Students from Innovation High School, Kearny High School, Saint Dominic Academy, Hudson Catholic and North Bergen High School participated in the event, which highlighted innovation across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The symposium opened with welcoming remarks from University President, Dr. Hubert Benitez.

“As President of Saint Peter’s University, I was proud to welcome students from across New Jersey to our Future Makers: Robotics X STEM Symposium. This gathering reflected our deep commitment to expanding access to transformative, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said President Hubert Benitez.

Students rotated through three interactive tracks, each offering a unique perspective on emerging technologies and real-world applications.

A featured session led by Anroy Ottley, M.D., MSc., FACS, director of surgery at Jersey City Medical Center, introduced students to robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Ottley, who performed the first complex hernia repair using robotic technology at the medical center, shared insights into the evolving role of robotics in healthcare. Students viewed footage of a live procedure conducted using the, demonstrating how advanced technology enhances precision and patient care.

In another session, and Panepinto Properties showcased multi-functional service robots transforming the hospitality industry. Demonstrations included delivery and cleaning robots capable of operating continuously, assisting with tasks such as meal delivery, supply transport and automated cleaning through advanced navigation and task recognition systems.

The STEM Interactive Expo featured a wide range of engaging demonstrations. New Jersey Symphony presented creative ways to produce musical sounds using everyday household items, illustrating the connection between science and the arts. Jersey City Public Library introduced, a mental health support robot designed to assist individuals experiencing stress or anxiety, alongside hands-on LEGO Spike Education activities focused on coding and 3D design.

Liberty Science Center brought its to campus, featuring interactive builds such as robotic models and engineering demonstrations that blended creativity with technical skill. The highlighted STEAM-based learning through virtual reality simulations, including heart surgery, space exploration and robotics, emphasizing pathways into technology-driven careers.

The event also included a screening of Rule Breakers, followed by a discussion with Roya Mahboob and Ayda Hydapour, who shared their experiences as women in STEM and encouraged students to pursue innovation and leadership in the field.

The Future Makers: Robotics X STEM Symposium brought together innovation, education and real-world application, giving students a firsthand look at the possibilities shaping the future of STEM, with the hope of welcoming many back as future Peacocks at Saint Peter’s University.

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The University celebrated an unforgettable Saint Peter Day on Thursday, April 16, 2026; a celebratory day of giving that brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends. What began as a fundraising goal of raising $600,000 quickly transformed into something even more meaningful, as the University community surpassed expectations and raised an impressive total of over $650,000.��

“When we come together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” says Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., President of Saint Peter’s University. “This achievement reflects the strength, generosity and unity of our community.”

A total of 885 gifts from over 550 unique donors, an increase from last year’s results, helped fuel critical initiatives across campus, supported scholarships, Division I athletics and other programs that create opportunities for students across campus.��

While the impact of giving was profound, the spirit of the day was just as powerful. Despite unseasonably hot weather, students showed up to try their hand at carnival games, enjoy a yummy assortment of food provided by Saint Peter’s Hospitality/Food Services, and strike a pose with friends in a photo booth.

One of the key highlights of the day’s activities was “Pie an Administrator or Professor,” where $3.00 bought the chance to launch a tin of whipped cream at brave volunteers Erich Sekel (Director of Community Service), Dan Bocchino (Interim Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing), Shaun Jacobs-Patterson (Executive Director, CASE), Christina Mortellaro (Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs) and Ahmad Williams (Associate Vice President, Chief Business Officer).��

Donors showed strong support across a wide range of initiatives. The Saint Peter Fund led all areas with $223,000 raised, followed by the General Scholarship Fund, which brought in over $82,000 and exceeded its challenge goal. Class year giving was especially strong, with the Classes of the 1960s and 1970s leading participation and generosity in the Battle of the Decades Challenge. Numerous match and challenge opportunities were met or exceeded, unlocking additional funds across a broad range of campus initiatives and activities.��

Participation spanned the entire Saint Peter’s network, with alumni making up the largest group of donors, followed by faculty and staff, friends, students and parents.��

Although the celebration has ended, the mission continues. Supporters are encouraged to continue investing in the that matter most, helping to ignite dreams and fund futures for generations of Peacocks to come.

