A message from
DONALD R. BOOMGAARDEN, PH.D.
As I reflect on the stories featured on the following pages, I am deeply inspired by the passion and resilience of our community, and I am filled with a tremendous sense of gratitude.
Pope John Paul II perhaps said it best when, at the dawn of the new millennium, he advised us all “to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm, and to look forward to the future with confidence.”
Getting to Know a Trustee
Neal Bermas, Ph.D.
eople — no matter their circumstances — have “all kinds of possibilities.”
It’s that belief that has fueled Dr. Neal Bermas’ professional success across a wide range of fields. And it’s the kind of optimism that has empowered Dr. Bermas to absolutely transform the lives of hundreds of impoverished young Vietnamese adults.
STREETS International, founded by Dr. Bermas in 2009 after witnessing the endemic child poverty that existed on the streets of Vietnamese cities, is a no-cost culinary and hospitality training program offered to disadvantaged and vulnerable youth mired in poverty. The program has now placed 300 trainees in jobs with hotels and restaurants across Vietnam and at resorts around the world, including Dubai, Maldives, Cambodia and Singapore.
POINTS of PRIDE
Awarded NOAA Research Grant
SJNY Reaching ‘New Heights’
Spanning
the Globe
the Globe
Once Again
hirteen students who studied abroad independently. Eight faculty-led trips. More than 10 countries visited. All in one year.
Since the return to in-person learning, students have been making the most of St. Joseph’s University, New York’s diverse study abroad opportunities. Through a myriad of faculty-led trips, summers spent traveling foreign cities and independent semesters abroad, nearly 60 students in 2022 seized the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures while participating in one of the best experiential learning environments in the world.
“We have a vision and legacy of engaging with our global and local communities,” said Linda Lubranski, director of the University’s Office of Global Studies. “As a university, we’re continuing in that tradition by leading students to study, conduct research and intern around the world.
Providing an Opportunity for
‘Unparalleled Diversity’
A decade ago, only a small contingent of students at St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Campus lived more than 10 miles from campus. Today though, one-in-seven learners at the campus in Clinton Hill call another state — or another country — home.
“Over the past five years, we’ve enjoyed steady and consistent growth in both out-of-state and international student enrollment,” said Christine Murphy, St. Joseph’s University’s vice president for enrollment management. “New York City and Brooklyn in particular are global destinations for higher education, and the University has successfully met these learners and their dreams where they are.”
‘Being’ Excellence
‘Being’
At its Esse Non Videri Gala, St. Joseph’s honors six alumni whose passion for quality healthcare embodies the University’s chief principle: ‘To be, not to seem’
Excellence
‘Being’ Excellence
‘Being’
Excellence
At its Esse Non Videri Gala, St. Joseph’s honors six alumni whose passion for quality healthcare embodies the University’s chief principle: ‘To be, not to seem’
t. Joseph’s University, New York hosted its second annual Esse Non Videri Gala Awards Dinner on Nov. 18, this year honoring six alumni who have achieved transformational success in their healthcare careers.
Among the award recipients was Sandra Lindsay ’99, a critical care nurse manager for Northwell Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the very first person in the United States to be vaccinated against the virus. She now serves as Northwell’s vice president of public health advocacy.
“The common thread that runs through tonight’s program is excellence,” St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said. “And excellence comes at a price — the price of excellence is hard work. Everyone that is being honored this evening has worked terribly hard to be in the positions they’re in.”
St. Joseph’s University Student Center:
ON TRACK FOR FALL 2023 COMPLETION
ome next fall, Long Island Campus students will have a new central hub for learning and student life activities.
The campus’ new Student Center featuring indoor and outdoor space to accommodate more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate learners, as well as areas for faculty, staff, friends and partners within the community to enjoy is expected to be ready for full use in time for the start of the fall 2023 semester.
The $17 million, 32,000-square-foot building is the first construction on the Long Island Campus in two decades. An official opening is expected to happen this summer.
