Raymond Torres-Santos Named Dean Of College of the Arts and Communication

Dr. Raymond Torres-Santos, a composer and conductor who has received international recognition for his musical compositions and talent as a pianist, arranger, producer and conductor, has been appointed as dean of the College of the Arts and Communication.

May Graduate Wins Fulbright Study-Research Grant, a First for William Paterson

Tamara Issak

Tamara Issak, a May 2008 graduate of William Paterson with a bachelor’s degree in English, summa cum laude, has been awarded a 2008-09 study and research grant from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which is administered by the Institute of International Education. Issak is the first University student to receive a Fulbright award.



Alumni Association Names 2008 Outstanding Senior

Juan Claros-Sorto, a May 2008 graduate of William Paterson with a bachelor’s degree in biology, summa cum laude, has been named the 2008 recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Senior Award.  The annual award is based on high academic standing, strong involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership ability, and service to the University.  Claros-Sorto was one of 15 students nominated for the award.

William Paterson’s Own Grads

As part of our traditional commencement coverage, we feature faculty or staff who have earned degrees from William Paterson and also include family of faculty or staff who graduate.



Top Jazz Artists Heat Up Annual Summer Jazz Week from July 21 to 26

The legendary Billy Taylor Trio will perform on July 25 during William Paterson University’s 15th annual Summer Jazz Week from July 21 to 26 in Shea Center for Performing Arts.

Also featured during the weeklong concert series are Cecil Bridgewater and Friends; the American Jazz Repertory Orchestra, conducted by Clem DeRosa; Freddy Cole and the William Paterson Summer Jazz Ensemble, directed by Stephen Marcone; and the Sean Smith Trio.

New Jersey History Day Held at William Paterson

"Conflict and Compromise in History” was this year’s theme for students in grades six through 12 from New Jersey public and private schools as they participated in the New Jersey National History Day competition on Saturday, May 3 at the University. Awards were presented during a ceremony held in Shea Center on campus. Here Isabel Tirado, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (left), and Ana Maria Schuhman, interim dean of the College of Education, congratulate Haley Potter, a student at Marlboro Middle School, who won first place in the state competition for her project in the individual documentary category, "Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey." Potter also received the New Jersey Historical Commission Prize for her project.

Music and Politics Featured at University’s 185th Commencement

(Left to right) Dr. Billy Taylor, President Arnold Speert, and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and jazz great Dr. Billy Taylor received honorary degrees at William Paterson’s 185th commencement ceremony held on May 20 on Wightman Field. The event featured a commencement address by Senator Menendez whose message to the students advised them to not take the easy way out, but to challenge themselves.

It also included the dulcet tones of a composition written and performed on piano by Dr. Taylor. The notes of the song floated out over the colorful umbrellas held by some of the 1,750 graduates and scores of well wishers.

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Faculty Honored for Achievement in Scholarship, Teaching and Service

Nine faculty members were honored for their outstanding achievements in scholarship/creative activity, teaching, and service during the fifth annual Faculty Recognition Luncheon held on May 20 in conjunction with the University’s 185th commencement ceremonies.

Faculty Recognition honorees were presented to (front row, from left) Gordon Schmidt, exercise and movement science; Joann Lee, communication; Linda Gazzillo-Diaz, exercise and movement science; Donna Perry, English; Raza Mir, marketing and management; Jinn-Tsair Teng, marketing and management; Cynthia Northington-Purdie, secondary and middle school education; (back row, from left) and Louis Rivela, chemistry with President Arnold Speert and Provost Edward Weil. Not present at the ceremony was Janet Pollak, anthropology.

William Paterson Employees Donate Baseball Equipment to Children in Dominican Republic

Janet Tracy (middle row, second from left), and her husband Brian Kohn (back row, left) with members of the Loma de Cabrera baseball team, whom they outfitted with equipment on a recent trip.

Janet Tracy, professor of nursing, and her husband, Brian Kohn, HVAC technician in facilities, were in the Dominican Republic earlier this year on a trip sponsored by World Vision. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

To support the agenda, but in a more personal way, Kohn collected used baseball equipment from several local youth leagues and from Mike Lauterhahn, William Paterson baseball coach. They distributed them to children in Loma de Cabrera who were using a stick and old balls. By the time Tracy and Kohn departed, the entire team was suited up with full gear. In addition to the baseball equipment, Tracy brought tee shirts and jackets for the women, which were donated by members of the nursing department.

News Notes

“Friendly Persuasion: Iranian Cinema After the 1979 Revolution,” a documentary by Jamsheed Akrami, communication, aired three times in May on “City Cinematique,” a film program shown on CUNY-TV, which is carried by the cable systems of the five New York City boroughs.  Each film is followed by a discussion with scholars, film professionals or critics; Akrami served as the discussion guest on May 31 following the screening of the award-winning film “Daughters of the Sun.” More News Notes

Guadango Named Baseball’s 29th ABCA All-American

Mike Guadango

Sophomore outfielder Mike Guadango (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands) became the 29th American Baseball Coaches Association All-American in William Paterson history when he was named to the 2008 ABCA/Rawlings All-America Second Team.