Volume 40. Fall 2013

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IN THIS ISSUE

Alumni Events

Alumni News

Campus News

Faculty/Staff Kudos

FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGEFOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE

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WelcomeFALL 2013

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dear Friends:

As the year comes to aclose, I reflect on all that Iam grateful for as president.The National Center for Ethics & SocialResponsibility at St. Thomas AquinasCollege has called the college community to

research, teaching and service around theglobal issues of Sustainability & ClimateChange. One visible sign of our actionscan be seen on the front cover – as ourcollege students planted ninety trees in aTrees-for-Tribs program in conjunctionwith the NYS Department ofEnvironmental Conservations. Also thisfall, the Provident Bank Chair forCorporate Responsibility welcomed to thecampus an international expert in businessethics.

Our students continue to actualize theirpotential through academic excellence,participation in a myriad of student programs, active engagement in internships, study beyond experiences,and community service. In the name ofeach student who receives your support, I thank you.

This is a beautiful time of year where weas a country celebrate Thanksgiving, and atime when our religious traditions celebratelife and hope. Know that you, and allthose you love, are in my prayers.

May God bless us all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C.President

St. ThomasAquinasCollege hasreceived a$25,000donationfromOrange andRocklandUtilities, Inc.(O&R) to

refurbish a multi-use general study areaadjacent to the College’s advanced science research laboratories, announcedDr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C.,President of the College.

“O&R’s generous gift will help enhancethe collaborative nature of the importantscientific study conducted here by ourstudents and faculty,” said Dr.Fitzpatrick. “But most of all, this giftcarves out for us another venue wherewe can pursue learning, develop under-standing and share knowledge,” sheadded.

The “Meeting Lounge for the Sciences,”located in Costello Hall, is the primary

STAC RECEIVES $25,000 DONATION FROM O&R UTILITIES, INC.IN SUPPORT OF SCIENCE STUDY LOUNGE

gathering spot for students, faculty andthe public immediately adjacent to theChemistry, Physics and Biology researchlabs. Costello Hall is a second home formany of the College’s science students who spend a majority of theiracademic time in class and labs.

St. Thomas Aquinas College’s Schoolof Arts & Sciences offers a variety ofscience based program including:majors in Biochemistry, Biology,Forensic Science, Natural Sciences(with Biology, Chemistry and Physics);dual degree programs in BiomedicalEngineering, Chiropractic Medicine,Physical Therapy, and PodiatricMedicine; and minors in Biology,Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Physics.Student can also opt for a pre-medicalor pre-dental track. The School ofEducation offers options for students topursue teaching science at the childhoodand adolescent levels. For moreinformation, contact the Office ofAdmissions at 845-398-4100 oradmissions@stac.edu.

The President’s Council is a dynamicand talented group of alumni, business professionals and community leaderswho provide thoughtful counsel andleadership to help St. Thomas AquinasCollege fulfill its educational mission.

This is a group of outstanding individuals in the Rockland communitywho give of their time, expertise, talentand energy to a College that they wantto see succeed for generations tocome.

It is with great pleasure to introduce ournewest 2013-2014 President’s Councilmembers:

Amanda Bartlett, Esq. Associate,Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Michael Beckerle –Controller, BeckerleLumber

Courtney E. Boniface, Esq. – Cane &Boniface, PC

Jordan Baker-Kilner – Founder, RoomFor Thought

Kevin Kilner – President, Relentless, Inc.

STAC WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL MEMBERS

Courtney E.Boniface

AmandaBartlett

MichaelBeckerle

Kevin Kilner Jordan Baker-Kilner

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Campus NewsFALL 2013

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE RECOGNIZED AS A TOP-TIER UNIVERSITY: ACCOLADES POUR IN!

In recent months, St. Thomas AquinasCollege has been recognized for ouroverall and financial strength, our valueas an investment, and our dedication toour military community and communitiesin need. Most notable of the College’saccolades is our being named as a Top-Tier Regional University (North) by U.S.News & World Report in their 2014Best Colleges annual report. The rankingsinclude over 1,400 schools nationwideand are based on survey information collected and by peer ratings conductedby U.S. News & World Report.

"The entire St. Thomas Aquinas Collegecommunity is proud to be recognized byU.S. News & World Report,” said Dr.Margaret Fitzpatrick, President of theCollege. “We have been ranked highly bymultiple external reporting agencies overthe years. We have always considered ourstudents and faculty to be Top Tier andthis is a tribute to the entire CollegeCommunity.”

In an August 2013 edition of ForbesMagazine, St. Thomas Aquinas Collegewas ranked in the Top Tier for its financial health among colleges and universities nationwide.

In the recent online listing of AffordableColleges St. Thomas Aquinas Collegewas ranked 47th as a Top Collegeamong 472 NYS colleges and universitiesfor return on investment. This websiteconducted a study of the New York Statecolleges and St. Thomas earned theaccolade for low tuition rates and higherlifetime earnings for alumni.

The 2014 Colleges of Distinctiondesignation was earned by St. ThomasAquinas College in both the New Yorkand Catholic editions. The accolade isearned by colleges and universities whoexcel in the key areas: alumni success;quality of its teaching faculty; and theatmosphere on its campus. In addition,these colleges take a holistic approach intheir admissions decisions and have astrong national reputation.

St. Thomas Aquinas College received the2013 and 2014 Military FriendlySchool designation by the organizationfor doing the most to embrace the militaryservice members, veterans, and theirfamilies and ensure their success on campus. St. Thomas provides a YellowRibbon Scholarship to all eligible veterans,enabling them to receive up to a fulltuition scholarship each year they are eligible. In addition, St. Thomas offers aWest Point and Stewart Air Force baseprogram for active military and an onlineassociates and master’s degree at adeeply discounted rate for active militarymembers.

