The newest members of the Peacock family officially began their 麻豆传媒AV University journey as the Class of 2030 gathered on campus for New Student Orientation, a day filled with excitement, inspiration and opportunities to build lasting connections.

Incoming students and their families were welcomed by University leadership before embarking on a full day designed to introduce them to the academic, social and spiritual experience that awaits them at 麻豆传媒AV University.

Setting the tone for the day was a motivational keynote presentation by Jeff Dess, co-founder of Trill or Not Trill, one of the country鈥檚 most engaging leadership institutes. The keynote encouraged students to embrace their authentic selves, lead with confidence and begin their college experience with purpose, reminding the newest Peacocks that success starts with believing in themselves and the community they are about to join.

Throughout the day, current 麻豆传媒AV students played a leading role in welcoming the next generation of Peacocks. The Orientation Team guided incoming students across campus, offering student-led tours, sharing their own experiences and providing firsthand insight into life at 麻豆传媒AV. From navigating campus to answering questions and introducing campus traditions, the student leaders helped create an atmosphere where every new student felt welcomed from the moment they arrived.

Students also participated in sessions focused on academic success, financial planning, classroom expectations and building new friendships through interactive Peacock Meet & Greet activities. Families attended dedicated sessions highlighting the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, reflecting 麻豆传媒AV Jesuit tradition of Cura Personalis鈥攃are for the whole person.

The day concluded with the Peacock Party at Panepinto Plaza, where students, families and orientation leaders came together to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

With two more new student orientations within the coming weeks, we鈥檙e thrilled as the Class of 2030 prepares to arrive on campus this fall! If you have not registered for one of the upcoming orientations yet, you can do so here.

New Student Orientation marks more than the start of an academic journey. It marks the beginning of lifelong friendships, new opportunities and a place within the 麻豆传媒AV family.

Welcome to the flock, Class of 2030. We can鈥檛 wait to see all that you鈥檒l accomplish.

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photo courtesy of Trish Gianakis

The year-long project transforms Liberty State Park into an interactive outdoor museum, combining augmented reality, public art, and historical storytelling to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors use their mobile phones to experience immersive digital installations and educational content throughout the park.

The Jersey City Times article highlights Professor Gianakis’ creative vision and the role of emerging technologies in expanding access to art and historical storytelling.

The University community is invited to learn more about the exhibition by reading the Jersey City Times feature and following the project as it continues throughout the coming year.

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When Megan Callahan Sherman, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW聽 began her career at 麻豆传媒AV University in May 2025, she was asked by her colleagues what a child-first center would do for the community.聽

鈥淲ell,鈥� she recalls answering. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 going to be determined by the community.鈥澛�

Kids in Jersey City face numerous barriers to educational success, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, rising rates of mental health challenges and declining literacy levels.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 really the mission of the Center for Child and Human Development,鈥� says Sherman. 鈥淭o meet with community stakeholders, children, families, educators, hospitals, different social service agencies to really determine where there鈥檚 a gap in service.鈥澛�

鈥淲e walk in and say, 鈥楬ow can we help?鈥欌�澛�

Located on the second floor of the Caulfield School of Education, the Center for Child and Human Development is a campus-based resource center for the children and families of Hudson County. By partnering with local schools, healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations, the Center develops interactive programs, trains future professionals (like the first-ever cohort of the Masters of Social Work program) and expands access to services that promote healthy development, educational success and family well-being, particularly for underserved communities.

The space also serves as a quiet place for neurodivergent members of the 麻豆传媒AV community to visit and unwind.聽

Walking into the Center for Child and Human Development is like taking a step back in time to your early school days; the former storage space turned classroom is equipped with tools for kids of all ages. Colorful pictures promoting kindness, empathy and belonging hang on the wall. A bookshelf is stacked with books. In the front of the classroom, 16 Dell laptops lay charging next to a SMART interactive whiteboard.聽

鈥淭echnology access is another big issue, so students can come in here, settle into the space and use our computers and wifi.鈥� says Sherman.聽

The Center plans to host a formal grand opening in the Fall, but in the interim, Sherman encourages anyone interested in getting involved with the Center to reach out to her directly.聽

鈥淪tudents at 麻豆传媒AV are very intrigued and eager to help,鈥� she says.聽

Learn more about the Center of Child and Human Development.

