_{Kathleen O’Keefe, director of Mount Saint Mary College’s Center for Career and Experiential Education (right) joined a pair of panel discussions at the recent “Strategies to Inspire Volunteers, Interns & Staff for Maximum Success” workshop.}

Kathleen O’Keefe, director of Mount Saint Mary College’s Center for Career and Experiential Education (CCEE), lent her expertise to “Strategies to Inspire Volunteers, Interns & Staff for Maximum Success,” a workshop recently offered by United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

Hosted at Dutchess Community College, the event brought together attendees from nonprofits throughout the mid-Hudson region. O’Keefe spoke as a member of two panels: “Student Service in the Hudson Valley,” which provided an overview of how higher education institutions are encouraging students to give back through partnerships in the area; and “Internships Designed for Success,” which delved into designing the best internship possible for both the organization and the intern.

The panels addressed many topics within the realm of experiential learning, including:

• Differences between service learning, internships, and volunteerism
• What motivates a student to intern and participate in service
• The best practices for structuring an internship program
• College expectations in terms of nonprofits hosting interns
• The impact of students on such organizations

“It was a great platform for me to share details about the work we do in the CCEE,” said O’Keefe. “It was a wonderful exchange of ideas and practices.” 

She added that she hopes the event “inspires organizations to invest in local students.” 

When asked about successful service learning opportunities at the Mount, O’Keefe had many to choose from. She highlighted the college’s ongoing participation in the region’s Tax Aide program, which provides free tax preparation for local middle- and low-income families. The program is offered annually by the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation, the Mid-Hudson CASH Coalition, and the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. This season marked the seventh year the Mount has been involved. About 20 Mount students served their community in donated spaces throughout the area, including the Newburgh Ministry and the Newburgh Free Library. 

O’Keefe has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and has worked at the Mount since 2005. She is actively involved in the community and serves on several committees including Leadership Orange, the American Heart Association, and the United Way.

_{About 500 teenagers from New York and beyond enjoyed a week of fun and prayer at the Mount campus through Camp Veritas, including recreational activities with religious sisters.}

A little rain couldn’t keep about 500 students and volunteers of Camp Veritas from enjoying a week of fun and faith at the Mount Saint Mary College campus.

The camp, a “play and pray” experience for teenagers in grades 7 through 12, was hosted at the college throughout the week of July 22. It featured recreational activities, daily Mass, and talks aimed at strengthening the teens’ faith. Campers stayed in the Mount’s spacious dormitories and utilized the athletic fields, basketball court, pool, and conference areas.

Camp Veritas is held in five locations each year, with the Mount site able to offer exclusive basketball and dance programs to the campers. This was the Mount’s sixth year hosting the popular camp.

Veritas is Latin for “truth,” as in the Mount’s motto: Doce Me Veritatem, or “Teach me the Truth.”

Members of religious life and priests from the Archdiocese of New York were on-hand to participate in the fellowship and serve as faith role models for the teenagers.

Alyssa Picard of Torrington, Conn., a Mount senior and active member of the college’s Campus Ministry office, volunteered as a camp counselor for the week, acting as a group leader and mentoring the teens in attendance.

“I love watching kids who have never prayed before camp come to encounter God in a personal way,” she said. 

Picard also enjoyed volunteering at Camp Veritas in Ireland this year, but finds the Mount camp special because of her connection to the college.

“The Mount is by far my favorite camp that I work at,” she said. “It allows a safe and friendly environment to grow in faith and friendships.”

In addition, being at the Mount gives the teenagers a taste of the college experience. 

“What better way to get to know the school than to live there for a week,” Picard noted. “The campus is filled with fond memories for these campers, and many of them will come back to tour the Mount.” 

Four Mount Saint Mary College students fostered their leadership skills and their faith at the second biennial Student Ambassador Leaders Together (SALT) summit, which culminated on July 18 at Capitol Hill.

Students from about 60 colleges and universities across the U.S. participated in the three-day summit, which was organized by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The students gathered in Baltimore, Md. for skill-building sessions that focused on leadership, campus organizing, and more. The sessions were held at Loyola University Maryland and the CRS World Headquarters. 

The students then headed to Washington, D.C. to advocate for policy change on key international humanitarian issues, such as global migration and hunger. They met with senators, representatives, and chiefs of staff to discuss funding for poverty-reducing international development and humanitarian assistance for the 2019 fiscal year. 

The Mount group included Christina Mistretta of Brooklyn, N.Y., president of the CRS Student Ambassadors on the Mount campus; Katie Hertlein of Glenwood, N.J.; Jennifer Turci of Plantsville, Conn.; and Sabina Zarod of Poughquag, N.Y.  

Mistretta helped to found the CRS Student Ambassador Program at Mount Saint Mary College in 2016. This summer, she interned for the University Engagement Team at CRS World Headquarters, which spearheaded the SALT Summit.  

“The shining moment for me…was watching the Mount Saint Mary College delegation speak with Ryan Lehman, the Chief of Staff for [New York Congressman] Sean Patrick Maloney,” said Mistretta. “Watching how passionate the students are about the global issues they have learned about through the ambassador program at Mount Saint Mary College and through CRS SALT Summit truly showed me the impact that college students can have if we simply use the voices God gave us.”

