Jay Ludwig (left) and Christopher Ludwig		Nancy Norris Bauer (left) with Jennifer Bauer		Mary Hafele (left), and Eric Hafele

When Christopher Ludwig graduated with a degree in psychology, his accomplishment joined together three generations of Ludwigs who have connections to William Paterson. His grandfather, Jay Ludwig, a professor of communication, is retiring after almost fifty years on campus as a professor and dean of the College of the Arts and Communication. Jay Ludwig, the University’s longest-serving faculty member, has taught courses in speech and theater, a longtime interest, and has directed many campus theater productions. Christopher’s father, Edwin, is a 1980 alumnus. His mother, Randi, graduated in 1981 and his aunt, Erika, graduated in 1983. Another aunt, Adrienne Relyea, received a degree in 1982.

Jennifer Bauer, daughter of Nancy Norris-Bauer, director of field experiences, has graduated with a degree in political science, magna cum laude. A graduate of the University’s rigorous honors program, she also served as a student representative to the University’s Board of Trustees for two years. She served as executive director of Up ‘til Dawn, a student fundraising campaign that raised more than $25,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the largest amount in the state. Currently working in a law firm, she is also applying to graduate schools.

Claudia Francisco Chavez, assistant to the provost, earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor in women’s and gender studies. Her interest in Spanish began with a visit to a women’s shelter where she found that many of the women spoke Spanish as a first language and did not understand English. Wishing to help them spurred her into the major. Working fulltime and balancing family responsibilities with school was a challenge she faced for the almost seven years it took to complete her degree.

Eric Hafele, the son of Mary Hafale, principal date entry machine operator, business services, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He follows his mother who earned a William Paterson degree in 1995. While in school, Eric held a part-time job while he pursued his degree.

Joseph Nyamwange (left) and Monica Nyamwange		Claudia Francisco Chavez		Laura Lynn Williamson (left) and Robert Williamson

Joseph Nyamwange, the son of Monica Nyamwange, associate professor of geography and urban studies, received a bachelor’s degree in professional sales, magna cum laude. Nyamwange, who gave the student address at the undergraduate ceremony, overcame a childhood stuttering problem. He is working in a sales position with EMC2, an information technology company.

Diana Davis Olsen ‘95, senior clerk typist, Global Financial Services Institute, has graduated with a master of arts in history. She has worked on campus since 2007. She wrote her thesis on the symbolic designs found on medieval horse armor, research that will be published next year by the American Society of Arms Collectors.

Tashi E. Oyola, assistant director, undergraduate admissions, has earned a master of education degree in counseling. On campus since 2005, she pursued the degree to “enhance her work with students.” Working and going to school presented many challenges and required a “lot of juggling,” she said. Oyola was selected as the student speaker at the graduate ceremony.

Laura Lynn Williamson, daughter of Robert Williamson, a painter in Physical Plant Operations, has just earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, and also pursued a second major in anthropology with a minor in chemistry. She is the first member of her family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Currently job hunting, she plans to continue her interest in science and go back to school to earn a doctorate.

Debra Wilson-Brown, assistant to the chair of the department of sociology, has earned a bachelor’s degree in English, a journey she started more than thirteen years ago. On campus as a staff member since 1990, she has worked in various offices. She will be attending graduate school in the fall to pursue a master’s degree at William Paterson in English. A future goal is to someday use that degree to teach on campus as an adjunct. “I tend to gravitate to students,” she says.

Tashi E. Oyola		Debra Wilson-Brown		Diana Davis Olsen