Assemblywoman Morales, who serves as chair of the New Jersey General Assembly Higher Education Committee, engaged in conversations focused on advancing access, supporting students and reinforcing the role of institutions like BTÂěŇĎ University in preparing future leaders.

Prior to her current role, Morales served as principal of Essex County Newark Tech High School, bringing an experienced perspective in education to her legislative work.

During her visit, Assemblywoman Morales also participated in campus activities as part of BTÂěŇĎ Day, experiencing firsthand the University’s community and mission in action.

President Benitez expressed his appreciation for Assemblywoman Morales’ continued support and partnership.

“Her leadership and commitment to higher education are invaluable,” said Benitez. “We are grateful for her friendship and her shared dedication to ensuring that institutions like BTÂěŇĎ continue to serve our students and communities at the highest level.”

The visit reinforced a mutual commitment to strengthening the relationship between BTÂěŇĎ University and state leadership, with a shared focus on expanding opportunity and advancing educational excellence.

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Started in 2022 by former director of campus ministry, Trevor Kelly, S.J., Hospitality Wednesdays bring together students, faculty and staff for coffee and donuts with the goal of enjoying each other’s company and talking about big or small things impacting their lives. It became incredibly popular, transcending its original purpose. “I can’t think of a better way to meet people where they are than with caffeine and sugar,” said Angelo Canta, S.J., current director of campus ministry. “Sometimes, people come in to just grab a coffee and go on about their day. But, more often than not, people decide to stay a little while, eat their donut in one of our comfy seats and catch up with friends. I’ve seen people schedule to meet each other at Hospitality to talk about homework, plan events or catch up on life.”

As with every event put on by Campus Ministry, all are welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales, Ph.D., chief diversity officer, emphasized that openness and how it resonates on campus. “Hospitality is the art of making room for everyone. This is so important because we are focused on inclusivity and building a strong sense of belonging within our students, faculty and staff. This gathering is an open invitation to the community, breaking the boundaries of the classroom and offices and cultivating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and inspired by one another. We foster meaningful conversations, camaraderie and connections that build a vibrant community where barriers dissolve, mentorship flourishes and students are empowered.”

With students frequenting Hospitality Wednesdays, academics inevitably come up and it is a time to see their professors outside the classroom. This helps to build connections and provides a time for mentorship guidance that cannot always come in a class of ten or more. Jesus Morales ’26 shared, “Because I also work in Campus Ministry as a DEIJ Peer Mentor, I get to experience Hospitality Wednesdays from the inside, and it’s honestly powerful. I’ll see professors I’ve had in class sit down with students and ask real questions not just about grades, but about growth. I’ve had those conversations myself, and it reminded me that I’m not just a student here but I’m also becoming a leader, and people are truly invested in that journey.”

But it’s not all seriousness either. Angelo Jesus Canta explained, “We make it worthwhile for them. We have a punch-card system like any of your favorite coffee shops. If you come to Hospitality eight times with your card, we give you fun prizes. We’ve done free travel mugs, stickers, donut plushies and more!”

When asked what hospitality means to them, Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales said “”True hospitality is found in the warmth of a welcome, where life-changing relationships are built. At Saint Peter´s, this is one of our goals, and Hospitality contributes to our mission.” Angelo Jesus Canta said, “I hope that Hospitality helps us remember that we are not alone. On Wednesday mornings, it is not hard to find God in a warm cup of coffee and an even warmer sense of community in Campus Ministry.”

Given its popularity, Hospitality Wednesdays have become part of the fabric of BTÂěŇĎ University culture. “Hospitality Wednesdays are my favorite part of the week,” Angelo continued. “People think about Campus Ministry and might immediately consider bible study, mass, prayer and retreats. All those things are so important. But, it’s been cool that at SPU, people also think about free coffee and donuts. I heard a student once say, ‘you know the Jesuits, they always give away free food.’ And I love that! There is so much resonance between Hospitality and the Jesuit way of doing things. From the beginning, Jesuits have been interested in meeting people wherever they were, in the language, culture and customs that make sense to them.”

