Taking in a beautiful, mountainous landscape. Trips to salt caves and museums. Visiting Stonehenge.

St. Joseph’s College students enjoyed all that and more while studying abroad in Romania, Poland and Oxford this summer.

Romania

“We became our own family,” Medford, New York, native Emily Heiser said of the group of students she traveled with to Romania. “We supported each other, solved our problems together, laughed and cried together. It was such a bonding experience. I never knew so many people could connect so quickly together.”

The trip to Romania was part of a course offered last spring called Cross-Cultural Social Psychology: Romania and America. SJC Long Island Psychology lecturer Thomas DiBlasi and Director of Campus Ministry Cristian Murphy ’14 led the students on the trip.

“The purpose of going to Romania was to see the effect of communism on Romania,” DiBlasi said. “Communism in Romania has led to a corrupt government, as well as people not trusting one another. We partnered with an organization in Romania called New Horizons that works to re-establish trust among Romanians. On a larger scale, the purpose of this trip was to see the effect of the environment on an individual. It allows us to answer the question, ‘How did I become who I am?'”

Murphy, adopted from Bucharest, Romania, at the age of 2, was ecstatic about the opportunity to return to Romania.

“Romania is such a beautiful place, yet it has so much pain and misunderstanding behind its history,” he said. “My favorite memory of the trip was listening to the students speak so highly of the country and watching them all fall in love with Romania. Witnessing them fall in love with the country for their own emotional reasons was so empowering and beautiful. Our students are such wonderful people, and I admired their ability to embrace Romania.”

This trip served as a learning experience for many of the students, exposing them to a different culture and different ways of living.

“What I learned most from this trip was to appreciate everyone and everything,” said Heisler, 21, who will be graduating from SJC Long Island with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice in January 2019. “So many people take things — and people — for granted. But in Romania, they live with only what they need, and they are happy! They enjoy each other’s company. I have learned to appreciate living a simpler life and not get caught up in the latest trends.”

Fifteen students from SJC Long Island traveled to Romania this summer as part of this study abroad trip.

Poland

“Besides all the trips to the salt caves and museums, I’d have to say my favorite part was the actual ambience of the country, specifically the city we were in,” Nicole Salas, 18, said. “The people were so lively and active, and the nightlife was insane; it was honestly like New York City times 10.”

The students stayed in Krakow, Poland, but they also traveled to Zakopane and Częstochowa during the trip.

“I learned how truly different the education system is in Poland compared to the United States,” said Salas, an adolescence education major with a concentration in math at SJC Long Island. “Not only is the structure and progression through grade school different, but there are also huge differences in what is being offered and taught.”

Bogumila Lai, Ph.D., an associate professor of mathematics and computer science at SJC Long Island, led the students in Poland. This excursion was part of a program that Dr. Lai developed. Students on the trip experienced math education at the college and high school levels.

One of Dr. Lai’s partnerships brings the students to a school considered to be Poland‘s version of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AGH University of Science and Technology. Another partnership brought the students to the second-oldest school in Central Europe, Jagiellonian University, which Copernicus attended. During their time in Poland, students also toured various museums and landmarks in cities throughout Poland, with Dr. Lai, who speaks Polish.

“The country really gave me a different outlook,” Salas said. “The overall atmosphere of the country and the people residing in it is very calm. It is culture- and history-oriented, and that resonated really strongly with me and helped me better appreciate the importance of history as a whole.”

Salas was one of two students who went to Poland on the faculty-led global studies trip.

Oxford

Ten students from SJC Long Island and four from SJC Brooklyn studied in Oxford, England, this summer as part of an annual St. Joseph’s College Honors Program excursion. While there, they examined the area’s rich history and the concept of place.

“One of the challenges is connecting academic study with the world outside the classroom,” said Wendy Turgeon, Ph.D., interim executive dean, as well as professor and chair of the philosophy department. “The Oxford Experience allows us to read about history and philosophy, and then confront the places and spaces where ideas were born and lived — and often were challenged.”

Students were accompanied by Dr. Turgeon and James Blakeley, Ph.D., professor and chair of the history department.

“The students formed a genuine community, supporting one another, both academically and personally,” Dr. Turgeon said.  “Dr. Blakeley and I really enjoyed the opportunity to bring history and philosophy alive as we collectively explored Oxford, Salisbury, Stonehenge, and the other sites.”

Check out Dr. Turgeon’s blog to learn more about this year’s trip.

Another Labor Day Weekend has come and gone, signifying the start of a new semester at St. Joseph’s College. Students began filling the hallways of SJC Long Island this morning, a mix of excitement and nervousness in the air. New and returning students shared their thoughts about their first day of class.

Being a new student at SJC Long Island is the start of a new adventure. It’s a chance to meet new friends, gain new experiences and, of course, immerse yourself in a learning environment. Here are some tips to make the most out of your first year at St. Joseph’s College

1. Get Connected

It’s important to ensure that you are able to access course materials, check your email and understand requirements of your major. Students at SJC have student portal access to MySJC, which links to your Gmail account, Canvas (our learning management system), Student Planning (where you will register for courses and can find your unofficial transcript) and many other helpful SJC resources. Our SJC mobile app is another way to easily reference information quickly and on the go.

2. Get Involved

Students who attend events and join organizations on campus immediately make a new group of friends. Make sure to check weekly emails from the Center for Student Involvement, Leadership and Multicultural Programming to stay involved in what’s happening around campus. Also, be sure to attend Club Fair during Common Hour on Thursday, Sept. 20, to speak with representatives from student organizations; they will be seeking new members, so you can decide which clubs you hope to participate in at SJC.

3. Manage Your Time

One of the most surprising things about transitioning to college is the ability to make your own schedule for work, school and your social life. While this is a great benefit, it’s also challenging when you need to set aside time for class assignments, research projects and weekly club meetings. For some people, traditional paper planners are best, while others embrace technology and find an app to help them make time for what’s important. Check out this list of calendar apps to help you become an expert at time management.

4. Know Where to Eat

While on campus, you can head to the Eagle’s Nest Cafe for lunch between classes. Make sure to try the brand new, self-serve milkshake machine while you’re there. Looking for something small? Grab a snack in The Perch, a lounge-style coffee bar featuring beverages from Starbucks and ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, SJC Long Island will now have Food Truck Friday, with local food trucks stopping near the quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Looking to explore Patchogue with your friends during Common Hour?  lots of local spots also offer student discounts.

