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AND FOR OTHERS
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A
UNIVERSITY
REPORT 21-22
B
TABLE OF CONTENTS C
3 Letter from the President
4 The Year in Review
14 Academics with Impact
22 Empowering Our Students
30 Living the Mission
34 Strengthening Our Future
36 Leading the Way
1
A LETTER FROM
THE PRESIDENT
I am a proud first-generation college graduate and proof of
the power a quality education can and should have.
My experiences pursuing my bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, along
with a passion for working with others to solve complex problems, landed me
in this industry, where I have eagerly and happily focused my efforts for the
majority of my career.
After three decades in higher education, one would think I’ve seen it all. When I
joined Saint Joseph’s as provost three years ago, I was very familiar with the Jesuit
tradition of education. I was invigorated by the fact that Philadelphia is a vibrant
higher ed market and that Saint Joseph’s has been a part of the city’s story since the
mid-1800s. I was intrigued by the excellence of the University’s academic portfolio
and impressed by the industry and community partnerships, the national awards
our students earn, the meaningful research they engage in, the success of alumni,
and the ambition of the leadership team.
What I did not see coming was the opportunity to spearhead the acquisition of
another institution that had just the right mix of programming we need to remain
competitive. Saint Joseph’s has seen much change and opportunity in its 170-plus-
year history, but this is certainly its greatest evolution yet. As provost, I spent the
past year strategizing, planning, integrating, problem-solving, imagining and
establishing the next era of Saint Joseph’s University. The work was challenging,
fast paced and incredibly fulfilling. Now, as interim president, I have the
great pleasure of working with so many colleagues across two campuses to
complete our integration and develop an even broader portfolio for today’s
and tomorrow’s students.
We are ready. Our academic portfolio and programming has never been more
responsive. Our faculty are working across departments, schools and colleges to
create multidisciplinary offerings. Our students are empowered to build better
businesses, educate future generations and make life-altering scientific discoveries.
With more programs, more research and more facilities than ever before, there’s
never been a better time to learn, explore, research and work at Saint Joseph’s.
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD
Interim President
3
06.01.22
A New Era
On June 1, alumni, employees and distinguished guests gathered on Saint
Joseph’s newly acquired University City location for a press conference marking
a historic merger with the University of the Sciences.
That day, the University acquired dozens of academic programs in health
and science, grew its endowment to half a billion dollars, and combined two
alumni networks totaling nearly 100,000 — the culmination of a year’s worth of
integration planning and an intentional growth strategy.
In addition to naming two new colleges, the School of Health Professions
and the School of Education and Human Development, the University also
acquired the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the oldest pharmacy college
in North America.
RECOGNITION NEAR AND FAR
The University made a splash across major media outlets, appearing in
publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street
Journal and Forbes.
The city of Philadelphia also lit up in crimson to mark the occasion; skyscrapers
and famous landmarks were adorned in the University’s colors, from the
iconic Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River to Lincoln Financial Field
in South Philadelphia.
4
The Year in Review
A MODEL FOR SUCCESS
A trailblazer in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
space, the University hosted a webinar for nearly 100
college and university presidents later in the summer to
TODAY,
Saint Joseph’s enrolls nearly 8,000
discuss the role of M&A in the future of higher education.
undergraduate and graduate students
Moderated by Stephen Spinelli Jr., PhD, MBA, president
in over 220 academic programs, from
of Babson College, the discussion featured Past
physical therapy, pharmacy
President Mark C. Reed, EdD, and Interim President
and physician assistant studies,
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD (then provost).
to special education and the highly
ranked MBA program.
5
SOAR
The Largest Capital
Campaign in Saint
Joseph’s History
“This is the time to seize the moment,” said Chair
of the Board of Trustees James M. Norris ’85 at the
May launch event for SOAR, a historic $300-million
comprehensive campaign. To achieve this vision
of a community, a University, a world that is better
than before, the campaign will focus on three
major priorities.
OFF TO A STRONG START
Ground has been broken on the underpass connecting
both sides of the Hawk Hill campus, and the newly
renovated Frances M. Maguire Art Museum — a
modern gallery that will serve as an art education hub
for the University and community — will open
in spring 2023.
The University’s newly acquired health science
programs pave the way for research opportunities and
cross-disciplinary curricula in areas like occupational
therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy and physician
assistant studies. And, most importantly, support from
the Saint Joseph’s community to provide funding for
financial aid has been robust — nearly $50 million
6
The Year in Review
1. Investing in an Elite 2. Affirming Saint Joseph’s 3. Furthering Academic
Campus Experience Commitment to Excellence
GOAL: $150 MILLION Financial Aid GOAL: $75 MILLION
GOAL: $75 MILLION
Students attend a residential university for In order to prepare students for a rapidly
the learning and discovery that take place Scholarships change lives for the better. changing world, Saint Joseph’s regularly
both inside and outside the classroom. The They directly affect the caliber of the evaluates its academic programs and
goal of this priority is to invest $150 million student body and quality of the overall seeks new offerings to keep its curriculum
into the on-campus experience, including academic experience for students. and Jesuit mission vibrant and vital. The
renovation of the Fitness and Recreation The goal of this priority is to invest goal of this priority is to invest $75 million
Center, a modernized athletics complex, $75 million into student financial support into core programs, professorships and
expansion of the Kinney Center for Autism through two key components. The first research. Additionally, new programs,
Education and Support, the opening of will emphasize need-based aid and cross-disciplinary majors and curricula that
the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum (A), scholarships, increasing the number of are critical to society’s needs and students’
and construction of a pedestrian endowed and current-use scholarships. interests will be developed.
underpass (B) connecting both sides The second will support current students
of the Hawk Hill campus. through the Saint Joseph’s Fund,
enabling the funding of financial aid,
merit scholarships and emergency
student assistance.
B A
THE ROAD AHEAD
of the total $75 million goal, as of October 2022 — As progress continues, the University looks to the
including investment in the John P. McNulty future to continue to invest in core programs, existing
Program for Leadership in Science and Mathematics strengths, faculty professorships and research funds.
