Honoring SJNY’s Class Of 2024

What made this ceremony particularly poignant was the shared experience of the majority of the graduates.

Due to the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago, they missed out on the traditional pomp and circumstance of a high school graduation and began their time in college having to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic: mask-wearing, hybrid classrooms, temperature checks, virtual events and canceled athletics seasons among them.

Since 1990, troves of St. Joseph’s University, New York alumni have come through the doors of Sheehan Accountants and Advisors and found a home. Now, Sheehan is proud to say that more than one-third of their workforce consists of SJNY alumni.

“At Sheehan, we’ve been able to help shape and mold the training of St. Joseph’s alumni to what is necessary for our clients, as most of them come in as interns,” explained Cynthia Finn Barry ’90, who was among the first St. Joseph’s alumni to find her place at Sheehan as a staff accountant.

A classically trained pianist, Dr. Boomgaarden conducts a recital at each campus during the spring semester and performs music at numerous other University-related events across the academic year. Accomplished soprano Veronica Kaninska, assistant teaching professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies as well as Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University, performed with Dr. Boomgaarden at the recitals.

That’s what this spring’s total solar eclipse meant to students, faculty and staff at both St. Joseph’s University campuses. As the eclipse moved across Brooklyn and Long Island on the afternoon of April 8, SJNY community members gathered outside, donned their protective solar viewing glasses and together gazed upward.

The event served as a powerful reminder of our shared human experience, capable of momentarily halting the rapid pace of modern life and bringing communities together to celebrate one of nature’s wonders.

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Each year, the Brooklyn and Long Island Alumni Boards dedicate time and energy to help shape the alumni experience for the more than 45,000 proud members in our Alumni Association. We are here for you and we want to hear from you!

Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest endowments at the University, providing crucial financial support to numerous students. The scholarship has been a lifeline for many, offering recipients the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams despite daunting financial challenges.

Here are the stories of three Brooklyn Campus students who have greatly benefited from this transformative scholarship.

That’s how old Maddy Frascogna was when she decided she wanted to attend St. Joseph’s University, New York.

“All my favorite teachers and role models were St. Joseph’s graduates,” said Ms. Frascogna, a junior majoring in mathematics and computer science with a concentration in adolescence education at the Long Island Campus.

Now, the soon-to-be three-time SGA president will forever be ingrained in the history of the University.

“The Student Center ribbon cutting ceremony might be one of my favorite moments from my time here so far,” said Ms. Frascogna, who delivered a speech at the event.

It was about the same time as deciding she would attend SJNY that Ms. Frascogna decided she wanted to become an educator.

In her first go-around, she was a visiting nurse looking to earn a bachelor’s degree. But juggling work, family and school became too much, so she took a break.

Ms. Walsh-Horowitz returned to SJNY in 2004, picking up where she left off. But life intervened again.

“I was well on my way to completing my degree when my dad passed, and I had to move my mom to live with us,” she recalled about leaving St. Joseph’s in 2008 — just 20 credits shy of a degree.

After retiring as a clinical nurse and entering the Chaplaincy program at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Ms. Walsh-Horowitz finally found her way back again to St. Joseph’s last September. She’s on track to graduate with a bachelor’s in general studies with a certificate in religious studies in January 2025.

Frank Antonawich, Ph.D., professor of biology, was among the plenary speakers at the 13th International Advanced Applications in the Medical Practice Conference entitled “Mitochondrial Medicine: Healing in Chronic & Post-Infectious Illness.” The session provided clinical and scientific expertise on mitochondrial function and disorders.

Amy Poland, Ph.D., professor of criminal justice, as well as associate dean and director of online learning, co-authored a book chapter, “Serial Rape,” which appears in the book “Serial Crime: A Criminological and Psychological Analysis.” The chapter examines the characteristics of serial rapists, their victims, and the selection and methods of attack carried out by serial rapists.

Michael Burke, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, published a book called “The Ethics of Horror: Spectral Alterity in Twenty-First Century Horror.”

