Palisades Institute Forum Features Five Town Supervisors
All five of Rockland’s Town Supervisors, George Hoehmann of Clarkstown, Howard Phillips of Haverstraw, Teresa Kenny of Orangetown, Michael Specht of Ramapo, and James Monaghan of Stony Point took part in a Palisades Institute forum.
Rockland County’s five Town Supervisors discussed a wide range of topics of interest to business leaders during a Palisades Institute forum. The top town leaders discussed housing, transportation, taxes, the economy, recycling, and much more at the forum on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in Rosary Hall.
Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann used a discussion on sustainability to tout the fact that Clarkstown is the only municipality in the Lower Hudson Valley to have a large-scale solar field. In addition, he said more solar projects are in the works. “When we finish up these couple of additional projects in the next year to a year and a half, we will be the first town in New York State to take ourselves off of the grid,” said Hoehmann.
Other Town Supervisors who participated in the forum were Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, Orangetown Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny, Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht, and Stony Point Town Supervisor James Monaghan.
The aim of the Palisades Institute of Dominican University, NY is to encourage leaders in business, government, and not-for-profit agencies to integrate the concepts of leadership, quality, and ethics to achieve long-term success.
September 14, 2022
Dominican University NY Ranked a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report ranked Dominican University New York a Top Performer on Social Mobility on its 2022-2023 Best Colleges list. Dominican College was ranked in the top 14% for social mobility among national universities. Top performers in this category are more successful than other institutions at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students awarded Pell Grants.
Dominican University has always welcomed students of diverse economic backgrounds and first generation students, while promoting educational excellence, leadership, and service throughout the university community. In addition, the University has been designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and Military Friendly.
This is the third time that the institution has been recognized for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. However, it is the first time that Dominican is considered a national university in the rankings, since becoming Dominican University New York in May 2022.
September 12, 2022
National Science Foundation Awards University $1.5 Million Grant for Stem Scholarships
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Dominican University New York a $1.5 million, six-year grant to launch a new program that supports high-achieving, low-income STEM students.
The majority of the NSF grant funds will be used to provide 4-year scholarships of up to $10,000 per year to 26 biology students. The first scholarships will be awarded to incoming freshman in fall 2023 as part of the BLAST (Biology for Low-income Aspiring Scholars in Training) Program.
AnnMarie DelliPizzi, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, said that BLAST Program aims to increase student retention and success by linking scholarships with co-curricular activities, including academic support, mentoring, and undergraduate research. The BLAST students will meet with visiting scholars from other universities or industry to be exposed to different career paths.
“Low-income students often have to work multiple jobs to pay for school, and this frequently interferes with successfully completing their degrees,” said Regina Alvarez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology. “The scholarships provided by the grant will help to alleviate this burden, allowing students more time to focus on academics.”
Elena Guevara, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, said, “In addition to the scholarships that the students receive, other support includes things such as travel to a scientific conference during freshman year, funds for their senior capstone projects, trips to visit faculty at research-intensive universities, and more.”
Dominican University New York has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution and the BLAST program has the potential to increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. The goal of the grant is for students to remain in school, graduate, and either secure employment in a STEM field or enter graduate school.
The NSF grant received is a Track 2 S-STEM grant (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics grant), award #2221106. In 2015, Dominican received a $590,000 Track 1 grant from the NSF to provide scholarships and support to students. This new grant builds on the success of that initial grant, submitted by Bernadette Connors, Ph.D., Professor of Biology. Institutions of higher education must have received a Track 1 grant in order to be eligible to apply for a Track 2 grant.
Dominican University New York biology faculty worked together to prepare and submit the NSF grant application and stress that their teamwork was critical to the success of the application.
August 25, 2022
Dominican University Offers New Concentrations to Students
Beginning this fall, Dominican University will offer new concentrations in Digital Marketing, Public Health and Neuroscience.
Dominican University New York is offering new concentrations in Digital Marketing, Public Health, and Neuroscience, beginning this fall. The concentrations will be offered through the Lower Cost Model Consortium (LCMC). The LCMC is a coalition of about 150 small and mid-sized colleges and universities that have committed to making college more accessible.
