College Board of Trustees Elects New Leadership

Steven T. Sabatini, the CFO of Modern Bank’s holding companies, has been elected the new Chair of the Dominican College Board of Trustees.

The Chief Financial Officer of Modern Bank’s holding companies has been elected Chair of the Dominican College Board of Trustees. Steven T. Sabatini will serve with former Rockland County Commissioner of Health Joan H. Facelle, M.D., who was elected Vice Chair. They assumed their new positions July 1, 2019.

Sabatini has been a member of the Board since 2002 and served as Vice Chair for the past nine years. He is a Certified Public Accountant and served as Chairman of the National Epilepsy Foundation of America and as a Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York.

Sabatini said he was honored to be asked to serve as Chair of the Dominican College Board of Trustees and is committed to the College and its continued success.  “As Chair, I would like to see the College continue to provide an affordable, high-quality education to its students, expand enrollment, and develop the facilities necessary to maintain Dominican College’s reputation as an institution of excellence,”  he said.

His priorities as Chair include:  increasing the use of technology; continuing development of sports and sports facilities, including a new turf field; enhancing enrollment; and increasing fundraising and the endowment.

Sabatini replaces Ken Marks who was Chair for the past nine years, and was first elected to the Board in 2000. President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D.,  thanked Marks for his demonstrated passion to the College and his deep commitment to ensuring its success.

July 22, 2019

College Welcomes New VP for Institutional Advancement

Joseph G. Valenti outside his Siena House office on his first day as Dominican College’s new VP for Institutional Advancement.

President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D.,  has announced that Joseph G. Valenti has been named Vice President for Institutional Advancement, beginning July 15, 2019.

In this role, Valenti will be responsible for fundraising, alumni relations, special events, marketing, and communications at the College.  As part of the leadership team, he will serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and on critical committees, including those involved with drafting the budget, the strategic plan, and the master plan for the College. Among his first projects will be to help secure the monies needed to build a new turf field and track.

“We are delighted to welcome Joe to the Dominican College family.  He joins us with a wealth of experience in fundraising and development at institutions of higher education,” said Sr. Mary Eileen. “He will be a key player in the College’s future, as we aspire to continued growth and vitality.”

Valenti is the former VP for College Advancement at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY – a position he held for nine years. He has also worked at Mercy College, Iona College, Manhattan College, and Marymount College.  In all, he has more than 27 years of experience in fundraising management.  Valenti earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Master of Arts degree in government from St. John’s University in Jamaica, N.Y.

The position of VP for Institutional Advancement was previously held by Dorothy C. Filoramo, who retired after more than 25 years in the position.

July 15, 2019

Dominican College Celebrates 25 Years of Campus Development

Dominican College celebrated 25 years of campus development at the 47th Annual Grand Reception on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at The View in Piermont, NY.

During the Grand Reception, special recognition was given to a number of individuals who have been instrumental in the College’s growth including:  Ross Pepe, Jack Holt, Pat Diccianni, Nick Badami (posthumously), Jim Granito,  Pat Aguanno,  Joe Corless,  Jim Hennessy, Pat Miele,  Karim Abood, Jon Prusmack (posthumously), and Patti Prusmack.

“Each of these individuals played a key role in the development of the campus and the construction of new buildings. We are grateful for their wisdom, hard work, and generosity in helping us to develop the campus over the past quarter century,” said Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., College President.

At the event, it was announced that a brass plaque giving special recognition to the individuals was affixed to a large rock in front of the Hennessy Center.

Dominican College has undergone tremendous growth since 1994 when the College opened the Hennessy Center, the main athletic facility on campus.  In 1996, Hertel Hall, a 290-bed student residence opened, along with the Granito Center, a student center and dining hall. Four years later, the second floor of the Granito Center was completed, containing the Badami Board Room, the Health Center, and the College Bookstore.  In 2005, the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education was completed to offer updated classrooms, laboratories, and a lecture hall.   Guzman Hall, a 200-bed student residence, was constructed and opened in 2007.  Most recently, in 2017, the Hennessy Center expansion was completed, with a new gymnasium and fitness center.

 

 

June 12, 2019

Dominican College Celebrates 25 Years of Campus Development

Dominican College celebrated 25 years of campus development at the 47th Annual Grand Reception on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at The View in Piermont, NY.

