THE MCGUIRE SCHOLARS: FIRST CLASS GRADUATES
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First Master of Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
201 9 SFC Literary Prize
Arts at SFC
The McGuire Scholars:
First Class Graduates
President Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D., and McGuire Scholar
Antonia Meditz ’ 1 9, the 2019 Spring Commencement
T H E S T . F R A N C I S C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9 , V O L U M E 8 3, N U M B E R 1
TERRIER B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S A L U M N I B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S
Fall 2019 Volume 83, Number 1 CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT
Terrier, the magazine of St. Francis College, Denis Salamone ’75 Robert L. Smith ’72
is published by the Office of Marketing and
Communications for alumni and friends of TRUSTEES VICE PRESIDENT
St. Francis College. Hector Batista ’84, P’17 Patricia Moffatt Lesser ’77
Linda Werbel Dashefsky Bro. William Boslet, OSF ’70
S E C R E TA RY
Vice President for Rev. Msgr. John J. Bracken
Kevin T. Conlon ’11
Government and Community Relations Kate Cooney Burke
Thomas F. Flood Timothy Cecere P’20 D I R E C TO R S
Vice President for Advancement William Cline Joseph M. Acciarito ’12
Bro. Leonard Conway, OSF ’71 James Bozart ’86
Tearanny Street
Executive Director, Edward N. Constantino ’68 John J. Casey ’70
Marketing and Communications Kenneth D. Daly ’88 Salvatore Demma ’09 and ’11
Mary Beth Dawson, Ph.D. Joseph Hemway ’84
E D I TO R Dorothy Henigman-Gurreri ’79
William F. Dawson, Jr. ’86
Leah Schmerl Jean S. Desravines ’94 Sarah Bratton Hughes ’07
Director of Integrated Communications, Mary Anne Killeen ’78
Gene Donnelly ’79
Marketing and Communications
Catherine Greene Josephine B. Leone ’08
CO N T R I B U TO R S Leslie S. Jacobson, Ph.D. Alfonso Lopez ’06
Rob DeVita ’15 Penelope Kokkinides James H. McDonald ’69
Joey Jarzynka Barbara G. Koster ’76 Kathleen A. Mills ’09
Jesus F. Linares ’84 Jonathan K. Ng ’07
PLEASE ADDRESS ALL Antonevia Ocho-Coultes ’04
Michael A. MacIntyre ’97
L E T T E R S TO T H E E D I TO R TO :
J. Christopher Mangan ’83 Josephine M. Pagliughi ’13
Editor
Lawrence A. Marsiello ’72 Dyanne Marie Rosado ’95
Terrier Magazine
Victor J. Masi, DO ’89, P’21, P’24 Danielle Rouchon ’92
St. Francis College
180 Remsen Street, Room 7304 Gino P. Menchini Theresa Spelman-Huzinec ’88
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201-4305 Bro. Gabriel O’Brien, OSF Joseph A. Stuto ’09
Walton D. Pearson ’83
O R V I A E - M A I L TO :
Judy A. Rice ’79
Terrier@sfc.edu
John F. Tully, Esq. ’67, P’12
President Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D.
(Ex Officio)
Thomas J. Volpe
(Emeritus and Non-Voting)
K E E P I N TO U C H W I T H S T. F R A N C I S O N L I N E S E N D U S YO U R N E WS !
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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT
M I G U E L M A R TI N E Z-SA E NZ , P H . D.
To all in the St. Francis College family,
W
e had a great start to the 2019-20 academic year.
Students, faculty and staff returned for TERRIER
TUESDAY. With the cooperation of our neighbors
and assistance of our local NYPD Community Affairs Bureau,
we closed Remsen Street and hosted a Welcome Back Block
Party: food, fun, and Franciscan hospitality at its best. On the
first day of classes, we continued a relatively new tradition of
serving the students a cultural meal—this year we featured
African cuisine. The following day we hosted a ribbon-cutting
ceremony for our brand new Troops to Teachers & Veterans
Lounge (see page 14). I proudly share that SFC has bolstered
its support of veteran students. We are now a designated
Military Friendly School, a Yellow Ribbon Program partici-
pant, and home to New York State’s only chapter of Troops
to Teachers, a federal program that helps military members
and veterans transition to new careers in education.
Last academic year, my second anniversary at SFC, was a
Needless to say, we kicked off the year with energy that
year of anniversaries to remember and celebrate: 160 years of
comes from friends reconnecting, excitement about what is
St. Francis College, 50 years of educating lay women, 50 years
to come, and a refreshed community eager to make this
of SFC soccer (and now a women’s team to “boot”), 50 years
another stellar year. We welcomed a returning student body
of Professor John McCabe lighting up a classroom with his
that is diverse and high-achieving, and an incoming class
abstract and practical wisdom, humor, and so much more.
that is the largest in recent times. So much credit goes to
A highlight that is front and center is a moment at the 2019
extraordinary faculty and staff who go above and beyond
Charter Award Dinner when seven of the first 12 lay women
each and every day. Moreover, we thank our believers. It is
walked on stage to a standing ovation by event attendees,
our strong partnerships with alumni, parents, friends of the
received flowers presented by seven current students, and were
College, foundations, corporations, and elected officials from
moved by the monumental moment for the ages. It was the
all levels of government that enable us to grow our academic
yesterdays, todays and tomorrows right before us, a living
programs, expand and upgrade our facilities, add endeavors
documentary. It was powerful.
like Troops to Teachers, Terriers Come Home, and SFC
We must never forget the impact that this special place has
International, and ultimately earn national recognition.
had on those that came before us, those who are present today,
All of this and so much more fosters a great sense of pride
and the impact it will have and those that will follow. It is
of what we do together for those we serve, and gives clear
clearly evident through the rankings shared, the good work
indication that there is nothing small about the impact the
we do, and most importantly, the people we put out into the
Small College of Big Dreams is having.
world. They are global citizens who carry and share their
We need to pause and reflect on the great work being done,
Franciscan values with all they come in contact with—through
the incredible investment that our believers make through
word and action.
their time, talent and treasure, and the impact we are having
As we pause and reflect, we also share our heartfelt gratitude
locally, nationally and globally. It is an honor and privilege to
for “believing” in the SFC of today and the investment you
share U.S. News ranked nearly 1,400 colleges and universities
are making in the SFC of tomorrow. We are proud to steward
for the 35th edition of the rankings, and among 58 northern
the mission entrusted to us by the Franciscan Brothers of
regional colleges ranked in the study, SFC came in 13th for
Brooklyn, and it is a privilege to partner with each of you.
overall academic quality and placed in the top 10 on the
We are all DRIVEN BY DREAMS !
following lists:
In peace and friendship,
Top Performers on Social Mobility (#2): Demonstrating
SFC’s success in enrolling and graduating large proportions
of economically disadvantaged students.
