Photo by Alexis Tarrazi A Felician College building at the Rutherford campus was dedicated in Sister Theresa Mary Martin’s honor, Nov. 19.

By Alexis Tarrazi / Senior Reporter

RUTHERFORD (Nov. 26, 2009) — The two-story, brick-covered Becton Hall building and a vibrant young tree will serve as a permanent and ever-growing reminder of Sister Theresa Mary Martin’s dedication to Felician College.

Becton Hall on the Rutherford campus was renamed in Martin’s honor, Thursday, Nov. 19. A young sapling was also planted in front of the building and dedicated to Martin.

“All I can say is, ‘Wow,’ ” Martin said at the dedication. “My head is still spinning. I haven’t come down to Earth yet.”

Martin was named president of the college 25 years ago, when it housed 450 female students, most of whom were studying to earn a nursing degree.

A quarter of a century later, Felician has evolved into a four-year, co-ed college with more than 2,400 students. The college has expanded to offer traditional graduate degrees, online graduate degree programs, multiple online courses, more than 55 undergraduate majors and concentrations, accelerated and fast-track degree programs and a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Athletic Program for commuter and residential students.

Martin’s achievements are as numerous as the educational institution she works for. She was once named “Educator of the Year” by the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce; served as principal of Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta; received the Exceptional People Impacting Community Award from the New jersey Institute for Nursing; and directed 40 retreat weekends for Felician students.

“Every organization needs a leader … and Sister Theresa has always been that leader to all of us,” said Sister Rosita Brennan, vice president of academic affairs, at the dedication.

The dedication ceremony culminated a week-long series of events, which included a day of service. During the dedication, holy water was splashed on visitors and the building in blessing.

“The 25th anniversary of Sister Theresa’s presidency has given us the perfect opportunity to honor and commemorate her years of service and devotion to the college and its Franciscan mission,” said Brennan.