Guided by Magis and a commitment to social justice, my Saint Joseph’s education shaped my service—from launching scholarships to working with Catholic Charities and Rebuild Together.

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Mark Maurer

 

I could cite all the Jesuit principles, but I'll narrow it down: Magis (‘Excellence’) and Commitment to Social Justice. I have tried to live the Jesuit principles promoted by my Saint Joseph's education.

 

Every day working at Notre Dame, interacting with students, CSCs, and staff is a blessing. I have started a scholarship for Overbrook/West Philadelphia students. I have worked in public housing, as a Section 8 inspector, in nursing facilities, and with numerous low-income volunteers, including Catholic Charities.

 

I just try to help out where I can!

Inspired by my Jesuit education, I taught ESL at SJU, then volunteered in Honduras with BECA—experiences that shaped my passion for education and service.

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Cassandra Benavides

 

Through the course of my Jesuit education, I explored different routes to find what I was most passionate about. While at SJU, I volunteered with the Welcome Center, providing classes to ESL adult students. It was through this program that I was inspired to go to Honduras after graduating from SJU in 2018, where I volunteered for a year with BECA (Bilingual Education for Central America) as a 2nd-grade teacher.

 

At that point, I had a Psychology degree and was unsure of what to do with my life, but through this commitment to service, I was able to not only provide an education for my students but also engage in a community of people. I enjoyed seeing all the roles, both big and small, that each person played in the community and the support they showed each other.

 

I continue this service in my career as an educator and was even able to return for a period with the Welcome Center. Though life can be busy at times, it had been a while since graduating, but I was finally able to return to Honduras this past summer with BECA’s summer program, see how my students have grown into young middle schoolers, and spend time with their families.

 

Both of these programs have provided great opportunities for people seeking a new life here in the United States or seeking opportunities back in their home countries, showing how valuable education can be.

My Jesuit education at Saint Joe’s deepened my focus on cura personalis, shaping my commitment to lifelong learning, education, and caring for the whole person.

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April Draine Nicholson

 

My Saint Joseph’s University Jesuit education further deepened and continues to strengthen my focus on cura personalis. My life is dedicated to caring for the whole person. I live out this characteristic in every area of my life and now have three young adult children who are all considering SJU for their higher education.

Obtaining my Master’s degree in 2003 made me the first in my maternal and paternal lineage to accomplish this honor. I then became the first to homeschool my children and graduate them from our private homeschool. Education is one of my core values, and my focus on cura personalis will forever be fortified by lifelong learning.

The Jesuit value of People for Others has shaped my career, from leading innovation at Bethany Children’s Home to advocating for vulnerable youth and human trafficking prevention.

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Calyn Brewer, M.S.

 

The Jesuit principle of People for Others has profoundly shaped my professional journey and personal mission since graduating from Saint Joseph’s University. This core value resonates deeply in my role as Senior Director of Innovation at Bethany Children's Home, where I am honored to serve vulnerable youth across Pennsylvania.

My Jesuit education taught me that true leadership is not just about achieving organizational goals—it is about uplifting others and creating lasting positive change in our communities. This philosophy has guided me to establish innovative programs that enhance both our youth services and team member well-being. For instance, when I noticed our team members struggling with work-life balance, I initiated a data-driven study that led to meaningful schedule changes, demonstrating care for our team members so they could better serve our youth.

The commitment to being People for Others extends beyond my primary role through my service on multiple nonprofit boards and as Chair of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Roundtable. As an Alumni Ambassador Leader of the Lancaster County SJU Alumni Chapter, I actively foster connections between current students and alumni, helping to build a network of future leaders who will carry forward our Jesuit values. Each of these roles allows me to multiply the impact of my Jesuit education by advocating for vulnerable populations and fostering collaboration among organizations serving our community.

Perhaps most meaningfully, I've embraced this principle through my work in human trafficking awareness and prevention education. By equipping others with knowledge to identify and prevent exploitation, I am living the Jesuit mission of serving those most in need and empowering others to do the same.

My Saint Joseph's education did not just prepare me for a career; it instilled in me a deep commitment to service and justice that continues to guide my decisions and actions every day.

The Jesuit value of People for Others inspired me to found AI for Girls Enterprise, empowering young women with the skills and confidence to lead in artificial intelligence.

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Mia Nixon

 

People for Others: A Mission to Empower Through AI for Girls Enterprise

My Jesuit education instilled in me the value of People for Others, a commitment to service and justice that continues to influence my life and work today. This principle shaped the mission of AI for Girls Enterprise, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded to address the gender disparity in artificial intelligence—a field where only 26% of professionals are women.

Through AI for Girls Enterprise, we empower young women with workshops, mentorship, and scholarships to help them build technical skills, leadership potential, and confidence. The organization also aligns with Mayor Parker’s initiatives to make Philadelphia a tech innovation hub by preparing young women for in-demand jobs and investing in youth programs that drive local growth.

My Jesuit education taught me that serving others is not just about addressing immediate needs but also about creating systems and opportunities that allow people to thrive. This philosophy guides my commitment to creating a more just and inclusive future, where young women are equipped to lead, innovate, and uplift others.