Zarod echoed Mistretta’s sentiments, noting that she was “grateful for the experience and being able to hear everyone’s perspectives.”

The Mount travelers thanked Fr. Gregoire Fluet, college chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, and Roger May Jr., assistant director of Campus Ministry, for their assistance with the endeavor. 

_{Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York (left), met with Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, before celebrating Mass on the campus.}

About 1,000 visitors packed the Kaplan Recreation Center at Mount Saint Mary College for a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Saturday, July 28.

Before the Mass, Cardinal Dolan met Dr. Jason N. Adsit, Mount Saint Mary College’s new president. In addition, Fr. Gregoire Fluet, college chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, was a concelebrant of the Mass.

The Mass marked the finale of Camp Veritas, a “play and pray” summer camp held this July at the Newburgh, N.Y. college. About 500 seventh through 12th grade students from the tristate area and beyond enjoyed activities like soccer, volleyball, basketball, dance, swimming, and more. The campers also attended daily Mass in the Mount’s Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary. This was the Mount’s sixth year hosting the popular camp.

Veritas is Latin for “truth,” as in the Mount’s motto: Doce Me Veritatem, or “Teach me the Truth.” 

_{Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated Mass on Saturday, July 28, closing out the weeklong Camp Veritas at Mount Saint Mary College.}

“It’s an honor and a joy for me as your pastor, as your shepherd, as your archbishop, to be with you for this joyful closing Mass for your wonderful week of Camp Veritas,” said Cardinal Dolan. “It’s a privilege for me to join you in praising God for the…guidance and blessing that have come to you this magnificent week.” 

Cardinal Dolan encouraged the young campers to take what they had learned at Camp Veritas and spread their positivity and faith. 

“We’re called to be good, life-giving, sustaining,” he said. “We must be the wheat among the weeds.”

Saturday’s Mass was not the first time Cardinal Dolan has visited the Mount. Earlier this year, the Cardinal celebrated Mass in the Mount’s Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary as part of the Restore Conference for college youth. Also, in September 2014, the Cardinal blessed Mount Saint Mary College’s newly-transformed Dominican Center. 
 

_{About 1,000 people attended the Mass.}

_{Illustrious alumni and friends of Mount Saint Mary College enjoyed a day at the Saratoga Race Course this summer. Left to right: Sr. Patricia Sullivan ‘64, OP, professor emerita of mathematics, and Sr. Margaret Anderson ‘67, OP, Mount Saint Mary College Board vice chair.} 

About 60 alumni and friends of Mount Saint Mary College recently enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Saratoga Race Course.

The event has become a tradition for the college. This most recent outing marks the eighth time alumni have enjoyed the annual trip.

This year, the alumni were joined by the college’s new president, Dr. Jason N. Adsit. Dr. Adsit began his tenure at the Mount on June 1, 2018. He joins the Mount family from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. 
 
After their day at the races, the alumni gathered for a reception at Gardner Farm Inn in Troy, N.Y., a bed and breakfast owned and operated by Mount grad John Hughes ‘84.

The event was hosted by the Mount’s Office of Alumni Affairs.

_{Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College (left), and Mount grad John Hughes ’84, owner of Gardner Farm Inn in Troy, N.Y.}

_{High school students toured Mount Saint Mary College at the Sneak Peek Summer Barbecue on July 31.}

High school seniors-to-be jumpstarted their college searches on July 31 with a fun and informative barbecue at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y. 

Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, enthusiastically welcomed the students and their families. He noted that students at the Mount develop important skills that are useful in every career, such as critical thinking, analytical writing, teamwork, public speaking, and more. 

“We are not in the business of preparing students for their first job,” he said. “We prepare our graduates for an entire career.”

Dr. Adsit, the college’s seventh full-time president, began his tenure on June 1, 2018. He joins the Mount family from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. 

_{Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, greeted visiting high school students and their families at the Sneak Peek Summer Barbecue on July 31.} 

As the smell of fresh burgers and hotdogs drifted through the air, the students and their families toured the campus, led by Mount student and alumni ambassadors. They visited residence halls and classrooms, and were wowed by the college’s breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

By meeting with current Mount students, faculty, coaches, financial aid experts, and admissions staff, students and their families learned about the diverse array of majors, courses, and athletic opportunities offered by the college. 

Savannah O’Brien of Center Moriches, N.Y., who is looking into the college’s Business and English majors, said she likes the Mount’s family-like atmosphere and small class sizes. At the college, there is a 14 to 1 student to professor ratio.

The barbecue marked her second time at the college: “I came and toured in April. I loved it and wanted to come back,” she said. 

_{Prospective student Savannah O’Brien of Center Moriches, N.Y. (right) and her mother enjoyed their second visit to the Mount on July 31. Her first, in April, had inspired the high school student to return.}

Interested students who missed out on the barbecue have a second chance: Mount Saint Mary College invites high school students and their families to enjoy the final Sneak Peek Summer Barbecue of the year on Wednesday, August 15, rain or shine, at 330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, N.Y.
 
