First Post-Prison Program Students Graduate at Spring Commencement

From behind bars to Bachelor Degrees, three St. Francis College students are now the first to graduate from the St. Francis Post-Prison program after walking on stage May 17 at the College's 2018 Spring Commencement Ceremony held at the Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island. (Watch the News 12 Story)

The first group of students came to St. Francis College through Hudson Link, an organization that provides college courses to prison inmates. The Post-Prison Program was established to continue the education of the formally incarcerated who did well in their classes but were unable to complete a degree program.

The three graduates; Felix Colon, Johnny Perez, and Arielle Pierre, started at St. Francis in the fall of 2014. Each of them have now earned an undergraduate degree while dealing with the challenges of post-prison re-entry.

"Our students have received so much support from the St. Francis community, including faculty, staff, and administrators – as well as our students," said Sociology & Criminal Justice Professor Emily Horowitz, who founded the program. "We are so proud of our graduates, and we hope that the Post-Prison Program at St. Francis continues to thrive. There will certainly be many more graduates to come!"

There are now 11 students in the program.

St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz has participated in outreach efforts to incarcerated persons in the past by teaching courses in Philosophy and Poetry to prison populations and is now working with Professor Horowitz to extend the College's reach to offer courses in local prisons.

About The Post-Prison Graduates:

Felix Colon '18 is a Criminal Justice major who loved being a student at SFC. In addition to attending a great number of lectures and events at St. Francis, he also learned to swim. A highlight of his SFC career was meeting civil rights legend Bernard Lafayette. Felix participated in a non-violence program developed by Lafayette while he was incarcerated, and loved having the opportunity to hear him speak as a full-time college student successfully overcoming the stigma of almost 2 decades in prison and the challenges of re-entry. Felix plans to continue his education, either in Law School or pursuing a graduate degree.

Johnny Perez '18 is the Director of U.S. Prisons Program for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, a membership organization committed to ending U.S. sponsored torture, and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, including solitary confinement. Of his 13 years in prison, three were spent in solitary confinement. A Criminal Justice major, Johnny served as a Safe Reentry Advocate for the Urban Justice Center's Mental Health Project. He has worked as a member of pro-social groups the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (CAIC), and the New York Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Johnny has testified at the United Nations and been interviewed by numerous news organizations around the world. Recently featured in an ad campaign that ran in the New York subway system, Johnny commented, "I remember when I was younger, I was homeless after running away from home and slept on the A train for two weeks. Today I'm still on the train, but in a different way and for a reason I never could have imagined." (Learn more about Johnny at justiceismypassion.com)

Arielle Pierre '18 is a Sociology major with a concentration in Social Work. Arielle struggled growing up after her mother was sent to prison. Like many children with a parent in prison, she eventually wound up behind bars herself. After prison, Arielle decided to change her life and entered St. Francis. She hopes to pursue a degree in social work. Arielle's mother also earned multiple degrees after completing prison, and is currently finishing her dissertation on the effects of intergeneration incarceration.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

WNBC's David Ushery Highlights St. Francis College #GradontheWater at Coney Island

Imploring the graduates to 'Stand up and yell," WNBC 4 New York Anchor and Reporter David Ushery commended the Class of 2018 for overcoming obstacles and doing the work necessary to reach Spring Commencement on May 17 at the Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island.

(Watch David Ushery's Address)

"If you fall, we can help pick you up. If you make a mistake, we can help you learn from it and fix it. If one door closes on you, we can help you find another door," said Ushery. "But if you give up, if you become disillusioned, we've all lost. But I know you won't. I know St. Francis. You got this. You made it this far. You are Brooklyn Strong."

Ushery, a long-time friend of the College, made sure to visit with students last month, attending science and communication arts classes to meet with students and faculty and get to know more about the community.

Before Mr. Ushery took the stage, St. Francis President Miguel Martinez-Saenz challenged the graduates to demand the impossible. He encouraged them to, "believe in yourselves. Stay true to yourselves. Authentically live your lives. Don't let the world dictate what lives it thinks you want to lead." He asked them to think hard about their dreams and goals, cautioning them with his final words.

"I ask you to watch your thoughts because they become your words. Watch your words because they become your actions. Watch your actions because they will become your character. Watch your character because it will become your destiny."

(Watch President Martinez-Saenz' Remarks)

The valedictorian for the Class of 2018 was Valerie Kaufmann '18, a Communication Arts major with a double minor in Fine Arts and French. In addition to perfect grades, Kaufmann also interned at the Smithsonian Institution, Homes for Homeless, Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness, New York State United Teachers, and in the Office of United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

(Watch Valedictorian Valerie Kaufmann)

"Our generation needs to take a front seat in shaping the future. That's what our success is going to look like; not the money you make, not the fame you achieve but the communities that you help to build," said Kaufmann who also volunteers at multiple organizations around the city. "We can be proud of the community we've helped to build at St. Francis. Now it's time to pay it forward and take that engagement out into the world."

Kaufmann also reminded students that they may not make a huge impact all at once; that "incremental progress is still progress" and "not every gesture is going to be grand." In addition, she thanked professors Eric Platt (History), Scott Weiss (Communication Arts) and Jennifer Wingate (Fine Arts) for their support, mentorship, and commitment to her success while at St. Francis.

Other students involved in commencement were Psychology major Gwendolyn Bianca Etienne '18 who sang the Star Spangled Banner, and two other students with perfect 4.0 GPAs; Alexis Vazquez '18 (Psychology) and Annais Commiskey '18 (Mathematics).

On Wednesday, the College hosted a Baccalaureate Mass at St. James Cathedral Basilica with Celebrant The Most Reverend James Massa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Portions of the ceremony are available on the St. Francis website (http://www.sfc.edu). The entire ceremony will be posted Monday, May 21.

(See all the photos on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/gp/sfcny/9e64UV)

Among the other students graduating are:

Melissa Jagharry '18 graduates with Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting. She is a member of the Accounting Honors Society, is on the Deans Lists, and received the Academic Excellence Award in Accounting – BS/MS Degree. Melissa says that weekly meetings of the Accounting Society were high points where her fellow students could give and receive support as they faced a challenging and rigorous curriculum. She credits Accounting Professor Louis D'Elia with having the biggest influence on her while at St. Francis. "There were many challenges, doubts, and failures; but twice as many rewards, successful moments, and happiness over these five years. Now my greatest accomplishment thus far is to hold my degree and be thankful for every one of those highs and lows." After graduation, Melissa will next take her CPA exam and begin working at mid-sized firm Mazars USA LLP.

Hannah Berger '18 is a Nursing major who had one externship at NYU-Langone Health in cardiothoracic surgery and another at Staten Island Hospital. As President of the Nursing Club, she led community service events like raising money for the March of Dimes at the March for Babies and preparing food to serve at St. Joseph's Soup Kitchen in Greenwich Village. She received the Nursing Leadership Award and is a member of the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society. She thanks all her Nursing professors and support staff for leading her to success at St. Francis. Hannah will be taking the NCLEX exam this summer to become a registered nurse.

Johnny Perez '18 is the Director of U.S. Prisons Program for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, a membership organization committed to ending U.S. sponsored torture, and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, including solitary confinement. A Criminal Justice major, Johnny served as a Safe Reentry Advocate for the Urban Justice Center's Mental Health Project. He has worked tirelessly to change the status quo of unjust policies and practices as a member of pro-social groups the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (CAIC), and the New York Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He is also a member of the NYC Bar Association's Correction and Reentry Committee and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Law Center. Johnny has testified at the United Nations and been interviewed by numerous news organizations around the world. Recently featured in an ad campaign that ran in the New York subway system, Johnny commented, "I remember when I was younger, I was homeless after running away from home and slept on the A train for two weeks. Today I'm still on the train, but in a different way and for a reason I never could have imagined." (Learn more about Johnny at justiceismypassion.com)

Monica Murray '18 graduates from the five-year combined Bachelor's and Master's degree program in Psychology. She transferred to St. Francis College to take advantage of small classes and devoted faculty. "I attribute much of my success to the psych department. I think I really benefited from the small class size and the motivation faculty helped to instill in me," said Murray, who will be attending Hofstra University working towards a PsyD in School-Community Psychology. She will also be working for the autism clinic based at Hofstra. Monica won the Uwe P. Gielen, Ph.D. Award for Excellence in Psychology and was part of a group of students who took first place for best poster at the 25th Annual Pace University Psychology Conference.

