Caldwell, NJ – Caldwell University celebrated its Founder’s Week March 16-20. This celebration honors the university’s Dominican heritage and the leadership of Mother Joseph Dunn, O.P.

The week’s festivities included a talk by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, a scavenger hunt for students, a lecture by Sister Mary John Kearny, O.P., Founder’s Day Mass, Service Award Recognition for faculty and staff and an enlightening interfaith panel discussion.

Cardinal Tobin presented Servant Leadership: What It Means as a Catholic to the university community, highlighting the importance of leaders who put the needs of those they serve first before their own personal gain. The cardinal spoke on the importance of finding your quiet to recharge and commended the university for its commitment to service. A video of the speech can be found here.

Sister Mary John Kearny, O.P. presented Dominican Heritage in Our Time, highlighting all the ways the university has changed over the years as well as how it has remained true to its founding principles. Sister discussed the challenges being faced by higher education, and how Caldwell University can and is overcoming those challenges. A video of her speech can be found here.

Founder’s Day Mass was said by Father Jim Manos, Campus Minister, and followed by a presentation of the 2026 Presidential Service Awards. These awards recognize faculty and staff members who have been at the university for five or more years. Carolyn Mitchell, Secretary for School of Business & Computer Science; Linda Farina, Instructor of Psychology; Mary Ann Miller, Professor of English; Kenneth Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis; and Alison Self, Administrative Assistant for Health Services, all received recognition for 25 years of service to the university.

See more online here.

About Caldwell University

Founded in 1939 by the Sisters of Saint Dominic, Caldwell University promotes intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic growth to a diverse population and welcomes all cultures and faith traditions. Inspired by St. Dominic de Guzman and our Catholic heritage, we transform students’ lives by preparing them through the liberal arts and professional studies to think critically, pursue truth, and contribute to a just society.