Thomas Nowak, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs, said that under the program, students take almost all classes on campus and take three to five classes online through the LCMC for a concentration in specialized, high-demand fields. “We still give you the small school attention, but we are giving you programs that would normally be offered at large universities. It’s the best of both worlds, “ he said.
All three concentrations were recently approved by the New York State Department of Education.
August 3, 2022
New Environmental Studies Major Offered
Beginning in fall 2022, Dominican University will offer a new Environmental Studies major. Environmental studies is a growing field with many job opportunities.
Regina Alvarez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, said that students can opt for one of two tracks – a science track or a general track. “Students who do the science track can go to graduate school, can do research, or they can get technical jobs in the environmental field,” she said. Students who take the general track would be more interested in working with government policies, or being an environmental consultant, an activist, a lobbyist, or an educator.
Students in both tracks will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies degree. For more information about the Environmental Studies program, click here.
July 28, 2022
Dominican College is Now Dominican University New York
A new sign for Dominican University New York was unveiled by administrators.
Dominican College has been elevated to the status of a university, becoming the first university in Rockland County. Dominican College President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., announced on May 18, 2022, that New York State Board of Regents has granted Dominican College university status and approved the name change to Dominican University New York.
“This is an important milestone in our history as we prepare to celebrate our 70thanniversary,” said Sr. Mary Eileen. “Changing our name to Dominican University New York brings formal recognition to the caliber of our academic programs. With our new name comes additional prestige and more opportunities for the school and our students.”
Dominican offers a range of undergraduate programs and graduate programs in nursing, business, occupational therapy, education, and organizational leadership and communication. In addition, it has the distinction of being the only institution in Rockland County to offer doctoral degrees – including Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dominican has a strong academic reputation for its liberal arts, business, education, and health-related programs. Recently, Dominican added programs in finance, information technology, health sciences, and marketing. Dominican also caters to adult learners through programs in the evenings, on weekends, or online.
The news of the university status follows earlier announcements that Dominican had secured two federal grants, one from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the other from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dominican was one of only 10 higher education institutions nationwide and the only one in New York State to receive the HHS grant and will use the funding to launch a new Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) program this fall.
“The news about our university status coupled with the infusion of the federal funds will certainly raise the profile of our school,” said Sr. Mary Eileen. “Dominican University New York has a bright future that will serve more students from around the region and beyond.”
Dominican was granted university status by the New York State Board of Regents based on the fact that Dominican offers graduate programs in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.
Founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, the College began as a two-year college for religious women to become educators. Over the years, the campus expanded to accommodate a growing enrollment and to welcome resident students. A number of new buildings were constructed including an athletics facility, residence halls, a dining hall, and a new academic building for health and science education. The most recent construction was the expansion of the Hennessy Center with a new gymnasium and fitness center. A new turf field is anticipated for 2023. Dominican has a total of 17 NCAA Division II sports teams, as well as a competitive rowing club and a new esports team.
Dominican has been named both a College of Distinction and a Catholic College of Distinction. On the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges List, Dominican was ranked #21 out of Regional Universities North for social mobility. It is also designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and was recognized as Military Friendly.
Dominican University New York moves forward with a renewed spirit and dedication to its mission to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs.
May 18, 2022
President Zelenskyy Awarded Honorary Degree at Commencement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zekenskyy was awarded an honorary degree in absentia during the 68th Dominican College Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was awarded an honorary degree in absentia during the 68th Dominican College Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 15. Dominican College is among about 30 colleges and universities throughout the United States conferring on Zelenskyy an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, courage, sense of justice, and his willingness to possibly lose his life in the effort to defend freedom.
“President Zelenskyy has displayed such inspiring and courageous leadership in the face of unimaginable horror, as Russia launches a relentless and unprovoked attack against his country. He has risen to the challenge and has been the right leader for this moment in history,” said Dominican College President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D. “Because of this, Dominican College is among the institutions of higher learning recognizing the exceptional dedication of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people by awarding him an honorary degree.”