Marcus Da Silva '18 - Marcus came to St. Francis College from Brazil to study Economics with a concentration in Finance. He used his skills as a swimmer to earn a scholarship that afforded him the opportunity. He served as Captain of the Men's Swimming & Diving team and holds several College records at various distances. Marcus interned last summer at JP Morgan Chase and will begin working there full time upon graduation.

Laura Dimante '18 is a Political Science major with a minor in history. An international student from Latvia she transferred to St. Francis to play Tennis for an NCAA Division I team and take advantage of the opportunities New York City offers. She played first singles for the team this year, helping them to one of their best records in College history. Laura made the Deans List and was part of the Model UN Club. She will next go to graduate school to study International Relations: International Security at the University of Groningen in Netherlands.

About David Ushery

Emmy award-winner David Ushery is the co-anchor for NBC 4 New York's 11:00am and 5:00pm weekday newscasts. An integral member of the NBC 4 New York news team, Ushery has covered many of the largest and most visible breaking news stories across the Tri-State region - and around the world including Hurricane Sandy, the Newtown Connecticut elementary school shootings; the emergency landing of US Air Flight 1549 in the Hudson River and the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.

Ushery co-anchored the weekend editions of "News 4 New York" at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and was host of the Emmy-nominated "The Debrief with David Ushery."

Ushery joined NBC 4 New York from WABC-TV, where, during his 10-year tenure, he rose from general assignment reporter to full-time anchor of the early morning and noon broadcasts and was the primary fill-in anchor for the evening newscasts. Well respected for his work as a reporter, Ushery provided extensive, in-depth reporting of the shooting death of Amadou Diallo and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Known for his passion for volunteerism and tireless service to the local community, Ushery is a much sought after emcee and keynote speaker for area schools and nonprofit events. He has been repeatedly recognized for his commitment to NBC 4 New York's viewing audience and has been honored with multiple awards.

The Network Journal and Black Professionals Business Magazine named Ushery one of its "40 Under-Forty" for his journalistic accomplishments. The Israeli Consulate in New York City honored him for his comprehensive, fair and balanced reporting on issues that affect all New Yorkers.

Ushery, a Harry S Truman Scholar, is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. In June, 2014 Ushery received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. John's University in New York. He is married and has a son.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

Led Binghamton To Program-Record 20 Wins in 2017-18, WBI Tournament Berth

Brooklyn Heights, NY - - -A new era in St. Francis Brooklyn women's basketball history begins today on Remsen Street!

Linda Cimino was named the 13^th head women's basketball coach in Terrier history by Director of Athletics Irma Garcia.

A formal press-conference will be held in the Callahan Center at the College on Monday, May 21 at 12pm.

A familiar face to the Tri-State Area, Linda Cimino brings passion, pride and commitment with her as she enters the gold doors on Remsen Street.

"We could not have asked for a better individual to lead our Women's Basketball Program," stated St. Francis College Director of Athletics, Irma Garcia. "Linda embodies so many of the values we pride ourselves in here at St. Francis College. We are excited to see her continue the high standard of excellence Coach Thurston and his staff brought to our Women's Basketball program. Her commitment to encourage female athletes to succeed on the court and in the classroom, as well as her mentoring of each player to become well-rounded members of their communities are what we most look forward to as she joins our Terrier community. Linda's success on the court will continue to be evident through her deeply rooted understanding of our Franciscan Mission of hospitality and fulfilling one's life purpose. We are excited to have her join our St. Francis College Family and cannot wait for this next chapter of Terrier Women's Basketball."

Cimino's positive energy and relentless work ethic changed the culture at Binghamton University (America East) over the past four years, both on and off the court. Known for her passion and enthusiasm, Cimino, who will replace the retired John Thurston, considers player development, strong recruiting and building relationships key ingredients in constructing a winner. Her leadership style re-ignited a sense of energy and pride at Binghamton.

Linda Cimino is excited to return to a familiar area with familiar faces. "I am thrilled to come back to the NYC metro area, a place where I have spent most of my career and to work under the leadership of Irma Garcia, a person who has been a mentor to me. I fully embrace the Franciscan mission of St. Francis College as I am deeply connected to my faith and look forward to developing strong, well-rounded leaders who will serve from their hearts. I'm eager to bring my personality and style of play to Brooklyn and continue to build upon the success of this program."

"Having someone of Linda's caliber as a proven competitor on the court join our family is an incredible advantage for the Women's Basketball Program and entire St. Francis College Community," said St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz. "Her experience as both a Head Coach and Administrator shows her commitment not only to the game of Women's Basketball, but to providing opportunities for students to succeed in life. St. Francis College continues to be a transformative environment for our students to learn from one another and lead as engaged members of society. We are excited to welcome Linda Cimino as our Head Women's Basketball Coach and are confident she will inspire all those around her to continue living and succeeding through our Franciscan mission."

In the last three seasons, the Bearcats have averaged 15+ wins and have played at or above .500 in conference play each year. This past season, the Bearcats received a bid to the Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI), marking the first time that program reached a national postseason tournament since Binghamton moved up to NCAA Division I prior to the 2001-02 season. Playing in their first-ever Division I national postseason game, Binghamton won 70-59 at Youngstown State in the opening round of the WBI. It was a historic win for the Bearcats in more ways than one. Binghamton finished with 20 wins for the first time since the 2000-01 season, the year before it moved up to the NCAA Division I level. Binghamton also boasted the America East Player of the Year Imani Watkins, who set the schools all-time scoring record.

In 2017-2018, Binghamton was included among the top 50 teams in several categories. As a team, Binghamton was ranked ninth in the nation with 5.9 blocks per game. It was also 24th in field goal percentage defense (.362), 34th in scoring defense (57.4 ppg.) and 47th in steals (9.9 spg.).

Peers have taken notice of Cimino as she was named the 2016 America East Coach of the Year. Binghamton was picked to finish last in the America East Conference in 2015-16 but under Cimino's guidance, it finished in a three-way tie for third place. The Bearcats won their most games (14) and most conference games (eight) since the 2010-11 season, putting Binghamton amongst the most improved teams in the NCAA. At the America East Tournament, Binghamton advanced to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2011.

Maureen Magarity, the current Head Coach at the University of New Hampshire knows Linda well. "Linda is one of the most energetic and passionate people I know. Her players shine under her leadership and it always impressed me how hard they play for her. I will miss her in the America East but I'm so happy for her return to a place she loves, NYC!"

As a coach who focuses on player development, Cimino takes great pride in working with her players to reach their full potential. Most notably, Kim Albrecht had two breakout seasons under Cimino's guidance, capping her career as a NCAA statistical champion in which she led the country in free throw percentage (91.4). This was the first statistical champion in Binghamton basketball history. In addition, Alyssa James earned the America East Defensive Player of the Year three times and set both the school and conference record in blocks.

Her first year with the Bearcats saw a program best two players named to the America East All-Rookie Team, including the America East Rookie of the Year.

The team's ability to shoot the ball significantly improved under her guidance as the team finished first in the America East in free throw percentage (.720) after finishing last the season prior to her arrival. The team also finished third in the conference in three-point field goal percentage after finishing sixth the previous season.

Cimino arrived at Binghamton after a successful eight-year run as the head coach at Caldwell University. Her strong ability to connect with and motivate her players played a significant role in her rebuilding the Cougar program. She is the program's all-time leader in wins with a 128-100 (.561) overall record. This includes a 90-52 (.633) mark in her final five years at the helm, averaging 18 wins a season after Caldwell went 39-71 in the four years prior to her tenure. In only her second year with Caldwell, her team was recognized as one of the most improved teams in the country.

In 2010-11, Cimino led the Cougars to their most successful season in the program's history. She guided the program to the most wins in their history (21), broke the mark for win percentage (.778), made the program's first appearance in the national rankings and won the Central Athletic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Regular Season Championship.

