Seven outstanding individuals were honored for their contributions to the university and to society at the annual Visionaries Gala.
The gala raised about $150,000 for the Cabrini Fund to enhance the student experience.
On Friday, November 6, Cabrini held its 6th annual Visionaries Gala. This was the first Cabrini gala that was held virtually. The gala was filmed in the mansion and was live streamed on YouTube.
The first award that was given out was the Compass Award and Ronald W. Whitaker II, EdD was the recipient. The award and recipient was introduced by Dr. Chioma Ugochukwu, provost. Whitaker is an expert on race and urban education. Whitaker was instrumental in forming a partnership between Cabrini and the School District of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania’s pilot program Aspiring to Educate.
“Education means freedom for me,” Whitaker said. “I always push students to critically think for themselves.”
The second award was the Luminary award and had four recipients. The four recipients are Hon. Jordan Harris (08’), Kate Conahan Ponto PT, DPT (’10), Craig Vagell Jr. (’05) and Jeanne Venella RN (’04). The recipients and award was introduced by Dr. Jennifer Specht, head of the nursing department. To receive this award the recipients must have graduated in the last 20 years and light the way for others.
Kathryn Ponto is director of Rehabilitation Services at Lima Estates, Acts Retirement Communities in Delaware County. Ponto developed and implemented the Early Mobilization Protocol in the ICU at Delaware County Memorial Hospital.
“Don’t go into healthcare for the money,” said Ponto, “and thank you for everyone who has supported me.”
Jordan Harris is the representative for the 186th District in the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania and the Democratic Caucus Whip. Harris is recognized for his work in education and on criminal justice reform. Harris helped author the groundbreaking law that automatically seals certain criminal records in Pennsylvania.
“Live your life like you are leaving a legacy,” Harris said, “so when you close your eyes your rent will be paid in full.”
Dr. Jeanne J. Venella serves as Medtel’s Chief Nursing Officer. Venella is passionate about data and technology. Dr. Venella is dedicated to creating small, internal team structures to improve workflow and efficiency processes.
Dr. Venellla thanked her family and friends for supporting her throughout her career and while advancing through her education career.
Craig Vagell, Jr. has been a firefighter and first responder with the Jersey City Fire Department since 2015 and works for ABC News part-time. Vagell won the Young Alumni Award in 2008 for his continued commitment to the Cabrinian legacy of service. He is a former president of the Cabrini College Alumni Board.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way we learn, spend time with family and celebrate events like this one,” Vagell said.
The last award of the night was Christopher Award for Extraordinary Leadership and was given to two recipients who died this year. The two recipients were Antoinette Iadarola, PhD and Dr. Shirley Walker Dixon. The award was presented by Dr. Taylor.
Iadarola spent 16 years serving as president of Cabrini College (1992–2008), spearheading remarkable physical and intellectual growth on campus. During her tenure as Cabrini’s president, she served as a pioneer and an innovator.
Iadarola’s sister accepted her award in her honor. Iadarola died May 23, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Her sister mentioned how much she loved Cabrini.
Dixon was an iconic member of the Cabrini community. Dixon was a loyal trustee, proud three-time graduate, beloved faculty member, and respected leader in college-wide diversity efforts.
“The staff, facility and student were very dear to her to heart,” Ava Walker said. Walker is Dixon’s niece. Walker accepting the award in her award due to the death of Dixon on Nov. 29, 2019.
The gala lasted around an hour and 45 minutes and had 90 people watching the live stream. A ticket for students to the gala was $10. The site was also accepting donations all throughout the night.
Two Cabrini alumni, Steve Highsmith (88’) and Jana Tidwell (96’) hosted the gala. The hosts helped move the gala along by explaining what had happened through the night, continually asked for donations, transitioning the different speakers and explaining the different awards.
The purpose of the gala was to raise money for Education of the Heart and student opportunities and experiences. Cabrini raised almost $150,000 from multiple sponsors, taking donations and having an auction for multiple items.
There were a lot of different sponsors that helped raise money and helped make the gala possible. A few of the sponsors were Collegis Education, Cabrini University Board of Trustees, Haverford Trust, Cabrini Mission Foundation, Cabrini University Dept. of Institutional Advancement. Collegis Education was the presenting sponsor.
The auction was going on throughout the event as well. There were multiple items available for people to bid on. Some of the items up in the auction were Rita party pack, Family photo shoot, Cabrini cornhole and other opportunities.
The gala ended with a message from Taylor and a video recap of the virtual gala.