(see Page 22). In addition to plans to revitalize the athletics center
and expand the Kinney Center, the University will also
Since the launch of SOAR, the University has raised be starting construction in the near future on a new
$140 million, 88% of which has come from 253 donors training facility for both men’s and women’s basketball.
who have made gifts of $50,000 or more; this includes With this forward momentum, Saint Joseph’s will
a $50-million gift — the largest in University history continue to ensure that all future Hawks have the
— from the Maguire Foundation. In total, over 25,000 opportunity to SOAR into a better world.
gifts have been made by generous individuals inspired
by the campaign, 50% of whom are first-time donors.
7Kinney
THE YEAR OF
Now in its 13th year, the nationally
renowned Kinney Center for
Autism Education and Support
has had one of its most innovative
years yet, expanding its programs
and cultivating forward-looking
partnerships. With approximately one
in 44 children diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) in the
U.S. according to the CDC,
these initiatives further
Kinney’s mission of
serving individuals with
autism today while
educating the autism
professionals
of tomorrow.
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ASD- NEW MINOR: MANAGING FURTHERING A FIRST-YEAR
SUPPORTED RESIDENCE HALL NEURODIVERSITY NEURODIVERSE WORKFORCE APPRENTICE PROGRAM
IN THE WORKPLACE
An on-campus residential Kinney has started an The Kinney Center
option opened in fall 2022 A new minor equips internship program that relaunched its Apprentice
for undergraduate students students with the skills pairs one neurotypical Program for first-year,
with ASD. The supported necessary to successfully student enrolled in the undergraduate students
residence hall allows manage the unique needs Managing Neurodiversity in eager to get involved with
students to build community of a neurodiverse workforce the Workplace minor with Kinney and get a head start
with neurodiverse peers as future employers and two college students on the on a future career in autism.
while getting acclimated to management professionals. spectrum in Kinney’s ASPIRE Participating students
college through structured The interdisciplinary program. All students receive extensive training
events and programming. The minor was developed in receive internship credit, and and hands-on experience
dormitory is a new frontier for collaboration with the Haub participating companies working with individuals
autism and the first of its kind School of Business, the include Philadelphia with ASD the summer
to be located on a traditional College of Arts and Sciences, Insurance Companies, before coming to campus.
college campus. and the School of Education Fiduciary Trust International
and Human Development. and Independence Blue
Over the next decade, Cross. This new employment
500,000 to 1 million collaboration builds on the
young people with Center’s work with adult
autism are expected to clients to further develop
reach working age. the life skills needed to
live independently.
8The Year in Review
At the Helm of Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
Janée N. Burkhalter, PhD, was named associate provost
for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for the 2022-23
and 2023-24 academic years. In the role, Burkhalter plans
to build on the Inclusive Excellence Blueprint that the
president’s council for inclusion and diversity drafted
during her term as chair. Her work will focus on
alumni engagement, student retention, and campus-
wide training and resources designed to continue the
University’s focus on infusing DEI into its work.
This fall, Burkhalter introduced Ready to Launch,
a program that builds internship, practicum and
self-development skills for marginalized students as
they navigate graduate school or enter the workforce
after college.
Most recently, Burkhalter was associate dean for
“
undergraduate programs in the Haub School of Business.
She is a professor of marketing and co-chair of SJU’s
Day of Dialogue, a conference that attracts more than
1,700 community members annually, and builds I am honored to lead the DEI efforts here at St. Joe’s
on conversations about DEI by providing practical, in a way that is collaborative, reflective and creative.
participatory and action-oriented sessions. DEI work is all of our responsibility and it will take
unwavering community engagement to generate the
Burkhalter received her MBA from Florida A&M University systemic and long-term changes needed to create
and her PhD from Georgia State University. Her current and sustain the inclusive and diverse community for
research focuses on entertainment marketing, social which we strive.”
media and Black identity.
- Janée N. Burkhalter, PhD
Closing Out the Year
of St. Ignatius
The University hosted its fifth annual Ignatian Spirituality and
Leadership Conference as the Year of St. Ignatius drew to a close.
The day-long event included keynote addresses from two notable
alumni who returned to campus. Christine Marie Eberle ’87, leader
in higher education campus ministry and author on spirituality,
spoke on Ignatian leaders, while John McCaul ’88, Ignatian
educator and principal of Archbishop Spalding High School in
Maryland, spoke on Ignatian spirituality.
Breakout sessions on Catholic social teaching and its relationship
with diversity, equity and inclusion; cura personalis; and governance
gave attendees the opportunity to delve deeper into the teachings
and influences of St. Ignatius. The conference concluded with a
mass celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius.
9Seven years ago, when asked about I think we did very well. We have truly
your leadership, you talked about the grown and expanded the University in
long vision you had for SJU and how terms of academic offerings, and our
you wanted the University to think plans for the physical plant are active
differently about itself, challenge and really beginning to take shape. It’s
assumptions and live out its Jesuit truly extraordinary. We tend to be hard
mission by adapting to the times. graders on ourselves, but I do think an
How did we do? objective view tells a different story.
Externally, there is awareness of what
Saint Joseph’s has been doing. I think
the growth and success is a testament
to the faculty, staff and students — really
the whole community at large.
10The Year in Review
A Farewell Interview
With Past President Mark C. Reed, EdD
by Kelly Welsh ’05 (MA)
In 2016, I had the chance to sit down with the Dr. Reed guided the University through an
University’s new president Mark C. Reed, EdD, educational partnership with the world-
for an interview that appeared in Saint Joseph’s renowned Barnes Foundation; launched
University Magazine. Just a few months into his groundbreaking initiatives like the Center
presidency, we talked about his Philadelphia for Addiction and Recovery Education
roots, his first impressions of the Hawk (CARE); cheered the Hawks on as they won
community and his vision for the University. championships in field hockey, lacrosse, soccer
and basketball; and, most recently, steered
In the seven years that followed, Dr. Reed the University through the interruption of
would be at the helm of Hawk Hill greeting COVID-19 and the acquisition of the University
impressive world leaders such as Pope Francis of the Sciences.
and John Lewis, opening the University’s first
new school in more than three decades, and During his final days on Hawk Hill, we had
stewarding a $50-million gift — the largest in the chance to revisit that initial interview
institutional history — to ignite SOAR, Saint from 2016 and reflect back on a tenure of
Joseph’s historic capital campaign. monumental change and achievement at
Saint Joseph’s.