In addition to the 2010-11 championship, Caldwell shared the CACC title in 2012-13 while also going 15-4 in conference play and rattling off a school record 15 consecutive wins. In both 2012-13 and 2013-14, Caldwell advanced to the CACC Tournament championship game. Furthermore, Caldwell earned a bid to the ECAC Division II Tournament twice during her career.

Cimino was able to attract high caliber student-athletes to Caldwell that paid off for both her team and the student-athletes. She recruited and coached three CACC and two ECAC Rookie of the Year players, as well as two CACC Players of the Year and two Division II All-Americans.

Under Cimino's watch, Caldwell was just as successful in the classroom. Thirteen different players were selected to the CACC's All-Academic Team, and during the 2013-14 season, the overall team GPA was a 3.4.

Away from the court, Cimino has had an equally impactful career as an athletics administrator. In addition to her success as Caldwell's head coach, Cimino was the Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator all eight years. She oversaw facilities, game-day operations and scheduling for all Caldwell programs, in addition to serving as the sport administrator for all of the women's teams. Cimino was also heavily involved in Caldwell's Cougar Pride Booster Club, oversaw the Student Athlete Advisory Club (SAAC) and coordinated the athletic department's community outreach program. In 2011, she was selected to participate in the NCAA's Women and Minorities Mentor Program.

Among her committee work, she was recently appointed to the NCAA Women's Basketball Rules Committee. She has served on the NCAA Women's Basketball Regional Advisory Committee (East Region), in which she was also a NCAA site representative for two regional tournaments. She also served on the NCAA Division II USA Today Coaches Poll Committee and WBCA National Coach of the Year Award Committee. At Binghamton, Cimino was selected to take part in the pilot WBCA Mentoring Program.

Prior to arriving at Caldwell, Cimino was a health education teacher in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for five years. During that span she was as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Adelphi University after previously serving as the head girls' varsity basketball coach at Calhoun High School for three seasons. She began her college coaching career at the age of 22 as the head coach at Queensborough Community College, where she led the team to the CUNY championship game in 2002.

A member of Adelphi's basketball program from 1997 to 2000, Cimino still appears on the Panthers' all-time lists for free throw percentage and three-point field goal percentage. As a player, Cimino built a reputation for being a clutch performer. She also holds the program record for most three-pointers in a game.

A native of Lincoln, R.I., Cimino was All-State in both basketball and softball at North Smithfield High School. She graduated from Adelphi in 2001 with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education and her Master's degree in Health Education from Adelphi in 2004.

Cimino inherits a Terrier team that finished a program high 3^rd in the Northeast Conference standings. Second team All-Conference guard Jade Johnson enjoyed a breakout sophomore season and is expected to remain as one of the top players in the league over the next two years. In the classroom, the program has finished among the top four in the WBCA Division I Women's Basketball Academic Top 25 list for the past four seasons.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201

www.sfc.edu

Economist Dambisa Moyo Speaks at Thomas J. Volpe Lecture Series

As economic problems around the world mount, the solutions will be more and more difficult to implement, but best-selling economist Dambisa Moyo, offered up several provocative ideas to improve democracy and fix income equality in her speech at the Thomas J. Volpe Lecture Series on April 19, 2018.

(Watch a short interview with Dambisa Moyo)

To begin, Moyo laid out what she sees as the biggest problems with democracy and economics. She pointed to an ever-widening gap of income inequality, which is only made worse by a democratic process that she says bears no resemblance to the idea of "one man, one vote."

Moyo says we are living in a "flawed democracy" and that since only a fraction of eligible people vote, elected officials cater to a small group of people and as a result many of their priorities are short-sighted and have no regard for long-term consequences.

To curb this problem she proposes several ideas that she says will re-engage people with the democratic process. Among her ideas are to implement mandatory voting, as well as minimum standards for voting. She acknowledges that as a black woman from Africa she is sensitive to the idea that minimum standards may shock people who will relate it to Jim Crow laws and says that is not her intention.

Moyo also says she'd like to see weighted voting, where for example, a young person's vote would count more since they are the ones who have to live with the consequences longer.

On the government side, she suggests that lawmakers get paid based on their performance and could even have salaries clawed back if their policies don't live up to their promises. She also recommends minimum standards for people who run for office.

While many of her ideas may seem radical, Moyo says every one of them is now in use in some part of the world. She cautions that without re-imagining and innovating within the democratic process, inequalities will continue to grow and cripple the world economy.

Speaking directly to the St. Francis audience she said the role of colleges is to produce graduates who can work in teams, across cultures, and who speak multiple languages. She said today's students need to understand the broad picture to be able to develop complicated solutions.

The talk came just a few days before the release of her new book Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth—and How to Fix It.

A native New Yorker, Dr. Moyo has made both the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World and Oprah Winfrey's Power List. She is a pre-eminent thinker, who influences key decision-makers in strategic investment and public policy. Dr. Moyo is respected for her unique perspectives, her balance of contrarian thinking with measured judgment, and her ability to turn economic insight into investible ideas.

Dambisa has earned a strong reputation as a top-tier opinion former and trusted advisor on Macroeconomics, Geopolitics, Technology and Millennial themes. She is a Board member of Barclays Bank, Barrick Gold, and Chevron. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Oxford, a Masters from Harvard, and is recognized for fresh and innovative ideas as the Author of three New York Times Bestselling Books:

• Winner Take All: China's race for Resources and What it Means for the World (2012)
• How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead (2011)
• Dead Aid: Why Aid is Not Working and How There is a Better Way for Africa (2009)

The Thomas J. Volpe Lecture Series is funded through a generous gift from Thomas J. Volpe, Chairman Emeritus of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees and a former Senior Vice President of Financial Operations for The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

For the past 20 years, Thomas J. Volpe, Chairman Emeritus, of the College's Board of Trustees, has strived to introduce St. Francis College students to world-renowned speakers from the arenas of politics, literature, journalism, business and entertainment. His desire is to challenge them to listen and reflect upon aspects of contemporary and professional life they may have never before considered.

Past speakers include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (Cosmos), Jerry Greenfield (Ben & Jerry's), authors Frank Bruni (New York Times), Pete Hamill (Snow in August), E.L. Doctorow (Ragtime) and Salman Rushdie (Midnight's Children), Mariane Pearl (wife of slain reporter Daniel Pearl), Paul Rusesabagina (the real Hotel Rwanda hero), Lech Walesa (former President of Poland, Nobel Prize winner), and George Mitchell (former U.S. Senator, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, baseball steroids report).

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

Five St. Francis College Honors Program students presented their research at the end of the Spring 2018 semester, May 20, 2018, in a symposium celebrating the academic rigor and independent motivation of the brightest and most committed students at the College.

(Watch the Honors Symposium)

Under John Dilyard, Director of the Honors Program and a Management Professor, the students worked with faculty mentors to hone their topics and deliver full presentations summing up their findings.

Students who presented are:

• Danielle Chin '18 - The Psychological and Sociological Effects of the Media on Body Image
• Emma Gaffney'18 - An Analysis of How Female athletics is Portrayed by the Media and the Impact of this In and Beyond the World of Sports
• Stefan Ivanovic '18 - The Fake American Dream
• Valerie Kaufmann '18 - Chaos and Complicity: Art in Nazi Germany
• Cara Palmer '18 - How Social Media Impacts the Well-Being of College-Aged Men

In addition to exclusive seminar courses, the Honors Program also bring speakers to campus and participates in several community events.

sfc.edu/honors

The St. Francis College Thomas More Pre-Law Society held a debate April 27, 2018 to consider the question: Are the Trump Administration'sImmigration Policies Good for America?

(Watch the Debate on Trump Immigration Policies)

Four member of the society offered their views while others were able to ask questions and offer their own thoughts.

Topics included policies on Chain Migration, the Visa Lottery, the Border Wall, Sanctuary Cities, and others.

Arguing for the polices were Vito Palmeri '18 (Economics Major, Political Science Minor) and Frank Filocomo '20 (Political Science Major). Stefano Forte '20 (Political Science Major, Philosophy Minor) and james Clinton '18 (Political Science Major) argued against the policies.

