St. André Society

King’s College is excited to announce its new St. André Society, an inter-professional association that furthers health science education at King’s College by connecting mission-driven health care professionals with each other and the College’s mission. 

Members can access unique professional development and networking opportunities to connect with other healthcare professionals who have a passion for serving our communities and championing the inherent dignity of every individual. Members will also be invited to special events like the St. André Lecture and White Mass for Health Care Professionals.

In addition, all members will enjoy regular news updates showcasing the latest health science news from King’s College and the Dean of Health Sciences.

The College launched the St. André Society during the Feast of St. André on January 7, 2026.

“A consistent mission of King’s College has been to instill a sense of community in its students and alumni. The St. André Society builds on this community mission by reaching out to the many alumni who are, or have been, health care professionals to share their experiences with each other and our current students in this challenging time in health care.”

Jonathan P. Hosey, M.D., ’78, a founding member of the St. André Society who also serves on the King's College board of directors.

About St. André

St. André Bessette was a Holy Cross brother, the first canonized Saint in the Congregation of Holy Cross, and the founder of the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal.

St. André

While serving as the doorkeeper at a high school in Montreal, Br. André would receive visitors who needed healing. Br. André encouraged these people to pray to St. Joseph, and many miraculous healings were attributed to his intercession. As a token of gratitude and a sign of their healing, many visitors leave behind crutches and other aides at the Oratory to this day.

St. André serves as the Patron Saint of Health Sciences at King’s College. His involvement in healing and restoration to fullness of life connects the mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross with the health sciences mission at King’s College, where we seek to honor, protect, and promote the inherent dignity of every person. A set of crutches from the Oratory of St. Joseph were gifted to the College in 2024 and are displayed next to an icon of St. André in the lobby of our new Frank & Carolyn Kowalski Center for Advanced Health Care Education.

Upcoming Events

St. André Bessette Lecture and reception: February 10 at 4 p.m.
Burke Auditorium, McGowan School of Business
White Mass for Health Care Professionals: February 11
Chapel of Christ the King

Membership

All alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college interested in connecting with the mission of health science education at King’s College are welcome to join the St. André Society. All new society members will also receive a special token of membership. Complete this webform to register.

Mission of King’s College

King's College is a Catholic institution of higher education animated and guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross. King's pursues excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship through a rigorous core curriculum, major programs across the liberal arts and sciences, nationally accredited professional programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and personal attention to student formation in a nurturing community.

Health Science News

King’s to Host Northeastern Pennsylvania Rural Health Summit

King’s will host the NEPA Rural Health Summit in support of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan on Friday, May 29th.

King’s Hosts Mass Casualty Response Simulation to Train Students

King’s College hosted a comprehensive mass casualty response simulation on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Frank and Carolyn Kowalski Center for Advanced Healthcare Education, providing students with hands-on training in emergency response.

Health Science Leaders Honored by National Academies of Practice

Dr. Jennifer Dessoye, chair of occupational therapy, and Dr. Christopher O’Brien, dean of health sciences, have received honors from the National Academies of Practice (NAP).

Fruits and Vegetables: The Cornerstone of Nutrition

From a nutritional standpoint, both fruits and veggies are great sources of water, potassium and fiber. As well as great sources of vitamins A and C and folate and are low in sodium.  This is why it is important to consume about five cup equivalents of fruits and vegetables daily. 

Energy Drinks May Cause More Harm Than Good

Energy drinks and pre-workout supplements contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that can temporarily boost energy but pose serious health risks, including dehydration, heart issues, and long-term negative effects on the nervous system.

Exercise Science Students Empowering Youth Confidence

King’s exercise science sport psychology class presented a lecture entitled, “Mindset Matters: Empowering Youth Confidence” to the local youth, parents, and coaches.