Dominican University Commencement Rescheduled to May 16
Dominican University New York’s 2027 Commencement Exercises will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2027, in the Westchester County Center.
Dominican University New York’s 73rd Annual Commencement Exercises will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2027, at 12 noon. Commencement was rescheduled due to the availability of the venue.
Commencement will be held at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY, 10606. Additional information will be emailed out to graduates as the day gets closer. In the meantime, all graduates and their loved ones should make note of the change in the date.
The Dominican University community looks forward to celebrating Commencement with our 2027 graduates!
October 3, 2026
Dominican University New York Welcomes Second-Largest First-Year Class in 74-Year History
Dominican University’s Class of 2030 is the second largest incoming class since the university opened in 1952.
Dominican University New York is celebrating a historic enrollment milestone this fall with the arrival the institution’s second-largest incoming class in its 74-year history and a 32% increase over the prior year.
This year’s freshman class includes students from well beyond the traditional New York and New Jersey markets, an 88% increase, with students representing 15 states and 7 countries. But the primary story is the scale and momentum of growth across all student populations.
Key indicators of institutional momentum include:
Growth Across Academic Programs: Enrollment gains are distributed across the university’s colleges and disciplines. The sciences and business programs showed particularly strong performance, with Biology enrollment more than doubling and Finance enrollment growing 140% year over year. Growth across all business disciplines totaled 50%.
More Students Living on Campus: On-campus residential enrollment grew 27% year over year. This expansion reflects growing student demand for an engaged residential experience.
Geographic Expansion: The geographic diversity of the incoming class signals Dominican University’s emergence as a destination beyond its Hudson Valley base. New student markets include Florida, Texas, Maryland, and California, among others. International enrollment represents the broadest geographic reach in recent institutional history.
Strategic Investments Driving Results: Over the past two years, Dominican University invested in expanded laboratory facilities and equipment in the sciences, strengthened its business and finance curricula, enhanced first-year student support services, and built out residential life programming designed to foster community and belonging.
Admissions data reveals what’s actually driving student choice. Families consistently cite three factors when selecting Dominican University New York: career-relevant academic programs that lead to employment, affordability and financial aid, and an active, engaged residential community. These priorities align with the university’s recent strategic investments.
September 4, 2026
Dr. McDermott Appointed Interim Director of the Division of Nursing
Dr. Annemarie McDermott, DNP, (left) has been appointed Interim Director of the Division of Nursing. Lynne Weissman, DNP, is returning to Dominican University as Director of Graduate Nursing Programs.
Dominican University New York announced that Annemarie McDermott, DNP, has been appointed Interim Director of the Division of Nursing, replacing Nancy DiDona, Ed.D. who unexpectedly passed away in May. McDermott’s appointment was announced to faculty and staff on August 6, 2026, by Dominican University President Manuel Martínez, Ph.D, .
McDermott has served in a number of faculty and leadership roles over the past 19 years. She taught primarily in the undergraduate nursing program before serving as Acting Graduate Director from 2012–2013 and has led the graduate nursing programs as Director since 2021. Under her leadership, graduate program enrollment has grown significantly, and national certification pass rates have consistently exceeded the national average for the past five years. She has successfully led two CCNE reaccreditation processes, including the University’s most recent accreditation review (2023), which resulted in the maximum 10-year accreditation awarded by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition to her academic leadership, McDermott remains active in clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), bringing current evidence-based practice into the classroom while mentoring Dominican University FNP students and fostering the next generation of advanced practice nurses.
Now that McDermott has been promoted to a new role, Lynne Weissman, DNP, is returning to Dominican University as Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, a position she previously held from 2012-2021 where she provided visionary leadership in the development and implementation of the University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Throughout her tenure, Weissman was instrumental in the growth and success of both the FNP and DNP programs, helping to establish a strong foundation for graduate nursing education. A recognized leader in pediatric primary care, Weissman remains actively engaged in the community through her clinical practice and service on the Rockland County Health Advisory Committee. She is a frequent invited speaker for Head Start programs throughout the county, where she provides education on pediatric health, growth and development, and early childhood health issues. After stepping down from the director role, she continued to serve the Division as a dedicated faculty member, mentoring students and faculty while contributing to the continued excellence of the graduate nursing programs.
