The annual event recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication reflects the University’s mission of service and commitment to creating positive change. This year, è������ Peter’s University will present the Loyalty to Alma Mater Award to Maria Solorzano ’84, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union and member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and the Service to Community Award to the JDJ Charitable Foundation.

è������ Peter’s University President, Dr. Hubert Benitez notes: “At è������ Peter’s University, we believe that success is found in how we use our gifts to serve others. Hearts and Minds celebrates individuals and organizations who embody our Jesuit values of faith, service and leadership. Maria Solorzano and the JDJ Charitable Foundation exemplify these ideals through their generosity and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Their example inspires our students to lead lives of purpose.”

Maria Solorzano ’84 to Receive Loyalty to Alma Mater Award

è������ Peter’s University is proud to present the 2026 Hearts & Minds Loyalty to Alma Mater Award to Maria Solorzano ’84 in recognition of her lifelong dedication to her alma mater and the Hudson County community.

A native of Ecuador, Solorzano made Jersey City her home at a young age after arriving in the United States with her parents. Following her graduation from Dickinson High School, where she was a work-study student at Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union, she attended è������ Peter’s University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1984.

Solorzano describes her academic and professional journey as being driven by a passion and deep desire to help people achieve financial independence. Her career has been defined by a commitment to serving the communities of Hudson County that welcomed her and her family.

Her dedication, leadership and commitment to the mission of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union led to her appointment as president and chief executive officer in 2017. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply connected to è������ Peter’s University through her service on University committees, support of athletics initiatives and encouragement of fellow alumni to remain engaged with their alma mater.

Solorzano currently serves on the è������ Peter’s University Board of Trustees and is a member of the Audit, Student Affairs and Investment Committees. She is also a past member of the Board of Regents. Beyond her work with the University, Solorzano serves as a board member and past president of the Jersey City Kiwanis Club and as a member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She previously served as president of the Hudson chapter of the New Jersey Credit Union League.

The Hearts & Minds Loyalty to Alma Mater Award recognizes individuals whose continued support and dedication advance the University’s mission and create meaningful impact for future generations of Peacocks.

JDJ Charitable Foundation to Receive Service to Community Award

è������ Peter’s University is proud to present the 2026 Hearts & Minds Service to Community Award to the JDJ Charitable Foundation in recognition of its extraordinary commitment to serving those in need and strengthening communities throughout the region.

Founded by James and Allyson Blauvelt ’12, the JDJ Charitable Foundation was inspired by the vision and legacy of James’ parents, Joseph ’80 and Donna Marie ’81 Blauvelt. Established following Joseph and Donna’s courageous battles with cancer, the Foundation was created to support individuals and families facing illness, financial hardship and life’s greatest challenges while carrying their legacy forward through a lasting charitable mission.

Since becoming a public charity in 2018, the Foundation has funded cancer research, provided financial assistance to families affected by cancer, awarded scholarships to students whose lives have been impacted by the disease, supported programs that harness the healing power of music and provided wheelchairs to children with physical limitations.

The Foundation’s impact extends beyond any single cause, reaching schools, community organizations, shelters and charitable initiatives throughout the tri-state area. Through their leadership, James and Allyson exemplify the Jesuit values of service, compassion and cura personalis—care for the whole person.

Guided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a growing network of supporters, the JDJ Charitable Foundation continues to honor the loving and generous spirit of Joseph and Donna Marie Blauvelt while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families in need.

The Hearts & Minds Service to Community Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose actions inspire hope and create lasting change. Through visionary leadership, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to helping others, the JDJ Charitable Foundation embodies the spirit of this honor.

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What began as private swim lessons has grown into a year-round program offering swim instruction, a competitive swim team and a summer camp, introducing children of all ages to the sport while building confidence both in and out of the water. The idea was born shortly after graduation. As former Division I swimmers, the trio had already been teaching individual swim lessons when Bilonic suggested bringing everything together under one program.

“We were all teaching private swim lessons,” said Mrkic. “Right after graduating, it was Lovro’s idea to put a name to it and make it more organized.”Working with the elementary school where she was teaching at the time, Mrkic helped introduce the program to local families by offering lessons taught by former Division I student-athletes.

Today, Swim Stars teaches children the fundamentals of swimming before progressing to stroke development and technique across all four competitive strokes. But for the founders, the program has always been about more than swimming.

“Outside of the pool, we’ve created a community,” said Mrkic. “A lot of kids have become friends, and even their families have built relationships through our program.”

Watching students grow in confidence has become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. “It’s awesome to see them getting better, becoming more confident and being proud of themselves,” Bilonic said. “Seeing parents happy and thankful for teaching their kids is incredibly rewarding. You can never have a bad day when you’re surrounded by kids who are smiling and having fun.”

Now entering its 12th year, the program continues to serve families throughout the region while maintaining its connection to è������ Peter’s University.

“It’s lovely to know the kind of outreach this program has had,” Pawka said. “We’re forever thankful to è������ Peter’s for trusting us with its facility and continuing to work with us. It’s the best thing that has happened to us.”

For Bilonic, Mrkic, and Pawka, returning to the same pool where they competed as student-athletes is a reminder that the lessons learned at è������ Peter’s continue long after graduation and that giving back to the next generation is one of the greatest rewards of all.

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è������ Peter’s was one of only 12 New Jersey colleges and universities to receive a four-star rating or higher in the publication’s latest rankings. Only one institution in the state received the highest possible five-star rating, placing è������ Peter’s among an elite group of colleges recognized for providing a high-quality education and strong return on investment.

Money’s annual rankings assess four-year colleges and universities using 25 measures of educational quality, affordability and graduate outcomes, including graduation rates, tuition costs, financial aid, student debt and alumni earnings. Rather than producing a traditional numerical ranking, the publication assigns star ratings to institutions that demonstrate outstanding value for students and families.

The recognition reflects è������ Peter’s longstanding commitment to providing an accessible, student-centered Jesuit education that prepares graduates for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. As one of New Jersey’s leading private universities, è������ Peter’s continues to invest in innovative academic programs, personalized learning experiences and career-focused opportunities that help students succeed both during their time on campus and long after graduation.

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The newest members of the Peacock family officially began their è������ Peter’s University journey as the Class of 2030 gathered on campus for New Student Orientation, a day filled with excitement, inspiration and opportunities to build lasting connections.

Incoming students and their families were welcomed by University leadership before embarking on a full day designed to introduce them to the academic, social and spiritual experience that awaits them at è������ Peter’s University.

Setting the tone for the day was a motivational keynote presentation by Jeff Dess, co-founder of Trill or Not Trill, one of the country’s most engaging leadership institutes. The keynote encouraged students to embrace their authentic selves, lead with confidence and begin their college experience with purpose, reminding the newest Peacocks that success starts with believing in themselves and the community they are about to join.

Throughout the day, current è������ Peter’s students played a leading role in welcoming the next generation of Peacocks. The Orientation Team guided incoming students across campus, offering student-led tours, sharing their own experiences and providing firsthand insight into life at è������ Peter’s. From navigating campus to answering questions and introducing campus traditions, the student leaders helped create an atmosphere where every new student felt welcomed from the moment they arrived.

Students also participated in sessions focused on academic success, financial planning, classroom expectations and building new friendships through interactive Peacock Meet & Greet activities. Families attended dedicated sessions highlighting the University’s commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, reflecting è������ Peter’s Jesuit tradition of Cura Personalis—care for the whole person.

The day concluded with the Peacock Party at Panepinto Plaza, where students, families and orientation leaders came together to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

With two more new student orientations within the coming weeks, we’re thrilled as the Class of 2030 prepares to arrive on campus this fall! If you have not registered for one of the upcoming orientations yet, you can do so here.

New Student Orientation marks more than the start of an academic journey. It marks the beginning of lifelong friendships, new opportunities and a place within the è������ Peter’s family.

Welcome to the flock, Class of 2030. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish.

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photo courtesy of Trish Gianakis

The year-long project transforms Liberty State Park into an interactive outdoor museum, combining augmented reality, public art, and historical storytelling to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors use their mobile phones to experience immersive digital installations and educational content throughout the park.

The Jersey City Times article highlights Professor Gianakis’ creative vision and the role of emerging technologies in expanding access to art and historical storytelling.

The University community is invited to learn more about the exhibition by reading the Jersey City Times feature and following the project as it continues throughout the coming year.

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When Megan Callahan Sherman, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW  began her career at è������ Peter’s University in May 2025, she was asked by her colleagues what a child-first center would do for the community. 

“Well,” she recalls answering. “That’s going to be determined by the community.” 

Kids in Jersey City face numerous barriers to educational success, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, rising rates of mental health challenges and declining literacy levels.

“That’s really the mission of the Center for Child and Human Development,” says Sherman. “To meet with community stakeholders, children, families, educators, hospitals, different social service agencies to really determine where there’s a gap in service.” 

“We walk in and say, ‘How can we help?’” 

Located on the second floor of the Caulfield School of Education, the Center for Child and Human Development is a campus-based resource center for the children and families of Hudson County. By partnering with local schools, healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations, the Center develops interactive programs, trains future professionals (like the first-ever cohort of the Masters of Social Work program) and expands access to services that promote healthy development, educational success and family well-being, particularly for underserved communities.

The space also serves as a quiet place for neurodivergent members of the è������ Peter’s community to visit and unwind. 

Walking into the Center for Child and Human Development is like taking a step back in time to your early school days; the former storage space turned classroom is equipped with tools for kids of all ages. Colorful pictures promoting kindness, empathy and belonging hang on the wall. A bookshelf is stacked with books. In the front of the classroom, 16 Dell laptops lay charging next to a SMART interactive whiteboard. 

“Technology access is another big issue, so students can come in here, settle into the space and use our computers and wifi.” says Sherman. 

The Center plans to host a formal grand opening in the Fall, but in the interim, Sherman encourages anyone interested in getting involved with the Center to reach out to her directly. 

“Students at è������ Peter’s are very intrigued and eager to help,” she says. 

Learn more about the Center of Child and Human Development.

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The gathering brought together leaders of Jesuit institutions to reflect on the shared mission of Catholic, Jesuit higher education and its role in addressing the most pressing challenges facing society.

The Holy Father began his address by highlighting the “multitude of challenges facing humanity today” in a time that “has been called an age of epochal change.” Pope Leo XIV encouraged university leaders to remain faithful to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual excellence while preparing students to lead with wisdom, compassion, and ethical responsibility in an increasingly complex world.

Pope Leo XIV also emphasized the need to care for the poor and those immigrating to the United States “in a time when record numbers of our brothers and sisters are living in poverty.” He said many people are forced to leave their homes due to war, religious or political persecution, hunger, or climate change. Pope Leo insisted that the Jesuit higher education institutions are not only called to promote the common good and solidarity but also “to offer opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and those of a lower socio-economic status to have the benefit of an advanced education.”

The presidents also met with Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who reflected on the global mission of Jesuit education and the vital importance of collaboration among the Society’s colleges and universities. He challenged the presidents to cultivate the leadership, discernment, and vision needed to respond effectively to the evolving needs of today’s world.

The Vatican visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Jesuit colleges and universities worldwide to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while responding to the evolving needs of society through academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service.

“The opportunity to gather with fellow Jesuit university presidents and hear directly from Pope Leo XIV and Fr Sosa was both inspiring and affirming,” said Dr. Benitez. “Their message reminds us that Jesuit education has an essential role to play in forming graduates who possess not only knowledge and professional expertise, but also the moral courage and compassion needed to address the challenges of our world.” In a deeply personal moment with Pope Leo, Dr. Benitez asked His Holiness to bless è������ Peter’s University and all those who make its mission possible, praying that we may continue to extend the promise of a Jesuit education to students whose determination often exceeds their opportunities, transforming not only individual lives but families, communities, and future generations.

The Vatican meetings concluded with a renewed commitment among Jesuit institutions to strengthen their collaboration and continue preparing students to become thoughtful leaders dedicated to faith, justice, and the service of humanity.

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Photo courtesy of frankguarini.com

The è������ Peter’s University community is saddened by the passing of Hon. Frank J. Guarini H ’94, a distinguished public servant, philanthropist and lifelong champion of Jersey City whose generosity and leadership left an enduring mark on the University community.

Guarini received an honorary degree from è������ Peter’s in 1994 in recognition of his extraordinary public service and longstanding commitment to the University. Over the decades, he deepened that relationship through his service on the University’s Board of Regents and through transformative philanthropic support that advanced è������ Peter’s mission and strengthened opportunities for generations of students.

The Frank J. Guarini School of Business, named in his honor following a historic gift that helped elevate the University’s business programs, facilities and student opportunities, continues to reflect Guarini’s belief that higher education should prepare ethical, forward-thinking leaders who will serve their professions and communities with integrity. In addition to the business school, both Guarini House and the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership are named in honor of the late Congressman.

A Jersey City native who grew up across the street from è������ Peter’s, Guarini often spoke of the special bond he felt with the University and the pride he took in its role as a cornerstone of the community. His dedication to è������ Peter’s, and to the people of Hudson County, will continue to inspire students, alumni, faculty and staff for years to come.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Guarini family and all who were touched by his remarkable life and legacy.

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More than 1,250 attendees were in attendance to listen to discussions by a diverse roster of speakers. was in attendance and a special video message was delivered to the crowd of attendees by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.

The afternoon was highlighted by a fireside discussion between New Jersey City University President Andres Acebo and è������ Peter’s University President Hubert Benitez, moderated by NJBIZ reporter Matthew Fazelpoor.

Also in attendance from è������ Peter’s were members of the President’s Cabinet – Dr. Guillermo DeVeyga, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Paula Mercado-Hak, Vice President and General Counsel & Chief External Affairs Officer; and Daniel Bocchino, Interim Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing.

Both university presidents discussed the culmination of the 2025-2026 academic years on their campuses, highlighted by their recent commencement ceremonies. President Acebo noted that the NJCU commencement served as the last ceremony the university would have as an independently run institution, while President Benitez celebrated the return of commencement to the è������ Peter’s campus.

Dr. Benitez reaffirmed the university’s standing in the Jersey City community, noting that while high school students within New Jersey often leave the state to attend college elsewhere, the focus for both local schools should be on educating the local workforce to support Hudson County and the surrounding communities. He remarked that “The hallmark of è������ Peter’s is keeping our Jesuit values in all we do as an engine of workforce development” for the community at large. Dr. Benitez went on to discuss the newly opened Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite at the School of Nursing and Health Professions, highlighting è������ Peter’s commitment to significantly expanding nursing enrollment and leveraging this and other innovative learning spaces to strengthen its presence across a range of health care disciplines and workforce development initiatives.

President Acebo acknowledged the sometimes divisive role AI plays in education, and noted that it can be democratizing in terms of educational opportunities and should be used intentionally in conjunction with business development. The leaders reiterated a commitment to educating the local Jersey City and Hudson County community. Dr. Benitez specifically highlighted è������ Peter’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with programs offered entirely in Spanish, while emphasizing that the University’s distinguishing characteristic is not simply what it does, but how it does it: delivering an accessible, well-rounded education grounded in the Jesuit values that guide its mission and commitment to forming students for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.

As both è������ Peter’s and NJCU focus on their next chapters of their evolution, the focus at è������ Peter’s will continue to be on revitalizing and reimagining the school’s place as the Jesuit university of New Jersey, offering a value-based education accessible and affordable to all.

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Through the Fulbright–Budapest Semesters in Mathematics–Rényi Institute Scholar Award in Mathematics, Hopkins will travel to Hungary where he will conduct an independent research project while participating in the research community at the Alfréd Rényi Institute, one of Europe’s leading mathematical research centers. The program brings together scholars working across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, including combinatorics, combinatorial optimization, number theory, mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence, network theory, algebraic geometry and topology.

“It’s a great honor to be selected as a Fulbright Scholar for spring 2027 in Hungary,” said Hopkins. “This is a unique mathematics opportunity, jointly sponsored by a prestigious study-abroad program and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.”

“I will give seminars for students in the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics and work with them on research projects, similar to our work with students in the Honors Program,” Hopkins added. “For four months I will also join the rich research environment of the Alfréd Rényi Institute, the mathematics arm of their national sciences academy.”

Hopkins’s primary research focuses on integer partitions, a field studying collections of natural numbers with fixed sums that was first explored by mathematician Leonhard Euler and continues to generate new discoveries today.

His Fulbright research will expand upon partition statistics work he began in 2020—research that has already contributed to more than 60 academic publications by researchers around the world. By exploring additional perspectives on these classical mathematical structures, Hopkins hopes to create deeper understanding and identify new applications in fields such as physics and computer science.

Hopkins earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and holds both a Bachelor of Science (mathematics) and Bachelor of Arts (philosophy) from the University of Texas.

His accomplishments include receiving the 2015 Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America, serving as editor of The College Mathematics Journal from 2014 through 2018, publishing nearly 50 research papers, authoring two books and editing two more, and presenting research internationally.

The Fulbright Scholar Award represents another milestone in Hopkins’s distinguished academic career and reflects è������ Peter’s University’s continued commitment to advancing research, scholarship and global engagement.

è������ Peter’s University congratulates Dr. Hopkins on this prestigious achievement and celebrates his continued contributions to the University community and the field of mathematics.

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