VIRTUAL ASPIRE 2021 Building Success Through the Liberal Arts Building Success Through the Liberal Arts

Home , Jon Corzine, Kean University, Marshall Scholarship, William Paterson (judge)

COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY

PRESENTS

VIRTUAL ASPIRE 2021 Building Success Through the Liberal Arts Building Success through the Liberal Arts

Vision Statement The goal of the Aspire program is to empower students to appreciate, articulate, and leverage the intellectual skills, knowledge, and dispositions unique to a liberal arts education in the service of their personal and professional development. Participants will learn to convey the core values and strengths of their degree program, identify career paths that may connect to that program, and prepare themselves to fur- ther pursue passions and opportunities upon completing their degrees.

Thank you to Boston College, Endeavor: The Liberal Arts Advantage for Sophomores, for inspiration and activity ideas.

2 Contents

Schedule Overview 4-5 CoAHSS 6-9 Dean’s Advisory Board 10-21 Connect with Us! Guest Speakers 22-24

Campus Resources 25-26 @WPCOAHSS

Thank You 27

“What we think, we become.”

-Buddha

3 Schedule Overview In-Person Evening Program: Monday, August 2nd Student Center. Rm. 211

5:30pm-6:30pm: Welcome: Program Overview/Introduction:

Speakers: o Dr. Wartyna Davis, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science

o Dr. Joshua Powers, Provost and Senior Vice President, William Paterson University

o Valerie Gross, Dean’s Advisory Board Chair

o Selected Student from Aspire 2020, Zhakier Seville

Reception: Light Refreshments

VIRTUAL Day One Tuesday, August 3th from 9:00am to 2:35pm

9:00– 9:05am Welcome: Dr. Ian Marshall and Lauren Agnew 9:05am-10:00am Virtual Workshops: Career Foundations Group A: The Liberal Arts Advantage: Understanding Yourself through the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment with Ms. Alma Diaz, Facilitator Group B: Career Ready! Understanding career competencies and networking with Mr. Alex Corsillo, Assistant Director, William Paterson University Career Center

10:05am-11:05am Group B: The Liberal Arts Advantage: Understanding Yourself through the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment with Ms. Alma Diaz, Facilitator Group A: Career Ready! Understanding career competencies, and networking with Mr. Alex Corsillo, Assistant Direc- tor, William Paterson University Career Center

11:10am-12:10pm Virtual Workshops: Career Development Group A1: Creating and Critiquing Your LinkedIn Profile with Mr. Alex Corsillo Group A2: Perfecting Your Headshot with Ms. Robin Gurin Group B1&2: “Growth Mindset and Imposter Syndrome” with Ms. Tia Cherry

Break: 20 Minutes

12:30am-1:30pm Group B1: Creating and Critiquing Your LinkedIn Profile with Mr. Alex Corsillo Group B2: Perfecting Your Headshot with Ms. Robin Gurin Group A1&2: “Growth Mindset and Imposter Syndrome” with Ms. Tia Cherry

1:35pm-2:35pm WPU Alumni Mixer: Breakout Room Topics: The HSS Major, Non-Profits, and the Government Sector Making Connections: My Network, My AHSS Major, and My Career Careers and Family: Long-term Planning 4 Schedule Overview

Day Two Wednesday, August 4th from 9:00am to 1:25pm

9:00am-9:03am Introduction of Guest Speaker: Mr. Michael Blizzard Dr. Ian Marshall

9:03am-9:35am Plenary Guest Speaker My Compass Your Journey with Mr. Michael Blizzard

9:40am-10:10am Processing What We Have Gathered: Growth Mindset, Imposter Syndrome, and Telling Your Story with Ms. Tia Cherry

10:15am-11:00am From Telling Your Story to Building Your Brand: Careering Outside the Box: Forging Your Own Paths to Success: Board Members in Dialogue

Breakout Room Recommended for Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences Majors Moderator: Dr. Michael Gordon Janice Lai Marc Schaeffer Val Gross

Breakout Room Recommended for Fine Arts and Music Majors Moderator: Dr. Ian Marshall Brian Wood Jonte Silver Charlie Dougherty Jamieo Brown