Best Colleges for Veterans (#5): Indicating SFC’s effective
participation in federal initiatives that help veterans and Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D.
President, St. Francis College
active-duty service members pay for their degrees.
Best Value Schools (#6): Reflecting SFC’s strong academ-
ics coupled with its modest average net cost per student.
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SEEN …it is about constituting an
AND act of ethical concern in an act
HEARD of remembrance no less urgent…
ARO U N D than the biblical commandment to
S FC remember. It is about preserving
memory so that we can remain
fully human beings.”
Alice Greenwald, President & CEO of the 9/11 Museum and
Memorial, delivering St. Francis College’s 2019 Yom HaShoah
(Holocaust Rememberance Day) lecture; April 24, 201 9
I still battle
the anxious
thoughts in
my brain
every single
day. But when
I introduce
myself, I am more than my
illness. Your mental illness
should not be the only thing
that defines you. Once you
realize that, you’re already
on your way to recovery.”
You have got to have grit. You have to have grit to find your Gabriella Pagan delivering her first-place speech
in the Delaney Speech contest. The annual
mentors within your organization. You have to have grit to take contest, open to all SFC students, requires
chances…you have to have grit when you enter a company…and participants to deliver a three to four minute
stomach the job you didn’t particularly like and have the grit to speech on any topic in front of a judging panel,
to win prizes up to $500; April 29, 201 9.
find the one that you really do…”
Peggi Einhorn, one of three panelists in 2019 Kenneth D. Daly Lecture (see page 24), addressing
St. Francis College students about what it takes to succeed professionally; April 1, 201 9
We are artists, so When all of a sudden I
we are in service…I serve take a look at someone not as
the misrepresented and a problem to be solved, but
the under-represented, as my brother or my sister who
and that’s who I’m telling needs to be respected and
stories about. So they loved, that changes the whole
will always come first.” way we approach things.”
Dominique Morisseau, Tony- Richard Slizeski, Catholic Charities’ Vice
nominated book writer of the President for Mission, addressing how he
Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud, believes we should approach immigration
the inaugural guest for Write in and immigrants, during his opening remarks
Brooklyn, a discussion series with for the SFC Forum on Migration: Global
prominent writers, organized by the Migration Conference, the second of two
SFC MFA program; March 27, 201 9 Forum on Migration’s inaugural conferences;
April 25, 201 9
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2019 COMMENCEMENT
2019 Terriers hit the
St. Francis College Class
of 201 9 Graduates on
Coney Island Boardwalk Boardwalk
Imploring graduates to never fear failure, CBS This Morning: Saturday co-host Michelle Miller
urged the St. Francis College Class of 2019 to live a life of integrity and fidelity to one’s
values and purpose. Miller, along with Bishop Octavio Cisneros, auxiliary bishop in the
Diocese of Brooklyn, were presented honorary degrees during the ceremony.
“A setback is nothing but a setup for a comeback,” said Miller, towards those who have supported them and to carve out a
in her Commencement keynote address. “When you fall, you life of service after graduation.
get back up. … You will need to stand by your deeds, because “We invested in you,” Martinez-Saenz told the graduates.
you will be held accountable to them. … You rent your title, “We’re hoping there’s a return on our investment and [that
you own your reputation.” happens when] you reflect on what
In a year marking the 50th it means to be in service to others.”
A setback
anniversary of the first lay women With passion matched only by
admitted into its student body, the is nothing but his devotion to the borough he
majority of the nearly 350 diplomas a set-up for a leads, Brooklyn Borough President
St. Francis conferred at Coney Eric L. Adams told graduates
comeback.”
Island’s Ford Amphitheater on to embrace New York’s diverse
Michelle Miller, CBS
May 23rd went to women. This Morning: Saturday
culture. “You come from a city
St. Francis President Miguel co-host, in her keynote that’s full of rich diversity,” said
address at Spring 2019
Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D. encouraged Commencement
Adams. “America belongs to all
graduates to express gratitude of us.”
Continued
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A trio of exceptional women The spring graduates also included
graduates also earned spots behind 17 McGuire scholars, the first such
the Commencement podium. Amal cohort to earn St. Francis degrees.
Hawari ’19, a DACA student who The College established the Robert J.
transferred to St. Francis last year McGuire scholarship program in
President Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Bishop Octavio
and earned a perfect 4.0 grade in her Cisneros, auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Brooklyn,
2014, made possible by the generosity
coursework, officially welcomed and Denis Salamone ’75 of Fred Wilpon, Chairman and CEO
graduates and guests to the ceremony. of the NY Mets, his wife Judy, and
“When I first arrived to this country, I didn’t speak a word other benefactors. The program has since provided more than
of English and now I am speaking before you all. … Dreams $2.4 million in scholarships to more than 100 students.
don’t have borders,” said the Communication Arts major Thomas Flood, St. Francis College’s Vice President for
who emigrated from Venezuela at age four. “I am a dreamer, Advancement, announced from the stage that both Wilpon
a DACA dreamer to be precise. … Today is proof to me that and McGuire, the former New York City Police Commissioner,
I have broken many stereotypes: woman, Latina, Middle would receive honorary degrees from the College.
Eastern, Muslim, and first-generation college graduate.” “It’s an incredible honor to be a McGuire scholar, and
St. Francis’ two spring 2019 valedictorians, Dana DiRenzo I credit the program for opening so many doors of opportuni-
(BS/MS, Accounting) and Arianna Sartzetakis (BA, ties for me,” said Danielle Francavilla (BA, Communication
Economics and Political Science), each completed their four Arts). “I became involved in journalism during my time at
years at St. Francis with perfect GPAs. Their speeches expressed St. Francis, and that fueled my passion to pursue a career
deep gratitude towards their families and the individuals at in broadcast journalism. It’s a dream I trace back to the
St. Francis with whom they forged significant relationships. scholarship.”
