Records, award -winning speakers and inspired discussions contributed to an unforgettable symposium of social justice, the change at Caldwell University on February 28th

Caldwell, New Jersey – the stage was played in front of the first guests. But arrive, they did and submitted the Symposium 2025 Social Justice: Be the change in record numbers. The 4th annual symposium, which was produced by the Social Justice Institute at Caldwell University, found a way to increase its message higher than ever.

Be the change The generous sponsorship of Caldwell University Alumna and the former deputy general prosecutor for the state of New Jersey, Nancy Costello-Miller, ESQ. '79, who is a convinced advocate of human rights and continues to support Caldwell University.

This year's sessions focused on intersectionality, lack of misinformation from serious information, skills to combat pre-incidence and microaggressions in K-12 and college classrooms as well as training in social justice such as anti-racism, health differences, climate change, anti-Semitism and LGBTQ appreciation.

“More and more people register every year to take part in it, and this year we are officially capacity,” said co-director and association professor of institutes and association Professor Helen Antoniou McGowan.

The event was partly sponsored by the multicultural center of Eileen Jones at Caldwell University. The deputy director of the center, Tasia Burgess, Shrm-CP, shone a happy month for black history.

“[The Center was] Named after the first black woman who completed Caldwell University in 1957. She was a pioneer in many ways, “she generously donated her estate and with these proceeds the university founded the multicultural center of Eileen Jones.

“It was an honor to continue their legacy.”

The co-director of the institute and deputy vice president for academic support services, Stephanie Sitnick, Ph.D., followed and took a moment to remind everyone why they were all there.

“We have to feel comfortable when we are challenged,” Dr. Sitnick, “And it can even feel comfortable to feel uncomfortable at certain times.

“Take a look around the room, we have more people than ever before,” she said. “All people in this room are their co -allied and now part of their community of their social justice.”

“The Caldwell University finds its roots as Catholic and Dominican University, and that is the country in which they are currently located,” Sister Kathleen Tuite, OP, assistant to the President of Mission Integration before offering the opening prayer of the event. “As Catholic University, we have invited ourselves in the principles of social justice.”

It turns out that the principles were created hundreds of years ago.

“The Caldwell University was founded by the sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell based on an 800-year tradition,” Jeffrey Senese, President of Caldwell University, Ph.D.

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

The event was partly sponsored for a generous donation from Valley Bank, and its VP market manager, Richard Biggs III, spoke of her own mission and about how it corresponds to Caldwell's commitment to social justice.

“It is an honor to be here … surrounded by people who are passionate about creating a fairer and fair world,” he started. “Social justice is not just a concept – it is a call to act.

“True equity means creating opportunities and reducing barriers.”

After the breakout sessions, smaller group discussions and a beautiful performance of the Chorale of Caldwell University, the participants became the lunch and the keynote of the day, which was held by CBS News -winner, reporter and host, Alecia Reid, which was held by CBS New York, with Alecia Reid, which of their personal connections and the voices of the Unsungen hero of the ongoing struggle.

“It is up to each of us to be this change,” Reid started. “My goal today is that each of them is inspired and enabled to influence changes.”

Her fascinating address proved to be very inspiring and included anecdotes, news roles, tips, knowledge and a general feeling of support for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.

“And now I ask you that,” she said when she closed her address. “What is your superpower? How do you affect changes in your community? “

The mission of the Social Justice Institute of Caldwell University is to train the voters of the University of Caldwell and its community partners with regard to questions of social injustice, to master marginalized voices and enable others to take measures and become an arbitrator. Your work is based especially in the resistance and interruption systems of oppression. For this purpose, the Social Justice Institute is advocated to build up relationships and enable opportunities that welcome and confirm the value of all people and create a safe space for individuals in order to be their entire self and to honor their diverse identities and experiences. Find out more at www.caldwell.edu/sji.