Sr. Arlene Flaherty delivered the keynote address during the 2023 celebration of Founders Week at Dominican University.
Students attending the 2023 Founders Week kickoff event were inspired by the story of a 20th century Italian university student who has reached the first stage of sainthood. Alumna Sr. Arlene Flaherty, O.P., D.Min., delivered the keynote address on September 19, 2023, in the Lawrence Room of Rosary Hall. She spoke to students about the Dominican tradition and the short life of Giorgio Frassati, a Dominican lay person who cared for the poor and was committed to changing unjust social and political systems.
Sr. Arlene told students that questions such as “Why am I here?” and “What do I want to do with my life?” are critical questions that lead to choosing a vocation. She encouraged the students to think about how they will use their gifts. “Our country is at a crossroads. What will you bring to the work of making America a place of welcome, safety, and a country where all can thrive? To what effort can you add your support — healthcare, earth’s sustainability, children’s rights, teaching, care for the vulnerable, justice work, research? Where are you called to live and work in harmony with your nature?” she asked.
Sr. Arlene has a long, distinguished career working to further education, justice, and peace around the world. Her work has taken her to Haiti, Jamaica, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Ecuador. In Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria she documented the impact of war on children and refugees. She represented the Dominican Family at the United Nation’s Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland, composing and presenting an oral argument that the war in Iraq and the implementation of crippling sanctions on Iraq constituted a violation of article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
September 19, 2023
DU, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES Announce Initiative to Encourage Entrepreneurship
The “Unlocking the Small Business Potential” seminar will be held at Dominican University on September 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Dominican University New York, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES, all leading advocates for economic development and entrepreneurship, have announced a comprehensive three-part initiative aimed at unlocking the entrepreneurial potential in the Lower Hudson Valley. This initiative seeks to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
Part One: “Unlocking Small Business Potential” Seminar
Kicking off the initiative is a dynamic and informative half-day seminar “Unlocking Small Business Potential.” This seminar will be held at Dominican University on Friday, September 8, and will equip individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to launch and grow a successful small business. Participants will learn from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and experienced business mentors who will share invaluable insights, practical advice, and real-world examples. Topics will include business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and navigating regulatory challenges. Individuals who have a disability, as well as minority, veteran, and formerly-incarcerated business owners, and those interested in starting a business are strongly encouraged to register for this informative session, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Part Two: Small Business Incubator and Case Competition
Participants in the “Unlocking Small Business Potential” seminar will have the opportunity to enroll in a six-week accelerated incubator and competition. This intensive program will provide hands-on guidance and mentorship, enabling entrepreneurs to refine their business concepts, develop robust business plans, and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Throughout the incubator, participants will engage in a case competition, showcasing their innovative solutions to a panel of judges consisting of industry experts and community-based investors. The competition will not only provide invaluable feedback, but also offer participants the opportunity to secure seed funding and other essential resources to launch their ventures. The course will be held on Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) on Dominican University’s campus. Enrollment will begin in August and is limited to 40 participants, all of whom will earn credit toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. Further details are available from DUNY faculty member Matt Schiering, at matt.schiering@duny.edu.
Part Three: Enrollment in Dominican University’s MBA or MSOLC programs.
Recognizing the importance of continuous education and professional development, the initiative offers participants the chance to enroll in Dominican University’s prestigious AACSB accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) or M.S. in Organizational Leadership & Communication (MSOLC) programs. These programs equip students with the advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspectives required to excel in today’s complex business environment. Through this partnership, aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from a comprehensive academic foundation while accessing valuable networking opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders.
“We believe that investing in the next generation of business leaders right here in our community is a smart business decision; one that supports our mantra of ‘Doing Business Right,’” said Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of Dominican University’s Division of Business.
M&T Bank, Dominican University, and BRIDGES are committed to supporting and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Lower Hudson Valley. By providing access to educational resources, practical training, and real-world opportunities, they aim to empower individuals and create a robust network of successful entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and innovation across the region.
“M&T is committed to investing in the growth and development of emerging leaders in our community and we are proud to be able to support this program,” said Tyre Robinson, M&T Bank’s Tarrytown Regional President.