During the Grand Reception, special recognition was given to a number of individuals who have been instrumental in the College’s growth including:  Ross Pepe, Jack Holt, Pat Diccianni, Nick Badami (posthumously), Jim Granito,  Pat Aguanno,  Joe Corless,  Jim Hennessy, Pat Miele,  Karim Abood, Jon Prusmack (posthumously), and Patti Prusmack.

“Each of these individuals played a key role in the development of the campus and the construction of new buildings. We are grateful for their wisdom, hard work, and generosity in helping us to develop the campus over the past quarter century,” said Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., College President.

At the event, it was announced that a brass plaque giving special recognition to the individuals was affixed to a large rock in front of the Hennessy Center.

Dominican College has undergone tremendous growth since 1994 when the College opened the Hennessy Center, the main athletic facility on campus.  In 1996, Hertel Hall, a 290-bed student residence opened, along with the Granito Center, a student center and dining hall. Four years later, the second floor of the Granito Center was completed, containing the Badami Board Room, the Health Center, and the College Bookstore.  In 2005, the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education was completed to offer updated classrooms, laboratories, and a lecture hall.   Guzman Hall, a 200-bed student residence, was constructed and opened in 2007.  Most recently, in 2017, the Hennessy Center expansion was completed, with a new gymnasium and fitness center.

 

 

June 12, 2019

Cardinal Dolan Delivers Commencement Address

Timothy Cardinal Dolan delivered the Commencement Address at Dominican College’s Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 19, 2019.

There was a heightened excitement and anticipation leading up to Dominican College’s 65th Commencement Exercises because His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, was delivering the Commencement Address.  The charismatic Cardinal Dolan received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities, during the ceremony on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY. “What an honor, what a joy, to receive this degree,” he said.

The honor was bestowed upon Cardinal Dolan in recognition of a life dedicated to service of the poor, education of the mind, and care of the soul.

After receiving the honorary degree, Cardinal Dolan addressed the Class of 2019.  “I sense a special bond with all of you, because I, too,  relish the education I received from Dominicans – in my case, four years of theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.”

He added, “The intellectual wattage of the daughters and sons of St. Dominic is a most radiant jewel in the crown of Mother Church and western civilization.”

Cardinal Dolan told the graduates that although Commencement speakers typically give words of wisdom and impart wise counsel, he was inspired by them.  He called the graduates his “professors” and said they taught him five important lessons.

The first lesson he said he learned was the importance of education. “You chose school. You chose learning.  You chose education.  You chose college and I thank you for that.  God’s most profound natural gift to us is our mind,” he said.

Cardinal Dolan said it was also clear that the graduates cherish community and that they appreciate tradition.  In addition, he said they reminded him that life has purpose and meaning.  Finally, said Cardinal Dolan, “You are letting us know in a very jubilant way that all we get is intended to be given away.  I watch you in admiration, chafing to get going, to put your learning to good use, to move on, to get to work.”

A total of 573 students graduated – 105 with doctoral degrees, 64 with master’s degrees, 402 with bachelor’s degrees and two with associate degrees.

President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D. told the graduates to receive their diplomas with a sense of pride in their accomplishment.  “Be proud of your Alma Mater, as we are of you.  Remember, once a Charger, always a Charger!  Dominican College will ultimately measure its effectiveness, not by the degrees of its faculty or the size of its campus, although we treasure both, but rather by the competence and compassion, the vision and generosity of its over 15,000 graduates.  How greatly the world needs your joyful and hope-filled lives,” she said.

In addition to Cardinal Dolan, several other individuals were honored during the Commencement Exercises.

  • John E. Sorrentino, retired Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pfizer in Pearl River, NY, received an honorary degree, Doctor of Science, in recognition of his outstanding work in the development of life-enhancing vaccines. He also led Pfizer’s corporate citizenship efforts and was helpful in upgrading the College’s biology and chemistry laboratories in Forkel Hall.
  • Ronald Israelski, a hand/micro vascular surgeon, is currently Director of Medical Education at Orange Regional Medical Center and received the Veritas Medal. Dr. Israelski has done extensive relief and charity work in Haiti, working tirelessly to improve medical delivery to the people of Port-au-Prince. He has also improved medical services to the uninsured in Sullivan County and New York City.
  • Abdul Sulaiman Jr, ’09, received the Badami Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. In 2013, Abdul founded a company called Project Pawn to mentor children through the game of chess.