August 24, 2026
Alum Donates $2 Million to Dominican University
One million dollars of the donation will be used to fund scholarships for nursing students.
A Dominican University alum, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated $2 million to the university.
“This is a transformational gift that will be paid forward by our university and our nursing graduates for generations to come,” said Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York. “This gift comes from the heart and while I have certainly expressed how grateful we are that this alum decided to give back to their alma mater, ‘thanks’ will never be enough for this incredibly generous benefactor.”
The donor has requested that $1 million be used for nursing scholarships. The other $1 million will help make a Dominican University education affordable for all students.
July 29, 2026
University Awarded $1.074 Million Grant to Renovate & Expand Nursing Simulation Lab
Dominican University faculty and nursing students working in the current Nursing Simulation Lab which will be renovated and expanded.
Dominican University New York has been awarded a $1.074 million grant to renovate and expand the Nursing Simulation Lab in the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education. The grant was awarded through the New York State Higher Education Capital Matching Program (HECap).
“We have been a leader in the field of nursing education for a long time,” said Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York. “In order to stay on the cutting edge, we must have the most technologically advanced equipment that will simulate real-world medical settings and offer our students the optimal learning experience.”
The renovation will expand the current 3,900 square foot simulation lab to nearly 6,500 square feet, by converting two nearby classrooms into additional space. The lab will include areas for assessment, maternity/pediatrics, medical/surgical, a skills lab, student workspace, and faculty observation. The new space will have state-of-the-art equipment, such as diagnostic headwalls, work stations, interactive manikins (geriatric, adult, birthing, and baby), a camera system, simulated medications, as well as diagnostic and training instruments.
Within four years of completing the project, Dominican University hopes to serve an additional 75 nursing students. The new space also addresses the challenge of finding clinical placements at outside facilities for students, because more students will be served in the larger simulation lab space. In addition to enhancing the university’s nursing program for our students, this project will ultimately lead to better outcomes in healthcare delivery as well.
July 23, 2026
Dominican University Hosts First Rockland County Writers Festival
Dr. Joseph Ozias, Assistant Professor Of English at Central Methdist University in Missori, delivered the Keynote Address at the Rockland Countyc Writers Festival, hosted by Dominican University.
Dominican University New York hosted the first Rockland County Writers Festival on Saturday, June 13, 2026, which was a celebration of writing, storytelling, and community. The festival brought together authors, students, and literary enthusiasts for a full day of inspiration and creativity.
James Reitter, PhD, Dominican University Associate Professor of English, said the idea behind the festival was to encourage younger writers in local high schools and to emphasize the importance of writing and the humanities as important skill sets. The Writers Festival included a number of interactive sessions with hands-on activities for all levels of writers, led by workshop facilitators. There were workshops covering a variety of writing styles –memoirs, fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and journalism.
During the evening session, Dr. Joseph Ozias delivered a Keynote Address and spoke about the importance of believing in yourself and your abilities as a writer. Dr. Ozias is an Assistant Professor of English at Central Methodist University in Missouri and has received awards for his writing, including the John Updike Review Emerging Writers Prize.. The festival ended with a poetry reading from Juan Pablo Mobili, a Buenos Aires born poet, whose poems have been published around the world. Mobili is currently the Poet Laureate for Rockland County, NY, where Dominican University New York is located.
June 23, 2026
New Members Inducted Into DU Athletic Hall of Fame
Samantha James, Jhonny Arteaga, and Christine Stathes were inducted into the Atthletic Hall of Fame, along with the 1985-1986 Baseball Team.
Dominican University New York inducted three individuals and one team into the Dominican University New York Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 13, 2026, during a ceremony at the Pearl River Elks Club in Nanuet.
Samantha James was honored as the 23rd Hall of Famer in the service category. She was inducted alongside men’s soccer player, Jhonny Arteaga ’08, softball player Christine Stathes ’08 and the 1985-86 Baseball Team. This class of honorees increases the membership into the Dominican University New York Athletic Hall of Fame to 120 individuals (24 service members and 96 athletes) and 16 teams.