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The summit reflected BTÂěŇĎ University’s mission and long-standing commitment to advocacy, inclusion and the dignity of all people.

BTÂěŇĎ University Chaplain Fr. Rocco Danzi, S.J. spoke and emphasized the deep connection between immigration and Jesuit values, noting that the two have gone hand in hand for more than 500 years. Grounded in cura personalis—care for the whole person, he spoke about the importance of looking beyond documentation to recognize each individual’s humanity. He highlighted the call to be “men and women for and with others,” rooted in shared humanity, solidarity, social justice and hospitality.

President Hubert Benitez underscored the University’s responsibility to lead with intention and purpose. “We are honored by your presence, Mr. Mayor. You are a true friend,” said President Benitez. “This work is driven by vision, collaboration, hard work and a commitment to justice. “President Benitez highlighted the impact of immigrant communities in higher education, noting that their contributions extend far beyond the classroom.

“Immigrants bring knowledge and perspective shaped by resilience, cultural richness and lived experience,” he said. “Immigrant leaders play a vital role in our universities,they mentor students and challenge institutions to grow. There is power in students seeing leaders who reflect their own journeys. It shows what is possible. “He added that many students must navigate systems not originally designed with them in mind, reinforcing the need for institutions to act with intention.

“We are called to educate and accompany in order to create pathways of access with intentionality,” President Benitez said. “As the first Latino and immigrant president of this University, it is my responsibility to open doors that lead to a more inclusive future.”

Mayor Solomon, a former adjunct professor at BTÂěŇĎ University, spoke about the City’s efforts to support immigrant communities and uphold public trust. He referenced an executive order signed early in his administration at Liberty State Park, recognizing the historic journey of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island and reinforcing the City’s commitment to inclusion.

“We want residents to feel safe contacting the police to report crimes without fear,” Solomon said, outlining policies that distinguish between judicial warrants and administrative detainers. He emphasized that city agencies will not be used to support federal immigration enforcement efforts, while acknowledging the limits of mayoral authority.

“No mayor has the power to ban federal enforcement, but we will use our voice and work diligently to protect our community,” he said. “Jersey City was built by immigrants, and our policies are about defending that legacy.”

At the conclusion of the event, Mayor Solomon presented a formal proclamation to President Benitez in recognition of BTÂěŇĎ University’s ongoing commitment to education, community engagement and support for immigrant populations.

The Immigration Summit reinforced BTÂěŇĎ University’s role as a convener of critical conversations and a leader in advancing justice through education and community partnership.

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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill was brought to the stage by former Governor James McGreevey to kick-off the general session. Governor Sherrill’s welcome speech noted that, during her time in the prosecutor’s office, she helped launch New Jersey’s first federal reentry court. The Governor mentioned how this program has now become part of the Attorney General’s office; while it still prosecutes crimes, it also offers programs to those incarcerated citizens so they can continue to “thrive in New Jersey upon their release…too many times we’ve incarnerated without plans for release”. In connection with the annual conference this year, Governor Sherrill also .Ěý

Following an invocation by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, various panel discussions were convened. Discussions and Q&A sessions on trauma, brain recovery, and seeing others deeply were led by noted conference attendees such as Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (who delivered the keynote address), author David Brooks, Dr. Ije Akunyili, and four former NJ Governors (Christie, Kean, Corzine, and DiFrancesco), among many other luminaries in the field.

Since 2014, NJRC has served more than 31,000 individuals returning from incarceration, addiction treatment, and military service, securing over 14,000 jobs and connecting nearly 14,000 people to addiction treatment.

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The meeting was focused on a mutually beneficial relationship between Assemblywoman Brennan and the University, with an aim towards opening doors of the Saint Peter’s to the Assemblywoman for any and all of her needs.

Dr. Benitez noted that the dialogue was also centered around a “collective inquiry” with regards to what Saint Peter’s and the Assemblywoman have to offer each other. The targeted outcome of such meetings is to foster a positive, collaborative relationship between the University and local politicians for both now and with an eye towards the future.