DiRenzo, a two-year captain of the women’s basketball Luis Pelaez (BA, Criminal Justice) collected his degree at
team, singled out the College’s Franciscan values as particular- Thursday’s ceremony thanks to his participation in St. Francis
ly meaningful to her. Post-Prison program, which helps formerly incarcerated
“These values have taught us to be kind to others, to be women and men enroll in St. Francis and earn degrees.
accepting, and to have respect for people of all backgrounds, “The Post-Prison Program means everything,” said Pelaez.
ethnicities, and cultures,” DiRenzo told fellow graduates. “It gives a lot of opportunity for guys to move forward who
“Let’s face it: St. Francis is like the ‘melting pot’ of schools. wouldn’t normally have that opportunity. I want to prove to
It is so diverse and just teeming with individuals from all the people that believe in me that I’m able to make myself and
over the country and the world.” others…better than we ever could have been.”
Sartzetakis, who served as president of St. Francis’ Student Other notable participants in the ceremony include graduat-
Government Association and of the Duns Scotus Honor ing nursing major Nicole Madrazo, who performed the
Society—the first woman to hold both titles in the same National Anthem, Sydney Bell (BA, Communications Arts),
year—lauded the camaraderie St. Francis fosters. who introduced keynote speaker Miller, and Bob Smith ’72,
“One thing that I am forever grateful for is the ability of President of St. Francis’ Alumni Board of Directors for the
St. Francis to feel like home for so many people,” she said. Alumni Association, who provided concluding remarks.
“We have been instilled with the Franciscan values of hospital-
ity and servant leadership.”
If you go through
life only knowing
people that look like
you, talk like you, walk
like you, eat the same
food, listen to the same
music…you are living
a Shakespearean
tragedy… Don’t be a
Metrocard graduate,
be a passport graduate
and conquer the globe.”
Brooklyn Borough President
Eric Adams
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More than 60 Graduate at
2019 Winter Commencement
S
ixty-two graduates from the St. Francis College
Class of 2019 were joined by family and friends
for the College’s winter 2019 Commencement
Be a full-rounded human
ceremony at the St. Charles Borromeo Church in Brooklyn
being. Learn as much as you can.
on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. A Baccalaureate Mass was
Learn from mistakes. And always
held immediately before the Commencement ceremony.
stay focused and determined.”
Diana Okon ’19, a Childhood Education Michael Quinn ’97, Owner of Feltman’s of Coney
major, who was born in Brooklyn and Island, in his speech as the Charter Day
Entrepreneur Award Recipient
raised in New Jersey, was selected as
valedictorian for the Winter 2019 graduat-
ing class. During her undergraduate years, NYU’s Dr. John Sexton Delivers Keynote
Okon interned at P.S. 110 as a stu- Speech at Charter Day Convocation
dent-teacher and returned there in September to work
as a first-grade teacher.
“St. Francis has helped prepare me for life after gradua-
tion because this experience has given me the knowledge
and compassion to become a great teacher,” said Okon.
Dr. Frank Sorrentino, Professor of Political Science,
offered the Winter Commencement Address. After serving
SFC for the past 41 years, Sorrentino retired this year.
“The most important thing I want to leave with students
is that they should not only dream, but they should feel
they have it within themselves to achieve,” said Sorrentino.
“That greatness is only the beginning, life is a series of
finding the work you love and doing it with all your passion
and all your enthusiasm.”
New York City is the first city in the world that
has a neighborhood for every country in the world,
inhabited by people born in that country…But the
interesting thing is if you go to those neighborhoods,
and…you say to people, ‘what are you?’ they’ll say ‘I’m
a New Yorker’…they see themselves
in a larger whole…the whole is
greater than the sum of the parts.”
Dr. John Sexton, President Emeritus of New
York University, delivering his keynote
speech at 2019 Charter Day; April 26, 2019
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2019 COMMENCEMENT St. Francis College Awards Its First Master of Fine Arts Degrees The world needs more readers. The world needs more people with imagina- tion. So figure out a way to cultivate the imagination,” said St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez- Saenz, Ph.D. In his address at the July 15, 2019 ceremony awarding diplomas to the first six students to complete the College’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, Martinez- Among those guiding the students included Man Booker Saenz encouraged the graduates to connect their work with Prize Winner Marlon James, named one of Time Magazine’s audiences who will find joy in reading it. 100 Most Influential People this year; National Book Award “I urge you—as you think about developing your craft—to finalist Jamel Brinkley; Cave Canem poet Mahogany Browne, think about your audience,” said Martinez-Saenz to MFA who serves as the program’s poetry coordinator; and playwright graduates Noel Jones, Vincent Longobardi, Matt Marvilli, Ben Snyder, the program’s dramatic writing coordinator. Steven Moller, Justin Reinsilber, and Adela Sinclair. “Reading “I got to work with Lincoln Michel and Jamel Brinkley is one of these art forms we’ve lost. We need to figure out how and they’re both recognized as being great short story writers to reinvigorate it.” for good reason,” said Jones, who focused on short fiction. SFC launched its two-year MFA program in 2017 under “I definitely have a better understanding of what the structure the direction of English faculty member Theo Gangi, and it is of a short story as opposed to just a series of ideas. It’s more has since enrolled more than 25 writers. Graduating students than just a series of, ‘and then.’ There’s a lot of that goes into it.” completed their degrees on one of three tracks—poetry, In 2019, the MFA program also launched Write in Brooklyn, fiction or dramatic screenwriting/playwriting—and worked a discussion series with prominent writers from a range of remotely other than two 10-day, full-time residencies each genres open to its students and the broader community. year at SFC’s Brooklyn campus. During those residencies they Guests in the series have included Dominique Morisseau, took part in workshops, readings, and discussions. The six book writer for the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud, young MFA graduates wrapped their final residency at St. Francis adult novelist Jason Reynolds, poet/writer/actor Amber from July 5 to 15, 2019. Tamblyn, and screenwriter/playwright Seth Zvi Rosenfeld. “They trusted us as a program and a school with their “It’s just the start for my career,” said Sinclair, who entered livelihoods and futures,” said Gangi. “It’s really satisfying the program with a MA in teaching English as a second to see it working out for them and then moving onto the next language from Hunter College. “My book is coming together. stage. Some are writing professionally, some are teaching. My thesis is my book that I hope to publish. I’ll teach and write So, we feel really good about the program’s success.” books forever.” 6 S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1
A R T S AT S F C
Mirror Mirror on the Wall…, Inaugural Exhibition from
the Lise Curry Art Collection
St. Francis College debuted curated works from the Lise Curry Art Collection in Mirror Mirror on the Wall…, an
exhibition of contemporary portraiture, figure drawing, and sculpture by established and emerging artists.
