Director of Honors Program Wins NRHC Honors Professional of the Year Award

AnnMarie DelliPizzi accepts her award for being named the 2024 Honors Professional of the Year in the Administrator Category.

Dominican University Honors Program Director AnnMarie DelliPizzi, Ph.D., has received the 2024 Honors Professional of the Year Award in the Administrator Category from the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NRHC) for her dedication to raising the standard of honors education.

Four of DelliPizzi’s colleagues wrote letters nominating her for the award, saying they are impressed with her energy, her enthusiasm, and her commitment to the students. In addition, Thomas Nowak, Ph.D., Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said, “As the heart of the program, Dr. DelliPizzi embodies tireless enthusiasm and passion, constantly striving to enhance the academic experience for our best and brightest minds.  Her tireless efforts in guiding students through their scholarly pursuits, offering invaluable mentorship, and fostering a vibrant intellectual community are truly commendable.  Her relentless dedication not only ensures the success of the program but also leaves an indelible mark on the lives of students, shaping their academic journey and preparing them for future success.” 

In addition to directing the Dominican University Honors Program, DelliPizzi is a Professor of Biology, the Health Sciences Coordinator, and the Health Professions Advisor.  She accepted her award at the NRHC Awards Ceremony on April 7, 2024, in Albany, NY. 

April 26, 2024

Employees of Catholic Schools and DU Alumni Are Eligible for Tuition Discounts

Dominican University New York has announced steep new tuition discounts for Catholic school employees and DU alumni who enroll in certain graduate programs. 

Full-time teachers, staff, administrators, and guidance counselors employed at an elementary or secondary Catholic school are eligible for a 33 percent tuition discount for any Master of Science in Education graduate degree program. In addition, alumni who enroll to earn a MS in Education, an MBA, or an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Communication (MSOLC) will receive a 25 percent tuition discount. 

“We want to support our alumni and Catholic school employees who are looking to further their education and advance their career,” said John Burke, Vice President for Student Development. “This is a great opportunity to get a master’s degree at an affordable price.”

For more information, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate.admissions@duny.edu. 

April 15, 2024

Marketing Instructor Receives IACBE Business Faculty of the Year Award

Matt Schiering, Marketing Instructor, received the Business Faculty of the Year Award from the IACBE.

Marketing Instructor Matt Schiering has received the Business Faculty of the Year Award from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). 

Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership, nominated Schiering for the award that honors those who show excellence in teaching, model ethical behavior, and conduct scholarly activities.  In his nomination letter, Rudolph-Shabinsky wrote, “He has accomplished a great deal – becoming a favorite professor among students and a valued colleague.  The success of our business program, which has double first -year enrollments and significantly improved retention and graduation rates over the last three years, has been tremendously helped by Matt’s numerous contributions – including developing and running the division’s Instagram account that now has 1,000 followers. “

Rudolph-Shabinsky applauded Schiering for having more guest speakers than any other professor in the program and establishing partnerships in the business community. Schiering was recognized at the Accreditation & Awards Banquet on April 4, 2024, in Memphis, TN.  He did not attend, but sent a video of his acceptance speech. 

April 5, 2024

Dominican University New York Launches Search for its Next President

Dominican University New York has officially launched the search for its next president. The University is widely advertising and inviting interested candidates to apply, after establishing a Presidential Search and Screening Committee and hiring professional search firm, AGB Search.  

In addition, Dominican University has created a webpage with links to a Presidential Search Profile, a search timeline, and information on how to apply for the job. 

“The Presidential Search Profile will guide the search and was drafted with information gathered from Listening Sessions hosted by AGB consultants and a community survey,” said Trustee John F.M. Flynn, Ph.D., Chair, Presidential Search and Screening Committee. “As described in the profile, our ideal candidate will model servant leadership, be emotionally intelligent, culturally competent, inspiring, collaborative, and a visionary leader.”

