Saint Joseph’s University, Summer 2011 Smiles, Support and … Snowflakes? Historic Celebration Marks Alumna Finds Success, RAs, Hawk Hosts and Red Shirts Record-Breaking Capital Campaign Persistence to Earn Degree Pays Off F ROMTHE I NTERIM P RESIDENT As alumni and friends of Saint Joseph’s University, you know that Hawk Hill is a unique and wonderful place. From my own experience — as a student, former chair of the Board of Trustees, and most recently, as senior vice president — this is something I share with you. While we continue our search for Saint Joseph’s next president, with the guidance of both our Jesuit community and the Board of Trustees, I am honored to serve the University as interim president. Thanks to the vision and leadership of Nicholas S. Rashford, S.J., our 25th president, and Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., our 26th, Saint Joseph’s has been on a trajectory of growth and excellence that has taken us to places we never dreamed were possible. Rightfully so, we are proud of all of our achievements, but we are also mindful that we are charged with moving Saint Joseph’s into the future surely and confidently. The University’s mission — which is steeped in our Catholic, Jesuit heritage — is too important to be approached in any other way. In an address to the leaders of American Jesuit colleges and universities when he was Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., affirmed: You are who your students become. Saint Joseph’s identity, then, is ultimately tied to the people our students become in the world, and the broad outline of their character reveals them to be leaders with high moral standards, whose ethics are grounded in and informed by a faith that serves justice. You will find in this issue of SJU Magazine inspiring stories of students who have achieved academic excellence while pursuing a rigorous and demanding education. Many of these students have also overcome adversity to join the ranks of our alumni. In particular, you will read about Nikki Johnson-Huston, Esq. ’98, who, in spite of poverty and homelessness, rose to be the City of Philadelphia’s assistant city solicitor in the major tax unit. I hope the graduates introduced in the magazine will engage you. These new alumni are characterized by their dreams and goals, and they all possess the personal qualities they need to achieve their ambitions: determination, fortitude, resilience, creativity, compassion and intelligence. While you were a student, you may have had the opportunity to take class with Joseph J. Feeney, S.J., a professor of English. Fr. Feeney has taught at Saint Joseph’s since 1971, and according to him, he has loved every day he has spent here. If you haven’t met him, you will get a strong sense of who Fr. Feeney is, and in a larger context, what Saint Joseph’s University is all about today, by reading a homily he delivered during a special Mass for the Board of Trustees in May. Printed on the last page of SJU Magazine and titled “Scenes and Wonders Chez St. Joseph,” it will, I believe, resonate with you on many levels, as it did me. It is an extraordinary reminder of why we, as alumni, students, faculty, staff, administrators and friends, are members of this distinctive community. Sincerely, John W. Smithson ’68 (B.S.), ’82 (M.B.A.) Interim President magazine Volume 25, No. 3, Summer 2011 Features Departments 2 From the Editor 2 On the Calendar 3 News 26 Advancing • DiPiano ’92 Receives HSB Hall of Fame Award • Independence Blue Cross CEO Hilferty ’78 Delivers Keynote at New York Council Dinner • SheUnited: Celebrating the Women of Saint Joseph’s University 12 24 • Hawktoberfest 2011 12 A Celebration of 16 Friends, Facilitators, Enforcers 30 Alum Notes Historic Proportion and Comedians Profiles By Jill Porter By Tom DeSanto • J.P. McEvoy, Ph.D. ’59 (B.S.) These student leaders work hard to make SJU marks the close of a historic campaign • Jim Multari ’06 (M.B.A.) and a remarkable presidential tenure. prospective and new students feel welcome on campus — having fun all the while. 39 Viewpoint 20 Commencement Through the Years By Gerald J. Beyer, Ph.D. Graduation found a new home in 2011, and SJU Magazine takes a look back at the 40 EndPoint locations of previous degree ceremonies. By Joseph J. Feeney, S.J. 24 From the Streets to Success On the cover: Brilliant sunshine embraces the By Kristen A. Graham women of SJU’s Varsity 8 boat, as the rowers propel their shell through an early morning practice along The indomitable spirit of Nikki Johnson- the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Huston, Esq. ’98, has helped her succeed For more, see page 6. where others have not. UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION SJU MAGAZINE SJU MAGAZINE: Published three times Saint Joseph’s University is committed Interim President Editor annually by Saint Joseph’s University, to a policy of