Welcome to efocus — news & events for September 2007
Editor's Note: Efocus is published monthly by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Contact us with any questions or comments at efocus@wpunj.edu or call
973-720-2444.


President Speert Addresses Faculty and Staff

“What an exciting way to kick off the new year,” said President Arnold Speert, as he addressed faculty and staff gathered for the first time in the newly opened University Commons Ballroom on September 4, the first day of the fall semester.

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Noted Alumnus Addresses Faculty on First Day of Semester

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Robert Talisse

As a philosopher who has garnered a national reputation in his field, Robert Talisse ’93, now an associate professor of philosophy and political science at Vanderbilt University, returned to his alma mater on September 4, the first day of the new semester, to discuss the meaning of higher education in a keynote lecture for faculty and administrators.

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Schuhmann Named Interim Dean Of the College of Education

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Ana Maria
Schuhmann

Dr. Ana Maria Schuhmann has been appointed interim dean of the College of Education.

"Ana Maria Schuhmann is recognized nationally and statewide as a leader on issues related to the quality and accreditation of teacher education programs,” says Edward Weil, provost and vice president for academic affairs at William Paterson.

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The 30th Season of the Jazz Room Concert Series Begins on September 30

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra will open the fall 2007 season of The Jazz Room on September 30. The series continues with Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band; the Winard Harper Sextet; Jimmy Heath with the William Paterson University Jazz Orchestra; the Anat Fort Trio; and the Bill Lee Quintet. The Sunday afternoon fall series, in its 30th season as the longest running campus-based jazz concert series in the country, features performances from September 30 through November 4.

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Newsnotes

Philip Cioffari, English, received a scholarship and was named the D.H. Lawrence Fellow at the 2007 University of New Mexico’s Taos Summer Writer’s Workshop. The Fellowship is awarded annually to an emerging writer of fiction or poetry with one book in print or at press. Read More

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Pioneer Pride and Homecoming 2007 Festivities to Be Held October 7 to 13

A variety of festive activities, including an evening bonfire and barbecue, a comedy show, and the traditional football game, will be held for William Paterson alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff as the University celebrates Pioneer Pride Week and Homecoming 2007 from October 7 through 13.

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Lucinda Williams to Perform at Shea Center on September 27

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Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams, three-time Grammy Award winner, will perform at Shea Center for Performing Arts on Thursday, September 27 at 8:00 p.m.



University Celebrates Opening of University Commons

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University Commons

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was just one of several festive events attended by hundreds of William Paterson University students, faculty, staff and administrators on September 6 as they gathered at the center of the campus to celebrate the opening of the University Commons complex, which includes the John Victor Machuga Student Center, Wayne Hall, and the new Ballroom.

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University Welcomes First-Year Students to Campus

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David Slaymaker

A mood of anticipation and excitement was shared by the approximately 1,400 first-year students as they poured into Shea Center at the end of the third day of the fall semester. They filed in as a faculty brass quintet played, and took their seats for convocation, a traditional academic ceremony which officially welcomes students to academic life.

Held on Thursday, September 6 on campus, the ceremony was simulcast into the science building, which held the overflow audience. On hand to welcome the students were University administrators, deans and faculty.

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2007-2008 Distinguished Lecturer Series Focuses On Politics, Public Affairs, Sports and the Arts

William Paterson University’s 28th Distinguished Lecturer Series will feature a range of programs and formats including:

Harold Ford, Jr. and Susan Molinari – “Presidential Campaign 2008 – A Conversation about Issues, Candidates and Concerns,” on October 26, 2007.

The Future of the American City – A Panel Discussion Moderated by Steve Adubato, on November 30, 2007.

Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein – “Inside the Hottest Rivalry in Sports,” on January 25, 2008.

Stephen Sondheim with Anthony Rapp – “Sondheim on Sondheim – In Words and Music,” on February 15, 2008. Click here to order tickets

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Albies' Announces Retirement after 33 Seasons in Pioneer Dugout

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Jeff Albies
 

Jeff Albies, who coached two national championship teams and is eighth all time in Division III victories, has announced his retirement after 33 years as the head baseball coach and associate athletic director at
William Paterson University.

 

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Gallery Exhibits for the Fall Semester

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Pocket Paintings by Charles Kessler

Prints and Company” features works by five artists: Liz Demaree of South Orange, Roberta Allen of New York City, Liz Mitchell of Pittstown, Catherine Le Cleire of Upper Montclair, and Carol Westfall of Jersey City. On view in the South Gallery is the annual exhibit of works by the William Paterson University art faculty. “Fire and Ash,” on view in the Court Gallery, explores how the work created by Jersey City artists reflects their rapidly changing environment; the exhibit is curated by Sandy DeSando. All exhibits are on view from September 17 through October 19, 2007.

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William Paterson University and Passaic County Community College Sign Transfer Agreement

Passaic County Community College students who graduate with any of nine different associate’s degrees will now be able to transfer to William Paterson University without losing credits as part of an agreement signed by the two institutions.

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Field Hockey Starts 4-1, Will Begin Two-Game Road Swing Sept. 13

After playing four of its first five games of the season at Wightman Stadium, the William Paterson field hockey team (4-1) will begin a two-game road swing Thursday, Sept. 13, at Drew at 7:00 p.m.

Other Field Hockey News…
Scott Named NJAC Offensive Player of the Week

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Women’s Soccer Off to 2-1 Start

The William Paterson women’s soccer team is off to a 2-1 start to its season, most recently defeating Scranton 4-1 on Sept. 4.  The Pioneers will host St. Joseph’s-Long Island Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7:00 p.m.

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Tennis Off to 1-0 Start with Win vs. John Jay

The William Paterson women’s tennis team (1-0) started its 2007 season with a 5-4 victory against John Jay (1-1) at York (N.Y.) College Sept. 8. 

 

 


Football Upsets No. 13 Wilkes, Prepares for USMMA

Harold Green

The William Paterson football team, off to a 1-0 start thanks to a 17-16 upset at No. 13/15 Wilkes Sept. 1, will return to action this weekend.  The Pioneers will play at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Saturday, Sept. 15, at 2:30 p.m. before opening their home slate Saturday, Sept. 22, against FDU-Florham at 1:00 p.m.

 

Other Football News…
Green Named to National Team of the Week

Biddle Selected as the NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Week

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Four Men’s Soccer Players Named to All-Tournament Team

Freshmen Danny Kusnic (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional), Gary Barrell (Kent, England, The Towers School), Joe Strawman (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central) and Dan Fulmer (Andover, N.J./Newton) were named to the All-Tournament Team after the William Paterson men’s soccer team (4-1) won both of its matches at the Richard Stockton Seashore Classic Sept. 7-8.  The Pioneers will host FDU-Florham Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 4:00 p.m.

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Miller Nearly Breaks NCAA Volleyball Record in
3-0 Victory

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Tamara Miller

Senior Tamara Miller (Maplewood, N.J./Columbia) posted the second-highest single-match service aces total in NCAA Division III history as the William Paterson volleyball team (6-0) earned a pair of victories at the New York City Tech Tournament Sept. 8.  The Pioneers will host Baruch College on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7:00 p.m.