Inside the Core We Celebrate Transition and Legacy

Inside the Core this week we embrace transition and legacy. Looking at the macrocosm, our church and world lost our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis the day after Easter, and, after a period of mourning and the Conclave, we are celebrating our new Holy Father, Leo XIV, the first Pope who is a United States citizen, while also a naturalized citizen of Peru. In a very early statement, Leo referred to the influence of Francis on his upcoming ministry, and “his example of complete dedication to service and to sober simplicity of life, his abandonment to God throughout his ministry and his serene trust at the moment of his return to the Father’s house. Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that is born of faith.” This beautiful passing on of the torch is similar to our microcosm of the Core, with Giselle Pineda taking on the role of Assistant Director of the Core beginning on June 2.

Giselle began working for the Core through Maribel Landrau, who passed away on March 20. She came to Seton Hall as a biology major and had Professor Landrau for Core I, Journey of Transformation. Through her interest in that class, Maribel suggested that Giselle might want to major in Catholic Studies, and Giselle took it a step further and double majored in CAST and biology, eventually becoming the president of the Catholic Studies Club. She took Core II and two CAST courses with Maribel Landrau, as well. She also worked with Maribel in the office as a work study for three and a half years. After graduation, Giselle received a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Policy at Arizona State University, as well as taking several courses in theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology here at Seton Hall.

When Maribel passed away, one of the faculty members actually spoke to Giselle about applying for the position while at the wake of their dear friend and co-worker. She did apply, and she will be now following in the path of her mentor and friend. Giselle sums up her feelings about taking on this new role in this way:

Returning to Seton Hall University feels like a full-circle moment. I first walked into Seton Hall as a freshman in 2018, full of anticipation for the journey ahead. Now, only three years after graduating, I have the honor of returning - not as a student, but as a full-time administrator. During my undergraduate years, I had the pleasure of working in the University Core Department, where I found not only invaluable professional experience, but also a supportive and inspiring community. The Core became a second home and played a vital role in my academic and personal growth. I am thrilled to begin my new role as Assistant Director of the Core Department, following in the footsteps of my mentor, who greatly influenced my path. It is a privilege and responsibility I hold with great enthusiasm. I hope to make a meaningful impact on both students and faculty, just as Seton Hall has made on me. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the Core.

We are thrilled in the Core to welcome (back) Giselle Pineda in her new role here as Assistant Director of the University Core.

Categories: Alumni, Campus Life, Faith and Service