The show ran from September 19 to December 17, 2019.
Acquired over the course of 30 years, New York City private collector Curry recently gifted more than 220
works to St. Francis that reflect, in many cases, deeply personal, global perspectives on humanity and culture.
“Every artwork I’ve acquired was a result of a ‘coup de coeur’ (strike of the heart),’” said Curry. “If I didn’t
have that ‘coup de coeur’ for an artwork, it didn’t come into my home. Every item in my collection is very
precious to me.”
Among the artists included in the Mirror Mirror on the Wall… are Béatrice Coron, whose paper cuttings are
shown in a collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Lola Flash, whose photography explores gender,
sexual, and racial norms and has been included in collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum (London);
and Rebecca Morgan, whose paintings, drawing, and ceramics wittily challenge stereotypes about
Appalachia and have been exhibited widely in New York City and across the country.
“Each artwork in Mirror Mirror on the Wall… opens a window onto a world, experience, or perspective.
Different works are sure to attract students in different ways,” said Jennifer Wingate, Ph.D., Associate
Professor of Fine Arts. “However they move members of the St. Francis community, the art will connect
exhibition visitors with the real and imagined experiences of people outside themselves. That connection
and inspiration is the real value of art.”
SFC offers a scholarship in the name of Arthur Curry, Lise Curry’s son.
“We’re thrilled that St. Francis College is now home to such a deep collection of contemporary works,”
said Thomas Flood, Vice President of Advancement. “We hope our inaugural exhibit is the first of what will
be many public displays of a collection well worth the attention of our students and the public.”
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Art Exhibit Explores Climate
Change Through Art
Environmental Empathies, an interactive, multi-media
exhibit, featured film, photography, and other works from
10 New York City-based artists that explored the connection
between empathy and action around climate change.
Running from February 6 to March 25, 2019, the show
brought to life the current and anticipated effects of climate
change on people, plants, and wildlife, and invited visitor
A Tribute to Women in Jazz participation in an effort to help counteract individual
Jazz pianist and vocalist Rosalyn McClore, along with her indifference, prompt dialogue, and enrich the artistic
trio, paid tribute to black women in jazz on February 15, creations displayed.
2019, with a concert in St. Francis College’s Founders Hall “One of our biggest challenges is the belief that the
in celebration of Black History Month. environmental crisis won’t affect us personally or there’s
A Tribute to Black Women in Jazz served as a chronologi- nothing we can do to stop it,” said show curator Katherine
cal tribute to blues and jazz from the 1920s to the 1960s to Gressel. “It’s been really rewarding to witness students
present day featuring a selection of works by some America’s connecting with the stories of people who are hardest hit
greatest jazz female artists, such Billie Holiday, Nancy by climate change and also having fun engaging creatively
Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Nina Simone. with ways to connect with nature, live more sustainably, and
get involved in climate activism as an alternative to apathy
or hopelessness.”
Fourth Annual Women’s Film
Festival Honored Women’s
Contributions to Cinema
Forty-seven short films by women from 13 countries vied
to be among the 1 1 winners of the St. Francis College’s
4th Annual Women’s Film Festival, a three-day event
honoring women’s contributions to cinema and showcasing
the work of emerging filmmakers from around the globe.
More than 200 filmmakers from 35 countries entered films
for the Festival’s consideration in 2019.
Concerts at Half-Past Twelve
The screenings of competing films—each no more than Begins Twentieth Season
15 minutes in length—occurred throughout the festival’s run
from April 5 to 7, 2019, along with panel sessions in which St. Francis College’s Concerts at Half-Past Twelve returned
established female film professionals discussed the art and for the fall 2019 season with Art of the Keyboard, a
business of filmmaking. three-concert series showcasing masterpieces written for
harpsichord, piano, and organ from the 18th through the
20th century.
Now in its twentieth year, Concerts at Half-Past Twelve
has built a loyal following among St. Francis College and
Brooklyn Heights communities, where it is considered a
signature live lunchtime musical event. Each season focuses
on a different genre or musical category, and features
recitals by renowned musicians at the top of their craft.
“We’re thrilled to welcome old and new friends for our fall
2019 season, which should be one of our most memorable,”
said Suzanne Forsberg, Ph.D., chair of the SFC Department
of Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, and International Cultural
Studies and the series’ organizer. “For 20 years we’ve invited
our St. Francis College colleagues and Brooklyn neighbors
to enjoy world-class musical entertainment right in our own
backyard. Our doors remain open to music aficionados and
everyone who appreciates a mid-day musical respite.”
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Samantha Hunt Wins 2019 SFC Literary Prize for The Dark Dark
“I
was unbelievably surprised. It feels like a rainbow parts ecstatic vision and precision craft.”
falling out of the sky and landing on my head.” Hunt published three novels prior to The Dark Dark:
That was Samantha Hunt’s reaction to learning she Mr. Splitfoot, a ghost story; The Invention of Everything Else, about
won the 2019 SFC Literary Prize for The Dark Dark, her the life of inventor Nikola Tesla; and The Seas, her first novel,
short story collection that explores the wonders and terrors which was republished by Tin House Books in 2018. The
of human biology. Hunt’s work bested five other finalists recipient of a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship, Hunt won the
from 184 entrants this year. Bard Fiction Prize, the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under
The announcement came during the Brooklyn Book 35 Prize and she was a finalist for the Orange Prize and the
Festival’s gala celebration on September 21, 2019 at City PEN/Faulkner Prize. She has been published by The New
Point in downtown Brooklyn. The biennial SFC Literary Prize Yorker, The New York Times, and a number of other publications.
began in 2009 and awards $50,000 to a writer’s third to fifth Hunt describes her approach to writing as processing and
published work of fiction, once they have advanced beyond contemplating what she has observed and heard around her.
eligibility for awards for debut works. “I come to a work with a question,” she said. “Writing is a
A three-member jury—writer Chris Abani, novelist way to consider my questions. I never know where a story or
Kate Christensen, and fiction writer Ron Currie—selected a book is heading until the end,” said Hunt, who teaches at
the winner, and along with Ian Maloney, Ph.D., SFC English Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and lives in upstate New York.