St. Thomas Aquinas College earned the2013 President’s Community ServiceHonor Roll designation by theCorporation for National and Communityservice for their commitment to betteringits communities through service. This federal designation points to many of theactivities that students and employees areinvolved in such as serving the homelesswith Midnight Runs and a multitude ofstudent-run activities that benefit thegreater community.

“We’ve continued to grow our campusand our offerings. St. Thomas studentsand alumni are the beneficiaries of ourgrowth and maturity as an institution andthis latest accolade is a reaffirmation ofwhat we are and where we are going as apremier liberal arts college,” Fitzpatrickadded.

To stay up-to-date on the College’s latestnews, visit our Online Press Room athttps://sites.google.com/a/stac.edu/stacnews/.

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Campus NewsSTAC APPOINTS A NEW TRUSTEE

FALL 2013

Mr. Paul C. Fitzpatrick has over fortyyears of investment banking experiencewith a concentration in the hospitality

industry. He hasbeen responsiblefor transactions inexcess of $1.5 billion during hiscareer and hasbeen a principal inseveral significantmixed use developments in

the northeast.

Currently, Mr. Fitzpatrick is the ManagingDirector of the Four Diamond Lodge atWoodloch, a luxury destination spa resortin Northeast Pennsylvania. Prior tobecoming Managing Director atWoodloch, he was a Senior ManagingDirector and Founder of the HotelTransactions Group at Cushman &Wakefield, working from C&W’s worldheadquarters in New York City. He hasalso served as Senior Managing Directorat CB Richard Ellis in New York Citywhere he represented major hotelowner/operators in facilitating purchase

and sale of hotels throughout the UnitedStates and the placement of debt andequity.

Mr. Fitzpatrick is a graduate of FordhamUniversity. He is active with numerousnon-profit organizations and is a Trustee ofthe Ridgewood Savings Bank, Ridgewood,NY. Paul and his wife, Una, have residences in West Nyack, New York and Hawley, Pennsylvania. They enjoyspending their free time with their fourchildren and seven grandchildren.

FIRST NIAGARA FOUNDATION AWARDS $5,000 GRANT TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE

IN SUPPORT OF “ENHANCING ANDENRICHING LITERACY ACROSS THECURRICULUM” EVENTS

First Niagara Foundation recently awardedSt. Thomas Aquinas College a $5,000grant in support of the “Enhancing andEnriching Literacy Across the Curriculum”series of events for students, teachers,and community members. The seriesincluded three events during the monthsof September, October and November2013.

The first event was held on September28th and was a wonderful success. Over100 people attended the First AnnualCampaign for Artful Resistance: ACelebration of the Arts, an initiativedesigned to recognize and restore artseducation in the curriculum. TheCelebration included a showcase of visiting artists who perform in schools.The foundation supported The 18thAnnual Rockland Literacy Extravaganzaon Saturday, October 19, 2013, whichwas a professional conference for practicing teachers and administrators,along with graduate and pre-service students. It focused on teaching research-based best practices for achievingCommon Core State Standards successin reading and writing across the curriculum, Pre-K through Grade 12.

The third event the foundation will support is The 18th Annual RocklandStorytelling Festival on Sunday, November17, 2013 at Haverstraw King's DaughtersPublic Library, which is a free event tosupport the joys of storytelling including presentations from recognized storytellersand hands-on arts and crafts projects forparticipants.

“Literacy skills can be improved, but notwithout the proper staff development,”said Sara Tucker, First Vice President,Regional Team Leader, First Niagara.“First Niagara is proud to support a program that is putting professionaldevelopment at the heart of its effortsthrough training teachers, as well as helping children through their literacychallenges.” Dr. Michael Shaw, Professorof Education and coordinator of theseries, thanked the First NiagaraFoundation by saying, "I am so gratefulthat First Niagara is supporting our St.Thomas Aquinas College initiatives to‘Enhance and Enrich Literacy Across theCurriculum. These events enable us toprovide the highest quality of professionaldevelopment to teachers and pre-serviceteachers to enable students to successfullylearn methods for teaching close readingand academic writing that will enable students to achieve Common Core State

Standards success. The grant also enablesus to focus on the importance of restoringarts education in schools that has beensignificantly cut back because of the overarching focus on year-long testpreparation, including the joys of story-telling. First Niagara is making a verystrong commitment to supportenhancing and enriching literacy acrossthe curriculum”.

First Niagara Bank has nine branches inRockland County, and their Foundationbelieves in supporting educational initiatives in the local communities theyserve. One of their Foundation’s focusareas is Youth and Education, which tiesinto the three St. Thomas AquinasCollege events this grant will support.

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Campus NewsFALL 2013

41ST ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT A GREAT SUCCESS –AS THE COLLEGE RAISES MORE THAN $118,000!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 GOLFVOLUNTEERSMany of our volunteers began their dayas early as 5 AM in order to assist withsigns, cars and players’ bags for ourgolfers. Many more continued through-out the day, positioned at each par-3 holeand helping out with prizes, registration,food and beverage services, silent auctionand more. We are deeply grateful foryour commitment and genuine enthusiasmfor this event to support our students.

We look forward to seeing you on June 2,2014. For information, please contactJudy Perrin at 845-398-4045 or jperrin@stac.edu.

Monday, June 3, 2013 was a perfect dayas 180 golfers climbed into their golfcarts for another exciting tournament!

If you missed this year’s tourney, markyour calendars for our 42nd AnnualTourney, Monday, June 2, 2014 at theprestigious Rockland Country Club!

A heartfelt thank-you to all our sponsors,hole-in-one prize partners, silent and liveauction donors, and the most wonderfuland generous golfers and volunteers whosupported this year’s tournament!

As always, the tournament’s net pro-ceeds go to enable student scholarshipsat the College and help to continue thelegacy, the tradition and the promise ofthe Dominican Sisters of Sparkill... whichis “... to Enlighten the Mind throughTruth...”

