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St. Thomas Aquinas College Celebrates Scholars at 10th Annual IGNITE Exhibit April 24
St. Thomas Aquinas College will celebrates its Community of Scholars, commemorating ten years of student innovation, creativity, and academic excellence at its 10th Annual IGNITE Exhibition, taking place on Thursday, April 24 at 4 PM.
“IGNITE exemplifies the very best of our Community of Scholars at St. Thomas Aquinas College — where ideas are inspired, curiosity is nurtured, and innovation thrives,” said St. Thomas Aquinas College President Ken Daly. “Rooted in faculty mentorship, IGNITE showcases the extraordinary work purpose of our students. Over the past decade, IGNITE has grown into a signature academic experience — amplifying student voices, celebrating intellectual discovery, and reflecting our mission to prepare leaders who will shape a better, brighter future.”
Celebrating its milestone 10th year, IGNITE showcases undergraduate research, creativity, and scholarly achievement. The annual event features student projects from across every discipline—including education, science, and the humanities—highlighting the vibrant intellectual life that defines the St. Thomas Aquinas College experience.
The 2025 IGNITE projects showcase student research from across the College’s four schools, exploring a diverse range of topics. Highlights include an exploration of brand perception in the age of generative AI, a research study on the impact of exercise on individuals with co-occurring depression and OCD, and a comprehensive review of student bereavement policies at colleges across the Northeast. Additional projects feature a creative campaign to share the Spartan story for the Athletics Department and an international business ethics case competition entry examining the environmental implications of water usage in AI cooling systems. These projects are just a glimpse into the wide-ranging scholarship, creativity, and innovation on display at this year’s IGNITE.
The 2025 IGNITE Exhibition is free and open to the public and will be held in Costello Hall. Community members, educators, industry professionals, and prospective students are invited to experience the creativity, inquiry, and innovation that continue to thrive on campus.
Learn more at: stac.edu/ignite.
Saint Dominic’s Family Services Names Ann Marie Tromer CEO
Saint Dominic’s Family Services has named Ann Marie Tromer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With a distinguished career in finance, business operations, and nonprofit leadership, Tromer steps into the role with a deep commitment to advancing the agency’s mission of empowering individuals and families across the Hudson Valley and the Bronx.
Tromer brings extensive leadership experience to her new role. Prior to her appointment, she served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Saint Dominic’s, overseeing fiscal operations, technology, and educational programs such as the 853 School and Bronx Preschool. Her career also includes leadership positions in the Pearl River Union Free School District, where she managed the annual school budget and led capital projects, and the Clarkstown Central School District, where she played a key role in financial management and operational strategy. Additionally, at ARC of Rockland, she spearheaded efforts to modernize revenue reporting and Medicaid reimbursement processes, ensuring the financial stability of essential services.
“I’m honored to lead this incredible agency and build on its legacy of impact. Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to expanding our reach and deepening our support for the communities we serve,” said Tromer.
Bonni Raab, President of the Board of Directors: “The Board is delighted to have appointed Ann Marie Tromer as Chief Executive Officer, a role in which the agency will thrive with her demonstrated leadership qualities, vision, and commitment to the mission of Saint Dominic’s Family Services.” Raab, who has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2013, assumed the role of Board President in February 2025. Her steadfast commitment to the agency has been instrumental in driving its mission forward.
For 147 years, Saint Dominic’s Family Services has been a cornerstone of support for children, adults, and families in need. The agency provides comprehensive programs, including foster care, mental health services, developmental disabilities support, and education. Saint Dominic’s serves approximately 2,000 individuals annually, offering compassionate and innovative services that enhance lives and strengthen communities.
Tromer holds an MBA in Finance from Fordham University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Pace University, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York. Her strategic vision, financial acumen, and passion for service make her a strong advocate for the individuals and families served by Saint Dominic’s Family Services.
For more information, visit www.sdfs.org.
Dogs & Fashion on Broadway
Produced by Hope Wade Designs, Dogs and Fashion on Broadway, culminates with a runway show set for Saturday, April 26th at 4pm in Nyack on North Broadway between Lydecker St and High Avenue. The block will be cordoned off for the fashion show showcasing dogs and businesses showing their wares by models.
Hope Wade is an award winning fashion designer who owns a store at 23 N Broadway Nyack.
Five dogs will be up for adoption.
“This is going to be such a wonderful event because it seems like every other person in Nyack has a dog. The Mayor has asked how can we get more business to come to Nyack? — and I thought this would be an amazing collaboration. So far people are enthusiastic,” said Wade
This event is sponsored by the Village of Nyack from funds from its hotel tax.
The main runway event will showcase the work of 12 local stores, 14 dogs and vendors including Hope Wade’s own couture line. Entertainment will be offered by The Raze DJ, MC Qui Talks and puppeteer Bonnie Halfond.
To participate go to www.dogsandfashiononbroadway.com
Dogs, vendors and models are invited to participate.
Fifth Annual Nyack Restaurant Week Kicks Off April 23
From Monday, April 23 through Thursday May 1, nearly 40 restaurants will dish up deals for brunch, lunch, dinner and in-betweens.
Nyack restaurants will feature special menus at discounts of up to 20 percent on indoor dining, plus free items to accompany orders.
Nyack merchants offer similar discounts and special sales for patrons of Nyack Feasts.
All deals are described at https://visitnyack.org/nyackrestaurantweek/
36 restaurants featuring the following cuisines include French, Italian and specialty fresh pasta, Thai, Filipino, Ukrainian, Greek, Mexican, Vietnamese, Himalayan, Peruvian, American Southern, Continental, charcuterie and imported cheeses, specialty coffees and baked goods, casual pub eats (including Irish favorites), diner-style breakfasts and burgers, and artisanal beers and beverages, and brewery fare – all in the center of Nyack.
19 Retail stores featuring second hand and designer clothing, home goods, books, antiques, jewelry and crystals, crafts, records, Nyack souvenirs, dog toys and grooming services.
“We want to give our community and our visitors a dining and shopping option that doesn’t require a commute or paying a congestion tax, ” said Visit Nyack President Thomas Schneck. “Nyack is a community where you can hear John Turturro or Sigourney Weaver at the Angel and then enjoy some Peruvian Ceviche a few steps away, without any hassle,” he said, referring to Nyack’s newest performance and event venue, the Angel Nyack.
“Nyack has an amazing selection of dining and shopping options slated for this year’s Restaurant Week,” declared Nyack Chamber of Commerce Trustee Tristan Dunnigan. “You can check out one of our newest editions, like the Asian Fusion stylings of celebrity chef Chris Holland at Katina Kita or revisit the legendary Strawberry Place that has been serving the Nyack community since the 1970s.”
Diners and shoppers have the chance to win one of five $100 gift cards being raffled off when they participate in a brief feedback survey. Visitors of Nyack Restaurant Week will be prompted to fill out a one-minute survey rating their experience when they scan a QR code, which will be present at every participating businesses’ dining table, bar top or point of check out. Participants will be entered into the raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the business where the QR code was scanned.
