The Saint Peter’s community is saddened by the loss of U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., a public servant who was truly a man for others and a tireless advocate for our students. Congressman Payne understood that higher education was an essential pathway to success and was committed to ensuring that no student would be denied the opportunity to obtain a degree due to affordability. 

We often had the pleasure of welcoming Congressman Payne to our campus and even had the opportunity to educate his children Donald III ’21, Jack and Yvonne over the years. Most recently, I was incredibly moved by the wonderful tribute he delivered about me in light of my upcoming retirement during a House session of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C. on March 21. 

On behalf of the entire University community, I extend our deepest condolences to Congressman Payne’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. May we continue to honor his memory by rededicating ourselves to the principles and values that he so passionately championed.

In shared sadness,

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.
President
Saint Peter’s University