5. Gather Your Support System

There are lots of new experiences that come with entering college, and knowing how to access resources helps you to succeed. Your family and friends can motivate and encourage you as you begin your college career, and there are many departments on campus to help you, too. Our Counseling and Wellness Center offers meditation sessions, counseling, outreach and support services. If you need assistance in your courses, our Office for Tutoring and Academic Development and our Office for Math, Business and Technology Tutoring provide students with complimentary tutoring. Students are also encouraged to head to the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development to get a jump start on their four-year career plan. By setting goals with one of our career counselors, you’ll be ready for whatever your future holds.

St. Joseph’s College honored the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on Tuesday during an annual remembrance ceremony in front of SJC Long Island’s O’Connor Hall.

Director of the Office of Military and Veterans Services Erin D’Eletto spoke out to a large gathering of students, faculty and staff during the ceremony, which saw what has become the traditional changing of the campus’ American flag.

“The changing of our flag represents the passing of another safe and successful year of study and service, and also symbolizes our renewed commitment to College, community and country,”  D’Eletto said. “Thank you all for gathering with us on this solemn 17th anniversary as we never forget the lives we lost, as we acknowledge the grief of their surviving loved ones, as we recognize the heroic efforts that saved many lives, and as we honor our veterans and service members who have and who continue to protect us from further harm.”

Gold Star Parents

Guest speakers at this year’s ceremony included Gold Star Parents Michelle and Bill McNaughton, who lost their son Staff Sergeant James McNaughton in Iraq in 2005.

Mr. and Mrs. McNaughton are both retired NYPD who served during the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Mrs. McNaughton is the former president of the Long Island chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM), as well as former president of the Department of New York AGSM. Mr. McNaughton is a United States Army veteran and an employee at Calverton National Cemetery. Their son James served in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and as an NYPD officer. He volunteered for his second deployment to Iraq in 2004 as an Army Reservist.

“We say Jimmy died doing what he loved,” Mrs. McNaughton said through tears. “If everybody can die doing what they love, they’ve had a good life. My personal motto is to never forget our past, present and future veterans. I am the voice for those that can no longer speak. I’m there to support those that need a voice and for those that haven’t found their voice.”

Mr. and Mrs. McNaughton founded the James D. McNaughton Foundation in honor of their beloved son. Part of the raised funds are used for education scholarships and awarded to Centereach High School students (James’ alma mater) and the Northport PTSD Veterans Association.

“The American people came together during 9/11, and I’ll never forget that. Never,” Mr. McNaughton said. “George Patton’s got a quote that I like to steal from him. He says, ‘We shouldn’t mourn these men. Rather, we should thank God these men lived.’ And I truly believe that. These guys put on a uniform to go out and help our fellow men. Five and a half million Americans stepped up to the plate to help America out.”

Changing of the Flag

After a moment of silence honoring the victims of 9/11, Student Veterans of America (SVA) President Michael Esposito led his fellow SVA members in the changing of the American flag. SJC Long Island Campus Minister Cristian Murphy followed with a closing prayer.

Two SJC Long Island alumnae traveled to China July 9–21 to lead a teachers’ training course for Chinese English teachers.

Emily Davies ’14 of Islip, New York, and Alyssa Patterson ’13 of Massapequa, New York, taught the educators how to better teach the English language to their students.

Patterson, an avid traveler, knew she wanted to teach abroad this summer. But after researching different programs to see which were available during her summer break, she found that most were either filled or conducted during the school year.

“I remembered seeing my sorority sister Emily’s Facebook status,” Patterson, an elementary school teacher at Amityville Union Free School District, said. “Emily was committed to teaching abroad in China for the summer. Thankfully, a teacher had dropped out of that program and there was an opening. So I applied, interviewed and got the job!”

Hesitation

Davies and Patterson were both skeptical about visiting a foreign country where neither of them had ever been – where they wouldn’t know anyone but each other and where they would be unfamiliar with the language and culture. And after learning that their placements were four hours apart, both thought about backing out of the trip at the last minute. But they faced their fears and went — and they’re very glad they did.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect,” said Davies, a second-grade teacher at the Evergreen Charter School in Hempstead. “I was very anxious/apprehensive about going, and was regretting my decision. Once I got there and actually started teaching, my mind quickly changed and I enjoyed every second.”

I didn’t think that in 20 days, I would have made such incredible bonds and friendships that would make saying goodbye so unbelievably hard.” —Alyssa Patterson ’13

“I went into this not expecting to make the friendships that I did and the relationships that I did with my class,” Patterson said. “I didn’t think that in 20 days, I would have made such incredible bonds and friendships that would make saying goodbye so unbelievably hard. As a teacher, I myself am always learning. I learned a great deal from my students as they did from me.”

Go for It

Davies, who taught at the No. 2 experimental primary school in Shuyang, highly recommends anyone hesitant about studying abroad to just “GO FOR IT!”

“My biggest takeaway personally was that it’s okay to step out of my comfort zone,” Davies shared. “This was so out of character for me, but I’m so happy I did it. It was an amazing experience.”

Patterson, who never got the chance to study abroad while in college, has been making up for it since graduating. She has since traveled to Amsterdam, Belgium, France, Italy, England, Spain, Thailand, Ireland, Iceland and now China.

“This was one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far,” Patterson said. “Don’t be afraid to try something different and/or alone. That’s what life is all about — stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I walked away with amazing memories, awesome experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

More than 400 SJC Long Island freshmen gathered in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center in their academic attire Thursday, Sept. 13, for the College’s annual Investiture ceremony.

Investiture, a tradition at St. Joseph’s College for more than a century, is the first academic event of the year for the freshman class. Surrounded by family and loved ones, the Class of 2022 is formally invested into the College community after reciting the Oath of Integrity and turning their tassels — an act that symbolizes the beginning of their time as college students.

“I know that you already have developed a sense of support and devotion to your classmates,” St. Joseph’s College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said to SJC Long Island’s newest students. “This is a real component and characteristic of a St. Joseph’s education. That sense of love that engulfs the student body here and allows them to really participate in one another’s lives in a positive way makes us different from many schools.”

Nearly 450 students make up SJC Long Island’s Class of 2022.

Carlo and Erin Spano were proud to watch their son Vinny be invested into the SJC Long Island community.

“We’re extremely thrilled,” Mrs. Spano said. “It was a beautiful ceremony tonight, and we learned a lot about integrity and what the school stands for. It was a beautiful way to start the school year.”

Julianne Frie was excited to celebrate the beginning of her journey at St. Joseph’s.

