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Wagner College Holocaust Center to Honor Dr. Jane V. DeFazio and Mark R. DeFazio with 2026 Humanitarian Award

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wagner College Holocaust Center Advisory Board will honor Jane V. DeFazio, Ph.D., Associate Professor, and Mark R. DeFazio with the Monroe J. Klein ’66 Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Community Mitzvah Awards Dinner, recognizing their longstanding commitment to compassion, community service, and support of educational and humanitarian initiatives.

“Jane has dedicated her life to caring for others—whether through her work educating future nurses, supporting her students and the patients they serve, or caring for our family,” said Mark R. DeFazio.

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The awards dinner will take place Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Wagner College’s Union Dining Hall in Staten Island, New York.

The Community Mitzvah Awards celebrate individuals who have strengthened Jewish life and demonstrated exceptional leadership and kindness within the broader community. Proceeds from the event support the mission of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, which promotes education, remembrance, and dialogue around the history and lessons of the Holocaust.

Jane V. DeFazio, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Wagner College’s Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing, is widely recognized for her dedication to nursing education and compassionate care. Her scholarship and teaching focus on fostering empathy and reflective practice in healthcare, including research exploring the intersection of healthcare and Holocaust history.

“Jane has dedicated her life to caring for others—whether through her work educating future nurses, supporting her students and the patients they serve, or caring for our family,” said Mark R. DeFazio. “Her work reflects the values of empathy, service, and humanity that this award represents. I couldn’t be more proud of her and the impact she continues to have on her students, her profession, and our community.”

Mark R. DeFazio is the Founder, President, and CEO of Metropolitan Commercial Bank. Under his leadership, the institution has grown from a community bank into a leading NYSE-listed commercial banking platform (NYSE: MCB) serving businesses and communities across the New York region and beyond. In addition to his professional leadership, Mr. DeFazio is a longtime supporter of educational, civic, and charitable organizations, including the Boro Park Jewish Community Council.

Together, Dr. DeFazio and Mr. DeFazio are widely respected for their commitment to community engagement and philanthropy, as well as their support for organizations that promote education, cultural understanding, and compassion.

For additional information about the event, including contributions, please contact Wagner College at j.kelly@wagner.edu or (718) 390-3303.

Those interested in sponsoring, or making a contribution may visit:
https://alumniconnect.wagner.edu/mitzvah2026

About Metropolitan Commercial Bank

Metropolitan Commercial Bank is a New York–based commercial bank that provides a broad range of banking products and financial services to businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities. Founded in 1999, the Bank is known for its relationship-driven approach, innovative financial solutions, and commitment to supporting economic growth and community development.

For more information, please visit the Bank’s website at MCBankNY.com.

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