What are you proudest of? And, look, we also didn’t shy away from sure is necessary or that they think can
the opportunity to greatly expand our be done more slowly or incrementally. I
Our response to COVID is right there near academic profile with the acquisition think that characterizes my first few years
the top of the list. We made a decision of the University of the Sciences, which here. The University needed to embrace
to operate at the highest level we could came to us in the midst of COVID. It would new ways of thinking and acting. There
despite the pandemic. This would not have been easy to say that was too much were many who embraced this view to
have happened if Provost McConnell, the to take on. But we didn’t. set an ambitious path and trajectory for
senior administration and I hadn’t been in the University. For me, persistence, talking
lock step, and if our faculty and staff had What was your greatest challenge and listening helped me overcome the
not been so dedicated. I truly believe that as president and how did you obstacles. You demonstrate a vision and
continuity of our on-ground experience overcome it? aspirations in actions at least as much
has made SJU better and stronger than if as in words.
we had taken a different approach. The hardest times, in my opinion, are
when you have to lead people through a (continued on next page)
change process that they are not entirely
11(continued from previous page)
Is there anything you would have Back in 2016, we talked about your learning and recreational spaces is
done differently? wish list if time and money were absolutely essential to providing
no object. You quickly replied with the educational experience our
tripling the size of the University’s students deserve.
I’m a very reflective person and I take
time to think about what’s transpired, endowment to allow for greater
what’s good, what’s bad, what could financial aid for deserving What advice would you give
have been better. On the grander scale, students. Is there anything you the next president of Saint
that kind of reflection takes time and I would add to that wish list now? Joseph’s University?
will continue to reflect on my tenure for
a long time to come. But I will say this: Well, we more than doubled our I would continue the major themes and
As president, I am called on to make endowment and now, with the initiatives of the strategic plan, updating
decisions all the time. I like to think I’m acquisition of the University of the and refining as necessary; develop
better now than I was at the beginning Sciences, it’s even larger. And I would and build upon the recent expansion
of my tenure about not sweating the say let’s triple it again. A strong of the University’s academic offerings;
small stuff. I have learned to delegate endowment to support financial aid is continue to pursue options for both
and utilize the talent I have in the people the very best way to connect the most undergraduate and graduate nursing
around me much better. deserving students with the Jesuit programs; move as fast as possible to
education we provide. complete Campus Master Plan projects;
focus on fundraising and enrollment as
And if time and money were no object, the drivers of the resources needed to
we would accelerate the timeline of enhance and sustain the University into
our master plan. Ultimately, what this the future; and always place the Jesuit
master plan is about is the student and Catholic mission and heritage at
and academic experiences. SJU’s the center and as the basis for why and
campus is one of our best assets, and how SJU educates and forms students.
the revitalization or creation of living, I am hopeful that SJU’s next president
Presidential Milestones
A ■ FALL 2015 ■ WINTER 2017 B
Pope Francis visits Center for Inclusion and
campus (A) Diversity opens its doors in
the student center
■ SPRING 2017
Launch of Strategic Plan, ■ SUMMER 2018
Thinking Anew, Acting Anew Jill R. Bodensteiner, JD, first
female AD in University
■ SUMMER 2017 history, is hired
Largest gift in institutional
history, $50M from James ■ FALL 2018
J. ’58 and Frances Maguire First new school in three
decades opens: the
■ FALL 2017 School of Health Studies
and Education
Historic educational partnership
with the Barnes Foundation (B)
Dedication of Kevin
■ FALL 2019
On Sept. 27, 2015, Pope Francis made In 2017, the University
a surprise visit to Hawk Hill during Quinn ’62 Track Center for Addiction and celebrated its official
his trip to Philadelphia. Recovery Education (CARE) partnership with the
Barnes Foundation.
is established
12The Year in Review
will feel and find that there is so much
“
underway and more to do.
On a personal level, I would advise The best leaders are ones who both have a vision and the
the next president to get to know the
institution, its people, its history and
executive acumen to lead people and the institution toward
its culture deeply and sincerely. It will its achievement.”
absolutely help in making the best
decisions possible. - Dr. Mark C. Reed
What lessons will you take away
from Saint Joseph’s?
Wow. There are so many lessons. Too
many to list quickly. Two immediately nowhere. Managing well but without a outlined in the strategic plan. When the
come to mind. First, to expect the clear set of goals will not result in much. opportunity presented itself, we were
unexpected. I am not just talking about The best leaders are ones who both already prepared and ready to respond.
a global pandemic! Rather, things do have a vision and the executive acumen Visionary and operational leadership
not always go as conceived or planned. to lead people and the institution toward together enable opportunities to be
Being comfortable with uncertainty its achievement. seized. The campus master plan is not
and considering contingencies and simply a list of projects to be completed
alternatives is essential. The most common question I have — it reflects a vision for the type of
been asked about the acquisition of university and campus experience we
Second, visionary and operational the University of the Sciences is how want for our students.
leadership are not distinct. Vision it happened or came about. It started
without the ability to execute it will go several years ago with the vision
■ WINTER 2019 ■ SUMMER 2022 C
Campus Master Plan unveiled Historic merger with the
to actualize Dr. Reed’s vision University of the Sciences
for a unified Hawk Hill results in a four-school
campus, including updated structure (see Page 4): College
residence halls, state-of-the- of Arts and Sciences, Haub
art athletic facilities, expanded School of Business, School
labs and innovation spaces, of Education and Human
The Frances M. Maguire Art Development, and School of
Museum, and a pedestrian Health Professions
underpass that safely joins
both sides of the Hawk ■ SPRING 2022
Hill campus
Largest comprehensive
campaign in University
■ WINTER 2021 history launches: SOAR: The
New Jesuit residence, Campaign for Saint Joseph’s Left to right: Peter Clark, S.J., PhD ’75, professor and director of the Institute of
Clinical Bioethics; Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, interim president; Lindsey Smith
Arrupe Hall, opens University (see Page 6) (C) ’22, former lacrosse player and Kinney Scholar; Mark C. Reed, EdD; Margaret
on campus K. Hondros H ’16, trustee; Taylor Stokes ’22, former student body president; and
James M. Norris ’85, board chair
13CREATIVE
PROSTHETIC
SOLUTIONS
“
There was a lot of commonality between how we
work with materials in sculpture class and how
they were working with materials in OT. There are
the same types of exploration, experimentation
and question-asking in each discipline.”
