Bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Board of Trustees, the day-long event features a series of programs designed to highlight the mission and traditions that define the University’s educational experience.

A centerpiece of the day is the Annual John Tagliabue ’67, H’ 05 Lecture, ,  of the University of Pittsburgh. His presentation, titled “Unmistakably Jesuit, Decidedly American: �鶹��Ƶ’s University in Context,” explores the evolution of Jesuit higher education in the United States, its accessibility to people of all languages, racial backgrounds, and religious creeds, while keeping a presence in regions accessible by public transportation, intended for people who could not afford the high costs of high tuitions since the late 1700s. Correlating past, present, and how founding Jesuit leaders ensured those values and challenges would continue to be met throughout the future. Dr. Rizzi is also the author of the book .

Throughout the day, the campus community engaged in a variety of activities that reflect both tradition and student life, including a Mission Day door decorating contest, student-centered events such as an Easter-themed “Iggy Hunt,” and a Jesuit Community Open House offering opportunities for fellowship and conversation.

The celebration concluded with a Community Mass at �鶹��Ƶ’s Chapel, followed by a service initiative supporting migrant families, underscoring the University’s enduring commitment to faith in action.

Congregants at mass prayed for a strengthening of their  commitment as a university community to both faith and justice. The Aiden C McMullen Chorale sang beautiful Jesuit-inspired music.

Afterwards, several students, faculty and staff went to Delaney Hall in Newark  to bring prepared food to volunteers and families visiting detained loved ones, all towards helping a local organization, Pax Christi.

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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 .��

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 �鶹��Ƶ’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 �鶹��Ƶ’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 �鶹��Ƶ’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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s, guests were treated to an informative student panel. Current �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s and what they found most important during their college search.

They enthusiastically noted that �鶹��Ƶ’s offered them smaller class sizes with better individualized attention than most other schools they considered. Stressing the affordability of a �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 �鶹��Ƶ’s nursing programs while also providing shared access to advanced technology for other academic disciplines, fostering growth and promoting interdisciplinary education. The complex reflects �鶹��Ƶ’s 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, �鶹��Ƶ’s 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, �鶹��Ƶ’s 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 Jáuregui 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.”

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

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Fr. Curran met with leadership and faculty members across �鶹��Ƶ’s, most notably touring the LINDA facilities on campus. LINDA is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes new and gently used cosmetics, toiletries, and other necessary items that may be financially out of reach for women whose lives have been temporarily disrupted by some aspect of criminal justice. The organization was founded by �鶹��Ƶ’s University Criminal Justice Professor Dr. Beth Adubato and primarily serves women fleeing domestic violence as well as those coming out of incarceration at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.

Fr. Curran and Dr. Adubato were joined by Kari Larsen, Criminal Justice Department Chair and WeiDong Zhu, Interim Assistant Vice President  for Academic Affairs. As Fr. Curran so eloquently put it, LINDA’s focus on women in needs truly reflects cura personalis and help to serve a community is often the “forgotten of the forgotten”.

Fr. Curran also had a tour of the �鶹��Ƶ’s Campus Kitchen and Clothes Closet after his meeting with Campus Ministry staff (Fr. Jim Miracky and Erich Sekel). �鶹��Ƶ’s staff greatly impressed Fr. Curran with the work they do to serve the community.��

In addition, Fr. Curran spent time and discussed prison education with Andrew Skotnicki, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and former lead of the Prison Education Program at Manhattan University, and Chris Agans, Executive Director of New Jersey’s Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons consortium (NJ-STEP). This session focused on laying out a clear blueprint for the Prison Education program at �鶹��Ƶ’s.��

�鶹��Ƶ’s University President Hubert Benitez also met personally with Fr. Curran to discuss collaborative support between the University and JPEN.�� 

“�鶹��Ƶ’s University is proud to join the Jesuit Prison Education Network in launching a Prison Education Program, an initiative that reflects our deep commitment to access, opportunity, and the transformative power of education.��

As a Jesuit institution, our mission calls us to accompany those on the margins and to open pathways for individuals whose aspirations deserve the chance to flourish. Through this partnership with JPEN, we are expanding our ability to provide educational opportunities that honor human dignity, promote hope, and embody the Jesuit values of solidarity”, said President Benitez.

“We are especially grateful to Fr. Curran for his leadership and vision in advancing this effort and for helping to bring this important program to �鶹��Ƶ’s University.”, concluded Benitez.��

Fr. Tom’s visit ended with a virtual meeting with Lt. Rene Felix and Chanel McClary ‘17 from Hudson Correctional Center, a facility with whom �鶹��Ƶ’s intends to start a program.

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Consular representatives from Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia met with university leadership to discuss opportunities for broad collaborations, which included expanding access to higher education, strengthening pathways for Latin American students and families throughout New Jersey, and opening the doors for other collaborations in the future.

“Our meeting with GLACO represents an important step forward in building meaningful partnerships that serve our broader community. At �鶹��Ƶ’s University, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals and families whose voices and contributions enrich our region every day, said President Benitez”. In addition, we are proud to open our doors to the consulates as an alternate and temporary location to provide essential consular services to the community, concluded Benitez.

Marina Diaz, Head of Consul at the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick, stated, “We look forward to seeing how we can further build a relationship fostered in educational advancement right here in New Jersey.”

Luis O. DeLahoz, Chairman of the Board of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, stated, “We are grateful to �鶹��Ƶ’s University for welcoming the general counselors of Latin America. Jersey City is home to a large Hispanic population and we look forward to strengthening our relationship between �鶹��Ƶ’s and the community.”

This visit underscores �鶹��Ƶ’s University’s continued dedication to global engagement, community partnership and educational advancement for students of all backgrounds.

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