Honors Convocation 2023!

It was a night of joyous celebration for students, faculty and staff at Caldwell University’s Honors Convocation 2023 April 26. 

Graduating senior Evenny Tiana Peralta, a sociology major with a criminal justice minor, received three honors—the prestigious Trustee Recognition Award, the St. Catherine of Alexandria Medal and the Advocate in Action Award.  The Trustee Recognition award is given to a member of the senior class who has developed his or her own giftedness in a singular way during their time at Caldwell University, who has shared those gifts generously on behalf of others, and who gives evidence of the potential to communicate Caldwell’s mission and core values to others as the future unfolds.  

Maria Glenette Modilla Del Rosario and Anthony Del Debbio received the Leadership in Ministry Award, which is presented to a student of strong faith who exemplifies the qualities and values the University hopes to promote in furthering the role of the laity in the Church. 

The Faith Does Justice Award was presented to Sofia Magdalena LoSardo.  The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Anusha Pandey. Amanda Katherine Klein received the Joseph A. Brady History Award. The Frederick W. Neumann II Award presented to outstanding biology students was awarded to Samuel Annan and Abbas Wafa.

The Golden Eagle Award for Excellence in American History was presented to: 

Silvana Cosentini and Isabelle Ariana Custodio-Ortiz.

The C-Pin is awarded to the individual in each class who displays the qualities of an exemplary Caldwell University student. Students are nominated by their peers.

C-Pins were presented to: 

Freshman – Soraldy Ramirez

Sophomore – Nathan Ayele 

Junior – Shristey Tamang 

Senior – Bibek Dhungel

Students in the Honors Program, those in honor societies and those receiving departmental honors, and winners for Research and Creative Arts Day were recognized. Several graduate student awards were also presented. 

Faculty and staff awards

Music faculty Professor Rebecca Vega received the 2023 Caldwell Cup, awarded to an employee who has made a unique contribution to the campus. The honoree is someone who has exhibited a superior professional approach that goes beyond mere job description, who uniquely benefits Caldwell University and whose positive influence demonstrably benefits the university community. 

The Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Professor Bob Mann, chair of the Communication and Media Studies Department, for exhibiting excellence in teaching, passion and enthusiasm for learning, and concern for students’ academic and personal growth.  

The Mission in Action Award was presented to Nick Amabile in the Communication and Media Studies Department. This award recognizes the extraordinary contributions and quality service of a University staff member and acknowledges the person’s role in advancing the mission of Caldwell University. 

Jeffrey P. Egnatovich, Ed.D., faculty in the School of Business and Computer Science, and Henrietta K. Genfi, Ph.D, associate dean for academic support, were recognized for receiving their doctoral degrees from Caldwell.  The Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award was presented to Professor Daniel Summer. 

Education Professor Edith Ries, Ed.D. was presented with the distinction of professor emerita conferred upon faculty members or former faculty members who have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers, researchers, administrators, or professional leaders. Long-time accounting professor Alvin Neiman was named professor emeritus posthumously with his family receiving the honor. 

Also recognized were those retiring: Patricia Hayden, instructor of Mathematics;  Sister Mary Juliano, professor of Mathematics, who served Caldwell for 33 years; Alvin Neiman, who received his 35 year service award posthumously on Founders Day; Gloria Friedman, coordinator for field placement and certification officer in the School of Education, and Edith Dunfee Ries, professor in the School of Education since 2001.   

President Matthew Whelan, Ed.D. recognized Sister Mary John Kearney, O.P., who will be receiving the Veritas award, the highest honor the University awards to its alumni for academic excellence.

Dr. Whelan commended the students for the “internal fortitude” that brought them there. 

“Remember those who helped you get to this point.   Turn to your faculty and give them a round of applause,” said President Whelan. “Your effort brought you here today…you were the students who were not deterred by distractions or disappointments of the pandemic…you persevered through it all, and more than that, students, you excelled.”    Emphasizing the University’s core values of respect, integrity, community and excellence, he said, “these are the values that will continue to serve you in your duration here at Caldwell, and as you move forward into the world…in fact, these values will serve you for the rest of your life.”

Awards were presented by Ellina Chernobilsky, Ph.D., interim vice president for academic affairs and Bob Mann, chair of the Communication and Media Studies Department. 

The blessing was given by Sister Lena Picillo, O.P.  The Caldwell University Jazz Band with  the direction of music faculty Rob Middleton provided the gathering music.