- Steve Rossi, assistant professor of art
14Academics with Impact
When Saint Joseph’s announced its plan to acquire the Rossi’s students focused more on prosthetics as a form of
University of the Sciences’ academic programs and bodily adornment, while Lemisch’s OT students took on
University City location in 2020, Lynda Lemisch, OTD, the assignment to solve obstacles Powers may encounter in
assistant professor of occupational therapy, saw nothing everyday life — tying his shoes, opening Ziploc bags, et cetera.
but opportunity. Lemisch quickly began seeking avenues to
connect with the programs and faculty on Hawk Hill, starting “It was fun and challenging,” recalls Chhievling Seng ’24
with Steve Rossi, assistant professor of art. (DrOT). “When we made something that didn’t turn out the
right way, we could start over until we came up with a model
“At University of the Sciences, we’d always collaborated with that solved our client’s problem.”
other departments, but it never fell outside of healthcare,”
recalls Lemisch. “With the merger, we had a chance to step As the OTs became familiar with forming materials like
outside of that zone and into truly unique partnerships.” Instamorph (a lightweight thermoplastic), visual arts students
ideated their prosthetics a little differently.
Lemisch reached out to Rossi to see if there was any possibility
of practical collaboration — sharing 3D printers was at the “We were given a hand model to ideate off,” recalls Tess Hodder
top of her list. Almost simultaneously, Rossi came across an ’23, a psychology major and sculpture student. “I immediately
article in The New York Times highlighting an artist named wanted to do something bizarre, and I thought of these little
John Powers, who suffered the loss of two digits on his left hand incense bowls that look like fountains. I created this structure
due to a table saw accident. Powers put out a call for creative that he could wear that was just meant to be beautiful,
prosthetic solutions, and it became clear that both occupational not functional.”
therapy (OT) and visual arts students were well positioned to
take on this challenge. The project culminated in an event with Powers himself.
Students presented their creations and he tried them on for size,
“There was a lot of commonality between how we work with testing the limits of what they had been designed to do — or not
materials in sculpture class and how they were working with do, depending on their assignment.
materials in OT,” says Rossi. “There are the same types of
exploration, experimentation and question-asking in “It was amazing to have John there reacting to their creations,”
each discipline.” notes Lemisch. “The room was absolutely buzzing. He was so
pleased with all the students had made.”
So it was decided — Lemisch’s OT students and Rossi’s
sculpture students would work in groups to create prosthetic Rossi and Lemisch consider this project a springboard for other
solutions using digital fabrication technologies. collaborations across Saint Joseph’s departments.
“Part of the reason our partnership was so successful
is that we were totally authentic in our collaboration,”
Lemisch says of her efforts with Rossi. “We were so
open to learning from one another and I feel like that
really affected our students.”
Rossi is also eager to keep up the momentum.
“The connection between art and science is such
a rich one,” says Rossi. “With these new health
and science programs, we have all these great new
opportunities. It’s sort of limitless, in a way.”
Watch the video:
sju.edu/creative-solutions
John Powers reviews prosthetic designs with SJU students
15L
SCOTLAND
K O
FRANCE
M
UNITED
STATES
SPAIN
N
C D
E
MEXICO H J
Hawks Internationally Recognized
for Academic Excellence
It was a Record-Breaking Year for Highly Competitive Awards
Kayla Flanders ’23 was a sophomore when she published Flanders is one of 12 Saint Joseph’s students to have taken
her first peer-reviewed paper — as a first author, no less. home a fellowship this year, including four Fulbright ETAS
Her experiment, conducted alongside faculty mentor Jose (plus two semifinalist nominations) and a record number of
Cerda, PhD, associate professor of chemical biology, tested STEM awards. Like many of her peers, she spent the summer
the hypothesis that fluoride could reduce the denaturing, abroad conducting research, experiencing new cultures and
or breaking down, of proteins in the human body caused expanding her skillset as a chemical biology major.
by things like cancer treatments, UV exposure or even
cleaning products. For two months, Flanders lived in Germany, where she
worked in a physical chemistry lab at the Berlin Institute
Turns out, she was right. Not only did her findings have of Technology studying limonene, the citrusy-smelling
the potential to be used by pharmaceutical companies in compound found in common cleaning detergents. She and
therapeutic molecules, but it also paved the way for future her PhD mentor wanted to determine if the compound, and
research opportunities as recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater 40 others like it, would dissolve in a new class of solvents
STEM Research Scholarship and DAAD-RISE summer STEM called deep eutectic solvents, which are biodegradable,
fellowship in her senior year.
