Dr. Nicole Christian

Dr. Nicole Christian, a two-time graduate of Caldwell University, has dedicated her career to advancing the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities through counseling, education, and advocacy. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2005, followed by a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (School Counselor) in 2008, before completing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education at Montclair State University. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education, counseling, and lifelong learning.

With more than fourteen years of experience as a school counselor, Dr. Christian has guided countless students through personal, academic, and developmental challenges while creating supportive environments where they can thrive. She also serves as an adjunct professor in graduate counseling programs at Montclair State University and the University of Denver, preparing the next generation of counselors to meet the diverse needs of the communities they will serve. In addition to her work in education, Dr. Christian provides counseling services through Ambrosius Counseling and Wellness LLC in Montclair, where she specializes in working with individuals from diverse cultural
backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and Caribbean populations.

A respected scholar and advocate, Dr. Christian has presented at national and international conferences on multicultural counseling, identity development, and counseling diverse populations. Her research and professional work focus on promoting culturally responsive, identity-affirming care while addressing the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities. Through her scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, she has become a recognized voice for inclusion, equity, and social justice within
the counseling profession.

Dr. Christian’s unwavering commitment to empowering others, advancing the counseling profession, and serving her community embodies the Dominican values at the heart of Caldwell University. Her leadership, scholarship, and compassionate service exemplify the pursuit of truth through wisdom and knowledge, making her a most deserving recipient of the Caldwell University Veritas Award.

Barbara Moran McFadden

Barbara Moran McFadden, a 1982 graduate of Caldwell University, has devoted her life to serving others through education, compassion, and global outreach. After earning a B.A. in Elementary Education from Caldwell, she completed a master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum and began her career as an elementary school teacher in Elizabeth before spending nearly two decades as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Rockaway Township. Throughout her career, she created welcoming classrooms where immigrant and refugee students developed language skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that celebrated diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Ms. McFadden believed every student deserved the opportunity to succeed. She fostered inclusive learning environments while encouraging students to recognize their own potential and embrace one another’s differences. Her commitment to mentoring extended beyond her students, as she helped guide a bilingual school employee from a cafeteria position into the classroom as an ESL aide and, ultimately, into a teaching career—creating a lasting impact that continues to benefit future generations of students.

Her commitment to service reached far beyond the classroom. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. McFadden organized weekly deliveries of food and gift cards to families experiencing hardship and led a community effort to collect, refurbish, and distribute bicycles to every student in her class, bringing joy during a difficult time. In retirement, she continues to volunteer at a local food pantry while also sharing her talents internationally, supporting educational initiatives for girls in Uganda and currently serving in Nepal, where she coaches teachers and works directly with students with learning challenges. She has
also devoted more than a decade to civic engagement through voter outreach and advocacy for social justice.
Known for her generosity, optimism, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Ms. McFadden has demonstrated that education is a powerful vehicle for transforming lives and strengthening communities. Whether serving students in New Jersey or volunteering across the globe, she has consistently embodied Caldwell University’s mission of scholarship, service, and compassion. In every role she has undertaken, Barbara Moran McFadden exemplifies the values at the heart of the Veritas Award for Excellence in Service & Educational Impact.

Charlene Hamrah

Charlene Hamrah, a 1969 graduate of Caldwell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a minor in Education, has built a distinguished career defined by leadership, perseverance, and excellence in the financial services industry. After earning her MBA from Rutgers University in 1975, she rose through the ranks of corporate finance before joining American International Group (AIG), where she ultimately became Vice President and Director of Investor Relations. As one of the few female corporate officers at AIG during that era, she served as the company’s principal liaison to the global investment community, communicating complex financial information with clarity and strategic insight.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hamrah earned the respect of colleagues and industry leaders through her integrity, expertise, and determination. Her leadership played an important role during several major corporate initiatives, including AIG’s largest acquisition, and in 2002 she received the prestigious Institutional Investor Award for Excellence in Investor Relations. Her professional accomplishments reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence while helping pave the way for future generations of women in corporate leadership.

Beyond her professional success, Ms. Hamrah has remained deeply committed to Caldwell University and its mission. She has generously supported the University through philanthropic leadership, service on the Campaign Steering Committee, and active engagement with alumni initiatives, including chairing her 50th class reunion. Her longstanding dedication has helped strengthen the University’s future while inspiring alumni to remain connected to the Caldwell community and its Dominican traditions.

Respected for her vision, resilience, and generosity, Ms. Hamrah has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by professional achievement but also by a commitment to giving back. Her remarkable career, steadfast support of Caldwell University, and enduring dedication to advancing opportunities for others embody the values celebrated by the Veritas Award for Excellence in Corporate Leadership & Philanthropy.