Mount student ambassadors will provide tours of the scenic 60-acre campus, including the college’s modern learning spaces, residence halls, and new library.

Faculty, staff, and current students will discuss the Mount’s many career-focused academic programs and other opportunities, such as Division III athletics and student organizations. 

Register by visiting www.msmc.edu/RSVP, calling 1-888-YES-MSMC, or emailing admissions@msmc.edu 

_{Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College (right), plays in the 10th Annual MSMC Athletics Department Golf Outing on Monday, July 30.}

More than 20 teams hit the green at the 10th Annual Mount Saint Mary College Athletics Department Golf Outing on Monday, July 30 at the Powelton Club in Balmville, N.Y. 

Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of the college, joined fellow Mount employees, alumni, and friends of the college for a great day on the green. Dr. Adsit began his tenure at the college on June 1, coming to the Mount family from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. 

At the outing’s dinner reception, the 2018 Mount Saint Mary College Athletic Hall of Fame Class was announced. The class features five former standouts who, in total, competed in six different sports:

• Shannan (Fish) Gunsett ’99, women’s basketball and softball
• Elizabeth (Lonergan) Mangan ’86, women’s basketball 
• Enrique Naudy ’12, men’s swimming
• Mary Ann Rafferty ’12, volleyball
• Michael Schmidt ’92, baseball

The formal Hall of Fame Induction will be held at the Mount’s William and Elaine Kaplan Recreation Center on Friday, October 19.

_{Regina Pappalardo, Mount Saint Mary College assistant professor of Communications (right), coaches Newburgh Enlarged City School District students during a broadcast journalism course, part of Empire Summer at the college. Co-taught by Mount student Tanner Tait of Wappingers Falls, N.Y. and Newburgh teacher Robert Poinsette, the class was hosted at the college over a two week period.}

This summer, about 100 young students from the Newburgh area explored science, psychology, music, and more at Mount Saint Mary College. 

Empire Summer, a collaboration between the Mount and the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, ran from early July through early August. The educational endeavor was made possible by a grant from the Empire State After School Program for approximately $7 million over five years.

Courses were hosted at the Mount in two sessions, offering the young students a variety of academic options. The students enjoyed scientific field trips to locales like Snake Hill in New Windsor, N.Y.; discovered and identified unique bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) within local soil; wrote, performed in, and filmed their own news show; and more.

_{Newburgh students learned the basics during a drumline course, part of Empire Summer at Mount Saint Mary College. The course was taught by Newburgh teachers Dion Placencia and Ethan Gutzeit.}

They were taught by dedicated Mount Saint Mary College professors and students, coupled with enthusiastic teachers from the Newburgh school district.

The courses were:

• Broadcast Journalism, taught by Regina Pappalardo, Mount assistant professor of Communications; Mount student Tanner Tait of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; and Newburgh teacher Robert Poinsette.
• Digging in the Dirt: Tapping into Nature’s Incredible Biosynthetic Potential, taught by Suparna Bhalla, Mount associate professor of Biology; Evan Merkhoffer, Mount assistant professor of Biology; and Mount student Chandlir Radcliffe of Elka Park, N.Y.
• Drumline, taught by Newburgh teachers Dion Placencia and Ethan Gutzeit.
• Forensic Science, taught by Lynn Maelia, Mount professor of Chemistry; Mount student Erica Eack of Goshen, N.Y.; and Newburgh teacher Melissa Doulin.
• Taking Good Care: Health and Wellness, taught by Elizabeth Harper, Mount assistant professor of Biology; Mount student Deidre Lydon of Bellerose, N.Y.; and Newburgh teacher Rachel Williams.
• Trees in our Backyard, taught by Tom Sarro, Mount professor of Biology; Mount student Alexandra Steinberg of Chester, N.Y.; and Newburgh teacher Stephen Pemberton.
• Understanding Your World Using Psychological Science, taught by Amanda Maynard, Mount associate professor of Psychology; Mount student Jessica Musacchio of Beacon, N.Y.; and Newburgh teacher Carol Johnson-Cromer. 
• Walk in the Woods: A Study of Nature and Its Role in Chemistry, taught by Douglas Robinson, Mount associate professor of Biology; Jodie Fahey, Mount assistant professor of Chemistry; Mount student Ray Shepherd of Red Hook, N.Y.; and Newburgh teacher Stephen Pemberton. 

_{Newburgh Enlarged City School District teacher Melissa Doulin works with a young student during a forensic science class, part of Empire Summer at Mount Saint Mary College. In addition to Doulin, the course was co-taught by Lynn Maelia, Mount professor of Chemistry, and Mount student Erica Eack of Goshen, N.Y.}

_{A participant in the Mount’s volleyball camp returns a serve during practice. The camp was led by Head Volleyball Coach Mike Strano.}

Mount Saint Mary College is always alive and vibrant, even in-between semesters. For example, the Mount’s athletic facilities welcomed hundreds of students this summer.

But these Mount Knights were a little younger than the average college student: About 300 children and teens enjoyed the Mount’s many public athletic camps, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and swimming for boys and girls from ages 6 through 17. The camps are run by Mount coaches and student athletes.

