During the John J. Delaney ’50 Alumni Reception on May 15, held in The Duncan Family Sky Room at the Mac Mahon Student Center, the Class of 2014 was officially welcomed into a family of more than 30,000 alumni who call Saint Peter’s alma mater.
“This is very surreal,” said Michelle Raghunandan ’14, who said attending the Delaney Reception was bittersweet. “A part of me thought I was ready for all of this. But seeing my friends here dressed up and chatting – it’s slowly setting in that I soon will be graduating from Saint Peter’s.”
The event also honored two members of the graduating class and a member of the faculty with awards to commemorate their outstanding contributions to the University community.
The James J. Damiano ’53 Award – named after a dedicated member of the Alumni Board from the Class of 1953 – was presented to two members of the graduating class who have demonstrated leadership and scholarship during their time at the University. Adam Purcilly ’14 received the award for the day session and Maria Elena Aguliar-Ambrosi ’14 garnered the honor for the evening session.
“My experience at Saint Peter’s has been life changing,” said Aguilar-Ambrosi, who will graduate with a double major in criminal justice and public policy and a minor in social justice. “I learned to look at the world differently at the University.”
Associate Professor of Political Science Anna Brown, Ph.D., was chosen by her peers to receive the George F. Johnson, S.J., Faculty Award for excellence in teaching and success in leading students to greater knowledge.
“The award for teaching is really a testament to the strength of our community and to the mission of Saint Peter’s University,” said Dr. Brown. “I am inspired by my colleagues and my students and I am rooted by the mission. To be able to teach at Saint Peter’s is a tremendous gift and grace for me and one for which I am most grateful.”
She added, “I am also grateful for the example set by my parents, both of whom are teachers. They taught me that to love is the most important work of all.”
As a cap-off to the night’s festivities, Senior Class Gift Advancement Ambassadors presented University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., with a check for the Senior Class Gift. The gift was raised from contributions from the senior class, as well as an annual Senior Class Gift commitment from Anne Butler ’69.
The Delaney Reception, hosted by the Saint Peter’s University Office of Alumni Engagement and the Alumni Board – a committee that develops a liaison between Saint Peter’s University and its graduates to maintain and foster relationships with alumni through social, professional, spiritual and community service related activities – serves as a starting point for every member of the graduating class in remaining an integral part of the University family. During the event, the Class of 2014 discovered that commencement doesn’t mark the end of their relationship with Saint Peter’s. It is only the beginning of a lifelong connection to the Peacock family.
On Monday, May 19, at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., each graduate will be conferred their degree. The tassel that dangles from their cap will be switched from the right side to the left – a symbol of their official transition from students to alumni. But after the Delaney Reception, each graduate knows Saint Peter’s University is a place they can always call home.