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The gathering brought together leaders of Jesuit institutions to reflect on the shared mission of Catholic, Jesuit higher education and its role in addressing the most pressing challenges facing society.

The Holy Father began his address by highlighting the 鈥渕ultitude of challenges facing humanity today鈥� in a time that “has been called an age of epochal change.鈥� Pope Leo XIV encouraged university leaders to remain faithful to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual excellence while preparing students to lead with wisdom, compassion, and ethical responsibility in an increasingly complex world.

Pope Leo XIV also emphasized the need to care for the poor and those immigrating to the United States 鈥渋n a time when record numbers of our brothers and sisters are living in poverty.鈥� He said many people are forced to leave their homes due to war, religious or political persecution, hunger, or climate change. Pope Leo insisted that the Jesuit higher education institutions are not only called to promote the common good and solidarity but also 鈥渢o offer opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and those of a lower socio-economic status to have the benefit of an advanced education.鈥�

The presidents also met with Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who reflected on the global mission of Jesuit education and the vital importance of collaboration among the Society’s colleges and universities. He challenged the presidents to cultivate the leadership, discernment, and vision needed to respond effectively to the evolving needs of today’s world.

The Vatican visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Jesuit colleges and universities worldwide to educating the whole person鈥攎ind, body, and spirit鈥攚hile responding to the evolving needs of society through academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service.

“The opportunity to gather with fellow Jesuit university presidents and hear directly from Pope Leo XIV and Fr Sosa was both inspiring and affirming,” said Dr. Benitez. “Their message reminds us that Jesuit education has an essential role to play in forming graduates who possess not only knowledge and professional expertise, but also the moral courage and compassion needed to address the challenges of our world.” In a deeply personal moment with Pope Leo, Dr. Benitez asked His Holiness to bless 麻豆传媒AVPeter’s University and all those who make its mission possible, praying that we may continue to extend the promise of a Jesuit education to students whose determination often exceeds their opportunities, transforming not only individual lives but families, communities, and future generations.

The Vatican meetings concluded with a renewed commitment among Jesuit institutions to strengthen their collaboration and continue preparing students to become thoughtful leaders dedicated to faith, justice, and the service of humanity.

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Photo courtesy of frankguarini.com

The 麻豆传媒AV University community is saddened by the passing of Hon. Frank J. Guarini H 鈥�94, a distinguished public servant, philanthropist and lifelong champion of Jersey City whose generosity and leadership left an enduring mark on the University community.

Guarini received an honorary degree from 麻豆传媒AV in 1994 in recognition of his extraordinary public service and longstanding commitment to the University. Over the decades, he deepened that relationship through his service on the University鈥檚 Board of Regents and through transformative philanthropic support that advanced 麻豆传媒AV mission and strengthened opportunities for generations of students.

The Frank J. Guarini School of Business, named in his honor following a historic gift that helped elevate the University鈥檚 business programs, facilities and student opportunities, continues to reflect Guarini鈥檚 belief that higher education should prepare ethical, forward-thinking leaders who will serve their professions and communities with integrity. In addition to the business school, both Guarini House and the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership are named in honor of the late Congressman.

A Jersey City native who grew up across the street from 麻豆传媒AV, Guarini often spoke of the special bond he felt with the University and the pride he took in its role as a cornerstone of the community. His dedication to 麻豆传媒AV, and to the people of Hudson County, will continue to inspire students, alumni, faculty and staff for years to come.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Guarini family and all who were touched by his remarkable life and legacy.

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More than 1,250 attendees were in attendance to listen to discussions by a diverse roster of speakers. was in attendance and a special video message was delivered to the crowd of attendees by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.

The afternoon was highlighted by a fireside discussion between New Jersey City University President Andres Acebo and 麻豆传媒AV University President Hubert Benitez, moderated by NJBIZ reporter Matthew Fazelpoor.

Also in attendance from 麻豆传媒AVPeter’s were members of the President’s Cabinet – Dr. Guillermo DeVeyga, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Paula Mercado-Hak, Vice President and General Counsel & Chief External Affairs Officer; and Daniel Bocchino, Interim Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing.

Both university presidents discussed the culmination of the 2025-2026 academic years on their campuses, highlighted by their recent commencement ceremonies. President Acebo noted that the NJCU commencement served as the last ceremony the university would have as an independently run institution, while President Benitez celebrated the return of commencement to the 麻豆传媒AV campus.