Carlos Martinez, CEO of BRIDGES, said, “We are thrilled to partner with M&T and Dominican University to bring a strong small business development curriculum to a broad group of aspiring entrepreneurs, and specifically to those representing populations that would benefit most from mentorship and compassionate counsel.” BRIDGES provides resources for people with a variety of disabilities and works to overcome barriers, stigma, indifference, and the quiet prejudice of low expectations.
Registration for the “Unlocking Small Business Potential” seminar is open and will be capped at 100 participants. Interested individuals can visit www.BridgesRC.org to secure a spot. Registration is $98.00, with waivers for those with economic hardships and/or disabilities handled upon request. For more information about enrolling in Dominican University’s MBA program, please visit https://www.duny.edu/mba/.
July 18, 2023
49th Annual Grand Reception Honorees Selected for Leadership & Community Involvement
The Grand Reception honorees were on campus to meet with students and to look over plans for the future of the university with President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien.
Dominican University New York will honor Alan Seidman, Executive Director, Construction Contractors Association (CCA) of the Hudson Valley, and the Beckerle Family of Beckerle Lumber Supply Co. at the 49th Annual Grand Reception. The event takes place on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at the Old Tappan Manor in Tappan, NJ.
The honorees were chosen for their outstanding professional leadership, community involvement, and philanthropic works.
Seidman is Executive Director of the CCA of the Hudson Valley, as well as the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Association of Southeastern NY. As a lifelong Hudson Valley resident, he has been involved in many community activities. He is a past Chair of the Orange County Legislature and Past President of Temple Beth Jacob in Newburgh. He was also officer of the Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Highland Engine Co #1, and a first responder with American Red Cross on 9-11.
The Beckerle Family operates four branches of Beckerle Lumber Supply Co. – in Spring Valley, Congers, Orangeburg, and Haverstraw – more than any other building materials supplier in Rockland County. Over the past 80 years, the family has built a successful business by providing quality products, knowledgeable advice, and attentive services. Through three generations of Beckerle leadership, the family has been involved in the community with a legacy of service and philanthropy. As just one example, company owners and employees have volunteered for Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years.
Dominican University New York invites all community members to join the University in celebrating the honorees and thanking them for their service. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at www.duny.edu/grandreception2022 For more information, contact specialevents@duny.edu or call 845-848-7406.
October 7, 2022
University Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary
President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien and Chancellor Sr. Kathleen Sullivan at Dominican University New York’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
Just months after being elevated to the status of a university, Dominican University New York reached another important milestone – its 70th anniversary. Administrators, faculty, staff, and friends of the university gathered in the Lawrence Room of Rosary Hall on October 1, 2022, for an event “Celebrating Our First 70 Years of Excellence.”
One of the highlights of the event was a video presentation that reviewed the last 70 years of the University’s history beginning with the founding of the institution by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt in 1952 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.
Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien O.P., Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York, said, “The first 70 years have been most productive. We look forward to the next 70 and beyond.”
Among the guests at the anniversary celebration was New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, who presented Sr. Mary Eileen with a proclamation honoring the University on 70 years of outstanding educational services in the community. “To see a county, a state, and really a world full of people that have gone through this special place – who have gotten their educational foundation, their religious foundation, and set them up for a life of success,” he said.
New Fundraising Campaign Launched
Steven Sabatini, Chair, Dominican University New York Board of Trustees, said the University had a lot to be proud of, having educated more than 15,000 alumni and encouraged education, leadership, respect for the individual, and service to the community.
During the event, Sabatini announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign. “’Charging Forward With U’ is our current initiative focused on raising support from our alumni and friends so that we can ensure that both the current and future generations of Chargers are supported with the resources they need in order to prepare for success.” He said any donation – large or small – makes a difference and moves the University closer to this year’s fundraising goal of $1.35 million. Sabatini announced that he and his wife are kicking off the contributions with a $25,000 commitment on top of a previous gift to the turf field and a provision in his will to Dominican University.
Because of the urgency and importance of the fundraising effort, Sabatini said he hoped others would support the campaign, “Together we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the thousands of individuals who have and will be impacted by Dominican University.” Those wishing to contribute to the campaign can donate here.
University’s Four Stages of Development
Sr. Mary Eileen told attendees that she has often thought of the University’s history in four stages of development. During the first 15 years, the institution transitioned from a Junior College for the Dominican Sisters to a four-year independent liberal arts college for both men and women. The second phase, which lasted 20 years, saw the broadening of undergraduate offerings, especially in business, health-related programs, and social work. The institution began outreach to non-traditional students with the establishment of the Weekend College. A partnership with the South Orangetown Central School District allowed for the use of Cooke Hall and Casey Hall for classrooms and administrative offices.
