JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Saint Peter’s University officially marked the opening of its new Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite at its School of Nursing and Health Professions with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling a fully renovated, high-tech facility now in use for the Spring 2026 semester. This milestone reflects Saint Peter’s University’s commitment to advancing health sciences education into a new century, where innovation, technology, and experiential learning are essential to preparing the next generation of a dynamic and highly skilled healthcare workforce.
President Hubert Benitez and University leadership were joined by elected officials and community partners to celebrate the milestone, including Christina Mortellaro, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Nursing & Health Professions and assistant vice president of Academic Affairs & Assessment, and Rev. James J. Miracky, S.J., Ph.D., vice president for Mission Integration & Ministry. Kenneth Moore ‘91, CFA, Board chair, alongside other distinguished board members, friends and family in attendance. Elected leaders including New Jersey State Senator Raj Mukherji, New Jersey Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (District 32), representatives for United States Senator Andy Kim, United States Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (District 10), and United States Congressman Robert J. Menendez (District 8), who presented Congressional Recognitions to Saint Peter’s University for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in healthcare education.
Originally built in 1969, Pope Hall, home to the School of Nursing and Health Professions, now features a 12,000-square-foot, fully modernized facility that doubles the capacity of Saint Peter’s nursing programs while also providing shared access to advanced technology for other academic disciplines, fostering growth and promoting interdisciplinary education. The complex reflects Saint Peter’s continued investment in preparing career-ready healthcare professionals, equipped to meet the evolving needs of the health and science field, advancing its vision as a University for the next century.
The Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite offers a comprehensive medical environment designed to mirror real-world clinical settings. The main simulation lab, led by Anjalynn Deitmer, Simulation lab coordinator, and Dr. Lisa Garsman, Associate professor of nursing, features realistic patient care settings with individual beds, privacy screens and fully functional wall units. These elements reinforce best practices in patient-centered care, safety, and confidentiality while allowing students to practice in an authentic clinical environment.
Nursing students engage in hands-on training using advanced Laerdal manikins that simulate realistic physiological responses including vital signs, pulses, breathing patterns, cardiac activity and vocal cues, including expressions of pain. This innovative technology allows students to safely develop and refine clinical skills in procedures such as injections, wound care and intravenous (IV) administration.
The facility also includes a dedicated virtual reality area, where students work from individual pods to engage in immersive simulations, including multi-patient care, discharge processes and preparation for procedures such as catheterizations and CT scans. A flexible lab space supports classroom instruction with real-time demonstration capabilities.
With the addition of this cutting-edge, technology-driven facility, Saint Peter’s University is expanding access to hands-on training and strengthening its role in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Building on this momentum, the University is deepening partnerships, enhancing academic pathways, and aligning its programs with the rapidly evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Through this strategic direction, Saint Peter’s is positioning itself at the forefront of health education while addressing a critical workforce and healthcare need across the state of New Jersey.
Photo highlights of the ribbon cutting ceremony; click a photo to view larger size.