Arteaga was a four-year member of the Charger Soccer team. He was a three-time All-CACC honoree, a two-time CACC All-Tournament selection, a New England Region All-Tournament Team, a two-time All-Region pick, the 2007 CACC Player of the Year and a 2007 Daktronics All-America First Team honoree. He is ranked sixth all-time in program history in goals, is tied for seventh all-time in assists and is seventh in career points. He was a part of the 2005 team that ranked in the top ten in the nation, won a program record 17-games in a row and was top seed in the NCAA New England Regional Tournament.
Stathes was a four-year member of the Lady Charger Softball Team. She was named the 2006 CACC Pitcher of the Year, to the 2006 All-CACC First Team and to the 2006 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II All-Region Second Team. On the mound, she ranks fourth all-time in program history in wins, fifth in strikeouts and ninth all-time in ERA. At the plate, Stathes is tied sixth for sixth all-time in home runs.
The 1985-86 Baseball Team was the NAIA District 31 Champions and the NAIA Area 8 Quarterfinals. The team currently ties for the program record with a .961 overall field percentage.
James, currently serves as the Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine and the Head Athletic Trainer. She began working at Dominican University New York in August of 2004 as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer in August of 2007. James was instrumental in the creation of the current athletic training room, serves as the department’s athletics health care administrator and runs numerous recovery sessions for student-athletes.
June 22, 2026
Corretjer Named New Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse Team
Aleya Corretjer is named the fifth head coach of the Dominican Univeversity New York women’s lacrosse team
Dominican University New York Director of Athletics,Joseph S. Clinton, announced the hiring of Aleya Corretjer as the new head coach of the women’s lacrosse team. Corretjer becomes the fifth head coach of the program.
“We are very excited to have Aleya take over at the helm of our women’s lacrosse program,” said Clinton. “Her dynamic personality, charisma and passion for the sport of lacrosse really stood out during her interview and it made her the perfect candidate to take our women’s lacrosse program to the next level.”
Corretjer has coached lacrosse at Metro Girls Lacrosse Club for the past five years where she coached players from 5th grade through 11th grade. For the past three years, she also was the Varsity Head Coach at Ethical Culture Fieldstone School in the Bronx, where her team won the Ivy League Championship in 2025 and 2026. Prior to that, she volunteered with the women’s lacrosse program at SUNY New Paltz.
Corretjer was a member of the Puerto Rico National Lacrosse Team and competed in the World Championship Qualifiers in June 2025.
“Honored, grateful, and excited to begin this new chapter as Head Lacrosse Coach at Dominican University New York,” said Corretjer. “I’m eager to build strong relationships, help our student-athletes reach their full potential, and work alongside a community committed to excellence. Looking forward to the journey ahead and everything we will accomplish together. The work starts now.”
Corretjer played collegiate lacrosse at Pace University where she was a part of the 2023 team that made history for both the program and university by winning the school’s first NCAA National Championship. That year she was named the DII Attacker of the Year, the NE10 Attacker of the Year and was an IWLCA First Team All-American selection. She still holds records at Pace for most assists in a game, season, career and most points in a season.
Corretjer graduated from North Rockland High School in 2018 where she played at the Varsity Lacrosse level since 8th grade. During her five years she helped the team win three Section Championships. She was a high school All-American, the 2018 Rockland County Female Athlete of the Year and Journal News Player of the Year. She ranks seventh all-time in the NYSPHSAA Record Books for career assists.
Corretjer is currently the Director of True Westchester Girls Lacrosse Program.
June 8, 2026
Teacher Ed Alumna Wins Sloan Public Service Award
Danielle Keane “04 was awarded the prestigious Sloan Public Service Award on May 28, 2026, at the New York Historical Society.
Alumna Danielle Keane ’04 was awarded the prestigious Sloan Public Service Award in New York City on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The award known as the “Nobel Prize of Public Service” honors six civil servants each year who exhibit an extraordinary level of commitment to the public.