THANK YOU TO OUR 41ST ANNUALTOURNAMENT MAJOR SPONSORS:President’s Partnership: Capgemini, Inc.President’s Tournament Reception: Dr.Charles Poggi & The Poggi Press, Inc.President’s Tournament Reception:Dr. James Mooney & Virgin MediaPresident’s Tournament Brunch:Donald Hazelton & FriendsGolf Shirts: Sam Fratto & IBEW Local#363Golf Balls: Vincent Sabatino and EagleOne Roofing, Inc.Golf Balls: Thomas Rau & TD Bank, Inc.Green’s Fee’s: Ina Fitch & AcademicFederal Credit UnionGolf Carts: Anthony DiPilla & QualityCommunications, Inc.Golf Carts: Dr. James and Mrs. GloriaCostelloGolf Carts: Ridgewood Savings BankHalfway House Station: DaveWemmer’82 & Korn Rosenbaum, LLP18 Tournament Flagsticks: MichaelKennedy & the Kennedy Companies18 Tournament Flagsticks: PavariniConstruction, Inc.Tournament Beverages: Steve Wilson &Aramark, Inc.Tournament Beverages: VincentAbbatecola & Abbey Ice & Spring WaterCompanyTournament Beverages: Peter Unanue’90 & Rafael Toro at GOYA Foods, Inc.

HOLE- IN- ONE PRIZE PARTNERS:Our tournament is long famous for ourHole-in-One contests which presents awinning opportunity for our prize sponsorsas they get the benefit of promoting theirproduct and the prospect of selling anautomobile... Moreover, tournamentplayers have the excitement and dramaof trying to win one or all of the cars andmotorcycles on the course... as well asqualifying to win $1,000,000 in ourHole-in-One Million Dollar Shootout!

THANK YOU TO OUR HOLE-IN-ONEPRIZE SPONSORS!Craig Schultz and Chris LaMantia,Schultz Ford Lincoln MercuryLeon Gjoni, Interstate ToyotaBobby Everett, West Coast Chopper Alex Marsiglio, Prestige BMW &Prestige Cooper Mini

THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 GOLFCOMMITTEEScott Baird, Eric Black, Frank Borelli, Jr.,Dan Castrillon, Tom Collins, Dr. RobConenello, Anthony DiPilla, BarryDorfman, Bobby Everett, Paul Fitzpatrick,Br. Michael Harlan, Patrick Lambert,Philip Liebman, Michael Monahan,BernieNicolosi, Jim Patterson, Peggy Raso,Vincent Sabatino, Robert Salmon, BarbaraWallenstein, Rose Werner, Steve Wilson,Brig. Gen. Robert Winzinger

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Campus NewsFALL 2013

EXPANDING TEACHING OFFERINGS TO MEET NEEDS OF A CHANGING POPULATION

SUMMER “LITERACY CAMP” MAKES A HUGE IMPACT

"You embrace children with all types ofneeds, and your kindness and love forthem shines through all that you do."Another wrote, "We don't know what wewould have done this summer withoutthis program."

Families with children who are strugglingwith reading and writing can apply foradmission which is decided on a case-by-case basis. Visit the School of Educationweb site or contact Dr. Michael Shaw atmshaw@stac.edu for more information.

~Dr. Michael Shaw,Professor of Education

The Graduate Literacy Program capstonePracticum in July implemented a"Literacy Camp" model to once againmake a huge impact on motivation,engagement, and reading and writingachievement for struggling readers andwriters, grades 1-8, including studentsfrom diverse backgrounds. Usingresearch-based best methods, we implemented a paradigm of authenticreading and writing instead of skills/drill;accelerated/enrichment instruction ratherthan remediation; integrated instructionand active inquiry instead of isolatedinstruction; and ongoing authentic assessments with positive, constructivefeedback rather than scoring correctanswers on tests.

The camp model centers on linking reading, writing, and research with studentinterests and creating special enrichmentactivities that culminate with a celebrationfor families and guests. The celebrationincludes Power Point or dramatic presentations that highlight inquiry projectsand also includes musical reader's theaterperformances coordinated by Associate

Professor of Music Dr. Evan Matthewswhere students dramatize stories andpoems using a variety of instruments.Other enrichment activities include raisingmoney to support the Urifiki CenterSchool in Tanzania highlighted by alemonade stand (Students raised$174.00), collaborating with BiologyProfessor Dr.Jon Rosko to collect fishsamples for study and learn about protecting the environment, a familyreading party to show parents how theycan help their children at home, a celebration of National Ice Cream Day, apajama party to celebrate reading, a celebration of pizza, a lesson on bullyingby Director of Security Jim Nawoichyk,and podcasting. All enrichment activitiesare directly linked with reading and writing.

In final evaluations, all 20 parents"strongly agreed" that their child had a"positive learning experience" that moti-vated their child to learn and increasedreading achievement. All parents also"strongly agreed" that their child had a"knowledgeable, caring, dedicated professional teacher." One parent noted,

and Instruction for students with AutismSpectrum Disorders, and Language andSocial Communication development instudents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.The degree programs which are offeredat both the Elementary level (Grades 1-6)and the Secondary level (Grades 7-12)are 36 credits. The certificate program is12 credits. Upon completion of the programs, candidates will be able to applyfor teaching certification in special education with an annotation in severeand multiple disabilities. Candidates willbe able to teach in a range of classroomincluding co-taught general educationclassrooms, resource room and self-contained specialized classrooms.

St. Thomas Aquinas College also offersgraduate education programs in Literacy,Special Education, Educational Leadership,and Teacher Leadership, as well as a program for individuals seeking teachercertification for the first time. For moreinformation visit www.stac.edu/graded.

St. Thomas Aquinas College recentlyexpanded its graduate degree offerings toinclude a Masters in Special Educationwith a specialization in Autism and anAdvanced Certificate in Autism.