Professor and Director of the Literary Prize, chose the finalists. “The idea of The Dark Dark, the title, is an investigation
“A small paperback collection of stories might not be the of the things that frighten us, but not enough to hide from
obvious choice for a major mid-career literary award, but we them,” she continued. “For example, looking out your back
chose The Dark Dark…unanimously and without argument,” door at night and thinking, ’There’s something spooky out
said Christensen. “Samantha Hunt is not an obvious writer. there,’ but rather than locking the door, I’m interested in our
Her stories ring with startling sharpness, a deft knife’s-edge desire to walk out into the darkness because we are curious
slicing into the fatless meat of her tales, then twisting unex- or because we know we are small.”
pectedly. She has a singular vision with arresting power.” The other five SFC Literary Prize finalists were:
“Like any reader, I’m looking for prose that reaches out Gun Love by Jennifer Clement
and grabs me by the collar or the throat from the very begin- This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga
ning,” said Currie. “The Dark Dark does that, but what’s Where The Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson
more impressive is how it maintains its grip, something The Line That Held Us by David Joy
particularly impressive in a short story collection. It’s wry, New People by Danzy Senna
wild, tender, and weird, yet still somehow balanced—equal
St. Francis College is a Community Partner of the Brooklyn Book Festival, which is one of America’s premier book festivals and
the largest free literary event in New York City.
S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1 9Photographic Installation Explores Age of the Image
I
n August 2019, interdisciplinary artist Juan Si González installed a series of digitally-manipulated photographs on bold, graphic
wallpaper in a lounge area adjacent to St. Francis College’s Genovesi Athletic Center, creating an immersive visual environment
intended to engage a younger generation that has grown up with a constant barrage of images.
President Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D. “asked me to create something special for this space,” explained González. “Young people
are on their phones all the time. We consume a lot of images everyday. Today is the day of the image.”
González was born in Santiago de Cuba and has lived in Ohio since 2003, during which time he has been awarded three Ohio Arts
Council Individual Excellence Artist Fellowships. His work has been exhibited around the globe.
In an artist’s statement about the show, González said, “the photographs in this series register sudden glitches or gaps in transmis-
sion in the unrelenting traffic of media advertisements images during those intervals in which the signal is interrupted and the
emitted image breaks up, fragmenting until nearly disintegrating.”
Juan Si González,
Artist
10 S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1undergraduates and one recent grad faculty and guests who vote on their
High School Students signed on for a 20-week project to favorites.
monitor the quality of local waterways Hosted by the SFC Center for
Participate in Summer weekly. SFC was one of 11 partner Entrepreneurship (CFE) from August 5
Science Academy labs in the New York City Water Trail to 9, 2019, this year’s eCamp focused
Two dozen area high school students Association’s annual Citizens Water on social entrepreneurship. Students
immersed themselves in hands-on Quality Testing (CWQT) Program. working in teams were tasked with
scientific learning at St. Francis College, St. Francis’ data was included in developing proposals for viable business-
thanks to the two-week Summer Science CWQT’s publicly-available document es that would also have positive social
Academy organized by Kathleen Nolan, revealing of the relative hazards of local impact.
Ph.D., Chair of the Biology and Health water sites. “Gen Z is very interested in being
Promotion Department, who started the “These places are open to the commu- entrepreneurs and doing their own thing,
annual program 19 years ago. nity,” said Joshlyn Mensah ’22, one of whether it’s a side hustle or whether it’s
From July 8 to July 19, 2019 participat- the students conducting the research. something they plan on doing as their
ing students—all of whom just finished “It’s very traumatic if there’s high levels career,” said Eda Sanchez-Persampieri,
their freshman, sophomore, junior, or of these bacteria because it’s very CFE Director and founder of eCamp,
senior years of high school—completed damaging to our health.” which admitted students aged 16 to 19
projects on nutrition, which involved The students worked two days a week, this year.
creating a wholesome three-day meal spending one day in the field collecting
plan, and marine biodiversity, which samples and a second day performing
required students kayak and seine analysis. They said the work not only St. Francis Hosts
(capture sea creatures with nets) in local helped the public, but prepared them for International Whitman
waterways. Students also worked on graduate school, a goal they all share.
“The goal of this work is to expose
Week Kick Off
DNA barcoding, a method of species
students to research, both as scientists Walt Whitman scholars and enthusiasts
identification, under the direction of
and stewards for the environment from around the globe gathered at
Victoria Ruiz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
embracing social justice, while honing St. Francis College on May 27th to kick
of Biology and Health Promotion.
their analytical and critical thinking off International Whitman Week, an
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
skills,” said Ruiz. “In addition to the water annual series of events commemorating
has collaborated with SFC to create
quality, our students are assessing the the birth of the renowned 19th century
additional programs for the Summer
levels of enterococci and overall alter- poet who called Brooklyn home.
Science Academy since 2011. This year,
ations in microbial communities in the St. Francis Professor of English Ian
those included sessions to study sustain-
water and assessing any potential Maloney, Ph.D. was one of three board
ability through the Park’s solar-power
antibiotic resistance genes present in members of the Walt Whitman Initiative,
system and to create homemade water
the microbial community.” a collective of academics and others
filtration systems.
interested in Whitman’s life and work,
to address students and faculty from
St. Francis College Area Students Take Part India, China, Germany, Scotland, England,
Science Students Monitor in eCamp, St. Francis Australia, Italy, Canada, and the United
States at a seminar held in the College’s
Local Water Quality College’s Bootcamp for Founders Hall.