11:05am-11:35am Plenary Virtual Presentation: Drury Design Dynamics

Break: 25 Minutes

12:00noon-1:00pm: Speed Introductions (about 5 minutes per student/ member) Advisory Board Members/Aspire Students

1:05-1:25pm Closing Remarks Representative from Dean’s Advisory Board Colin Ungaro Dr. Ian Marshall, Scholarship Awards

5 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Wartyna Davis, Dean

Dr. Wartyna Davis is the Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at William Paterson University. Formerly, she was Associate Dean, full-time Professor of Political Science, and served for seven years as Chair of the Political Science department. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science from the University of Alabama, and doctoral degree in Political Science from Florida State University. She is an interdisciplinary scholar, who has published and presented works on intersectional identity and politics. She has committed her life to researching, educating, and advocating for issues of justice and fairness. Ian Marshall, Associate Dean Dr. Ian Marshall is the Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and a Professor of English. He earned his BA and MA from Rutgers University-Newark, and his PhD from City University of New York, Graduate Center. He served as Chair of English for eight years. He specializes in Cultural Rhetoric, Modern American Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition. Among his publications are “Hemingway, Race(ism) and Criticism” Cambridge University Press, and “Reading, Writing, and the Rhetorics of Whiteness,” which is a book-length treatment of the intersections between Whiteness Studies and Composition Studies, coauthored with Wendy Ryden. Michael Gordon, Dean’s Fellow and Assistant

Dr. Michael Gordon is a Professor of Psychology and former Psychology Chairperson who completed his Ph.D. at the University of California, Riverside and post-doctoral studies at the University of Toronto. He now serves as Assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and directs the Audiovisual Perception Laboratory at William Paterson University. He is an innovative teacher and scholar with publications ranging from echolocation to the perception of music. He travels globally and acts locally to support program- matic enrichment in educational and scholarly activities.

6 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

James Miles, Director of Digital Learning and Outreach

James Miles, Director of digital learning and outreach, has 20+ years of technology support in the William Paterson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, including oversight of world languages proficiency exams, in-lab support for world languages courses, web site content management, digital signage content management, and serving as a liaison with Information Technology User Support and Instruction & Research Technology.

Tia N. Cherry, Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and Student Engagement

Tia Cherry is the Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and Student Engagement in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She graduated from Bloomfield College with a B.A. in Psychology and Capella University with a M.S. in Psychology with a specialization in Child & Adolescent Development. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. She was recently inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education and Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society for Online Students.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

7 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Dean’s Office Office: Atrium 260 Community and Social Justice Studies Phone: 973.720.2731 Office: Atrium 112 Wartyna Davis, Dean Phone: 973.720.3027 Ian Marshall, Associate Djanna Hill, Chairperson Dean Michael Gordon, Dean’s Fellow and Mayra Soto, Department Secretary Assistant Lauren Razzore Cedeno, Dean’s Fellow Michele Cascardi, Dean’s Fellow English Tia N. Cherry, Assistant Director Office: Preakness Hall 321 Yolanda Martinez, Financial Secretary Phone: 973.720.2254 Nancy Elshahawi, Faculty Issues Secretary Barbara Suess, Chairperson Suzanne Petrozza, Receptionist Sandy De Jesus, Department Secretary Rosario Urena, Receptionist Amy Nemery, Financial Secretary Lavene Gass, Marketing and Community History Liason Office: Atrium 217 Phone: 973.720.2319 Art Department Lucia McMahon, Chairperson Office: Ben Shahn Center 136 Malissa Williams, Department Secretary Phone: 973.720.3649 Music Department Graduate Director- Steve Rittler Office: Hunziker Hall 106A Office: Power Art Center 124 Phone: 973.720.2373 Phone: 973.720.3807 Chair- Tim Newman Center for New Art Director- Michael Rees Office: Shea Center 167 Office: Power Art Center 144 Phone: 973.720.2340 Phone: 973.720.3173 Graduate Director- John Link Center for Chinese Art- Zhiyuan Cong Office: Ben Shahn Center 116 Philosophy Phone: 973.720.3283 Office: Preakness Hall 306 Gallery- Casey Mathern Phone: 973.720.3032 Peter Mandik, Chairperson Communication Department Liz Siders-Brown, Department Secretary Office: Hamilton Hall 213 Phone: 973.720.2540 Chair- Keith Obadike Office: Hamilton Hall 205 Phone: 973.720.3349 Graduate Director- Jennifer Owlett 8 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Philosophy Office: Preakness Hall 306 Phone: 973.720.3032 Peter Mandik, Chairperson Liz Siders-Brown, Department Secretary