“Media reports over the last decade havehighlighted the growing incidence inautism spectrum disorders amongst children. Students with autism find socialinteraction and communication difficult.In the classroom these students find itchallenging to recognize non-verbal cuesthat teachers might use during instruction.They may also find working in groupsand co-operative learning problematic.More than ever it is important for class-room teachers to understand the needsof these children in order to teach themeffectively,” Dr. Meenakshi Gajria, Deanof the School of Education at theCollege, said.

Jill Sheridan, a Math Resource Teacherat Ramapo High School (Franklin Lakes,NJ), started the Advanced Certificate in

Autism this fall. Sheridan, a RocklandCounty native, completed her B.S. inMath with Grades 7-12 Certification andher M.S.Ed. in Special Education at St.Thomas. She was drawn to the AdvancedCertificate in Autism at her alma materas she looked to start her ‘plus credits’.St. Thomas’ convenient class offeringsfor working teachers and its noted reputation as a National Council for theAccreditation of Teacher Education(NCATE) school, only made the decisionto return easier.

"It has become more common for studentsto be diagnosed with autism. I currentlywork as a Special Education teacher andwork with students who are on the spectrum. I feel that the Autism Certificateprogram will increase my knowledge onautism as well as help me to be betterable to teach students in my class withautism," said Sheridan.

Coursework in these programs will coverApplied Behavior Analysis, Curriculum

Director of Security, Jim Nawoichyk, reading a storyabout bullying to promote a positive response.

FALL 2013Alumni News/Spotlight

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MY FAVORITE TEACHERS

as well as my business electives. I remem-ber his stories about the many countrieshe would visit and how the varied culturesrelated to business. They were very applicable in his international businesscourses. It brought a true sense of realityto the class having a teacher that had firsthand experience with many diverse cultures.

I could have never predicted the economicdownturn the country has been experiencing. In my role as partner inOlori Crane Service the education I havereceived at STAC is fundamentally sound,and provides the ability to navigate themost difficult business environment.

~Ron Olori Jr.,Class of 1985

As a student of Don Bosco Prep HighSchool in Ramsey, NJ, great emphasiswas placed on college entrance. I wasless than a model student and, needlessto say, my college acceptance list wasshort. I started my freshmen year of college at a school I was less thanenthused about and left after a week.After days of arguing with my parents Idid not return to “the school that shallremain nameless” and I enrolled in St.Thomas. I never regretted the change.

Thinking back, I had many interesting

Professors at my four years at STAC buttwo stand out in my mind.

First is Dr. Marie Postner. I had takenher college algebra course. My math skillsthrough high school where less thanstellar so I was expecting to struggle andsqueak by in college. In Dr. Postner’sclass I actually understood and had confidence in my math ability for the firsttime in my life. The only regret was mycurriculum did not require any additionalmath classes.

The other professor and my all timeSTAC favorite was Mr. Ken Reddin. Ihad taken his Macroeconomics course,and after warnings from many peopleabout how dry and dull economics can beI was prepared for the worst. As anyoneknows who had a class with Ken Reddinhe was anything but dull. He wasextremely colorful and not your averageprofessor. I enjoyed his class so much Itook him for all my economics curriculum

“A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE”… Shining with a Degree in Business and What St. Thomas Aquinas College Means to Me!

Moreover, selling The LearningCompany, a business we built throughthe 90’s to toy giant Mattel, Inc. was alsomost rewarding!

I have found great balance between mycareer and my wonderful wife and twofabulous boys. It truly starts with lifefundamentals.

If you would like to learn more aboutSTAC’s School of Business, I invite youto attend their Winter Open House onFebruary 1, 2014. For details, go towww.stac.edu/events. Thank you St.Thomas for the great business educationand values based teaching!

~Anthony J. Bordon,Class of 1980

Moving from theBronx to PearlRiver, I becamefriendly with formerAlumni who attendedSTAC. After goingthrough the tradi-tional evaluationprocess of where I would hang my

college hat, it became glaringly apparentthat STAC would be my school of choice.St. Thomas gave me a true sense offoundation for success both personallyand professionally. The life values thatthe College taught me helped me tobecome a better business person –grounded in fundamentals such as trust,ethics, respect and integrity. These trulybecame the building blocks for the success I was fortunate enough to experience in my life and career.

These fundamentals coupled with arewarding and challenging business

program at the College enabled me toexcel in my career as a responsible leaderand in addition, offered me the opportunity to attend the HarvardBusiness School Program forManagement Development.

As I reflect on my experience at St.Thomas, I can’t help but to rememberthe impact the faculty and staff had onproviding me the guidance and support I needed in my career and in my life. Iparticularly remember both Sr. PatriciaAnn Reilly and Father Keats.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my career. I’mcurrently consulting for the investmentfirm of Guggenheim Partners on digitalmedia initiatives after holding a post asPresident of the Consumer ProductsDivision at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Prior to this, I was Divisional President ofThe Princeton Review, KnowledgeAdventure and Riverdeep, a provider ofdigital educational services.

Alumni NewsFALL 2013

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'72Sr. Susan Dunn (B.S., Education)received a new position as Assistant VicePresident for Student Affairs at SienaCollege.

'73Brooke DeGroat (B.S., Social Science)and wife Linda recently celebrated their50th wedding anniversary. They enjoyeda party thrown by their three childrenand and 10 day vacation to St. Lucia.Brook is enjoying his retirement andspending time with his friends, family and eight grandchildren.

'77Alan M. Brenner (B.S., Psychology) hasformed www.starfiveproductions.com acorporation which produces and directsDoo-Wop and Rock n Roll shows.

'78Fr. Michael Ramos, O.F.M. Cap. (B.S.,Mathematics) was ordained a Priest onJune 1, 2013 at Sacred Heart Church inYonkers, NY. Father has been assignedto Rutland, VT, where he serves as anadministrator of St. Alphonsus Parish inPittsford, VT.

