04/12/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/12/2024 13:17
On the afternoon of April 9, the meditative sounds of bag pipes announced the opening of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day. The annual celebration marks the founding of Seton Hall in 1856 and the establishment of its charter by the New Jersey State legislature. While revisiting milestones that took place 168 years ago, this year's event also reflected the present moment and the colleagues and students whose work helps fulfill the University's mission and the example of its namesake, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
From the banner draped main stage in the University Center, Interim President Katia Passerini offered her thanks to those who have guided Seton Hall from its earliest days. "If they could be here now," she told the audience of students, faculty and staff, "they would meet a diverse group of individuals - all with different interests, talents, personalities and perspectives." The Seton Hall community, Passerini said, shares a common purpose; They are driven "to prepare Great Minds to be faithful servant leaders - students whose lives are elevated by Seton Hall. And who go on to elevate others' lives in communities near and far."
The afternoon program continued with tributes to six exemplary colleagues who embody the spirit of the University's motto: Hazard Zet Forward.
Amy Newcome, J.D., interim president for Board Affairs, began by introducing the 2024 Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid Medalists, three distinguished Seton Hall employees whose work and contributions to the University demonstrate commitment to mission and service.
Robert M. Sheppard Sr., 17th head coach of Seton Hall baseball, received the McQuaid Medal in full uniform, before heading out to lead his team on the field. Sheppard, a 1992 Seton Hall graduate, has been at the helm for 20 years and has earned 523 victories. His record is second only to his father, Hall of Famer, Mike Sheppard Sr.
Following Coach Sheppard, Karen Boroff, Ph.D., professor of management and dean emeritus of the Stillman School of Business, added a McQuaid Medal to her impressive list of accomplishments. Boroff, who served as Interim Provost from 2017 -2020, has been recognized by Seton Hall for her excellence in teaching. A widely published researcher and thought leader, she has been a visiting professor at West Point, the Management Center in Innsbruck, Austria and Anhui Normal University in Wuhu, China.
Jacqueline Harper, assistant to the chief information officer in the Department of Information Technology, was the third McQuaid awardee. Over her two decades at Seton Hall, Harper has served as a Local 153 Union Shop Steward. A mother, grandmother and current student, she is active in numerous University committees that have helped foster organizational improvements at the University and contributed to the working group that helped formulate a return-to-work plan following the pandemic.
Next, three long-serving University colleagues were honored with the President's Award for Student Services, which is given to employees who demonstrate their dedication to ensuring student success.
In their nominating essay, one student described Ghana Imani Hylton, director of Inclusion and Business Affairs as "undeniably deserving" of the award. Hylton, the student continued, is "someone who consistently demonstrates genuine care for each student in her purview." A writer and poet who has shared her work at venues such as the Brooklyn Tea Party and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Hylton was recognized for her involvement in student initiatives that focus on inclusion. Of note are her work on heritage month celebrations and the National Day of Racial Healing, and co-teaching anti-racism classes.
Susan Scherreik, founding director, Stillman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship was honored for both teaching and leadership. Scherreik, who joined Seton Hall in 2003, has created opportunities for students on campus and beyond, including the Pirates Pitch Startup Competition contests for both college and high school students that draw applicants from across the U.S.
And, Angela Weisl, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English since 2018, was also recognized for her care and concern for students. Professor Weisl, who began teaching at Seton Hall in 1995, covers English and Women's Studies courses that range from Medieval Literature and Chaucer, to Women and Literature, and the Literature of Adolescence.
"On behalf of Seton Hall," President Passerini said, expressing her gratitude to the honorees, "I can not tell you how much your efforts mean to our students. I know they are grateful for everything you do. And so are we."
Continuing the program's focus on students the event moved to recognize Servant Leader Scholars, a group of students who "epitomize the University's mission and are examples of leadership for the good of others." "It takes all of us to write the Seton Hall story," Father Colin Kay, vice president for Mission and Ministry, reminded the audience as he announced the students being honored. "Everybody matters. Nobody's left out. We are each part of one another's stories."
The Servant Leader Scholars for 2024 are:
Freshmen:
Sophomores:
Juniors:
Seniors:
Graduate students Kathleen Mahon, of Speech and Language Pathology, and Lidia Prusak, of the Physician Assistant's program at the School of Health and Medical Science were also recognized as Servant Leader Scholars.
The ceremony included a reading of the University Charter by senior Ethan Wojciechowski and juniors Erin Demczyszyn and Pamela Pajuelo. And then, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day 2024 drew to a close with the signing of the alma mater and the stirring sound of bagpipes.
Categories: Campus Life