Pfizer has awarded Dominican University New York a grant of $9,675 to purchase science supplies for students.
“We will be using the funds to buy lab goggles, dissecting kits, graphing calculators, and lab coats,” said Regina Alvarez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology. “We are so thankful to Pfizer for helping to reduce the financial stress on our students.”
The grant will benefit students who enroll in science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology.
March 8, 2024
A local business leader, who wishes to remain anonymous, has pledged a $1 million gift to Dominican University New York.
Joseph Valenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said the University is very grateful for the generous donation, “This gift will go far to aid the University in its efforts to keep the cost of higher education within the reach of all students. Dominican University is nationally recognized as a leading university for social mobility with many of its students being the first in their families to attend college.”
All first-time, full-time freshmen at Dominican University receive some form of financial aid, thanks to the generosity of benefactors, alumni, and friends of the University.
March 6, 2024
Dominican University New York and Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT, have announced a new partnership where qualified Albertus graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology can enroll at Dominican to pursue the Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Dominican University New York is one of only a few institutions across the country that offers the DPT in a weekend format. Students in the DPT program attend class Friday through Sunday, every other weekend, throughout the year, for 3.3 years to earn their doctorate degree. The intensive weekend program allows students to continue working part time and maintain family responsibilities.
“Albertus Magnus College is excited about this collaborative partnership,” said Mark Barreuther, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. “It is a testament to the quality of an Albertus education, a liberal arts, values-based education where experiential learning takes a central role in the journey of our students and prepares them to enter graduate and professional programs like the DPT at Dominican.”
Emil Euaparadorn, DSc, Director of the DPT Program at Dominican University, said the University is ready to welcome Albertus Magnus students, “I know that students from Albertus Magnus College will excel in our program. We have more than 300 clinical relationships with premier hospitals in New York and New Jersey, allowing students to gain invaluable, hands-on experience. Dominican University is also very proud that recent graduates from the DPT program have a first time pass rate of 100 percent on the PT licensure exam – the best in the nation. On top of that, 100 percent of our former students are
employed within six months of graduation.”
Prior to admission, Albertus Magnus students with a 3.0 GPA must complete prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, psychology and statistics. In addition, they must document at least 60 hours of voluntary or work experience in settings where a licensed physical therapist is employed. Students who are interested must apply and submit all documents online through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (TCAS) or submit a letter of intent by October 1 in order to be considered for placement the following academic year.
Dominican University recently opened a new, state-of-the-art physical therapy research laboratory. The Gallucci Physical Therapy Research Laboratory has all the necessary equipment for cutting edge research. In addition, students attend class, have practical exams and hold a Pro-Bono Physical Therapy Clinic in the lab. There are three exam rooms in the laboratory that allow faculty to observe students in real-life scenarios.
March 4, 2024
The technology in Dominican University New York’s Chemistry Teaching Labs has been upgraded thanks to a grant from Orange & Rockland Utilities. O&R awarded Dominican University $14,879 to purchase LabQuest 3 Advanced Chemistry packages.
“We are very grateful to O&R for funding these new supplies, which are being used by students majoring in biology, health science, teacher education, and environmental studies, in addition to those minoring in chemistry,” said Colleen Evans, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry. “The new supplies allow students to collect data such as pH, light absorbance, conductivity, pressure, and current. “
The equipment includes sensors, probes, a drop counter, a constant current system, and a spectrophotometer. The LabQuest 3 Advanced Chemistry packages allow students to have improved lab experiences in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry classes.
March 1, 2024
Dominican University New York has extended its Fall 2024 enrollment deposit deadline from May 1 to June 1 in response to changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“We want to ensure prospective students and their families have ample time to analyze their financial aid packages before making this important decision,” said John Burke, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dominican University New York. “We hope extending the deposit deadline will help alleviate stress and empower families to make an informed decision.“
The U.S. Department of Education rolled out a completely overhauled FAFSA for 2024-2025 in an effort to simplify the financial aid process, but unfortunately there have been glitches and delays that will lead to later offers of financial aid than in previous years.
Dominican University is committed to helping students and their families navigate complicated college financing options. For more information, or to ask questions, contact Student Financial Services at studentfinancialservices@duny.edu or call 845-848-7821.
February 19, 2024
Registration is now underway for a unique evening class to help aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners launch or grow a successful business. The program is a joint project of Dominican University New York, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES, a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities.