'79Kerrin (Kory) Mahaffey (B.S., BusinessAdministration) was selected to Lead theRockland Community College FoundationBoard.

'85Catherine C. Skae (B.S., Psychology) isproud to announce her appointment asVice President for Graduate MedicalEducation at the Montefiore MedicalCenter as well as Associate Dean forMedical Education at the Albert EinsteinCollege of Medicine.

'87Fr. Kenneth Riello (B.S., BusinessAdministration) was ordained a priest. Hecelebrated his first Mass on May 25, 2013at St. Barbarigo Church in Garnerville,New York.

'89Mark & Donna Santilli Quirk (B.S.,Accounting) are proud to announce thattheir twin boys Anthony and Michaelhave graduated from Clarkstown SouthHigh School this past June. Anthonyplans to study music at Berklee Collegeof Music in Boston; Michael will be studying engineering at Virginia Tech.

Rebecca (Solomon) Mizrahi (M.S.Ed.,Reading) as of June 2011, has receivedher Certification of Advanced Study -School Building Leader & School DistrictLeader from The College of St. Rose,Albany, NY. This year she has served asInterim Assistant Principle of the JamesFarley Elementary School in NorthRockland.

'90Frank Messina (B.A., English) co-hostedand presented a reading at the KerouacProject Benefit event on September 29,2013 in New York, NY.

'94Jeannine Lake (B.S., Social Science)recently published an article in the Lee’sSummit Journal about her love of PhoenixUniversity and the opportunities for thestudents. She hosted a campus event onAug 7th entitled “Fine-tune Your CareerPath” allowing students of the college toconnect with prospective student, alumniand future community employers.

'99Ryan Hidalgo (B.S.) is Mall Manager atThe Shops at Nanuet in Nanuet, NY.

'01Michael Milisits (B.S., Accounting) wasappointed to the Board of Directors forthe New York Society of Certified PublicAccountants in May 2013.

'02Jessica Beale (B.A.,TherapeuticRecreation and Leisure) is currently livingin South Carolina and is employed as theDirector of Activities, at Life Care Centerin Hilton Head, SC.

'02Ryan Smith (B.A., Communication Arts)gained a position as Vice President ofMMW, a top tier public relations firm, inAugust 2013. In addition, Ryan lead the“Stronger Than the Storm” campaign topromote New Jersey residents to rebuildafter Hurricane Sandy.

'05Sean McCormack (B.A., CommunicationArts) co-owner of BMC Plumbing andHeating Inc., published an article, in theJuly 2013 Edition of the Plumbing &Hydronic Contractor News magazineconcerning the importance of employeeassistance entitled Helping Hands: TheArt of the Helper.

'08Anthony Anaya (B.A., CommunicationArts) was hired as an InternationalAssignment Manager with MondelezInternational, in August 2012. Anthonywas married to wife Kristine M. Geracion February 12, 2013.

Jessica M. Liss (B.A., CommunicationArts) is proud to announce her new position at Lifetime Television asMarketing Coordinator.

'09Megan Halvorsen (B.A., CommunicationArts) is proud to announce her recentpromotion at Phoenix MarketingSolutions Company in Warren, NJ.

Fr. Michael Ramos is pictured standing to the left of Cardinal Sean

Ryan Hildago on Opening Day atThe Shops at Nauet

Fr. Kenneth Riello

Alumni NewsFALL 2013

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'09Arwen Thomas-Belloni (B.S.,Social Science) iscurrently employedat Chase bank as aMortgage Banker inYorktown Heights,NY.

'10Tom Schwind (B.S., BusinessAdministration) is currently employed asa Regional Manager of Sales for HiltiCorp. in San Francisco Bay. He thankshis former STAC Professor NikolasPapavlassopulos, for the substantialinfluence he has had over his careerdecisions and aspirations.

'11Frank Fittipaldi (B.A.,CommunicationArts) has secured a job as a Coordinatorof Social Media for Major LeagueBaseball.

'12Kathleen Roepken (B.A., Art Therapy) isstudying Clinical Art Therapy at LongIsland University. She is also employed byHealthplex Insurance Company on a full-time basis.

Kozeta Lleshi (B.S., Biology) attendsDominican College’s accelerated nursingprogram and works part-time as an EMTat Congers-Valley Cottage andHaverstraw Ambulance Corp.

Krista Fucci (B.S., Psychology) is currently pursuing her Graduate degree in Social Work at Fordham University.Krista currently has a full-time internshipin which she works with young adultsdiagnosed with Autism. She commendsSTAC’s Career Services for their help inleading her in the right direction for post-graduate life.

'13Michele Beach (B.S., Biology) has beenaccepted to Seton Hall University’sPhysician Assistant Program which shewill attend in September 2014. She isalso excited to announce her new job asa Medical Scribe in the Emergency RoomDepartment at Good Samaritan Hospital.

'07Camille (Fremont) Rich (M.B.A.,Finance) has announced her marriage toJason Rich.

'08Nicole D’Angelo (B.S., Psychology) hasannounced her engagement to ChristopherBarbarino. A wedding is planned for July14, 2014.

'01Terri Brockman Weiss (B.A., English)married Gerard Weiss, Jr. on October 5,2012.

WEDDING BELLS

David, Edward Estok

'02Matthew Estok (B.S., Psychology) andwife Jennifer (Ferdon) Estok (B.S. SocialScience) ‘03 are proud to announce thebirth of their first child, baby boy, David,Edward Estok born June 27, 2013 andweighing 6lbs, 12.5oz.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nicole D’Angelo ‘08 and ChristopherBarbarino Engagement

IN MEMORIAM

'64Sr. Kathleen Ann Gorres (B.S.,Education) passed away September 5,2013.

'76Marianne Hartel (B.S., Psychology)passed away on August 9, 2012.

'80Robert C. Curry (B.S., BusinessAdministration) passed away on October 8,2012.