Keane is the Principal of PS/MS 5 Port Morris School of Community Leadership in the South Bronx. Her innovative and creative methods have been transformational for the students in her school. Keane says making her students feel loved and supported is her top priority.
In a video produced by the Fund for the City of New York, Keane said, “I always felt as a teacher that I was staring outside of the classroom, knowing that I could do more and being an administrator gave me that that opportunity to see beyond the four walls of a classroom…” As an administrator, Keane started the “Walking School Bus” where she walks with a a few staff members through the neighborhood to help students travel safely to school and to encourage students to attend class. Under Keane’s leadership, chronic absenteeism decreased from 44% to 23.7%, and the number of students meeting state standards in English and math has doubled.
Dominican University Director of Graduate Programs in Education Mike Kelly, Ph.D., said his former student continues to pay it forward, “Danielle was awarded the Badami Outstanding Alumna Award four years ago and has been instrumental in mentoring and hiring our Teacher Ed students for her South Bronx school. She represents the epitome of commitment to the profession of teaching and brings together her teachers, students, staff, families, and the community where she works.”
Sloan Public Service Award winners are selected by a distinguished panel and receive a $10,000 prize, a commemorative video, and a portrait.
June 4, 2026
President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA Delivers Commencement Speech With Six Hopes for Class of 2026
Kerry Alys Robinson, President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA, delivered the Commencement Address at the 72nd Annual Dominican University Commencement Ceremony and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Human Letters.
The President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, Kerry Alys Robinson, delivered the Commencement Address to the Dominican University New York Class of 2026, offering six hopes for the graduates in six minutes. The 72nd Annual Commencement Ceremony took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY. During the uplifting and hopeful speech, Robinson wished the graduates memory, gratitude, inspiration, empathy, joy, and abundance.
Among her advice to the graduates was to let their lives be informed by the example of those who inspire them. She said she recently brought leaders from the Catholic Charities network to meet with Pope Leo. “His words – in a Chicago accent no less – of encouragement, understanding and appreciation for the work we do to care for poor and vulnerable people, to restore human dignity and to provide hope were deeply meaningful to us,” she said. “But it is the example of his life that captures my imagination and makes me want to be a better person. Pope Leo lives with palpable integrity, courage, and consistency, while bearing the weight of the whole world, standing on a global stage he never sought, reminding us of our collective call to peace, mercy, love of God and love of neighbor. Our Pope is the most admired leader in the world right now. It is hard to explain, but we know goodness and authenticity when we see it. Find your moral heroes, name the virtues they exemplify, and emulate them. “
For more than two decades, Robinson has played a leading role in strengthening the Catholic Church. She is the founding Executive Director of Leadership Roundtable, which looks to lay executives to help the Church be more transparent and accountable, and now serves as a member of its Board of Trustees. Robinson consistently stresses the need for Catholics and people of all faiths to help our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. She is the author of the prize-winning book Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service. During the Commencement ceremony, Robinson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her dedication to the Catholic Church and service to those who are in need.
Dominican University President Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., also addressed the graduates telling them that the world is full of possibilities and it needs them – people unwilling to settle for what is easy over what is right. “Define success on your own terms. Don’t let success be defined by how much you make, the number of followers on your social media, or how fast you get promoted. Instead, let success be measured by the lives you touch, the injustices you challenge, how you carry yourself, and the effort and energy you put to achieve your goals,” he said. “Let success be measured in the way you listen to those who don’t have a voice. The way you lead with care and humility. The way you show up — even when there’s no applause.”
Other honorees during Commencement, in addition to Robinson, include:
Margaret R. Kaplen – Kaplen is a nurse, philanthropist, and community leader. An alumna of Dominican University’s nursing program and President of the Kaplen Foundation, Kaplen has made her supporting nurses and nursing education a central focus of her philanthropic mission. She was awarded an honorary degree of Humane Letters for her unwavering generosity in advancing the nursing profession and expanding educational opportunities for countless students.