When was the last time you got together with friends from St. Joe’s?
Find our events calendar and more information on alumni programs at: sjny.edu/alumni.
Got an idea for an alumni event?
Email us at alumni@sjny.edu.
the Aquinas Society.
The Society, established in 1995 in honor of Sister George Aquin O’Connor, recognizes loyal alumni, parents, faculty and friends who have included a gift to St. Joseph’s in their estate plans.
For more information, please email rshaffer-walsh@sjny.edu.
The Chapel Fund Project
tudents, professors, staff, alumni and other members of the St. Joseph’s University, New York community gathered in October for the opening Mass celebration and blessing of the Brooklyn Campus’ newly renovated Kennedy Chapel in Burns Hall.
Celebrants at the Mass, led by Fr. Juan Luxama, were greeted by new, light-colored wall panels that brighten up the chapel, along with new carpeting and fresh paint, a refurbished floor, and new padded chairs.
S. Marie Mackey ’84, a faculty member on campus and the former director of Campus Ministry, noted that some of the other changes included new vestments, altar cloths and candles. The thurifer — the metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services — also is new.
Get
involved
involved
at St. Joe’s
A Call for Applications For Alumni Association Leaders
“Having a Student Emergency Fund available to people like me solidifies that St. Joe’s cares about its students and that alumni like you are willing to support us.”
– Katalina P. ’23
– Katalina P. ’23
Make a gift,
Change
a Life
a Life
Make a gift,
Change
a Life
a Life
Make a gift,
Change
a Life
a Life
Delivering Unique Opportunities
hanks to the Student Exchange Program created by the Association of Colleges of the Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ), three students from affiliated colleges across the country immersed themselves in New York City and all it has to offer, while spending a semester studying at St. Joseph’s University, New York this fall.
“The program allows opportunities for students to expand their experiences by studying on another campus — studying with new faculty members, making new friends, and accomplishing their personal and professional goals,” said Martha Malinski, executive director of the ACSSJ.
Malinski believes the program started in the 1970s or 1980s, predating the ACSSJ itself.
“My favorite thing about the program is hearing about the ways in which (students) find new academic, social and professional opportunities to grow,” Malinski said. “Many of the students continue relationships with other students, faculty members and staff after their semester on another campus.”
Scripting Their Legacy
he Writer’s Foundry at St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Campus released the inaugural edition of its new literary journal, a showcase of original work crafted by students in the program.
The “Writer’s Foundry Review” features an array of literature that spans fiction, non-fiction and poetry, as well as profiles of Writer’s Foundry instructors and published authors Cleyvis Natera, Randall Horton and David Gates.
The literary journal also boasts pieces that earned the Writer’s Foundry Prize in Short Fiction (Jane Snyder’s “A Durable Fire”) and the Writer’s Foundry Prize in Poetry (Despy Boutris’ “Meditation on Need”). The prizes were judged by Foundry Director Lee Clay Johnson and Professor Alicia Mountain, respectively.
Investiture: A Time-honored Tradition
Presidential Recital
t. Joseph’s University, New York President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., led an interactive Presidential Recital for the University community last spring in Tuohy Hall. A lifelong musician, he performed piano transcriptions of composer George Gershwin’s most famous songs. Recreation and Leisure Studies Instructor Veronica Kaninska, M.S.Ed., C.T.R.S. — who has a broad multilingual repertoire including opera, Broadway and folk music — accompanied the president on two songs.
St. Joe’s to Host Next ACSSJ National Gathering
t. Joseph’s University, New York is set to host the national gathering for the Association of Colleges of Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ) June 5–7, 2023, at the University’s Brooklyn Campus.
“This is a great honor for St. Joseph’s,” said St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., who began serving as the board chair of the ACSSJ in 2021. “Working as the chair of this organization has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I know that the energy generated at this event will be a transformative, joyful and mission-centered experience for all who participate.”
Expanded Role for Enrollment Management VP
fter serving for seven years as the head of enrollment management at St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Campus, veteran college admissions leader Christine Murphy last summer became vice president for enrollment management for the entire University.