Trevor Purcell, the Mount’s assistant director of Athletics, noted that the department puts a lot of effort into these camps each summer. The programs are aimed at not just providing athletic training, but also valuable life skills, he said.

“The camps serve as a source to promote our athletic teams and programs here at the Mount with the hopes of developing a strong relationship with the surrounding communities and youth sports programs,” he noted. “Not only do our camps teach the children sport specific skills, but other skills such as teamwork, confidence, and communication, which will help them in all areas of their lives.”

He added, “We hope that all of our campers come away with some new ways to practice and train in their specific sport. We also hope that they had fun and enjoyed their week with our players and coaches. Nothing beats watching the campers leave with a smile on their face and wanting to come back the following day to learn more.”
 

_{Members of Dominican colleges and universities on a recent pilgrimage to Fanjeaux, France, the hometown of Saint Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Dominican order. Vita Bosco of Chester, N.Y., a Math major pursuing Education certification, and Marie-Therese Sulit, associate professor of English, represented Mount Saint Mary College.} 
 

While the members of the Mount Saint Mary College community worked at internships, prepared for upcoming classes, or enjoyed a short break after the spring semester, Vita Bosco of Chester, N.Y. and Associate Professor of English Marie-Therese C. Sulit followed in the footsteps of the 13th century saint Dominic de Guzman through a three-week pilgrimage in France.

Saint Dominic made innumerable contributions to Christianity more than 800 years ago, all while living a simple, joyful life. About seven centuries later, the Dominican Sisters founded Mount Saint Mary College, using as a guideline the four pillars of Dominican life: study, prayer, service, and community.

Sulit and Bosco joined the Mount’s sister Dominican colleges for study and travel. They followed Dominic’s missionary trail throughout southern France, including Fanjeaux, birthplace of Dominic’s Order of Preachers. They also enjoyed a short stay in Paris.

Bosco, a Math major pursuing Education certification, felt an instant connection with the other travelers, thanks in part to their shared Dominican heritage.

“The most emotional aspect of our trip was the farewell dinner,” she noted. “I was not ready to part ways with my new friends, but it was clear that the bond we created in the short time together would bring us back together some day.”

_{Mount sojourners Vita Bosco of Chester, N.Y., a Math major pursuing Education certification, and Marie-Therese Sulit, associate professor of English, enjoyed visiting the Château de Montségur, a former fortress in Southern France.}

The most memorable experience for the Mount student was viewing a chapel in Fanjeaux.

“The group filled this little chapel with little room left to spare, while a local English speaking Father preformed Mass,” she said. “It was so sweet and touching to celebrate Mass with the new friends I made from all over the country.”

Sulit noted that she was struck with how applicable the Dominican pillars are to the everyday work of education. 

“We learned that St. Dominic…is considered the patron saint of education,” she explained. “One impact of the Fanjeaux program is that, while it affirmed my understanding of the Dominican Charisms, it also afforded others a schematic via the Four Pillars to apply to their own professional lives, in whatever capacity they work at their respective Dominican colleges or universities.”

Sulit hopes to share this viewpoint with faculty, staff, and students at the Mount. “All of us who work at the Mount,” she noted, “can apply and embody these charisms.”

The Mount professor hopes to begin conversations on campus of how these charisms are already at work in the college and how they can continue to be employed to reflect the rich heritage of the institution.

The pilgrimage was jointly sponsored by Mount Saint Mary College and the Dominican Sisters of Hope in Ossining, N.Y. The trip was also made possible through the planning efforts of the Mount’s Catholic and Dominican Institute.

_{Mount professor Marie-Therese Sulit and student Vita Bosco of Chester, N.Y. enjoyed the French architecture and landscape during their recent pilgrimage.} 

_{Mount Saint Mary College student Charles Benfer of Milton, N.Y. (center) worked with Bishop Dunn Memorial School to create fun math problems centered on the school’s Sensory Garden.}

For about 20 Mount Saint Mary College scholars, happiness is a stunning view of the Hudson River, a warm breeze, and the opportunity to conduct their own diverse research projects through the college’s annual Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). 

Mount professors from across disciplines acted as mentors to the students as they explored a plethora of subjects. The effort was coordinated by Evan Merkhofer, assistant professor of Biology.

In the Natural Sciences, faculty mentor James Moran, associate professor of Biology, oversaw Kassidy Hallum of Lake Grove. N.Y. and Elizabeth Halpin of LaGrangeville, N.Y. on their project, “Development of an Antibody-Based Detection Method for OxyVita Blood Substitute.” When perfected, the OxyVita blood substitute could decrease the need for blood donations. Since it does not require refrigeration, it could be used in hospitals, combat situations, during power outages, and more.

Charles Benfer of Milton, N.Y. and Vita Bosco of Chester, N.Y., both Mount Mathematics majors on the Education track; student volunteer Ben Lindenauer of Modena, N.Y.; and faculty mentor Mike Daven, professor of Mathematics, fused numbers and nature in “Designing Mathematical Activities for the Bishop Dunn Memorial School Sensory Garden.” 