Mathematics and computer science professor David Seppala-Holtzman, Ph.D., developed a paper, “The Optimal Tennis Serve: A Mathematical Model,” that is set to be published in The Mathematical Gazette in November 2024. He presented in April on the paper at the Mathematical Association of America meeting.

Sharon Didier, Ph.D., associate professor and director of Graduate Management Studies at the Brooklyn Campus, presented a paper last fall on “The Shifting Talent Pool and Emerging Employee Engagement: Re-evaluating flexible Work arrangements.” The study had broad implications for employers and faculty, confirming that companies and institutions need to understand generational differences to more effectively communicate and reach potential employees.

Jason Ostrowe, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, presented to NEACJS his paper, “Systemic Misconduct and Unconstitutional Policing: A New Model of Prevention.” His article, “A Framework to Forestall Police Misconduct: Applying DOJ’s Pattern or Practice Findings to Municipal Police” was accepted for publication in Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice.

Now, Dr. Lee has the privilege of introducing that same passion for the subject to her students at St. Joseph’s University, New York, in her role as assistant professor of philosophy.

“Philosophy is essential to students, as it promotes the habit of clear and critical thinking, which is crucial to success in any field,” the Seoul, South Korea, native explained. “More importantly, however, it explores perhaps the ultimate questions about life, death and meaning. Philosophy can lift our gaze from the mundane to the world of ideas that have the ability to shape and transform our everyday lives.”

It’s what fuels SJNY Assistant Professor Pamela Lovejoy’s journey through the world of biology; a passion began to take root during a childhood spent exploring in her hometown Guilford, Connecticut.

“I spent a lot of time outside as a child, so I became interested in nature and learning about how it worked,” Dr. Lovejoy, Ph.D., reflected.

Dr. Lovejoy’s path toward biology unfolded gradually, influenced by inspiring teachers and hands-on experiences in high school.

“In high school, I always enjoyed my science courses the best, I think because of the hands-on activities,” she said. “My biology teachers, in particular, were amazing, and their enthusiasm for the material they taught hooked me.”

Consider Dr. Michael Miner ’15, whose path from adversity to success serves as a testament to the transformative power of the education and community support provided by St. Joseph’s.

A senior quantitative social scientist for Meta (the parent company of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp), Dr. Miner faced numerous obstacles in his quest to pursue higher education.

“I was raised in poverty, I was a first-generation college student, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a former foster youth,” said Dr. Miner, who praised SJNY for its supportive environment. “St. Joseph’s provided a nurturing environment that allowed me to grow both academically and personally. My time there fueled my desire to understand and address social inequalities.”

A double-major in sociology and psychology, Dr. Miner noted that his professors, namely Drs. Raymond D’Angelo and Mirella Landriscina, were instrumental in inspiring him to pursue a Ph.D., fostering his interests in understanding inequality, and challenging him to excel academically.

During his junior year, Lorraine Lubicich, assistant professor of recreation and leisure studies, took her class to the Northport VA Medical Center to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a recreation therapist.

“I fell in love with the facilities and knew at some point in my professional career that I wanted to work for the VA and give back to the brave men and women who have served our country,” Mr. Costagliola said.

Since earning a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation, he has made his dream a reality and now serves as a recreation therapist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, where he created their recreation therapy program from the ground up.

On Sunday, May 12, the Golden Eagles needed to defeat Farmingdale State twice to clinch the championship. They overwhelmed the Rams 12-5 in the first game, and then won 9-8 in a thrilling walk-off finish in the second game.

Senior John Lynch was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, after hitting .471, with three doubles, two home runs, eight runs scored and six RBIs. Pitcher Dante Moribito, a junior, was stellar in the doubleheader’s first game, pitching 6.1 innings in relief as the Golden Eagles clawed back from a 4-0 deficit.

Across the season, Lynch, an outfielder, batted .333 and led the team with six home runs and 38 RBIs.

Junior Anselmo Joya, who also plays outfield, led the team with a .415 batting average and a whopping .506 on-base percentage.

Head coach Tom Caputo was named D3baseball.com’s Coach of the Year in Region 3.