Rutherford, NJ— The Felician University School of Education hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 26, 2026, marking the launch of its new state-of-the-art demonstration classrooms in Sammartino Hall. The new addition has been funded by Alden Trust, a long-time donor that previously sponsored the Bloomberg Lab and Alden Trust Lecture Hall. The two new rooms are designed to mimic an authentic, real-world classroom setting. 

The goal of this initiative is to encourage each Education student to become an innovator in reshaping the ever-evolving approach to instructional delivery, meeting the demands of 21st-century learners as soon as they enter the workforce. Both classrooms are to serve as functional, dynamic spaces for professors to monitor and provide constructive feedback on students’ communication, risk management, and teaching strategies. 

 “This space represents more than innovative technology and modern design—it represents our belief that future educators deserve immersive, hands-on learning environments that mirror the realities of today’s classrooms,” said Dr. Brian Conners, Dean and Professor of the School of Education. “Here, our teacher candidates will practice their skills utilizing virtual reality training simulations to hone their teaching in a safe space and, more importantly, work on their classroom strategies, learn to integrate educational technology, analyze student data, and refine culturally responsive teaching practices before leading their own classrooms.” 

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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.