Reflections on Seton College’s First Semester
As of this week, Seton College’s first semester is in the books! To reflect on this important milestone, we asked various members of the Seton College community three questions:
How would you describe Seton College in one word?
What is your favorite thing about Seton College?
What is a favorite memory or accomplishment from the first semester?
Here’s what they said…
Leadership Reflections
Members of the UMSV Leadership team, including President Susan Burns (second from right) and Seton College Dean Jason Ford (second from left)
Susan Burns, President, University of Mount Saint Vincent
Seton in one word? Possibility
Favorite thing about Seton? Seton College gives hope and a home to students who are looking to invest in imagining a different future.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? A favorite memory is more about a series of experiences than one specific moment. Over the course of the fall semester, I have had the opportunity to bring several visitors and guests to our newly renovated space for Seton College, and I love seeing students actively engaging in their studies when walking past the new classrooms and enjoying time together in the Carson Commons gathering space between classes - building community and bonds with each other.
Jason Ford, Dean, Seton College
Seton in one word? Transformative
Favorite thing about Seton? The community that we have worked to establish. Seeing students make connections with faculty and staff and feel the support and encouragement that the students receive from them.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? Opportunities to sit with students at lunch or during a free period and get their honest feelings about what we are doing and how we are doing in our inaugural year.
Student Reflections
Students in Seton College’s inaugural class, including Jaden Baldeon (far right)
Angelina Manning, Seton College Class of ‘26
Seton in one word? Family.
Favorite thing about Seton? Meeting new people and making new friends.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? Receiving Seton’s ‘Student of the Month’ Award! l never thought l would accomplish that in college.
Jaden Baldeon, Seton College Class of ‘26
Seton in one word? Transformative.
Favorite thing about Seton? The community, hands down. It’s a place where peers feel like family, staff are such genuine people, and great mentors.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? Presenting my Intro to Psych final slideshow to the entire Seton community. Sharing ideas with peers who aren’t just classmates but dreamers chasing an opportunity, brought together by an amazing faculty who continuously strive to support and elevate us and, most of all, to constantly improve the program. It was a celebration of ambition, making history and completing the first-ever semester at Seton College.
Faculty & Staff Reflections
Members of the Seton College Community at the Tour de Bronx event, including Sharon Ortega (left), Anthony Rooney (center), and Felix Paulino (right).
Sharon Ortega, Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement
Seton in one word? Community.
Favorite thing about Seton? My favorite thing is the sense of community. As we continue to weather through circumstances with our students, we are deeply rewarded by our connection to each other and sense of community.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? My favorite memory was riding the Tour De Bronx with students and staff. Seton was part of a cycling event in the Bronx with thousands of Bronx residents.
Katie Alexander, Associate Dean for Academics
Seton in one word? Becoming.
Favorite thing about Seton? Seeing the students transform into scholars. This semester, students participated in mock board room meetings, created original business plan proposals, modeled revenue forecasting for Fortune 500 companies, and read Shakespeare. In all these experiences, we witnessed students develop their analytical reasoning skills and discover that what they learn in the classroom can be applied to their personal and professional lives.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? My favorite memory is of a student who, at the start of the semester, was adamant about not wanting to attend college. Even the thought of coming to class made the student miserable. We encouraged the student to persevere for just one semester before making a final decision. Gradually, the student came to class each day, put more effort into assignments, and by the end of the semester they had a change of heart and were fully committed to continuing their studies at Seton College.
Felix Paulino, Assistant to the Dean
Seton in one word? Ignition. Because our goal is to help them find that spark that gets students going. That spark to succeed and be great.
Favorite thing about Seton? My favorite thing about Seton is the students and watching them take full advantage of the opportunities available. I believe we are fostering an environment where students can truly grow and thrive.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from the first semester? My favorite memory is witnessing the moment when students experience a shift in mindset, the "click" where they realize, "I can do this. I can be great if I apply myself." Seeing them embrace college life and what it has to offer is incredibly rewarding. Also, as someone very involved on campus as an undergrad, it was great to see how the students found that balance between academics and extracurricular activities such as clubs and part-time jobs!
Marsha Alejandro, Clinical Assistant Professor of Business
Seton in one word? Welcoming
Favorite thing about Seton? Engaging with students
Favorite memory or accomplishment from the first semester? A student's appreciation for the guidance and growth they experience is what truly makes this work meaningful to me.
Omar Ortiz, Community Wellness Advocate
Seton in one word? Optimistic
Favorite thing about Seton? The staff and faculty are committed and eager to support each other.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from the first semester? Building connections with students.
Anthony Rooney, Career Services Specialist
Seton in one word? Innovative
Favorite thing about Seton? The supportive and communicative administration and hygienic work environment.
What is your favorite memory or accomplishment from your first semester at Seton? Hosting Seton College’s "Career Mixer" on October 10th.
