Charter Day Celebrates Servant Leaders Who are Writing Seton Hall’s Story

On the afternoon of April 9, the meditative sounds of bagpipes announced the opening of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day. The annual celebration marks Seton Hall's founding 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 Newcombe, 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's, 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 with 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."

Next, the Charter Day ceremony hosts 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  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:

• Paul Belasic, Secondary Special Education – History
• Emily Bruni, Social Work
• Jessica Burgeson, Psychology
• Sofia Ceballo, Nursing
• Elizabeth Cronk, Psychology and Philosophy
• Justin Mayewski, Biology
• Matthew Peterson, Diplomacy and International Relations
• Christopher Petruzziello, Biochemistry
• Andromeda Tong, Psychology
• Arianna Valte, Biology and Philosophy
• Gabriella DeGuzman, Psychology

Sophomores:

• Anna Ausanio, Nursing
• Arianna Cox-McClary, Interprofessional Health Sciences - Athletic Training
• Michael DeMarco, Political Science
• Dahlia Diaz, Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Antonio DiBerardino, Biology
• Gabriella Fernandez, Diplomacy and International Relations
• Amanda Grace, Secondary Special Education – English 
• Alyssa Housley, Psychology
• Jacob Hummel, Finance
• Isabella Rivera, Political Science

Juniors:

• John Cavanagh, Business
• Nina Lolli, Nursing
• Robert Magliozzi, Secondary Education – English 
• Callie McCool, Biology
• Joseline Molina, Business
• Frank Rocco, Business
• David Smith, Communications
• Susanna Testa, Biology 
• Marissa Todd, Elementary and Special Education

Seniors:

• Janasia Carter, Political Science
• Jocelyn Duallo, Mathematical Finance and Information Technology Management
• Kelsi Loewen, Biology
• Josephine McCartney, Biochemistry 
• Cara Mia Norelli, Nursing
• Megan Perumpail, Biology 
• Mary Tiffin, Diplomacy and International Business and Economics 
• Patrick Wac, Accounting and Information Technology Management
• Maxwell Wheeler, Biology

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 singing of the alma mater and, once again, the stirring sound of bagpipes.

Categories: Campus Life