Politics, Legal Studies, and Urban Science Office: Raubinger 433 Phone: 973.720.2183 Aaron Tesfaye, Chairperson Julie Vigorito, Department Secretary

Psychology Office: Science Hall East 2061 Phone: 973.720.2148 Corinne Datchi, Chairperson Delores Oertel, Department Secretary

Sociology & Criminal Justice Office: Raubinger 465 Phone: 973.720.2274 Jacob Felson, Chairperson Francine Troisi, Department Secretary

Languages & Cultures Office: Atrium 242 Phone: 973.720.2330 Ming Jian, Chairperson Joselynne Tanis, Department Secretary

University Performing Arts Office: Shea Center Lobby Phone: 973.720.2384 Al Schaefer Office: Hunziker Hall 110 Phone: 973.720.2994 Ed Matthews

9 Dean’s Advisory Board

Valerie Gross Add name and title here Valerie Gross is an attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. She practices in Morgan LewisAdd’s New bio York here City office and specializes in Outsourcing and Technology Transactions. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School in 2006 and is admitted to the bar in both New York and New Jersey. Ms. Gross founded the William Paterson University Cambridge Scholarship and is also a frequent Pre-Law Program guest speaker. During her time as a student at WPUNJ, Ms. Gross served as the Secretary of the SGA Court of Judicial Review and Vice President of the Student Business Association.

Lauren Agnew

Lauren Agnew, (Sociology & Communication ‘06) Public Information Officer for the County of Essex and member of both the Alumni Executive Council and the Young Alumni Council, earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication and an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers University. She is the founder of the “Lauren T. Agnew SPIKE Scholarship” for minority female students at WPUNJ, and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists; Public Relations Society of America; American Society for Public Administration; and the National Association of Professional Women.

10 Dean’s Advisory Board

Barbara Krajkowski Add name and title here Barbara Krajkowski was an adjunct communications professor at William Paterson. She taughtAdd and bio directed here student productions for over twenty years while simultaneously serving as co-founder and Artistic Director of the Women's Theatre Company, an Equity theater company. She is a producer, director, and actor involved in community and professional theater for over 40 years. Krajkowsk has directed over 50 plays, including numerous productions at William Paterson. In addition, she has coached and managed the career of her daughter, Jane Krakowski, a Tony and Emmy award-winning actor. In 1993, Barbara co-founded The Women’s Theater Company to provide more theatrical opportunities for women.

Brian Wood

Brian Wood is the Founder of MARS Coaching, a corporate leadership and development company. He is a transformational success coach and global speaker with a background of more than 30 years in the corporate world. While attending William Paterson, he was captain of the men’s basketball team. Passionate about continuous personal growth and organizational development, Brian continues to support major corporations, professional sports organizations and municipalities. He provides confidential, professional and discreet executive coaching, online learning resources and leadership assessments with customized summaries and action plans. He is also an executive coach with the American Express Leadership Academy – hosted by the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and nonprofit innovation. Brian also specializes in Athletes and for Athletes and is a Certified Agent for the NBPA, WNBA and FIBA, helping that population transition into other phases of life outside athletics. Earlier in his career, Brian had a 30 year career at American Airlines and as Director of Operations with Waste Management. His leadership coaching combines a corporate perspective with his background as an athlete and a certified professional coach to provide clients with unique support and guidance toward the next level of greatness.

