November 21, 2025
Commitment to the Vincentian mission shone brightly last week when Lucy A. Pesce, Executive Director for Mission Initiatives at St. John’s University, was honored by Depaul USA with the Dax Champion Award for her unwavering leadership and compassion. Ms. Pesce’s recognition highlights not only her personal dedication but also the University’s broader mission to uplift and serve individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Lucy leads with conviction, humility, and a genuine commitment to student success, ensuring students are truly seen and supported,” said Mel Reyes, Dax Program Director–New York City, Depaul USA. “She embodies the Vincentian mission by putting service into action and centering every decision on the dignity of students.”
Ms. Pesce first joined the University in 2000 as Associate Director of Leadership and Multicultural Student Programs. In 2002, she took on the role of Associate Director of Student Development, a position she held for two years. In 2006, she returned to the University as Director of Leadership Development for Student-Athletes. She was named Executive Director for Mission in 2011, and her role expanded to include the Vincentian Institute for Social Action (now known as The Institute for Vincentian Impact) in 2017. She assumed her current role in 2022 and recently defended her doctoral dissertation at Seton Hall University.
“Lucy’s ability to recognize repeated expressions of individual need as a systemic problem is part of her way of being Vincentian,” explained Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission. “She precedes the Vincentian question, ‘What must be done?’ with a thorough analysis of what her mind and her heart are telling her. Lucy’s compassion hits the ground running, and people’s lives change.”
Jackie Lochrie ’94Ed, ’99GEd, ’08PD, ’24Ed.D., Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs, expressed similar sentiments. “I can think of no other person who personifies the Vincentian charism and call to action, ‘What must be done?’”
Held at Thomas Berry Place in Queens, NY, the event, Friendsgiving for Futures, helped raise funds for Depaul USA Dax students living in New York City. Guests heard firsthand from clients and former clients whose lives had been transformed by the Dax program.
Dean of Students, David N. Gachigo, M.P.A. ’10G, ’25Ph.D., offered his heartfelt congratulations to his long-time colleague. “A well-deserved recognition to Lucy for her continuous support and care of our students through a Vincentian prism.”
Named after Dax, a town in France near where St. Vincent de Paul was born and educated, the program provides housing and support services to homeless or housing insecure college students. Today, the Dax program operates three houses for St. John’s students.