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Saint Peter’s University has announced the launch of a new Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, developed in response to the growing demand for primary care providers, particularly in underserved communities.

The new FNP track is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles through a flexible and affordable pathway, equipping graduates with the skills needed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality healthcare professionals.

The program supports working nurses through an online asynchronous format that combines online coursework with on-campus simulation lab experiences. These hands-on opportunities allow students to refine clinical skills and build confidence in applying evidence-based practice. With 750 hours of supervised clinical training, enhanced by advanced simulation technology and interprofessional learning, graduates are prepared to deliver primary care across a range of healthcare settings.

Saint Peter’s University has a long-standing track record of preparing highly skilled graduate-level nurses through programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In addition to the new FNP track, the University offers a Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) program, further demonstrating its commitment to developing advanced practice nurses ready for the front lines of care.

Building on this strong foundation, the FNP program expands the University’s role in addressing workforce shortages while advancing our mission of service, preparing compassionate clinicians who promote health equity and expand access to care for those most in need.

The University is committed to supporting graduate nursing students throughout their academic journey, including assistance with securing qualified clinical preceptors to ensure meaningful and diverse hands-on experiences. Tuition is competitively structured, and through partnerships with organizations such as EdAssist by Bright Horizons, eligible employees may have access to employer-sponsored education assistance programs that help offset the cost of tuition, further reinforcing Saint Peter’s focus on affordability and accessibility in advanced nursing education.

Through the integration of rigorous academics, clinical excellence and mission-driven learning, the Saint Peter’s FNP program positions graduates to make a lasting impact in their communities and meet the growing demand for primary care providers across the state.

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Assemblywoman Morales, who serves as chair of the New Jersey General Assembly Higher Education Committee, engaged in conversations focused on advancing access, supporting students and reinforcing the role of institutions like Saint Peter’s University in preparing future leaders.

Prior to her current role, Morales served as principal of Essex County Newark Tech High School, bringing an experienced perspective in education to her legislative work.

During her visit, Assemblywoman Morales also participated in campus activities as part of Saint Peter’s Day, experiencing firsthand the University’s community and mission in action.

President Benitez expressed his appreciation for Assemblywoman Morales’ continued support and partnership.

“Her leadership and commitment to higher education are invaluable,” said Benitez. “We are grateful for her friendship and her shared dedication to ensuring that institutions like Saint Peter’s continue to serve our students and communities at the highest level.”

The visit reinforced a mutual commitment to strengthening the relationship between Saint Peter’s University and state leadership, with a shared focus on expanding opportunity and advancing educational excellence.

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Started in 2022 by former director of campus ministry, Trevor Kelly, S.J., Hospitality Wednesdays bring together students, faculty and staff for coffee and donuts with the goal of enjoying each other’s company and talking about big or small things impacting their lives. It became incredibly popular, transcending its original purpose. “I can’t think of a better way to meet people where they are than with caffeine and sugar,” said Angelo Canta, S.J., current director of campus ministry. “Sometimes, people come in to just grab a coffee and go on about their day. But, more often than not, people decide to stay a little while, eat their donut in one of our comfy seats and catch up with friends. I’ve seen people schedule to meet each other at Hospitality to talk about homework, plan events or catch up on life.”

As with every event put on by Campus Ministry, all are welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales, Ph.D., chief diversity officer, emphasized that openness and how it resonates on campus. “Hospitality is the art of making room for everyone. This is so important because we are focused on inclusivity and building a strong sense of belonging within our students, faculty and staff. This gathering is an open invitation to the community, breaking the boundaries of the classroom and offices and cultivating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and inspired by one another. We foster meaningful conversations, camaraderie and connections that build a vibrant community where barriers dissolve, mentorship flourishes and students are empowered.”

With students frequenting Hospitality Wednesdays, academics inevitably come up and it is a time to see their professors outside the classroom. This helps to build connections and provides a time for mentorship guidance that cannot always come in a class of ten or more. Jesus Morales ’26 shared, “Because I also work in Campus Ministry as a DEIJ Peer Mentor, I get to experience Hospitality Wednesdays from the inside, and it’s honestly powerful. I’ll see professors I’ve had in class sit down with students and ask real questions not just about grades, but about growth. I’ve had those conversations myself, and it reminded me that I’m not just a student here but I’m also becoming a leader, and people are truly invested in that journey.”

