Ten U.S. colleges and universities participated, including Saint Peter’s University, American University, Central Michigan University, Columbia University, Harvard University, Kentucky State University, The University of Chicago, University of California, Davis and Riverside, and University of Washington. Together with their Chinese peers, it was an opportunity to experience China through cultural immersion and authentic interactions commenced.

As part of the tour, students traveled to Shandong, the birthplace of Confucius, where they explored the history and influence of more than 2,500 years of Confucian thought. The group also spent time in Beijing, experiencing the city’s ancient past, and future with a tour of the Xiaomi EV car factory, while also engaging with Chinese students and communities. The tour ended with our students planting pine trees on Yanqi Island.

The program was designed to deepen students’ understanding of China through firsthand experiences while encouraging greater international connection and dialogue across the Asia-Pacific region.
Saint Peter’s students were accompanied by Ernabel Demillo, professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Media Culture, and coordinated by Lan Jiang, Ph.D., interim director of the Center of Chinese Language Teacher’s Education at Saint Peter’s.

For Demillo and Jiang, the experience offered students an opportunity to look beyond cultural differences and recognize the common experiences shared by young people around the world.

“For our students, this was a trip of a life-time. Beyond the historical sites and technological innovations, I also believe one of the most meaningful aspects was the opportunity for our Saint Peter’s students to engage with their U.S. and Chinese peers.” said Demillo. “Young people they met shared the same hopes and dreams that they do, despite the differences in culture.”

Jiang said “the students represented Saint Peter’s well throughout the program, receiving recognition from organizers for their confidence, global perspective, cross-cultural adaptability and communication skills. During the week-long event, the organizers called me twice to commend our students, praising the confidence, global perspective, cross-cultural adaptability, and communication skills they demonstrated as exemplary university students. I am deeply grateful to Professor Demillo for her tireless dedication in taking charge and leading the students on this trip, and I look forward to her sharing more interesting stories with us.”

For Saint Peter’s students, the tour provided an opportunity to learn through direct cultural experiences while building connections with peers from another part of the world, connections that can continue beyond the classroom and across borders.

The post Saint Peter’s University Students Participate in Future Makers 2026 China-U.S. Youth Tour appeared first on News.

This growth follows an unprecedented enrollment cycle with more than 7000 applications for admission, underscoring the growing demand for a Saint Peter’s education. “This fall’s record enrollment is a result of strategic efforts to showcase Saint Peter’s University as a Jesuit institution that stands out nationally and regionally for its recognized strengths in affordability, social mobility and value,” stated President Hubert Benitez. “More and more students and their families recognize our position as an anchor institution in the NJ/NY metropolitan area; the commitment to an exceptional, accessible and affordable education; and the focus on academic excellence, student success and transformative opportunities.”

With a historic enrollment cycle of almost 1000 students, the incoming class reflects the rich student body that makes Saint Peter’s unique. The class consists of almost 800 new first-year students, over 100 transfer students, and almost 100 accelerated nursing students, originating from 40 countries, 14 states and 17 counties across New Jersey. The group represents 206 high schools, while 59 percent of students identify as first-generation college students.

With students coming from across the United States, New Jersey is the most represented state, followed by New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Students also hail from California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Maryland, Missouri, Delaware, and Vermont.

The Class of 2030 also brings a vast global perspective to campus, with students representing Australia, Austria, Bermuda, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. The opportunities for sharing cultural experiences and world views throughout our campus are endless.

Significant enrollment growth is fueled by ongoing investments in academic programs, campus facilities and student support. The university continues to expand and enrich its academic offerings with innovative programs that meet educational needs and workforce demand. In addition to majoring in the more than 50 existing programs in the humanities, social science, business, education, health professions and natural sciences, this year students can pursue new majors in fields such as neuroscience, nutrition and project management, as well as new accelerated learning opportunities in fields such as mental health counseling, social work, nursing and educational leadership. Moreover, students will experience cutting-edge learning opportunities in artificial intelligence and computational sciences through the new School for Global Innovation and AI.

Recent infrastructure enhancements ensure access to innovative, state-of-the-art learning environments. In March 2026, Saint Peter’s officially opened its new Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, a high-tech facility that integrates innovation, technology, and experiential learning to prepare the next generation of a dynamic and highly skilled healthcare workforce.

For a well-rounded student experience, in May 2026, a newly renovated indoor athletic complex opened at the Victor R. Yantelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center. The space, commonly known as the “bubble,” features a dynamic, high-performance environment for student-athletes and the broader community, with a FIFA-certified soccer turf and a track.