“It’s a chapter for a new beginning, and I’m excited to transition into college, to meet new friends and to have a good time,” Frie, who’s majoring in industrial-organizational psychology, said.

Pre-kindergarten staff and supervisors from across Long Island gathered in the SJC Long Island’s Shea Conference Room Aug. 28 for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Professional Development Day. About 85 percent of the people in attendance were St. Joseph’s College alumni.

The full-day workshop was open to all educators and supervisors in St. Joseph’s UPK programs — programs that offers services to six school districts across Long Island: Patchogue-Medford, Freeport, Lawrence, Westbury, Wyandanch and Uniondale.

“The main goal of the UPK Professional Development Day was to provide new techniques on how to handle challenging behaviors and create a calming climate for our littlest learners,” said Pamela Renneisen, senior lecturer of child study at St. Joseph’s. “In recent years, we have noticed that young children’s behaviors have changed. They no longer know how to self-regulate as well as children had in the past. Research has told us that much of it has to do with the changing times, the early use of cellular devices and the lack of play and human interactions.”

Useful Tools

During the workshop, UPK teachers and supervisors learned how to use meditation, breathing and yoga through musical experiences as tools to help in the classroom. Educator Bari Karol led the workshop.

“Our actions determine the response in the children,” Renneisen said. “If we get anxious, they feel it. If we get frustrated, they sense that. And if we keep our cool and use techniques to center ourselves and calm our bodies, the children will do the same. If we, as leaders in the classroom,  are equipped with enough strategies and knowledge about positive interventions and actions, we will be able to respond to challenging behaviors and help the children learn how to self-regulate and self-respond to their own feelings and emotions.”

The workshop also reminded teachers about the importance of self-care and taking the time to slow down and be present, Renneisen added.

“We learned very easy techniques to share with the children, such as breathing and using the image of a candle,” Renneisen explained. “We were instructed to hold the candle in front of us, breathe in and blow out the candle. This helps reset the nervous system in just 30 seconds. After that, we moved over to the Student Hospitality Lounge, laid down our yoga mats and went through some great activities where we learned a song on how to incorporate yoga movements with the alphabet, dramatizing a rocket ship and going on a dragon hunt. These activities are not only educational, they are interactive, inspiring and entertaining.  I think the teachers were just as enthusiastic as the children will be!”

The Start of SJC’s UPK

Back in 2006, the late Mary Fritz, Ed.D., associate professor of child study, began the UPK program with Patchogue-Medford schools. It has since expanded to the five districts mentioned above,  with a total of 32 classrooms serving  820 students throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties. There are 70 teachers and 6 administrators working in the UPK programs.

“Dr. Fritz took her vision of providing a ‘smart start’ for early learners, and it blossomed into a program that provided pre-kindergarten services to thousands of children, as well as teaching positions for more than 100 St. Joseph’s graduates,” Renneisen said. “Sadly, Dr. Fritz recently passed away. We not only have the obligation to carry on her mission, but also to exceed her expectations and continue to expand and grow. She left behind some very big shoes to fill, but I am pretty sure that is what guides and inspires us to make each year more effective than the last.”

Associate Professor William Trevino of SJC Brooklyn’s communication studies department will perform a dramatic interpretation of the Edgar Allan Poe classic “The Tell-Tale Heart” Wednesday, Oct. 3, at both SJC Brooklyn and SJC Long Island.

Trevino, who received his M.F.A. in Acting from the University of California, Irvine, will perform at SJC Long Island in the Muriel & Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts at 10 a.m., and then at SJC Brooklyn in the Tuohy Hall Auditorium at 2 p.m. The presentation, about 30 minutes long, will be followed by audience questions and discussion.

Published first in 1843, “The Tell-Tale Heart” is a short story narrated by an unnamed character. Despite trying to convince the reader that he is sane, the narrator is continuously haunted by the sound of the beating heart of the person he murdered.

Trevino is set to perform this tale inside Edgar Allan Poe’s historical Baltimore home the following weekend, as part of the 2018 International Edgar Allan Poe Festival.

Trevino has taught at St. Joseph’s College since 2005. He runs SJC Brooklyn’s theatre minor program. Before joining St. Joseph’s, he performed on television and off-Broadway. In 2001, he co-founded the physical theatre company, Corporeal Arts Incorporated, and he continues to collaborate on original works as an actor/director, presenting in curated programs at New York City institutions like HERE, Dixon Place and the Queens Council on the Arts, as well as in California, Brazil and Finland.

She earned her degree in child study. He earned his in history. But it was there passion for olive oil that led them to becoming business owners.

SJC Long Island legacy family Candace Muñoz ’02 and Steven Muñoz ’10, mother and son, own The Amazing Olive stores in Port Jefferson and Patchogue, respectively. Candace’s daughter Nicole Marbot Perez ’97 also helps out around the shops.

“We always went to Port Jeff to visit and hang out, and we just thought it would be the perfect place for (the shop),” Candace said of her decision to open in Port Jefferson six years ago.

As a part-time student, Steven worked at FedEx Monday through Friday and helped out at his mother’s store on the weekends. Inspired by the enjoyable environment at his mom’s shop and fueled by a desire to leave behind the corporate work atmosphere, Steven saved enough money to open his own store in Patchogue.

“I knew I wanted to build my own business with my own finances from the ground up,” he said. “I chose Patchogue because I graduated from St. Josephs and used to visit the village every chance I got. From my time at St. Joe’s, I saw the transformation that Patchogue Village was going through. There was a renaissance in the commerce of Patchogue, largely due to the restaurant boom going on, and I felt that it was the right time for a new retail shop in the community. Two years later it has been going great, and I feel that the community has embraced our shop.”

Why Olive Oil?

When asked where the passion for olive oil stemmed from, Candace explained that she was inspired by a store she visited while on vacation.

“We went into a shop in North Carolina, and we just fell in love with it,” she said. “We were tasting everything and we loved it. Then I got in touch with the California Olive Oil Council, and they sent me books and videos. So I learned more about it, and we thought this would be a good fit.”

Candace, who’s also a teacher retiring in 2019, finds joy in combining her two passions.

“I teach classes in my shop on the correct way to try olive oils, the different types of extra virgin olive oils, and the difference between white and dark balsamic vinegar,” she said. “My teaching has fallen over into this business.”

Candace and Steven’s dedication to their product is demonstrated in their work; they sell award-winning extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all around the world.

“Believe it or not, there are olive oil competitions,” Steven laughed. “I love selling a product that is delicious and healthy that everyone loves.”

