St. Joseph’s University, New York honored alumnus David “DJ” Schiulaz ’10, adding an accessibility ramp to the Long Island Campus Student Center’s cafeteria in Schiulaz’ name.
The dedication and a ribbon cutting ceremony took place Tuesday, Sept. 10, with many friends, family members, and University faculty and staff gathering to honor Schiulaz and the outstanding impact he had — not just at SJNY, but everywhere he went.
Schiulaz graduated from the Long Island Campus in 2010, earning a degree in history. As a student, he was an involved member of the University community. He passed away Dec. 3, 2019, from a rare genetic disorder called Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD.
“DJ’s superpower was being a social connector and bringing people together from all walks of life,” said Lisa M. Galasso-Werner ’08, M.S. and MBA ’13, director of development and consortium giving, who met Schiulaz 20 years ago on the accessibility ramp in the former cafeteria in O’Connor Hall. “It’s amazing to see how effortlessly he could create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.”
Provost and former History Professor Heather Barry, Ph.D. — one of DJ’s favorite professors — spoke about Schiulaz and the impact he had on her, both professionally and personally. Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., president of SJNY, also shared a few words, as did student Nicholas McBride, who received a scholarship in Schiulaz’ memory.
“DJ continues to live on and inspire people with his strength and courage, as he would always tell people that he cared about, ‘You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have,'” Galasso-Werner shared.
The idea for the accessibility ramp came from the DJ Schiulaz Committee: Lisa M. Galasso-Werner ’08, M.S. and M.B.A. ’13 (staff liaison); Stephanie J. Boydston ’12; Brandon P. Cubano; John P. Diaz ’09, M.B.A. ’16; Gregory P. Giacalone ’07, M.S. ’11; Michael R. Giuffrida ’08, M.S. ’13; and Lauren A. Shaw Bartalomy ’10.
Schiulaz’ Legacy
A year and a half after his passing, 11 of Schiulaz’ friends, brothers and classmates from St. Joseph’s decided to establish the DJ Schiulaz ’10 Memorial Scholarship to honor his life, service and friendship. To date, they’ve raised more than $34,000.
McBride, a nursing student at St. Joseph’s University and the first scholarship recipient for the 2023-24 academic year, thanked the scholarship committee as well as DJ’s family for how much they’ve impacted his life.
“DJ’s legacy is one of excellence and dedication, and I am committed to upholding these values as I pursue my education and career in the medical field,” McBride said. “DJ will live on in many ways, but his saying ‘being strong is the only choice you have’ is how I will remember him most. I resonate with this saying as it reminds me of my life and how I want to inspire my patients, as DJ inspired so many.”
Like Schiulaz, McBride is an active member of the SJNY community, serving as a member of the BSN club, Circle K, and Project Sunshine.
“This ramp is a symbol of him, of all of the amazing things he has done, and a legacy for those who are yet to come,” McBride said. “When people see this ramp, they will think of DJ and how he is able to provide for others — even in the afterlife.”
For those interested in continuing DJ’s legacy at St. Joseph’s, click here.
