The warm hearts of the members of the Neumann University women’s ice hockey team could have melted the rink on a recent evening in January.

The Knights invited Dr. Rosalie Mirenda and her husband Tony to visit their locker room before a game against Oswego (N.Y.) State, pose for a photo with the team, and even participate in a ceremonial puck drop.

Dr. Mirenda, the university’s longest-serving president (1996-2017), will retire on June 30, at the conclusion of her 21st year at the helm.

During her more than two decades of leadership, Neumann has expanded its academic programs, become a residential campus, strengthened its fundraising capacity, added academic and recreational facilities, broadened its community service outreach, launched new athletic teams, and achieved university status.

All while remaining true to the Catholic Franciscan mission that has been at the heart of Neumann since 1965.