MARK JACOBS
Chairman, Montefiore Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees
Mark Jacobs, Founder & President of K&M Newspaper Services, Inc., has been a dynamic force in both business and community service since establishing the company in 1984. Specializing in engineering, designing, and manufacturing equipment and software for newspaper and insert collation and packaging, K&M's technology is utilized globally by leading publishers, facilitating the delivery of millions of publications daily.
Born into a family that epitomized the pursuit of the American Dream, Mark's entrepreneurial spirit flourished early on. The son of Martin and Micki Jacobs, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and drive for success, Mark's relentless dedication propelled K&M Newspaper Services, Inc. from a modest startup to a leading provider in the industry. Known for his innovation, inspiration, and commitment to making a difference, Mark's contributions extend far beyond the business realm.
Mark's leadership extends beyond the corporate realm, as evidenced by his involvement in numerous community organizations. Since 1990, he has served on the boards of various nonprofits, including the Arden Hill Foundation, Center for Safety & Change, Community Foundation of Orange County, Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation, Rockland County Pride Center, and Wartburg Foundation
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mark played a significant role in shaping the financial landscape as one of the early traders to execute stock trades on the NASDAQ using the SOES System in the early 1990s. His contributions to electronic day trading sparked rapid market changes, including the rise of retail day trading and advancements in market automation and decimalization of stock quotes.
Mark's commitment to community service is evident in his current board affiliations, which include Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, Chair Emeritus of Montefiore Nyack Foundation, and roles in organizations such as the Rockland Country Club Foundation, St. Dominic’s Family Services, and YMCA of Middletown.
His philanthropic impact is further highlighted by initiatives such as the Jacobs Family Maternity Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, the Jacobs Family Pool at the South Orange Family YMCA, and the Jacobs Family Pride Wellness Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.
Often regarded as Rockland County’s Philanthropic "Godfather," Mark's tireless efforts to support and uplift the community are unparalleled. Whether crunching budget numbers, or discovering new ways to garner more funds, his leadership, networking abilities, and strategic thinking consistently benefit nonprofits of all sizes.
Currently residing life to the fullest with his partner Jodi and their children - Preston, Finola, Aston, Matt, and Cassie, Mark's impact extends to future generations. With a granddaughter named Kennedy recently welcomed into the family, Mark's legacy of service and dedication continues to inspire those around him.
SISTER MARY EILEEN O'BRIEN, OP, PhD
Past President
Dominican University New York
Sister Mary Eileen is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt and has dedicated herself to education, congregational excellence, and leadership for more than 50 years. She began her educational career in the Bronx, where she was raised. She taught mathematics at St. Benedict’s School and St. Pius High School before becoming the principal of St. Luke’s School in the South Bronx. In 1977, she was called upon to assist her mentor and former teacher, Sister Natalie Casey, who was President of what was then Dominican College, Sister Mary Eileen’s alma mater. Sister Mary Eileen later served as Acting College President for one year, was elected to serve as College President in 1979, and remained in that position until 1987, when she left to lead the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt for six years. In 1997, she was chosen to serve again as President of the College and has remained in the position ever since. Dominican College was renamed Dominican University New York in May 2022 when the NYS Board of Regents approved the new University status under Sister Mary Eileen’s leadership.
Sister Mary Eileen earned a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and a master’s degree in Mathematics from Manhattan College. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dominican College. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Journal News/Junior Achievement Business Person of the Year, Rockland Employment Network Lifetime Achievement Award, Helen Hayes MacArthur Award, Annual Award from Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Women Pioneers in Education Award, Dominican University Hall of Fame, and Our Lady of the Rosary Leadership Award from the New York Archdiocese.
In addition to her dedication to Dominican University and the Sisters of Saint Dominic, Sister Mary Eileen is active in the local, regional, and national organizations. Some of her involvements include the Helen Hayes Advisory Board, Caldwell University Board of Trustees, Rockland Business Association Board of Directors, Council of Independent Colleges Board, The Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities Board, Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference President’s Council, Dominican Higher Education Council, and Lower Hudson Valley Catholic Colleges and Universities Consortium. She also participates in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Sister Mary Eileen is one of five individuals to serve as President of Dominican College/University, and the longest-serving President in its 70-year history. Dominican University New York currently serves approximately 1,500 students, offering undergraduate programs, master’s programs in teacher education, occupational therapy, nursing, business, and organizational leadership and communication, as well as doctoral programs in physical therapy and nursing.
SISTER KATHLEEN SULLIVAN, OP
Chancellor
Dominican University New York
Sister Kathleen Sullivan, the eldest of three girls born to Irish immigrants Kathleen and Patrick Sullivan, hails from the Bronx, New York. She attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, where she first met the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt. Graduating "summa cum laude" from Good Counsel College. She furthered her education by earning a Masters in French from St. John's University.
After finishing her education, Sister Kathleen entered the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt and has been a dedicated member of the community for sixty five years. She embarked on her teaching career at St. Dominic's School, catering to the children of St. Dominic's Home, an institution founded by the Dominican Sisters in 1878. Later, she contributed her skills to the newly established elementary school at St. Anthony's Shrine in Oceanside, Long Island, and was warmly received by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville.
Sister Kathleen returned to Blauvelt to assume various roles at Dominican College, now Dominican University New York. Her tenure at the institution included positions such as foreign language professor, Director of Admissions, and Academic Dean. From 1987 to 1997, Sister Kathleen admirably served as President of the College. Upon completing her ten-year term, she was bestowed with an honorary Doctorate, and the Board appointed her Chancellor of External Affairs, retaining her position on the Board.
Before her presidency at Dominican College, Sister Kathleen served on the Congregational Leadership Team as a Councilor. Beyond her commitments to Dominican College/University and her Congregation, Sister Kathleen's service extends to various organizations, including The United Way of Rockland, Molloy College, Good Samaritan Hospital, Rockland Business Association, Rockland County Health Priority Services Committee, the Rockland Housing Coalition, St. Peter's Day Care, Partners of the Americas, and Rockland Economic Development Corporation. She also held the presidency of the Rockland County/Saint Lucia Partners of the Americas.
Sister Kathleen is a member of prestigious professional associations such as The American Association of Higher Education, Kappa Gamma Pi, and the American Association of University Professors. Her contributions to the Congregation, education, and the region have been diverse and impactful.
The Mother Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service
Each year, the Sisters of Saint Dominic honor individuals whose lives have demonstrated a spirit of faith and deep caring for others. These individuals are presented with the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service.
Past Honorees of the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service include:
William H. Connolly & Co., Patricia Finan, Phyllis Yonta, Jerry Haas, Peter McKeever, Teresa Radzinski, Laura & Dan Grable, Anthony & Marian D'Ambosio, Lane & Janet Jorgensen, Ruth Young (Posthumously), Phyllis & Bruce Schweizer, Judy Kydon, John Nevins, Barbara & David Bender, Robert S. Manzella, Sisters of Our Lady of the Christian Doctrine, Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, Michael Ragno, Benedict Versaci, John & Eileen White, Kathleen Gregg, Hector May, Keith R. Taylor, Reverend John F. Dwyer, J. Robert Lunney, Peggy Bell Kalter, James F. Hurley, Monsignor Gerald Ryan, Clifford Lai, Sr. Bernadette Kenney, RSHM, Br. James Kearney, FMS, John Caffrey, Rita & Jim Sullivan, Nancy & Bill Hynes, the Moroney Family, the Cullen Family, FDNY Pipe & Drum Band, and in Memory of Timothy J. Mara.