In previous years of the SURE program, Daven and Lee Fothergill, a fellow Mount Mathematics professor, laid the groundwork for the Hudson Valley Math Trails, which mixes Math with art, history, and more. This year, Daven and his students added the Sensory Garden to the project. 

The Sensory Garden is an outdoor learning space intended for use by students in Pre-K through college, noted Nancy Benfer ’03 MSEd ’14, Bishop Dunn principal and Mount adjunct professor. 

The garden is a great place to design and implement mathematical challenges for young minds, student Charles Benfer noted.

“Going into math education, one of my goals in to make math fun,” he explained. “This is one way to bring that idea to life.” 

_{James Moran, associate professor of Biology at Mount Saint Mary College, oversees SURE students Kassidy Hallum of Lake Grove. N.Y. and Elizabeth Halpin of LaGrangeville, N.Y. as they work with the blood substitute OxyVita.}

As SURE 2018 drew to a close, Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, congratulated the students on a job well done. 

“You’re doing really, really important work,” said Dr. Adsit. “This process is illustrative and instructive. You’re building meaningful relationships with our bright faculty. And this sets the path towards graduate school.” 

Dr. Adsit, the college’s seventh full-time president, began his tenure on June 1, 2018. He joins the Mount family from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. 

Other SURE projects included “The Development of Easier Parkinson’s Disease Terminology to Improve Family and Patient Education,” by student Kathleen Abbott of Oakville, Conn. and faculty mentor Anne-Marie Uebbing, associate professor of Nursing; a plant and animal survey of the Hoyt Foundation forest in Walden, N.Y. by student Raymond Shepherd of Red Hook, N.Y. and faculty mentor Douglas Robinson, associate professor of Biology; and “Development of Edible Vaccines for Candida Albicans, the Causative agent of Candidiasis” by students Allison Dionne of Burlington, Conn., Thomas Hofbauer of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Sarah Waleck of Glenwood, N.J., and faculty mentor Evan Merkhofer, assistant professor of Biology.
 

_{Evan Merkhofer, assistant professor of Biology at Mount Saint Mary College, leads SURE students as they work on “Development of Edible Vaccines for Candida Albicans, the Causative agent of Candidiasis.” From left, students Allison Dionne of Burlington, Conn., Thomas Hofbauer of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Sarah Waleck of Glenwood, N.J.}

As rain poured on the Mount Saint Mary College campus on Monday, August 13, professors Janine Bixler and Rebecca Norman used the experience as a teachable moment for nearly two dozen area educators.

To a casual observer, it might have looked like an art class. But as the group painted stormy landscapes using watercolors, they learned how the artistic process can inspire and inform the writing skills of young students. 

Bixler and Norman, Mount Education professors, taught the powerful Picturing Writing technique over the course of a weeklong workshop. It was made possible by the Mount’s Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL).

Picturing Writing gives students access to multiple modalities for thinking and expressing their ideas. It can be used to address English language arts core standards in a way that reaches a wide range of learners, and is easily integrated into the social studies and science curriculum.

_{RIGHT: Mount alumna Victoria Campana MSEd ’14, a reading teacher from the Wappingers Central School District, picked up some new techniques to engage her young students in reading and writing.} 

Established in 2012, CELL provides tutoring and out-of-school literacy activities for children pre-school to grade 12 with a focus on reading, conversation, and activities. It explores multicultural books, offers family literacy programs, and more. Each semester about 60 Mount teacher candidates, graduate and undergraduate, help instill a love of reading in local youth as part of their community fieldwork requirement. 

Mount literacy programs are held in the Newburgh Armory on Saturday mornings, weekday mornings in the summertime, and weekday afternoons during the fall and spring semesters. Other events, such as Family Literacy Night, are held throughout the year. 

_{High school students learn more about Mount Saint Mary College’s academic offerings at the Sneak Peek Summer Barbecue on August 15.}

Summer days are waning, but Mount Saint Mary College had some fun in the sun with high school seniors-to-be at an informative barbecue on Wednesday, August 15. 

Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, welcomed the students and their families. The college’s seventh full-time president, Dr. Adsit began his tenure on June 1, 2018. 

Students and their families enjoyed touring the campus, led by student ambassadors. They visited residence halls and classrooms, and were wowed by the college’s breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

By meeting with current Mount students, faculty, coaches, financial aid experts, and admissions staff, students and their families learned about the diverse array of majors, courses, and athletic opportunities offered by the college. 

If you missed the barbecue, there’s still time for interested students to see what the Mount has to offer: the college will host an Open House on September 23. 

• At the event, prospective students can:
• Tour the Mount’s state-of-the-art facilities
• Speak with faculty and coaches
• Learn more about academic programs
• Visit residence halls
• Talk to current students

Call 1-888-YES-MSMC or email admissions@msmc.edu for more information.

Register online at msmc.edu/rsvp 

_{Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, welcomed the students and their families at the Sneak Peek Summer Barbecue on August 15.}

Mount Saint Mary College recently honored Deb Meissner of Newburgh, N.Y., administrative assistant for the Division of Social Sciences and the Division of Philosophy and Religious Studies, as the college’s Employee of the Year for 2018.  