Moreover, the university has launched a new cohesive first-year success model that unifies academic advising, health and wellness, career preparation, financial assistance and disability services to offer comprehensive support and to ensure that each student is well positioned to succeed. New students were introduced to these programs during Welcome Week 2026, that kicked off the academic year with a celebration of community, connection, and Peacock Pride!

“This record-breaking class is ready to take its place and become the new emerging leaders on the Saint Peter’s campus,” stated Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Camille Braker Balkum. “They bring talent, energy and excitement, and with the support of the strong campus community, the class of 2030 Peacocks will surely make its impact.”

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About Saint Peter’s University

For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit .

The post Saint Peter’s University Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in History to Campus appeared first on News.

The annual list is compiled by the NJBiz editorial staff and represents those in leadership roles across the state who are well positioned to make a continued positive impact on education in New Jersey. .

As Dr. Benitez notes, his proudest career achievement is “…turning my journey, from immigrating from Colombia and being the son of a first-generation college student, into a mission of expanding educational opportunity for others. Leading Saint Peter’s University, a Jesuit Catholic institution, is a fitting culmination of my career.” Read more about this year’s incoming class.

and join us in congratulating Dr. Hubert Benitez on this wonderful and well-deserved recognition.

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About Saint Peter’s University

For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit .

The post President Hubert Benitez Named to 2026 NJBiz Power Education List appeared first on News.

What is a Michaelmas Convocation? Fr. James Miracky, vice president of mission integration and ministry, offers us an explanation. “The convocation takes its name from the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas), celebrated on September 29. In medieval England, Michaelmas was one of the four traditional ‘Quarter Days’—pivotal dates on the calendar that marked the change of seasons and the end of the agricultural harvest. And the ‘mas’ part of Michaelmas actually refers to the traditions of having mass on that day, at which the convocation would originally have been a part.”

That’s the simple answer on the name’s origins, but how did we come to celebrate a Michaelmas Convocation at Saint Peter’s University? That came from Robert I. Gannon, S.J., the first dean in 1930 as the school began reopening following World War I. As Fr. Gannon restructured the academics of what was then Saint Peter’s College to still reflect the liberal arts and Jesuit tradition of its founding back in 1872, he also wanted to incentivize students to succeed. The Michaelmas Convocation would reward and recognize high achieving students with prizes and provide an opportunity for them to share essay defenses and capstone presentations from their classes. Fr. Gannon also championed academic oriented societies, personally founding The Order of the Cross Keys. That society and The Most Noble Order of the Peacock are recognized to this day at the current iteration of the Michaelmas Convocation at Saint Peter’s University. 

St. Michael’s attributed virtues are courage, strength, and commitment to justice, similar to the Jesuit values we celebrate at Saint Peter’s University every day. At this year’s Michaelmas Convocation, taking place on Wednesday, September 30, the University will welcome as speaker Ann-Marie Nazzaro, Ph.D. ’70, executive director emerita of the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders (FWGBD). Dr. Nazzaro is a true embodiment of those values, being one of the first women admitted to Saint Peter’s College when it became co-educational and starting FWGBD with three other internationally renowned physicians. Their objective was to educate health providers about the array of blood disorders that directly impact women and girls. 

From its history to who it celebrates, a Michaelmas Convocation is about more than opening a new academic year. It’s bringing together a university community in shared values to celebrate one another and those who contributed for its past to its future. 

The post History and Tradition of Michaelmas appeared first on News.

Christopher Allingham ’87
Maurice V. Barry ’81
Sherry Bordeaux ’85
Martin M. Boryczewski ’01
Mark Carney ’82
John Casazza, a student in the evening school
John R. Crowe ’66
Michael D. Diehl ’79
Kenneth Grouzalis ’73
Anthony P. Infante, Jr. ’85
Andrew La Corte ’76
Steven Morello ’74
Robert E. Parks ’76
Aida Rosario ’82
Edward T. Strauss ’91
Thomas F. Swift ’01

We also remember the many family members and loved ones of the extended University community who we lost on 9/11.

Saint Peter’s University has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this list. If you detect any errors or omissions, please contact Dan Bocchino at dbocchino@saintpeters.edu.

September 11, 2026

11:00 a.m.

9/11 Memorial Vigil at the old Saint Peter’s College gate near the sky bridge

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

National Day of Service (meet in the Campus Kitchen)

The post 9/11 25th Anniversary Remembrance appeared first on News.

