Originally published in the Spring 2016 edition of SJCNY, St. Joseph’s College Magazine
Above all else at St. Joseph’s College, the students are most important. Through changing times and alternating trends, that fact has remained constant for 100 years. By scrupulously following its own motto — Esse non videri: “To be, not to seem.”— St. Joseph’s College has provided students with a quality education that has enabled them to succeed: To be leaders who excel in their field. To be dedicated members of their community. To be people of integrity. To be of service to those less fortunate.
As the College celebrates its centennial, SJC President Jack P. Calareso, Ph.D., and the 11 members of the President’s Council (PC) are tasked with leading SJC through new challenges and exciting opportunities while continuing the tradition of success and service that has long been fostered here. It’s a commitment that Dr. Calareso doesn’t take lightly, nor is he interested in keeping things status quo. “I am a great believer in continuous quality improvement,” he explained, “which means that no matter how well we are doing, we should always take time to consider if there are ways we can make things better. That’s our commitment to our students and we need to always remember that and never be satisfied. What I know we do very well is what I call ‘holistic’ education. That means we provide students with an excellent education experience inside and outside the classroom. And faculty and staff are always willing to provide students with whatever they need to improve their experience at SJC.”
To assist him in leading SJC into its second century, Dr. Calareso has assembled a team in the President’s Council that shares his vision of, and commitment to, excellence: Carrie Bhada, vice president for institutional advancement; Christopher Frost, Ph.D., senior vice president and vice president for academic affairs, SJC Long Island; Shantey Hill, assistant vice president and senior athletics director; Rose Mary Howell, Ed.D., vice president for student life, SJC Long Island; Gigi Lamens, vice president for enrollment management, SJC Long Island; Jessica McAleer Decatur, vice president of marketing and communications; Christine Murphy, vice president for enrollment management, SJC Brooklyn; Michelle Papajohn, vice president for information technology and chief information officer; Jill Rehmann, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, SJC Brooklyn; John Roth, chief financial officer; and Sherrie Van Arnam, vice president for student life, SJC Brooklyn. (Editor’s Note: Dr. Rehmann will be returning to teaching full time at SJC in July.)
What most impresses Dr. Calareso about them as a group? “There are many things, but I will focus on two,” he responded. “First, they are all extraordinarily talented and committed to the College’s mission and Strategic Plan. The College is fortunate to have them as our leadership team. Second, they are a team. They work together well creatively, with mutual respect and dedication to the success of every area of the College.”
SJCNY asked Dr. Calareso and the members of the President’s Council to share their thoughts about the College and what they would like to focus on this year.