    May 24, 2019

    Senior Class Gift Unveiled

    Members of the Senior Gift Committee unveiled the 2019 Senior Class Gift, a new entrance sign to the College, on the eve of their Commencement.

    A beautiful new sign at the campus entrance was unveiled on Saturday, May 18, 2019.  The sign, which features the College logo in raised letters on a bright red background, was a gift from the Class of 2019.

    The Senior Class Gift has become an annual tradition at Dominican College and is a way for graduating seniors to show their appreciation to the College. “Each senior class leaves a legacy at the College,” said Sal Pennino, Sr. Advancement Officer, who advised the student members of the Senior Gift Committee. “The students also learn about giving back to the College, which is important because the College relies upon the generosity and involvement of its alumni.”

    Past senior gifts include the Charlie the Charger statue, the Hennessy Center flag pole, the Alumni Book of Remembrance, the Student Life Wall Mural in the Granito Center, and the Flame Art Sculpture.

    The members of the 2019 Senior Gift Committee were Autumn Rogers-Vazquez, Bryanna Pimienta, Byany Vasquez, Christine Ditzel, Cliona Smith, Courtney Sakosits, Jovana Jones, Julissa Jones, Kelvin Rosario, and Stephanie Denis.

     

    May 19, 2019

    Students Present Research During Psychology Conference

    Psychology students and professors pictured above participated in the Hudson Valley Undergraduate Psychology Conference .

    Students in the Senior Seminar in Psychology class presented their Senior Research Projects during the Hudson Valley Undergraduate Psychology Conference on May 3, 2019, in the Prusmack Center.

    Coordinator of Psychology Dr. Kelly Johnson said the students each gave a 15-minute “paper talk” or presentation.  “Public presentations like this help students hone their presentation skills, as well as increase interest in a potentially new topic with people in and outside of Psychology.  Sharing findings in this way is how we develop the field of Psychology,” she said.

    Dr. Johnson said the professors primarily evaluated the students on the following: how well the reviewed literature supports their hypothesis; the soundness of the research design; the clarity and accuracy of the results; and the quality of the conclusions. The students were also judged on the quality of their presentation style.

    May 5, 2019

    College Hosts Regional History Conference

    Dr. Michael Decker, Executive Director of Phi Alpha Theta, (left) with History Professor Christoper Libertini, at the Phi Alpha Theta New York-New Jersey Regional Undergraduate History Conference.

    Dominican College hosted the Phi Alpha Theta New York-New Jersey Regional Undergraduate History Conference on Saturday, April 27, 2019 in the Prusmack Center.  Phi Alpha Theta is a national history honor society.

    The conference attracted students from eight area colleges and universities to present their papers.  In addition to the three Dominican College presenters, there was also participation of students from  Adelphi University, Georgian Court University, Marist College, Mercy College, SUNY-Albany, SUNY-New Paltz, SUNY-Plattsburgh, and West Point.

    “An event like this is a great reminder that the liberal arts–and history in particular–are still very popular among students.  It was truly gratifying to see so many students overflowing with passion to share their historical research and to listen to the research of other undergraduates,” said History Professor Christopher Libertini. “Dominican College proved to be an ideal venue to host such an event with its central location to so many area colleges and universities and its proximity to some of New York’s important historical sites dating back to colonial times.”

    Students at the conference heard from keynote speaker Dr. Michael Decker, Executive Director of Phi Alpha Theta.  Preceding the conference, there was a free walking tour of Old Tappan.

    April 29, 2019

    Dominican College Launches Effort to Become a Tobacco-Free Campus

    Students Gianluca Barecchia and Ashley Sainvil recently attended a Truth Initiative Conference in Crystal City, VA.

    Dominican College has joined a national movement to address smoking and tobacco use at college campuses. The College will receive funds and technical support from Truth Initiative®, the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to making tobacco use a thing of the past.

    “Dominican College is committed to making our environment safer, healthier, and more productive,” said Director of Student Health and Project Leader Lynda Chesterman. “Students, faculty, staff, and administrators will be asked to support the adoption of a 100 percent tobacco-free or smoke-free policy.”

    Co-leader Jenna Tacinelli Hach, Clinical Education Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, added, “Tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death in this country.  In addition, secondhand smoke exposure causes cancer and cardiopulmonary diseases.”

