Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership

10/19/2026

Join us in this upcoming forum on New Jersey’s State of Immigration Affairs, Wednesday, October 28, 10:00 AN - 1:00PM at Saint Peter's University

"An Inside Look: The State of Immigration Affairs in New Jersey" is a nonpartisan public forum happening on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

It will bring together the Saint Peter's University community and the broader public with elected officials in a meaningful dialogue on federal and state immigration policies and their impact on our communities.

Key speakers at this forum include: Congressman Rob Menendez, Assemblywoman Katie Brennan, Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla, and our University President, Dr. Hubert Benitez.

Register now: https://bit.ly/47oI5v9

05/04/2026

On April 15, Saint Peter’s University hosted an Immigration Summit in partnership with the Office of Mayor James Solomon, the Guarini Institute, the Office of the President, and the Certificate of Refugee and Migration Studies at Saint Peter’s University.

The Summit brought together community leaders from Church World Service, Jersey City’s Division of Immigrant Affairs, and the Department of Health and Human Services to engage in meaningful dialogue on the mayor’s executive order on immigration, public safety, and support for the local immigrant/migrant community. We also honored the resilience and contribution of the immigrant community through our SPU student narratives.

We look forward to continuing these important critical conversations on immigration and advancing justice through education and community partnership.

04/29/2026

Civic Engagement, Politics, and Research. Thank you Professor Hyacinth Miller for sharing your ongoing research on “Garden State’s Black Politics” and your academic journey into the political field.

Professor Miller’s talk reminded us that informed voices and active participation are key to shaping stronger, more inclusive communities.

04/24/2026

Join us for a “Living Room Chat” with our SPU Political Science students as they discuss their internship experiences with Jersey City’s elected officials.

🗓️ Wednesday, April 29th
⏰ 4:00PM
📍 Guarini Living Room, Student Center, 1st Fl.

04/13/2026

Join us for our Immigration Summit in partnership with the Mayor’s office of Jersey City this Wednesday, April 15, 12:00PM, at Saint Peter’s University.

Hear directly from Mayor James Solomon as he shares insights and initiatives shaping our city’s approach to immigration. Stay engaged with a dynamic panel discussion featuring community leaders and advocates exploring how we can better support immigrant communities and create pathways for opportunity. We also recognize the resilience and incredible contribution of immigrants through their work, ideas, and lived experiences.

We hope you can join us in this important conversation.

04/07/2026

Congratulations to Guarini Fellow, Francesca Solano Vargas ‘27. Francesca will present her research, “Indigenous Language Preservation and Access in the Garden State” at the Northeastern Anthropological Association Conference on April 17-18 at Rowan University.

Francesca will be part of a larger panel discussion on the broader topic of cultural preservation and community solidarity along with other amazing SPU students from the department of Sociology, Urban Studies, and Anthropology.