Dr. Benitez reaffirmed the university鈥檚 standing in the Jersey City community, noting that while high school students within New Jersey often leave the state to attend college elsewhere, the focus for both local schools should be on educating the local workforce to support Hudson County and the surrounding communities. He remarked that 鈥淭he hallmark of 麻豆传媒AV is keeping our Jesuit values in all we do as an engine of workforce development鈥� for the community at large. Dr. Benitez went on to discuss the newly opened Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite at the School of Nursing and Health Professions, highlighting 麻豆传媒AV commitment to significantly expanding nursing enrollment and leveraging this and other innovative learning spaces to strengthen its presence across a range of health care disciplines and workforce development initiatives.

President Acebo acknowledged the sometimes divisive role AI plays in education, and noted that it can be democratizing in terms of educational opportunities and should be used intentionally in conjunction with business development. The leaders reiterated a commitment to educating the local Jersey City and Hudson County community. Dr. Benitez specifically highlighted 麻豆传媒AV designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with programs offered entirely in Spanish, while emphasizing that the University鈥檚 distinguishing characteristic is not simply what it does, but how it does it: delivering an accessible, well-rounded education grounded in the Jesuit values that guide its mission and commitment to forming students for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.

As both 麻豆传媒AV and NJCU focus on their next chapters of their evolution, the focus at 麻豆传媒AV will continue to be on revitalizing and reimagining the school鈥檚 place as the Jesuit university of New Jersey, offering a value-based education accessible and affordable to all.

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Through the Fulbright鈥揃udapest Semesters in Mathematics鈥揜茅nyi Institute Scholar Award in Mathematics, Hopkins will travel to Hungary where he will conduct an independent research project while participating in the research community at the Alfr茅d R茅nyi Institute, one of Europe鈥檚 leading mathematical research centers. The program brings together scholars working across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, including combinatorics, combinatorial optimization, number theory, mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence, network theory, algebraic geometry and topology.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great honor to be selected as a Fulbright Scholar for spring 2027 in Hungary,鈥� said Hopkins. 鈥淭his is a unique mathematics opportunity, jointly sponsored by a prestigious study-abroad program and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.鈥�

鈥淚 will give seminars for students in the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics and work with them on research projects, similar to our work with students in the Honors Program,鈥� Hopkins added. 鈥淔or four months I will also join the rich research environment of the Alfr茅d R茅nyi Institute, the mathematics arm of their national sciences academy.鈥�

Hopkins鈥檚 primary research focuses on integer partitions, a field studying collections of natural numbers with fixed sums that was first explored by mathematician Leonhard Euler and continues to generate new discoveries today.

His Fulbright research will expand upon partition statistics work he began in 2020鈥攔esearch that has already contributed to more than 60 academic publications by researchers around the world. By exploring additional perspectives on these classical mathematical structures, Hopkins hopes to create deeper understanding and identify new applications in fields such as physics and computer science.

Hopkins earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and holds both a Bachelor of Science (mathematics) and Bachelor of Arts (philosophy) from the University of Texas.

His accomplishments include receiving the 2015 Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America, serving as editor of The College Mathematics Journal from 2014 through 2018, publishing nearly 50 research papers, authoring two books and editing two more, and presenting research internationally.

The Fulbright Scholar Award represents another milestone in Hopkins鈥檚 distinguished academic career and reflects 麻豆传媒AV University鈥檚 continued commitment to advancing research, scholarship and global engagement.

麻豆传媒AV University congratulates Dr. Hopkins on this prestigious achievement and celebrates his continued contributions to the University community and the field of mathematics.

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A graduate of Jose Marti STEM Academy, Ruqya has distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar and leader, embodying the Jesuit values of academic excellence, service, and care for others throughout her time at 麻豆传媒AV. She represents the very best of 麻豆传媒AV University, combining intellectual rigor, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to serving others. As part of the 2026 Commencement Events, Ruqya delivered a speech at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating Ruqya on this extraordinary achievement. The full text of her 2026 commencement speech is below.