16SWEDEN Academics with Impact
G
2021-2022 FELLOWSHIP
AWARD WINNERS
Barry M. Goldwater STEM Research Scholarship
and DAAD-RISE Summer STEM Fellowship to Germany
Kayla Flanders ’23 | Chemical Biology (A)
GERMANY
Kara Moulton ’23 | Chemistry (B)
A B
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award
Adrianna DiVentura ’22 | Spanish and Secondary
Education (Spain) (C)
Erin Doherty ’22 | Political Science (Spain) (D)
F
Maddelyn Guerke ’21 | International Relations
and Spanish (Mexico) (E)
I Cat Jones ’15 | Sociology and Criminal Justice (Laos) (F)
Elkanah Linder USP ’15, USP ’21 (PharmD) |
Pharmacy (Sweden, awarded prior to merger) (G)
Claire Fitzgerald ’21 | Spanish and Communication
CROATIA (Madrid Semifinalist) (H)
LAOS Raeghan Smith ’21, ’22 (MS) | Political Science (BS)
and Public Policy (MS) (Croatia Semifinalist) (I)
Meddeas Language Assistant Program
14 FELLOWSHIPS Grace Schairer ’22 | Spanish and Chemistry (J)
9 COUNTRIES
National Science Foundation Graduate
Research Fellowship
Alex Manduca ’22 | Physics (K)
St. Andrews Fellowship
Ethan Robison Ramoutar ’24 | Political Science
and Economics (L)
nontoxic and relatively inexpensive compared to what’s
Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)
currently being used by pharmaceutical companies.
Jordan Finkelstein ’22 | English and Philosophy (M)
“St. Joe’s prepared me for that experience — my classes, my
work in Dr. Cerda’s lab, writing a paper, learning how to do a Megan Piasecki ’22 | International Relations
literature search and presenting my work. I feel like I’m better and French (N)
equipped for what comes next after graduation,” she says.
The senior is in the process of applying to graduate programs Udall Scholarship Honorable Mention
and law school in order to become a patent attorney. “I’d like
Caren Teague ’23 | Environmental Science
to work in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry and bridge
and English (O)
the gap between scientists and the general public,” she says.
“I want to be surrounded by science.”
17Serving Immigrant Populations
Three Programs Team Up to Provide Health Services to
Underserved Communities
Saint Joseph’s Institute of Clinical Bioethics (ICB) is PT SCREENINGS AND FREE CLINICAL RESOURCES
committed to educating healthcare professionals to be leaders
in their fields through research and service experiences. Since The University’s newly acquired physical therapy (PT)
2014, ICB has been connecting students to community health program saw avenues to expand ICB’s offerings. Starting at the
initiatives through its African and Hispanic Health Promoter Guatamalan Consulate, Saint Joseph’s PT students joined with
Program, which provides healthcare services to vulnerable ICB’s Health Promoters to provide physical therapy screenings
populations, including uninsured immigrants. Currently, to African and Hispanic immigrant populations. Individuals
Health Promoters offers free health screenings, dental and who may require care beyond this screening are then referred
eye care, prenatal care and vaccination clinics. Now, the to the PT clinic at Saint Joseph’s University City location, where
program is partnering with the School of Health Professions students will provide care free of charge.
and Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support to
expand these offerings. “These students running our screenings are in the didactic, or
lecture, phase of their medical education,” notes Peter Clark,
S.J., PhD ’75, professor, director of the Institute of Clinical
Bioethics and the John McShain Chair in Ethics. “The beauty
UNINSURED PERCENTAGES of joining in on Health Promoters is that the students involved
have access to clinical experience that they otherwise would
Undocumented
42% Immigrants
have to wait a year or more to experience.”
8% U.S. Citizens
AUTISM SCREENINGS AND DIAGNOSES
Kinney SCHOLARS, or undergraduate students training to
work in the field of autism, have also identified opportunities
to bolster the Health Promoters’ work. Recent studies show
Black and Hispanic youth receive their autism diagnoses two
years behind their white peers. SCHOLARS are now performing
screenings at the African Consulate, Guatemalan Consulate and
the Mexican Consulate offices and St. Cyprian Church in the
Greater Philadelphia area to help mitigate delayed support
in this population. Their hope is that neurodivergent youth
will be able to benefit from the resources provided by the
Kinney Center.
“This was definitely a touching experience for me,” notes Ashley
Morales ’25, a Kinney SCHOLAR who assisted in translating the
autism screenings at the Hispanic Health Promoter screenings.
“I got a little emotional hearing about the different struggles
that parents have to go through and, as a Hispanic/Latinx
myself, I could relate to those experiences.”
Just as Saint Joseph’s PT students are getting a head start on
their clinical work, these screenings act as an extension to the
hands-on learning SCHOLARS receive at Kinney.
“Training at Kinney is more about interventions than
diagnoses,” notes Joseph McCleery, PhD, executive director
of academic programs at the Kinney Center. “This work
with the Health Promoters is an excellent opportunity for
our SCHOLARS to expand their experience with autism
intervention into screening and diagnoses, while also
supporting underserved communities.”
18Academics with Impact
Behind the
INVENTIONS
In the last five years alone, 17 patents have been granted to
SJU faculty. From advances in wound care treatment to new
yeast strains for producing sour beer, Saint Joseph’s faculty
and students are continuously making new discoveries and
helping solve real-word problems.
11,161,940
11,286,445
11,338,012
US Patent: 11,161,940 US Patent: 11,286,445 US Patent: 11,338,012
■ Patent Title: ■ Patent Title: ■ Patent Title:
Biocompatible Hybrid Compositions and BRAF-Based
Molecular Brushes Methods for Brewing Polypeptides for
and Methods of Sour Beer Treatment
Making Same Faculty: Matthew Farber, PhD,
of Cancer
Faculty and Student: associate professor of biology and Faculty and Student: Zhihong
Alexander Sidorenko, PhD, director of the Brewing Science Wang, PhD, former associate
professor of chemistry; Certificate Program professor of chemistry; Zhijun Li,
Sriramakamal Jonnalagadda, PhD, professor of chemistry; and
PhD, professor of pharmaceutical Amber Gunderwala USP ’15 (MS),
sciences and director of Description: Much of Matthew USP ’21 (PhD)
pharmaceutics graduate Farber, PhD’s, time is spent around
program; and Manasi Chawathe beer, but not in ways you might
USP ’18 (PhD) think. Seven years ago, Farber Description: Zhijun Li, PhD, was
founded the University’s Brewing approached several years ago
Science Certificate Program, by a former colleague, Zhihong
Description: This invention is a true where he is currently program Wang, PhD, to apply his work in
product of collaboration, explain director. His research interests molecular modeling and design to
faculty members Sriramakamal include innovative applications of help with her BRAF project. They
Jonnalagadda, PhD, and Alexander biotechnology for the improvement began working together with Amber
Sidorenko, PhD. The two experts of fermented food and beverages, Gunderwala USP ’15 (MS), USP
brought their disciplines together with a focus on proteases, non- ’21 (PhD) on new peptide designs,
along with now-pharmaceutics saccharomyces yeasts and beer which led to the development
graduate Manasi Chawathe USP quality. One of his latest research of BRAF-based polypeptides.
