RUTHERFORD, NJ – Felician University marked a milestone on Dec. 5, 2024, with the official inauguration of its seventh president, Mildred A. Mihlon, PhD. The occasion was celebrated with a Mass and Installation Ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst, NJ, attended by more than 200 guests, faculty, staff, students and community leaders.

The event began with an inspiring Mass, setting the tone for a day dedicated to celebrating leadership, service and Felician University’s enduring commitment to its Catholic, Franciscan mission. “Our purpose is to do everything humanly possible to realize Felician’s vision: To be a pre-eminent, Catholic, Franciscan university where scholarship and the practice of teaching and learning place students first in the enduring quest for truth and the persistent pursuit of competence, character and compassion, Dr. Mihlon said in her inauguration speech. “As we begin this journey together, I do so as your humble servant leader – immensely grateful for the opportunity and eager to help write the next great chapter for Felician University.”

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to the Rutherford campus for a community celebration. Distinguished attendees included Sister M. Geralyn Mroczkowski, CSSF, CEO of Felician Services Inc., and Terry Schweizer, President of Felician Services Inc., as well as Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. Members of Felician University’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni and students joined in the festivities, which reflected the spirit of unity and excitement for the future under Dr. Mihlon’s leadership.

The day’s events culminated in the President’s Scholarship Reception at Il Villaggio in Carlstadt, NJ. The evening, hosted by Donald C. Jones, Chairman of the Board of the Trustees, and Jim Rizzo, Council of Regent, drew more than 200 supporters and raised more than $110,000 for Felician University’s student scholarship fund. With nearly every single incoming first-year student receiving aid, scholarships are central Felician’s ability to serve as both an HSI (Hispanic-serving institution) and MSI (minority-serving institution).

If you are interested in supporting student scholarships, contact Lisa Gibert at GibertL@felician.edu.