Saint Elizabeth University launches women’s leadership institute at gala

By AI, Created 10:55 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Saint Elizabeth University used its 2026 gala in Randolph, New Jersey, to unveil the Sister Francis Raftery Institute for Women’s Leadership and honor alumni, partners, and supporters. The new institute will add scholarships, leadership programming, experiential learning, and New Jersey’s first bachelor’s degree in Women’s Leadership.

Why it matters: - Saint Elizabeth University is expanding its women’s leadership footprint with a new institute designed to prepare women for leadership roles across disciplines and careers. - The institute will add scholarships, leadership programming, experiential learning, and academic innovation to the university’s existing mission. - The launch includes New Jersey’s first bachelor’s degree in Women’s Leadership, a notable academic first for the state.

What happened: - Saint Elizabeth University welcomed more than 250 alumni, students, and supporters to its 2026 Gala on May 1 at The Meadow Wood in Randolph, New Jersey. - The university officially launched the Sister Francis Raftery Institute for Women’s Leadership during the event. - The gala honored the legacy of Sister Francis Raftery, SEU’s 6th president. - University leadership, community partners, and special guests delivered remarks during a cocktail reception, formal program, and dinner.

The details: - The Institute will focus on preparing women to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact. - SEU says the institute will broaden opportunities for women across multiple fields through scholarships and leadership-focused programming. - The Spirit of Saint Elizabeth Awards recognized Atlantic Health System, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson, and the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce for ethical leadership and community impact. - The university inducted its 2026 Hall of Fame class, including Wynn Johanson ’67, Beth Renyi ’69, Valerie Rowe ’69, Linda Marie Flores-Tober ’81, Frances Weis-Garcia ’87, and the late Jacklyn Bezos ’91. - Saint Elizabeth University also raised significant financial support for the new institute at the gala. - The university was recently named to Newsweek’s inaugural “America’s Best Colleges for Women” list for its strength in opportunity, support, and outcomes. - Saint Elizabeth University was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and remains a Catholic institution focused on academic excellence, leadership development, and service.

Between the lines: - The gala positioned the institute launch as both a fundraising milestone and a brand statement about the university’s long-term identity. - The new degree program suggests SEU is aiming to move from broad support for women’s advancement to a more formal academic pipeline for women’s leadership. - The awards and Hall of Fame induction reinforced the university’s effort to connect the new initiative to established community and alumni networks.

What’s next: - The Sister Francis Raftery Institute for Women’s Leadership will move from announcement to implementation as SEU builds out programming and the new bachelor’s degree. - The university is expected to use the fundraising momentum from the gala to support the institute’s launch and future expansion. - More information is available on the university’s website.