Between 1987 and 2007, or the third phase, the campus expanded with the construction of new buildings and evolved from a commuter college to a campus for residents and commuters. In 1994, a new athletic facility, the Hennessy Center, was opened. The next priority was to provide on-campus housing and to construct a dining hall and student center for the new residents. In 1996, Hertel Hall, a 290-bed residence hall, and Granito Center, a student center and dining hall opened.
In 2005, the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education was completed, offering updated classrooms, laboratories, and a lecture hall. Enrollment continued to grow throughout this period and in 2007 Guzman Hall, a 200-bed student residence, was constructed. Sullivan Library also opened in its new location in Rosary Hall in 2007. The third phase also is when Dominican established graduate programs in Teacher Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and an MBA.
Sr. Mary Eileen said that we are now 15 years into the development of a fourth phase of development in which technology has grown, the lease/purchase of an additional 17 acres of land from the Sisters of Blauvelt was completed, and a Master Plan for the use of this property was developed. During this most recent phase, there has been a focus on career development and fostering internships. Faculty are developing new general education curriculum and the University is exploring alternative sources of income. The crowning achievement during the current phase, has been the name change from Dominican College to Dominican University, New York.
October 5, 2022
Sam Fratto Named Dominican College’s 2020 Person of the Year
Dominican College and its Board of Trustees have named Sam Fratto as Dominican College’s 2020 Person of the Year. Fratto will be honored at the 48th Annual Grand Reception on Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Old Tappan Manor in Old Tappan, NJ.
“We are pleased to announce that Sam Fratto, the Business Manager of IBEW Local 363 has been selected the Dominican College Person of the Year,” said College President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien. “Sam was chosen for his outstanding professional leadership, his community involvement, and his philanthropic works.”
In 2011, Fratto was appointed Business Manager of Local 363 by the Executive Board. He has since been elected by the membership three times. His appointment as Business Manager of Local 363 came 33 years after first joining the electrical trade as an apprentice with IBEW Local 631. Fratto steadily advanced in his career, holding various foreman and shop steward positions. In 1986, he was elected to the IBEW Local 631 Executive Board.
Fratto was appointed as Assistant Business Manager for the union in 1987 and in 1992 was elected Business Manager of IBEW Local 631. Two years later, the international office decided to merge all three locals into a bigger and stronger IBEW Local 363 that would cover the entire Hudson Valley. Fratto served as an Assistant Business Manager and Senior Assistant Business Manager at the newly merged Local 363 until beginning his current position.
Under Fratto’s leadership, Local 363 has supported many community organizations, included the Boy Scouts, United Way, United Hospice, Child Care Resources of Rockland, Helen Hayes Hospital, and Jawonio. He has been recognized nationally by the IBEW for his work within his local union and the Hudson Valley. In addition, he has been honored by the Rockland Business Association, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Hudson Valley Labor Federation.
Tickets to the Grand Reception honoring Fratto can be purchased at dc.edu/grandreception2020. For additional information, please contact Mary Lichtman at 845-848-7406 or mary.lichtman@duny.edu.
February 10, 2020
Sam Fratto Named Dominican College’s 2020 Person of the Year
Dominican College and its Board of Trustees have named Sam Fratto as Dominican College’s 2020 Person of the Year. Fratto will be honored at the 48th Annual Grand Reception on Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Old Tappan Manor in Old Tappan, NJ.
“We are pleased to announce that Sam Fratto, the Business Manager of IBEW Local 363 has been selected the Dominican College Person of the Year,” said College President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien. “Sam was chosen for his outstanding professional leadership, his community involvement, and his philanthropic works.”
In 2011, Fratto was appointed Business Manager of Local 363 by the Executive Board. He has since been elected by the membership three times. His appointment as Business Manager of Local 363 came 33 years after first joining the electrical trade as an apprentice with IBEW Local 631. Fratto steadily advanced in his career, holding various foreman and shop steward positions. In 1986, he was elected to the IBEW Local 631 Executive Board.
