Speaker to Discuss Importance Of African American History

Kevin Powell

Kevin Powell, a civil rights activist, poet, journalist, and hip hop historian, will speak about African American history during a lecture to be held on Monday, February 11 as part of William Paterson’s annual observance of African Heritage Month.

Powell, an author, will present a lecture, "History is a People’s Memory: The Importance of Black History Month," at 8:00 p.m. in Ballroom C in the University Commons Complex. A reception will precede the event at 7:00 p.m., and Powell will sign books after the lecture.

For additional information, please contact the University’s Office of Campus Activities and Student Leadership at 973-720-2747.

University Observes Martin Luther King Day on January 31

Lenworth Gunther

William Paterson University will hold its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday, January 31 with a lecture by Lenworth Gunther, Ph.D., historian and author. His lecture, “We Must Answer the Call to Justice,”will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the David and Lorraine Cheng Library auditorium. The event is open to the public. Admission is free.

New Exhibits in Ben Shahn Galleries

Three exhibits will be on view in the Ben Shahn Galleries from February 4 through March 7, 2008. The Court Gallery will feature “Bradford Graves: This Mirror Can Crack a Stone,” featuring the artist's sculptures and drawings from 1980-1998. “Prints and Company,” an exploration of the current direction of various printed matter, will be on view in the East Gallery. The South Gallery will hold "American Impressions," the National Print Exhibit, curated by Ofelia Garcia. Gallery hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free.

University Receives Donation from State Farm

A recent $50,000 grant from the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company to the William Paterson University Foundation will help support the University’s financial literacy workshops, the Distinguished Lecturer Series, and the Legacy Awards Scholarship Program.

“The funds from State Farm are critical to our mission to support education and community outreach in the region,” says Sandra Deller, vice president for institutional advancement and president of the William Paterson University Foundation. “We are grateful that our ongoing partnership with State Farm allows us to continue with this effort.”

Presenting the check are Carla Temple (second from left), vice president of agency, State Farm, and vice chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, and John Baldino (far left), public affairs, State Farm. Accepting the check are University President Arnold Speert (second from right) and Sandra Deller (far right), vice president for institutional advancement and president of the William Paterson University Foundation.

Upcoming Arts Events

Stephen Bryant

The Jazz Room Series kicks off its spring concerts on February 10 with Bucky Pizzarelli and Howard Alden and Frank Vignola, and The Hal Galper Trio performs on February 17. Jazz Room concerts begin at 4:00 p.m.

“Color and Light,” a recital by bass baritone Stephen Bryant, to be held on February 14 at noon, features music by Stephen Sondheim.

The subdudes, the New Orleans-based group acclaimed for their blend of blues, gospel, funk, and R&B, will perform on February 14 at 8:00 p.m. in Shea Center.

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of a member of the University community.

James Houston Jr.

James Houston Jr. ’40, a professor emeritus of psychology, and an alumnus who founded The Beacon, the University’s student newspaper, as a freshman in 1936, died on December 14, 2007. He served on the University’s faculty and in several administrative positions from 1952 to 1981.

William Paterson Athletics Begins Year with New Web site

First-Place Men’s Basketball Team to Face Ramapo Jan. 23

The William Paterson men’s basketball team (12-3, 4-0 NJAC) will play at defending NJAC Tournament champion Ramapo (7-7, 2-2 NJAC) Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m.  The Pioneers are the only undefeated team in NJAC play following a 77-69 win against New Jersey City (11-5, 4-1 NJAC) Jan. 19.

Swimming & Diving Teams Train in Curacao

The William Paterson men’s (6-2) and women’s (9-1) swimming and diving teams spent part of the winter break training in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, Dec. 27-
Jan. 6.  The Pioneers will return to competition Wednesday, Jan. 23, with a home meet against Queens College at 6:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Looks to Extend NJAC North Lead, Faces Roadrunners

The William Paterson women’s basketball (11-4, 3-1 NJAC) will look to extend its lead in the NJAC North Division when the Pioneers play at Ramapo (3-12, 0-4 NJAC) Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m.  William Paterson leads the divisional standings by 0.5 game, and is in a four-way tie for the top overall spot in the league standings.

William Paterson to Celebrate “Take a Kid to the Game Day” and “National Girls and Women in Sports Day” Feb. 9

William Paterson will celebrate “Take a Kid to the Game Day” as well as “National Girls and Women in Sports Day” when the Pioneers host Richard Stockton Saturday, Feb. 9.

Kids under the age of 14 will be admitted for free to the basketball doubleheader (men at 1:00 p.m., women at 3:00 p.m.). At halftime of the women’s game, William Paterson will honor its female student-athletes, and several professional female athletes will also be on hand to talk about their experiences during a question-and-answer session following the game.

Flora to Lead Pioneer Football Program

Jerry Flora

Jerry Flora was named the interim head coach of the William Paterson University football program, director of intercollegiate athletics Sabrina Grant announced Dec. 19. Flora recently completed his sixth season as an assistant coach for the Pioneers.