'92Shirley Kolkebeck (B.S., ElementaryEducation) passed away on February 18,2013.

'02Vincent L. Binetti (B.S., CriminalJustice) passed away on August 16,2013.

'82Alan Wietecki, (B.S., Mathematics)passed away on March 31, 2013.(B

'88Anne K. Wietecki (B.A., Fine Arts)passed away on October 26, 2012.(B.S., Elementary Education) passedaway on February 18, 2013

ATTENTION ALUMNI

Photos and announcements forweddings, births or professionaladvancements should be submittedto the Office of Alumni Relations[alumni@stac.edu] within one yearof the event.

To have your photo submitted forpublication, it must meet theseminimum requirements:

• Photos must be in color

• We can only accept digitalphotos. The original must be ahigh-quality jpeg, at least 300dpi and at least 2-by-2.5 inches.

HINT: If the file size is less than1MB, then it’s not the right quality.

Faculty/Staff KudosFALL 2013

Kevin P. Duignan, Vice President forInstitutional Advancement was named tothe Board of Directors of the RocklandCountry Club Foundation and effectiveJanuary 1, 2014 he will also become amember of the Board of Directors of theRockland Economic DevelopmentCorporation.

Dr. Florette R. Koffler, ProfessorEmeritus of Modern Languages andLiteratures, will be giving a talk at theTappan Library on Thursday, January23, 2014, on Italy and the Jewish population during the Second World War.

Gerald McCarthy, Professor of English,was selected to participate in a NationalEndowment for the Humanities SummerInstitute hosted by the Georgia HistoricalSociety (GHS) this summer that exploredtwo centuries of African-American lifeand culture in Savannah and Georgia’scoastal islands. Participants of the programexamined the centrality of place in theAfrican-American experience in Georgia’sLowcountry and the larger Atlantic world.Gerald was chosen from more than 100applicants.

Dr. Carl Rattner, Professor of Art, hadseveral of his works appear in Fall 2013exhibits. “Morph” (maple) and “WalnutHook” (walnut) appeared in the “Changeand Transformation” exhibit at the BlueHill Art and Cultural Center, Pearl River,NY. In October, “CHILD” (mahoganyand poplar) appeared in “Re-imagineGARNER” exhibit at the Garner ArtsCenter, Garnerville, NY.

Dr. Maria Ann Roglieri, Professor ofForeign Languages, has just finished thelatest book in the series of The Gluten-Free Guides. The new book is TheGluten-Free Guide to Spain(www.gfguidespain.com). She also gave alecture on gluten-free travel at PhelpsMemorial Hospital in the spring.

Dr. Michael L. Shaw, Professor ofEducation, had a chapter published in thebook Literacy Research, Practice andEvaluation entitled “Reading andTeaching Thoughtful Literacy toReaders who Struggle: IncreasingMotivation, Engagement, andComprehension”. He also presented asession at the 2013 International

Reading Association Annual Conferenceentitled, “Common Core StandardsInstruction for Struggling Readers:Teaching Close Reading Beyond theScripts.” Dr. Shaw also received twogrants to support 18th Annual RocklandLiteracy Extravaganza ProfessionalConference, the 18th Annual RocklandCounty Storytelling Festival, and the FirstAnnual Campaign for Artful Resistance:A Celebration of the Arts at STAC fromthe First Niagara Foundation.

Monica Wendel, Asst. Prof.,Composition & Creative Writing, had herchapbook (half-length poetry manuscript)Pioneer accepted for publication byThrush Press, and it will be published byThrush Press in the Spring 2014.

A WARM WELCOME to the following new members of the College Community!

• Tobin Anderson, Asst. Dir., Athletics& Head Men’s Basketball Coach

• Lauren Barbara, AdmissionsCounselor

• Moddie Breland, Sr. LibraryAsst./Circulation Tech

• William Diano ‘10, TestingCoordinator, Pathways

• Tara Diviny ’03, ‘05, AdmissionsRecords Clerk

• Dr. Deirdre Engles, Asst. Prof.,Marketing

• Cindy Calderon Garvey, ‘09, ‘11Financial Aid Counselor

• Dr. Bartholomew Grachan, Director,Admissions

• Jennifer Hawk, Visiting Asst. Prof.,Chemistry

• Huma John ’02 MBA, MBAProgram Office Asst.

• Dr. Amanda Mazin, Asst. Prof.,Education

• Maureen Mulhern, Director, CareerDevelopment

• Patricia O’Kane Fitzpatrick, Mentor,Pathways

• Dr. Nathaniel Rothschild, Asst.Prof., English

• Dr. Benjamin Wagner, Asst. Prof.,Psychology

10 www.stac.edu

Morph by Carl Rattner

THEtorchFall 2013

Dr. Michael ShawDr. Carl RattnerDr. Maria Ann Roglieri

Faculty/Staff KudosFALL 2013

CONGRATULATIONS to the following facultyand staff!

• Vincent Crapanzano ’84, ’00 waspromoted to Senior Vice President.

• Linda Hayden was promoted toOffice Asst., CAPS, CareerDevelopment, and Athletics.

• Deena Lise ‘11 was promoted toMentor in Pathways.

• Tim Morgan ‘06 was promoted toRegional Admissions Coordinator.

• Ashley Scales was promoted toAdmissions Counselor and StudentAmbassador Coordinator.

• Kathryn Van Bomel transitioned toAdmissions Counselor & SpecialProgram Advisor.

• Dr. Robert Vermilyer was promotedto Professor, Computer Science.

• Monica Wendel was promoted toAsst. Prof. Composition and CreativeWriting.

• Danielle Young ‘11 was promoted toAdmissions Counselor and AdmissionsSocial Media Coordinator. She is alsoa new member of the AlumniAssociation Board of Directors.