Mary Bernadette “Molly” O’Donnell ’13 – Since graduating from Dominican University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, O’Donnell has been a model of leadership and service in the Goshen, New York, community. She is currently the Commissioner of Jurors for Orange County, New York, and was the former mayor of the village of Goshen. Her tireless advocacy of small businesses civic engagement, and the arts have earned her numerous honors, including being named a Woman of Distinction by the New York State Assembly. O’Donnell was the recipient of the 2026 Badami Outstanding Alumna Award.
Dr. Carl Procario-Foley – Procario-Foley serves as the Executive Director of the Center at Mariandale, a retreat and conference center which is a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. He guides the center in pursing the Sisters’ commitments to care for the earth, support the marginalized, and inform participants of the transformative power of hope. Under his leadership, Mariandale has begun offering opportunities for students from colleges and universities around the country. Procario-Foley was presented with the 2026 Veritas Medal.
There were 349 Dominican University graduates in 2026 who earned 30 doctoral degrees, 90 master’s degrees, 228 bachelor’s degrees and 1 associates degree.
May 18, 2026
Annual Student Leadership Awards Recognize Top Student Leaders
Pictured above are some of the student leaders who were honored at the Annual Student Leadership Awards in April.
Dominican University New York’s top student leaders were applauded at the University’s 39th Annual Student Leadership Awards on April 23, 2026, in Rosary Hall.
Director of Student Engagement Rachel Shaw welcomed everyone to the event, “Tonight, we’re gathered to celebrate and recognize the outstanding student leaders, clubs, and contributors who have helped make this academic year so impactful,” she said. “From dynamic campus events to meaningful service and behind-the-scenes leadership, each of you has played a role in shaping a vibrant and inclusive student experience.”
Shaw thanked the students for their dedication, passion, and hard work, that make Dominican University such a meaningful place to be.
The following is a list of the 2026 Student Leadership Award recipients:
Club of the Year
SOL (Student Organization of Latinos)
Club Advisor of the Year
Margaret Mulligan, Rotaract Club
Living the Mission Award Recipients
Ana Rojas Memorial Award
Recognizes a senior Resident Assistant who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and impact within the residential community.
Shannon Kelly, Major: Biology
Vaughna Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to two nursing students entering their sophomore year who demonstrate strong academic achievement and commitment to community service.
Auria McCallister, Major: Nursing
Hannah Greiner , Major: Nursing
Sr. Barbara McEneany Award for Spirited Involvement in Campus Life
Recognizes a student who demonstrates strong school spirit and active involvement in campus life.
Christopher “CJ” Dringus, Major: Information Technology (Cybersecurity)
Fr. Ronald Stanley Award for Service to the Community
Honors students who exemplify dedication, compassion, and leadership in service to others.
Amy Anil , Major: Nursing
Cristian Victoria, Major: Marketing
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan Award for Significant Contribution to the Academic Life of the University
Recognizes students who have made meaningful contributions to their academic program through leadership and engagement.
Riley Ranzino, Major: Biology
Samantha Meehan, Major: Social Work and Criminal Justice
Dohn Harshbarger Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Life of the University
Honors students with outstanding involvement and impact across multiple areas of campus life.
Aidan Mallon , Major: Business Management
Brianna Salmon , Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Hennessy Family Scholarship Award in Honor of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt
Recognizes a junior student leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership and academic achievement.
Madison Wood, Major: Criminal Justice and Psychology
Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien Award for Citizenship and Service to the University
Honors a student who exemplifies leadership, integrity, and commitment to the University community.
Eslian Henriquez Flores, Major: Social Sciences
May 11, 2026
Women’s Bowling Team Captures Programs First CACC Championship
For the first time in program history, the Dominican University New York women’s bowling team captured its first CACC Tournament Championship.
The Dominican University New York women’s bowling team captured its first CACC Tournament Championship on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with a 2-0 victory in the Championship Final round against the #3 seed Felician University.
For the first time in program history, Dominican takes home the CACC title as the Lady Chargers were seeded #1 for the tournament and remained in the winners bracket throughout competition. This is the third season that Dominican has had a bowling team.
With their first ever CACC Tournament Championship, the Lady Chargers earn their first automatic bid into the NCAA National Collegiate Bowling Tournament. You can read more about the game here.
