Historically, September 29 marks the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In medieval times and until the post-Vatican II liturgical reforms, the day was dedicated to Saint Michael and became known as Michaelmas.

The tradition was brought to BTÂěŇĎ in 1930 by the College’s first dean, Rev. Robert I. Gannon, S.J., who modified its purpose to establish Michaelmas as an honors convocation. Today, the tradition recognizes seniors for their years of achievement while honoring students from other class years for their academic accomplishments during the previous year, as Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Soto, Ph.D., reminded those gathered.

Michaelmas keynote speakers at BTÂěŇĎ are changemakers who embody the University’s Jesuit, Catholic tradition of cura personalis. They are leaders who may be the first to accomplish something, but work to ensure they are not the last, paving the way for future generations to take the torch and light up the world in service to others.

This year, that leader was one of BTÂěŇĎ own: Ann-Marie Nazzaro, Ph.D. ’70. Dr. Nazzaro was among the first 100 women admitted to BTÂěŇĎ when the then-College became coeducational. After graduating, she became a teacher at Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City before earning a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Her career has included research in public health education and health communications, as well as nonprofit work and advocacy surrounding bleeding disorders, an issue that became personally important to her following her son’s diagnosis.

In her keynote address, Dr. Nazzaro reflected on her experience as one of the early women welcomed to BTÂěŇĎ, recalling the persistence and grit required to find their place and succeed. She encouraged today’s students to carry forward the Jesuit call to be “a person for others,” challenging them to use their education to serve, uplift and care for those around them. Dr. Nazzaro continues her public health efforts as a lead volunteer with NJ Together, working alongside nonprofit and faith-based communities toward a shared goal of improving policing practices through collaboration, including exploring ways to better serve individuals experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with addiction.

Following the keynote address, Dr. Soto called the convocation to order for the presentation of student awards by Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of BTÂěŇĎ University. Deans representing the College of Arts and Sciences, Frank J. Guarini School of Business, School of Nursing and Health Professions, Caulfield School of Education, School of Professional Studies and School of Global Innovation and AI recognized students for their academic accomplishments.

Silver medals were presented to students ranking second in each year within their respective schools. Students who earned Dean’s List honors by maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher during the 2025-26 academic year were also asked to stand and be recognized, along with members of the student body inducted into honor societies.

The ceremony also included induction into the Most Noble Order of the Peacock (MNOP)<. Founded in 1930, the honor recognizes members of the senior class who have excelled in their studies, extracurricular activities and moral conduct.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Grace Marie Bamba, Mohamed Elouarraq, Isabella Kassmer, Edwin Mendez, Juan Nunenz, Alexander Ramirez, Carys Olivia Roy, Salman Saqib, Jeffery Yong and Isaac Young.

In closing, Dr. Benitez reminded the BTÂěŇĎ community that Michaelmas is about “stirring up important thoughts and feelings” and provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of every member of the University community. He recognized the parents, spouses and family members whose sacrifices have supported students along their journeys and encouraged the honorees to look back with appreciation for their diligent efforts while continuing to strive for excellence.

As another Michaelmas entered BTÂěŇĎ history, the celebration concluded with words familiar to generations of Peacocks:

Hail, Alma Mater, Hallowed BTÂěŇĎ
With Each New Day
We See How Much We Owe to Thee.

Congratulations to all of the students recognized during the 95th Annual Michaelmas Convocation!

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The grant will support major investments in the University’s academic programs and infrastructure as BTÂěŇĎ expands opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven workforce. Through PACES, the University will support the development of new AI-focused academic programs, expand faculty and staff development in AI, and establish AI Exploration Labs, an AI Teaching and Learning Center, and an AI Hub.Ěý In addition to expanding AI education, PACES is designed to strengthen student success across the University. Over the five-year grant period, the initiative aims to increase first-year retention and six-year graduation rates by giving students clearer pathways from their first semester through graduation and into their careersĚý

The AI Exploration Labs will provide students and faculty with access to advanced computing resources for coursework, applied projects and AI development, connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. The AI Hub will extend those capabilities through high-performance computing that can support research, collaborative projects and engagement with external partners. Together, these investments will emphasize the ethical, responsible and creative use of AI, reflecting BTÂěŇĎ Jesuit mission and its commitment to educating students to use their knowledge and talents in service to others.Ěý

“Artificial intelligence is transforming virtually every field, and our students need more than an understanding of the technology — they need the ability to apply it thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively,” said Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., President of BTÂěŇĎ University. “This award will allow BTÂěŇĎ to significantly expand what we can offer our students while preparing them to become leaders and innovators in an evolving workforce.”

