University Celebrates Homecoming 2007

Young alumni (from left) Catherine Sohor ’05, assistant director of campus activities, Brandon Clay ’05, and Deena Servodio '05

The William Paterson University Alumni Association celebrated Homecoming 2007 on October 13 with a variety of events that welcomed alumni back to campus, including the annual gathering of the Pioneer Society—those alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago—as well as a reception celebrating the opening of University Commons.

University’s Russ Berrie Institute For Professional Sales Sponsors Student Events

The University’s Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales, which offers the only dedicated bachelor of science degree in professional sales in the country, as well as training programs for sales professionals, will host two sales competitions for students designed to strengthen the students’ sales skills and offer them an opportunity to network with business executives from companies around the country who will be judging the events.

Latino Heritage Month

Three to be Inducted Into William Paterson Athletic Hall of Fame

Former William Paterson standouts Brian Appelman ’99, Courtney A. Heller ’02 and Lauren M. Hertzberg ’02 will become the newest members of the William Paterson University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame when they are inducted Monday, November 12. The three will be honored at a dinner in the new Ballroom, located on the William Paterson campus, at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per person, and reservations should be made through the Alumni Relations Office at 973.720.2175 by November 2. The induction ceremony will bring the total number of honorees to 125.

Director of University’s Child Development Center Wins State Award

Cindy Gennarelli, director of the University’s Child Development Center, was chosen as the 2007 recipient of the Professional Development Award by Professional Impact NJ, a state-wide professional development advocacy agency that promotes and coordinates systems for the educational development of early childhood and primary education, family child care, and after school professionals.  She was selected for her outstanding work as director of the Child Development Center. This annual award is presented to one childcare center director or administrator in the state who recognizes and promotes professional development in their program. The award is presented in association with the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children. She will receive her award at that organization’s annual conference in November.

Campus Life Launches Campus-Wide Initiative to Support Covenant House

The Office of Campus Life is leading a campus-wide campaign to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness by holding a fundraising drive in support of Covenant House, the largest privately funded agency in the Americas providing shelter and other services to homeless, runaway, and throwaway youth.

Newsnotes

Carol Chu and Bahar Mansur, students in the Honors College Social Science Track, have been selected as recipients of the New Jersey Psychological Association’s Undergraduate Researcher Awards for their thesis research. Chu’s research was on “The Effect of Ethnicity, Acculturation, and Support Systems on a Graduate Student’s Perception of Stress.” Mansur studied “Thought Suppression and Gender Affect: Subsequent Thoughts About Food.”

Louis Romei ’04, a preschool teacher in the Garfield School District, was featured in “The Creative Curriculum for Preschool in Action,” an instructional DVD by Teaching Strategies, Inc. which developed the curriculum and materials. Creative Curriculum is widely used throughout the country and in many districts in New Jersey. The DVD was premiered at the University during a program held on October 4 and co-hosted by Holly Seplocha, elementary and early childhood education.

University Launches Emergency Communication System
—Students, Faculty, and Staff Are Encouraged
to Opt In

The University has adopted an early alert system that can instantaneously disseminate messages to students, faculty, and staff in the event of a campus emergency.

“The tragedy at Virginia Tech served as a sobering national wake-up call for higher education with regard to emergency management and emergency communication procedures,” says President Arnold Speert.  “We learned that we need to be able to communicate almost immediately with the campus community, and this new system will allow us to notify students, faculty, and staff quickly and through various technologies.”

Distinguished Lecturer Series Kicks Off on Friday with Program Devoted to Presidential Politics
—Subscription and Individual Tickets are Still Available

A discussion about the upcoming Presidential campaign by Harold Ford, Jr. and Susan Molinari will begin William Paterson University’s 28th season of the Distinguished Lecturer Series. “Presidential Campaign 2008 – A Conversation about Issues, Candidates and Concerns,” will take place on October 26, 2007. 

12th Annual Campus Breast Cancer Walk Raises Record Amount

Campus Walks for a Cure

University faculty, staff, and students helped raise almost $10,000 for breast cancer research during “A Walk for the Cure,” held on October 4 on campus.

A record 586 walkers from all areas on campus participated, including student athletes, members of the various clubs and organizations, and children enrolled in the Child Development Center.

Alumnus Presents Chemistry Seminar

Michael Ward ’77, professor of chemistry and director of the Molecular Design Institute at New York University, returned to William Paterson on October 4 to present a seminar for the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Ward, who heads a research group at NYU, spoke of his work investigating the chemistry of kidney stone formation.  His lecture was part of the fall 2007 Chemistry Seminar Series. With him are Louis Rivela, professor of chemistry and physics, and Judy Linder, executive director of alumni relations.