Fratto was appointed as Assistant Business Manager for the union in 1987 and in 1992 was elected Business Manager of IBEW Local 631. Two years later, the international office decided to merge all three locals into a bigger and stronger IBEW Local 363 that would cover the entire Hudson Valley. Fratto served as an Assistant Business Manager and Senior Assistant Business Manager at the newly merged Local 363 until beginning his current position.
Under Fratto’s leadership, Local 363 has supported many community organizations, included the Boy Scouts, United Way, United Hospice, Child Care Resources of Rockland, Helen Hayes Hospital, and Jawonio. He has been recognized nationally by the IBEW for his work within his local union and the Hudson Valley. In addition, he has been honored by the Rockland Business Association, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Hudson Valley Labor Federation.
Tickets to the Grand Reception honoring Fratto can be purchased at dc.edu/grandreception2020. For additional information, please contact Mary Lichtman at 845-848-7406 or mary.lichtman@duny.edu.
February 10, 2020
College Celebrates Founders Week
Kevin Ahern, Ph.D. presented the keynote presentation, A Dialogue of Faith and Reason for a Better Future., during Founders Week.
Dominican College began its Founders Week celebration with a keynote presentation from Theological Ethicist Kevin Ahern, Ph.D. Ahern served as President of the International Movement of Catholic Students and in 2016 was elected President of the International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs.
Ahern told students that the legacy of St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived in the 13th century and was Dominican, was important to them today. “I’d encourage you to think about how you can mix faith and reason, how you can strive for justice for the common good – especially in this moment when lots of human beings are treated as sub-human,” he said.
He also encouraged the students to follow St. Thomas Aquinas’s lead by:
Thinking of something bigger than themselves, like God or humanity.
Having critical dialogue with people who have different opinions than they do.
Always having hope.
Ahern presented a clear, impassioned message to the students – describing St. Thomas Aquinas as a fascinating character who is still very relevant when it comes to fighting discrimination, racism, and poverty.
Founders Week is the annual celebration of Dominican College’s heritage and the Dominican Sisters who established it. Activities include guest lectures, a preaching in action project, and the presentation of the Spirit of the Founders Award to two students.
September 23, 2019
College Offers Additional Career Fair for Healthcare Students
The College held its first Healthcare Career Fair on April 3, 2019 in the Granito Center.
Students met with company recruiters, applied for jobs and internships, and polished their networking skills at two Career Fairs in April. For the first time, the College held a Healthcare Career Fair to cater to the College’s many healthcare students. The annual Career Fair, which is open to the public, took place on April 2, 2019. The Healthcare Career Fair, which better accommodated students who had clinicals, was held a day later.
“Our first Healthcare Career Fair was a huge success,” said Internship Coordinator/Career Counselor Rose Macom, MSEd. “Students took advantage of the opportunity to meet and network with healthcare employers. The two hours went by very quickly. Employers gave us excellent feedback and we learned about new externship opportunities for our students.”
The annual Career Fair also was successful with a 20 percent increase in the number of students who attended. Macom said that recruiters at both events were impressed with how well prepared the students were, based on their resumes and knowledge of the companies.
April 4, 2019
College Celebrates Founders Week
Father Brian Walker, O.P., sang a gospel hymn during his keynote presentation for Founders Week.
Dominican Friar and Itinerant Preacher Father Brian Walker, O.P., kicked off the celebration of Founders Week 2018 on September 24 with his keynote presentation, which addressed racism. Fr. Walker talked about the life of St. Martin de Porres, who was of mixed race and is the patron saint of racial harmony. Although he faced many injustices, St. Martin dedicated his life to helping others. St. Martin had unique healing powers and founded a residence in Lima for orphans and abandoned children.
“When we have our doubts about whether or not we are being treated right,” said Fr. Walker, “let us take a lesson from him and ask the question, ‘Are we treating others right?’”
Fr. Walker surprised the audience by belting out a beautiful gospel hymn during the speech. “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain,” he sang.
Founders Week celebrates the spirit of the Dominican Order. Other highlights of the week–long celebration include:
Walking in the Footsteps of Dominic — Students Jeantil Beltre and Sierra Sheridan spoke about their mission trip to Fanjeaux, France.
Living the Legacy – Wendy St. Felix, DNP, ’17 and 2018 Badami Award recipient talked to students about the effect a Dominican College education had on her life.