Meissner received the award for her exemplary job performance; her positive attitude toward work responsibilities, co-workers, students, and campus visitors; and her willingness to carry out additional responsibilities beyond regular job assignments for the good of the Mount community. 

“Thank you very, very much for this amazing recognition,” said Meissner. “I am so grateful and truly, truly appreciative of this special honor.”

Meissner was nominated for the award by her co-workers and was one of more than 20 Mount employees considered for the award.  

_{RIGHT: Mount Saint Mary College President Dr. Jason N. Adsit, left, congratulates Deb Meissner of Newburgh, N.Y., administrative assistant for the Division of Social Sciences and the Division of Philosophy and Religious Studies, on being honored as Employee of the Year.}

_{The Mount community recently voted to nickname the eaglets Thomas and Dominic, or Tom and Dom for short. Here, one of the eaglets is practicing its flying skills around campus.}

It was a close race, but “Thomas and Dominic” were selected by the Mount Saint Mary College community as the nicknames for the pair of eaglets born on campus in the spring.

The eaglets, who are now almost fully-grown, have been popular with both the college community and campus visitors, and many jumped at the chance to submit nicknames. After narrowing down the selections, the nicknames were voted on through various social media platforms over the course of approximately a week. Nearly 300 people submitted their votes to the poll.

The winning nicknames, affectionately shortened to Tom and Dom, have a special meaning for the Mount community: Saint Dominic de Guzman was the founder of the Dominican Order, the religious community that established Mount Saint Mary College, and Saint Thomas Aquinas was a scholarly Dominican monk after whom the college’s main academic building is named.

Tom and Dom reigned victorious by a narrow lead over other options, such as Wilbur and Orville, Bonnie and Clyde, and Hudson and River. Other honorable mentions included Sojourner, Archibald, Birdy McBirdface, and Knight Flight.

Around the end of January, members of the college community first noticed a pair of eagles enlarging a nest in one of the campus’s trees, which previously was home to a Red-Tailed Hawk that abandoned the area. The eaglets were born in late April and have since begun to fly around campus, to the delight of many visitors.

While the eaglets may eventually leave the Mount campus as they continue to explore and grow into full-fledged eagles, the Mount community will always fondly remember Tom and Dom and welcome them back eagerly should they ever wish to visit their birthplace.

For regular updates on the eagles and eaglets, visit msmc.edu/eaglewatch

_{Mount Saint Mary College alumni Danangelowe “A.J.” Spencer ’17 (left) and Jake Kosack ’18 enjoyed meeting up with other young alumni at the recent Mount meet up in New York City.}

Dozens of Mount Saint Mary College alumni swapped job search tips and caught up with their friends at two recent workshops.

The college’s Career Center and the Office of Alumni Affairs recently co-hosted two events for young alumni: one in New York City and the other at the Mount.
 
“We were able to share advice on résumés, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, interviewing, and job search strategies,” said Kathleen O’Keefe, director of the Career Center. 

O’Keefe noted four helpful tips for job-seeking alumni:

1. Update your résumé each time you apply for a position. 
2. Always have questions prepared to ask the interviewer. 
3. Take advantage of opportunities to network. The larger your network, the more likely you are to learn of positions and opportunities for advancement.
4. Remember to keep in contact with the Career Center.  “We often hear of job postings first, so if we know you are looking, we can make the referral,” said O’Keefe.

After the workshops, the college hosted two Young Alumni Meet-Ups, at The Perfect Pint in New York City and Billy Joe’s Ribworks in Newburgh, N.Y. 

O’Keefe and her fellow career counselors “were so impressed with all of these young professionals,” she said. “They really make us proud on so many levels.”

At the New York City event, Mount alum Matt Sautner ’90 provided space, technical support, and refreshments. Sautner is senior vice president for Primetime Sales at CBS, where the workshop was held. 

Dr. Jason N. Adsit, Mount Saint Mary College president, was on hand to meet the young alumni at both events.

“We were really glad that Dr. Adsit was able to meet the alumni,” said O’Keefe. “It really gave him a nice introduction to what our graduates are doing across many majors and sectors.”

_{Mount Saint Mary College welcomed about 400 freshmen and 100 transfers on Sunday, August 26. About 2,400 students began or resumed classes the next day.}

A beautiful Hudson Valley day provided the backdrop for hundreds of students moving into Mount Saint Mary College on Sunday, August 26.

Returning students, more than 100 transfers, and nearly 400 freshmen ascended to the Mount from as far away as California. 

Helping to move students into their residence halls was Mount president Dr. Jason N. Adsit and his family. The Adsits enjoyed rolling up their sleeves and embracing the Mount’s culture of service, Dr. Adsit explained. 

“We want the students to know that the Mount is a close, caring community right from the first day they arrive,” Dr. Adsit explained. “We’re all here to help, in big and small ways.” 

A great work ethic and a wonderful family life are close to Dr. Adsit’s heart. He and his wife, Heather, have five children – three boys and two girls – ranging in age from 4 to 10 years old.

