Welcome to efocus — news & events for September 2008
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. Click on underlined headlines for more information.


President Speert Describes Commitment to Opportunities as Backbone of University’s Planning Processes


University President Arnold Speert discussed strategic and academic planning initiatives in his annual opening day address to the campus community on
September 2.  

“Opportunity is a powerful idea. It reveals a sense of chance and possibility, but there’s so much more inherent in the notion of an opportunity. The power of creating opportunities is at the core of William Paterson University’s purpose,” President Speert said. “Opportunities created in the classrooms, labs and studios, and throughout every aspect of our diverse campus, provide fertile ground for student success.”

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State Colleges/Universities Vow to be "Nine Strong for a Stronger New Jersey"


The nine state colleges and universities of New Jersey have launched a major statewide campaign, “Nine Strong for a Stronger New Jersey,” to underscore the collective value and critical role of the state colleges and universities.

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History and Politics of Voting Explored on Constitution Day

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Frances Fox Piven

Frances Fox Piven, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Sociology at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, discussed the history and politics of voting during a lecture on September 17 in observance of Constitution Day.

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An Evening with Crosby and Nash on October 11

David Crosby and Graham Nash, two of rock's most legendary singer-songwriters, offer a rare opportunity to savor an intimate, harmony-heavy concert experience when they perform on Saturday, October 11 at 8:00 p.m. at Shea Center for Performing Arts.

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Jazz Room Series Concert Season Begins on October 12

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Orrin Evans

Pianist Orrin Evans will open the fall 2008 season of The Jazz Room at William Paterson on October 12. The series continues with the Sean Jones Quartet, Roland Vazquez, Roseanna Vitro and the Kenny Werner Quartet, and Phil Woods and the William Paterson Jazz Orchestra. The Sunday afternoon fall series, the longest running campus-based jazz concert series in the nation, will run from October 12 through November 9, with a special holiday concert on December 12.

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William Paterson's Computer Science Program Receives Prestigious Accreditation

William Paterson University's bachelor of science degree program in computer science has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

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13th Annual “Walk for the Cure” Breast Cancer Walk on Thursday, October 2

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public are invited to participate in the annual fundraising walk to promote breast cancer awareness and health and wellness on October 2.

The walk will begin at Zanfino Plaza on the University campus and will run from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Last year the event attracted 586 walkers and raised more than $9,450 for charity.The event is held in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The rain date is October 23.


University Officially Welcomes First Year Students to Campus


Photo of Provost Weil at Convocation

Provost Edward Weil

In a traditional ceremony that harkens back to medieval times, the University formally welcomed approximately 1,200 first-year students to academic life on Wednesday, September 10 during its annual Convocation held in Shea Center as members of the University's Board of Trustees, faculty, administrators, and staff, clothed in colorful robes, looked on.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Science Hall

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Breaking ground at a ceremony which celebrated the beginning of construction on a significant renovation and expansion of the Science Building on September 18 were (from left) Brad Kotuski, student representative to the Board of Trustees; Vincent J. Mazzola, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees; Stephen Bolyai, vice president for administration and finance; Assemblyman Scott Rumana; Lance Risley, chair and professor of biology; University President Arnold Speert; Sandra De Young, dean of the College of Science and Health; Jacky Grindrod, chief of staff to U. S. Rep. Bill Pascrell; Edward B. Weil, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; and Michael L. Jackson, secretary, Board of Trustees.

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2008-2009 Distinguished Lecturer Series to Feature Presidential Politics, Sportswriting, and The 40th Anniversary of "Sesame Street"

William Paterson University’s 29th Distinguished Lecturer Series will feature programs on politics, sportswriting, and the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street.” The series includes:

Peter Sagal, Carol Leifer, and Christopher Buckley--“Are We There Yet? The Lighter Side of Election 2008," on October 10, 2008

Frank Deford, Mike Lupica, and Selena Roberts--“The Art of Sportswriting” on November 21, 2008

Sesame Street at 40—A Night of Celebration and Discovery with the Legendary Cast,” featuring Frank Oz, Kevin Clash, Caroll Spinney, Sonia Manzano, Bob McGrath, Marty Robinson, Fran Brill, David Rudman, Tony Geiss, and Michael Davis on January 30, 2009

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Millennials: A New Generation Stimulates Collective Changes

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Richard T. Sweeney, university librarian at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, conducts workshop with panel of William Paterson students

Multitasking, customization, collaboration, and experiential learning are among the buzz words that describe the behaviors of the current college freshman population, those born between 1979 to 1994, and tagged the millennial generation, or millennials for short, and identified by Richard T. Sweeney, university librarian at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, during a workshop for faculty and staff on September 2 in the University Commons Ballroom.

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Ben Shahn Galleries Unveils New Exhibits

Ben Wilson artwork

A selection of recent artworks created by members of the art faculty at William Paterson University, works by the late New Jersey artist Ben Wilson, whose career spanned six decades from the Great Depression to the new millennium, and a one-person exhibit by New Jersey artist Susan Lisbin which explores the impact of color, line, and medium of her paintings and sculpture will be on exhibit at the University’s Ben Shahn Galleries from September 15 through October 17, 2008. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Tuesday, September 16, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.


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Eason to Receive ECAC’s Lynah Award

Former William Paterson University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Arthur Eason has been named one of four recipients of the 2008 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) James Lynah Distinguished Service Award.

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No. 19 Men’s Soccer Searches for Second NJAC Win at Rowan Saturday

The William Paterson men’s soccer team (6-0-2, 1-0-1), ranked 19th nationally this week, will return to the pitch Saturday, Sept. 27, at Rowan at 7:00 p.m.

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Volleyball Gets First NJAC Win, Resumes Play Tuesday

The William Paterson volleyball team (9-2, 1-2 NJAC) earned its New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) victory of the season September 25 with a 3-0 win against Kean. The Pioneers will return to action Tuesday, September 30, with a home match against Rutgers-Camden
at 7:00 p.m.


Football to Face Rowan in NJAC Road Test Saturday

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Bruce Katkowski

Two teams searching for a first conference victory will meet when the William Paterson football team (1-1, 0-1 NJAC) takes on host Rowan (1-1, 0-1 NJAC) Saturday, Sept. 27. Kickoff at John Page Field (5,000) will be at 1:00 p.m., and the game’s radio broadcast will be available online via the Profs’ student radio station, WGLS 89.7 FM (wgls.rowan.edu).

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Field Hockey to Battle Second Ranked Foe in Three Games, Plays at TCNJ Friday

The William Paterson field hockey team (6-2, 0-1 NJAC) will face its second ranked foe in a three-game span, playing at No. 3 The College of New Jersey Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. Live statistics will be available at http://livestats.internetconsult.com/tcnj/fhockey/.

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Women’s Soccer Looks to Continue Perfect Start, Hosts No. 23 Rowan Saturday

The William Paterson women’s soccer team (7-0, 2-0 NJAC) will look to continue its perfect start when the Pioneers host No. 23 Rowan Saturday, September 27, at 1:00 p.m.

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Tennis Returns to Courts Saturday vs. Baruch


The William Paterson tennis team (1-2, 0-1 NJAC) will return to action Saturday, September 27, hosting non-conference foe Baruch at 1:00 p.m.