James W. Crawford, III, Felician University President (left) with Dean Mildred Mihlon, PhD, Felician University Arts & Sciences (center), and Dr. Margaret McMenamin, Union College President (right)

RUTHERFORD, NJ – On Tuesday, March 21, Felician University proudly hosted the Fostering Inclusive Excellence for STEM Achievement (FIESTA) agreement signing and ribbon cutting for the newly renovated STEM Center and science labs in Kirby Hall on the Lodi campus.

Presidents James W. Crawford, III, Felician University (left) and Dr. Margaret McMenamin, Union College (right)

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Felician University a $4.46 million FIESTA Grant in September 2021 that fosters student success, retention, and graduation rates among Latinx and low-income students in STEM. Upgrades to Felician University’s STEM facilities, technology, and instrumentation, as well as intensive STEM readiness programs are available to rising first-year and transfer students as part of this grant. Union College is Felician University’s partnering institution in this critical endeavor.

Congressman Bill Pascrell joined Felician University President, James W. Crawford, III and Union College President, Dr. Margaret McMenamin to reinforce the importance of STEM, minority students, and workforce readiness.

New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell

Congressman Pascrell remarked, “As a former educator, I know everything we achieve as a community, as a state, and as a country depends on preserving and expanding access to knowledge. Thanks to this groundbreaking $4.46 million federal grant, this STEM center and this partnership will open the door to countless students to blaze a new trail of success. Thank you to President Crawford and his visionary team. Felician will help show the world that New Jersey is a hub for the science and technology that will carry America into the 21st Century!”

Felician University Board of Trustees Chairman Jim D’Agostino; Trustee, Sister M. Aquinas Szott; President’s Advisory Council member, Ron Bergamini; Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Mike Markowitz; Dean of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Mildred Mihlon, along with Union College representatives, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maris Lown; Assistant Vice President of Finance, Marlene Sousa; Dean of Curriculum & Accreditation, Dr. Sara Lacagnino; Grants Director, Cheryl Shiber; faculty in STEM, Dr. Marie Montes-Matias, and Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, Christopher Hughes and President of the Commerce and Industry Association of NJ, Tony Russo participated in the ceremony.