But it’s not all seriousness either. Angelo Jesus Canta explained, “We make it worthwhile for them. We have a punch-card system like any of your favorite coffee shops. If you come to Hospitality eight times with your card, we give you fun prizes. We’ve done free travel mugs, stickers, donut plushies and more!”

When asked what hospitality means to them, Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales said “”True hospitality is found in the warmth of a welcome, where life-changing relationships are built. At Saint Peter´s, this is one of our goals, and Hospitality contributes to our mission.” Angelo Jesus Canta said, “I hope that Hospitality helps us remember that we are not alone. On Wednesday mornings, it is not hard to find God in a warm cup of coffee and an even warmer sense of community in Campus Ministry.”

Given its popularity, Hospitality Wednesdays have become part of the fabric of Saint Peter’s University culture. “Hospitality Wednesdays are my favorite part of the week,” Angelo continued. “People think about Campus Ministry and might immediately consider bible study, mass, prayer and retreats. All those things are so important. But, it’s been cool that at SPU, people also think about free coffee and donuts. I heard a student once say, ‘you know the Jesuits, they always give away free food.’ And I love that! There is so much resonance between Hospitality and the Jesuit way of doing things. From the beginning, Jesuits have been interested in meeting people wherever they were, in the language, culture and customs that make sense to them.”

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The summit reflected Saint Peter’s University’s mission and long-standing commitment to advocacy, inclusion and the dignity of all people.

Saint Peter’s University Chaplain Fr. Rocco Danzi, S.J. spoke and emphasized the deep connection between immigration and Jesuit values, noting that the two have gone hand in hand for more than 500 years. Grounded in cura personalis—care for the whole person, he spoke about the importance of looking beyond documentation to recognize each individual’s humanity. He highlighted the call to be “men and women for and with others,” rooted in shared humanity, solidarity, social justice and hospitality.

President Hubert Benitez underscored the University’s responsibility to lead with intention and purpose. “We are honored by your presence, Mr. Mayor. You are a true friend,” said President Benitez. “This work is driven by vision, collaboration, hard work and a commitment to justice. “President Benitez highlighted the impact of immigrant communities in higher education, noting that their contributions extend far beyond the classroom.

“Immigrants bring knowledge and perspective shaped by resilience, cultural richness and lived experience,” he said. “Immigrant leaders play a vital role in our universities,they mentor students and challenge institutions to grow. There is power in students seeing leaders who reflect their own journeys. It shows what is possible. “He added that many students must navigate systems not originally designed with them in mind, reinforcing the need for institutions to act with intention.

“We are called to educate and accompany in order to create pathways of access with intentionality,” President Benitez said. “As the first Latino and immigrant president of this University, it is my responsibility to open doors that lead to a more inclusive future.”

Mayor Solomon, a former adjunct professor at Saint Peter’s University, spoke about the City’s efforts to support immigrant communities and uphold public trust. He referenced an executive order signed early in his administration at Liberty State Park, recognizing the historic journey of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island and reinforcing the City’s commitment to inclusion.

“We want residents to feel safe contacting the police to report crimes without fear,” Solomon said, outlining policies that distinguish between judicial warrants and administrative detainers. He emphasized that city agencies will not be used to support federal immigration enforcement efforts, while acknowledging the limits of mayoral authority.

“No mayor has the power to ban federal enforcement, but we will use our voice and work diligently to protect our community,” he said. “Jersey City was built by immigrants, and our policies are about defending that legacy.”

At the conclusion of the event, Mayor Solomon presented a formal proclamation to President Benitez in recognition of Saint Peter’s University’s ongoing commitment to education, community engagement and support for immigrant populations.

The Immigration Summit reinforced Saint Peter’s University’s role as a convener of critical conversations and a leader in advancing justice through education and community partnership.