Both shops carry extra virgin olive oils, which range from delicate to medium to robust, and flavored olive oils, which are infused with herbs and foods such as rosemary, garlic and basil. They also offer aged balsamic vinegars and infused vinegars, most of which are fruit-driven, with flavors including raspberry, cranberry, cherry, pineapple and mango.

They specialize in gift baskets, party favors, wedding favors and corporate gifts too.

Why St. Joseph’s College?

Despite having her certification in early childhood and having 15 years of experience teaching at a private preschool, Candace found she couldn’t get a job in a public school district without a degree in higher education.

“I chose St. Joseph’s because I heard so many good things about it being a teaching school,” Candace said. “Their reputation for teaching is amazing.”

As an adult learner, Candace never struggled to feel welcomed or get involved.

“I took one of (Dr.) Diane Sherlip‘s psychology classes, and we immediately bonded,” she said. “She actually asked me to take other classes of hers because I was always participating. I must’ve taken three or four of her classes. She was a great teacher, and I actually remained friends with her after.”

Hers and her daughter’s experiences at SJC Long Island had a lasting impact on Steven.

“I chose St. Joe’s because of my mom and my sister,” Steven continued. “They had a good experience there. I originally went away for a few years, but I wanted to come home and work. I figured, what better place to work and go to school than St. Joe’s, because I saw my mom do it.

“I would say that Charles Lundin inspired me the most during my time at St. Joseph’s,” he said. “His lectures were always informative and kept the students engaged. Outside of history, I feel that I learned a lot from him in terms of public speaking.”

 

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A big thank you to @sjcnyalumni for coming to our shop in Patchogue. Thank you for interviewing us about our family business. My mother, sister and I are all proud @sjcny graduates! -Steve #amazingolive #sjcny #sjcnyalumni #balsamicart #balsamic #oliveoil #giftbag #1916 #alumni #stjoes #stjosephscollege

A post shared by Amazing Olive (@amazingolive) on Sep 20, 2018 at 12:28pm PDT

Stop by either Amazing Olive location, and sample any of their oils and vinegars (but make sure you check out the video at the top first to find out the proper way to do so!)

Once you pick out your favorite flavors, ask how you can get a customized label — like the St. Joseph’s one below!

An internship at Brookhaven National Lab. Two internships at NASA. And now a scholarship from an international honor society.

SJC Long Island senior Danielle Fieseler, a mathematics and computer science major, received the Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) Academic Achievement Award this September from the International Honor Society for the Computing and Information Disciplines.

“I was completely shocked and amazed that I received this scholarship,” the Ronkonkoma, New York, native said. “I was sitting in my evening course and my professor gave us a five-minute break. I received a notification on my phone stating that I received a scholarship. I didn’t believe what I was reading.

“I just printed out the papers that they had sent me immediately, looked at them and saw that the other individuals who received (this) scholarship were from large schools,” she continued. “I was the only one from a small school. It made me proud.”

Fieseler, a member of St. Joseph’s Chapter of UPE, found out about the scholarship during one of the honor society’s meetings. S. Jane Fritz, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science at SJC Long Island, nominated Fieseler as the one undergraduate student to apply for the scholarship.

Pursuing Her Passion

“I’ve always been interested in mathematics and computer science,” Fieseler said. “My interest grew a lot once I started doing internships with the government. S. Jane has provided me so much insight and guidance in picking the right internships. She has definitely made a huge impact on my college experience at St.Joseph’s College.”

Fieseler, 20, spent this summer interning at NASA‘s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland researching cybersecurity threats. During the summer of 2017, she interned at Brookhaven National Lab, under the Department of Education, doing mathematical research. And the summer prior to that, she interned in the education department at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“The mathematics and computer science department is extremely proud of Danielle Fieseler for being awarded the UPE Scholarship,” said Victoria Hong, of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. “Danielle exemplifies the best in a St. Joseph’s College student. She is intelligent, hardworking, and a kind and caring person. The scholarship is a well-deserved acknowledgement of her outstanding achievements.”

On the first Tuesday of each month, SJC Long Island Athletics is calling on students, staff and faculty to wear St. Joseph’s College apparel on campus, for chances to win exclusive SJC giveaways and other prizes — including the grand prize of a 60-inch flat-screen television.

To participate, visit the athletics booth inside the Eagle’s Nest Cafe during common hour and answer a St. Joseph’s College trivia question. Those who answer correctly will receive one raffle ticket to be entered for the grand prize.

“Tradition Tuesday is an athletics initiative that aims to increase school spirit on campus,” Manager of Athletics Communications Andrew Capitelli said. “In inviting the campus community to wear SJC gear and to interact with the athletic department, we hope to foster a unified college culture centered around athletics.”

The initiative, which kicked off Oct. 2, gives participants six chances to earn raffle tickets. The remaining five dates are Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Feb. 5, March 5 and April 2.

The grand-prize winner will be drawn April 2.

Political reporter Richard Benedetto is set to host four lectures at St. Joseph’s College next week — two each at SJC Long Island and SJC Brooklyn — about the state of journalism in America.

The lectures are part of SJC’s annual Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow series.

Beginning on SJC Long Island, Benedetto, a founding member of the USA Today staff, will deliver a presentation called “The White House Press Corps: Then and Now” on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. The longtime reporter returns the next day, on Oct. 23 at 12:40 p.m., to give a presentation on “Journalism in the Age of Social Media and Fake News.” Both presentations are in the McGann Conference Center at SJC Long Island.

Later next week, Benedetto heads to SJC Brooklyn to give the same lectures.

On Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m., Benedetto is scheduled to present “The White House Press Corps: Then and Now” in the Alumni Room. The following day, he will give the “Journalism in the Age of Social Media and Fake News” lecture at 12:40 p.m. in the Student Lounge.

A long journalism career

Benedetto is expected to pull from his lengthy experience as a reporter during his lecture series. A Utica, N.Y., native, Benedetto started out on the local level reporting for smaller newspapers like the Utica Daily Press and Observer-Dispatch. He also had a stint working in the Albany bureau of Gannett News Service, covering state and government politics during the Gov. Hugh Carey administration.

As Benedetto climbed the ranks, he became a founding member of USA Today, the flagship publication of the Gannett Company, where he wrote the first page-one cover story in September 1982.

Throughout his decades-long career,  Benedetto covered the White House, closely following the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Now retired from political reporting, Benedetto continues to write political commentary for such publications as USA Today, The Hill, RealClearPolitics, The Wall Street Journal and Politico.