Spirit of the Founders Recognition Luncheon – Sr. Barbara McEneany and her sister Sr. Carmel McEneany, who passed away in February, received the Spirit of the Founders award.
Preaching in Action – Dominican College volunteers prepared 10,000 meals to be distributed through local food banks and charities.
Founders Week concluded on Saturday, September 29 with the 68th Annual Dominican Sisters Festival, which featured games, food, and pony rides.
September 25, 2018
College Welcomes Class of 2022
Our Welcome Team of upperclassmen helped new students move into Hertel Hall on Freshman Move-In Day
The Class of 2022 has arrived on the Dominican College campus. The new students moved into Hertel Hall and Rosary Hall during Freshman Move-In Day on Thursday, August 23. They then attended a two-day orientation with many activities, including sessions on leadership and academic success, a game show, and a barbecue.
Melissa Grau, Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development, said the Freshman Orientation is all about connections. “It’s about connecting with new people. It’s about connecting with this campus and it’s about connecting with themselves so that they are really able to find their place and succeed here academically, socially, and in every way,” she said.
There are 294 registered students in the Class of 2022. The most popular major among freshmen is nursing, followed by biology, teacher education, management, and criminal justice.
ESPN Correspondent and author Tom Rinaldi delivered the Commencement Address to Dominican College graduates on May 20, 2018.
ESPN Correspondent and author Tom Rinaldi delivered an inspiring and at times rousing address to the Class of 2018 during Dominican College’s 64th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. A total of 572 students graduated — 123 with doctoral degrees, 100 with master’s degrees and 349 with bachelor’s degrees.
Graduates, their families, and friends all listened with rapt attention as Rinaldi recounted two stories. The first story was about the parents of a two-month old child in a Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) who tragically did not survive. Before the baby’s death, the parents arranged for him to have several experiences. They brought a puppy into the NICU so the child could feel the fur. They had a musician play a guitar so the child could hear music. They took the baby off of his tubes and brought him outside so he could feel the sun on his face and the wind across his skin. Finally, they put a bit of ice cream on the tip of his lips and the end of his tongue. Rinaldi told the graduates, “You get to experience those things every single day as you find your place in the world. So keep your capacity for wonder and appreciation over the wind and the life and the sun and the taste and the sound that surrounds you as you make your life.”
Rinaldi then told the story of Welles Remy Crowther – the Nyack High School graduate and 9-11 hero known as the “man with the red bandanna.” He described how Welles led many to safety on 9-11 and saved lives. During his speech, Rinaldi asked the graduates to raise their right hands as high as they could. “Do this for yourselves and for everybody else. Don’t just reach up, reach out – reach out to touch, to teach, to inspire, to give, to grasp,” he said.
Rinaldi has won twelve national Sports Emmy Awards and six national Edward R. Murrow Awards. His 2016 book, “The Red Bandanna: A Life. A Choice. A Legacy” was on the New York Times Best Sellers list. During the Commencement Ceremony, Rinaldi received an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.
Others honored at the Commencement Exercises included:
Judith Kydon, M.A., M.Ed., President and CEO of St. Dominic’s Family Services, received an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humanities.
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe was awarded the Veritas Medal for his service to the community.
Wendy St. Felix, ’17, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner at the Montefiore School Health Program at P.S. 85 in the Bronx, received the 2018 Badami Outstanding Alumna Award.
During a ceremony in her honor, Dr. Kathleen Hinge — the 2018 Friend of the Earth Honoree — helped plant a tree outside the Granito Center.
Students and faculty participated in a week of activities leading up to Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. One of the highlights of the week was the planting of a tree in honor of Physics and Mathematics Professor Dr. Kathleen Conlon Hinge. Dr. Hinge received the 2018 Friend of the Earth Award.
Chancellor of External Affairs Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, O.P., said Professor Hinge was chosen to receive the award because of her accomplishments as Science Department Coordinator. “She has introduced new courses and a minor in Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability,” said Sr. Kathleen. “ She also arranged for a visit to campus by a renowned environmentalist and Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow who spoke to many classes and groups on “The Last Chance for the Earth: Why Scientists and Citizens Must Act Now.”
Some of the other Earth Week activities included a campus seed planting, a sustainable cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Aarti Sequeira, a campus cleanup, and participation in the United Way Spring Day of Caring.