Ms. Murphy took on the new role when Gigi Lamens, vice president for enrollment management at the Long Island Campus, retired.
With more than 20 years of experience in undergraduate and graduate recruitment in local, national and international markets, Murphy utilizes data to drive decisions and develop strategic plans; implements new technology to enhance and streamline the enrollment process; and designs enrollment events for prospective students.
‘We Are Wednesdays’
Summer Research Opportunities Granted to Three Students
ontributions from generous donors allowed St. Joseph’s University, New York last summer to provide three students with $4,000 research grants.
The newly formed Student Undergraduate Research Fellowships (S.U.R.F.) is the University’s largest undergraduate student summer research grant yet.
Blanca Reyes, a psychology major at the Long Island Campus, worked on her research with faculty mentor Corinne Donovan, Ph.D., focusing on predicting student success in a post-pandemic era.
“My favorite part of the S.U.R.F. experience was bringing my vision to life, and conducting my own research, while being guided with the expertise of someone who has been in the field of psychology and as a researcher,” Ms. Reyes said.
Mathematics and computer science major Bora Dibra was overseen by faculty mentor Elizabeth Zollinger, Ph.D., at the Brooklyn Campus during her research on the role artificial intelligence plays in relation to diagnostic accuracy. Caitlin Anetrella, a biology major with a concentration in adolescence education at the Long Island Campus, worked with faculty mentor Konstantine Rountos, Ph.D., and analyzed the impact microplastics have on grass shrimp.
Shinnecock Bay Named a ‘Hope Spot’
hinnecock Bay was recently named a “Hope Spot” (Or a space critical to the health of the ocean) by Mission Blue, a global nonprofit organization that aims to explore and protect the ocean. It ranked among 144 total locations, with the list including such places as the Great Barrier Reef and the Galápagos Islands.
Konstantine Rountos, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and coordinator of the environmental studies minor at St. Joseph’s University, served as lead fisheries field scientist from 2012 to 2016 during a restoration project of Shinnecock Bay.
“In our world today, we are constantly bombarded with bad news when it comes to how we humans impact our environment,” said Dr. Rountos, head of the Sustainability Committee at St. Joseph’s. “In Shinnecock Bay, however, we see how a science-based restoration approach, along with the galvanized resolve of scientists, community volunteers and supporters, and government officials, can completely switch the script and bring a bay back from the brink.”
To date, Shinnecock Bay is the only Hope Spot in New York, as well as the only one near a major city.
- Reconnect with classmates,
- Volunteer to mentor students and up-and-coming alumni,
- Search for job opportunities and alumni talent,
- Expand your professional network,
- Access digital yearbooks and a directory.
The Hon. Elizabeth Bonina, J.S.C. (Ret.), a business administration lecturer, received top honors from the New York Law Journal Best of Survey, once again being named the No. 1 Arbitrator in New York. It’s an honor she’s received five times in the past 10 years. She was also named a Top 10 Media, which is a title she’s held since the survey began in 2010.
Assistant Professor of Social Sciences David Siegel, Ph.D., published an article this past summer in the journal World Affairs, titled “From Oligarchs to Oligarchy: The Failure of US Sanctions on Russia and its Implications for Theories of Informal Politics.”
Joseph Pascarella, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice, and a team of researchers published their findings in the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin. “Depression in the Ranks,” honed in on a significant mental health issue among law enforcement.
Theodore Hamm, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the journalism and new media studies department, has been covering several post-conviction proceedings at the Brooklyn courthouse, wherein defendants imprisoned for murder fight to prove that they were wrongfully convicted.
Assistant Professor of Psychology Corinne Donovan, Ph.D., published an article in the journal Psychology of Leaders and Leadership entitled “Examining Employee Engagement Amid a Crisis: Reactions to Mandatory Stay-at-Home Orders During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Cleyvis Natera, a faculty member with The Writer’s Foundry at the Brooklyn Campus, published her first novel, “Neruda on the Park.”