I never performed a surgery or led an organization without asking how to be even greater—because Magis means always striving to do more in service of others.

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Andy von Eschenbach

 

MAGIS: Just a Little Bit More!

I never performed a surgical procedure, no matter how successful, without asking how I could do it better the next time. I never led an organization, no matter how great—like NCI or the FDA—without challenging us to be even greater.

Some call it CQI, or Continuous Quality Improvement, but we call it Magis—striving to be more and do more in the service of others and Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. That is personal progress with a Jesuit purpose!

Being very active in service and charity work, I thank Saint Joe’s for instilling in me the mission to follow Christ’s call to serve others and share the Good News.

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Gary Buschta

 

My Jesuit education helped me spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through education and service. I was a high school youth group moderator for 14 years at my parish. I am a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and I am very active in service and charity work, especially in pro-life causes.

 

Most recently, I have been teaching religion to middle school students at our local grade school and preparing the 8th grade for Confirmation. I thank Saint Joe’s for instilling in me the mission to follow Christ’s call to serve others and share the Good News.

A science class at Saint Joe’s sparked a lifelong fascination with the modern world, proving that education is about more than just a job—it’s about discovering life’s wonders.

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Armen Pandola

 

I was an English major and part of the Honors Program. As a sophomore, I took a class called 'Science for Non-Science Majors' taught by a chemist, Dr. Roberti. On the first day, Dr. Roberti said to us, 'I know the play Hamlet, but how many of you know the Second Law of Thermodynamics? Both are beautiful and tell us a great deal about our world.' He was right.

 

As a result of this class, I have had a lifelong fascination with science, one of the most important components of the modern world. I could name a dozen other classes I took at Saint Joe’s in fields that had nothing to do with my major that have influenced and enriched my life. Education is not just about getting a job—it’s about becoming a person who enjoys life and all of its wonders.

My Jesuit education led me to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, shaping my work as a social worker, community member, and parent through service and solidarity.

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Terri DiMartini-Greenlee

 

Upon graduation, I served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in San Francisco, CA. My SJU experiences and education guided me to this post-graduate service opportunity, which forever shaped the lens through which I view the world, people, and how I live my life.

 

My Jesuit education has helped guide my practice as a social worker, a community member, and a parent. As Father Greg Boyle, SJ, teaches, 'You go to the margins not to make a difference, because then that’s about you. You go to the margins so that the folks at the margins make you different.'

 

In my work and personal life, my Jesuit education from SJU and JVC has changed me in ways I never thought possible. It has taught me the power of using our voice to help others, the importance of building welcoming communities where all people feel valued, and, most of all, that it is truly the simple things that create the biggest changes in our world.

Guided by Magis, I have taken on challenges, started businesses, and embraced adversity—because a Jesuit education teaches us to always strive for The More.

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John. P Hughes Jr.

 

Magis—the Jesuit principle that resonates with me most. It guides me to take on responsibility, accept challenges, attempt new things, and has even led me to start new businesses. It has carried me through adversity, when, despite my best efforts and intentions, things didn’t turn out as expected. Living more, living greater isn’t just about a single experience but a lifetime commitment to being more in all we do.

 

Whatever formed your decision to attend SJU—a small miracle itself—it was the best decision of your life thus far. Whether by grand design, chance, or something in between, you chose to be a Hawk. You decided to take advantage of a Jesuit education and, in doing so, become something more, something greater.

 

There are approximately 4,000 universities and colleges in the U.S., but only 28 are Jesuit institutions. For those who aren’t math majors, that means less than 1% of U.S. universities offer a Jesuit-inspired and guided education. That makes you part of the 1%! You are among the few who have chosen to pursue The More. A Jesuit education, by its very nature, teaches, instructs, and leads us to be more.

 

Living greater means facing fears, acknowledging when you’re wrong, accepting the consequences of your actions, learning, adjusting, and most importantly, always pushing forward. Your education and Jesuit experiences will serve you best in challenging times, tough times, and impossible times. Never compromise. Fear not, but rather prepare for what is next. Simply do the right thing first, and the rest will take care of itself.

 

It’s challenging to be the product of a Jesuit education—but hey, easy is for the other guy! We are the contemplative ones, discerning what is best in every situation. We are Jesuit-educated, embracing the difficult, overcoming challenges, and doing so with confidence and faith. We pursue our dreams but always with careful consideration of how our actions impact and support those around us.

 

If the world doesn’t know you yet, it will soon. What will you offer it? May I suggest that whatever you decide, do it with Magis in mind. Your example and success will light the world and those around you. It’s your time to soar—for you are a Hawk, and the Hawk will never die!

—John P. Hughes Jr., Class of 1989
Father of two Hawks: Class of 2018 & Class of 2027

The strong emphasis on service at Saint Joe’s shaped my career—from healthcare to youth mentoring—guiding my commitment to helping others.