Good morning President Benitez, Board of Trustees, members of the administration, faculty and staff, parents and families, and the 麻豆传媒AV University Class of 2026. There鈥檚 something many of us probably heard from our teachers in high school and that is 鈥淥h, that won鈥檛 fly in college.鈥� You wouldn鈥檛 be able to ask for an extension. You certainly couldn鈥檛 email a professor at the last minute because that was so unprofessional. And you absolutely would not be able to ask for a little bit of extra help. We were told: 鈥淵ou鈥檒l be an adult and you just have to figure it out.鈥� And because of that, college was always painted as this 鈥渉unger games鈥� experience. Stricter. Less forgiving. Dark. And significantly more distant.

But standing here today 鈥� four years later 鈥� I think I can confidently say, they couldn’t be more wrong. Because at 麻豆传媒AVPeter’s University, a lot of those things did 鈥渇ly鈥� 鈥�- not because college was unserious or because expectations were lower, but because something else was higher, care. Care from our professors who didn’t just know our names but also knew our personalities, goals, and even our failures. Care from our advisors (thank you, Lauren and Dr. Wifall) and coaches who constantly checked in. Care from faculty (Dr. Twersky and Dr. Wynder), in counseling services, the honors program, the ministry, the library and the STEM center who worked overtime to make sure we felt supported. And even care from the employees at Pete鈥檚 Place or the security guards who, at some point, stopped feeling like staff and started feeling like our friends. And that鈥檚 what made our experience different 鈥� those small, everyday moments we all quietly shared. It鈥檚 in Starbucks during the common hour, where the line was always way too long. It鈥檚 in the library, where we told ourselves we were being productive鈥攅ven if we spent half the time talking鈥攁nd somehow, the elevator was always broken? 鈥� I did appreciate the extra steps on the Apple Watch though. It鈥檚 in the days when the bridge was closed, and we had to cross Kennedy Boulevard together, hoping we didn’t get hit by a car. It鈥檚 in the way that whenever anyone from another school brought up college basketball we had to mention 麻豆传媒AV Cinderella story to the Elite Eight.

It鈥檚 in the countless trips to Prince Pizza and in the countless SGA emails that always found themselves in our inbox. And yes鈥攅ven Rankin Hall. The place we all dreaded walking to (especially this winter)鈥� but somehow, those walks became part of our shared experience too. You see, no matter where you went to high school or what major you were, we all shared one identity for the last four years. And together, in a world plagued by prejudice and polarization, we unknowingly created something powerful 鈥� a community. And wherever we go鈥攚hether into hospitals, classrooms, businesses, or beyond鈥攚e carry with us the lessons this community taught us: to care, to support, and to show up for others. So maybe high school was right about one thing鈥攃ollege was different, 麻豆传媒AV was different. But not in the way we expected. It taught us that we are more similar than we think. Because even if we didn’t know each other鈥檚 names, there was always something familiar about one another. And as we move forward into the next chapters of our lives, that familiarity will matter more than we realize. We are and we will always be Peacocks.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Thank you.

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Quoraishee鈥檚 educational background spans multiple disciplines and institutions, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dhaka, a Master of Science in Computer and Decision Science from Pratt Institute, and a Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from 麻豆传媒AV University before completing her Ed.D. at 麻豆传媒AV.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Quoraishee holds FINRA financial licenses, including the General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7) and the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination (Series 63).

Throughout her career, Quoraishee has worked across a range of technical and financial organizations in positions including programmer, analyst, systems designer, consultant, project manager and senior program manager. She has also held leadership roles at the executive level, serving as assistant vice president and vice president while providing technical consulting services across multiple states.

Beyond her professional experience, Quoraishee has remained dedicated to community service through volunteer work supporting adult literacy programs at nonprofit organizations, providing instructional and educational support to learners seeking new opportunities.

For Quoraishee, pursuing a doctoral degree represented the fulfillment of a longstanding personal and professional goal centered on education and lifelong learning.

鈥淚 have long envisioned building a career in the field of education and now have the opportunity to pursue this longstanding aspiration,鈥� said Quoraishee. 鈥淢y goal is to gain advanced knowledge and professional training in education while developing expertise in teaching, research, planning and innovative educational practices.鈥�

She credits 麻豆传媒AV University鈥檚 Ed.D. program with helping strengthen both her academic foundation and commitment to the field of education.

鈥淭he coursework, academic rigor and professional discipline of 麻豆传媒AV University鈥檚 Ed.D. program provided the foundation necessary to achieve these objectives and further strengthened my commitment to the field of education,鈥� she said.

Looking ahead, Quoraishee hopes to focus her work on supporting older adults, seniors and immigrant populations through education and lifelong learning opportunities, helping empower communities through access to knowledge and personal growth.

