JERSEY CITY, N.J. – August 3, 2026 – Saint Peter’s University will celebrate the impact of service, leadership and commitment to community at the 2026 Hearts & Minds: The Saint Peter’s University Scholarship Gala on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
The annual event recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication reflects the University’s mission of service and commitment to creating positive change. This year, Saint Peter’s University will present the Loyalty to Alma Mater Award to Maria Solorzano ’84, chief financial officer of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union and member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and the Service to Community Award to the JDJ Charitable Foundation.
Saint Peter’s University President, Dr. Hubert Benitez notes: “At Saint Peter’s University, we believe that success is found in how we use our gifts to serve others. Hearts and Minds celebrates individuals and organizations who embody our Jesuit values of faith, service and leadership. Maria Solorzano and the JDJ Charitable Foundation exemplify these ideals through their generosity and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Their example inspires our students to lead lives of purpose.”
Maria Solorzano ’84 to Receive Loyalty to Alma Mater Award
Saint Peter’s University is proud to present the 2026 Hearts & Minds Loyalty to Alma Mater Award to Maria Solorzano ’84 in recognition of her lifelong dedication to her alma mater and the Hudson County community.
A native of Ecuador, Solorzano made Jersey City her home at a young age after arriving in the United States with her parents. Following her graduation from Dickinson High School, where she was a work-study student at Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union, she attended Saint Peter’s University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1984.
Solorzano describes her academic and professional journey as being driven by a passion and deep desire to help people achieve financial independence. Her career has been defined by a commitment to serving the communities of Hudson County that welcomed her and her family.
Her dedication, leadership and commitment to the mission of Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union led to her appointment as president and chief executive officer in 2017. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply connected to Saint Peter’s University through her service on University committees, support of athletics initiatives and encouragement of fellow alumni to remain engaged with their alma mater.
Solorzano currently serves on the Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees and is a member of the Audit, Student Affairs and Investment Committees. She is also a past member of the Board of Regents. Beyond her work with the University, Solorzano serves as a board member and past president of the Jersey City Kiwanis Club and as a member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She previously served as president of the Hudson chapter of the New Jersey Credit Union League.
The Hearts & Minds Loyalty to Alma Mater Award recognizes individuals whose continued support and dedication advance the University’s mission and create meaningful impact for future generations of Peacocks.
JDJ Charitable Foundation to Receive Service to Community Award
Saint Peter’s University is proud to present the 2026 Hearts & Minds Service to Community Award to the JDJ Charitable Foundation in recognition of its extraordinary commitment to serving those in need and strengthening communities throughout the region.
Founded by James and Allyson Blauvelt ’12, the JDJ Charitable Foundation was inspired by the vision and legacy of James’ parents, Joseph ’80 and Donna Marie ’81 Blauvelt. Established following Joseph and Donna’s courageous battles with cancer, the Foundation was created to support individuals and families facing illness, financial hardship and life’s greatest challenges while carrying their legacy forward through a lasting charitable mission.
Since becoming a public charity in 2018, the Foundation has funded cancer research, provided financial assistance to families affected by cancer, awarded scholarships to students whose lives have been impacted by the disease, supported programs that harness the healing power of music and provided wheelchairs to children with physical limitations.
The Foundation’s impact extends beyond any single cause, reaching schools, community organizations, shelters and charitable initiatives throughout the tri-state area. Through their leadership, James and Allyson exemplify the Jesuit values of service, compassion and cura personalis—care for the whole person.
Guided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a growing network of supporters, the JDJ Charitable Foundation continues to honor the loving and generous spirit of Joseph and Donna Marie Blauvelt while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families in need.
The Hearts & Minds Service to Community Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose actions inspire hope and create lasting change. Through visionary leadership, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to helping others, the JDJ Charitable Foundation embodies the spirit of this honor.