11 www.stac.edu

SPOTLIGHT ON PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT ON PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

Thomas F. Collins, Member and 2014 Spartan Award HonoreeThomas. Become part of the successstories at STAC! You will be glad you did!

I encourage everyone to go to the St.Thomas College website www.stac.eduand see for yourself what I am talkingabout. STAC is a school that really caresand takes a serious interest in every singlestudent, which is priceless!

If you are interested in the President’sCouncil, please call Judy Perrin at 845-398-4045 or jperrin@stac.edu.

~Tom Collins,Director, Rockland County

Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)

As a former Directorof Athletics at bothAlbertus MagnusHigh School and thePearl River SchoolDistrict, I have beeninvolved with St.

Thomas Aquinas College in one way oranother practically my entire life. I graduated from Albertus Magnus HighSchool where STAC’s academic prowesswas widely talked about. My uncle, JimMaloney, was the head of maintenanceat STAC for many years and from him Iheard so many great stories about whatSTAC was doing next. I have watched

how STAC has grown through the yearsfrom new dorms to a new athletic field toexpansion of majors, minors and special-izations. STAC is truly a great school, agreat experience for students and a realasset to Rockland County.

When I was asked to join the President’sCouncil, I jumped at the opportunity tobe part of the College which makes somuch impact and a real difference! I amproud to be part of such a fine institutionof higher learning.

I encourage everyone who is consideringa college education, be that undergraduateor graduate, to seriously consider St.

Anthony DiPilla, Member and 2014 Spartan Award Honoree to always do a little bit better than theday before.

As owner of Quality Communications,which sells, services and installs businesstelephone systems and data connectivityhardware, I try to conduct my businesswith the values that STAC teaches itsstudents – values of trust, integrity, givingback and responsibility. People do business with people they trust and like.Thank-you St. Thomas for everything Ihave learned from you.

~Anthony DiPilla,President, Quality Communications

STAC is an unbe-lievable College inso many ways. I ama huge fan of Dr.Margaret Fitzpatrick,President. Herunwavering leader-

ship, vision, dedication and devotion areextraordinary. I also have the highestregard for Kevin Duignan and his staff inInstitutional Advancement − it is always apleasure to work with them.

The faculty at St. Thomas are first rate,they challenge their students every day tolive up to STAC’s standards of excel-lence, integrity and ethics. As Dr. JohnDurney, Provost and Vice President forAcademic Affairs, states, “As faculty

members undertake scholarly inquiry,their teaching is strengthened, their disciplines informed and expanded. Toremain intellectually stimulated and professionally motivated is at the core ofacademic life and what makes a learningcommunity vibrant.”

The President’s Council has been a bigpart of my life – I love being involved. Atevery meeting I learn something new notonly about the College but about life ingeneral. At one of the meetings, STACstudents spoke about their trip toNicaragua where they stayed in a villageand worked side by side with the villagersto help build homes and improve thewater supply. The maturity, devotionand passion of these students inspired me

Campus News

In December 2012, Dr. MargaretFitzpatrick chose the two winning raffletickets that had been sold all year to celebrate STAC’s 60th Anniversary.The excited Grand Prize winners wereBob and Theresa Bartha who won theone week Trip to Italy. “We had a trulyamazing time and would like to extend aspecial thank-you to the the CocciaFoundation and St. Thomas AquinasCollege who sponsored our trip,” said theBartha’s.

Peggy Raso’82 was delighted to win theSecond Prize of a 60th AnniversaryCollege Ring custom made for STAC byJostens. As Peggy said, “Because my children needed braces, the purchase of acollege ring was out of the question, atthe time of my graduation. Dreams docome true…a remembrance of my greatyears at last…thank you STAC!”

Many thanks to everyone who participatedin the raffle and made it such a success.

FALL 2013

12 www.stac.edu

STAC’s 60th Anniversary Raffle Winners!All proceeds benefitted STAC’s GeneralScholarship Fund, one of the mostimportant sources of student assistanceenabling students to fulfill their dreams ofa college education.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy St. Peter’s Square, Rome, Italy

Campus NewsFALL 2013

13 www.stac.edu

2013 HONORS CONVOCATION AND COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

St. Thomas Aquinas College celebratedthe accomplishments of its students ontwo important occasions last spring.

On April 8th, the College was proud toinduct more than 200 students into 11different national honor societies and recognized over 150 students named tothe Dean’s List at the St. Thomas AquinasCollege 2013 Honors Convocation. Mr.Keith T. Darcy, Executive Director ofEthics & Compliance Officers Associationand Chairman, St. Thomas AquinasCollege National Center of Ethics andSocial Responsibility, delivered theConvocation Address and received anHonorary Doctor of Humane Lettersdegree. The College also bestowed anHonorary Doctor of Pedagogy upon Dr.Elizabeth Anne Logan ‘64. Dr. Loganretired from her position asSuperintendent of the Solanco SchoolDistrict, Pennsylvania in 2001. Sheremained involved in education as aneducational consultant for Pennsylvania

Added Assessment Systems and EmployeeAssistance Programs until 2011.

On Friday, May 10th, more than 400students graduated with degrees at levelsfrom Associates to Post MastersCertificates at St. Thomas AquinasCollege’s 56th Commencement Exercises.More than 2,500 family and friendslooked on as the graduates received theirdiplomas on the College’s front lawn.Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M.,president of DePaul University, deliveredthe Commencement Address andreceived an Honorary Doctor of LawsDegree. The College also bestowed anHonorary Doctor of Commercial Scienceto Mr. Denis O’Leary, retired Air ForceMajor, retired Merrill Lynch BranchManager, and a long-time Trustee of theCollege. Professor Emeritus status wasconferred upon Dr. Joseph Coyne,Professor Emeritus of Psychology; Dr.Florette Koffler, Professor Emeritus ofRomance Languages; Dr. Roger Levy,

Professor Emeritus of InternationalBanking and Marketing; ProfessorRonald Smith, Professor Emeritus ofAccounting and Business Administration;and Dr. James Vendetti, ProfessorEmeritus of Communications.