    Dominican College has formed a Taskforce for a Tobacco-Free Campus to assess tobacco use, identify a treatment plan for current smokers, and draft a smoke-free or tobacco-free policy. Two students on the task force will develop and lead educational efforts among students. The policy ultimately must be approved by the President’s cabinet before being enacted.

    “With 99 percent of smokers starting before age 26, college campuses are critical platforms for preventing young adults from starting tobacco use, aiding those current tobacco users in quitting, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke for all,” said Robin Koval, CEO and president of Truth Initiative. “We are looking forward to supporting Dominican College’s efforts to make smoking and tobacco use a thing of the past.”

    Background:

    A 100 percent tobacco-free policy prohibits the use of any tobacco product, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, small cigars, pipes, hookah, smokeless tobacco (otherwise known as dip, chew, snuff, spit and snus) and other smokeless products. It can also include electronic cigarettes. A comprehensive tobacco-free policy could also address tobacco sales, marketing, sponsorship, and investments at colleges. A 100 percent smoke-free policy is one that prohibits the use of smoke-producing tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, small cigars, pipes and hookah, as well as e-cigarettes.  Both policies apply to anyone on campus and on any campus property. For more information on model campus policies, visit the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation.

    April 17, 2019

    Dominican College Launches Effort to Become a Tobacco-Free Campus

    Students Gianluca Barecchia and Ashley Sainvil recently attended a Truth Initiative Conference in Crystal City, VA.

    Dominican College has joined a national movement to address smoking and tobacco use at college campuses. The College will receive funds and technical support from Truth Initiative®, the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to making tobacco use a thing of the past.

    “Dominican College is committed to making our environment safer, healthier, and more productive,” said Director of Student Health and Project Leader Lynda Chesterman. “Students, faculty, staff, and administrators will be asked to support the adoption of a 100 percent tobacco-free or smoke-free policy.”

    Co-leader Jenna Tacinelli Hach, Clinical Education Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, added, “Tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death in this country.  In addition, secondhand smoke exposure causes cancer and cardiopulmonary diseases.”

    Dominican College has formed a Taskforce for a Tobacco-Free Campus to assess tobacco use, identify a treatment plan for current smokers, and draft a smoke-free or tobacco-free policy. Two students on the task force will develop and lead educational efforts among students. The policy ultimately must be approved by the President’s cabinet before being enacted.

    “With 99 percent of smokers starting before age 26, college campuses are critical platforms for preventing young adults from starting tobacco use, aiding those current tobacco users in quitting, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke for all,” said Robin Koval, CEO and president of Truth Initiative. “We are looking forward to supporting Dominican College’s efforts to make smoking and tobacco use a thing of the past.”

    Background:

    A 100 percent tobacco-free policy prohibits the use of any tobacco product, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, small cigars, pipes, hookah, smokeless tobacco (otherwise known as dip, chew, snuff, spit and snus) and other smokeless products. It can also include electronic cigarettes. A comprehensive tobacco-free policy could also address tobacco sales, marketing, sponsorship, and investments at colleges. A 100 percent smoke-free policy is one that prohibits the use of smoke-producing tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, small cigars, pipes and hookah, as well as e-cigarettes.  Both policies apply to anyone on campus and on any campus property. For more information on model campus policies, visit the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation.

    April 17, 2019

    Adjunct Instructor Receives NYS Assembly Women of Distinction Award

    NYS Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (left) presented Hilda Kogut with a 2019 Women of Distinction Award on April 8, 2019 in Albany, NY.

    Hilda Kogut, a Dominican College adjunct instructor in criminal justice, was honored with the 2019 New York State Assembly Women of Distinction Award on April 8, 2019.   The award honors women who are making a difference in New York State, their communities, and in the lives of others.  Kogut was one of 10 Women of Distinction to be honored this year by New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee.

    Assemblywoman Jaffee said, “It is my distinct pleasure to recognize these 10 remarkable Rockland County women.  The 2019 Women of Distinction Awards are an important opportunity to pay tribute to these women whose strength, vision, hard work, and compassion are lifting up others, strengthening our communities, our economy, and improving our quality of life.”

    Kogut is a former FBI Agent with 25 years of experience in law enforcement, who loves teaching criminal justice classes at Dominican College.  As Chair of Citizens United to Protect our Neighborhoods (CUPON) in Chestnut Ridge, she has fought against illegal housing and overdevelopment,  and advocated for proper land use and zoning laws.

    The 2019 Women of Distinction were recognized in the Assembly Chambers at the New York State Capitol.