At the same time, the grant will strengthen career preparation across disciplines by expanding access to internships, micro-internships, and other experiential learning opportunities, helping students connect their academic experiences to the evolving needs of employers and prepare for meaningful careers in a changing economy. A new Workforce Development Specialist will lead this effort, partnering with regional employers to identify in-demand skills and create internship and work-based learning opportunities for students. The specialist will also work directly with students, beginning in their first year, to explore career pathways and build plans that connect their academic experiences to the evolving needs of employers. These efforts will help students prepare for meaningful careers in a changing economy.Ěý

Student success efforts will begin in the first year. Through Saint Peter’s Ignatian Seminar, every first-year student will build a personalized four-year academic and career plan. Through PACES, BTÂěŇĎ will continue building on its commitment to career preparation and upward mobility by integrating emerging technologies into the student experience. The initiative will strengthen connections among academic programs, workforce needs, and career development while giving students additional opportunities to develop AI literacy and skills that can complement their chosen fields of study.

“PACES gives BTÂěŇĎ and the School of Global Innovation and AI the resources to move from vision to implementation,” said Sharath Kumar Jagannathan, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the School of Global Innovation and AI and Chief AI Strategist for PACES. “We will develop new AI and emerging-technology academic pathways, establish AI Exploration Labs and the AI Teaching and Learning Center, expand access to advanced computing, and help faculty integrate AI thoughtfully across disciplines. Just as importantly, we will connect these investments to workforce needs so that students learn not only how to use emerging technologies, but how to apply them ethically, creatively, and effectively in their professions.”ĚýĚýĚý

The $3 million award represents a significant investment in BTÂěŇĎ efforts to prepare students for a changing economy while ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies are accessible to students across disciplines. By combining AI education with the University’s liberal arts foundation and Jesuit tradition of reflection, discernment, and service, PACES will help students approach artificial intelligence not simply as a technology to be mastered, but as a powerful tool to be used responsibly in addressing the needs of their professions and communities.

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Over three weeks in late May to early June 2026, Dr. Kathy Wydner’s “Ecosystems of New Jersey” summer class led Saint Peter’s students on five field trips to learn about the amazing biodiversity and diverse physiogeographic regions of our state. In addition to Double Trouble State Park and the Pine Barrens, experiential learning experiences included Stokes State Forest and High Point State Park, Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Cheesequake State Park, and Liberty State Park. Pictured here are Drs. Wydner and Jill Callahan from the Biology Department with Saint Peter’s students and two naturalists from Ocean County and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

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Adjunct professor of the arts department,

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Staff of the Saint Peter’s Tribune, the student-run newspaper of Saint Peter’s University, received a total of four (4) Journalism Award nominations.ĚýStudents will travel to Kansas City in November for the to receive their awards.

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The initiative, entitled “Taking Flight: SPU Peacocks Expand the Nursing Workforce,” will provide financial, academic, and professional support to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while strengthening the University’s capacity to recruit, educate, and retain future nurses. Dr. Clare Rovito will serve as Project Director.

Dr. Christina Mortellaro, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, notes, “For many of our students, the obstacles to finishing a nursing degree are practical ones: the cost of course materials supplies, getting to clinical sites, or needing extra support in demanding courses. This grant allows us to address those challenges directly. It gives students financial support and a dedicated advisor who connects with them from their first semester. It also provides peer tutors in the courses where students most often struggle, and mentors who help them build confidence and a sense of belonging in the profession. This is cura personalis put into practice. By caring for our students in this way, we prepare them to offer that same compassionate care to patients and communities throughout Hudson County and beyond.”

A key component of the initiative will be expanding access to nursing education. Eligible BSN students will have access to scholarships and clinical practice stipends designed to help defray the costs associated with clinical experiences, supplies, transportation, and other education-related expenses. The University will also expand outreach to prospective students through summer “Peacock Introduction to Nursing” workshops, “Nursing Student for a Day” shadowing experiences, social media outreach, and an accelerated dual enrollment pathway into the BSN program.

Once students enter the program, the initiative will provide enhanced resources designed to support their academic progress and help them successfully complete their nursing education. A dedicated Nursing Academic Advisor will provide close, individualized advising and early intervention, while a new Nursing Student Success Mentorship Program will connect students with faculty and peer mentors. Students will also have access to peer tutoring in Nursing Fundamentals, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology, along with enrichment workshops focused on academic success, financial literacy, career exploration, and mental health and wellness.

“Preparing the next generation of nurses requires more than recruiting students into nursing programs,” said Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., President of BTÂěŇĎ University. “It requires creating the academic, financial and personal support systems that help students succeed from their first day on campus through graduation and into their careers. This grant will allow BTÂěŇĎ to strengthen that entire pathway while expanding opportunities for students who are preparing to serve their communities as nurses.”

The grant will also strengthen the University’s BSN program by supporting professional development, mentoring and retention strategies for full-time and adjunct nursing faculty. These investments will enhance the learning environment for students while supporting the faculty members who educate and mentor future nurses.