The debate was moderated by Ryan Elkassem '21 (History Major).

The Thomas More Pre-Law Society holds events every semester to teach and prepare St. Francis College students for law school and careers in the law. In the spring they also welcomed back Federal Justice Margo Brodie '88, who sits on the bench in the Eastern District, just a couple of blocks from the St. Francis campus in Brooklyn Heights.

Learn more on social media @SFCPreLaw.

NATIONAL GRID FOUNDATION SUPPORTS PROJECT ACCESS

"I couldn't be more proud of the work that we are helping you all do."

With the support from a $25,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation, the Project Access program at St. Francis College celebrated the end of the semester for almost 40 rising sophomores as well as an additional 25 who are graduating as part of the Class of 2018.

(Watch the Project Access Celebration)

"We're very thankful for National Grid Foundation for helping us support our student goals," said Monica Michalski '01, Associate Dean of Student Success. "We're thankful to be in this space celebrating accomplishments and thinking about what we want to do to grow and develop and challenge ourselves in the next step."

During the ceremony, some of the students were awarded $2,000 scholarships and $200 book vouchers as recognition for their hard work and motivation to keep them on track in their studies. St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz and Director of Academic Enhancement Justine Butler, who oversees the program, also spoke at the ceremony.

The goal of Project Access is to provide greater outreach and support for students who have a history of underperforming in academic situations. The program includes extra help in reading, writing, and critical thinking as well as close monitoring by advisors to make sure students have the resources they need to be successful.

"Often times I show up at these events and everyone is thanking us. The work that we do at the Foundation, the writing of the checks, the support that we give, and the grants, to me that's the easy part," said Ed White, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation. "The hard part is all the work you all are doing; that first year of college, that third year of college, what are you going to do after college... I couldn't be more proud of the work that we are helping you all do."

Project Access student Kailah Torres '19, a Criminal Justice Major shared some tips for the rising freshmen. She told them that they will go through hardships, and to be successful they will need to overcome those challenges. She also asked her fellow Terriers to trust their professors and to listen to their advice because "they actually want you to achieve your goals."

In addition to the support from the National Grid Foundation, Project Access also receives generous support from Northfield Bank Foundation, and the Staples Foundation.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

Honorary Duns Scotus Inductees

• Allen Burdowski, Ph.D., Director, Pre-Health Professions Program & Dean of Sciences
• Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D., 19^th President of St. Francis College

Class of 2018 Academic Awards

• Mary A. Ledermann Purse for Women in Accounting: Mirsada Dzaferovic
• Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy/ Catholic Accountants Guild Award: Keith Wiley
• Academic Excellence Award in Accounting - BS/MS Degree: Melissa Jagdharry
• Academic Excellence in Accounting – BS Degree: James Hay
• Academic Excellence in Accounting - MS Degree: Martin Joksimovikj
• Service Award in Accounting: Wanda Guevares
• Bro. Jerome Roese, OSF Memorial Medal for Excellence in Biology: Diana Chaimov
• Bro. Urban Gonnoud, OSF Memorial Purse for Excellence in Business Management: Laura Toth
• Dr. Stanley S. Willing Award for Excellence in Business Management: Stefan Ivanovic
• Thomas J. Cuite Sr. Award for Excellence in Communication Arts: Valerie Kaufmann
• Lynne Jackson, Ph.D. Award for Excellence in Communication Arts: Pascale Zamor
• Gerard F. Doyle Memorial Award for Excellence in Economics: Aidi Qyqja
• Bro. Celestin McGarry, OSF Memorial Purse for Excellence in English: Abanobe Barsoum & Alexandra Resnick
• Irving R. Gelfand Medal for Excellence in Health Care Management: Erica Park
• John C. Gorman '38 Medal for Excellence in History: Meaghan Vaughan
• Dr. Louis H. Primavera Medal for Excellence in Psychology: Alexis Vazquez
• Uwe P. Gielen, Ph.D. Award for Excellence in Psychology: Monica Murray
• Medal for Excellence in Political Science: James Clinton
• Medal for Excellence in Education: Justine Colon
• Award for Excellence in Information Technology: Muataz Ahmad
• Bro. Camillus Casey, OSF Memorial Award for Excellence in International Cultural Studies: Valerie Kaufmann
• Melissa Sanchez Memorial Purse for Excellence in Health Promotion: Sasha Dastine
• Award for Excellence in Mathematics: Annais Grace Cummiskey
• Nursing Leadership Award: Hannah Berger & Megan Kuehne
• Francis X. Slade Medal for Excellence in Philosophy: Joseph Faulkner

Pax et Bonum Medal

Instituted by the Board of Trustees and named from one of the earliest greetings of St. Francis of Assisi, this medal recognizes and honors those members of the faculty who have completed 15 or 25 years or more of dedicated, loyal preeminent service at St. Francis College. "Peace and Goodness" is a simple yet meaningful expression of the objective of Franciscan educators.

15 years

• Mostaque Aimed, Senior Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Mathematics
• Gerard Davidson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
• Athena B. Devlin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of English
• Alexandria M. Egler, Ph.D., Senior Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies
• James P. Fazio, Senior Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Management
• Wendy W. Galgan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of English
• Marlon A. Seaton, Senior Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Mathematics
• Corinne Smolizza, Lecturer, Department of Information Technology

25 years

• Renee Goodstein, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology

President's Award

The President's Award was instituted in 1972 to honor non-instructional personnel and the significant contribution they make to St. Francis College. The award recognizes administration and staff who have 15 years and 25 years of meritorious service.

15 years

• Maria T. Blandino, Director of Financial Services, Student Financial Services Department
• Melissa A. Duron, Accounting Supervisor, Finance Department
• Naomi L. Kinley, Director of Career Development, Career Development Department
• Kevin S. O'Rourke, Vice President, Facilities Management and Capital Projects, Facilities Management Department

25 years

• James W. Hoffman, Compliance Officer, Athletics Department

Charter Day commemorates May 8, 1884, the day the Legislature of the State of New York granted an official Charter to the Board of Trustees of St. Francis Monastery allowing the College to formally award degrees to students. The St. Francis Academy was founded almost thirty years earlier in 1859 by two Franciscan Brothers who were sent to Brooklyn from Ireland with the mission of educating the borough's working class people.

Biographies

Nicholas W. Allard is President and Joseph Crea Dean, and Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School. Under his leadership, the Law School has experienced dynamic changes to prepare students for a rapidly changing legal field. These initiatives include the accelerated two-year J.D. program; the Center for Urban Business Entrepreneurship (CUBE), which builds on Brooklyn's emergence as a global center for high-tech entrepreneurship; and Business Boot Camp, the popular winter session program offering students intensive training in the basics of the business world. The Law School also instituted a 15 percent tuition reduction and launched the Bridge to Success program to support graduates in their job search, as part of a comprehensive package of initiatives to make legal education more affordable and more accessible.

Nick began his legal career after graduating from Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar) and Yale Law School. He was a law clerk in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., worked on Capitol Hill for the late Senators Edward Kennedy and Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and was a partner at Latham & Watkins for over a decade, where he chaired the firm's Government Relations Group before joining Patton Boggs. Nick is the recipient of multiple honors and awards for his work. He has served on numerous academic boards, taught at several law schools, and published scholarly articles on a broad range of issues, including Internet law, new media, and privacy. At Brooklyn Law School he teaches courses on Government Advocacy, Privacy Law in a Digital World, and Introduction to Legal Process.

He received his JD from Yale Law School and holds a BA from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He is a Rhodes Scholar and holds an MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University.

Saudia Davis

A longtime supporter of the St. Francis College Center for Entrepreneurship, Saudia Davis is using her business skills to do well but also to do good. Her company, GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning, works one home or office at a time to keep things clean, without using harmful chemicals.

Ms. Davis switched careers from movie publicist to Eco-Cleaning after her grandmother died from long-term exposure to toxic chemicals.

A true entrepreneur, in addition to running GreenHouse, she also contributes to HGTV Magazine, writes blogs for the Huffington Post and has been featured in numerous publications and on TV. Ms. Davis' contributions go beyond the business world, she also has sat on New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's Small Business and MWBE Subcommittees, and was an active member of the White House Business Council.