Additionally, in the overall category, Saint Peter’s ranks inside the Top 16% of institutions in the nation.

Washington Monthly’s main rankings now have four equally weighted portions: access, affordability, outcomes, and community and national service. This means that top-ranked colleges needed to be excellent across the full breadth of all measures, rather than excelling in just one. These rankings are published by Washington Monthly in collaboration with the nonprofit Excelencia in Education. This ranking combines the accessibility focus of the publication’s college rankings with the deep knowledge that Excelencia has built over decades of studying the performance of Hispanic students and the schools that serve them.

These recognitions reflect what matters most: the success and upward mobility of our students. At Saint Peter’s, we believe a university’s greatest measure of success is the difference it makes in the lives of its students. This is the Saint Peter’s difference, and we are proud to keep moving forward.

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About Saint Peter’s University

For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit .

The post Saint Peter’s Earns National Recognition as a Top Hispanic-Serving Institution appeared first on News.

Grounded in Saint Peter’s commitment to ethical and human-centered innovation, The School of GIAI  brings together global and workforce innovation, ethical and applied artificial intelligence, and computational sciences to prepare students for a world being reshaped by data, automation and rapid technological change.

The newly reimagined school brings together a growing portfolio of academic programs designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world of work, where technological fluency, data-informed decision-making and the responsible application of artificial intelligence are increasingly essential across industries and professions.

Michael Soto, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs at Saint Peter’s University, notes that “The School of Global Innovation and AI represents an important step forward for Saint Peter’s as we continue to evolve our academic offerings around the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.”

The school currently offers programs including a B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, M.S. in Data Science, Ph.D. in Data Science, M.S. in Cyber Security, M.S. in Information Sciences, B.S. in Computer Science: Cybersecurity, and certificates in Cybersecurity and Risk Management. Planned programs include Interdisciplinary, stackable certificates and credentials to enable students to apply AI across multiple fields. The school also houses the university’s international programs and partnerships, including international study opportunities, to link applied artificial intelligence with global, interdisciplinary real world learning opportunities.

The school also envisions the future development of an interdisciplinary AI institute and a collaborative commons at Saint Peter’s. These initiatives would bring together students across disciplines, faculty, staff, industry leaders and nonprofit partners to collaborate on projects that advance workforce innovation. Education grounded in Jesuit values and the liberal arts would remain central to this work.

The school’s new direction is rooted in three interconnected areas: global and workforce innovation; ethical and applied artificial intelligence; and computational sciences. Together, these areas reflect an approach to education that combines emerging technology with practical application, critical thinking and a strong grounding in ethics and human-centered decision-making.

The school is led by Sharath Kumar Jagannathan, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the School of Global Innovation and AI, whose academic and professional expertise spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, predictive analytics, privacy preservation, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies. His work bridges academic scholarship, applied technology and industry-informed learning, with a particular emphasis on preparing students for emerging opportunities in AI-driven and technology-enabled fields.

“This new School reflects our belief that technological innovation must remain centered on people, purpose and the common good,” said Dr. Jagannathan. “We will bring students, faculty and industry partners together to apply artificial intelligence and computational sciences to real-world challenges while preparing graduates to lead with technical expertise, ethical judgment and a global perspective.”

Dr. Hubert Benitez, President of Saint Peter’s University, lauded this transition and appointment of Dr. Jagannathan: “Dr. Jagannathan brings significant expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data privacy, and their applications across various domains. He has been deeply engaged in advancing innovative academic initiatives and fostering applied learning opportunities for students. This strategic transformation reflects the University’s commitment to innovation, future-focused learning, and academic relevance.”

Serving undergraduate, graduate, adult and professional learners, the School will integrate education, applied research and experiential learning in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computational sciences and emerging technologies. Its programs will support students preparing to enter the workforce, advance within their professions or transition into technology- and data-intensive fields.

Students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge through research, internships, interdisciplinary projects, industry-informed challenges and collaboration with faculty and external partners. By connecting technological expertise with fields such as business, healthcare, education, government and the sciences, the School will encourage students to examine complex problems from multiple perspectives and develop practical, human-centered solutions.

Building upon Saint Peter’s established strengths in data science and computational disciplines, the School will continue expanding connections among education, research and professional practice. The University’s Ph.D. in Data Science, for example, prepares students for careers in academia and industry through advanced coursework, applied research and dissertation work that contributes to the continuing development of the field.