Transfer students who choose St. Joseph’s College, whether they’re studying on Long Island or in Brooklyn, say they were immediately drawn to the small size of the school.

Matt Kubacki, Ed. D., associate dean for student success at SJC Brooklyn, said his students often note how the faculty and staff really care about the students and that they work to get to know them on a personal level.

“One of the things I am proud of here at St. Joseph’s is the Transfer Seminar course we provide for transfers in their first semester,” said Kubacki, who oversees the SJC 200 Transfer Seminar. “The course focuses on learning and research skills, opportunities for campus and community involvement, and the nature of the liberal arts as envisioned by SJC.”

Transfer students at St. Joseph’s also give a nod to the ease of transferring credits to the College.

St. Joseph’s accepts up to 64 credits from regionally accredited two-year schools, and up to 90 credits from regionally accredited four-year schools. To fulfill the College’s residency requirement, students must complete a minimum of 30 to 32 credits, depending on your major, at St. Joseph’s College.

In honor of National Transfer Student Week — sponsored by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association (NYSTAA) and the New England Transfer Association (NETA) — OnCampus talked to some St. Joseph’s students about why they transferred.

Here’s what they said:

Alia Hewson ‘17

Alia Hewson

Degree: Business administration

When she transferred: Fall 2015, after receiving an associates degree in business administration from LaGuardia Community College

Why she picked SJC Brooklyn:  “I knew I wanted to continue my education in the same field, but I didn’t know exactly where. I ended up having to take a semester off to help me figure everything out. After doing some research, I found SJC, and set up a meeting with Matt Kubacki to go over academic planning. My decision was made once we met. The atmosphere of the campus and the welcoming of the faculty/staff were the greatest factors towards my decision.”

Myroslava Milkhiker ‘18

Myroslava Milkhiker

Degree: English

When she transferred: Fall 2015

Why she picked SJC Brooklyn: “I transferred to St. Joe’s because I felt like it would be a good fit for me and also because of the positive environment and attitude I got from students and staff. The transfer process was not hard. They were able to transfer the maximum amount of credits from my previous university in Ukraine, so the majority of the classes I had to take at St. Joe’s  went toward my major.  From the day I met with John Fitzgerald at the admissions office to the day I walked down the podium to pick up my diploma from President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., I had not even one bad experience that would make me regret the decision of choosing St. Joseph’s College and becoming a part of its community.”

Brianna Harmon ‘20

Brianna Harmon

Degree: Political Science

When she transferred: Fall 2017

Why she picked SJC Long Island: “I chose St. Joe’s because the teacher to student ratio is great for my major, which gives me the opportunity to engage with my peers and professors on a more consistent basis. I strongly believe that not only is educating society in academics important, but making sure value-oriented education is projected as well; St. Joe’s is a firm believer of this. By giving students classes in human expression, quest for meaning, self and society, and diversity, you are not only helping them grow as a student but as a person who can contribute healthy and positive behaviors to society.”

There was no shortage of accomplishments to acknowledge at SJC Long Island’s third annual Gregg Alfano Memorial Alumni Baseball Game on Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Outdoor Field Complex.

The accomplishments included:

• A ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the 1994 baseball team.
• Induction of alum Joe King into the St. Joseph’s Golden Eagles Hall of Fame.
• Presentation of the Skyline Conference Tournament championship rings to members of the 2018 baseball team.

The event also included a full day of baseball. The first game featured the Silver team (alumni from 1989-1996) against the Blue team (1997-2004). The second contest featured Gold (2005-2011) versus White (2012-2018). Between games, there was an ceremony.

Head Coach Richard Garrett expressed how proud he is regarding what the baseball program has accomplished on the field and in the classroom, noting that the baseball team has the highest grade point average among male sports at the campus.

Check out footage from the game below:

A sea of pink has flowed across St. Joseph’s College’s two campuses this month as students, faculty and staff work to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

Lauren Quesada, president of SJC Brooklyn’s Student Government Association, said the fundraisers this month are a “close cause” because she and many of her peers know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. 

“It’s something that really hits home,” Quesada said during Tuesday’s Fall Festival, one of several SGA-sponsored breast
cancer awareness fundraisers this month. Quesada was manning a table at the front of the Tuohy Hall auditorium, selling pink bracelets for $2, t-shirts for $5 and memorial cards that will hang in the cafeteria for $1 — and the merchandise was moving fast. The fundraiser benefits the American Cancer Society.

“That’s why I think the cards are really nice,” Quesada  explained. “It shows how many people know someone affected by breast cancer — whether it’s a neighbor, friend or family member.”

SJC Thinks Pink

The Fall Festival, which also included carnival games, such as a pumpkin ring game and a lime spoon race, is just one example of St. Joseph’s students raising money  to beat breast cancer.

Throughout the month of October, nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students across both campuses put forward their best efforts to fundraise for the cause.

Here’s a sampling of some of the ways St. Joseph’s College is fighting for a cure:

• The SJC Brooklyn women’s tennis team donned pink shirts Oct. 2 during their Breast Cancer Awareness game — a 9-0 win over Sarah Lawrence.
• Delta Phi Epsilon held a t-shirt sale Oct. 9, 16 and 18 in SJC Long Island’s cafeteria.
• The Knock Out Breast Cancer Basketball Tournament was held Oct. 10 – 11 in SJC Brooklyn at the Hill Center.
• SJC Brooklyn women’s soccer played their Breast Cancer Awareness game Oct. 14 vs. Yeshiva. 
• SJC Brooklyn women’s volleyball played their Breast Cancer Awareness game Oct. 16 against Centenary College in the Hill Center.

Making Strides Against Cancer

Several St. Joseph’s organizations at both campuses participated in the annual Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk-a-

St. Joseph’s College students wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

thon at Jones Beach on Oct. 21. SJC Brooklyn carried a pink banner during the walk, provided by the

American Cancer Society, to show off its successful fundraising efforts.

As of Oct. 12, SJC Brooklyn raised nearly $7,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Sean Salomons, a senior on the men’s volleyball team, added that he is proud of the fundraising efforts in athletics.

“For the past few years, the Breast Cancer Walk has been one of the most important community events for the St. Joseph’s College Athletic department and all of its student-athletes,” Salomons said. “Last year, all the teams came together to raise just over $5,000 for the cause. This year, we have already surpassed that number. Our goal is to raise $10,000.”

It’s that time of year again: students are in a frenzy as they figure out what classes to take during the upcoming semester. While piecing together the puzzle that is your schedule, consider enrolling in one of the following four classes and going on the accompanying faculty-led study abroad trip.