’18 (PhD) to further explore how discoveries is a new strain of yeast, This invention could be useful
they could advance wound care GY7B. The strain allows for new for treating, preventing and/or
treatment. After nearly a decade methods of brewing sour beer and ameliorating various types of
of research and lab work, the team has been brought to market by cancers such as lung cancer.
created a novel hybrid molecular Lallemand Brewing. Now branded
brush. This hybrid material could be as Wildbrew Philly Sour™, it is
used to enhance wound treatment, available in home brew kits as well
tissue engineering, and drug as for commercial production.
delivery as well as cosmeceuticals.
19THE YEAR IN
Research
Faculty at Saint Joseph’s
regularly develop new
technologies, publish
research findings in
high-impact journals
and present the results
of their scholarly pursuits
at national conferences.
20The
Academics
Year In Review
with Impact
Sampling of this year’s research:
■ PROJECT: Using Photoactive Drugs and ■ PROJECT: Preparing Pharmacists for ■ PROJECT: Pennsylvania Institute for
Therapies to Detect Tumors Evidence-Based Buprenorphine Treatment Food Marketing Education and Research
■ GRANTING AGENCY: National Institutes of ■ GRANTING AGENCY: Pennsylvania ■ GRANTING AGENCY: Pennsylvania
Health’s National Cancer Institute R15 Commission on Crime and Delinquency Department of Agriculture
■ PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR (PI): Bin Chen, ■ PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR (PI): ■ PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR (PI):
PhD | professor of pharmaceutical sciences Cathy Y. Poon, PharmD, FPPA, FCPP | chair of Ginny Miori, PhD | chair and professor of
the Department of Pharmacy, and Barbara H. decision and system sciences
Chen’s research focuses on optimizing the use Korberly Professor of Women’s Leadership
of photoactive drugs and therapies to detect and Health This grant supports various initiatives
tumors. Once these drugs accumulate in tumor determined by the PA Department of
tissue through passive diffusion, the tissue One of Philadelphia’s strategies for responding Agriculture, ranging from supporting consumer
emits a fluorescence that allows surgeons to to the opioid crisis is partnering with providers education about the benefits of state-made
better see the tumor. to improve access to medications for opioid goods and agriculture to data research on
use disorder (MOUD). This grant funds training consumer behaviors, marketing, supply chain
“It’s emerging as a new tool for improving the for community pharmacists and their staff to and technological strategies. Not only has
precision of oncological surgery,” says Chen. provide evidence-based treatment for opioid the work uncovered supply chain efficiencies
“Our ultimate goal is to work with clinicians to use disorder (OUD) and increase patient access that will reduce costs for vendors affected by
bring our research from bench to the bedside.” to buprenorphine-containing medications. This the pandemic, but it’s also bridging the gap
replicable care model will prepare community between food deserts and urban agriculture.
pharmacies within Philadelphia County to Haub faculty Nicolle Clements, PhD; Katie
provide services for patients with OUD. Garwood, PhD; John Stanton, PhD; and Ernest
Baskin, PhD, have also led the work on this
grant in past years.
■ PROJECT: Model Field Placement Initiative ■ PROJECT: Impact of Bed Provision and ■ PROJECT: Investigating the Role of GABA
■ GRANTING AGENCY: Tremaine Foundation Enhanced Sleep Health Education on Sleep in Type A Ion Channel (GABAA) Receptors in
■ PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR (PI): Jaclyn Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Children Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Growth
Galbally, PhD | assistant professor of special ■ GRANTING AGENCY: American Academy of ■ GRANTING AGENCY: Pennsylvania
education Sleep Medicine Foundation Department of Health
■ PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR (PI): Jodi ■ PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR (PI): Asha
According to data from 2021, two-thirds Mindell, PhD | professor of psychology Suryanarayanan, PhD, FPGEC | assistant
of Philadelphia third graders score below professor of pharmaceutical sciences
proficiency on state reading tests, while 52% of This study is investigating whether providing
Philadelphia’s adults are functionally illiterate. beds and sleep health education will improve This interdisciplinary project investigates novel
This grant supports training and consulting sleep in children who are experiencing poverty. roles played by ion channels in breast cancer
services provided by Saint Joseph’s University Mindell is working in partnership with the Beds growth. Students working on this project gain
faculty to Mastery Charter Schools for an for Kids program, which donates beds and expertise in both neuroscience and breast
initiative designed to increase the quality of bedding to low-income families. cancer research, as ion channels are critical for
literacy instruction. brain function.
21MORE
OPPORTUNITIES
for More Women
22Empowering Our Students
$2.6M Gift Supports Female Leaders in STEM Fields
Saint Joseph’s has expanded its “It’s not enough that women enter STEM
commitment to women in the fields of fields or even stay in STEM fields; women
science, technology, engineering and need to lead in STEM,” says Anne Welsh
mathematics (STEM) through a $2.6 McNulty H ’19, co-founder and president of
million investment from the John P. and the McNulty Foundation.
Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation.
This fall, 36 women are participating as
With this historic gift to the University and scholars and fellows in the new McNulty
its SOAR campaign (see Page 6), the newly Leadership Program. With the funds that this
endowed John P. McNulty Program for investment provides, the cohort is expected to
Leadership in Science and Mathematics will nearly double in the next four years.
not only continue its vital work empowering
females, but will also scale its offerings to Since 2009, this competitive program, named
reach more women over the next seven years, for John P. McNulty ’74, a former Saint
preparing them for leadership opportunities Joseph’s student body president and later
in STEM fields. trustee, has connected highly qualified young
women with a challenging education in the
Females have historically been natural sciences, mathematics or computer
underrepresented in STEM fields, making science. Over the last decade plus, the
up less than a third of the STEM workforce, program has provided full- and partial-tuition
according to the U.S. Census Bureau. scholarships, alongside a suite of offerings
to help young women break barriers in their
chosen STEM fields.
