich. “From professors to event coordinators, they have their hands in a lot of different projects. I think it’s important to learn about the Sisters because they have so much wisdom and experience to share. They live out their vocation with such beauty and enthusiasm and are an undeniable source of inspiration.”

S. Jane Fritz, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science ; S. Karen Donohue, C.S.J., assistant dean of academic affairs; S. Patricia Manning, C.S.J., M.A., assistant professor of art; and S. Suzanne E. Franck, C.S.J., Ph.D.; gathered for ice cream and some chit chat about their journey to Sisterhood.

Assistant director of Alumni Engagement Lisa Galasso ’08, ’13, interviewed the Sisters.

“There are a variety of stereotypes that most people have about Catholic nuns,” Galasso said. “None of these are even close to the truth. Nuns love to laugh. They are compassionate. They love to watch “The Blacklist” and reality TV. They’re brilliant women who love and respect any individual. The Sisters of St. Joseph’s are just like us.”

SJC Long Island’s annual talent show last Friday featured a special invitee – the College’s president.

Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., dazzled the audience inside the Muriel & Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts in O’Connor Hall with a lively fiddle performance. The president performed with two students from the North American Roots Music class he is teaching at SJC Long Island this semester.

“I didn’t get this gig just because I’m the president,” said Dr. Boomgaarden, a country fiddler; concert pianist; and noted historian of 18th-Century opera, music aesthetics and harmonic theory.

President Boomgaarden playing the fiddle at the annual student talent show.

Dr. Boomgaarden said he “personally asked” Gina Mingoia, who provided the vocals, and Christian Szajna, who played the guitar, to perform with him on stage at the SJC Long Island Student Government Association’s 19^th annual Talent Show. The trio played three songs, including Chris Stapleton’s country ballad, “Broken Halos,” and a fiddle classic, “Old Joe Clark.”

The rest of the show included a diverse array of more than 20 singing and dancing acts, all of which added to the night’s festive and energetic atmosphere. Student Government Association President J.R. Kay served as the event’s emcee, introducing himself as “Master of Ceremonies – the carefree emcee who’s working on his degree.”

SJC Long Island’s dance squad.

Kay organized the show, along with fellow SGA members Angela Vetere, Bobby Dilworth and Kaitlyn Rodriguez. Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

The show’s first-place prize went to student Lexy Gouskos, who won the crowd and judges over with her sign-language performance of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” Second and third place went to SJC students Jude Andre, who performed Micheal Buble’s hit song “Haven’t Met You Yet,” and Thomas Lownd’s suit-and-tie smooth performance of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”

The SJC Dance Team garnered special recognition for their “Hip Hop” performance. Student Cecelia Young’s interpretive dance to Sia’s “Elastic Heart earned the night’s “Audience Choice.”

The talent show, which ran until a little past 10 p.m. was a hit not only because of the students – and the president – who participated, but also due to the way in which it brought the SJC community together for a great cause and a night to remember.

Father Francis Pizzarelli celebrated St. Joseph’s Day Mass at SJC Long Island on March 19. — Photo by Sam Miller

In honor of St. Joseph’s Day, students, faculty and staff of St. Joseph’s College gathered during Common Hour for Mass, celebrating the patron saint of workers and protector of families for whom the College is named. The Sisters of St. Joseph employed at SJC stood to renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience during Mass. Students presented them with flowers as a thanks for all they’ve done and continue to do.

“Joseph can teach us how to care,” S. Mary Ann Cashin said during the Mass celebration at SJC Long Island in the McGann Conference Center. “He can inspire us to work with generosity and tenderness in protecting the world, which God has untrusted to us.”

The Sisters of St. Joseph was born more than 360 years ago in the village of LePuy, France, when the Spirit of God touched the hearts of a young priest and a group of women with a vision of union with God and neighbor. This vision was to be achieved through prayer, service and reconciling love. The group devoted themselves to this vision while dividing the city, seeking out its ills and curing them. The group was established as a religious foundation in 1650.

The Congregation spread throughout the United States and, in 1856, Mother Austin Kean came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Brooklyn, New York, to establish what is now the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood. Sixty years later, the Sisters of St. Joseph founded St. Joseph’s College and opened the College’s doors to 12 students in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn. Fast forward a century later and there are still dedicated sisters who teach at the College, many of whom have been doing so for decades.

At SJC Long Island, the following sisters renewed their vows: S. Grace Edna Rowland, Ph.D., director of the Clare Rose Playhouse and professor of communication studies; S. Miriam Blake, assistant professor of child study; S. Suzanne E. Franck, Ph.D., associate professor and director of religious studies; S. Patricia Manning, assistant professor of art; S. Jane Fritz, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science; S. Mary Ann Cashin, assistant professor and chair of child study; S. Eileen Kelly; and S. Catherine Fitzgibbon.

SJC Brooklyn sisters receive their flowers. — Photo by Michael Banach

At SJC Brooklyn, the following sisters renewed their vows: S. Elizabeth Hill, J.D., president emerita; S. Loretta McGrann, Ph.D., former provost; S. Mary Florence Burns, former academic dean; S. Margaret Buckley, Ed.D., former academic dean; and S. Mary A. Sivillo, coordinator of child study placement.