Office of the President

Dear Setonians, 

I originally conceived this message as an update on recent activities and accolades for Seton Hall. However, this weekend’s violence in the Holy Land weighs heavily on many throughout our community. Before I proceed, I must echo today’s call of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who pleaded for peace during the Angelus. In front of an assembly in St. Peter’s Square to hear his message, he reminded us that “every war is a defeat.”

Our University reaches out with hearts of compassion for all victims of conflict. I hope you will join me in praying for an end to violence in the Middle East and throughout the world.

I was honored and pleased to attend two events this week that recognized the excellence of Seton Hall alumni as engaged citizens.   

On Thursday, Regent Kevin McMahon M.B.A. ’96 of McMahon|Siegel Group received the Pop Curry Award for his support of Team Walker, a non-profit organization dedicated to “improving the quality of life for the children of Jersey City.” Seton Hall is a proud supporter of Team Walker and its founder, Jerry Walker ’03, a former Pirate basketball standout and engaged alumnus.   

On Friday, we gathered for Many Are One at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains to celebrate three more alumni for their career achievements and continued engagement in preparing the next generation of leaders in health care and the financial professions:

These events reflect Seton Hall’s commitment to bettering the lives of others by teaching, learning and concrete action. Our awardees and so many other individuals pay forward what they learned at Seton Hall by giving back to the greater community in New Jersey and beyond.

As we look ahead, a lingering question we all must face is: Are we doing enough? Are we addressing key societal challenges and creating useful models or fostering ways of thinking that will lead us forward? 

The questions are there for us to consider. And for us to address. What Great Minds Can Do is to come together, reflect, plan and act. 

Therefore, it is my pleasure to share that at the end of a week when we celebrated St. Francis of Assisi and welcomed a new Apostolic Exhortation (Laudate Deum) on the climate crisis, Seton Hall is taking action to foster environmental sustainability and resilience. A University-wide Environmental Sustainability Committee has been assembled and charged under the leadership of Monsignor Joseph Reilly and Victoria Pivovarnick, Associate Vice President of Facilities and Business Affairs. They will reflect and answer the question of What Great Minds Can Do to help the environment. 

Please join me in thanking all Setonians who continue to dedicate their time and talents to address society’s challenges. 

Ad maiora,

Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
Interim President