The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate of Sloatsburg, who are members of a congregation founded in 1892 in Zhuzel, Ukraine, will also be honored at the Commencement. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in the United States have been raising money and sending medical supplies to members of the congregation located in Ukraine and Poland to help the Ukrainian people. Dominican College will recognize the admirable service of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Sloatsburg by awarding them the 2022 Veritas Medal.
May 9, 2022
United Nations Official Delivers Commencement Address
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee delivered the Commencement Address at Dominican College’s 68th Commencement Ceremony.
A United Nations official with a distinguished career of more than 30 years in international relations and diplomacy delivered the Commencement Address at Dominican College’s 68th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 15, at 12 noon. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee serves as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). This latest appointment follows impressive diplomatic posts in Moscow, Geneva, Tel Aviv, South Africa, New York, and Washington, D.C.
During the Commencement Ceremony at Clover Stadium in Pomona, NY, Pobee received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities in recognition of her extraordinary career in international relations and diplomacy, her steadfast dedication to furthering peace and security, her tireless advocacy for education and human rights, and her passionate support of women and youth,
Of her many posts, Pobee considers her appointment as Ghana’s first woman Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2015 to 2020 to be the highlight of her career. In this position, she had various special assignments, including serving as Vice-President of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Co-Facilitator of the high-level meeting on Financing for Development 2019, Chair of the African Group of Ambassadors in New York, Chair of the New York Group of Friends of the African-Women Leaders Network, and Co-Chair of the Group of Friends on Gender Parity at the United Nations.
Pobee’s interest in international relations and diplomacy was first sparked as a high school student in Cape Coast, Ghana, when she joined a school club called the Ghana United Nations Students Association (GUNSA). The students discussed world issues and took part in mock UN General Assembly sessions and Security Council sessions. It was then that she began to closely follow the anti-apartheid struggle of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and human rights and economic development issues. Pobee was also a member of the Red Cross Society and Sunday School Club in high school and spent many weekends providing first aid services and teaching bible studies to children in local communities. At that young age, she realized how fortunate she was to be attending one of the best schools in the country and decided to be mindful of the needs around her and to serve others.
A graduate of the University of Ghana, Pobee also holds a master’s degree in Development Studies with a specialization in Women and Development from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. In addition, she has diplomas in Public Administration and Multilateral Diplomacy from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and the Geneva Institute of International Studies.
April 21, 2022
Honors Lyceum Features Author of Children’s Book About Dementia
Dr. Linda Ganzenmuller spoke about her book “Everyday is Funday with Grandma Stella” at the 2022 Honors Lyceum.
At the 2022 Honors Lyceum, students heard from a psychologist who wrote a book to teach children how to interact with family members with dementia. Psychologist and children’s book author Dr. Linda Ganzenmuller was the guest speaker at the March 28, 2022, event.
Ganzenmuller is the author of “Everyday is Funday with Grandma Stella.” AnnMarie Dellipizzi, Ph.D., Honors Program Director, said Ganzenmuller has a lot of experience working with seniors and wanted to find a way to talk to children about dementia. “It’s really a therapy book. Of course, the goal was directed toward children and showing them how to have fun or how to enjoy a loved one who has dementia by just focusing on the fun and doing things with them that make everybody happy,” said Dellipizzi.
Caregivers reading the book to young children can also benefit from the book’s message. Dellipizzi said the information could also be helpful to the nursing students who were among those who attended the the Honors Lyceum.
April 4, 2022
Criminal Justice Day Includes K-9 Unit Demonstration
During Criminal Justice Day, there was a K-9 demonstration showing how a patrol dog can help apprehend suspects.
Criminal Justice Day on March, 24, 2022 included a demonstration of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Patrol K-9 Unit. Two patrol dogs came to the Fury Lecture Hall in the Prusmack Center with their handlers, Sgt. Kevin Golden and Officer Joe Mercurio, to show students how they aid the Sheriff’s Patrol.