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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill was brought to the stage by former Governor James McGreevey to kick-off the general session. Governor Sherrill’s welcome speech noted that, during her time in the prosecutor’s office, she helped launch New Jersey’s first federal reentry court. The Governor mentioned how this program has now become part of the Attorney General’s office; while it still prosecutes crimes, it also offers programs to those incarcerated citizens so they can continue to “thrive in New Jersey upon their release…too many times we’ve incarnerated without plans for release”. In connection with the annual conference this year, Governor Sherrill also .��

Following an invocation by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, various panel discussions were convened. Discussions and Q&A sessions on trauma, brain recovery, and seeing others deeply were led by noted conference attendees such as Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (who delivered the keynote address), author David Brooks, Dr. Ije Akunyili, and four former NJ Governors (Christie, Kean, Corzine, and DiFrancesco), among many other luminaries in the field.

Since 2014, NJRC has served more than 31,000 individuals returning from incarceration, addiction treatment, and military service, securing over 14,000 jobs and connecting nearly 14,000 people to addiction treatment.

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The meeting was focused on a mutually beneficial relationship between Assemblywoman Brennan and the University, with an aim towards opening doors of the Saint Peter’s to the Assemblywoman for any and all of her needs.

Dr. Benitez noted that the dialogue was also centered around a “collective inquiry” with regards to what Saint Peter’s and the Assemblywoman have to offer each other. The targeted outcome of such meetings is to foster a positive, collaborative relationship between the University and local politicians for both now and with an eye towards the future.

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For more than 45 years, Sara Schenirer has partnered with highly respected colleges and universities, including Saint Peter’s, to deliver affordable, high-quality education while maintaining its deeply held cultural and religious values. Through these partnerships, thousands of students have earned degrees and gone on to serve as leaders within the Jewish community and beyond.

President Benitez emphasized that an expansion of the existing partnership with Saint Peter’s University would ensure that students affiliated with Sara Schenirer are fully integrated into the University’s academic community. Students are held to the same academic standards and expectations, with a shared commitment to excellence across all programs.

At the same time, the model offers a tailored student experience that combines Saint Peter’s rigorous academic framework with the cultural understanding and support provided by Sara Schenirer. This approach allows for an accelerated, affordable and high-quality education while meeting the unique needs of its student population.

Students participating in the program benefit from the full academic resources of Saint Peter’s University, while also receiving an added layer of cultural sensitivity that enhances their overall educational experience. The partnership reflects the University’s continued focus on expanding access to high-quality education without compromising core cherished values.

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Camille Braker-Balkum, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management opened the festivities by welcoming all guests to the Mac Mahon Student Center. Vice President for Mission Integration and Ministry Fr. James Miracky, S.J. then offered a prayer and blessing. He noted the importance of the pillars of a Jesuit education, focusing on the notion of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and asked all those in attendance to pray for discernment.

University President Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D. then addressed the crowd, stressing that an education at Saint Peter’s is not only about what goes on in the classroom, but is also strongly focused on how faculty and staff care for their students. Recounting his own experience as a father, Dr. Benitez stressed the importance of incoming students truly feeling that they belong at whatever institution they choose to attend. Dr. Benitez then relished the opportunity to “work the room”, walking among the crowd and engaging in conversation with the families in attendance. He went on to stress that choosing the right college is a two-way investment to a better future, one that Saint Peter’s is ready to fully support with a strong Jesuit academic foundation, top-tier on-campus living accommodations and facilities, and generous financial aid packages.

Before embarking on campus tours and a glimpse into the academic offerings at Saint Peter’s, guests were treated to an informative student panel. Current Saint Peter’s students Tindi Awinyo (transfer student from Kenya, Nursing major), James Aziz (Sophomore, Nursing major), Oluwadarasimi (Jide) Ajisafe (Junior, Health Sciences major) and Tiffany Verastegui (Freshman, Forensic Psychology major) addressed the Class of 2030 with details about their decision to attend Saint Peter’s and what they found most important during their college search.

They enthusiastically noted that Saint Peter’s offered them smaller class sizes with better individualized attention than most other schools they considered. Stressing the affordability of a Saint Peter’s education, some members of the student panel mentioned that they were first generation college students who chose the University because of their diversity in both population and academic offerings, all while coming at an affordable price that made a college education attainable to them. They summed up their Saint Peter’s experience with four simple words: community, family, opportunity and support.

The day was bookended with campus tours and a review of academic, student support services and financial aid offerings, and of course, a carnival-like experience at the Student Center complete with food trucks and socializing!

All students considering attending Saint Peter’s in the Fall should .

Photo highlights of the ribbon cutting ceremony; click a photo to view larger size.

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