Intro to Entrepreneurship is a stand-alone program, and there is no requirement that registrants be enrolled Dominican University students. The class will be held on seven Wednesdays from March 13 through April 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with about one hour of homework for each class. During the last class, course participants will be eligible to showcase their small business ideas in a Shark Tank style “Rocket Pitch Competition” for a chance to secure seed funding. Three winners will take home $5,000 each, which is funded through a grant from The Bailey Foundation.
Participants in the program will learn how to:
“Intro to Entrepreneurship lays the groundwork for fostering local innovation, providing young entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, skills, and drive needed for success,” stated Tyre´ Robinson, M&T Bank Regional President. “M&T Bank is honored to join Dominican University and BRIDGES in this initiative.”
M&T Bank is a generous sponsor and supporter of this collaboration through scholarships, prize money, and promotional considerations. In addition, M&T will provide financial counselors and branch managers at the majority of class sessions to support small business startups in the lower Hudson Valley.
Dominican University New York Interim President Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., said, “This class is a wonderful example of how the community can join together to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Dominican University is proud to be teaming up with M&T Bank and BRIDGES to educate, encourage, and hopefully inspire entrepreneurs.”
Dominican University graduate students who take the class will receive credit toward their Capstone requirement and undergraduate students will receive one credit toward their business degree. The Intro to Entrepreneurship class costs $782. Scholarships are available.
BRIDGES CEO Carlos Martinez said, “People with disabilities, veterans, and people formerly involved in the justice system often face challenges and barriers to employment and financial self-sufficiency. Entrepreneurship is a clear pathway to autonomy, and we are elated to collaborate with M&T Bank and Dominican University to bring this Intro to Entrepreneurship mini-course to our community, empowering future and early-stage business owners to follow their dreams. This initiative is at the heart of BRIDGES’ mission to remove barriers and advance autonomy for all.”
For more information, visit: duny.edu/entrepreneurs.
February 15, 2024
Dominican University New York is offering to help parents and students complete the new FAFSA form to apply for financial aid on Saturday, February 10, 2024, during an Open House for incoming freshman and transfer students. Staff from the Office of Student Financial Services will be available to help families fill out the online application on laptops set up at the Open House.
The federal government rolled out a completely overhauled FAFSA for 2024-2025 in an effort to simplify the financial aid process, but unfortunately there have been some glitches and delays that will lead to later offers of financial aid than in previous years.
Director of Student Financial Services Stacy Salinas said, “We know our students and parents are worried and frustrated about problems with the new FAFSA form and my staff and I are committed to helping them navigate the financial aid process as best as possible. At the upcoming Open House, we will answer any questions families have and assist them with filing the FAFSA application.”
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and all prospective college students must complete the form to apply for aid including federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. In addition, colleges use the FAFSA information to determine financial aid packages provided by the school.
Salinas said staff will be available to help with the FAFSA application from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Open House also includes tours of the campus, as well as presentations on academic programs, student activities, athletics, and more. For additional information and to register for the Open House, visit duny.edu/register.
Families of current students who need assistance should stop by the Office of Student Services in Cooke Hall or call 845-848-7821.
February 2, 2024
The Dominican University New York Board of Trustees has appointed Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., to serve as Interim President, replacing President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., who is retiring on January 1, 2024, after serving two terms as President for a total of 35 years.
“Sr. Hughes has an impressive background with a wealth of experience in education and leadership positions,” said Steven Sabatini, Chair of the Dominican University Board of Trustees. “We are very fortunate that she has agreed to serve as Interim President during this time of transition to allow Sr. Mary Eileen to begin her much-deserved retirement while we continue our search for a permanent President.”
Sr. Hughes said, “I look forward to being on campus and meeting students, faculty, and staff who make up the heart of this special university community. Sr. Mary Eileen has a record of remarkable accomplishments at Dominican University, and I am honored and humbled to be called upon to uphold her legacy of promoting educational excellence, while stressing the importance of service and respect for the individual.”
Sr. Hughes is a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Congregation of the Holy Cross, Amityville, NY. Her early ministerial activity was in elementary education, serving as a teacher, a catechist, an assistant principal, and then a principal. After completing advanced studies, she ministered as a teacher educator both at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, and then at Iona College, which is now Iona University, in New Rochelle, NY. Sr. Hughes was Chair of the Education Department at Iona, and later was Special Executive Assistant to the President and Campus Dean. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Trustees of Molloy College, which is now Molloy University, for 12 years, including five years as Board Vice Chair. For more than nine years, she has been an Adjunct Professor at the Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, teaching a doctoral seminar on The Spirituality of Leadership for the Graduate School of Education, Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education.