Grounded in Saint Peter’s Jesuit tradition, the School will emphasize integrity, reflection, discernment, service, and respect for human dignity. Its mission is to ensure that innovation and emerging technologies are applied ethically, expand access and opportunity, and contribute to the common good.

Through the School of Global Innovation and AI, Saint Peter’s will continue to expand opportunities for students to develop skills that are increasingly relevant across business, healthcare, cybersecurity, technology, government, education and other sectors. The school’s interdisciplinary focus recognizes that artificial intelligence is no longer limited to the technology sector—it is becoming an essential part of how organizations solve problems, make decisions and innovate.

The School of Global Innovation and AI reflects Saint Peter’s University’s continued commitment to academic innovation, career readiness and ethical leadership, preparing students to navigate—and help shape—the technological and workforce transformations of the years ahead.

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About Saint Peter’s University

For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit .

The post Saint Peter’s University Leads with Purpose in Launching School of Global Innovation and AI appeared first on News.

The inaugural ranking, developed by TIME in partnership with Statista, evaluates colleges and universities across three primary areas: student outcomes, learning environment, and attractiveness. The methodology places particular emphasis on what students gain from their college experience relative to its cost, with student outcomes—including graduate earnings, graduation rates and return on education—accounting for 75% of the overall score.

For Saint Peter’s, the recognition speaks directly to the University’s longstanding commitment to upward mobility and student success.

“Saint Peter’s has always believed that where you begin should never determine where you end,” said Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., President of Saint Peter’s University. “This recognition from TIME reflects the transformative education our students receive at Saint Peter’s — an education grounded in our Catholic Jesuit mission and values, focused on preparing students not simply to enter the workforce, but to discover their purpose, pursue opportunity and define success on their own terms.”

As the only Jesuit university in the State of New Jersey, Saint Peter’s combines a rigorous academic experience with a deep commitment to educating the whole person and expanding access to opportunity. Its mission is rooted in the belief that education can be a powerful force for individual transformation and the common good—helping students from a wide range of backgrounds build meaningful careers and meaningful lives.

The TIME recognition comes at a moment of continued momentum for Saint Peter’s, as the University expands academic programs aligned with emerging workforce needs while remaining committed to the liberal arts, professional preparation and the values that have defined a Saint Peter’s education for more than 150 years.

For Saint Peter’s, being recognized among America’s Best Colleges is ultimately a reflection of what matters most: the students whose lives are transformed by the opportunity to earn a Saint Peter’s degree—and the futures they go on to create.

The post Saint Peter’s University Named Among TIME’s America’s Best Colleges for 2026-2027 appeared first on News.

The partnership provides qualified Saint Peter’s graduates with an expedited pathway into AUA’s M.D. program while offering additional financial and admissions benefits designed to support students as they pursue careers in medicine.

Under the agreement, Saint Peter’s graduates with a GPA above 3.0 who meet AUA’s admission requirements will be eligible for expedited admission consideration. Eligible graduates will also receive a waived application fee and an expedited admissions process, including application review, interview and decision. Once accepted and committed to attending AUA, students will also have the pre-registration seat deposit waived.

In addition, Saint Peter’s graduates accepted into AUA’s M.D. program through the partnership will be eligible for a $10,000 Preferred Partner Grant, distributed over 12 academic terms throughout their medical education. AUA will not place a limit on the number of Saint Peter’s graduates eligible through the partnership, and students may also be eligible for other AUA scholarships and awards.

The partnership will also create opportunities for Saint Peter’s students to engage directly with AUA representatives. AUA will host three information sessions each year on the Saint Peter’s campus, providing students with opportunities to learn more about medical education, the admissions process and the pathway to becoming a physician.

“This is an exciting new opportunity for our students to pursue careers in medicine through a clear and supportive pathway to medical school. With streamlined processes and support, and ongoing engagement between our two institutions, we are expanding access to medical education while reinforcing Saint Peter’s University’s commitment to student success and preparing the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals.” explained Rosette Allegretti, Assistant Vice President for Academic Partnerships and Operations at Saint Peter’s.

AUA’s M.D. program follows a U.S.-modeled medical curriculum. Students complete their preclinical education at AUA’s campus in Antigua before moving into clinical education at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States. The clinical phase provides students with hands-on experience in patient care across a range of medical specialties.