“100 Years Romance: French and American Cinema” (ENG 370)

Visit the Eiffel Tower and the famous cinema houses of Paris, and go on a Parisian film tour featuring the legendary Cinematheque Francaise, the world-class art museum the Louvre and a visit to Cannes during its film festival, with the chance to delight in the French Riviera in the south of France. This backdrop will enrich the course’s theme, which focuses on the history of relations between French and American film and culture, emphasizing France’s influence on Hollywood and vice versa.

SJC Brooklyn students can take this course at SJC Long Island.

Tavel dates: May 17 – 27, 2019

APPLY HERE

“Actors, Mystics, Heretics, Pilgrims: Religious Culture in Late Medieval England” (ENG/RS 280)

Explore Oxford with St. Joseph’s College faculty, and see the renown Salisbury Cathedral, the Abbey of St. Augustine of Canterbury, theatrical London and the mysterious World Heritage site of Stonehenge. Through a variety of primary and secondary source texts and on-site study, this course examines big questions and problems, including lay-led biblical drama, feminist Christian mysticism, anti-feminism, anti-semitism, corruption and the development/role of monasteries. Students have the option of extending their stay (at their own expense) and accompanying one of the professors on an optional “intellectual pilgrimage” with local writer activists on a one-two day walk through England.

SJC Brooklyn students can take this course remotely.

Travel dates: June 24 – July 3, 2019

APPLY HERE

“Environment and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica” (SOC 252/HTM 317)

With the Costa Rican Monteverde Research Institute as your guide, students will explore the Arenal Volcano and Cloud Forest Reserve. Participate in a sustainable family farm tour, rainforest day and night hike, and a day on the coast. Students will examine the practices and challenges of striving toward ecological sustainability in one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.

SJC Brooklyn students can take BIO 280 to go on this faculty-led study abroad trip. 

Travel dates: March 15 – 22, 2019

APPLY HERE

“Mandela’s Legacy: Criminal Justice and Education in South Africa” (CJ 246/CS 570)

During this study abroad trip, students will walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Enjoy the seaside city of Cape Town while learning about the history of South Africa’s civil rights movement, apartheid. Participate in a unique opportunity of dialoguing with Nelson Mandela’s friend and prison warden.  Experience the culture of South Africa through a cooking class. Appreciate the natural beauty, including penguins, on the tip of Africa through a Cape tour and a safari. Visit the capitol city of Johannesburg while learning about their opportunities of country-wide reconciliation. Students will also engage in service-learning in the local schools.

SJC Brooklyn students can take CJ 244 online to go on this faculty-led study abroad trip. 

Travel dates: July 25 – Aug. 8, 2019

APPLY HERE

Full-time freshmen interested in attending any of these global studies trips can apply for the Freshman Global Experience Grant, which awards up to ten students with a $1,000 grant. The Faculty-led Program Stipend is open to all students, and it awards approximately 30 students with $500 each to put toward their study abroad expenses. Applications for each are due Wednesday, November 14.

The way news is consumed and delivered has changed drastically throughout political reporter Richard Benedetto’s career.

Early in his career — long before the invention of cell phones — Benedetto routinely arrived to assignments extra early to scope out public telephones, so that when an event was over, he could phone his office and tell his editor the scoop. He saw the industry adapt to technology first hand — from the introduction of laptops, cell phones, and later, smart phones and social media.

Benedetto, a founding member of the USA Today staff and a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow, shared stories from his years covering the White House, closely following the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush with the St. Joseph’s College community last week.

Political news veteran Richard Benedetto gives a lecture at SJC Brooklyn.

Benedetto’s visit to SJC began Oct. 22 at SJC Long Island where he spoke to journalism classes and delivered a pair of presentations,  “The White House Press Corps: Then and Now” and “Journalism in the Age of Social Media and Fake News.”

Later in the week, Benedetto presented at SJC Brooklyn.

Theodore Hamm, Ph.D., chairperson of the journalism and new media department at SJC Brooklyn, said he was impressed with Benedetto’s visit.

“It was a real pleasure for SJC students to hear from an eminent journalist like Richard Benedetto,” Dr. Hamm said. “He reminded us that it’s our job as producers and consumers of media to pursue the truth.”

Dr. Hamm said Benedetto really engaged his students, talking to them one-on-one about what it was like covering local issues upstate — in Buffalo, Utica and Albany — before making his way to Washington, D.C., to cover the White House.

Telling fake news from the real reports

During a common hour lecture Oct. 25 inside the student lounge at Tuohy Hall, Benedetto encouraged students to students be smart news consumers. He explained that in the age of social media there is a lot of news circulating that is false or bias, and it’s becoming increasingly imperative for the reader to know how to differentiate what can be trusted.

“It’s up to you, the consumers, to be the gate keeper of news,” Benedetto said. “That used to be the editors — but not anymore.”

Benedetto explained that in the past practices, several editors would read and fact check an article before it made it into the next day’s newspaper. Conversely, in today’s media, Benedetto said speed takes a more prevalent role, and quality can take a hit as a result.

Political news veteran Richard Benedetto talks about news in the age of social media.

Benedetto offered tips on how to determine what is a trustworthy news article.

He said a news consumer should always think critically about an article, and about the source it came from. “If the story is not coming from a reliable news source, you’ve got to check it,” he noted.

Benedetto explained that in the age of “clicks,” even reliable news sources — like the New York Times, Washington Post, or CNN — try to move fast, get a lot of views, and build an audience. Sometimes the best way to know that a story is accurate is to read about the same topic in multiple sources, he noted.

And, perhaps, most importantly: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he said.

Educating future news consumers

Benedetto noted that consumers should also pay attention to the difference between an editorial and a news article. Editorials and columns typically involve a writer including his or her own bias. The opinion pieces are separate from the news section of a newspaper.

Benedetto suspects courses on being a smart news consumer will be integrated into high schools in the future, so individuals can better learn how to decipher news at a young age.

“We’re so connected with so much information,” Benedetto said. “We don’t know what to make of it all … we’re still sorting our way through this type of new media

He continued: “We’re going through a time that folks are going to write books about — that’s for sure.”

The Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program, administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C., brings prominent artists, diplomats, journalists, business leaders and other professionals to campuses across the country for a weeklong residential program of classes, seminars, workshops, lectures and informal discussions.

Working farmland strictly for organic plants: 28 acres.

Solar panels for reusable, non-polluting energy: 5 acres.

Persevered woodlands where wildlife and plants are thriving: 40 acres.