From 2009 to 2012, Sr. Hughes served in the presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). She represented the majority of Roman Catholic Sisters in the United States at meetings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican. She held that position during her second term as Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville. She was Prioress from 1995-2001, and again from 2007-2013. She then served on the staff of LCWR as their Director of Transitional Services. Sr. Hughes now works as a consultant to religious communities as they seek to further their life and mission. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Molloy University, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, and both a Master in Education and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Sr. Hughes is expected to remain in the role of Interim President until a permanent replacement is named. The Board of Trustees has formed a Pre-Planning Committee which has interviewed professional search firms, canvassed the University community for input, and formed a Presidential Search and Screening Committee which will conduct the first round of interviews of potential candidates. The Board is looking for a candidate who will continue to fulfill the University’s mission to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs.
Sr. Mary Eileen announced her retirement on October 2, 2023, saying she felt the time was right after the institution attained university status and constructed the long-awaited turf field and track for student athletes. The turf field was officially named the O’Brien Field on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in recognition of Sr. Mary Eileen’s years of visionary leadership and service. She is the longest-serving President in Dominican University’s 71-year history and will continue to serve on the Dominican University Board of Trustees.
Dominican University New York currently serves approximately 1,500 students offering undergraduate programs, master’s programs in teacher education, occupational therapy, nursing, business, and organizational leadership and communication, as well as doctoral programs in physical therapy and nursing.
December 18, 2023
Finance majors have new opportunities now that Dominican University has established a Financial Management Association International (FMA) chapter. Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director, Division of Business, Leadership, & Innovation, said that FMA is a great resource to help students develop skills and navigate the different areas that offer finance careers.
“There are many benefits. For instance, FMA students have access to Wall Street Prep, which provides practice case studies similar to those that investment banks require students to complete when interviewing for analyst positions. Another benefit is the many conferences and networking events organized by the FMA,” said Rudolph-Shabinsky.
The Dominican University FMA chapter will be open to anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in finance. Weekly meetings will focus on practice case studies and guest speakers. In addition, students will raise money to fund trips. Students interested in joining the chapter should contact the student president, Nicolas Arrieta at N.ArrietaGuerra1@dc.edu.
November 29, 2023
Dominican University New York has announced an exciting opportunity for EMS and healthcare professionals. The first ten accepted applicants for the January 2024 Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) program will have tuition waived for the first semester.
This offer aims to alleviate financial burdens and encourage more individuals to pursue additional education and training. Those who earn a Certificate in the Public Health Informatics & Technology program (PHIT) at Dominican will receive the education, support, and internship opportunities necessary to excel in their careers.
The goal of the Health Informatics curriculum is to strengthen the ability of health care professionals to utilize data science to better react to health care emergencies, better collect and analyze public health records, leverage the opportunities provided by today’s technology, and elevate the diversity in the health care workforce, The program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of EMS and healthcare professionals, empowering them to make a difference in the field.
Dominican University is one of only ten colleges nationwide, and the only institution in the tri-state, to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to develop a PHIT program. The program is supported by consortium members including Bon Secours Charity Health System, CorEvitas, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, EmpiRx Health, Mount Sinai Health System, and the New York State Department of Health.
The PHIT program is led by a team of faculty members who bring their real-world expertise to the classroom ensuring that students receive practical, up-to-date training that is directly applicable to their work in the field. Recognizing the demanding schedules of EMS and healthcare professionals, the program offers flexible learning options, including online classes and evening courses, allowing students to balance their education with their career responsibilities.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for the January 2024 class as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. For application details and program information, please click here. Prospective students interested in learning more about the PHIT program should email Assistant Professor Carrie Boericke at carrie.boericke@duny.edu.
This project is supported by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 90PH0004/01 The Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program for grant amount $2.2 million. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by ONC, HHS or the U.S. Government.
November 16, 2023
Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York, announced on Monday, October 2, 2023, that she will be retiring. “It has been a distinct privilege to serve as the president of this remarkable institution for 35 years,” she said, noting that she has not set a definite date for her departure to give the Board of Trustees adequate time to search for a new president and to ensure that there is a smooth transition to new leadership.