    April 11, 2019

    Criminal Justice Graduates Inducted into the Alumni Hall of Achievement

    The new inductees into the Alumni Hall of Achievement are (left to right):  Michelle Soto, ’11, for Leadership; Jeremy Arcaro, ’09, for Excellence; and Katie McLaughlin,’16, for Service.

    The Dominican College Criminal Justice Program celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Sunday, April 7, 2019 with the induction of three criminal Justice graduates into the Alumni Hall of Achievement.  The new inductees are:  Jeremy Arcaro, ’09, for Excellence; Michelle Soto, ’11, for Leadership, and Katie McLaughlin,’16, for Service.  A photo of the three inductees will hang in the lobby of the Prusmack Center with the members of the Alumni Hall of Achievement.

    Jeremy Arcaro, ’09, for Excellence

    Jeremy Arcaro was a lacrosse star at Dominican College, playing all four years and scoring the 3rd highest career goals (83) in the program’s history – a record he still holds today.  He describes himself as a “troublesome” student at Dominican College, but credits the College with setting him on the right path.

    “Honestly, what this experience has done for me at Dominican College was not only make me a leader on the [lacrosse] field…but also in my current profession today,” he said.

    For the past three years, Arcaro has worked as a police officer in the New Windsor, NY Police Department.  He is an instructor at the Police Chief’s Association of Orange County Police Academy and a field-training officer for new police officers.  As a member of New Windsor’s Community Policing Unit, he created and delivered a number of anti-bullying presentations at elementary and middle schools.

    Arcaro has received three awards for saving a person’s life. The most recent incident took place on June 10, 2017 when he performed life-saving CPR and first aid on a person who was unresponsive and not breathing.

    In addition to his police duties, Arcaro is the owner/operator of Laxology and owns the New York Reign Lacrosse Club.  Laxology runs lacrosse camps and hosts clinics for players in high school, as well as younger athletes.  The aim of the program is to boost a player’s lacrosse IQ and awareness in a friendly environment to allow the players to successfully compete at the highest levels of lacrosse.

    Michelle Soto, ‘11, for Leadership

    Michele Soto is a management consultant and has worked for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Homeland Security.  Since graduating from Dominican College, she received a Master of Arts in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University.

    Soto founded a nonprofit organization called Letters of Hope (letterofhope.org) which provides handwritten letters of encouragement to individuals experiencing hardships, including residents of homeless shelters, prisoners, and military families.  Soto says she has received wonderful feedback from the recipients of the letters.

    The importance of giving to the community was a lesson Soto learned as a student at Dominican College.   “When I first visited Dominican College, it was like a hidden gem.  I knew as soon as I visited the College that I had to be part of this community that was so loving,” she said.

    Soto was fully involved in campus life at Dominican College.  She was president of the Criminal Justice Club, president of the Debate Team, and president of the senior class.  She also volunteered to go on Alternative Spring Break trips to the Dominican Republican and to Gulfport, MS to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

    Soto said Dominican College will always remain dear to her heart.  She treasures her Dominican College education and says the criminal justice degree she received launched her career because she was able to secure a position as a background investigator as soon as she graduated.

    Katie McLaughlin, ’16, for Service     

    Katie McLaughlin is an enthusiastic ambassador for Dominican College, speaking at admissions events to prospective students about the opportunities she has had since graduation.  She often discusses the confidence she gained as a student, which allowed her to thrive in law school and her career.

    “Dominican College definitely gave me the courage and the strength to get through law school, the academic ability to make it and really push through all the hard parts – especially the bar,” she said.

    McLaughlin transferred to Dominican College and found the sense of community that had been missing at her previous school.  She co-chaired the Relay for Life event, was a member of the Criminal Justice Club, and a member of four honor societies – Alpha Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, Alpha Phi Sigma, and Psi Chi.   In addition, she served as an admissions student ambassador.

    After graduation, McLaughlin attended Pace University Law School on a full scholarship.  At Pace, she was a senior associate with the Pace Law Review, a Pace Criminal Justice Society member and a member of the Women’s Association of Law Students.  McLaughlin received her Juris Doctor in May 2018.  She clerked for Essex County, NJ Judge James W. Donohue, after interning with the US Attorney’s Office, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and the Hillsdale Police Department.  She recently started her dream job of working as a prosecutor.

    April 8, 2019