Upcoming University Arts Events

Anat Fort

Music: Pianist and composer Anat Fort, a graduate of William Paterson University’s acclaimed jazz studies program and a rising presence on the alternative jazz scene, will perform with her trio on Sunday, October 28 as part of the University’s fall 2007 Jazz Room Series.

Ben Shahn Galleries: The art of cartography, or mapmaking, and its historical impact on the politics of science, nature, and technology are explored in a one-person exhibit of print assemblages by New Jersey artist Catherine Bebout. Also on view is "Fire and Ash," an exhibit featuring works that range from painting and sculpture to digital prints and collages created by 26 artists who live and make art in Jersey City.

Theater: A production of “Roosters,” a drama by Milcha Sanchez-Scott, that began on October 23 and continues through October 28 in the Hunziker Black Box Theatre on campus. The production is presented in celebration of October as Latino Heritage Month. 

A series of staged readings will be held featuring the original works of the three finalists in the University-sponsored Fourth Annual New Jersey Playwrights Competition.  “Red State/Blue State” by Gregory Jones of Cranford, “The Home Front” by J.C. Svec of Clark, and “Margot The Musical: The Diary of the Other Young Girl,” with book and lyrics by Lori Mooney of Bronx, N.Y. and Diana Rissetto of Wayside, and music by Cooper Cerulo and Michael Sangiovanni, will be presented October 30, 31, and November 1, respectively, in Shea 101 on campus.

Employees Honored for Service

The University recognized the achievements of 53 longtime employees at a Service Awards lunch on October 10 in the café at 1600 Valley Road. Present at the ceremony were (front row, left to right) Bernadette Penotti, 20 years; Florence Manno, 20 years; Judy Linder, 20 years; Stanley Wollock, 45 years; Mukesh Sahni, 20 years; Denise Giummarra, 20 years; Charles Magistro, 30 years; Rich Macri, 20 years; Mona Resco, 30 years; (back row, left to right) President Arnold Speert; Louis Di Cunto, 20 years; Donna Perry, 25 years; Brenda Harris, 30 years; Colette McNally, 25 years; Thomas Hazencamp, 30 years; Diane Kaiser, 20 years; Kathy Unger, 20 years; Sandeep Maheshwari, 20 years; Robert Benno, 25 years; Bob Murphy, 20 years; Eddie Sturdivant, 30 years; and Janet Pollak, 30 years.

Volleyball to Face Montclair State in NJAC Tourney

The William Paterson volleyball team (20-10, 3-5 NJAC) will play at Montclair State (18-14, 6-2 NJAC) in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament first round Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7:00 p.m. The winner of the WPU-MSU match will advance to play at Richard Stockton in the semifinals Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7:00 p.m.




Men's Swim Team Earns Academic All-America Award

The William Paterson men’s swimming and diving team has been recognized for its achievements in the classroom, earning distinction as a College Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Academic All-American Swimming Team for the Fall 2006 semester.

The Pioneers earned the team award for the first time in their history. William Paterson was recognized as “Commendable” for earning a team GPA of at least 2.80 last fall.

Football to Host Kean Oct. 27

The William Paterson football team (3-4, 1-3 NJAC), fresh off a 17-14 victory at Buffalo State Oct. 20, will host local rival Kean Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1:00 p.m.

Women’s Soccer Season Ends

Women's Soccer Team

The William Paterson women’s soccer team (8-9-1, 3-6 NJAC) saw its run towards a postseason berth come to an end with a 3-0 loss at Kean (8-8-2, 4-4-1 NJAC) Oct. 24 in the regular-season finale for both schools.

The Pioneers, who needed a win against the Cougars to secure a bid in the upcoming New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament, fell behind in the 39th minute off a goal by Jenna Goodwin. Kean later added two goals during a 2:21 stretch midway through the second half to assure the outcome.

Field Hockey Loses to Susquehanna

A penalty stroke in the final three minutes of regulation was the difference as visiting Susquehanna (7-11) defeated the William Paterson field hockey team (10-6) 3-2 Oct. 24 at Wightman Stadium.

The team will finish New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play Tuesday, Oct. 30, at Ramapo at 4:00 p.m.

Pioneers Fall to Kean in Season Finale

The William Paterson men’s soccer team (8-9-1, 2-7 NJAC) lost to visiting Kean (9-10, 4-5 NJAC), 3-1, in the Pioneers’ final match of the season Oct. 24 at Pioneer Soccer Park.