The Class of 2019 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 hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement. 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.
During the evening, two prestigious honors are awarded to students and faculty who “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.”
The George F. Johnson, S.J. Faculty Award, named in honor of the legendary Jesuit who served at the University, was presented to two individuals this year due to a tie between Rev. Oscar Magnan, S.J., professor of fine arts, and John E. Hammett III, Ed.D., professor and chairperson of the mathematics department.
In addition, the James Damiano ’53 Award is named after a dedicated member of the Alumni Board from the Class of 1953, and is presented to 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. The James Damiano award for the night session recipient was presented to Austin Keenan ’19, who works as business analyst for Banco Santander’s Cyber Security Fusion Center. Keenan credits his success to the in-depth training he received while obtaining his online cyber security degree. The Damiano Award for the day session recipients was presented to Ryan Campen ’19 and Douglas Nover ’19.
Campen was a double major in urban studies and anthropology with two minors in biology and social justice. Among his many accolades, Campen was a PAVO student ambassador, a resident assistant and served in the Student Government Association (SGA) for four years, becoming the SGA president his senior year. Nover was a student-athlete, inducted into the Most Noble Order of the Peacock (MNOP), was awarded a School of Business Gold Medal and Blue Cross Keys and was named the 2019 Saint Peter’s Athletics Scholar-Athlete of the year.
As an expression of gratitude for Saint Peter’s University, the Class of 2019 Gift Ambassadors Ryan Campen ’19, Evelyn Ortiz ’19, Gabriella Ambroise ’19 and Annalisa Leite ’19 presented University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., with a check for the Senior Class Gift. The class raised over $3,000 in support of the General Scholarship Fund so that future Peacocks can have the opportunity to be transformed by a Jesuit education.
To view photos from the evening, click here. To stay connected with fellow alumni, visit the alumni community home page here.