An earned doctorate, a history of distinction in progressively responsible leadership roles, and a record of scholarship is preferred among candidates. The University’s next president should also be mission-driven, student focused, financially competent, a proven fundraiser, an eager university ambassador, a skilled decision maker, and a committed academic leader. A full list of desired attributes is available in the Presidential Search Profile.

The next president of Dominican University is expected to have the following leadership priorities: 

  • Advance the mission and maintain a relationship with the Dominican Sisters
  • Achieve long-term and comprehensive financial stability
  • Strengthen student enrollment, retention, and success
  • Build community and articulate a bold, unifying shared vision of the future
  • Stimulate a culture of philanthropy among internal and external constituencies
  • Strengthen a commitment to academic excellence and grow academic programs
  • Develop a new Strategic Plan as a university
  • Strengthen campus culture and unity
  • Further diversity and inclusion

Dominican University New York launched its search for a new president, following the retirement of Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D. who served as president for a total of 35 years.  The Board of Trustees appointed Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D. to serve as interim president until a permanent replacement is named.

March 13, 2024

Students Encouraged to Apply for $5,000 Health Care Scholarship

Dominican University New York students who are pursuing careers in health care, social work, and psychology are encourage to apply for the following $5,000 scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.

 Amount $5,000
 Term or Year Fall 2024 (2024-25 Academic Year)
 Awards Available   110
 Renewable Yes
 Deadline May 1, 2024
 Organization United Health Foundation

  Website                     https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Scholarships.asp

Diversity in Health Care Scholarship applicants must meet the following scholarship criteria to qualify:

  • Students must be enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year HACU Member (Dominican University is a member).
  • Open to student pursuing degrees (associate, bachelor, master, doctorate) that will lead to careers as Clinical Professionals that may include Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse, Pharmacist, Dentist, Social Worker, Addiction Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, or related clinical professions. 
  • Open to Undergraduate (classified as a sophomore or junior) and Graduate students.
  • At the time of application, students must have at least (2) two years of study remaining before their anticipated degree completion date.
  • Must be enrolled full-time.
  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0 or higher.
  • Identifies as Hispanic/ Latino, Black/African American, Native American/ Alaska Native or Asian or is focused on the health of these communities or other underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.

Scholarship Specific Essay (250-500-word essay): 

  • What is your personal motivation for applying to the Diversity in Health Care Scholarship?

Renewable: scholarships may be renewed annually for up to 4 years (maximum $20,000) as long as the student maintains eligibility requirements or until the student has completed their intended degree, whichever comes first.

Benefits for Scholarship Recipient:

  • All scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Webinars with HACU partners to learn about current career opportunities in their field.
  • All scholarship recipients will be invited to apply for HACU National Internship Program with corporate and federal partners. 
  • Sophomores and Juniors will be invited to attend the Emerging Leaders’ Summits.

Requirements for Scholarship Recipient:

  • (25) Twenty-five Juniors are required to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 38th Annual Conference from November 1-3, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado (SAVE THE DATE). Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.
  • (60) Sixty Sophomores are required to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 39th Annual Conference November 2025 in Aurora, Colorado. Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.

Please Note: Current 2023 Diversity in Health Care Scholars cannot apply for the 2024 Diversity in Health Scholarship Program application. 

March 12, 2024

New Science Supplies to Be Purchased with Pfizer Grant

A grant from Pfizer will be used to purchase supplies for students to alleviate the financial burden on them.

Pfizer has awarded Dominican University New York a grant of $9,675 to purchase science supplies for students. 

“We will be using the funds to buy lab goggles, dissecting kits, graphing calculators, and lab coats,” said Regina Alvarez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology. “We are so thankful to Pfizer for helping to reduce the financial stress on our students.”

The grant will benefit students who enroll in science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology. 

March 8, 2024

Local Business Leader Pledges $1 Million Gift to Dominican University

A local business leader, who wishes to remain anonymous, has pledged a $1 million gift to Dominican University New York. 