Providing Help the University Can Count On
Integrity.
It’s at the heart of what Allison List does as the director of institutional research at St. Joseph’s University, New York.
In her role, Ms. List oversees all things involving data at the University — collecting, interpreting, organizing and reporting it.
“Integrity for a director of institutional research — and institutional research in general — is very important because you need the faculty, staff and community really to trust you,” said Ms. List, 43, who’s worked at St. Joseph’s for nine years. “They don’t necessarily have any way of knowing what’s right when you’re putting these numbers out.”
Getting Students on the Write Path
As associate director of the Academic Center and coordinator of accessibility at St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Campus, she handles scheduling and coordinates students and tutors. A published author and the holder of two master’s degrees, including an MFA via The Writer’s Foundry at St. Joseph’s University, Ms. Wood is not shy to jump in and tutor students herself.
“Hannah is well-liked and respected by students and faculty for her contributions as an instructor, tutor, and adviser. We look forward to her … adding her own unique talents and skills in leading the center,” said Associate Dean for Student Success Joseph Ross, Ph.D.
Californian Discovers Where Dreams Are Made In Brooklyn
“When I was in eighth grade, I came to New York City and fell in love with it,” said Ms. Fanthorpe of Santa Cruz, California. “The yummy food, the sights, the plays and knowing that my Italian ancestors came through Ellis Island and started their lives here was so surreal.”
The child study major remembered the day she left New York on that would-be fateful trip.
A Teacher at Heart
ver since she was a child, Asma Hosein knew she wanted to be an educator.
“My mom was a teacher, and she’s one of my biggest role models,” said Ms. Hosein, 21, who expects to graduate from the St. Joseph’s University, New York Long Island Campus this spring with a bachelor’s degree in child study and a concentration in psychology.
“I remember playing school with my siblings when I was younger. Going into teaching was always a passion of mine,” she added.
While Ms. Hosein is enjoying many aspects of her senior year, the time she has spent student teaching has been her favorite so far.
Health Admin Student Reaches Her Goal With SJNY Online
haron Dalzell was 57 when she decided to enter the world of higher education and earn a bachelor’s degree — just for the personal satisfaction of it.
“I never attended college before,” said Ms. Dalzell, now 61. “I always wanted to go back to school, so I Googled St. Joseph’s and the decision was made.”
Ms. Dalzell, who lives in Brooklyn but grew up in Guyana, graduated in January with a bachelor’s degree in health administration from St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Online Campus.
Oral History
project
If you ordered a copy of the Brooklyn or Long Island oral histories, they will be available in Spring 2023.
Dr. KMarie King ’94 Reflects on First Year in Historical Role
By Melissa Nicefaro
When asked how the first year at the helm of Albany Medical Health System went, the 1994 St. Joseph’s University, New York graduate laughed and simply said “Busy.”
“I wanted to focus on building the relationships I needed for success and meeting the important stakeholders in the medical school and hospital,” she said. “You need those relationships to be strong to get things done.”
Pursuing a Childhood Dream to Become a Doctor
By Samantha Cheyenne Miller ’13
A passion for science and a childhood dream of becoming a physician.
That’s what led Philip Branigan to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Joseph’s University, New York in 2016. And it’s what’s leading him to now pursue an M.D. at the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine.
“I have always loved medicine and enjoyed helping others,” said Mr. Branigan, who also earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences with a concentration in physiology and biophysics from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University last spring.
But Mr. Branigan’s passion for biology almost flatlined during a particularly challenging chemistry class at St. Joseph’s Long Island Campus.
Unwavering Support of Her Alma Mater
Brooklyn Alumni Board President Margaret Broda ’04 credits an enriching student experience as fuel for her desire to remain dedicated to St. Joseph’s University, New York.
During her time as a Brooklyn Campus student, Ms. Broda was a peer mentor and a member of the Student Government Association, Chapel Players and Dance Club. She also served as manager of the women’s basketball team and played for the softball and women’s volleyball teams.