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
13
$6.5 75
MCNULTY
McNulty women
published
SAMPLE ALUMNI OUTCOMES
• Fellow, Allergy and
MILLION 23
Immunology, Children’s
GRADUATES
Hospital of Philadelphia
invested by the • Senior Chemist,
McNulty Foundation Dow Chemical
4 Goldwater awards • PhD Candidate,
2009
Harvard University
89% remain in STEM
• Data Analyst,
58 entered advanced Axia Women’s Health
partnership degree programs
• Vascular
established between
manuscripts in the Surgical Resident,
SJU and the McNulty 27 completed an
last year Mt. Sinai Hospital
Foundation advanced degree
23I R E L A N D ’S 1 8 T H A M B A S S A D O R T O U. S . PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING JOURNALIST
AND FILMMAKER
Daniel Mulhall Jose Antonio Vargas
VIP Visitors
Renowned Leaders and Dignitaries Speak at Saint Joseph’s
Saint Joseph’s has welcomed a number of notable guests Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and filmmaker Jose Antonio
and speakers to campus in recent years, from Pope Francis Vargas discussed his compelling memoir, “Dear America: Notes
to Congressman John Lewis to Joe Biden, who was then vice of an Undocumented Citizen,” and talked about his experiences
president. This year, invited guests came to campus from across with the immigration system in the United States. The program
the globe to discuss everything from the challenges facing was part of the University’s UndocuWeek programming, which
undocumented immigrants to trans-Atlantic relations and provides the community an opportunity to learn about the
wrongfully accused inmates. challenges undocumented immigrants and students face.
Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s 18th ambassador to the United “Ray of Hope: A Conversation about Diversity, Equity and
States, visited Hawk Hill to discuss Ireland’s contributions to Inclusion” with author and activist Anthony Ray Hinton was
trans-Atlantic relations. The former ambassador to Malaysia, hosted by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Corrigan.
Germany and London spent the day meeting with students, The conversation delved into Hinton’s life as an inmate on
faculty and University leadership. death row in Alabama for a crime he did not commit.
Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez spoke with students
in the theology course Faith, Justice and the Catholic Tradition,
taught by Mary Catherine O’Reilly-Gindhart. The Archbishop
discussed his life and path toward priesthood and his role in
parishes as Archbishop.
24Empowering Our Students
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
RXONWARD SUPPORTS
MINORITY PRE-PHARMACY
STUDENTS
SJU’s College of Pharmacy received a $15,000 grant
from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Foundation (NACDS) to support RxOnward, a
peer mentoring program developed to aid Black/
African American and Hispanic/Latinx
pre-pharmacy students.
“Data shows that students from racially or ethnically
underrepresented groups face challenges in feeling
like they do not belong or are inadequately prepared
to succeed in their professions or field of study,”
says Tyan Thomas, PharmD, associate professor
of clinical pharmacy. “Pairing student mentors
with mentees from similar backgrounds will help
them develop a supportive community of peers to
feel more comfortable and take advantage of a full
academic experience.”
RxOnward matches up to 15 Black/African American
and/or Hispanic/Latinx pharmacy student-mentors
Kelly Corrigan with qualifying pre-pharmacy students. These pairs
will then participate in professional development
programming to help them network with pharmacy
professionals and learn more about career planning
and study skills.
THE ACADEMY OF FOOD MARKETING HOSTED SEVERAL
SPEAKERS, INCLUDING: “Data shows that students from racially
or ethnically underrepresented groups
Dana H. Born, brigadier general, USAF, ret., public policy
lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, face challenges in feeling like they do
who spoke about authentic leadership and finding one’s not belong or are inadequately prepared
moral compass;
to succeed in their professions or field
Jim Craig, 1980 Olympic gold medalist for the “Miracle of study.”
on Ice” USA Hockey team, who discussed teamwork, goal
setting and attaining those goals; and Tyan Thomas, PharmD,
associate professor of clinical pharmacy
Shaun Tyrance, VP of player services and assessment,
Kansas City Chiefs, who spoke on motivation and having a
positive attitude when going into a competition.
25Why Hawks Get Hired
Henderson ’20
Alum Turns Passion for Name, Image and
Likeness Into a Career
Shortly after Noah Henderson ’20 (SANIL), turning his passion for activism
graduated, the NCAA announced it would and NIL work into a career.
change its rules to allow student-athletes
to benefit from their name, image and Last January, Henderson was part
likeness (NIL), piquing his interest. The of a working group that helped
economics and golf alumnus has always amend an Illinois state law to benefit
been an advocate for student-athletes. student-athletes.
At Saint Joseph’s, he was a leader on the “One of the things I pushed really hard
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and to get into the bill is an educational
the Hawks-Minded Leadership Council requirement that universities have to
supporting student-athlete mental health. provide life-skills training to student-
Now in his third year of law school at the athletes. This includes things like
University of Illinois College of Law, he’s accounting, budgeting and brand building
working with startup Student Athlete NIL that you might not get elsewhere until
you’re in the real world,” he says.
26Empowering Our Students
CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATES WERE HIRED 21% CHOSE TO ATTEND
The undergraduate Class of 2021 is
Outcomes
excelling in their post-graduate lives.
FOR FULL-TIME ROLES at the GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL
following organizations — SCHOOL at institutions
just to name a few: including:
Amazon Boston College
AstraZeneca Cornell University
$53,551
Children’s Hospital Drexel University
of Philadelphia Duke University
TOP Chubb Limited Johns Hopkins University
2.5%
Average starting salary
E. & J. Gallo Winery Lehigh University
Independence The London School
EARNINGS Blue Cross
97%
of Economics
Johnson & Johnson Philadelphia College of
KPMG Osteopathic Medicine
PLACEMENT
Overall, Saint Joseph’s PepsiCo Saint Joseph’s University
graduates rank in the top 97% were employed,
2.5% nationally for median pursuing graduate study PwC Temple University
10-year earnings, according or in full-time volunteer Teach For America Thomas Jefferson
to the 2022 Georgetown programs within six University
University Return on months of graduation, U.S. Department of
Investment study up 5% from 2020 Veterans Affairs University of North
Vanguard Carolina
Wegmans University of Pennsylvania
Food Markets University of Virginia
At SJU, Henderson learned to think
critically and prepare for law school.
engagements totaling over half a
million dollars.
