Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, in Residence at University, Wins Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which is in permanent residence at the University, won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble for its critically acclaimed recording Monday Night Live at the Village Vanguard.

Midday Artist Series Concert on March 12 to Celebrate the Music of Beethoven

William Paterson will celebrate the music of Ludwig van Beethoven on Thursday, March 12, 2009 with a program featuring pianist Itay Goren, the Ramapo College Chorale and the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Raymond Torres-Santos, dean of the University’s College of the Arts and Communication. The concert, part of the Midday Artist Series, begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Shea Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free; a donation of $5 is suggested.

William Paterson University’s Center for Closely Held Business Conducts Program on Finances

Steven Pinsky, certified merger and acquisition advisor and head of private equity services practices at J.H. Cohn, discussed the equity side of financing as it applies to small and closely held businesses.

The troubled economy was on the minds of the owners and managers of closely held businesses as they listened to a panel of experts discuss the ramifications of navigating through the realities of dwindling financing during a recent program conducted by the University’s Center for Closely Held Business.

The panelists explained that alternative ways of financing are still available, but those sources of funding will cost more. Creative ways of financing for this market include debt financing and private equity, but they stressed that all financing has contracted, and is down from recent years. Understanding working capital, variable costs, and positive gross margins are key to staying solvent in the current environment, the experts said.

News Notes

Lily Prince, art, curated a show of her students’ works in January at the Hawthorne Library.
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In Memoriam

Richard L. Reed

It is with deep sadness the University mourns the passing of Richard L. Reed, professor of art, on January 23, 2009. He was a member of the faculty of the Department of Art from 1964 to 1997. During his tenure on campus he served as associate dean of fine arts from 1973 to 1978, after which he returned to the faculty. He was a professor of photography.

The Legacy Award Gala and Silent Auction is William Paterson University’s premiere fundraising event in support of the University's mission and student scholarships. The Gala and Silent Auction will take place on April 25. In recognition of these difficult economic times, we are offering faculty and staff a special price of $175 per ticket —— a 50 percent discount. Part of the Legacy festivities will include an online auction which will run from March 14 through April 24, and due to the success of last year’s online auction, this year’s auction will include more exciting items than ever. Items include a one-of-a-kind, celebrity autographed collectible, a fabulous vacation package to a tropical paradise, and tickets to the U.S. Open. This year, for the first time, the Foundation is sponsoring a Legacy Award Gala 50/50 Raffle. Only 300 tickets at $100 each will be available for the raffle. To purchase raffle tickets call 973-720-2175. 1st prize - 50% of prize pool ($7,500 if all tickets are sold) 2nd prize - 33% of prize pool ($5,000 if all tickets are sold) 3rd prize - 17% of prize pool ($2,500 if all tickets are sold) To purchase tickets to the Legacy Gala, call 973-720-2934.

“Sesame Street at 40” Plays to a Sell-Out Crowd at Distinguished Lecturer Series

Oscar the Grouch, a.k.a. Caroll Spinney, greets Janis Strasser, professor of elementary and early childhood education

The creative forces behind some of the most popular Sesame Street characters gathered for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the forty-year-old children’s television show during a sold-out program of the University’s Distinguished Lecturer Series on January 30.

William Paterson Partners with St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center to Offer a Series of Workshops on Children’s Health Issues

The connection between getting enough sleep and learning, promoting healthy nutrition, and fostering self-esteem are among the topics to be discussed at a series of three afternoon workshops designed for parents and teachers to be held at William Paterson University this spring. The programs are cosponsored by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, and William Paterson’s College of Education.

William Paterson Celebrates Women's History Month in March

"Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet" is this year’s theme as William Paterson University celebrates Women’s History Month with lectures, performances, and films that support the theme. All events listed are open to the public; most are free.

McKay Qualifies for NCAA Swimming Championships

Senior Grace McKay (Fair Lawn, N.J.) will compete in the 100 back, 200 back and 100 fly at the upcoming NCAA Women's Swimming Championships March 18-21 in Minneapolis, Minn. The William Paterson men’s (10-2, 2-2 NJAC) and women’s (12-2, 2-2 NJAC) swimming and diving teams had excellent performances at the Metropolitan Championships Feb. 20-22, with the women finishing second of 13 Division III schools (sixth overall) and the men placing sixth of 11 Division III programs (ninth overall).

Baseball (2-0) to Spend Spring Break in Arizona

The William Paterson baseball team (2-0) will spend its spring break at the Greater Phoenix Invitational, playing a total of 10 games March 13-20. The Pioneers, 23-19 overall last season, were picked to finish fifth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Preseason Coaches Poll.

Men’s Basketball Team Reaches NJAC Tournament Semifinals

Courtney Nelson

The William Paterson men’s basketball team (20-7) reached the semifinal round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament for the second straight year, losing at top-seeded and 10th-ranked Richard Stockton. The Pioneers finished second in the NJAC North Division’s standings with an 8-5 league record, and reached the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2006.

Women’s Basketball Team Advances to NJAC Semifinals

The William Paterson women’s basketball team (19-8) played in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament semifinal round for the third consecutive year, falling to top-seeded The College of New Jersey. The Pioneers were second in the NJAC’s North Division with a 10-3 regular-season record.

Softball to Begin Season March 14-19 in Florida

The William Paterson softball team will open up its 2009 schedule March 14-19 in Kissimmee, Fla., playing 10 contests at the Rebel Spring Games. The Pioneers, who posted a 22-20 overall record a year ago, were picked to finish sixth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Preseason Coaches Poll.