Chief of Patrol Bill Barbera, who is also a professor at Dominican College, and said the idea is to let students know about different career paths. “I’ve been teaching here for quite some time and I’ve always been talking about all the different types of jobs in law enforcement. We have seven different dogs from five different disciplines. These are just some examples of what students can find themselves doing for a career down the road,” he said.
The K-9 unit demonstration was one of three presentations during Criminal Justice Day. Chief Barbara also spoke about crime scene investigations. In addition, there was a presentation by Christian Claudio, Chief at the National Center for Gang Training.
March 28, 2022
Clinton Named Cushman & Wakefield Athletic Director of the Year
Joseph Clinton will be recognized as a Cushman & Wakefield Athletic Director of the Year at the NACADA Annual Convention in June.
Dominican College of Blauvelt Director of Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Joseph S. Clinton is a 2021-22 NCAA Division II Cushman & Wakefield Athletics Director of the Year recipient. The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) made the announcement on March 15, 2022. Clinton and three additional DII honorees will be formally recognized during the NACDA’s 57th Annual Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on Tuesday, June 28.
“I am humbled to receive this honor and be recognized as one of the four Athletic Directors of the Year by my Division II peers, ” said Clinton. “It has been an honor and a blessing to be a part of the Dominican College Community and NCAA Division II athletics. I look forward to continuing to support the student-athletes of Dominican College in the years to come.”
Clinton is in his 33rd year as director of athletics and his 31st year as head men’s basketball coach.
Since coming to Dominican College in 1989, Clinton has overseen an athletic department that has grown from five sports to 17 sports and made the transition from an NAIA school to an NCAA Division II member. During his tenure, Dominican College sports have won numerous Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Championships, NAIA Championship appearances, ECAC Championships, NCAA Regional Tournament appearances and one NCAA Championship appearance. In 2004, a local newspaper declared Dominican Athletic programs as one of the best in the tri-state area.
Clinton has also served on numerous NCAA committees, including serving as the NCAA East Region and National Chair for Division II Baseball and was the East Region Chair of the Men’s Basketball Committee for six years. He previously served on the NCAA East Region Men’s Golf, Men’s Soccer and Men’s Lacrosse Committees. Clinton currently serves on the East Region Men’s Basketball Committee. He is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics (NACDA), the Athletics Directors Association (ADA) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
In 1996, he was recognized as the CACC Administrator of the Year.Clintoncurrently serves as the Second Vice-President of the CACC Director’s Council.
On the court, Clinton’s Chargers have made four straight NCAA East Regional Tournament appearances and five consecutive CACC Tournament Championship appearances, winning two titles. The Chargers have won 20+ games in four out of the last five years and nine times during his tenure. His career coaching record currently stands at 486-408. Clinton is a four-time recipient of the CACC Coach of the Year Award and is a three-time past recipient of the All-Metropolitan Coach of the Year Award.
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the 28 winners of the Cushman & Wakefield AD of the Year Award (ADOY) . The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 57th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, prior to the Featured Session on Tuesday, June 28 at 4 p.m.
The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.
March 16, 2022
Students Volunteer With Habitat for Humanity During Spring Break
Dominican College students and chaperones traveled to Lexington, VA, and Loveland, CO, to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity during Spring Break.
More than 20 Dominican College students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building and renovating homes, during Spring Break. One group of students and chaperones traveled to Lexington, VA, and the others went to Loveland, CO, as part of the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program.
Dana McStowe, Director of Community Engagement & Leadership Development, said service is a great way for students to continue to grow and develop as a person. “I feel it is important for students to spend Spring Break doing service as way to give back and learn about the world outside of the classroom,” she said. “Students who go on ASB will get to learn more about a new area and the people who live there. One of the best parts about college is challenging yourself to do new things and I think students who are attending the ASB trips are going to challenge themselves in the best ways possible.”
Students were excited to resume the ASB trip, beginning March 12, 2022, after last year’s trip was cancelled due to COVID. In all, 21 Dominican College students participated in Alternative Spring Break and four staff members accompanied them.