Joseph Valenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said the University is very grateful for the generous donation, “This gift will go far to aid the University in its efforts to keep the cost of higher education within the reach of all students. Dominican University is nationally recognized as a leading university for social mobility with many of its students being the first in their families to attend college.”

All first-time, full-time freshmen at Dominican University receive some form of financial aid, thanks to the generosity of benefactors, alumni, and friends of the University.   

March 6, 2024

Dominican University and Albertus Magnus College Reach Agreement to Help Aspiring Physical Therapists

Under a new agreement, qualified Albertus Magnus College graduates can enroll in Dominican University’s DPT program.

Dominican University New York and Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT, have announced a new partnership where qualified Albertus graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology can enroll at Dominican to pursue the Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Dominican University New York is one of only a few institutions across the country that offers the DPT in a weekend format. Students in the DPT program attend class Friday through Sunday, every other weekend, throughout the year, for 3.3 years to earn their doctorate degree. The intensive weekend program allows students to continue working part time and maintain family responsibilities.

“Albertus Magnus College is excited about this collaborative partnership,” said Mark Barreuther, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. “It is a testament to the quality of an Albertus education, a liberal arts, values-based education where experiential learning takes a central role in the journey of our students and prepares them to enter graduate and professional programs like the DPT at Dominican.”

Emil Euaparadorn, DSc, Director of the DPT Program at Dominican University, said the University is ready to welcome Albertus Magnus students, “I know that students from Albertus Magnus College will excel in our program. We have more than 300 clinical relationships with premier hospitals in New York and New Jersey, allowing students to gain invaluable, hands-on experience. Dominican University is also very proud that recent graduates from the DPT program have a first time pass rate of 100 percent on the PT licensure exam – the best in the nation. On top of that, 100 percent of our former students are
employed within six months of graduation.”

Prior to admission, Albertus Magnus students with a 3.0 GPA must complete prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, psychology and statistics. In addition, they must document at least 60 hours of voluntary or work experience in settings where a licensed physical therapist is employed. Students who are interested must apply and submit all documents online through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (TCAS) or submit a letter of intent by October 1 in order to be considered for placement the following academic year.

Dominican University recently opened a new, state-of-the-art physical therapy research laboratory. The Gallucci Physical Therapy Research Laboratory has all the necessary equipment for cutting edge research. In addition, students attend class, have practical exams and hold a Pro-Bono Physical Therapy Clinic in the lab. There are three exam rooms in the laboratory that allow faculty to observe students in real-life scenarios.

March 4, 2024

O&R Grant Funds Upgraded Technology in Chemistry Labs

A Dominican University New York student using equipment purchased with an O&R grant.

The technology in Dominican University New York’s Chemistry Teaching Labs has been upgraded thanks to a grant from Orange & Rockland Utilities.  O&R awarded Dominican University $14,879 to purchase LabQuest 3 Advanced Chemistry packages.

“We are very grateful to O&R for funding these new supplies, which are being used by students majoring in biology, health science, teacher education, and environmental studies, in addition to those minoring in chemistry,” said Colleen Evans, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry. “The new supplies allow students to collect data such as pH, light absorbance, conductivity, pressure, and current. “

The equipment includes sensors, probes, a drop counter, a constant current system, and a spectrophotometer. The LabQuest 3 Advanced Chemistry packages allow students to have improved lab experiences in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry classes.  

March 1, 2024

Dominican University NY Extends Fall 2024 Enrollment Deposit Deadline

Dominican University New York has extended its Fall 2024 enrollment deposit deadline from May 1 to June 1 in response to changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

“We want to ensure prospective students and their families have ample time to analyze their financial aid packages before making this important decision,” said John Burke, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dominican University New York. “We hope extending the deposit deadline will help alleviate stress and empower families to make an informed decision.“ 

The U.S. Department of Education rolled out a completely overhauled FAFSA for 2024-2025 in an effort to simplify the financial aid process, but unfortunately there have been glitches and delays that will lead to later offers of financial aid than in previous years. 