In addition to helping St. Francis students at our Center for Entrepreneurship, she also volunteers to help public school students with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

St. Francis College proudly hosted its 2nd Annual College-Wide Entrepreneurial Pitch Contest April 12, 2018, bringing together 9 student-entrepreneurs to compete for $3,500 in prizes.

(Watch the Pitch Contest)

Each entrepreneur made it through several rounds of competition to reach the final where they had five minutes to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of winning seed money to bring their business plan to life.

The event, sponsored by Investors Bank, included plans for an iPhone connected razor, a fashion reseller, graveside maintenance, and more.

First place and $1,500 went to Joshua Dezil '21 (Management) for his company Jdbundles which sells hair extensions.

Second place and $1,000 was awarded to Samantha Scarlett '18 (Management) for her company Luxury Snob, a high-end fashion reseller.

Third place and $750 went to Miranda Stark '20 (Sociology) for her company Eternal Care Grave Maintenance.

The St. Francis College Center for Entrepreneurship seeks to create an environment that champion's creativity and innovation, encourages calculated risk, celebrates critical thinking, energizes the creative spirit, and above all, is infused with social responsibility. We envision the support provided will result in development of sustainable businesses and successful careers informed by the Franciscan tradition.

Dennis McDermott '74 was honored as an Irish Leader who has made a difference on St. Patrick's Day by CPEX Real Estate at McMahon's Public House along with State Senator Marty Golden and TD Bank Market President Peter Meyer.

Vincent A. Gardino '75 and his brother Robert are producing a new TV series called "Grave Trippers" which the hope will eventually air on PBS. They were featured in the New York Times and keep everyone up to date on their Facebook page. For his day job, Gardino is Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Straus News.

Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/nyregion/gardino-brothers-grave-trippers.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gravetrippers/

Jim Hill '70 recently held a month-long exhibit at the Douglas Stratton Photography Studio in Atlanta featuring his Mosaic Master-Pieces in honor of Black History Month. After graduation, Hill became a model, taught in Fort Greene, where he grew up, and opened his own homeless shelter before moving to Atlanta.

Article: https://www.myajc.com/blog/talk-town/artist-jim-hill-spreads-history-and-hope-his-mosaics/74ZqA7Fyb3m2EoNV1aLpTL/

Marion White '78, Senior Program Director of the Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP), welcomed a group of St. Francis College students to tour a child abuse exhibit at The New York Foundling. She offered advice and help finding jobs to the students once they graduate.

Photo marion white

Caption (Back row: Anyssa Hunte '18, Marion White '78, Romello Rogers '19, Michael Billera '18, Felix Colon '18, Professor Emily Horowitz. Front row: Latiesha McLean '18, Bianca Dort 18x, Jonathan Cornier '18, Emma Catone '18)

Philip Watson Kuepper '82 published a collection of poem, A Sea to Row By (HTBS), focused on all aspect of rowing. He is a regular contributor to the website heartheboatsing.com and has had previous poems published in Poetry Magazine, The New York Times, The Washingtonian Monthly, RFD Magazine, Promise and the Mystic River Press.

Rose Marie Lanard '84, Chief Diversity Officer at S&P Global, was the featured guest for one of the Women's Leadership Networks Power Breakfasts, an intimate gathering of St. Francis College students with an industry leader. Lanard shared her personal career journey as well as the important lessons she has learned along the way.

The Women's Leadership network is always looking for more alumnae who want to help the next generation of Terriers.

Herbie Morscher '88 and Morscher's Pork Store in Queens were featured in a story about the how the family owned store has changed and thrived since 1955.

Article: http://qns.com/story/2018/02/06/surviving-thriving-queens-one-ridgewoods-last-butcher-shops-changed-neighborhood/

Kathleen Young (Boily) '84, NBCT is one of only five National Board Certified Teachers in New York in the Physical Education - Early Adolescent/Young Adult certificate area. She is also a trained Professional Learning Facilitator & facilitates National Board candidate cohort teachers pursuing National Board certification in all 25 certificate areas. She is an adjunct professor thru NYSUT's ELT program & Empire State College. Kathleen is the Aquatics President for NYS Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance - Catskill Zone and has presented at state and national conferences on the topics of Differentiated Instruction in Physical Education, Aquatic programs in schools and National Board awareness. Kathleen is employed by the Newburgh Enlarged City School district as a Physical Education Teacher at Newburgh Free Academy - Main Campus.

Citi Private Bank named Natalia Murphy '97 new Head of Trust and Wealth Planning for North America. Murphy is responsible for developing and managing wealth planning business strategy and driving business development activities for Citi Trust in the US and Canada, as well as leading a
team of wealth planning specialists.

Suriyati Barnes '02 is now an instructional specialist with the UFT Teacher Center, after spending 11 years working as an elementary special education teacher in The Bronx. The position provides teacher centered professional development and support to educators across New York City.

Jessica Boiardi '05 is now the Director of Revenue Operations at Complex Networks, overseeing the pre- and post-sale teams for advertising, working through programming and products. She previously worked for Mashable and CNN.

Kamla Karina Millwood '01 released her fifth book in the Peach the Duck children's book series, Peach's Passion for Fashion. She conducts book readings at hospitals and schools and is also the public spokesperson for Green Earth Poets Cafe and Green Earth Poetry Theater.

Website:‎ www.peachtheduck.com

Photo: Peach

Michael Rogers '06, was recognized by RecruitMilitary as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Military class of 2017. The list is put out each year for Veterans Day.

Chandra Persaud '11 received her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Queens College on May 25, 2018. The elite program only accepts 16 students each year, and Chandra is happy to report that she graduated with highest honors. Chandra is excited to embark on her career, using her skills and knowledge to help improve the quality of life for children diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Photo: Chandra Persaud

Dr. Steven Stuto '14 graduated from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. On hand for the ceremony were fellow Terriers, Dr. Alan Stuto '10, Dr. Vincent Hetherington '73, proud father Dr. Joseph Stuto, and Dr. Joe Stuto '09.

Photo: Steven Stuto

Aridia Espinal 'xx, is the latest Terrier to become an elected official, winning the special election to fill the State Assembly seat for the 39th Assembly District, which covers Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. Assemblywoman Espinal was a District Leader, and Deputy Director of the District Office for Francisco Moya, who previously held the seat. She is proud to fight for immigrants, women's rights, and union laborers.

Photo Aridia espinal

SPOTLIGHT

Michael Russo '08 left St. Francis College with the dream of becoming a doctor. He was accepted to Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and attended, carrying a near perfect GPA while majoring in Biology with a double minor in Chemistry and Information Technology.

"This was something that I truly thought I wanted and worked so hard to achieve," said Russo.

But after two years of med school, he came to the difficult decision that Nursing was his dream profession.

Russo came back to New York, enrolled in the accelerated BSN program at Stony Brook School of Nursing and 12 months later, he was on his way.

During this time he met his future husband and moved to California to enter the workforce. His first job, at Children's Hospital of Orange County, came after a grueling two hour interview at a round-table with nine people throwing questions at him. Russo specialized in Pediatrics and found that he loved teaching as well. He attended California State University, Fullerton where he earned a Master's Degree in Nursing with a focus on Education.

He also earned certification in Neonatal Intensive Care and as a Lactation Counselor.

"Breastfeeding and its important properties are so important and I am very much passionate about educating new families about it as well as helping them achieve it effectively," said Russo.

After four years at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Neonatal Intensive Care, Russo moved back to New York to be closer to his family. But after a year at Lenox Hill Hospital, California came calling again and he returned to the west coast, teaching part-time at Cal State Fullerton in the BSN program.

He is now Clinical Nurse Educator of the NICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles and once a week is a bedside nurse in the NICU at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

Russo said he wanted to share his story to show others that the ups and downs, big life-changing decisions, and career twists and turns can all turn out for the best.

"I am the busiest I have ever been but most importantly of all, I feel happy and fulfilled," said Russo. "This is something that has taken me a long time to achieve. I am so happy I made the decisions I have in the past. Nursing is where my heart is and I thank God for all of my guardian angels for helping me reach the path that I am on today."

