Dear Members of the Saint Joseph’s College Community,
As I was reviewing my advance copy of this issue of our magazine, I was reminded of what a unique and far-reaching learning community Saint Joseph’s is. The past several months on our campus have been busy and filled with variety’s richness. If you were to imagine an overall snapshot of the last several months on campus, you would have seen: a continued focus on a strategic plan to help direct our future, an exciting basketball championship game, administrators wrestling with tough budget decisions, student eco-reps determining ways to encourage recycling and save energy in the residence halls, planning for robust summer offerings to adult learners, continued community service to both our local food pantry (Catherine’s Cupboard) and to homeless people in New york City. In addition, you would have seen innovative academic programming and countless faculty-student interactions extending beyond the classroom. As always, we’re blessed with the rich fabric of education and experience that grows directly out of our values and mission.
Beginning with our cover story on Randy Freer ’82, this issue of the magazine will give you a closer look at the lives of several alumni, of whom we are extremely proud. This issue also reports on the breadth and depth of academic programs, including faculty projects and research during the last year, our robust criminal justice major, a unique example of an important writing focus called Writing Across the Curriculum, and a recent grant to Dr. Johan Erikson that will give professional research opportunities to our science undergraduates.
While there are many to be congratulated across the spectrum of campus life, I’d like to note Rob Sanicola ’99, head coach of the men’s basketball team, for his outstanding season and his selection as GNAC Coach of the year. He’s a model of tempered calm and respect, no matter what the score. In addition, I’d like to recognize Elaine Trumble, assistant dean of operations for Graduate & Professional Studies, who won the Saint Joseph Award this year for her quiet commitment to excellence and hard work.
Students are featured as well. Triple athlete Ryan Prescott ’09 has a unique story to tell about his childhood, and we are all anticipating the stories that will be shared by 35 students who dedicated their spring break to serving people in need during Campus Ministry’s annual Workfest. Speaking of volunteering, we want to thank everyone who volunteered a donation to the Fund for Saint Joseph’s. Your support helps to create the rich educational tapestry that our students experience.
For everyone involved in this far-reaching learning community – both on and off campus – we feel grateful and proud.
SIncerely,
Joseph Lee, Ph. D.
President