Dominican Sisters
Many Sisters have had a significant impact on Dominican University. When Dominican Junior College (now Dominican University New York) first opened, the President of the University was also the Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt.
Mother Geraldine Forkel
The Sister who was the leader of the Congregation and first president of Dominican University, Mother Geraldine was born in 1894. She petitioned NY State to establish Dominican Junior College for sisters and saw its expansion to a four year college for women in 1959. Forkel Hall is named for Mother Geraldine.
Sr. Natalie Casey
Born in 1916, Sr. Natalie Casey was an excellent teacher. She taught at several levels before teaching General Science at Dominican College. She served as President of the University from 1966 to 1978. Casey Hall, one of the main classroom buildings, is named for Sr. Natalie Casey.
Sr. Anne Hertel
Born in 1938, Sr. Anne Hertel was the Director of Student Development and Instructor of Social Sciences at Dominican University. After a term in leadership, she came back as the Director of Teacher Education and as an instructor in the Criminal Justice program. Hertel Hall, a residence hall, is named for Sr. Anne Hertel.
Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien
The longest serving President of Dominican College, then Dominican University, Sr. Mary Eileen served as President for 35 years. She oversaw significant growth in academic programs, facilities, and student diversity. The turf field, used by lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey, is named for Sr. Mary Eileen.
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan served in many roles at Dominican College, now University, during her 56-year tenure. Beginning as a French instructor, she also served as Director of Admissions, Academic Dean, President, and Chancellor of External Affairs. The library is named for Sr. Kathleen Sullivan.
Mother Mary Ann Sammon
The Founder of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, Mother Mary Ann arrived in 1878 to found an orphanage.
Dominican Saints
St. Dominic de Guzman
St. Dominic was the founder of the Dominicans in 1216, or more formally known as the Order of Preachers. Guzman Hall, a residence hall, is named for St. Dominic.
St. Martin de Porres
St. Martin was the child of a Spanish nobleman and a freed slave in sixteenth century Peru. He was a lay Dominican brother who served as a medic for the poor and is the patron of race relations and public health workers. De Porres Hall is named for him.
St. Catherine of Siena
Living in in fifteenth-century Italy, St. Catherine was a lay Dominican who at a young age joined the mantellata, a group of widows who cared for the sick during the Black Plague. St. Catherine wrote letters to many religious and political leaders encouraging peace. She is the patron saint of Rome, Europe, and nurses. She is one of four women Doctors of the Church. Siena House is named for her.
St. Albert the Great
Born in 1200 in Southern Germany, St. Albert entered the Dominicans in 1223. He was a true scholar, studying philosophy and writing thirty-eight volumes on topics such as logic, botany, astronomy, geography, zoology, physiology, justice, and law. He was a teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas and is the patron saint of scientists, philosophers, students, and educators.
St. Thomas Aquinas
A Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas is most known for his philosophical and theological works. The Summa Theologiae is his last and most well known work. He is the patron saint of Catholic colleges and universities, educators, philosophers, theologians, and students.
Blessed Fra Angelico
Known for his series of frescoes in San Marco in Florence, Italy, Fra Angelico was commissioned by Popes Eugene IV and Nicholas V. His style pioneered the early Renaissance art trends. Angelico is the patron of Catholic artists.
Friends of DUNY, Religious Leaders, and Others
Cardinal Terrence Cooke
Cardinal Cooke served as the Archbishop of New York from 1968-1983. He served as director of Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Chancellor of the Archdiocese, and at St. Joseph’s Seminary. As Cardinal, he founded organizations to help pregnant women, LGBTQ Catholics, inner-city Catholic schools, and affordable housing. He had a special care for the sick and dying, minority communities, prison ministry, and ministry for those with disabilities. Cooke Hall is named for the Cardinal.
A. Jon and Patti Prusmack
Jon Prusmack was the founder and CEO of United World Sports, devoted to expanding rugby. He also founded DSH Systems in Orangeburg, NY. His wife, Patti, worked alongside him. The Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education is named in their honor.
James E. and Barbara Hennessy
Jim Hennessy served on the Dominican College Board of Trustees and was chair for several years. He and his wife of 66 years, Barbara, had two children. James Hennessy was the co-founder of the Palisades Institute and served on several boards after retirement as a Naval officer and as a businessman with the New York Telephone Company. The Hennesy Center is named for his family.
Ted Doering
A generous benefactor, Ted Doering is honored through the Doering Quad and the Doering Charger Center (the back gym), both named for him. He is also known for his motorcycle museum and film studio space in Newburgh, NY.
Rosary Hall
Originally named Our Lady of the Rosary Novitiate and House of Studies, Rosary Hall was built for women training to become Sisters. It now serves as a residence hall and also houses the Sullivan Library, the Chapel, the Huston Room, and the Admissions Offices.
Veritas
Veritas, the Latin word for truth, is the central value of Dominicans. Veritas House is named for this core aspect of the Dominican identity.
Jim Granito
An advocate for a safe environment and the operating partner of Con Agg Recycling Corp., Jim Granito was also on the Board of Trustees of Dominican University. The Granito Center is named in his family’s honor.