Next up, Russo will attend California State University Dominguez Hills for a Post-Master's Certificate in the Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist program. He ultimately would like to earn a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

Photo: Michael Russo-Sass

Caption: Michael Russo-Sass '08 with his husband Adam Sass.

Photo Thomas Quigley

Caption: Thomas J. Quigley, Ph.D. '52, a long-time friend and a family member of the St. Francis College community, passed away on February 19, 2018. A chemistry and physics professor, Alumni Board member and a loyal Terrier, he made his last appearance as a supporter of the "Red and Blue" at a men's basketball game, just two days before his passing. In fact, attending the game was one of his final requests. During the contest, he was recognized for his service to St. Francis College. After the victory against Fairleigh Dickinson, the student-athletes and coaches presented Dr. Quigley with the game ball.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine, and their sons Thomas, husband to Carolyn, and James, husband to Catherine. Thomas was the proud grandfather of Thomas, John, Mary and Anna.

In Memoriam-

CarloAlvaro (Philosophy) had his paper Ethical Veganism, Virtue, and Greatness of the Soul published in the Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics

Article: http://rdcu.be/yBN9

Olivia Bullio Mattos (Economics) appeared in an article about Bitcoin in the Brazilian edition of Forbes magazine.

Article: http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?to=en&r...

Andrew Cotto (English/ MFA) is a regular contributor to the New York Times and has a new novel coming out in October, Cucina Tipica: An Italian Adventure (Black Rose Writing), about a disheartened American who arrives in Tuscany with his travel-writer fiancé for what is to be a year abroad and an opportunity to get his life together

Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/search?query=andrew+cotto

John Dilyard (Management) was part of the Financial Executives International (FEI) panel, Innovations in Finance – New Tools for a New World, held at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Before earning his Ph.D., Professor Dilyard worked for nine years in the financial services industry.

Photo: John Dilyard

Website: https://www.financialexecutives.org/Network/Chapte...

Suzanne Forsberg (Chair, Foreign Languages, Fine Arts & International Cultural Studies) sat on the 2018 European Studies Book Award Judging Committee, culling the more than 50 submissions written over the last two years by first time authors about any subject in European Studies. The winning book was written by Max Bergholz; Violence as a Generative Force: Identity, Nationalism, and Memory in a Balkan Community (Cornell University Press).

Uwe Gielen (Psychology) produced the 20^th Anniversary conference for the Institute for International and Cross-Cultural Psychology based at St. Francis. The conference was also the 30^th Anniversary for Meaningful World, part of the Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention.

Photo: uwe gielen

Emily Horowitz (Chair, Sociology & Criminal Justice) is quoted in a story that looks at the reality and the hysteria surrounding Halloween. She also contributed to a story about sex offender registries in the French Newspaper L'obs and participated in a debate about the subject for Reason Magazine held at the Soho Forum.

Article: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/crime/polic...

Article: https://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&...

Debate Video: https://www.facebook.com/Reason.Magazine/videos/10...

Mitch Levenberg (English) read his short story, The Cruller on the Passionate Justice podcast (forward to 17:35 in the podcast).

Podcast:http://www.podcastgarden.com/episode/passionate-ju...

Sintia Molina (Spanish) and photographer César B. Pinedo curated the exhibition, Farming, Planting and Living: Resisting Hunger and Poverty in Cuba and Dominican Republic, shown in the College's Callahan Center Art Gallery. "This exhibition celebrates and is dedicated to the people and, especially, the women that make food available for the poor in their communities by working on the Huertos or Green Gardens," said Professor Molina.

Photo: comida1

Michele Meservie-Montecalvo (Health Care Management) appeared on the Complexity Talk-Radio podcast in a two-hour show titled Sexual Harassment, Assault, Molestation and Girls and Women of Color: Victims, Visibility, Voices, and Silence. Dr. Montecalvo's Health Care Management students went to Albany for Tobacco Legislative Day in partnership with NYC Smoke Free. This is the third year they spoke with elected officials about vaping use, tobacco marketing, and smoke free housing.

Photo: tobacco Albany (1)

Caption: "Briana Carter '21, Jessica Guaman '19, Julia Cuthbertson (NYC Smoke Free), Luis Torres (NYC Treats Tobacco) and Pamela Zvirkic '18 meeting with New York State Assembly Member Felix Ortiz.

Podcast: https://complexitytalkradio.podbean.com/e/sexual-h...

Katheen Nolan (Chair, Biology and Health Sciences) and Allen Burdowski (Dean of Sciences and Health Sciences) were published by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, a division of the National Science Foundation for their study, Cystic Fibrosis: Then and Now.

Study: http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/...

Video:

Nickie Phillips (Interim Chair, Sociology & Criminal Justice) appeared on the podcast Sexology with Dr. Nazanin Moali to discuss the #MeToo Movement & Popular Media. She also contributed to the article, Why Does the Myth That Attractive Men "Don't Have to Rape" Persist? Which appeared in Playboy.

Podcast:http://www.sexologypodcast.com/2018/01/02/metoo-mo...

Article: https://www.safehorizon.org/safe-horizon-in-the-ne...

Howard Skrill (Fine Arts) published his latest art project in the Anna Pierrepont Series on the website Belle Ombre. His pictorial essay; Evicting Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson from the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, was published in the magazine, ARTisON out of the University of Lisbon, Portugal.

Belle Ombre: http://www.belleombre.org/the-anna-pierrepont-seri...

ARTisON: http://artison.letras.ulisboa.pt/index.php/ao/arti...

Gregory F. Tague (English) and Fredericka Jacks have fully funded an Orangutan Caring Scholarship that will send a deserving Indonesian student to college to study forestry or biology. The scholarship was set up as part of a service component to Dr. Tague's Evolutionary Studies Collaborative at the College and was established with Dr. Gary Shapiro, founder and president of The Orang Utan Republik Foundation in Santa Monica, California.

Website: http://www.orangutanrepublik.org/

$100,000 Grant From MotorMVB To Help Establish Program;
Andy Mueller Named Head Coach

BROOKLYN, NY. – The St. Francis College Athletic Department announces the addition of men's volleyball to the stable of NCAA Division I teams sponsored by the college for intercollegiate athletic competition. Director of Athletics Irma Garciawill make the official announcement alongside the program's first ever Head Coach Andy Mueller, and CEO of MotorMVB Foundation, Inc., Wade Garard at a press conference held on the campus of St. Francis College tomorrow, Wednesday June 20^th at 2pm.

In addition, MotorMVB Foundation is providing a $100,000 grant to help establish the St. Francis program. The MotorMVB Foundation (www.MotorMVB.com) is a non-profit organization with a mission to stimulate the growth of boys' and men's volleyball at all levels in the United States. While there are presently 218 announced collegiate programs nationwide, the organization's goal is to accelerate the pace of growth and through philanthropic giving, increase that number to 380 programs by the start of the 2026-27 academic year. The MotorMVB Foundation's $100,000 grant will be dispersed over a four-year period.

Director of Athletics Irma Garcia is excited to bring a competitive Men's Volleyball Program to Brooklyn Heights. "Providing an opportunity for competitive NCAA Division I Volleyball right here in New York City is something we are very excited about. The support from the St. Francis College Administration to add this program shows our commitment to our student-athletes and the growth of Collegiate Men's Volleyball."

"Thanks to the generosity of passionate volleyball donors, we are pleased to provide support to St. Francis College. The leadership at SFC has really impressed us and we are convinced that Irma and Coach Mueller will guide a thriving men's volleyball program for many years to come," said Wade Garard, CEO of MotorMVB Foundation. "Our foundation board chairman John Speraw always says there is nothing more important than providing opportunities for young people. We are pleased to be able to help do this for boys who will now be able to come to Brooklyn for college and enjoy a meaningful volleyball student-athlete experience."

"We have a fantastic leader in Andy Mueller. His connections within the national volleyball community, as well as right here in the Tri-State area will bring a sustainable foundation for the growth of our program," stated Garcia.

