Portrait - Theodore DamianDear MCNY Community,

I am writing to inform you of the retirement of our beloved colleague, Dr. Theodor Damian. Dr. Damian has been a pillar of the MCNY Community since 1992. He began his career at Metropolitan as an Adjunct Faculty member. He then took on the role of Coordinator of Staten Island Center and now serves as a Full Professor.

President Passaro, Dr. Damian and CAO Crookendale - Theo shows award

President Passaro and Interim CAO Crookendale presented Dr. Damian with an award commemorating his dedication to Purpose-Centered Education.

Dr. Damian has earned a Ph.D. in Theology from Fordham University and a Ph.D. from Bucharest University. Theo, as he is fondly known, also holds a Th.M. in Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has written 7 books in addition to numerous other publications. Theo is also a creative writer with a number of published poems and poetry anthologies. His professional activities are far too vast to count. Dr. Damian has been a main staple in the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education. Many Purpose I, III-VIII and Common Curriculum students have benefited from the depth of his knowledge and experience.

Dr. Damian has been recognized for his scholarly endeavors both nationally and internationally. Most recently, Dr. Damian was presented with a special award by the Minister of Romanians living abroad, during a ceremony at the Romanian Embassy in Washington, DC. He was also awarded the medal Donum Sacrum Unitatis by the Archdiocese of Alba Julia, Romania.

Theo Damian and others...Minister of Romanians living abroad, during a ceremony at the Romanian Embassy in Washington, DC.

Minister of Romanians living abroad ceremony at the Romanian Embassy in Washington, DC.

Dr. Damian received the Queens Ambassador Award

Dr. Damian received the Queens Ambassador Award

On a personal level, Theo has been a true role model and supportive Faculty member. It is through his standards of professionalism, quest for knowledge and compassion, that I am a better Professor. It is my honor to call him my colleague and my friend.

Join me in congratulating Dr. Theo Damian in this next chapter of life. Knowing Theo as we do, I am certain that it will be nothing short of an adventure.

Respectfully,

Dr. Joanne Ardovini
Interim Dean, MCNY  Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education