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Janet Lloyd Murphy

 

I recall that there has always been a strong emphasis on service to others at SJU. The philosophy and religion courses we took cemented that philosophy.

During my time as a full-time evening school student, I tutored another student in my healthcare management classes. This was just a small contribution, but I remember being encouraged to always assist our fellow classmates. In the past, I’ve been involved in outreach activities organized by SJU in the West Philadelphia neighborhood surrounding the school.

I worked in the healthcare field for 15 years and in print media for another eight, but since 2009, I have worked in the social services field—youth mentoring, workforce development, and most recently, academic support for an afterschool program in Wilmington.

I definitely think my SJU foundation has shaped both my life and career priorities!

SJU instilled in me the value of being a person for others, guiding my commitment to advocacy and helping those in need, like my cousin seeking employment.

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Kate Bailer

 

Saint Joseph’s University instilled in me the value of being a person for others, which continues to guide my actions today. I believe in not only standing up for others but also advocating for those who cannot defend themselves.

Currently, I am helping my cousin, who has Down syndrome and is struggling to find a job. I support him by assisting with his resume, preparing for interviews, and applying to numerous job opportunities on his behalf. SJU taught me the importance of putting the person first, and I am committed to using that lesson to make a meaningful impact.

The Jesuit value of cura personalis shapes my work as a physical therapist, guiding my care for patients, my team, and my community.

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Maegen Brady DeLeo

 

As an orthopedic physical therapist, the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis has shaped my practice and business.

My daily mantra:

"I will take care of myself so that I can take care of my family and my community. I will take good care of myself so that I can take good care of my patients, just as much on this day of the week as any other day of the week; to set a good example in terms of movement and self-care and self-compassion; to learn and grow, to teach and mentor, so we can provide the best care possible and create a healthy working environment."

By providing direct access to quality physical therapy services to members of the Somerville, MA, community and surrounding areas, Union Square Physical Therapy acts as an empowering partner in keeping folks active, pain-free, and fulfilled in their goals—without unnecessary imaging, invasive medication, or costly surgery.

My Jesuit education and service with JVC shaped my mission as a therapist and practice founder, guiding my commitment to cura personalis and expanding access to mental health care.

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Raya Abat-Robinson

 

My Jesuit education at Saint Joe’s and my service year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps after graduation have deeply influenced how I approach my work as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and mental health group practice founder/director in New York City.

I strive to embody cura personalis in my daily life by emphasizing the care of the whole person in my professional practice. At my mental health group practice, we serve individuals from all walks of life, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, and focus on wellness in all aspects—personally, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.

In our work, we look beyond symptoms and diagnoses, considering the entire person when making treatment recommendations. I also encourage my team to bring their authentic selves into their work with clients, fostering a genuine, holistic, person-centered approach to therapy.

Furthermore, we aim to reduce barriers to mental health care through our RAR (Revitalizing Access and Resilience) Community Care Initiative, which provides support to those facing systemic challenges, financial constraints, or unique barriers to accessing quality care. In doing so, we strive to ensure that every individual, in the fullness of who they are, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to heal and grow.

My Saint Joe’s education taught me to encourage others to pursue their passions, sharing my knowledge so dreamers can reach their goals.

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Shelleon Bellille 

 

As an alumnus of Saint Joseph’s University, focusing on Organizational Development and Leadership, I have learned the importance of encouraging people to pursue their passion. Seeing someone reach their full potential is truly remarkable.

I have practiced this passion in both my personal and professional life, and the outcome has led to a path full of enrichment and many blessings. It’s never too late to start something new. Most importantly, when God blesses you with talent and academic skills, you can always share your knowledge with dreamers, helping them aim for their goals as well.

Guided by Magis, I helped launch SJU’s first doctoral program—proving that the pursuit of the more is never-ending.

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Dr. Robert Palestini

 

As a graduate of SJU at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels—and later as an employee of SJU—you could say that I am fully immersed in what I call the Ignatian Vision.

Although I am devoted to at least five Ignatian values—Magis, Discernment, Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Social Justice—I will focus on how the Ignatian principle of Magis, or constantly seeking the more, has affected and inspired me.

About 20 years ago, as Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at SJU, the Education Department was by far the largest and most successful graduate program at SJU. But even though the department had two thriving programs—a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education—I and a few others believed it had not yet fully attained Magis or reached its true potential.

After discussing how Magis could drive the department forward, we realized the next step was to offer a doctoral degree in education. And that is how, for the first time in SJU’s 150-year history, a doctoral program was established. Now that this successful program is firmly in place, in the spirit of Magis, the department is contemplating what the next logical step will be in its ongoing pursuit of the more.

The ethical values and critical thinking skills I gained at Saint Joe’s helped me become a department chair before 30 and thrive as a professor for over 40 years.

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Michael J. Ruiz, Ph.D.

 

When I received my Ph.D. and became a Department Chair at a small liberal arts college before the age of 30, I was able to be successful due to the ethical values and critical thinking skills I gained in college. I was able to meet the challenges of being an administrator for 20 years as well as a physics professor for 43.

Thank you for my excellent education.