Allen Simmons, Associate Vice President of Partnerships and Enrollment for American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) notes: “Saint Peter’s has a remarkable tradition of educating students who are committed to scholarship, leadership, service, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through this partnership, we are creating another bridge for those students who aspire to become physicians and healthcare leaders.”

The new partnership expands the opportunities available to Saint Peter’s students interested in medicine and provides a defined connection between their undergraduate education and the next stage of their medical careers.

Through the agreement, Saint Peter’s graduates will have access to a dedicated pathway designed to help them take the next step toward medical school while benefiting from financial support, streamlined admissions and continued engagement with AUA throughout their undergraduate experience.

The post Saint Peter’s University and American University of Antigua College of Medicine Establish Partnership Creating Pathway to Medical School appeared first on News.

The annual event recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication reflects the University’s mission of service and commitment to creating positive change. This year, Saint Peter’s University will present the Loyalty to Alma Mater Award to Maria Solorzano ’84, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union and member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and the Service to Community Award to the JDJ Charitable Foundation.

Saint Peter’s University President, Dr. Hubert Benitez notes: “At Saint Peter’s University, we believe that success is found in how we use our gifts to serve others. Hearts and Minds celebrates individuals and organizations who embody our Jesuit values of faith, service and leadership. Maria Solorzano and the JDJ Charitable Foundation exemplify these ideals through their generosity and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Their example inspires our students to lead lives of purpose.”

Maria Solorzano ’84 to Receive Loyalty to Alma Mater Award

Saint Peter’s University is proud to present the 2026 Hearts & Minds Loyalty to Alma Mater Award to Maria Solorzano ’84 in recognition of her lifelong dedication to her alma mater and the Hudson County community.

A native of Ecuador, Solorzano made Jersey City her home at a young age after arriving in the United States with her parents. Following her graduation from Dickinson High School, where she was a work-study student at Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union, she attended Saint Peter’s University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1984.

Solorzano describes her academic and professional journey as being driven by a passion and deep desire to help people achieve financial independence. Her career has been defined by a commitment to serving the communities of Hudson County that welcomed her and her family.

Her dedication, leadership and commitment to the mission of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union led to her appointment as president and chief executive officer in 2017. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply connected to Saint Peter’s University through her service on University committees, support of athletics initiatives and encouragement of fellow alumni to remain engaged with their alma mater.

Solorzano currently serves on the Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees and is a member of the Audit, Student Affairs and Investment Committees. She is also a past member of the Board of Regents. Beyond her work with the University, Solorzano serves as a board member and past president of the Jersey City Kiwanis Club and as a member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She previously served as president of the Hudson chapter of the New Jersey Credit Union League.

The Hearts & Minds Loyalty to Alma Mater Award recognizes individuals whose continued support and dedication advance the University’s mission and create meaningful impact for future generations of Peacocks.

JDJ Charitable Foundation to Receive Service to Community Award

Saint Peter’s University is proud to present the 2026 Hearts & Minds Service to Community Award to the JDJ Charitable Foundation in recognition of its extraordinary commitment to serving those in need and strengthening communities throughout the region.

Founded by James and Allyson Blauvelt ’12, the JDJ Charitable Foundation was inspired by the vision and legacy of James’ parents, Joseph ’80 and Donna Marie ’81 Blauvelt. Established following Joseph and Donna’s courageous battles with cancer, the Foundation was created to support individuals and families facing illness, financial hardship and life’s greatest challenges while carrying their legacy forward through a lasting charitable mission.

Since becoming a public charity in 2018, the Foundation has funded cancer research, provided financial assistance to families affected by cancer, awarded scholarships to students whose lives have been impacted by the disease, supported programs that harness the healing power of music and provided wheelchairs to children with physical limitations.

The Foundation’s impact extends beyond any single cause, reaching schools, community organizations, shelters and charitable initiatives throughout the tri-state area. Through their leadership, James and Allyson exemplify the Jesuit values of service, compassion and cura personalis—care for the whole person.

Guided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a growing network of supporters, the JDJ Charitable Foundation continues to honor the loving and generous spirit of Joseph and Donna Marie Blauvelt while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families in need.

The Hearts & Minds Service to Community Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose actions inspire hope and create lasting change. Through visionary leadership, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to helping others, the JDJ Charitable Foundation embodies the spirit of this honor.

The post Saint Peter’s University to Honor Maria Solorzano ’84 and JDJ Charitable Foundation at 2026 Hearts & Minds Scholarship Gala appeared first on News.