High School Students Participate in Summer Science Program

Students in the RISE program are shown here removing invasive plants that are suffocating native and ornamental species.

Dominican College hosted a three-week summer research experience for high school students in July.  The free program is called RISE (Research Immersion in Science and Ecology) and was generously funded by Orange and Rockland Utilities.

Biology Professor Regina Alvarez said the 15 high school participants in the program were mature, intelligent, and highly motivated to learn.  “Our aim was to expose the students to different STEM and environmental science fields and to nurture and promote their interest in science,” she said.

During the first week of the RISE program, students were introduced to a range of STEM fields and careers through various workshops. Students then worked with undergraduate mentors and a scientist, to complete a project during the second week.  The projects focused on the Sparkill Creek and included chemical descriptions, microbiological and viral genomics, and botanical and ecological surveys. The program concluded with students learning how to analyze data and prepare a poster presentation.  On July 26, 2019 the students presented their work at Dominican College to their families, friends, and teachers.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

College Hosts Multigenerational Workforce Forum

Nicole Leon of Con Edison (left) and Maureen Mack of Mercer Consulting Services were panelists at the Multigenerational Workplace Forum

Local business leaders learned about Harnessing the Power of a Multigenerational Workforce at a Palisades Institute Forum held on January 17, 2019 in the Lawrence Room of Rosary Hall.

The panelists discussed how employees from different generations have different expectations and priorities. Panelist Maureen Mack, a Partner with Mercer Consulting Services, said she hoped those attending the forum walked away with a better understanding of workers in different generations.  “There’s no right or wrong way to approach anything,” she said. “We all bring our own perspective and can work together.”

Panelist Nicole Leon, Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Con-Edison, Inc. said businesses need to tap into workers’ talents and strengths and help them develop their weaker skills.  “We have regular training programs that help people with presentation skills, communications skills, leadership, managing, and time management,” she said.  “At the same time, I think it’s imperative that businesses not only work internally with their employees, but also mentor.”

The panelists stressed that there are many different work cultures and employees should be open to new ideas and improving the way things are done.

Annual Healthcare Symposium Focuses on Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment

Former trustee and cancer survivor Jon Prusmack, Dr. David S. Siegel, Chief of the Division of Multiple Meloma, Hackensack University Medical Center and Dr. Joel W. Beetsch,  Vice President, Global Patient Advocacy, Corporate Affairs, Celgene Corporation (shown left to right) were speakers at the 6th Annual Healthcare Symposium at Dominican College.

The 6th Annual Healthcare Symposium focused on CAR T-Cell Therapy – a groundbreaking new cancer treatment that has had promising results in clinical trials.  Former College Trustee and cancer survivor Jon Prusmack is one of just 20 people nationwide to take part in a clinical trial using CAR T-Cell Therapy to treat multiple myeloma.  One year later, Prusmack is cancer-free.

Prusmack opened the health symposium by telling his success story.  He started the clinical trial after his cancer mutated and chemotherapy, which he had been on for 15 years, was no longer effective.  “The end result is no chemotherapy.  You live a normal life.  Does it work forever? Nobody knows.  It’s still in clinical trials.  But for the one year, that I’ve been on it, it’s been terrific: live a normal life; work hard; no chemo; energy.  I just feel terrific,” he said.

The speakers at the October 5, 2018 event were Prusmack’s physician, Dr. David S. Siegel, Chief of the Division of Multiple Myeloma, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Dr. Joel W. Beetsch, Vice President, Global Patient Advocacy, Corporate Affairs, Celgene Corporation.  Celgene has worked on developing this new therapy.

Dr. Siegel said CAR T-cell Therapy is an enormous step forward for all oncology.  So far, the therapy has been tested only on blood cancers, however, clinical trials are beginning for treating solid tumors.  The therapy involves removing T-cells from the body and modifying the cells in a lab to be able to identify cancer cells. The modified T- cells are grown and expanded and then injected back into the patient.  The CAR T-cells bind to cancer cells and kill them.

The Health Symposium was held in the Fury Lecture Hall in the science center bearing Prusmack’s name.

OT Students’ Invention Moves Ahead in Statewide Competition

Recent graduate Amanda Fortuna is shown here building a prototype of a battery-powered reacher. The invention was selected as a semi-finalist in a statewide competition.

An invention of Dominican College Occupational Therapy (OT) students has been chosen as one of 25 projects to move ahead in a New York State Department of Health (DOH) competition.   The DOH Aging Innovation Challenge encourages New York students to develop innovations to assist aging New Yorkers and their caregivers in completing activities of daily living.

Recent OT graduate Amanda Fortuna took the lead in submitting the idea for a battery-powered reacher, which was conceived with some of her classmates during an Advanced Practice OT course.  “Typically in field work or clinical scenarios that we’ve been in, we’ve seen that people are given reachers, but they don’t have the grip strength to maintain a grasp to pick up an item,” she said.

In order to become a semi-finalist, Fortuna had to submit a written proposal. For the next phase of the competition, Fortuna and former classmate Samantha Kromer are developing a prototype.  They must submit a video demonstrating the use of the battery-powered reacher for bathing, dressing, and meal preparation by November 1.  Five finalists will be awarded $5,000 and the developers of the top innovation will be awarded $25,000.

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.

 

Live Stream: Commencement 2019

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