Beginning their college careers together on Sunday were the Romaniello triplets of Waterbury, Conn. After attending the same private school through eighth grade, the young women each chose a different high school – and all of them were in the top 10 of their respective classes. On Sunday, their parents, Glorie and Todd, helped to move them into their shared room in the Mount’s Sakac Hall. 

Ashley and Haley selected Mount Saint Mary College for its prestigious Nursing program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

“I always loved helping people, I’ve always been hands-on, and I know that nurses do a lot with their education,” said Haley. “It’s a great match for me.”

Mount Nursing students enjoy state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical relationships with more than 40 area hospitals. The Mount’s passionate faculty are dedicated to the success of both their undergraduate and graduate students.

_{The Romaniello triplets of Waterbury, Conn. (left to right, Haley, Jessica, and Ashley) moved into the same room in the Mount’s Sakac Hall on Sunday, August 26. Two will be majoring in Nursing, and the third will take the Adolescence Education track. All three were in the top 10 of their respective classes in high school.}

Ashley, who was the valedictorian of Wilby High School, had received a full scholarship to another college. However, she turned it down, she explained, in favor of the Mount’s small class sizes and tightknit, family atmosphere.

“I like the environment, the community, and the opportunities I could get here for nursing,” she explained. “And I really like the supportive connections I’ve been making.”

The third triplet, Jessica, is an English major on the Adolescence Education track. She said that the decision to attend the Mount was easy. 

“It might sound a little cheesy, but teachers really do change the world,” said Jessica. “I was planning on going to another college, but when I came with Haley to [the Mount’s] Accepted Students Day, I fell in love with the campus and how nice the people here are. The class sizes are nice too – I’d much rather be at the Mount than in a lecture hall with so many other students.”

Though all born within the span of less than an hour, only two of the triplets share a birthday. Ashley, the oldest, and Haley were both Valentine’s Day babies. But thanks to a delay of only a minute or two, Jessica celebrates her birthday on February 15. Their little brother, Alex, is eight years old. 

In addition to Nursing and Education, many Mount freshmen are majoring in Business. These programs include Accounting, Business Management and Administration, Finance, Marketing, and Sports Management. The college also offers comprehensive areas of study in Psychology, English, Math, Sociology, History, Biology, Chemistry, and more. 

On Monday, August 27, about 2,400 students began or resumed bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at the Mount, ranked a Top-Tier Regional University by U.S. News & World Report. The students’ futures are looking bright: A recent study found 95 percent of the Mount’s 2017 graduates were employed six months after graduation. In addition, more than 75 percent of 2017 Mount bachelor’s grads and more than 96 percent of 2017 Mount master’s grads who are employed full-time make $40,000 a year and up.

Mount’s new president arrives with energy and vision

_{Dr. Jason N. Adsit, Mount Saint Mary College president, and his family helped new students to move into their residence halls on Sunday, August 26. In addition to his wife, Heather, three of Dr. Adsit’s children lent a hand: Stella, Ronin, and Lee Carter.}

Dr. Jason N. Adsit, the Mount’s seventh fulltime president, began his tenure on June 1. He joins the Mount family from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. As chief academic officer, Dr. Adsit oversaw all undergraduate and graduate programs in the School, including the departments of Biology and Mathematics, Business, Chemistry, Education, and Liberal Arts. 

An accomplished author and speaker, Dr. Adsit earned a doctoral degree in Philosophy from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from American University in Washington, DC.

“I see steady growth” for the Mount, explained Dr. Adsit. “I see a continued tradition of academic excellence. I see the highest levels of community engagement. Our institution is a coiled spring, and we’re poised for great growth and development. Our future is very bright and I’m very excited to be here.”

New faculty and programs
The Mount recently welcomed Dr. Susan LaRocco as the Dean of the School of Nursing. Her responsibilities include providing vision and oversight for the School of Nursing, working with faculty to ensure that the curriculum provides students with opportunities to enhance their Nursing career, and fostering professional development of faculty, including scholarly work and research. LaRocco comes to the Mount from Curry College in Milton, Mass., where she was a former chairperson and professor in that School of Nursing. Her PhD is from the University of Massachusetts Boston where she received the Brenda S. Cherry Doctoral Dissertation Award. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and has certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL).

Joining LaRocco in the School of Nursing are two new teachers: Bernadette O’Halloran, assistant professor of Nursing, and Kathleen Pecoraro, instructor of Nursing.

_{Mount students moved into Sakac Hall, Guzman Hall, the Dominican Center, and the College Courts on August 26.}

Mount social science professors Lawrence Force and Jeffrey Kahana, co-directors of the college’s Center on Aging and Disability Policy (CADP), are hard at work bringing their ProActive Caring program to family caregivers with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. At a ProActive Steering Committee meeting earlier this month, Force, Kahana, and a team of local healthcare leaders discussed the next steps for the program, which aims to teach effective coping mechanisms for short- and long-term stressful situations. According to Force and Kahana, ProActive Caring will expand to sites in Central and Western New York in 2018-2019 and to sites in New York City and on Long Island in 2019-2020. The program aims to provide 1,000 family caregivers with continued support and training in the next three years.