“
My job is about empowering
student-athletes to have a
“I took economics classes with Dr. “It's a lot more than money going into voice, empowering them
Pardo and Dr. Crispin, and they both the pockets of student-athletes,” says
really helped me learn how to think Henderson. “It's empowering student- financially to start whatever
logically and rationally and always athletes to have a voice, empowering venture they want, and
search for causation,” he says. them financially to start whatever
venture they want, and empowering empowering student-athletes
At SANIL, which helps brands work student-athletes to learn important to learn important life skills.”
with student-athletes, Henderson is life skills.”
putting his education into practice.
He assists in advising athletes, - Noah Henderson ’20
brands, collectives and university
administrators on best practices,
and has drafted contracts for NIL
27Photo Credits: Atlantic 10 and Sideline Photos LLC
Top 5
ATHLETIC ANDREW COSSETTI ’23 SELECTED
BY TWINS IN 2022 MLB DRAFT
The two-time All-Big 5 honoree
set a new program record for
MOMENTS
career assists per game and
Saint Joseph’s catcher Andrew posted five double-digit assist
Cossetti ’23 set new career and games, the second most in
single-season home run records Hawk history, trailing only
and a new single-season RBI Jameer Nelson’s record of
total. He additionally was eight. Hall will wear No. 30 for
selected by the Minnesota the Spurs.
of the Year Twins in the 11th round of the
2022 Major League Baseball
First-Year Player Draft this July.
Including 3 Conference Championships MEN’S TENNIS EARNS NO. 2 SEED
and NCAA Appearances FOR ATLANTIC 10 CHAMPIONSHIP
The Hawks earned the second
seed for the Atlantic 10
WOMEN’S LACROSSE UPSETS NO. MEN’S LACROSSE DOWNS Championship, marking the
13 UMASS FOR FIRST ATLANTIC HOBART 14-7 TO CLAIM FIRST highest seed in program history.
10 CHAMPIONSHIP IN PROGRAM NEC CHAMPIONSHIP AND NCAA Saint Joseph’s advanced to the
HISTORY; 5 NAMED TO ALL- TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE semifinals and capped the year
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM with a 14-4 record.
Men’s lacrosse won its first-ever
Women’s lacrosse won its first- NEC Championship and NCAA JORDAN HALL ’25 IS HEADED TO
ever Atlantic 10 Championship Tournament berth. The Hawks THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS
and NCAA Tournament berth. (14-3) were led by 11th-year
Lauren Figura ’23 was named head coach Taylor Wray and Men’s basketball player Jordan
the A-10 Championship Most a nine-player unit of All-NEC Hall ’25 proved to be one of the
Outstanding Player and was honorees, including the Player most versatile players in the
joined by Jorden Concordia of the Year Zach Cole ’23. nation as he appeared in 50
’24 , Riley Evans ’23, Sophia career games with 47 starts
Kolkka ’23 and Taylor Newman- and averaged 12.7 points, 6.34
Farr ’21, ’23 (MS) on the All- rebounds and 5.74 assists per
Championship Team. game in a St. Joe’s uniform.
28Empowering Our Students
Excelling Off the Field
PERFECT SCORE
Saint Joseph’s student-athletes athlete experience — including the
continue to excel not only on the classroom. We are truly helping to 32 Hawks earned a perfect 4.0
athletic fields and courts but also in the prepare the next generation of leaders.” GPA during the fall semester,
classroom. Impressively, a total of 284 and 38 earned a 4.0 during the
Saint Joseph’s student-athletes across Additionally, four teams earned perfect spring semester
all 20 varsity sports were named to the scores on the NCAA’s Academic Progress
2021-22 Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Rates. This past year, men’s cross
Honor Roll, ranking fourth among country, golf, women’s tennis and men’s CUMULATIVE GPA
member institutions in the conference. track demonstrated the highest level of
academic achievement. 3.35 Cumulative student-
“We strive to prepare our student- athlete GPA at the end of the
athletes for life beyond the hill, and that These rates are used to provide spring semester
starts with our collective commitment measurable goals to ensure institutions
to academic engagement and success,” are fulfilling their commitment of
equipping student-athletes with the
GRADUATION RATE
says Jill Bodensteiner, vice president
and director of athletics. “I am so proud tools and resources necessary to achieve 95% SJU student-athlete
of our student-athletes for achieving academic success. graduation success rate,
excellence in all facets of their student- compared to the NCAA D1
average of 90%
FIELD HOCKEY
Saint Joseph’s field hockey team soared The team dominated conference play all
to new heights in the highly anticipated season long, ultimately claiming its fourth
C L A I M S 4 TH
2021 season. After ending a run of three A-10 title in five years with a win over VCU
consecutive conference championships, on its home turf at Ellen Ryan Field. The
A-10 TITLE
the top-seeded Hawks were ready to take program also received national attention,
back the Atlantic 10 title. as it achieved its highest national ranking
in program history, rising as high as eighth
in the NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll
and reaching the NCAA Tournament
for the fourth time. The stellar season
ended with a First Round loss in the
NCAA Tournament.
In addition to wins on the field, student-
athletes saw great personal success. Katy
Benton ’23 was one of 22 athletes selected
to the USA Field Hockey U-21 Women’s
National Team.
“It is an honor to make the team, and I am
so proud to represent Saint Joseph’s field
hockey at the national level,” Benton says.
Cassidy Atchison ’20, ’22 (MS) was
recognized for her academic excellence
by being named to the A-10 All-Academic
Team and the Philly-SIDA Academic
All-Area Team.
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