William Paterson Receives $10.8 Million Federal Grant for Urban Teacher Education

William Paterson University has been awarded a five-year, $10.8 million grant, the largest in University history, from the U.S. Department of Education to improve the academic achievement of K-12 students in high-need urban schools throughout the state. The grant was one of only 28 Teacher Quality Partnership awards nationwide.

University Receives $120,000 Gift To Establish Center for Chinese Art on Campus

Margaret Lam and David Yen of Montville have donated an initial $120,000 to William Paterson University to establish a Center for Chinese Art on campus over the next two years. The gift will support the University’s Chinese art curriculum, provide students with opportunities to learn Chinese art techniques, and cultivate a deeper understanding between the United States and its Chinese residents.

University Pursues Reaccreditation from Middle States

The University is working towards reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as the current ten-year period of accreditation comes to an end in 2011.

University Welcomes First-Year Students To Campus

Convocation, a traditional ceremony that welcomes first-year students to campus life, was held this year on September 9 as the freshmen filled Shea Center for this annual academic rite of passage.

Torture and U. S. Policy Discussed on Constitution Day

The U.S. policy on torture of political prisoners was the topic of discussion on September 17 as the University observed Constitution Day with a lecture by Karen J. Greenberg, executive director of the Center for Law and Security at New York University School of Law.

Upcoming Music Events

The music of Hungarian composer Bela Bartok will be celebrated in a concert to be held on October 22 as part of the University’s Midday Artist Series.The fall Jazz Room Series continues with Paul Meyers and his Quintet on Sunday, October 25 and Carrie Jackson on November 1. The concerts will begin at 4:00 p.m. in Shea Center. Ashley Putnam, an American soprano known for her wide-ranging repertoire, and expressive acting, will present a vocal master class for students and singers from the area on Thursday, October 29 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Shea Center 101.

William Paterson University to Present “Almost, Maine” in October

“Almost, Maine,” a light-hearted play about the misadventures of a group of residents during a mid-winter night lit by the magical northern lights, will be presented from October 20 to 24 in the University’s Hunziker Black Box Theatre.

Gubernatorial Debate on Campus Puts Spotlight on William Paterson University
—Live Web stream of debate available on my9tv.com until Election Day

Gubernatorial candidates (left to right) Chris Christie, Chris Daggett, and Gov. Jon Corzine

William Paterson University was buzzing with excitement on Friday, October 16 as the three gubernatorial candidates, Governor Jon Corzine, Chris Christie, and Chris Daggett, took the stage in Shea Center for a wide-ranging debate.

Panelists included Joann Lee, professor and chair of the University’s department of communication, and a former correspondent for CNN and other television outlets. Other panel participants included moderator Harry Martin, news anchor for WWOR My 9 TV News and Fox 5 News; Alfred Doblin, editorial page editor, The Record; and Thomas Drayton, news anchor, WTXF FOX 29 TV (Philadelphia). Along with the panelists, three William Paterson students, Robert Rubbinaccio, Jessica Pepe, and Kerri Olsen, were selected to ask the candidates questions. The debate was streamed live on my9tv.com, and broadcast on WWOR My 9 TV on Sunday, and on WTXF Fox 29 TV in Philadelphia on Saturday. View flickr slideshow and click on photos for captions.

Networking Event Held for Alumni
—Presenters were Manos Avramidis ’93, Susan Lisovisc ’78, Christos M. Cotsakos ‘73

Left to right: Manos Avramidis ’93, Susan Lisovisc ’78, Christos M. Cotsakos ‘73, Sandra Deller, vice president for institutional advancement, and President Arnold Speert

Nearly 60 alumni attended a recent networking event designed to bring together participants seeking career opportunities and advice with University graduates who are successful leaders in their fields.

Foundation Holds First Golf Outing

Participants at First Annual Golf Outing

The William Paterson University Foundation initiated a new fund-raising event this year with its inaugural golf outing. Net proceeds, in excess of $35,000, will benefit the Foundation which supports University programs of excellence and student success. The event was held on September 14 at the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne, N.J. Click here for a look at the photos. (View all 13 photos from event)

Breast Cancer Walk

Students at Annual Breast Cancer Walk

The University’s 14th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, held on October 1 on campus, drew 528 participants and raised more than $5,000 for breast cancer research. Funds will be distributed to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the American Cancer Society.

University Submits Climate Action Plan

The University was one of 100 institutions nationwide who recently submitted a climate action plan (CAP) to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, joining other likeminded institutions in the quest to achieve climate neutrality.

Newsnotes

Two William Paterson University students, both pursuing bachelor’s degrees in nursing, have been awarded scholarships from funds donated by David Bolger. (Read more)

Men’s Soccer (7-3-5) to Play Twice, Including at No. 10 Montclair

The William Paterson men’s soccer team (7-3-5, 1-1-4 NJAC) will play twice on the road this week, including an Oct. 24 match at No. 10 Montclair State at 6:00 p.m.

Field Hockey (8-7) to Play Pair of League Games

The William Paterson field hockey team (8-7, 1-2 NJAC) will celebrate Senior Night Thursday, Oct. 22, prior to playing Richard Stockton at 7:30 p.m.

Swimming & Diving to Start Season Wednesday

The William Paterson men’s (0-0, 0-0 NJAC) and women’s (0-0, 0-0 NJAC) swimming and diving programs will begin the 2009-10 season with a home meet against Rowan Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6:00 p.m.

Women’s Soccer (6-6-3) to Host Two Matches

Fresh off a 1-0 upset of No. 16 TCNJ, the William Paterson women’s soccer team (6-6-3, 2-2-2 NJAC) will host two more matches at Pioneer Soccer Park this week. The Pioneers will take on Drew Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:00 p.m., and Montclair State Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Football (3-3) to Host Cortland Saturday

The Pioneers will host Cortland Saturday at 1:00 p.m

The William Paterson football team (3-3, 2-3 NJAC) will look to extend its win streak to three games when the Pioneers host Cortland Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1:00 p.m.

Athletic Hall of Fame Class Inducted Oct. 18

Gerry Gallagher ’74, the Pioneers’ football coach from 1989-96, was inducted Oct. 18 into the William Paterson University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame, along with Lesley Ann (Dube) Lubanski ’03 (field hockey), Robert P. Matthews, Sr. ’58 (men’s basketball), Raymond Ortiz ’02 (men’s basketball) and Rebecca (Schirrman) Gruver ’02 (women’s swimming). For the first time in the Athletic Hall of Fame’s history, a team also was inducted as the 1992 baseball team was honored for its national-championship season.

Tennis (4-6) to Finish Season Friday

The William Paterson tennis team (4-6, 0-4 NJAC) will finish its 2009 season with a home match against Richard Stockton Friday, Oct. 23, at 4:00 p.m.

Volleyball (15-6) Prepares for Busy Week

The William Paterson volleyball team (15-6, 4-3 NJAC) will celebrate Senior Night Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:00 p.m. against St. Joseph’s-Long Island, and will compete in a quad match at U.S. Merchant Marine on Saturday, Oct. 24.