In an email to students, faculty, and staff, Sr. Mary Eileen wrote, “Serving as president of Dominican University has never been a job for me; it has been a mission and a calling. I will forever hold the University, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni in my heart.”
Steven Sabatini, Chair of the Dominican University Board of Trustees, thanked Sr. Mary Eileen for her unparalleled service to the University, “Her leadership and vision transformed what was once a small college into a respected university. The campus has greatly expanded with new, modern buildings and academic programs, including those offering master’s and doctorate degrees,” he said. “I am proud to have worked with her for the last 21 years, including the past three as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Sister Mary Eileen will be missed, and we wish her only the best as she embarks on a new phase of her life.” Sabatini said that the Board will be establishing a committee to begin the search for a new president.
Sr. Mary Eileen said the fact that the institution attained prestigious university status, and constructed a long-awaited turf field and track for student athletes factored into her decision. “Having recently achieved both these long-term goals, I feel the time is right for me to announce my impending retirement,” she said. The turf field was officially named the O’Brien Field on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in recognition of Sr. Mary Eileen’s years of visionary leadership and service.
Sister Mary Eileen is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt and has dedicated herself to education, congregational excellence, and leadership for more than 50 years. She began her educational career in the Bronx, where she was raised. She taught mathematics at St. Benedict’s School and St. Pius High School before becoming the principal of St. Luke’s School in the South Bronx. In 1977, she was called upon to assist her mentor and former teacher, Sr. Natalie Casey, who was President of what was then Dominican College, Sr. Mary Eileen’s alma mater. Sr. Mary Eileen later served as Acting College President for one year, was elected to serve as College President in 1979, and remained in that position until 1987 when she left to lead the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt for six years. In 1997, she was chosen to serve again as President of the College and has remained in the position ever since. Dominican College was renamed Dominican University New York in May 2022, when the NYS Board of Regents approved the new University status, under Sr. Mary Eileen’s leadership.
Sr. Mary Eileen earned a doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and a master’s degree in Mathematics from Manhattan College. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dominican College. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Journal News/Junior Achievement Business Person of the Year, Rockland Employment Network Lifetime Achievement Award, Helen Hayes MacArthur Award, Annual Award from Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Women Pioneers in Education Award, Dominican University Hall of Fame, and Our Lady of the Rosary Leadership Award from the New York Archdiocese.
In addition to her dedication to Dominican University and the Sisters of Saint Dominic, Sr. Mary Eileen is active in the local, regional, and national organizations. Some of her involvements include the Helen Hayes Advisory Board, Caldwell University Board of Trustees, Rockland Business Association Board of Directors, Council of Independent Colleges Board, The Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities Board, Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference President’s Council, Dominican Higher Education Council, and Lower Hudson Valley Catholic Colleges and Universities Consortium. She also participates in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Sr. Mary Eileen is one of five individuals to serve as President of Dominican College/University, and the longest-serving President in its 70-year history. Dominican University New York currently serves approximately 1,500 students offering undergraduate programs, master’s programs in teacher education, occupational therapy, nursing, business, and organizational leadership and communication, as well as doctoral programs in physical therapy and nursing.
October 2, 2023
Dominican University dedicated its new turf field and track on September 30, 2023, in honor of long-time University President, Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D. The modern, NCAA regulation-size turf field, with a six-lane track surrounding the field, replaces the old grass field near Forkel Hall. The project also included the installation of permanent bleachers, a press box, and a new scoreboard.
The O’Brien Field was named in recognition of Sr. Mary Eileen’s visionary leadership and service. She served as president from 1978-1987 and again from 1997 to the present day. Under her leadership, the campus expanded and modernized, undergraduate academic programs broadened, and graduate programs in education, business, nursing, OT and PT were established. Sr. Mary Eileen also led the effort for the institution to be upgraded to university status in May 2022.
“Sr. Mary Eileen is not only an amazing leader, but an amazing person. She has been involved and donated her time to many local organizations,” said Steven Sabatini, Chair of the Board of Trustees, at the O’Brien Field Dedication Ceremony. “Given her many years of dedication and service to Dominican University, it is only fitting that this field would bear her name.”
The University’s men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as men’s and women’s cross-country and track and field teams now have a modern track and field on campus and no longer have to frequently travel off campus as they often did when the field was in disrepair. With the increase in games and meets on campus, it is also easier for student spectators to attend events and support Charger athletes.
October 1, 2023