“As a student, I was able to do so many wonderful things that I know were made possible in part due to the generous and active alumni who came before me,” Ms. Broda said. “After I graduated, I felt it was important to give back to a school that afforded me so many wonderful opportunities.”
New Group Connects Alumni with Students
“The Student-Alumni Association aims to foster relationships and camaraderie between the student and alumni populations in a way that is fun, educational and professionally valuable,” SAA President Sam Bifulco ’13 said. “Our group has made an immediate impact in our greater St. Joseph’s University community.”
In September, the organization attended the Club/Resource Fair, where students received more information on the new association and had the opportunity to join. In October, the organization held the SJNY Student-Alumni Conversations event, “Becoming the Best Version of You,” featuring alumnus Kevin Deutsch ’14.
Ready. Set. Success
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1999
A former history major at the Long Island Campus, Dr. John Christie was recently appointed and promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Eastport-South Manor Central School District.
For her community health efforts, President Joe Biden awarded St. Joseph’s Brooklyn Campus alumna Sandra Lindsay — the first individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in the United States — with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony in July. She was also promoted to vice president of public health advocacy at Northwell Health.
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2003
North Merrick School District named Brooklyn Campus alumna Jaclyn (Bobe) Guidice as its new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and personnel.
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2006
Long Island Campus graduate management alumnus Thomas Schuessler published a new book titled, “Spiritual Casualties: A Loving Outreach to Hurting Christians and a Call to Action for the Church.”
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2012
Long Island Campus alumna Kaylin Peterson was recognized for her new position as philanthropy manager at The Harry Chapin Food Bank.
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2015
Daniel Fazio, who earned a graduate degree at the Long Island Campus, became the new assistant principal for the Levittown Public School District’s Division Avenue High School.
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2016
Samuel Bifulco, a Long Island Campus alumnus, was selected for a Law Student Spotlight in August 2022.
Long Island Campus alumna Retha Fernandez, who majored in organizational management, was named to the Long Island Business News Power List, which honors the area’s 60 most powerful influencers.
-
2018
Alessandra Albano, a graduate of the
Long Island Campus, joined the Real Estate Group at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP as an associate attorney.
Thank You!
Your generosity has provided much-needed support for the Bears and Golden Eagles athletic programs, the Student Emergency Fund and the 2023 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships.
Thank you!
Clinton Hill Dreamin’
t was June 2016, and then-16-year-old Alexis Buchanan of Murrieta, California, was on her way to a college showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her travel softball team, the SoCal Breakers.
Looking to be recruited to play college ball for St. Joseph’s University’s Brooklyn Campus, the rising high school senior reached out to then-head coach Danielle Fazzolare, inviting her to the tournament.
Fazzolare dispatched assistant coach Rich Mauro to scout Buchanan. Impressed with what he saw, he spoke between games not only with Buchanan, but also with Ashleigh Hartwig and a couple of their Breakers teammates, in an attempt to sell them on St. Joseph’s.
Catching Up with Coach Ward
ood players, people and atmosphere.”
St. Joseph’s Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach Margaret Ward keeps it simple when she’s asked what the keys to her success on the hardwood in Brooklyn were. Ward coached from 1951 to 1984, guiding the team to many winning seasons, including the program’s only undefeated season in 1963-64.
And yet, when asked what she considered to be her greatest achievement during her time at St. Joe’s, winning was not part of her answer.
“I educated the students and players on the importance of physical education,” responded Ward, who turned 100 years old this past summer.
Golden Eagles’ Assistant Baseball Coach Saves Umpire’s Life
hile coaching a championship tournament game for his Long Island Titans travel baseball team in Georgia last summer, Andrew “Asch” Aschettino was hoping for a win.
He had no way of knowing he’d end up doing something much more important — saving a man’s life.