These are just a few of the many environmental-friendly efforts SJC Long Island students encountered Friday during a sustainability tour of the Sisters of St. Joseph 212-acre Brentwood grounds.

Teaching Students Sustainability

“In just a few hours, the students learned a great deal about Long Island, from native plants to aquifers, from farming to land preservation, from rain gardens to waste management (to name a few),” said Michelle Frati, senior administrative assistant for the Center for Student Involvement, Leadership and Multicultural Programming at SJC Long Island.  “All of the information gathered will (hopefully) inspire and support efforts to live a cleaner, greener existence.”

SJC Long Island’s Sustainability Committee planned the trip with the help of S. Karen Burke, C.S.J., Ed.D., the coordinator of land initiatives for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood. The purpose of the trip was to introduce St. Joseph’s students to the sisters and their efforts to support Earth and the local community. Kirk Lawerence, Ph.D., associate chair and associate professor of sociology, as well as chair of the Sustainability Committee, accompanied students, along with Michelle Frati and S. Mary Ann Cashin, C.S.J., assistant professor of child study.

“My personal hope is for students to recognize how fortunate we are to live among such natural beauty, and to encourage them to make time for a restorative walk outside, or at the very least, to remind them to put down their phones, step outside and simply look up,” Frati, a member of SJC Long Island’s Sustainability Committee, said.

At the Forefront of the Fight Against Global Warming

During a time when the imminent threat of global warming is ever-present, the sisters efforts to remain at the forefront of the fight against it does not go unnoticed.

All of the information gathered will (hopefully) inspire and support efforts to live a cleaner, greener existence.” —Michelle Frati

The Sisters of St. Joseph received a first-place award for Sacred Grounds Steward in 2017 from Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization that helps congregations address global warming issues through the promotion of energy conservation, renewable energy and energy efficiency. This award came two years after the Sisters of St. Joseph made a Land Ethic Statement, in which they pledged to reduce their carbon footprint through various efforts of protecting, preserving and restoring their land in Brentwood.

“I believe any measures that support a healthier future for earth and its inhabitants are worth investigating,” Frati said. “For students, much of the information out there may seem irrelevant to the life of a young person; for those of us who aren’t so young, we recognize how quickly time passes, and how yesterday’s decisions can and will impact today’s reality.

“Many students won’t think twice about energy costs, nor will they consider their own carbon footprint until they become aware of issues relevant to their own lifestyle; a threatened water supply, the safety and health of their pets, and harmful chemicals which may invade their personal products are all topics which may ignite a flame of interest, and hopefully, motivate action and/or change,” Frati added.

The sisters were also recognized this year for “Long Island’s first ‘community’ solar installation that allows a group of ratepayers to collectively share in the cost-benefits of a large solar array,” according to Newsday. The system, which consists of 3,192 panels, covers an estimated 63 percent of the energy needs for the land.

The sisters are leaving a legacy for Long Island,” said Phil Marinelli, who, with his wife Liz Marinelli, helps out with the sustainability efforts of the sisters and leads tours of the grounds. “They’re leaving a legacy for future generations.”

Check out some of what the students saw on the sustainability tour:

Service — it’s one of the five pillars of St. Joseph’s College, and it’s what drives many students to lend a helping hand to local and global communities.

It’s also the foundation of Students Taking an Active Role in Society (STARS), a student organization at SJC Long Island.

“By being a part of STARS, students have the opportunity to explore, interact and work with a variety of organizations around Long Island,” said SJC Long Island senior and STARS President Katherine Escobar of Brentwood, New York. “The service opportunities are not only different, but they also allow students to discover their passion, whether it’s through volunteering at the soup kitchen every month, our Sandwich Drive and Delivery, our Pumpkin Pie Bake-a-Thon event, during Special Olympics or Safe Halloween, or being a part of our Thanksgiving and Christmas drives. Being a part of STARS allows you to connect with other students who share the same interest and passion of doing service.”

Leading a Life of Service

Escobar, 21, joined the club as a freshman. During her first semester at St. Joseph’s, she was eager to help out at community-service events — something she always loved doing in high school.

“I think one of the biggest reasons why I joined was because I wanted to hit the floor running as a freshman and try to be involved as much as I possibly could,” Escobar said. “I became much more involved with the club after being a part of the Alternative Winter Break trip that year, where we went to Oklahoma.”

Her dedication to the organization already showing, Escobar joined the executive board as treasurer during her sophomore year. As a junior, she became president.

Standing Among STARS

“One of the biggest things that students gain from being involved and taking part in different community service opportunities is the sense of being a part of something that is much bigger then them, and knowing that even the smallest thing you do can make a big difference in the life of an individual, family or community,” Escobar said.

The club hosted its sixth annual Safe Halloween on Oct. 24, drawing150 families and more than 250 children from local communities. With one of the biggest turnouts in the event’s history, the club, which asks that guests donate non-perishable food when entering, received more than 500 items for donation.

 

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We just want to thank everyone who helped make Safe Halloween last night such a success, especially to all of our volunteers and clubs/organizations that had a table! Big shoutout to: @sjc.art.club, @americanredcrossclubsjc, @sjcnybioclub_li, @sjc_educators, @deltakappaepsilonsjc, @sjcdphie, @sjcdiversityunion, @habitatsjc, @sjclikdp, @sjcphilosophyclub, @sjcpsychclub, @projectsunshinesjc, @saddclubsjcnyli, @thenicaproj, @thetaphialphasjc, Kappa Beta Gamma, and the Sociology Club

A post shared by sjc stars (@sjcnystars) on Oct 25, 2018 at 3:17pm PDT

“We begin planning for Safe halloween starting in June, and it really does take a lot of work to plan and coordinate every detail,” said Escobar, a double major in Spanish and child study with a bilingual extension. “We couldn’t have had such a successful event if it wasn’t for all of our volunteers, and this really goes for all the events we have! Our events wouldn’t be what they are if it wasn’t for all the help we receive.”

Students interested in volunteering at future events do not need to be members of the organization in order to help.

“Many of the students that do volunteer either hear about the service opportunity through their friends or through other clubs,” Escobar explained.

Upcoming Events

• Thanksgiving Food Drive: Nov. 1–20

Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected and donated to the St. Joseph’s the Worker soup kitchen.

• Special Olympics: Nov. 4, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Members on volunteers will meet in the Danzi.

• Soup Kitchen: Every third Tuesday of the month

The next trip to a soup kitchen will take place Nov. 20 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s the Worker soup kitchen.

