Seton Hall: A Journey of Transformation, Faith, and Reflection Opens at the University Center

On Monday, December 8, 2025, the opening reception for “Seton Hall: A Journey of Transformation, Faith and Reflection,” which was curated by graduate students in the Museum Exhibitions A-Z course, kicked off in the Bishop Doughtery University Center, Theatre Hall (UC).

This exhibit celebrates how art influences life’s journeys, specifically highlighting “the unique perspectives students bring to their academic and personal growth,” according to Program Director Nadzeya Charapan, Ph.D. The exhibition highlights the student's creativity, collaborative effort and readiness to contribute meaningful work to the museum field.

For each subtheme of the exhibit – transformation, faith and inner reflection – students prepared an introductory speech to guide the opening ceremony visitors through the exhibition’s layout and to explain the rationale behind the selected prints. Christian Dolan presented the transformation section, Kaylee Long spoke on faith and Syeda H. Ali introduced inner reflection.

Undergraduate students in the Art and Human Needs course also contributed by writing and sharing original poems and short stories inspired by their own journeys at Seton Hall. This aspect added a powerful and personal layer to the event. Fatima Abdulrahman presented an original poem titled "Forward"; Franshesca Beltre shared her original poem titled "Her Name is Seton Hall"; and Justin Del Valle read an original short story titled "Administrative Ostrache."

Charapan and the graduate students extend their gratitude to Dean Crable and Chair Zizik for their financial support and authorization of the project; to Sarah E. Ponichtera, Emily H. Handlin, John J. Walako and Laura M. Hapke for their support and for providing access to the Universities archive collections; to Christine E. Lhowe for her assistance with graphic design and editing; and to Frank Capra for printing services.

“It was really exciting to be able to apply our new skills to create an exhibit. Walking through the UC and seeing our work as a class has increased my confidence as I enter the museum field,” said Kaylee Long, ‘26.

Categories: Arts and Culture