On Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Saint Peter’s University celebrated its 95th Annual Michaelmas Convocation, continuing a tradition that recognizes academic achievement, student leadership and the values at the heart of a Saint Peter’s education.
Historically, September 29 marks the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In medieval times and until the post-Vatican II liturgical reforms, the day was dedicated to Saint Michael and became known as Michaelmas.
The tradition was brought to Saint Peter’s in 1930 by the College’s first dean, Rev. Robert I. Gannon, S.J., who modified its purpose to establish Michaelmas as an honors convocation. Today, the tradition recognizes seniors for their years of achievement while honoring students from other class years for their academic accomplishments during the previous year, as Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Soto, Ph.D., reminded those gathered.
Michaelmas keynote speakers at Saint Peter’s are changemakers who embody the University’s Jesuit, Catholic tradition of cura personalis. They are leaders who may be the first to accomplish something, but work to ensure they are not the last, paving the way for future generations to take the torch and light up the world in service to others.
This year, that leader was one of Saint Peter’s own: Ann-Marie Nazzaro, Ph.D. ’70. Dr. Nazzaro was among the first 100 women admitted to Saint Peter’s when the then-College became coeducational. After graduating, she became a teacher at Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City before earning a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Her career has included research in public health education and health communications, as well as nonprofit work and advocacy surrounding bleeding disorders, an issue that became personally important to her following her son’s diagnosis.
In her keynote address, Dr. Nazzaro reflected on her experience as one of the early women welcomed to Saint Peter’s, recalling the persistence and grit required to find their place and succeed. She encouraged today’s students to carry forward the Jesuit call to be “a person for others,” challenging them to use their education to serve, uplift and care for those around them. Dr. Nazzaro continues her public health efforts as a lead volunteer with NJ Together, working alongside nonprofit and faith-based communities toward a shared goal of improving policing practices through collaboration, including exploring ways to better serve individuals experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with addiction.
Following the keynote address, Dr. Soto called the convocation to order for the presentation of student awards by Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. Deans representing the College of Arts and Sciences, Frank J. Guarini School of Business, School of Nursing and Health Professions, Caulfield School of Education, School of Professional Studies and School of Global Innovation and AI recognized students for their academic accomplishments.
Silver medals were presented to students ranking second in each year within their respective schools. Students who earned Dean’s List honors by maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher during the 2025-26 academic year were also asked to stand and be recognized, along with members of the student body inducted into honor societies.
The ceremony also included induction into the Most Noble Order of the Peacock (MNOP)<. Founded in 1930, the honor recognizes members of the senior class who have excelled in their studies, extracurricular activities and moral conduct.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Grace Marie Bamba, Mohamed Elouarraq, Isabella Kassmer, Edwin Mendez, Juan Nunenz, Alexander Ramirez, Carys Olivia Roy, Salman Saqib, Jeffery Yong and Isaac Young.
In closing, Dr. Benitez reminded the Saint Peter’s community that Michaelmas is about “stirring up important thoughts and feelings” and provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of every member of the University community. He recognized the parents, spouses and family members whose sacrifices have supported students along their journeys and encouraged the honorees to look back with appreciation for their diligent efforts while continuing to strive for excellence.
As another Michaelmas entered Saint Peter’s history, the celebration concluded with words familiar to generations of Peacocks:
Hail, Alma Mater, Hallowed Saint Peter’s
With Each New Day
We See How Much We Owe to Thee.
Congratulations to all of the students recognized during the 95th Annual Michaelmas Convocation!