"I want to thank Irma Garcia, Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Wade Garard, the Motor MVB Foundation and the entire St. Francis College community," stated Andy Mueller. "It is a very exciting time to be starting a collegiate men's volleyball program! I have been lucky enough to work with Head Coach Abra Rummelfor the past two seasons on the Women's side, and am eager to continue that while building up our Men's program at SFC. To be able to start this program and lead this team will be the highlight of my career. The sport has continued to grow in the last decade and we are thrilled to bring Collegiate Men's Volleyball to Brooklyn. We will work tirelessly to provide fantastic experiences for our student-athletes and put New York City volleyball on the map!"

"We are experiencing an incredible growth period for boys' and men's volleyball in America and in the sport of volleyball in general," said MotorMVB chairman John Speraw who also serves as Head Coach of USA Men's National Volleyball team and Head Coach of UCLA Men's Volleyball. "Adding another DI program to the ranks of NCAA Division I is a significant achievement and I am proud it has happened in the first eighteen months of the MotorMVB campaign. We expect the momentum to continue as more and more schools look at men's volleyball. It's rapidly growing at the youth level, a dynamic spectator sport and has a buy in of only 4.5 scholarships. As such, men's volleyball can be viewed in an enrollment model and not just through a revenue model. St. Francis adding is a great moment for our sport!"

A formal announcement and press conference will be held in the Franciscan Brothers Conference Center on the campus of St. Francis College on Wednesday June 20^th at 2pm. Media requests to attend the Conference should contact Maggie Martini, at mmartini@sfc.edu.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201

www.sfc.edu

The women call next. Following on the heels of The Terrier Men's Soccer program winning the NEC Championship four of the last five years, St. Francis is proud to announce the formation of a Women's Soccer team, set to begin play in the Fall 2019 season in the Northeast Conference.

St. Francis Brooklyn becomes the tenth and final Conference member to join the Northeast Conference for soccer and will compete annually for the Northeast Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Women's College Cup.

With the addition of Women's Soccer, the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers now boast 21 NCAA Division I teams. The College has already made a name for itself on the pitch with a historical, championship Men's Soccer Program. The Terriers will now look to build yet another Northeast Conference Championship contender, this time through the Women's side.

Other NEC members include; Bryant University, Central Connecticut State, Fairleigh Dickinson University, LIU Brooklyn, Mount St. Mary's University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Francis University, Robert Morris University and Wagner College.

"There are a significant number of youth and High School female soccer players in New York City. The amount of competitive leagues and youth programs makes this a great opportunity for us to provide yet another competitive NCAA Division I Women's Soccer program right here in New York City." said Miguel Martinez-Saenz, St. Francis College President. "The timing is right for us as a top tiered private college in New York City, specifically in the beautiful borough of Brooklyn, to offer the opportunity for young women looking to obtain a fantastic college education here at St. Francis College to also compete at the top level of collegiate athletics in a sport they are so passionate about."

Talk of adding a Women's Soccer program has been building for several years. Now, with the support of the College administration, that talk is becoming a reality.

"This is a great thing for our program," added Championship Men's Soccer Coach, Tom Giovatto. "Our men's team has had great success throughout its 50 years and I have no doubt our new Women's program will follow suit."

The new Women's Soccer Program will be launched during the upcoming 50th Anniversary year for the Men's team, bring a smile to Director of Athletics Irma Garcia '80.

"To see the success of our Men's Soccer Program, most recently with the team winning the Northeast Conference Championship and heading to the NCAA Tournament 4 out of the last 5 years, makes us so proud," said AD Garcia. "Adding a Women's Soccer Program at this point in the College's history makes us that much more excited to see this program succeed. It's an amazing chance for young women from all over the world to come to our 'Small College of Big Dreams' and achieve their goals in life through the whole-hearted education our student-athletes receive here at St. Francis College."

St. Francis Brooklyn will begin a national search for a head coach in the upcoming weeks where she/he will have a year to recruit and build the program, before kicking off competition in the Fall of 2019.

A week ago, St. Francis College announced the formation of a Men's Volleyball team, the first new Division I men's volleyball team in 18 years.

Tyler McKinney '17 to be an English Teaching Assistant in the Netherlands

For the fourth time, the prestigious Fulbright Program recognizes St. Francis College with a scholarship, honoring Tyler McKinney '17 with a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to work in the Netherlands.

"There's a saying that goes, 'If your dreams don't scare you, then they're not big enough!' That's exactly what it was like applying for this Fulbright," said McKinney who completed a double major in Communication Arts and Adolescent Education, both with a concentration in English. "I don't always know how far I can go or how great I can truly be, but my heart is full because I am blessed with the opportunity to take my passion for education, language and travel and turn my dream into a reality."

McKinney will begin working in August at a vocational school with a focus on hospitality. She will also have the opportunity to train teachers how to implement educational theories and pedagogy in their classrooms and curriculum.

McKinney is the second student and fourth person at St. Francis to be recognized by the Fulbright Program.

Alissar Maaliki '04, a pre-med Biology Major won a U.S. Student Fulbright award to work with a research scientist in Morocco. She helped create a database of medicinal plants and their properties and visited village traditional herbalists.

Professor Virginia Franklin (English) won a U.S. Fulbright Senior Scholar award to teach and conduct research at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. Among other things, this led to a study abroad agreement that allowed Kelly Michalak '18 (Biology, minor in Psychology) and Aisha Yazdani (Biology) to study at Waikato.

"The Fulbright Program's mission is needed now more than ever: to promote mutual understanding between people from the United States and other countries, and thus create positive global social ripple effects," said Professor Franklin.

The fourth scholar was South African Vaneshran Arumugam, who won a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence award to teach in the College's English Department. His work also overlapped with other academic departments and programs, as well as outside institutions and community organizations. The drama club he developed for severely disabled students and led weekly at The Hungerford School on Staten Island is still going strong.

Three others have Fulbright connections from before they joined St. Francis College.

Before he became the 19th President of St. Francis College, Miguel Martinez-Saenz was part of the Fulbright-Nehru International Administrators Program, selected to spend two week abroad to learn about higher education in India.

Dennis Anderson (Chair, Department of Management and Information Technology) was a Fulbright Senior Specialist and Visiting Professor in Belgium at the University of Mons-Hainaut.

Miriam Salholz (Accounting and Business Law) had two Fulbright grants; to teach U.S. law at the Universite de Paris while conducting research at Institut de Droit Comparé and an Intercountry Lecturing Award to teach in Greece for the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Law.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

John F. Tully '67 Steps Down After 10 Years as Chairman

St. Francis College proudly announces Denis J. Salamone '75, a Brooklyn native and St. Francis College alumnus, as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees after an enthusiastic, unanimous vote by the Board.

Chairman Salamone was the Chair of the Presidential Search Committee which successfully recruited current St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz. He has been a member of the College's Board of Trustees since 2006 and has served for much of that time as Development Committee Chairman.

"Denis has helped St. Francis College in so many ways since he first graduated," said Linda Werbel, Vice President for Government and Community Relations. "His contributions already have a huge influence on the direction of the institution and under his guidance as Chairman, we expect to keep moving on a positive track."

With a career spanning more than 40 years in accounting and finance, he currently sits on the Board of Directors at M&T Bank Corporation, having previously held the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. and Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In addition Mr. Salamone is Chairman of the Board of the YMCA in Ridgewood, NJ as well as a member of the Board of The Valley Hospital and Table To Table, a food rescue program serving the hungry in northern New Jersey.

"It is an honor and a privilege to lead the Board of Trustees at St. Francis College," said Chairman Salamone. "Having the respect and support of my colleagues on the Board means that we are all aligned in our vision for the future of St. Francis College. Working under the leadership of President Martinez-Saenz we will be tackling an ambitious agenda and setting new goals for enrollment, academics, and athletics. Our small College has some Big Dreams and we will be working hard to make them come true."

Chairman Salamone was honored by St. Francis College at the 2013 Charter Award Dinner helping raise more than $650,000 towards scholarships and programs at the College.

He replaces John F. Tully '67, who is stepping down after serving ten years as Chairman. John was elected to a new term as a Trustee but chose not to seek reelection as Chairman.

