Caldwell, NJ – The stage was set before the first guests even arrived. But arrive they did, filing into the 2025 Social Justice Symposium: Be the Change in record-breaking numbers. The 4th annual symposium, produced by Caldwell University’s Social Justice Institute, found a way to elevate its message higher than ever before.

Be the Change was set up for success through the generous sponsorship from Caldwell University alumna and former Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, Nancy Costello-Miller, Esq. ’79, who is a staunch advocate for human rights and continued supporter of Caldwell University.

This year’s sessions focused on intersectionality, discerning misinformation from reputable information, skills to address bias and microaggressions in K-12 and college classrooms, and social justice education such as anti-racism, health disparity, climate change, antisemitism, and LGBTQ advocacy.

“Every year, more and more people register to attend, and this year we are officially at capacity,” said Institute co-director and Associate Professor Helen Antoniou McGowan, J.D. “People are excited and they care about these issues, and you can feel the energy and excitement everyone brought.”

The event was sponsored in part by the Eileen Jones Multicultural Center at Caldwell University, with Center Assistant Director Tasia Burgess, SHRM-CP, shining a light on Eileen Jones herself after wishing everyone happy Black History Month.

“[The Center was] named after the first black woman to have graduated from Caldwell University back in 1957. She was a trailblazer in many, many ways,” began Burgess “She generously donated her estate and with those proceeds the University established the Eileen Jones Multicultural Center.

“It’s been an honor to carry on her legacy.”

Institute co-director and Assistant Vice President of Academic Support Services, Stephanie Sitnick, Ph.D., followed and took a moment to remind everyone why they were all there.

“We need to get comfortable being challenged,” Dr. Sitnick began, “and even get comfortable being uncomfortable at certain times.

“Look around the room, we have more people attending this year than ever before,” she said. “All of the people in this room are your fellow allies and now part of your social justice community.”

The Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell were in attendance, offering sponsorship and inspiration for this important event.

“Caldwell University finds its roots as a Catholic and Dominican university, and that is the land you are on now,” began Sister Kathleen Tuite, OP, Assistant to the President for Mission Integration, before offering the event’s opening prayer. “As a Catholic university, we ground ourselves in the principles of social justice.”

Principles, it turns out, that came to be hundreds of years ago.

“Caldwell University was founded by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell based on an 800-year-old tradition,” began Caldwell University president Jeffrey Senese, Ph.D, “so, this idea of a social justice symposium is not a new idea in the world.

“I hope you will find inspiration today to be the change.”

The event was sponsored in part to a generous donation from Valley Bank, and their VP Market Manager, Richard Biggs III, spoke of their own mission and how it aligns with Caldwell’s commitment to social justice.

“It is an honor to be here…surrounded by individuals who are passionate about creating a more just and more equitable world,” he began. “Social justice isn’t just a concept – it’s a call to action.

“True equity means creating opportunities and breaking down barriers.”

Following breakout sessions, smaller group discussions, and a beautiful performance by the Caldwell University Chorale, attendees reconvened for lunch and the day’s Keynote Address, delivered by CBS New York’s Emmy winning anchor, reporter and host, Alecia Reid, who spoke of her own personal connections to social justice and amplifying the voices of the unsung heroes of this ongoing fight.

“It’s up to each of us to be that change,” Reid began. “My goal today is that each of you walk away inspired and empowered to affect change.”

Her captivating address proved to be greatly inspiring, and it included anecdotes, news reels, tips, insights, and an overall sense of support for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.

“And now I ask you this,” she said as she closed her address. “What is your superpower? How are you going to affect change in your community?”

The mission of the Caldwell University Social Justice Institute is to educate, champion and Caldwell University constituents and its community partners regarding issues of social injustice, champion marginalized voices, and empower others to take action and become aspiring allies. Their work is specifically rooted in resisting and interrupting systems of oppression. To that end, the Social Justice Institute advocates to build relationships and facilitate opportunities that welcome and affirm the value of all people and create a safe space for individuals to be their whole selves and honor their multiple identities and lived experiences. Learn more at www.caldwell.edu/sji.