SAINT PETER'S UNIVERSITY SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 1872-2022
Events
In the spirit of the Centennial celebration in 1972, the Sesquicentennial Commission seeks to “enliven, enlighten and enrich” the campus with a year-long celebration. The Sesquicentennial Year features liturgies, lectures, community service activities, concerts, seminars, library exhibits and a host of student-run events.
Founder’s Week Events
Founders’ Week honors the origins of Saint Peter’s University when on April 3, 1872, the State of New Jersey awarded a charter to five Jesuit priests to establish “Saint Peter’s College.” (Read more about the events leading up to this historic moment in the Sesquicentennial Timeline.)
Sunday, April 3
Founders’ Day Mass, with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., and Reception
1:00 p.m., St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church
A very special Mass with guest celebrant, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, followed by a reception at the Mac Mahon Student Center. Cardinal Tobin will also receive an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa from the University.
Monday, April 4
150th Birthday Launch
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Mac Mahon Student Center
What better way to start the week than with a birthday launch party! Stop by the student center between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to learn more about Founders’ Week, pick up event information, sign the commemorative banner, take selfies with the 150th anniversary logo and enjoy refreshments! A special appearance by the Peacock mascot is also planned!
Tuesday, April 5
Library Exhibit: Original Charter of Saint Peter’s University
All day, Theresa and Edward O’Toole Library
Library Exhibit: Saint Peter’s University Rare Books and Special Collections: Exercitia Spiritualia S. P. Ignatii Loyolae, 1676, in commemoration of the Ignatian Year
April 4-31, Theresa and Edward O’Toole Library
Visit the Theresa and Edward O’Toole Library to view the original charter awarded to Saint Peter’s, along with a special exhibit on Jesuit spirituality from the University’s Rare Books collection. While there, enter your name in a raffle for a 150th anniversary blanket, with the winning ticket to be drawn on Friday, April 8.
Arts on Bergen: St. John Passion, The Shepherd Singers, Soloists and Winds
7:00 p.m., St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church
Conclude the day with a special musical performance in St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church.
Wednesday, April 6
Governor Murphy Celebrates 150 Years of Saint Peter’s University!
11:00 a.m., Mac Mahon Student Center – The Duncan Family Sky Room
Governor Phil Murphy will visit campus on April 6 to celebrate our anniversary and the State of New Jersey’s appreciation of Saint Peter’s since 1872. The Governor will address the students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and friends of Saint Peter’s at 11:00 a.m. Let’s give a strong Peacock welcome to the Governor!
Sesquicentennial Bingo II
6:30 – 8/8:30 p.m., McIntyre Conference Center
Sponsored by student life and development and the Sesquicentennial Commission. All students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni are invited to a FREE night of Sesquicentennial Bingo II (throughout our early history, bingos and card parties helped to build the original college!) Join us for a night of fun and prizes.
Saint Peter Day
All day
Saint Peter Day is an annual fundraising event for the University. A group of generous alumni from across the decades will match the first $150,000 raised. Whether your Saint Peter’s passion is rooted in academics, mission and ministry, athletics or student life, your generosity will have twice the impact. Make a gift.
Friday, April 8
We can’t celebrate our 150th anniversary without celebrating Jersey City! In collaboration with the Office of Alumni Engagement, two tours of Jersey City will be offered. Space is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking Tour to Journal Square
11:00 a.m. – noon, leaving from Panepinto Plaza outside the Mac Mahon Student Center
Enjoy a brief, guided walking tour of historic McGinley Square and Journal Square with Bill Armbuster ’71, Saint Peter’s University Regent Emeritus and Journal Square Community Association secretary. Register here.
SPU from Downton to the Boulevard: Bus Tour of Jersey City
12:30 – 1:30 p.m., leaving from Panepinto Plaza outside the Mac Mahon Student Center
Enjoy a guided shuttle tour of Jersey City with John J. Hallanan III ’03, Saint Peter’s University Regent and former Jersey City Landmarks Conservatory Board president, and John E. Hammett III, Ed.D., chair & professor of mathematics. The group which will trace the University’s past and highlight the history of our city. Register here.
Wednesday, April 13
Peacock Pride Day
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Panepinto Plaza
Show your school spirit at Peacock Pride Day! Food, inflatable games and photos with our very own mascot, Pete the Peacock. Wear your favorite Saint Peter’s gear to campus as you #StrutUp to this event.
Wednesday, April 20
Grit ‘N Wit
3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Panepinto Plaza
Once again, students, faculty, staff and administrators are invited to participate in this obstacle course for brain and body! Grit ‘N Wit is a team based challenge course that features 16 physical and mental obstacles spread across campus. Sign up today for this fun event where “brawn meets brain.” Check out the Saint Peter’s University promo video for Grit ‘N Wit.
February 1-27
O’Toole Library
Black History Month Exhibit: Six political leaders who spoke at Saint Peter’s, O’Toole Library
February 3
MacMahon Student Center
Black History Month 40th Anniversary Flag-Raising
December 1
Mac Mahon Student Center
Student Government Association Sesquicentennial Tree Lighting
December 6
Saint Peter Hall Chapel
Aidan C. McMullen, S.J, Chorale and Schola: A Cozy Christmas Concert
O’Toole Library
Peacock Day! History of the Saint Peter’s mascot, Celebration of Peter Peacock: the Saint Peter's Mascot and Symbol. Library Exhibit, photos with the preserved peacock and live peacock visit! #PicWithPete
December 8
St. Aedan's, The Saint Peter's University Church and Mac Mahon Student Center
Teresian Mass, Dedication and Luncheon
November 1
Run Baby Run Arena Grand Opening and Dedication
November 3
Celebration of Faculty Scholarship
November 4
Memorial Mass for deceased faculty, staff and administrators
November 10
Veterans Day Commemoration and Ribbon cutting of the Center for Military and Veterans Services
November 15
November 17
November 30
B-”72” Sesquicentennial Bingo
October 13
150 Tastes of Latin America
Sustainability Council Presentation: Basics of Shellfish Aquaculture with Gef Flimlin '74, professor emeritus, Rutgers University and past president of the United States Aquaculture Society
La Misa en Español (Mass in Spanish) celebrated by Rev. Luis Tempe, S.J. in the Saint Peter Chapel
September 9
20th Commemoration of 9/11 and National Day of Service
September 13-17
Hispanic-Serving Institution Week
September 15
Mass of the Holy Spirit and 150th Kick-off: Flag Raising and Party
September 21
Commemoration of 100,000 Meals by the Campus Kitchen and Recognition of Corporate Partners
September 27
O’Toole Library Lecture: “The Saint John’s Bible: A Story That Inspires”, in conjunction with the month-long library exhibit, The Saint John’s Bible: Ten Years at Saint Peter’s
September 29
Michaelmas Convocation