How does it make you feel to be able to give back to a cause that is meaningful to you?

In simple terms it is fantastic.  I am asked how I would like my contribution distributed.  I can decide and I know that my request will be followed and students will benefit. It will help pay their tuition which allows them to work a few less hours and devote that free time to studying and achieving a higher GPA.

Is there an individual in your life who inspired you to give back to Saint Peter’s?

That person would be Patrick J. Caulfield, Ph.D. ’47. Dr. Caulfield is known as the founding father of the education program at Saint Peter’s. From the first time I met him and started working with him it was obvious that he was a special person. He would be in his office or in a classroom six days a week. I learned very quickly that he wanted every student to succeed. I could tell by the way the students communicated with Dr. Caulfield that they listened to him, respected him and looked up to him as the role model for them to emulate.For all the years that I knew him he was always “Dr. Caulfield.”  I never called him “Patrick.”

What contribution or achievement are you most proud of?

I am happy for all of the opportunities that I have had to do many different things at Saint Peter’s. For 27 years I was chairman of the education department. I have also helped by being the interim associate academic dean, the interim director of athletics, coach of the men’s varsity cross country team and the first coach of the women’s cross country team. Those have all been great experiences at Saint Peter’s.

Do you have an anecdote about your relationship with Saint Peter’s that inspired you?

It was during the 1968-69 academic year, my second year of full-time teaching at Saint Peter’s. There was aneducation dinner with graduates who were teaching and we all had nametags on and our president, Rev. Victor Yanitelli, S.J., was meeting everyone. When he came to me he looked at my nametag and said, “Hi Jim.  How are you?  What school do you teach at?”

I was a little embarrassed to say “Father, I teach here at the college.”

I later remember concluding that I need to do more so my president knows that I work for him. It was my fault that he didn’t know me. He inspired me to work harder.

What would someone be surprised to learn about you?

I entered the army one week after graduating from high school and after active duty and reserve obligations I was discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

What would you tell someone who is considering making a gift to Saint Peter’s?

I would tell them that there are many good things that could result from their gift and to make an appointment and discuss how they would like their contribution used. They can decide who their contribution will help.I would also stress to them how much our students will appreciate what their contribution will do for them.