When college students say they’re Budding Entrepreneurs Dr. Maloney spoke about work the
spending the summer at the shore, you Fifteen area high school and college initiative is doing to memorialize
think surfing or sunbathing. For a group students tested their business mettle at Whitman’s legacy as one of Brooklyn’s
of St. Francis College students; however, St. Francis College’s second annual most important literary residents.
it meant conducting health-protecting eCamp, a five-day bootcamp that “It was confounding to me that there’s
biological research. exposes budding entrepreneurs to the not more public acknowledgment in
Working in collaboration Victoria Ruiz, nuts and bolts of starting businesses. Brooklyn about all that Whitman achieved
Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology The week culminates with participants while living here,” Maloney said of the
and Health Promotion, a team of six pitching their business ideas to SFC poet, who resided in the borough for
28 years.
S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1 112019 COMMENCEMENT
President of St. Francis from 1996 to 2008 and then
McGuire Scholarship Chancellor until his death in 2012.
After Macchiarola’s passing, Wilpon and McGuire worked
Program Provides closely with Thomas Flood, SFC Vice President of
Advancement, to turn a dream of Macchiarola’s into reality.
Landmark Support “He envisioned the College to be an entirely scholar-
ship-based institution, serving first-generation, immigrant,
and inner-city students,” said Flood.
When St. Francis College graduated the Class Wilpon’s vision for higher-education dovetails with
Macchiarola’s.
of 2019, 17 of those students walking across the “Fred’s interest is to support first-generation, immigrant,
stage at Coney Island had a distinction that set and minority students who want to go to college, and he has
them apart from the thousands of Terriers who done a great deal in that area over the years,” said McGuire.
preceded them. McGuire is quick to point out that Wilpon insisted on
naming the scholarship after him, despite his initial hesitation.
T
hey collected their diplomas as McGuire Scholars. “Obviously, [having a scholarship program named after you]
The Robert J. McGuire Scholarship program gives you more of a commitment to make sure this program is
launched in 2015 to provide “last dollar” funding to a success. So far, it’s been a resounding success.”
students who exhibit high academic achievement and financial Wilpon’s long-term commitment to creating pathways of
need. The four-year scholarship fills the gap between other opportunity to higher education was borne from the lessons
financial support and St. Francis’ total tuition and fees, of his parents and his own collegiate experience. He was a
ensuring those selected into the program earn their degrees first-generation college student, something he holds dear.
with limited financial burdens. “As time went on and I got a job and advanced somewhat
Now a flagship scholarship program that has distributed in business, it became evident to me that one of the things
more than $2.4 million to 103 students, the McGuire I would like to do with [my wife] Judy is to see that others
Scholarship started from the imagination and generosity could have the opportunity of education,” said Wilpon.
of Fred Wilpon, Chairman and CEO of the New York Mets, The McGuire scholarship supplies more than financial
his wife Judy, and Bob McGuire, the scholarship’s namesake support. The four-year program nurtures community and
and former commissioner of the New York City Police camaraderie among students and believers alike, with unique
Department. Wilpon provides the program’s cornerstone traditions that have emerged over the years.
funding that fuels the transformative opportunities the Wilpon hosts McGuire scholars at a Mets home game at
McGuire scholarship affords. Additional believers (benefac- Citi Field in Queens at the start of each school year. That’s
tors) also contribute generously. followed by a ceremony in November, at which upperclass
Both Wilpon and McGuire credit Dr. Frank Macchiarola as McGuire Scholars present their first-year counterparts a
the catalyst for the scholarship’s formation. Macchiarola was branded jacket. The McGuires—as they’re affectionately
The McGuire Scholarship has provided me with the
opportunity to belong in a community and be a part of a
family that’s giving, caring, and loving.”
—Gladys Adusei ’19
12 S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1known—perform community service through the year. Each interact with McGuire scholars at St. Francis College. Anthony
school-year concludes with a “family” dinner. Desiderio ’15 (MA, Psychology) works full-time as the
Danielle Francavilla ’19, a first-generation college graduate McGuire Scholar Coordinator.
who built her journalism portfolio with undergraduate “I get to experience what they get to experience in life
internships at MLB and local NBC and PIX11 television because it’s not just academics: it’s emotional, it’s social, and it’s
stations, credits the McGuire scholarship with providing a career-related,” said Desiderio. “Being able to see them pursue
launch pad to her career. what they want to do and get this opportunity that not many
“When somebody asks me what the McGuire Scholarship students in New York City get is the most fulfilling thing.”
means, I always say opportunity, and I say that in every sense of Wilpon has found deep personal satisfaction in seeing
the word,” said Francavilla. “It allowed me to not worry about promising young scholars achieve higher education. “You’re
tuition. It allowed me to have a small community of friends enabling someone who would not have had the opportunities
and really what I would consider family. It allowed me to to explore different things in their lives, to do just that,” he said.
become a better journalist and take classes to help me receive McGuire Scholars are chosen each year by a St. Francis
my degree on time. It allowed me to have the opportunity to College selection committee. To be considered, eligible
do well in school and be confident in the person that I am.” students must complete an application, including a personal
Now enrolled in the New York City Police Academy, Nicolas essay, have an 85 or above high school GPA, and a Family
Cava ’19 also sees the McGuire scholarship as foundational to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $125,000 (SFC
his professional path. Admissions Counselors help calculate AGIs).
“One of the biggest opportunities it gave me was being able If you are interested in joining the team with Fred, Judy,
to attend St. Francis College,” said Cava. “It let me get my Bob, and other believers to help McGuires “step up to the
understanding of criminal justice and study criminal justice, plate” of opportunity, call Thomas Flood at 718-489-5361 or
which is going to lead to a career in law enforcement.” email at advancement@sfc.edu.
The scholarship program has also touched those who
My McGuire Scholarship allowed me to
achieve four years at a private school that
I never thought I’d achieve in the first place.
What makes me most proud is becoming
the first [college] grad in my family.”
—Ebony Johnson ’19
S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1 13St. Francis College and NYC Department
of Education Open First Troops to Teachers
Office in New York State
Thanks to a collaboration between St. Francis College and the New York City Department
of Education (NYCDOE), St. Francis College houses the first Troops to Teachers (TTT)
office in New York State.
