• Seton Hall University
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day

As part of this year’s Charter Day, celebrating the founding of the University in 1856 and the granting of our charter by the New Jersey State Legislature in 1861, we are focusing on the legacy of our patroness, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first-American born saint, who continues to inspire us in so many ways. This year is especially significant as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of her canonization on September 14. 

To bring St. Elizabeth’s story to life, the University proudly welcomes Catherine O’Donnell, Ph.D., a professor of history at Arizona State University and author of the biography Elizabeth Seton: American Saint (Cornell University Press, 2018), awarded the Distinguished Book Award by the Conference on the History of Women Religious and the Biography Prize from the Catholic Book Association. 

Professor O’Donnell will be participating in events throughout Charter Day, including as our keynote speaker at the Charter Day Ceremony. 

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Charter Day Treats and Trivia
10 a.m. | President's Hall
Stop by the table in front of President's Hall to test your Charter Day knowledge! Answer trivia questions and spin for a sweet treat.

Resilience Panel Luncheon
12:30 p.m. | Bethany Hall
 A  luncheon for Class of 2025 MLK Scholars and Buccino Leaders, Servant Leader Scholars and  DOVE Servant Leader Awardees. The focus will be on Elizabeth Seton’s resilience and how she inspires us in challenging times. Featured panelists are Professor Catherine O'Donnell, Professor Nancy Enright, and junior Lucas Brasil. By invitation only.

Charter Day Ceremony
3 p.m. | University Center, Main Event Room
Charter Day celebrates the founding of Seton Hall in 1856 and the granting of our charter by the New Jersey State legislature in 1861. It is a special annual opportunity to reflect on our history and purpose, our Catholic identity and mission. 

Registration is recommended and encouraged. The award ceremony will recognize the winners of the McQuaid Medal and President's Award for Student Service, and honor our Servant Leader Scholars. Catherine O'Donnell will give a short keynote address focused on examples from Elizabeth’s life that demonstrated her resilience, and how we are carrying on her legacy through our commitment to the University’s mission and through service.

Unable to join in person? View the livestream »

• About Catherine O’Donnell »

  Catherine O’Donnell is Professor of History at Arizona State University. She is the author of Elizabeth Seton: American Saint (Cornell University Press, 2018), which was awarded the Distinguished Book Award by the Conference on the History of Women Religious, for books published from 2016-2018, as well as the Biography Prize from the Catholic Press Association. She is also the author of the books Jesuits in the British and North American Colonies: Faith, Conflict, Adaptation (Brill, 2018) and Men of Letters in the Early Republic (Chapel HIll, 2008) as well as articles appearing in venues including the William and Mary Quarterly, the Journal of the Early Republic, Early American Literature, and the US Catholic Historian. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on early American history and the Atlantic World and serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Humanities Research.

Book Signing with Catherine O’Donnell
4:15 p.m. | University Center Event Lounge
Immediately following the Charter Day ceremony, join us for a book signing and refreshhment in the Event Lounge. Complimentary copies of Elizabeth Seton: American Saint will be available courtesy of  University Relations, (while supplies last).  Additional copies will also be available to purchase. 

EA Seton Meets GK Chesterton: What They Might Say About Catholic Higher Education Today
5 p.m. | University Center, 2nd Floor, Room 206
The Center for Catholic Studies will host a thought-provoking discussion on the state of Catholic higher education today, viewed through the perspectives of two monumental figures in Catholic theology and education:  Elizabeth Ann Seton and G.K. Chesterton.

Dermot Quinn, D.Phil., a historian at Seton Hall University, will offer insights into the thought and influence of G.K. Chesterton, while Catherine O’Donnell, Ph.D., will bring the perspective of Mother Seton to the conversation. The discussion will be moderated by Patrick Manning, Ph.D., associate professor of pastoral theology and director of the Center for Catholic Studies at Seton Hall.