• Sandwich Drive and Delivery: Nov. 9, noon – 1 p.m. 

This event, co-sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, will be worked with Lighthouse Mission, a nonprofit food outreach organization on Long Island. Set-up will take place before noon. More information to come.

• Pumpkin Pie Bake-a-Thon: Nov. 18,
10:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m.

STARS members and volunteers will be baking around 100 pies in the Eagle’s Nest Cafe.

• Christmas Drive and Delivery: Dec. 1–18

Donations of gifts will be collected at Campus Ministry, and they go to the families assigned to STARS by the Wyandanch Homes and Services organization.

• Alternative Winter Break

There will be two trips this winter. The first will be to Camden, New Jersey, from Jan. 6–12. The second will be to Agape, Massachusetts, from Jan. 14–17. Applications are now available and can be picked up in Campus Ministry.

SJC Long Island psychology professor Paul Ginnetty, Ph.D., was named Psychologist of the Year by the Suffolk County Psychological Association (SCPA).

Dr. Ginnetty, who coordinates clinical internships at SJC Long Island, served on SCPA’s executive board and ethics committee. For the past seven years, he’s also been the chair of their continuing education committee, which grants American Psychology Association (APA)-approved continuing education credits to psychologists and social workers.

“I truly felt taken off guard and humbled,” Dr. Ginnetty said of receiving the award. “I initially turned the honor down, suggesting to the leadership of SCPA that they bestow it upon one of the many other local psychologists who could have as easily — or even more plausibly — been chosen. But the board had already posted the announcement of my having been selected on a list-serv that goes out to more than two hundred members.”

The recipient is chosen after the board receives nominations for the award from the general members. The board then meets to select that year’s honoree.

Serving at SCPA

“Becoming more involved in (SCPA) has also allowed me to exchange ideas with a number of other practitioners in the area, which is a welcome opportunity in a field where one spends many hours in the somewhat isolating environment of solo private practice,” Dr. Ginnetty said.

(from l to r) President-elect Dr. Samantha Dreyer, President Dr. Shane Owens, award recipient Dr. Paul Ginnetty and Past-president Dr. Deena Abbe.

He noted he would not have become involved in SCPA if it weren’t for Diane Sherlip, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at SJC Long Island. Dr. Sherlip likewise served as a board member, and is an accomplished past president for SCPA.

Dr. Ginnetty said that in his role as chair of the continuing education committee, he oversees the content, pedagogical design and external advertising of the association’s monthly continuing education offerings, ensuring they are in full conformity with the requirements of both the APA and the State Department of Education.

When Dr. Ginnetty first became chair of the committee, SCPA was not yet accredited to offer continuing education for state-licensed social workers. After putting together and submitting an application to the state Department of Education, SCPA became accredited to offer continuing education to social workers.

“I am probably most proud of those accomplishments in the area of continuing education,” Dr. Ginnetty said. “Our getting approval to offer continuing education credits to members of the related discipline of social work has been very helpful to social workers in the area and has also expanded the potential audience for our monthly continuing education offerings.”

Teaching at SJC Long Island

Dr. Ginnetty learned of a teaching position at St. Joseph’s through an ad in the New York Times 31 years ago — “back when professional ‘Help Wanted’ pages were the main place to look for career opportunities,” he said.

“I love everything about the classroom experience, and I value the opportunity to work in a department that has always justifiably prided itself on working closely with students and getting to know them, their goals and the breadth of their outside lives,” he said.

Roughly 15 years ago, SJC Long Island’s psychology department began contacting local agencies to develop relationships and determine if St. Joseph’s students could gain entry-level clinical experience through internships, expanding Dr. Ginnetty’s responsibilities at the College.

It is no exaggeration to say that I feel very strongly each time that my students and I have shared a special, memorable time together and have stood together — however briefly — on sacred ground.” – Paul Ginnetty, Ph.D.

“At the time, I was the person in the department with the most clinical experience, having worked in a number of inpatient and outpatient settings,” Dr. Ginnetty, whose doctoral degree is in clinical psychology, said.

Dr. Ginnetty has served as director of a Catholic Charities mental health clinic in the city, as a staff member of a chemical dependency counseling agency in Nassau County and as a staff psychologist in the student mental health clinic on the campus of Stony Brook University.

“Over the years, with the help of colleagues and students and the cooperation of wonderful professionals in the community, we have been able to expand the internship program so that it offers placement opportunities in over a dozen types of settings,” Dr. Ginnetty said. “Students intern at public schools, developmental centers, court-supervised family visitation programs, domestic violence programs, an emergency hotline, a residential treatment center for female adolescents and a mental health clinic, to name only some of the sites.”

His Favorite Memories at SJC

It occurs each December and May.

“There comes a moment on final exam day when I’ve collected the last of the blue books and I’m finally sitting alone in the classroom that has been a temporary home for me and my students for the past three and half months,” Dr. Ginnetty shared. “I sit there for a while and am invariably flooded with memories of all of the special moments that have taken place in that space — the exciting concepts discussed, the poignant life stories shared, the funny things that have been said (intentionally or sometimes non-intentionally), the skills that have been proudly mastered and relationships that have been formed or strengthened over the weeks.”

It’s clear that Dr. Ginnetty’s passion for his career and for his students runs deep.

“It is no exaggeration to say that I feel very strongly each time that my students and I have shared a special, memorable time together and have stood together — however briefly — on sacred ground,” said Dr. Ginnetty, who studied to be a Roman Catholic priest but postponed his ordination because, he said, he felt called to the lifestyle of marriage and family.

“I like to savor that feeling for a while before I eventually, ambivalently exit that space and wonder what challenges and opportunities the next semester will bring. Life seems to go by quickly when you live it in repetitive cycles of 14 weeks each. Before you know it, you’ve lived through sixty or more semesters, which would be scary were it not for the way that working with young adults somehow perpetually regenerates whatever is still young inside one.”

Advice to Aspiring Psychologists

“Be open to new experiences in your education and training,” Dr. Ginnetty said when asked what advice he’d offer aspiring psychologists. “Try out different things to see which ones seem to offer the best fit for your particular personality style and interests. Keep evolving, even as you strive to find your niche, which is to say become the kind of psychologist that offers you the best opportunities to use your unique and distinctive gifts as a person, be that in the research lab, in private practice, in a state psychiatric facility or in a corporate consulting role.

“There’s the proverbial ’embarrassment of riches’ available to you in our field. Keep your eyes open and be attuned to the one or ones that suit you best.”