T
TT is a nationwide program designed to help transition provide a home for New York’s first and only Troops to Teachers
service members and veterans to new careers as certified office,” said Gale Gibson-Gayle, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President
K-12 school teachers. NYCDOE and SFC jointly applied for of Online Learning, Post-Traditional and Program Development
and were awarded a Department of Defense grant to launch with oversight for SFC’s TTT program. Peter Liebman, Ph.D.,
TTT in New York State. Currently, 31 states maintain TTT grant Education Professor, initiated the process to bring TTT to SFC
offices, with no more than one designated office per state. several years ago, and Michelle Hirsh, Ph.D., Psychology
SFC’s TTT Resource Lounge opened on September 4, 201 9. Professor and SFC Veteran Services Point of Contact, also
The office provides counseling and referral services for TTT played a critical role in the process.
participants to help them meet education and licensing require- All current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces may
ments to qualify for teaching jobs. apply to participate in TTT. Those who meet certain education,
NYCDOE administers New York State TTT with SFC as the military service and application requirements may be eligible for
higher education partner TTT financial assistance of up
institution. NYCDOE’s primary to $10,000, GI Bill, NYCDOE,
goal is helping TTT participants and SFC scholarships.
find jobs in New York City’s “We want the veteran
public schools. The participants community at St. Francis
may also secure employment in and across the state to know
other NY K-12 schools, charter that we’re here to help them
schools or Indian Affairs embark on teaching careers,”
schools. SFC focuses on said Luis Echevarria, NYCDOE
connecting participants with Office of Scholarships,
appropriate educational Incentives, and Speech
programs and support services Programs. “We’re proud to
to earn credentials for teaching be an ally to all those who
careers. have served our country,
“St. Francis College is deeply and who want to continue
committed to serving the serving in the classroom.”
Courtney Inniss, Assistant Director—Troops to Teachers; Luis Echevarria,
military community, and we’re
NYCDOE Office of Scholarships, Incentives and Speech Programs; President
thrilled to collaborate with the Martinez-Saenz; and Dr. Gale Gibson-Gayle, AVP for Online Learning and
Department of Education and Program Development
14 S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1SFC Around the World
St. Francis College Students
Participate in First Summer
Exchange in Brazil
F
ive St. Francis College students spent two
weeks in Brazil studying that country’s econom-
ics, politics, and society, as part of a first-time
study-abroad summer exchange between SFC and
Faculdades de Campinas (FACAMP), a university near
São Paulo.
Organized by Olivia Bullio Mattos, Ph.D., Assistant
Professor of Economics and FACAMP graduate,
St. Francis students lived adjacent to FACAMP’s campus
in Campinas from August 12 to 24, 2019. They received
daily classroom instruction from FACAMP faculty
members and participated in excursions—to the São
Paulo central market (below), the city’s stock exchange,
a brokerage house, museums, and companies—to
immerse themselves in the country’s culture and witness
first-hand local businesses and economics at work.
In June, six FACAMP students spent a week at SFC,
pursuing a similar academic agenda with the United
States as the focus. The FACAMP students’ week-long
Students Travel to Havana to session included touring the United Nations General
Take Part in College’s First Marine Assembly and Brazil’s Mission to the UN, meeting with
Biology Course Offered There UN official Carolina Vizcaino-Cevallos, and visiting
T
the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Brooklyn’s Industry City,
hirteen St. Francis College students traveled
where they met with executives from Ikove Capital,
to Havana, Cuba from May 29 to June 4, 2019
the founding partner of SFC Innovate.
to complete a spring semester Marine Biology
“The Brazil study trip is an intensive introduction to
course they took primarily online prior to that.
the culture, history, and economy,” said SFC student
Kristy Biolsi, Ph.D., Chair of the Psychology
Zane Drobenko. “The opportunity to meet and learn
Department and Kathleen Nolan, Ph.D., Chair of the
from engaging, world-class instructors, get to know
Biology and Health Promotion Department, organized
local students, and tour local historical, financial, and
the Cuban portion of the course in partnership with
industrial centers provides great perspective and
the University of Havana’s Center of Investigations
accelerates every student’s goals of becoming a
of Marine Science (CIMS). SFC is currently the only
more informed global citizen. The study trip is also
higher-education institution in New York State to have
a lot of fun. I am grateful to Professor Mattos and
such a relationship with CIMS.
SFC for expanding my world view.”
Under instruction of CIMS Director Dr. Patricia
Gonzalez, the students conducted research to record
the biodiversity of the reef and shells found on the shore,
competition among the indigenous corals, and beach The visit opened our students’ eyes.
usage and cleanliness. Gonzalez is a specialist in local They grew so much intellectually,
coral and has expertise in local fish and invertebrates.
personally, and professionally.”
During their time there, students went on swimming
excursions to picturesque pools, hikes and a snorkeling Olivia Bullio Mattos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics and a
graduate of Faculdades de Campinas (FACAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
outing to the Bay of Pigs in southern Cuba, where they
lived with residents of the local community in Playa
Larga. The students also toured Fusterlandia, an artists’
neighborhood in Havana with mosaic tiling covering
most walls and other public surfaces.
S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1 15Alumni Help College’s
Overseas Recruitment Efforts
H
elping open doors for overseas students who want
to study at their alma mater, St. Francis College
alumni have been instrumental in a series of interna-
tional trips for College leadership over the past year. These
overseas efforts are aimed at cementing relationships with
prospective students, their families, college advisors and
educational institutions.
On the heels of a successful excursion last October to
Trinidad and Tobago in West Indies, organized in collabora- Back row: Cesar Rodrigues (father of Tadeu Rodrigues ’20), Rob Oliva
’04, Marianna Rodrigues (sister of Tadeu Rodrigues), Marli Rodrigues
tion with the Carribbean Alumni Network, an SFC contin- (mother of Tadeu Rodrigues); Front row: Gabriella Nobrega ’19
gent headed to Puerto Rico in November 2018, to connect
with students there. St. Francis College headed to Brazil this summer, taking
During its time on the island, the group visited about part in EducationUSA, a U.S. State Department-organized
10 primarily Catholic high schools, arranged by Dr. Juan F. college fair that introduces international students to
Arratia, the Director and Principal Investigator for the Model opportunities to study in the United States. Brazil-native
Institutions for Excellence (MIE) project at Universidad and SFC alumna Gabriella Nobrega ’19 joined the SFC
Metropolitana in Puerto Rico. team there to speak to her fellow countrymen and women
Overseas outreach picked up again 2019, beginning with about studying at St. Francis.
a trip to the Dominican Republic (DR) in February. DR native A St. Francis team returned to Trinidad & Tobago and
Manuel Medrano ’16, a St. Francis College Management DR in fall 2019.
major who now serves as the International Exchange According to Rob Oliva ’04, Director of Recruitment, a
Programs & Dominican Outreach Assistant for the non- goal of traveling overseas is “to meet with any alumni who
profit Global Foundation for Democracy and Development, live in these countries that can further help with our out-
helped organize the four-day trip that included meeting with reach and relationship building…if you have that connector,
Alejandrina German, the DR Minister of Higher Education. that’s a big piece to it.”