Her achievement reflects the mission of 麻豆传媒AV University to prepare compassionate leaders committed to service, innovation and advancing the common good.

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On Saturday, May 20, 2026, 麻豆传媒AV University celebrated its 135th Commencement Ceremony, sending forth the next generation of leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.

Friends, families, faculty and alumni gathered along John F. Kennedy Boulevard as the sounds of bagpipes echoed throughout Jersey City, signaling the beginning of one of the University鈥檚 most celebrated traditions. Led by the color guard carrying the gonfalons, a sea of blue caps and gowns processed into the ceremony alongside faculty, members of the Golden Peacocks from the Class of 1976, the Alumni Board, Board of Regents, University leadership and honorary degree recipients.

The ceremony reflected the spirit of excellence, perseverance and leadership that defines the 麻豆传媒AV community, while also celebrating the many first-generation graduates whose journeys were shaped by determination, resilience and the support of those around them.

In his second commencement address as president of 麻豆传媒AV University, Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., reminded graduates of their responsibility to serve others and lead with compassion.

鈥淵ou are the embodiment of the Magis,鈥� said President Benitez. 鈥淭he call to be more, to do more, and to give more of yourselves in service of others.鈥�

鈥淎nd now, as you move forward, I want to remind you of something we hold deeply in our mission: your goal is not only personal success, but making a difference in the communities you will serve聽 one family, one life at a time. That is how real change happens. That is how hope is built.鈥�

鈥淚n today鈥檚 world, it is more important than ever that we come together, not in division, but in solidarity; not in despair, but in the pursuit of hope. This is the essence of our Jesuit, Catholic tradition: to be people who stand with others, who lift others, and who believe that faith and knowledge must always lead to service.鈥�

During the ceremony, Kenneth Moore 鈥�91, chair of the 麻豆传媒AV University Board of Trustees, presented the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, to Joseph A. Panepinto, Esq. 鈥�66, founder and president of Panepinto Properties, in recognition of his decades of leadership and transformative contributions to the development of Jersey City. The prestigious honor was accepted on his behalf by his daughter, Roseanne Panepinto Taufield.

The University also conferred an honorary degree upon commencement speaker Dr. Ijeoma 鈥淚je鈥� Akunyili, physician-leader, public servant and advocate for health equity. As chief medical officer of Jersey City Medical Center, Dr. Akunyili made history in 2023 as the first Black chief medical officer in the hospital鈥檚 141-year history.

In her commencement address, Dr. Akunyili reflected on her journey from Nigeria to the United States and encouraged graduates to pursue lives rooted in purpose and service.

鈥淭oday I choose to serve everyone who comes into my hospital regardless of their economic status and especially when I do not know their circumstances,鈥� said Dr. Akunyili. 鈥淎s I deeply understand that health equity is one of the highest forms of social justice.鈥�

鈥淓verything you carry within you was never meant to be hidden because this world needs more Peacocks.鈥�

Undergraduate valedictorian Ruqya Elouarraq, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, reflected on the sense of community students built together during their time at 麻豆传媒AV.

鈥淲e all shared one identity for the last four years,鈥� Elouarraq said. 鈥淎nd together, in a world plagued by prejudice and polarization, we unknowingly created something, a powerful community.鈥�

鈥淲herever we go whether into hospitals, classrooms, businesses, or beyond we carry with us the lessons this community taught us: to care, to support, and to show up for others.鈥�

Graduate speaker Cliff Achokah echoed those sentiments while speaking about the importance of cura personalis care for the whole person, throughout the 麻豆传媒AV experience.

鈥淭he small community builds lifelong relationships and quite frankly embodies the very emblem 麻豆传媒AV goes by, and that is cura personalis,鈥� said Achokah. 鈥溌槎勾紸V has equipped you and I with the tools to excel in the real world and be receptive to success in all forms.鈥�

At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Benitez officially conferred degrees upon the graduating class and offered one final message to the newest 麻豆传媒AV alumni.

鈥淲e are confident you will go forward and make the world better because you were here,鈥� Benitez said. 鈥淵ou will always have a home at 麻豆传媒AV University聽 on John F. Kennedy Boulevard and in the heart of this community. Go forward with purpose, courage and pride.鈥�

The 135th Commencement Ceremony concluded with celebration, reflection and the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2026.

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