After witnessing the home plate umpire collapse in the middle of an at-bat, Aschettino rushed onto the field and immediately performed lifesaving CPR on the man.
“It was intense, to say the least,” Aschettino, an assistant baseball coach at St. Joseph’s Long Island Campus, told News 12 Long Island, as part of the news station’s coverage of his heroics. “It at first didn’t look good. I saw right away that he wasn’t breathing, took his pulse and there was nothing there, so I started chest compressions.”
hile coaching a championship tournament game for his Long Island Titans travel baseball team in Georgia last summer, Andrew “Asch” Aschettino was hoping for a win.
He had no way of knowing he’d end up doing something much more important — saving a man’s life.
After witnessing the home plate umpire collapse in the middle of an at-bat, Aschettino rushed onto the field and immediately performed lifesaving CPR on the man.
“It was intense, to say the least,” Aschettino, an assistant baseball coach at St. Joseph’s Long Island Campus, told News 12 Long Island, as part of the news station’s coverage of his heroics. “It at first didn’t look good. I saw right away that he wasn’t breathing, took his pulse and there was nothing there, so I started chest compressions.”
ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY,
NEW YORK
ALUMNI BOARDS
Margaret Norris Broda ’04
Ayana Kone ’07, ’09
Mary Collins Macchiarola ’62
Rose Marie Borg ’76
Peter Andrews ’00
Elizabeth Williams Auricchio ’63
Mary Jo Burke Chiara ’69
Joan Reardon Dillon ’56
Ronna Feit ’80
Myrna Kelly ’12
Daniel Mace ’03
Frances Minichiello ’63
Antonia Bartoloma Mohan ’69
Mary Morry ’79
Dianne Piwinski ’72
Kevin Reilly ’76
Mary Buckley Teatum ’70
Christina Traverson-Mace ’06
Melissa Henn Michaud ’01
Liam Kuhn ’01
John Diaz ’09, MBA ’16
Kevin Cantwell ’11, MBA ’13
Robert Sturges ’06
Samuel Bifulco ’16
Linda De Motta ’83
Lisa DiFiore-Ridolph ’85
Nique’la Durham-Adams, MBA ’15
Diane Fox ’08
Cara Giannillo ’89
Joseph Macellaro ’07, M.S. ’10
Virginia Muller ’94
Teri Sandowski ’15
Benedict Tieniber ’06
Jeanette Wolters-Lennon ’92
Monday, June 12, 2023
East Norwich, N.Y.
For more information, please contact specialevents@sjny.edu.
Masthead
- President
Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.
- Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Jessica McAleer Decatur
- Editorial Director
Brian Harmon
- Art Director
Stephanie Kearney
- Senior Graphic Designers
Kerri Ball
Dina Vigorito - Feature Writers
Samantha Cheyenne Miller ’13 and Michael Banach
- Photography Editor
Claudia Mirzaali
- Production Manager
Robert Gregson
- Contributing Designer
Michael McDonnell
- Contributing Writers
Andrew Capitelli, Valerie Esposito-Saadat, Cristina Costantino, Melissa Nicefaro and Amanda Bernocco
- Contributing Photographers
Amanda Bernocco, Sean Colgan, Bill Denison, Brian Harmon, Michael Macioce, Jörg Meyer, Benny Migs, Samantha Cheyenne Miller ’13, Claudia Mirzaali, Northwell Health and Austin Williams agency
Thank you to the students, faculty, staff and alumni who submitted photos for use in this publication.
- SJNY Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Marketing and Communications, 1 Terry Street, Suite 1, Patchogue, NY 11772. The print edition of the magazine is mailed to alumni and friends of St. Joseph’s University, New York without charge. Our digital version will be available at oncampus.sjny.edu.
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Address Changes
Please send to: Office of Alumni Engagement, 245 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205. Phone: 718.940.5585. Email: alumni@sjny.edu. sjny.edu/alumni/update-your-information
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Correspondence
SJNY Magazine welcomes your comments and suggestions. Email us at magazine@sjny.edu.