"Every organization benefits from a change in leadership," said Mr. Tully. "Our new president has established a firm foundation this past year, making it a perfect time for the transition. Miguel and Denis will be a formidable team."

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue to serve St. Francis College under Denis' leadership. He is a talented and effective leader who embraces and exemplifies the mission of St. Francis College."

Mr. Tully was the Commencement Speaker at the College's 2015 Spring Graduation, the first one held at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where he received an honorary degree for his service and commitment to St. Francis. A Brooklyn native, he is currently Of Counsel to the international law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright U.S. L.L.P. Earlier in his legal career, Mr. Tully worked in a variety of government positions before joining the Exxon Corporation.

Biographies

Denis J. Salamone '75 spent more than 40 years working in accounting and finance, while always staying active in the world of philanthropy. After a lengthy career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was a Partner, Mr. Salamone moved to Hudson City Bancorp, Inc., serving as President and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer before retiring and becoming a member of the Board of Directors of M&T Bank Corporation upon its acquisition of Hudson City Bancorp.

Always a big supporter of his alma mater, St. Francis College, Mr. Salamone joined the Board of Trustees in 2006 and has served and led numerous committees including the Development Committee and the Presidential Search Committee before becoming the Chairman of the College's Board of Trustees July 1, 2018. On a personal level, he has hired and mentored numerous St. Francis graduates at his various positions.

Other leadership roles include Chairman of the Board of the YMCA in Ridgewood, NJ, and as trustee of The Valley Hospital, Table To Table and Wells Mountain Initiative.

Mr. Salamone is a Member of the American Institute of CPAs and a Member of the New York State Society of CPAs. He graduated from St. Francis College with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in 1975.

John F. Tully '67, a Brooklyn native, is currently Of Counsel to the international law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright U.S. L.L.P. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis College in 1967 and attended law school at the University of Notre Dame and The Faculty of Laws University College, University of London, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from Notre Dame in 1970. Mr. Tully then spent seven years in the public sector as an Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Bureau of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, a trial attorney in the New York Regional Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and an Assistant Attorney General in the Organized Crime Task Force of the New York State Attorney General's Office.

He later moved to the private sector, working for many years at the Exxon Corporation with assignments based in New Jersey, Louisiana and Texas. He retired from Exxon Mobil Corporation as the Assistant General Counsel responsible for Litigation in 2004 and returned home to New York. Mr. Tully joined the Board of Trustees of St. Francis College in 2005 and became Chairman in 2008.

He is now Chair of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, based in Queens and The Bronx, which protects the privileges and interests of the immigrant community. John also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Breezy Point Cooperative and the Irish Institute of New York.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

The American Dream says that anyone with drive and determination can achieve success. But is that true for all Americans? Was it ever the case, or just a myth? Dean Kathleen Gray of St. Francis College created The Neighborhood Game as a way for participants to explore ideas on race and inequality in America.

(Watch the Neighborhood Game)

Extend your learning about society with a degree in Sociology or Criminal Justice.

College Consensus Looks at Rankings and Student Reviews

Putting together rankings from various publishers and student reviews from a variety of sources, the organization, College Consensus, has named St. Francis College as the 6^th Best Regional College in the North.

In an attempt to feature colleges that other rankings may overlook, College Consensus says it examines everything from academic reputation to student satisfaction, from social mobility to affordability, writing on its website, "College Consensus' ranking of the Best Regional Colleges-North recognizes the undergraduate colleges that do the job of preparing an educated workforce."

"Making a list that recognizes our mission and work is an acknowledgment of the effort put forth by the faculty, students and administrators at St. Francis College," said President Miguel Martinez-Saenz. "But what is more meaningful is what our students do with their education. Their success is our biggest reward."

First Post-Prison Program Students Graduate at Spring Commencement

From behind bars to Bachelor Degrees, three St. Francis College students are now the first to graduate from the St. Francis Post-Prison program after walking on stage May 17 at the College's 2018 Spring Commencement Ceremony held at the Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island. (Watch the News 12 Story)

The first group of students came to St. Francis College through Hudson Link, an organization that provides college courses to prison inmates. The Post-Prison Program was established to continue the education of the formally incarcerated who did well in their classes but were unable to complete a degree program.

The three graduates; Felix Colon, Johnny Perez, and Arielle Pierre, started at St. Francis in the fall of 2014. Each of them have now earned an undergraduate degree while dealing with the challenges of post-prison re-entry.

"Our students have received so much support from the St. Francis community, including faculty, staff, and administrators – as well as our students," said Sociology & Criminal Justice Professor Emily Horowitz, who founded the program. "We are so proud of our graduates, and we hope that the Post-Prison Program at St. Francis continues to thrive. There will certainly be many more graduates to come!"

There are now 11 students in the program.

St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz has participated in outreach efforts to incarcerated persons in the past by teaching courses in Philosophy and Poetry to prison populations and is now working with Professor Horowitz to extend the College's reach to offer courses in local prisons.

About The Post-Prison Graduates:

Felix Colon '18 is a Criminal Justice major who loved being a student at SFC. In addition to attending a great number of lectures and events at St. Francis, he also learned to swim. A highlight of his SFC career was meeting civil rights legend Bernard Lafayette. Felix participated in a non-violence program developed by Lafayette while he was incarcerated, and loved having the opportunity to hear him speak as a full-time college student successfully overcoming the stigma of almost 2 decades in prison and the challenges of re-entry. Felix plans to continue his education, either in Law School or pursuing a graduate degree.

Johnny Perez '18 is the Director of U.S. Prisons Program for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, a membership organization committed to ending U.S. sponsored torture, and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, including solitary confinement. Of his 13 years in prison, three were spent in solitary confinement. A Criminal Justice major, Johnny served as a Safe Reentry Advocate for the Urban Justice Center's Mental Health Project. He has worked as a member of pro-social groups the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (CAIC), and the New York Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Johnny has testified at the United Nations and been interviewed by numerous news organizations around the world. Recently featured in an ad campaign that ran in the New York subway system, Johnny commented, "I remember when I was younger, I was homeless after running away from home and slept on the A train for two weeks. Today I'm still on the train, but in a different way and for a reason I never could have imagined." (Learn more about Johnny at justiceismypassion.com)

Arielle Pierre '18 is a Sociology major with a concentration in Social Work. Arielle struggled growing up after her mother was sent to prison. Like many children with a parent in prison, she eventually wound up behind bars herself. After prison, Arielle decided to change her life and entered St. Francis. She hopes to pursue a degree in social work. Arielle's mother also earned multiple degrees after completing prison, and is currently finishing her dissertation on the effects of intergeneration incarceration.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

MEMORIAL MEADOW BROOK CLUB GOLF OUTING

With a special 50^th Anniversary class gift of more than $110,000 from his classmates, St. Francis College raised almost half a million dollars at the Brendan J. Dugan '68 Memorial Meadow Brook Club Golf Outing on June 19, 2018.

This is the 21^st year golfers have travelled to the Meadow Brook Golf Club in Jericho, Long Island to raise funds for the College. The golf outing was founded by President Dugan and fellow St. Francis College alumnus Edward Travaglianti '70 with the simple premise; have fun while supporting scholarships for students to achieve a quality, private college education.

The check from the class of 1968 was presented to the Dugan family by Joseph T. Browne '68, former Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the National Football League who represented the Class of '68. The gift was dedicated to Brendan's Big Dream Fund, preserving his memory and keeping alive his dedication to support current and future students at the College.

In total, more than $485,000 was raised at the event, which included 18 holes of golf at the world class course, a golf clinic with a PGA professional, cocktail reception, awards, and an auction.

Four St. Francis alumni were honored and received the Pace e Bene Award: Joseph V. DiMauro, Richard W. Merzbacher, Alfred F. Thoben, CPA, and Edward Travaglianti; all from the Class of 1970 and chair of the outing.

Since the golf outing began, St. Francis College has raised more than $3.5 million.

Attached Photos: (Edward Travaglianti '70, Alfred F. Thoben, CPA '70, Mark Merzbacher, Richard W. Merzbacher '70)
(Edward Travaglianti '70, Denis Salamone '75, and President Miguel Martinez-Saenz)
(Joseph V. DiMauro '70)

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu