Felician University Freshmen and Sophomores were ushered into Convocation 2021 at Breslin Hall on Wednesday, September 22 by the Clifton High School Marching Band.

Dr. Christine Mihal, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Nursing set the tone for the Convocation with a theme of belonging, telling students, “It is a place where we welcome, embrace, and are proud of our diversity. It is our intent to be the reason that someone feels seen, heard, supported, and valued. It is our goal that when you leave us after commencement you are the reason someone else feels seen, heard, supported, and valued.”

Dr. Mihal – Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Nursing

Felician President James W. Crawford, III invited students to contemplate and write down where they think they are at this point in their lives saying, “At the end of the school year open it up and take a look. It will be remarkable, you will not recognize the person that you will become, and it only gets better, year after year, after year.”

Dr. Melissa Cepeda graduated from Felician in 2015 as a first-generation student and went on to become a pharmacist. In delivering the Convocation address she told students that attending Felician University was the best decision of her life adding, “Although we are in a very difficult time where our world is dealing with many difficult challenges, the opportunities created by these challenges have never been greater.”

Dr. Ronald Gray, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dean of Students, challenged students to ask themselves what legacy they will leave before leading them in reciting the Student Pledge, part of which includes, “I will take responsibility for my success and, therefore, commit to earnestly attending to my studies while working to embody our Felician Values.” For their part, faculty and staff pledged to, “Collectively share our expertise, experience, and knowledge with you as you prepare for the role of leadership in the 21st Century.”

The 2021 Faculty Award went to Dr. Anthony Scardino from the School of Business and Information Sciences. Felician faculty members select the award recipient from among their peers. Dr. Mihal shared dozens of comments from students about Dr. Scardino including, “Someone who exemplifies an enthusiastic approach to make their classes educational as well as enjoyable. The power of this person’s presence in the classroom is very real. This person is a living legend to our students. There is a blinding light when they walk into the classroom.”

2021 Faculty Award and incoming students were introduced to the Deans who will support and guide them over the next four years. Student Recognition and Prizes were awarded, and Convocation 2021 was bookended by prayers from Ingrid Dul, Interim Executive Director of Mission Integration, who said, “Expand the horizons of our minds that we may grow in wisdom, understanding and knowledge.” And with that Felician University opened another school year with optimism, guided by its Felician Franciscan Values and dedicated to the Felician motto:

“In Veritate Felicitas”

“In Truth is Happiness”