ARE YOU THAT SPECIAL ALUMNA OR THAT SPECIAL SPARTAN?IF YOU ARE, THEN SHOUT IT OUT – BY QUIETLY TALKING WITH US!

There is no better way to create yourlegacy and become a generous supporterof the College you love than to create aplanned gift. No one is too old to startthinking about estate planning and planning for the future well-being of family and loved ones.

The best thing about a planned gift isthat no money is required now. Aplanned gift could be as simple as abequest in one’s will, an IRA/PensionPlan distribution or a life insurance policynaming STAC as beneficiary − a particularly good choice for our youngeralumni and friends when the premiumsare low.

Please let us know if you have includedSTAC in your estate plans. By letting theCollege know now when you can makeyour important life decisions.…

• You’ll be sure that your gift will beused as you intend!

• You’ll become a member of theAquinas or Spartan Societies!

• You’ll be creating a family legacy thatwill last forever!

If you would like to discuss rememberingSt. Thomas in your estate plans and

becoming a member of our communityof planned giving donors and an important partner in preserving thefuture of our dynamic institution, pleasecontact Judy Perrin, Director ofDevelopment at 845-398-4045/ jperrin@stac.edu or Kevin Duignan, VPfor Institutional Advancement at 845-398-4017/kduignan@stac.edu.

Plan for the security of youand your family – It isnever too late to start

2013 Commencement

FALL 2013

14 www.stac.edu

For a listing of all campus eventsvisit our online calendar at

www.stac.edu

NOVEMBER Wednesday, November 6Alumni Affairs & Career ServicesEvent - Welcome to the Real WorldAlumni ready seniors for the “Real World”McNelis Commons Private Dining Room6 – 7:30 PMFREE

DECEMBER Saturday, December 7Alumni Association Board of DirectorsMeetingBorelli Hall Conference Room 8AM – 10 AMAll visitors welcome

Sunday, December 8Alumni Association Sponsored EventMass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, RadioCity Music Hall and/or RockefellerCenter Ice Skating8AM – 4 PM$10 per person for bus transportationonlySOLD OUT

Saturday, December 14 Alumni Association Sponsored EventSemi-Annual Defensive Driving CourseMCPDR8:30 AM – 4 PM$30 per person includes full breakfastSOLD OUT

JANUARYFriday, Januray 24 17th Annual St. Thomas AquinasCollege Hall of Fame The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, New Jersey 6 PM Cocktails, 7 PM Dinner $200 per person

FEBRUARYSaturday, February 1 Winter Open House1 PMwww.stac.edu/events

Thursday, February 13 Educator's ReceptionAlumni in Education mentor EducationStudentsPresident's Private Home4:30 - 6 PM

MARCHSunday, March 23STAC Alumni at Pearl River ParadeTo Celebrate the Feast of St. PatrickShop-rite Parking Lot11 AM

APRILSaturday, April 12, 2014Defensive Driving CourseSTAC Campus8 AM - 4 PM

Please contact us if you would like to takepart in any of these events.Alumni@stac.edu or call 845-398-4284.Can’t make it? Support students so thatthey can attend by making a donation tothe STAC Fund.

Alumni Calendar of Events

THE MAGAZINE OFSt. Thomas Aquinas College

(845) 398-4020

Vol. 40, Fall 2013

Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C.President

Lanny CohenChairman, Board of Trustees

Editorial StaffKevin DuignanJoanne Favata

Linda LoReJudy Perrin

Contributing WritersTanise Cannonier '15

Danielle KobrynDr. Michael Shaw

Some photos in this issue courtesy of:

Terry Lynch, Studio Eleven

Design - Universal Marketing, LLC

THEtorch

ON THE COVERSTAC STUDENTS PARTICPATE INHUDSON ESTUARY TRESS-FOR-TRIBSPROGRAM

STAC students enthusiastically participatedin a tree plantings project in October withSt. Thomas Professor, Dr. Rosko. TheEcology class planted 90 trees along theSparkill creek that runs through the STACCampus.

The project was led by Ms. Beth Roessler,Stream Buffer Coordinator, from the NYSDepartment of Environmental Conservation.The trees varied from Red Maple toFlowering Dogwood to Sweet Gum.

15 www.stac.edu

FALL 2013Your NewsWE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!Below is an opportunity to share your news with us. Use the envelope in this edition of The Torch to mail this coupon back to us, orfax it to The Torch at (845) 359-8136. Need more space? Send us an email with your updates to alumni@stac.edu. Photographs arewelcome (jpeg format preferred).

What’s new with you?

■ Moving ■ New Job/Promotion ■ Engagement/Marriage ■ Birth Announcement

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________Graduation Year:_________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City:________________________________________________________________State:___________________________Zip:______________

How would you like us to contact you?

■ E-mail Address (required): ___________________________________________________________________________________________

■ Home Phone: ( ) ___________________________________ ■ Work Phone: ( ) _____________________________________

Have an idea for The Torch? We’d like to hear your suggestions. Please call us at (845) 398-4284 or e-mail your ideas to alumni@stac.edu

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THEtorchSAVE THE DATE!

Friday, January 24, 20146 PM Cocktails 7 PM Dinner

The 17th Annual St. Thomas Aquinas CollegeHall of Fame & Reunions Dinner

atThe Rockleigh in Rockleigh, New Jersey

Alumni Hall of Fame HonoreesSr. Eileen Richard Leavy, OP ‘64

Christian Kopf ‘77Janet Ubriaco Humiston ‘82Jeanne Ubriaco Costello ‘82

Leonard Guddemi ‘84James and Hayley Schneider ‘86

Blair DeWitt ‘93

2014 Spartan Award Hall of Fame HonoreesThomas CollinsAnthony DiPilla