Through “Taking Flight,” BTÂěŇĎ will build a stronger and more comprehensive nursing education pipeline—from outreach and recruitment to academic support, clinical preparation, graduation and entry into the workforce. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to expanding educational opportunity while preparing graduates to meet critical workforce needs and serve others in the Jesuit tradition.

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Established in 2010, IMALIVE works to educate young adults about the warning signs of mental illness, encourage open conversations around suicide prevention and broaden awareness of the impact of mental health.

Throughout the fair, students participated in activities designed to make those conversations engaging and approachable. Students left their mark through graffiti art on the Keep Showing Up canvas, put their knowledge to the test with a “Fact or Fiction” game and brain game, and participated in a secret-sharing station.

The event was also a campus-wide effort. Student Involvement, Residence Life, Campus Ministry and student volunteers joined CAPS in showing unified support for student well-being. Community representatives, including psychiatrist Dr. Jeremy Yang, Uwill and DMHS, were also on hand to offer support, information and guidance.

By creating a space where students could learn, participate and connect with available resources, the IMALIVEĚý Mental Health Fair reinforced an important message across the BTÂěŇĎ community: conversations about mental health topics are vital.

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What began more than a decade ago at BTÂěŇĎ University has grown into an ongoing effort to address food insecurity, prevent food waste and serve neighbors throughout Hudson County.The Campus Kitchen at BTÂěŇĎ University is approaching a major milestone of 200,000 pounds of recovered food.

Since beginning its work in September 2014 from a kitchen in the former Saint Aedan’s convent, the Campus Kitchen has mobilized volunteers to recover excess food from local cafeterias, dining halls and community partners and repackage it into nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity. In 2024, the operation moved to the Mac Mahon Student Center, where the work continues today under the leadership of Erich Sekel, director of community service.Ěý

Currently, the Campus Kitchen provides approximately 500 meals to organizations and community members, including a veterans housing unit, Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Center, Magnificat House, Mercy House, P.E.R.C. Shelter and individual families.

The impact extends beyond providing a meal. By recovering food that would otherwise go to waste, the program gives food donor partners an opportunity to put excess food to use while also providing local nonprofits and shelters with weekly relief from the cost of providing dinner for their clients.

The work also reflects BTÂěŇĎ Jesuit mission and its commitment to seeking justice for marginalized communities. Through the Campus Kitchen, volunteers address the connected issues of food waste and food insecurity while affirming the dignity of the individuals and families receiving the meals.

Providing a quality meal, according to the program’s mission, addresses far more than sustenance. It is also an opportunity to recognize the value and dignity of the University’s neighbors and the nonprofit organizations that serve them.

A Community Effort

Reaching nearly 200,000 pounds of recovered food has been a collective effort.

Over the program’s 12 years, more than 4,000 volunteers have participated, including BTÂěŇĎ students, alumni and staff, as well as volunteers from local high schools, corporations and church groups. While the program is led by its director and leadership team, volunteers carry out much of the food recovery and meal preparation that keeps the Campus Kitchen operating.

The program has also developed relationships with food donors throughout the area. Current consistent donors include Restaurant Associates at Goldman Sachs, Sodexo at Jersey City Medical Center and Aramark Dining at BTÂěŇĎ University. Through Table to Table, the Campus Kitchen also receives food recovered from DTCC and Fidelity Investments, along with catering from Lord Abbett.

For BTÂěŇĎ students who participate, the Campus Kitchen provides a hands-on opportunity to engage with issues of social justice while directly serving the surrounding community.

Service Recognized

The Campus Kitchen’s work has also received recognition from organizations throughout the region.

In 2024, BTÂěŇĎ received the Hunger Hero Award from Hudson County. In 2025, the University was named a Community Partner honoree by Garden State Development Corporation, followed by a Community Service Award from Catholic Charities in 2026.

As the Campus Kitchen approaches 200,000 pounds of recovered food, the milestone represents more than the amount of food saved over the years. It reflects thousands of volunteers, partnerships throughout the community and 12 years of turning excess food into meals for neighbors who need them.

For BTÂěŇĎ, the work continues to demonstrate how service, solidarity and care for others can extend far beyond the University’s campus.

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The latest rankings also recognize BTÂěŇĎ continued progress among Regional North universities, as well as its standing among the nation’s top institutions for veterans. The University was additionally ranked #25 among Top Private Colleges, further highlighting the value of a BTÂěŇĎ education. Together, these distinctions reflect the University’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence, access and student success, grounded in its Jesuit mission of educating students to use their knowledge and talents in service to others.

“Social mobility is at the heart of what BTÂěŇĎ has always sought to accomplish,” said Dr. Hubert Benitez, D.D.S, Ph.D., president of BTÂěŇĎ University. “Our mission is not simply to provide students with a degree, but to give them the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers, achieve their goals and make a difference in their communities. These rankings from U.S. News affirm the transformative impact of a BTÂěŇĎ education.”

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