Saint Elizabeth University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Saint Elizabeth University (SEU), formerly the College of Saint Elizabeth, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Founded in 1899 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, it holds the distinction of being among the first Catholic colleges in the United States to award degrees to women. This legacy of empowering women continues to this day, even as the institution transitioned to a co-educational model. Named for St. Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary (mother of Jesus), the university embodies the values of service, compassion, and intellectual pursuit. The influence of SEU extends far beyond its campus, thanks to its diverse and accomplished alumni.
A Foundation for Success
The Academy's crest serves as a foundational element, encouraging successful women to explore different career paths. The pelican symbolically gives of itself to her children, pouring forth its own life in service and love. This symbol encapsulates the spirit of SEU, fostering a commitment to service, leadership, and making a meaningful impact on the world.
Notable Alumni Across Diverse Fields
SEU alumni have made significant contributions across a wide range of fields, from law and medicine to education and technology. Their stories exemplify the values instilled by the university and demonstrate the power of a well-rounded education.
Law and Government
Lisa Lomelo '96: An attorney specializing in commercial litigation, including land use, zoning, and redevelopment. She holds a BS in Biochemical Engineering from Rutgers University and a JD from Seton Hall University.
Cara Cavanaugh '12: A law student at The George Washington University Law School, pursuing a career in space law. She graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in History of Science and has experience in space policy in Washington, D.C.
Science and Technology
Kelly Hering '10: The CTO and Co-Founder at Charm Industrial, a company focused on reversing climate change by returning the atmosphere to pre-industrial era levels. Ms. Hering earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Brown University in 2014.
Helen Genova '96: The associate director of the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation and director of the Social Cognition and Neuroscience Laboratory. Dr. Genova received her B.A. in Psychology from Seton Hall University, followed by her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Medicine and Healthcare
Anne Marie Van Hoven '91: An Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. Van Hoven attended Seton Hall University, followed by graduating from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1999. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at New York University and her fellowship in Endocrinology at Robert Wood Johnson.
Dr. Suzanne Bartsch Casana '69: A Nurse Practitioner with experience in various aspects of the healthcare industry, including neurology, where she studied and treated multiple sclerosis, migraines, and Parkinson's Diseases.
Education
Kimberly Hutchinson '97: The Principal of Jefferson Middle School in Maplewood, NJ. Ms. Hutchinson received her B.A. in Sociology and Elementary Education from Fordham University, M.A. in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University, and M.A.Ed. in Organizational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.
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Alex: Principal of Middlesex High School in the Borough of Middlesex.
Heidi Biller, '18, M.A.: Earned a master's in educational leadership from SEU.
Lorena Tyson '55: Graduated from CSE with a B.S. in Chemistry and a Minor in Math. Her post-graduate work includes an M.S. in Chemistry with a Minor in Physics from Catholic University of America, an NSF Graduate Fellowship Grant for Math Studies from Seton Hall University, a Supervisory Certification from Kean University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the College of Saint Elizabeth. Lorena has taught chemistry, physics, math, and religion at the secondary and college level at many various institutions.
Arts and Media
Karen Cayetano-Leano '97: An entrepreneur, lifestyle blogger, and jewelry designer, currently working as a lifestyle blogger for Paris and a Latte. She graduated from Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Management Information Systems and has experience as a production manager for major retail companies.
Kelly Landrigan '11: A television producer for ABC's World News Tonight with David Muir. Ms. Landrigan earned her B.S. in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations from Boston University in 2015.
Read also: SLU Hospital Overview
Other fields
Matthew: Served in the United States Air Force and retired as a full colonel. During his career, Hardy filled positions that had never before been held by a woman and was appointed State Air Surgeon of New Hampshire. As a civilian, she dedicated her life to the medical field.
Nada: SEU's master's in nutrition/dietetic internship program.
Judy: Worked with computers called UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) shortly upon graduating. She worked on programs and looking at solutions for protecting classified information.
David Jefferson Jr., ‘21: Earned his doctorate in educational leadership at SEU.
Kibbe: A graduate of SEU’s dietetic internship program, working as a dietician for Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
SEU's Impact on its Students
The experiences and reflections of SEU alumni highlight the lasting impact of the university on their lives and careers.
Anne: Despite relocating to Chicago, Anne never forgot about SEU. Graduating from SEU was such a big day for her.
Judy: “Both of us place great importance on the value of education,” says Judy. “I’ve really enjoyed my working life,” says Judy.
Dr. David Jefferson Jr., ‘21: Explained that SEU took him there for more than an hour.
Alex: While education has become Alex's calling in life, his first love was science.
Heidi Biller, '18, M.A.: "SEU isn't just about academics," says Heidi. "SEU was the only place I would ever even think of going for my master's."
A Historical Perspective
To understand the significance of SEU's alumni, it's helpful to consider the university's history and evolution.
1870s: Convent Station became a stop on the Morris Essex line.
1903: The first graduating class.
1913: Santa Maria opened as the first separate academic building and library.
1924: Student Government was created.
1926: O'Connor Hall opened as the second dormitory.
1955: The swim proficiency test became a requirement for graduation.
1962: Henderson Hall opened.
1972-73: The Rathskeller ("Rath") was created on campus in Saint Joseph Hall.
1974: Oktoberfest became a fall tradition.
1995: The College's address and zip code changed.
2013: Dr. Helen J.
2021: Gary B.
These milestones reflect the university's growth and adaptation over time, while its core values have remained constant.
tags: #saint #elizabeth #university #notable #alumni
