The Class of 2018 celebrated their last days as students and first days as Saint Peter’s University alumni during the John J. Delaney ’50 Alumni Reception in The Duncan Family Sky Room. The reception, which featured a DJ, photo booth, food and drinks, is the first opportunity for everyone to welcome the new graduates into a family of more than 30,000 alumni.
The program included a prayer from Rev. Rocco C. Danzi, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, and remarks from Kamen Stoykov ’08, director of implementations at Broadridge FX & Liquidity Solutions, LLC, and a member of the Alumni Board and GOLD committee. He stressed, “Saint Peter’s University will always be your home.”
In addition to welcoming the Class of 2018, Stoykov introduced the presenters of two prestigious awards. He commented that the recipients of the awards “display the best of what Saint Peter’s is – a community of caring individuals who are dedicated to the spirit of excellence and engaged in service.”
David Surrey, professor of sociology and urban studies, presented the George F. Johnson, S.J. Faculty Award, named in honor of the legendary Jesuit who served at the University, to Donal Malone, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology. The award is presented to a member of the faculty whose excellence in teaching results in successfully leading students to greater knowledge and understanding of their subject matter.
The James Damiano ’53 Award is named after a dedicated member of the Alumni Board from the Class of 1953, and is presented to two members of the graduating class, representing the day and evening sessions. These individuals are exemplary students, who have demonstrated leadership and scholarship and have been active throughout their time at Saint Peter’s University. Donna Furina, M.B.A. ’06, ’11, assistant dean of the School of Professional Continuing Studies, presented the James Damiano award to the night session recipient, Cynthia Felder ’18, and Anthony Skevakis, Ed.D., vice president for student life and development, presented the Damiano Award to the day session recipient, Renee Lladoc ’18.
As an expression of gratitude for Saint Peter’s University, Senior Class Gift Advancement Ambassadors, Anica Bustamante ’18 and Nicholas Brown ’18, presented University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., with a check for the Senior Class Gift. The class raised $4,168 for The General Scholarship Fund so that future Peacocks can have the opportunity to be transformed by a Jesuit education.
Stoykov concluded the evening by sharing principles that have guided him in his career. In the spirit of Saint Peter’s Jesuit values, he encouraged the class to strive for excellence, be patient and persistent and to give back to others.
The Delaney Reception, hosted by the Saint Peter’s University Office of Alumni Engagement and the Alumni Board, serves as a starting point for every member of the graduating class to remain an integral part of the University. During the event, the Class of 2018 discovered that commencement does not mark the end of their relationship with alma mater; it marks the beginning of a lifelong bond with the Peacock family.
To view more photos from the event, click here. To stay connected with fellow alumni, visit the alumni community home page here.