equal opportunity in every John W. Smithson ‘68 (B.S.), ‘82 (M.B.A.) Molly Crossan Harty 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA aspect of its operations. The University 19131-1395; distributed free to alumni, values diversity and seeks talented Vice President for External Affairs News Editor parents, friends and faculty/staff of Saint students, faculty and staff from a Joan F. Chrestay Brooke Neifert Joseph’s University (circulation 57,000). variety of backgrounds. Accordingly, Assistant Vice President for Advancing Section Editor Online: www.sju.edu/news/magazine. the University does not discriminate University Communications Phil Denne ’96 (B.A.) on the basis of race, color, gender, Harriet K. Goodheart Director of Creative Services POSTMASTER: Please send change-of- sexual orientation, religion, national Assistant Vice President for Daniel Walsh address correspondence to Development or ethnic origin, age, marital status Marketing Communications Design and Alumni Relations, Saint Joseph’s or disability in the administration Joseph M. Lunardi ’82 (B.A.) Maria Taffera Lewis University, 5600 City Avenue, of its admissions, educational, financial Ian W. Riley Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395. aid, employment, athletic or recreational Image Editor For alumni address changes, visit policies and programs. James Brack www.sju.edu/alumni or send e-mail to Photography [email protected]. Fax: 610-660-3210. Questions or concerns regarding the Melissa Kelly University’s equal opportunity/affirmative Send editorial correspondence to action policies and programs or services University Communications, Saint and accommodations for disabled persons Joseph’s University, 5600 City Avenue, should be directed to the Affirmative Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395 or Action Officer at 610-660-3336. [email protected]. winter 2010 21 O NTHE C ALENDAR ACADEMIC CALENDAR National Alumni Board meeting, Sat., Sept. 10, Haub Last day of classes and exams, Summer II, Thu., Aug. 4. Executive Center (9 a.m.). Contact: Patty Newby, 610-660- First day of classes, traditional offerings, Mon., Aug. 29. 2997 or [email protected]. Labor Day, no classes, Mon., Sept. 5. Ignatian Circle Mass and Brunch, Sun., Sept. 11, Chapel of St. F ROM the E DITOR First day of weekend classes, Sat., Sept. 10. Joseph-Michael J. Smith, S.J., Memorial and Campion Student Fall Break, Fri., Sept. 16–Sun., Sept. 18. Center (11 a.m.). Contact: Corinne Miller, 610-660-1539 or [email protected]. Thanksgiving holiday, Wed., Nov. 22–Sun., Nov. 27. Baseball Alumni Golf Outing, Mon., Sept. 12, Bala Golf Club Last day of classes, Sat., Dec. 10. If you’ve already breezed by the inside front (1 p.m.). Contact: Adrienne Accardi, 610-660-3206 or cover, go back and take a moment to read the Final exams, Mon., Dec. 12–Sat., Dec. 17. [email protected]. www.alumni.sju.edu/register first SJU Magazine letter from Saint Joseph’s ACADEMIC EVENTS 10th Annual Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival, interim president, John W. Smithson ’68, ’82. 38th Annual Northeast Business and Economics Association Sat., Oct. 1, SJU’s Robert M. Gillin Boathouse (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Conference, Thu., Nov. 3–Sat., Nov. 5, Sheraton Society Hill You’ve seen his name before — most recently, SJU team comprised of faculty, staff, students and alumni. Hotel, Philadelphia. Hosted by the Pharmaceutical and Contact: Sue McFadden, 610-660-1740 or he served his alma mater as senior vice president, Healthcare Marketing Department. Conference chair: [email protected]. George Sillup, Ph.D., 610-600-3880 or and before that, as Board of Trustees chair. SheUnited, Sun., Oct. 2, Campion Student Center. Contact: [email protected]. www.sju.edu/nbea Smithson’s ties to the University are long and Kathy Boyle, 610-660-3099 or [email protected]. See pages deep, his commitment to its future profound. Top Ten Banned Books of the Year Exhibit, September, 28 and 33 for more information. Drexel Library. See page 3 to learn more about him and his President’s Cup Golf Outing, Tue., Oct 4, Applebrook Golf vision for SJU. ADMISSIONS, GRADUATE PROGRAMS Club, Malvern, Pa. Contact: Adrienne Accardi, 610-660-3206 New Graduate Student Orientation, Thu., Aug. 25. or [email protected]. Smithson’s allegiance to Saint Joseph’s began Contact: 888-SJU-GRAD or [email protected]. 31st Annual Alumni Gala, Fri., Oct. 14, Hyatt at the Bellevue, when he was an undergraduate, as it has for the COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Philadelphia (6 p.m.). Shield of Loyola recipient: Brian resident assistants, Hawk Hosts and orientation For program information, contact: Kate McConnell, Duperreault ’69. Contact: Nicole Grawe, 610-660-1237 or [email protected]. www.alumni.sju.edu/gala leaders (Red Shirts) interviewed for the article 610-660-3184 or [email protected].