Carlos Vargas-Ramos, Ph.D.; Jennifer Lancaster, Ph.D.; Mark Drucker, J.D.; David Brotherton, Ph.D.: Heath Brown, Ph.D.; Daniel Kaplin, Ph.D.;
Halyna Lemekh, Ph.D.; Reza Fakhari, Ph.D.; Uwe Gielen, Ph.D.
SFC’s New Forum on Migration Sheds Light on Immigration Challenges
The experiences of immigrants, refugees, and asylees—and the policies and services shaping their lives—serve as
the basis for the Forum on Migration (FOM), St. Francis College’s new education center that promotes immigra-
tion research and provides tools and resources for the growing numbers of immigrants and refugees in the St.
Francis community and beyond.
In spring 2019, two day-long conferences with dozens of On April 25, the Forum hosted its second conference,
leading academics, mental-health clinicians, policy experts, organized by Halyna Lemekh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
and advocates officially kicked off FOM, which launched in of Sociology and FOM’s Co-Director. The Inaugural
January 2019. The first, Coming to America in the 21st Conference: Global Migration brought together scholars,
Century, on March 29, shed light on often-overlooked daily law and policy professionals, advocates, and immigrants.
challenges immigrants face and revealed treatments and “Immigration is one of the most charged issues facing
programs that improve their mental health and well-being. policy makers, and the discourse around it is very often
“We hope this event contributed to the Forum on so seeped in divisive politics that it is unproductive,” said
Migration’s three key goals,” said Daniel Kaplin, Ph.D., Lemekh. “Our intent is that the conference motivated
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Co-Coordinator of meaningful scholarship, shed light on issues needing the
the Forum and organizer of the event. “Those are to develop most urgent change, and educated attendees about
and showcase immigration-related scholarship, to improve the resources available and work being done now to
the mental-health practice as it relates to immigrants’ needs, combat obstacles faced by those aiming to forge new
and to assemble and deploy resources that advocate for lives across borders.”
immigrants’ well-being.”
16 S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1TERRIERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Men’s Track & Field
Student-Athlete Romario
Thomas ’20 Continues
Pursuit of Dream in Harvard
Stem Cell Research Institute
Internship Program
Romario Thomas ’20
By Rob DeVita ’15, Director of Athletic Communications and administrative director] and her team have been so support-
ive to all the ‘Hipsters,’ and they’ve made it such a great experi-
In February 201 9, St. Francis College’s men’s ence overall,” said Thomas. “The unwavering passion that they
track and field student-athlete Romario Thomas show for the development of budding scientists deserves to
be lauded.
was accepted into the highly competitive “It has been rewarding to listen to how much is being done in
Harvard Stem Cell Research Institute (HSCI) the field of research, and it opens up my eyes to endless possibil-
ities,” he continued. “I also enjoy being in Boston. I really enjoy
Internship Program (HIP). During summer 201 9,
jogging along the esplanade in the mornings.”
Thomas joined the cutting-edge stem cell As an intern, Thomas developed skills inside the lab and enjoyed
science lab, fulfilling a personal dream and doing stem cell culturing. “I believe that the connections that I’ve
made are the true stepping stone towards the development of
enhancing his knowledge and skills with hands- my future,” he explained.
on experience. The summer also brought personal challenges for Thomas,
whose his eldest brother was killed in his hometown in Jamaica,
“I can say with certainty that through the exposure to a wealth
West Indies. He was given time off from the HSCI program to
of scientific and professional knowledge, I’ve acquired such
be with his family. His mother encouraged him to return to his
great clarity on the path that I want to pursue. This has increased
internship in Cambridge to finish up strong.
my focus on conquering the challenges ahead and seizing other
“Through the support of the HSCI program, Maureen
opportunities that may arise,” said Thomas, now in his senior
Herrmann, and April Craft, I was given time off to see my mom
year at St. Francis.
to refocus,” Thomas said. “She encouraged me to go back and
Thomas had the unique opportunity of working at the Boston’s
finish strong. To this very day, I am still torn; however, I decided
Children’s Hospital Department of Orthopedic Research.
to press on because I’m sure that’s what he would’ve wanted. I’m
“I am very grateful for my mentors,” said Thomas. “The support
finishing up this wonderful experience in his memory. I dedicate
that I’ve received working in the Craft Lab at the Boston’s
my success to him.”
Children’s Hospital Department of Orthopedic
Thomas spent time working on tendon
Research has been unparalleled. I’ve become a
development, an area that is meaningful to him
way better scientist thanks to Suyash Raj, April
because many athletes deal with tendon issues
Craft, and the entire research team. In addition,
through their careers.
my cohort has been extremely instrumental
“I’m working on tendon development
in fueling my burning passion for science. It’s
using mouse embryonic stem cells,” Thomas
great to be around so many other progressive
explained. “Treatments for [tendon] issues
young people working hard to achieve their
are not up to par because there is not enough
goals. It reminds me of my purpose and makes
understanding of tendon biology. I speak
me even more zealous.”
from experience as an athlete who has had
Conducting stem cell research is a significant
tendinitis for over two years. Clinicians are
challenge, and Thomas said he felt completely
only able to prescribe what they think is the
supported through his trials in the program.
best possible treatment.
He has been exposed to different fields of
“I’m hoping that I can get the opportunity
research in each class, and has learned about
to continue to work on tendon development
advancements in the area.
post-internship because I really believe that
“My favorite part is the support system of
I can actually contribute a lot to this field.”
this program. Maureen Herrmann [program
S T. F R A N C I S C O L L E G E T E R R I E R | FA L L 2 0 1 9 , VO L U M E 8 3 , N U M B E R 1 17You can also read