Dominican University is committed to helping students and their families navigate complicated college financing options.  For more information, or to ask questions, contact Student Financial Services at studentfinancialservices@duny.edu or call 845-848-7821.  

February 19, 2024

Registration Opens for Unique Program to Help Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners   

Registration is now underway for a unique evening class to help aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners launch or grow a successful business.  The program is a joint project of Dominican University New York, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES, a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities. 

Intro to Entrepreneurship is a stand-alone program, and there is no requirement that registrants be enrolled Dominican University students. The class will be held on seven Wednesdays from March 13 through April 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with about one hour of homework for each class.  During the last class, course participants will be eligible to showcase their small business ideas in a Shark Tank style “Rocket Pitch Competition” for a chance to secure seed funding. Three winners will take home $5,000 each, which is funded through a grant from The Bailey Foundation.    

Participants in the program will learn how to:

  • Create a solid business plan that outlines goals, strategies, and financial projections to provide a roadmap for success.
  • Effectively manage credit, from securing loans to optimizing credit utilization.
  • Excel in marketing their business, create a strong brand identity, and attract and retain customers through strategic branding efforts. 
  • Perfect a business proposal pitch to increase the chance of securing investment and forming valuable partnerships.

“Intro to Entrepreneurship lays the groundwork for fostering local innovation, providing young entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, skills, and drive needed for success,” stated Tyre´ Robinson, M&T Bank Regional President. “M&T Bank is honored to join Dominican University and BRIDGES in this initiative.”

M&T Bank is a generous sponsor and supporter of this collaboration through scholarships, prize money, and promotional considerations.  In addition, M&T will provide financial counselors and branch managers at the majority of class sessions to support small business startups in the lower Hudson Valley.  

Dominican University New York Interim President Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., said, “This class is a wonderful example of how the community can join together to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Dominican University is proud to be teaming up with M&T Bank and BRIDGES to educate, encourage, and hopefully inspire entrepreneurs.”

Dominican University graduate students who take the class will receive credit toward their Capstone requirement and undergraduate students will receive one credit toward their business degree. The Intro to Entrepreneurship class costs $782. Scholarships are available.

BRIDGES CEO Carlos Martinez said, “People with disabilities, veterans, and people formerly involved in the justice system often face challenges and barriers to employment and financial self-sufficiency. Entrepreneurship is a clear pathway to autonomy, and we are elated to collaborate with M&T Bank and Dominican University to bring this Intro to Entrepreneurship mini-course to our community, empowering future and early-stage business owners to follow their dreams. This initiative is at the heart of BRIDGES’ mission to remove barriers and advance autonomy for all.”

For more information, visit: duny.edu/entrepreneurs.

February 15, 2024

Help is Available for Families Struggling with New FAFSA

Dominican University New York is offering to help parents and students complete the new FAFSA form to apply for financial aid on Saturday, February 10, 2024, during an Open House for incoming freshman and transfer students. Staff from the Office of Student Financial Services will be available to help families fill out the online application on laptops set up at the Open House.

The federal government rolled out a completely overhauled FAFSA for 2024-2025 in an effort to simplify the financial aid process, but unfortunately there have been some glitches and delays that will lead to later offers of financial aid than in previous years. 

Director of Student Financial Services Stacy Salinas said, “We know our students and parents are worried and frustrated about problems with the new FAFSA form and my staff and I are committed to helping them navigate the financial aid process as best as possible. At the upcoming Open House, we will answer any questions families have and assist them with filing the FAFSA application.”

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and all prospective college students must complete the form to apply for aid including federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.  In addition, colleges use the FAFSA information to determine financial aid packages provided by the school. 

Salinas said staff will be available to help with the FAFSA application from 9 a.m. to  1 p.m. The Open House also includes tours of the campus, as well as presentations on academic programs, student activities, athletics, and more.  For additional information and to register for the Open House, visit duny.edu/register.

Families of current students who need assistance should stop by the Office of Student Services in Cooke Hall or call 845-848-7821.

February 2, 2024