RUTHERFORD, NJ, March 26, 2026—Six Felician University alumni were honored with distinct awards at the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony on the Rutherford campus.  The recipients reflect a wide variety of disciplines and achievements, showcasing the boundless opportunities to which a Felician education can open doors.

The Alumni Awards recognize the exceptional achievements, commitment to Felician Franciscan core values, and impact these distinguished alumni have made within the University community and beyond but also is a celebration of the journeys that have shaped who they are today.

The ceremony began with remarks from Dr. Mildred A. Mihlon, President of Felician University, who said, “Our alumni carry the values of our Franciscan tradition into their professions and communities, leading with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to service. Tonight’s honorees truly exemplify that mission through their leadership and dedication.”

Awards & Recipients

Dr. Melissa Jones ’02 – School of Education Award
Dr. Jones has dedicated her career to advancing teaching and learning, serving as a teacher, literacy coach, administrator, and now Assistant Superintendent in her hometown of Carteret. Under her leadership, student achievement has significantly improved through expanded academic opportunities, increased graduation rates, and a strong commitment to inclusive, student-centered education.

Steven Ference ’14 – School of Nursing Award
Ference, BSN, exemplifies leadership, innovation, and service through his impactful career in healthcare, from frontline COVID-19 response to advancing perioperative quality and clinical systems as Director of Epic at Westchester Medical Center. A dedicated community servant and firefighter, his work reflects a steadfast commitment to improving patient care and driving meaningful change.

Susan Mondano ’02 – School of Business Award
Mondano is an accomplished business leader and founder of Infuse2Lead, LLC, recognized for her expertise in talent development, organizational change, and executive leadership across global organizations. Through her transformative impact in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, she exemplifies excellence and innovation.

Sulma Balmos ’09 – School of Arts and Sciences Award
Balmos has built an impressive career in healthcare leadership, with experience spanning hospital operations, outpatient services, and large multispecialty medical groups. She has led initiatives focused on operational performance, financial stewardship, and strategic growth while consistently prioritizing exceptional patient experience and high-performing clinical and operational teams.

David A. Crawford MBA ’23/BA ’21 – Young Alumni Award
David, the Coordinator of Student Life + First Year Experience at Felician University alumnus, is dedicated to strengthening learning communities and supporting student success. Through his leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and commitment to service, he enhances the student experience while fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive campus environment.

Melissa Howard ’05 – Blessed Mary Angela Award
Howard is honored for her lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and empowering individuals with special needs through her work at The Felician School for Exceptional Children and as co-founder of We Heart and CEO of The Social Scene. Through her leadership and dedication, she continues to create inclusive opportunities that foster confidence, independence, and meaningful community connections.

To learn more about the Felician University Alumni Association, contact Noelle Agosta at AgostaN@felician.edu.

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About Felician University
Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,700 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and Money Magazine and has been recognized as one of the best college locations in New Jersey (#4) according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the fifteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supporting environment and earned us a spot on Washington Monthly’s Top 100 HSI list (#30). With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, and social justice are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is sponsored by Felician Sisters International.  For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.