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For more than 45 years, Sara Schenirer has partnered with highly respected colleges and universities, including Saint Peter’s, to deliver affordable, high-quality education while maintaining its deeply held cultural and religious values. Through these partnerships, thousands of students have earned degrees and gone on to serve as leaders within the Jewish community and beyond.

President Benitez emphasized that an expansion of the existing partnership with BTÂěŇĎ University would ensure that students affiliated with Sara Schenirer are fully integrated into the University’s academic community. Students are held to the same academic standards and expectations, with a shared commitment to excellence across all programs.

At the same time, the model offers a tailored student experience that combines BTÂěŇĎ rigorous academic framework with the cultural understanding and support provided by Sara Schenirer. This approach allows for an accelerated, affordable and high-quality education while meeting the unique needs of its student population.

Students participating in the program benefit from the full academic resources of BTÂěŇĎ University, while also receiving an added layer of cultural sensitivity that enhances their overall educational experience. The partnership reflects the University’s continued focus on expanding access to high-quality education without compromising core cherished values.

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Camille Braker-Balkum, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management opened the festivities by welcoming all guests to the Mac Mahon Student Center. Vice President for Mission Integration and Ministry Fr. James Miracky, S.J. then offered a prayer and blessing. He noted the importance of the pillars of a Jesuit education, focusing on the notion of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and asked all those in attendance to pray for discernment.

University President Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D. then addressed the crowd, stressing that an education at BTÂěŇĎ is not only about what goes on in the classroom, but is also strongly focused on how faculty and staff care for their students. Recounting his own experience as a father, Dr. Benitez stressed the importance of incoming students truly feeling that they belong at whatever institution they choose to attend. Dr. Benitez then relished the opportunity to “work the room”, walking among the crowd and engaging in conversation with the families in attendance. He went on to stress that choosing the right college is a two-way investment to a better future, one that BTÂěŇĎ is ready to fully support with a strong Jesuit academic foundation, top-tier on-campus living accommodations and facilities, and generous financial aid packages.

Before embarking on campus tours and a glimpse into the academic offerings at BTÂěŇĎ, guests were treated to an informative student panel. Current BTÂěŇĎ students Tindi Awinyo (transfer student from Kenya, Nursing major), James Aziz (Sophomore, Nursing major), Oluwadarasimi (Jide) Ajisafe (Junior, Health Sciences major) and Tiffany Verastegui (Freshman, Forensic Psychology major) addressed the Class of 2030 with details about their decision to attend BTÂěŇĎ and what they found most important during their college search.

They enthusiastically noted that BTÂěŇĎ offered them smaller class sizes with better individualized attention than most other schools they considered. Stressing the affordability of a BTÂěŇĎ education, some members of the student panel mentioned that they were first generation college students who chose the University because of their diversity in both population and academic offerings, all while coming at an affordable price that made a college education attainable to them. They summed up their BTÂěŇĎ experience with four simple words: community, family, opportunity and support.

The day was bookended with campus tours and a review of academic, student support services and financial aid offerings, and of course, a carnival-like experience at the Student Center complete with food trucks and socializing!

All students considering attending BTÂěŇĎ in the Fall should .

Photo highlights of the ribbon cutting ceremony; click a photo to view larger size.

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President Hubert Benitez and University leadership were joined by elected officials and community partners to celebrate the milestone, including Christina Mortellaro, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Nursing & Health Professions and assistant vice president of Academic Affairs & Assessment, and Rev. James J. Miracky, S.J., Ph.D., vice president for Mission Integration & Ministry. Kenneth Moore ‘91, CFA, Board chair, alongside other distinguished board members, friends and family in attendance. Elected leaders including New Jersey State Senator Raj Mukherji, New Jersey Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (District 32), representatives for United States Senator Andy Kim, United States Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (District 10), and United States Congressman Robert J. Menendez (District 8), who presented Congressional Recognitions to BTÂěŇĎ University for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in healthcare education.

Originally built in 1969, Pope Hall, home to the School of Nursing and Health Professions, now features a 12,000-square-foot, fully modernized facility that doubles the capacity of BTÂěŇĎ nursing programs while also providing shared access to advanced technology for other academic disciplines, fostering growth and promoting interdisciplinary education. The complex reflects BTÂěŇĎ continued investment in preparing career-ready healthcare professionals, equipped to meet the evolving needs of the health and science field, advancing its vision as a University for the next century.

The Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite offers a comprehensive medical environment designed to mirror real-world clinical settings. The main simulation lab, led by Anjalynn Deitmer, Simulation lab coordinator, and Dr. Lisa Garsman, Associate professor of nursing, features realistic patient care settings with individual beds, privacy screens and fully functional wall units. These elements reinforce best practices in patient-centered care, safety, and confidentiality while allowing students to practice in an authentic clinical environment.

Nursing students engage in hands-on training using advanced Laerdal manikins that simulate realistic physiological responses including vital signs, pulses, breathing patterns, cardiac activity and vocal cues, including expressions of pain. This innovative technology allows students to safely develop and refine clinical skills in procedures such as injections, wound care and intravenous (IV) administration.

The facility also includes a dedicated virtual reality area, where students work from individual pods to engage in immersive simulations, including multi-patient care, discharge processes and preparation for procedures such as catheterizations and CT scans. A flexible lab space supports classroom instruction with real-time demonstration capabilities.

With the addition of this cutting-edge, technology-driven facility, BTÂěŇĎ University is expanding access to hands-on training and strengthening its role in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Building on this momentum, the University is deepening partnerships, enhancing academic pathways, and aligning its programs with the rapidly evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Through this strategic direction, BTÂěŇĎ is positioning itself at the forefront of health education while addressing a critical workforce and healthcare need across the state of New Jersey.

Photo highlights of the ribbon cutting ceremony; click a photo to view larger size.

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Led by Director of Residence Life Lizzie JĂĄuregui and Vice President for Student Affairs Travis Whisler, the Office of Residence Life works tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to live, eat and thrive on campus.

Whisler notes that, “Success in the classroom starts with feeling at home on campus. We’ve listened to feedback from our students about the existing pricing and housing/meal options and this restructuring efforts recognizes that affordability is the top priority for our students.”

Under the new pricing structure, students will be afforded the following:

• Reduced Pricing: Significantly lowered rates across residence halls to better align with student financial needs.
• More Options: A wider variety of housing and meal plan choices, providing  flexibility to choose a plan that fits specific budgets.
• A Commitment to Access: With lowered rates, the on-campus experience can now be a reality for more students than ever before.

View the updated rates and options.

This restructure represents a permanent, forward-looking shift in the pricing model within the Office of Residence Life. The goal is to ensure that, moving forward, every student can find a housing and meal plan option that fits their budget without compromising their education.

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Tatyana Da Silva ’28 is one such student leader on campus. As a communications major with a  double minor in journalism and sports management, Da Silva was instrumental in the creation of the Sports Business Club, where she now serves as president. At the urging of Alexander Sepulveda, J.D., professor and director of sports management, she started the process to create the club on campus. It was formally approved and launched in December 2025.

Professor Sepulveda saw her ambition and desire to broaden her experience in sports broadcasting, so Da Silva got to work!

“I thought it would be such a great opportunity for students on campus who want to study sports,” she says.

The club, which meets weekly, is also for those interested in journalism, equipment management, coaching and any other aligned interest in the sports industry. Along with her leading the club, she also manages her own sports content creation platforms. She hopes that practicing in the space, showcasing her skills and building a name for herself shows future employers that she’s serious about a career in sports broadcasting and what she was able to do early on.

“My dream job is to work for the Yankees.” she says.

Da Silva’s ambition runs deep, starting dance at the age of three, with volleyball and soccer not following far behind.

“If you want it, go for it,” she says.

But that doesn’t mean she dims the light on others. This month, she wants to celebrate the other women student leaders on campus and the women in her family who inspire her always.

Ultimately though, it’s the lessons from her parents that continue to inspire her. “My dad and my mom always say they want me to do better than them for myself, but I take that as I’m going to do better for you. I want to take care of you. I want to do this to make you proud.”

BTÂěŇĎ is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month. More feature stories on other women leaders on campus coming soon.

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