Upcoming Events
Throughout the year, the Mount hosts a variety of free events that are open to the public. 

The first Investigating Research on Campus (iROC) talk of the semester, “Is God a Sports Fan? The Relationship between Sports and Faith,” will take place Thursday, September 6 at 12:45 p.m. in the college’s Dominican Center. Robert Miller, associate professor of Religious Studies and Division of Philosophy and Religious Studies chair, will reflect upon the fundamental theological principles of how people see God in all things, including sports.

As the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, an open house for prospective freshmen and their families will be held Sunday, September 23. Participants will take an up-close look at classrooms, dining commons, and residence halls, as well as speak with current Mount students and staff. To register, visit msmc.edu/rsvp 

The college will celebrate its Ninth Annual Gala Reception on Friday, November 30 in the Kaplan Family Mathematics, Science and Technology Center. Officials will bestow the Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence upon Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. and Ted Doering, director of Motorcyclepedia Museum, and owner of Umbra Sound Stage. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Kathleen Barton, director of Advancement Events, at kathleen.barton@msmc.edu or at 845-569-3609.

_{Cole Pilon of Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (center), son of Maryann Pilon, executive director of Facilities and liaison for Strategic Space Planning, and Michael Pilon, moved into Mount Saint Mary College’s Guzman Hall on Sunday, August 26.} 

_{Dr. Jason N. Adsit, Mount Saint Mary College president, delivers one of the first pitches at the Hudson Valley Renegades game on Monday night.}

With some enthusiastic support from his wife Heather and his five children, Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of Mount Saint Mary College, threw one of the first pitches at a Hudson Valley Renegades game on Monday, August 27.

Thanks to an incredible five runs in the seventh inning, the ‘Gades took the game 5-0 over the Staten Island Yankees. 

It was a great night for the Mount community, which showed up in force to cheer on their new president and enjoy the local ballgame. Including students, faculty, staff, and their families, more than 200 members of the college community were in attendance.  

Dr. Adsit, the Mount’s seventh fulltime president, began his tenure on June 1. He joins the Mount family from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. 

An accomplished author and speaker, Dr. Adsit earned a doctoral degree in Philosophy from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from American University in Washington, DC.

Earlier on Monday, about 2,400 students began or resumed bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at the Mount, ranked a Top-Tier Regional University by U.S. News & World Report. The college welcomed nearly 400 freshmen from as far away as California and more than 100 transfer students. 
 

_{The Mount Saint Mary College community enjoyed interacting with animals like goats on Tuesday, August 28 during the college’s Week of Welcome, celebrating the beginning of a new semester.}

Mount Saint Mary College celebrated the start of the Fall 2018 semester with a pop-up petting zoo on Tuesday, August 28. 

The heatwave didn’t seem to bother students, faculty, and staff, who enjoyed petting goats, chickens, rabbits, and more.

_{Mount President Dr. Jason N. Adsit (right) presents the Mount Saint Mary College Community Service Award to David Melby for his many contributions to the college and the community.}

Mount Saint Mary College welcomed its newest students and honored David Melby, Senior Vice President at Rose & Kiernan Inc. insurance agency, at the 59th Annual Academic Convocation on Thursday, August 30.

The college presented Melby with the prestigious Mount Saint Mary College Community Service Award for his unwavering dedication to supporting local community resources, with a focus on education and the special needs population. 

Melby is a graduate of Arlington High School and Ithaca College. He spent 12 years as managing partner of The Daniels Agency in Pawling, N.Y., prior to merging with Rose & Kiernan Inc. insurance agency in 2004. As Senior Vice President of the company, Melby manages the employee benefits practice at their Fishkill office.  

He and his wife, Lynn, enjoy life with their five children in New Milford, Conn. In addition to Melby’s professional and family commitments, he invests considerable time into the community. He is currently the board chair at Abilities First in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and trustee at Anderson Foundation for Autism in Staatsburg, N.Y. He also is a member of the Dutchess County Local Development Council’s Business Services Committee. Melby served for nine years as a trustee at Mount Saint Mary College and was also board chair for the Anderson Center for Autism. He serves on the President’s Advisory Council at the Mount and is the Chairman for the Golf and Tennis Committee at the Mount. 

_{Mount Saint Mary College welcomed about 500 freshman/transfer students at the 59th Annual Academic Convocation on Thursday, August 30.}

The Convocation ceremony also welcomed hundreds of freshmen and transfer students into the Mount’s academic programs and celebrated their first week of study at the college. Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of the Mount, encouraged students to explore new and engaging academic paths. 

“Challenge yourself,” he said. “Take classes…that push you in ways you’ve never been pushed before. You’re blessed with an unbelievable faculty who’s ready to help you do that.” 

Dr. Adsit began his presidential tenure at the college on June 1. He comes to the Mount from D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, as well as Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. 

Student Government Association President Kayla O’Connor of Kearny, N.J. encouraged the new students to focus on academics. 

“Do not forget why you are here – to learn, to get a good education, and to go out into the world with a valuable college degree,” she said. “College years can be the best time of your life…attend all your classes, be engaged, use your weekends as stress relievers, and get involved in campus life.”