ATLANTIC CITY – More than 370 people came together the evening of Oct. 11 in the spirit of “caring in action” as Catholic Charities of South Jersey held its 19th annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Resorts Hotel.
Thanking everyone in attendance for their support, Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden, said, “You all are helping … people without means, without access to justice, without access to dignity. It’s thanks to you that we have funds [and] can help in some way – sometimes big, sometimes small – to try to restore some of the dignity that is theirs.”
This year’s fundraiser – every penny of which goes to those in need across South Jersey, regardless of their faith – was attended by Bishop Dennis Sullivan as well as clergy, religious men and women, Catholic school students and staff, and lay faithful. CBS3 Eyewitness News journalist Pat Ciarrocchi emceed the event, which honored Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University, Glassboro, for his numerous initiatives that have lifted up both the local community and Rowan’s students.
“Dr. Houshmand and Bishop Sullivan are leaders who build and strengthen society,” Hickey said. “That is what leaders are supposed to be doing, they are supposed to be bringing us together, lifting up society, lifting our vision … so that we are always looking to advance the common good.”
Also among the evening’s highlights: recognizing this year’s Disciples of Mercy – men and women who have gone above and beyond to serve the most vulnerable across South Jersey. This year’s honorees were: Cherryl Summers of Sacred Heart Parish, Camden; Patricia Slater, recently retired pastoral associate for Social Justice and Community Outreach at Cherry Hill’s Catholic Community of Christ Our Light; Rose Otto, coordinator of the Social Concerns Ministry at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown; Mike Brindisi of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Brigantine, and Elizabeth and William “Bill” Keller of Saint Joseph Parish, Sea Isle City.
“I feel what I do isn’t award-worthy; I believe it’s something everyone could be doing,” Brindisi said of his outreach to the community, which includes serving as a parish trustee, Knight of Columbus, extraordinary minister and more.
As the founder of Brindisi Builders in Marlton, he also helps pro bono with parish construction projects. His philosophy: “As long as we stay focused on our own needs, we will never be happy.”
Bishop Sullivan, in his remarks, praised Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden, the Disciples of Mercy and Dr. Houshmand for their extraordinary service and commitment to the needs of others. “We share a common purpose … to make a difference in the lives of people who need us to make a difference in their lives.”
Before presenting Dr. Houshmand with the Saint John Neumann Award, Bishop Sullivan noted the university president’s many achievements, including improving access to education for students of all income levels; a university food pantry for students in need, and his own garden, the wares of which he donates to the food pantry. Dr. Houshmand also grows peppers and makes his own hot sauces, with the proceeds going to the Student Emergency Scholarship Fund.
“This dedication to using the university’s resources to lift up the communities of South Jersey and individual Rowan students is a testament to Dr. Houshmand’s commitment to solidarity, development and the dignity of the human person,” Bishop Sullivan said. “Those are the values that the Catholic Church is devoted to as well.”
As someone whose history is tied to higher education, Dr. Houshmand said he was honored to receive the Saint John Neumann Award. He noted the saint’s many contributions to education, including founding the first Catholic diocesan school system.
Dr. Houshmand also said he was humbled to be recognized by Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden. Speaking of the people they serve, he said, “Regardless of their faith, you reach out to them, you serve them with dignity and respect. You demonstrate that assisting others, meeting them where they are and helping with their needs is the most basic gift you can bestow upon another human being.
“I know this to be true from my own experience,” he continued, explaining how he was born in Iran and raised in a 750-square-feet living space with his parents, nine siblings and grandfather. “That experience of being hungry, not having many clothes … going outside to play soccer in bare feet, blood dripping from the tip of my toes … all of that taught me that it is absolutely essential for any human being who can to help others.”
After high school, he was helped by his brother, who gave him a one-way ticket to London and $75. At the time, he spoke no English, though a week later, he had a job frying chicken. He eventually was offered the opportunity to attend a university, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He arrived in the United States in 1983 and pursued further education at the University of Michigan.
“Who would have ever imagined that those generous acts would lead me to where I am today,” Dr. Houshmand said. “I am truly blessed and consider it a privilege to be in the position to return those favors every day.”
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