11 Dean’s Advisory Board

Dave Wiktrom

As a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, David L. Wikstrom represents clients in claims involving Legal Malpractice, Product Liability, Personal Injury, Dramshop and Employment Discrimination. Mr. Wikstrom has been named one of New Jersey’s Super Lawyers in the product liability category for the years 2006 to 2019, and has been named to the prestigious Top 100 Attorneys of New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly’s Super Lawyer Magazine in 2019, 2020 and 2021. He is a Past-President of the Union County Bar Association, former Chairman of the Product Liability Section of the Essex County Bar Association and a member of the Standing Committee for Legal Malpractice and Insurance. He is currently serving as Trustee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, and is the former Chairman of the Union County Bar Association’s Civil Practice Committee. He the former Chair of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Civil Trial Certification and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience, and excellence in trial advocacy and have obtained recoveries on behalf of their clients in excess of one million dollars. He is a frequent lecturer for ICLE on Legal Malpractice and Ethics, and has presented seminars both nationally and internationally. Mr. Wikstrom is also an adjunct professor at Union County College where he teaches Business Law. Mr. Wikstrom is a proud graduate of William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ where he studied political science and concentrated in minority studies. He was the MVP for William Paterson in 1987 in the sport of Fencing and served on the leadership board of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. Following college, Mr. Wikstrom attended Quinnipiac University School of Law where he graduated cum laude and served as symposium editor on its law review. He was an IOLTA Scholarship recipient and received the Am Jur Award for Constitutional Law and Criminal Law.

12 Dean’s Advisory Board

Colin Ungaro Add name and title here Received a BA in Sociology from William Paterson University (College at the time) in 1975, thenAdd continued bio hereas a Graduate Communication major for another year. For most of my time at WP, I was a member of the Beacon, the student-run newspaper, where I served in various roles, including Editor in Chief and Arts Editor, and where I met my future wife, Susan (Kelliher) Ungaro. After Graduate School, I was fortunate enough to begin an almost 40-year career in publishing, first as a newspaper and magazine editor, and eventually as a media executive running several companies that produced magazines, web sites and both in-person and virtual events. On the side, my family ran a professional opera company for some 30 years, in Hackensack, NJ. It was a true labor of love for my entire family, and we all pitched in to make it work—juggling most administrative, artistic and production responsibilities. So much of my professional and personal life was forged at WP—both in the classroom and participating in extracurricular activities—and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Dave Maltese

Dave Maltese graduated from William Paterson with a BA in Communication. Dave learned from the best. His father, Anthony (Tony) Maltese retired from WP in 1996 after a 36 year career in the Communication Department, where he served as Chair and is considered one of the founders of the television and radio programs. In recognition of his father, Dave, along with other members of his family, established the Maltese Family Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Communication student. David Maltese was the New York Giants Director of Video Production for 28 seasons. Maltese has worked the combine (an event for football insiders to get access to the future athletes of the NFL) since 2003 and has been in charge of player interviews for all seven years. He is the recipient of two Superbowl rings. During his career with the Giants, Dave is proud to have been able to provide close to eighty William Paterson University students with internships.

13 Dean’s Advisory Board

Dawn Fitch Add name and title here Dawn Fitch is the founder of Pooka Pure and Simple, a handmade bath and body company. AfterAdd graduatingbio here from William Paterson and working for Sony Music for 6 years, Dawn decided to step out on her own doing freelance design. Creating products that were “good for your skin to eat” became a passion in September 2000. The company has grown from Dawn making products on her stove in her apartment to a warehouse in East Orange, NJ. The products are currently sold in various Whole Food markets, online and through various distributors. Pooka has been featured on The Today Show, CBS Evening News, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Network Journal, Michael Baisden Radio and various media outlets. Dawn was the recipient of the Influencer Award for Entrepreneurship given by the Urban League, the Black Executive Award given by the African American Chambers of Commerce, and an Agent of ChangeAdd award name from theand National title here Council of Negro Women and Pooka Pure and Simple was named a Local Hero by Whole Foods Markets. Dawn taught a seminarAdd bio on Organichere and Healthy Living for the Radio One Women’s Empowerment Day in Raleigh, N.C. She has been a speaker and panelist for many events including the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, Girl Scouts of America Gold Awards and National Black MBA Associations’ National Conference. In 2011 Pooka opened its 1st Flagship Boutique in Orange, NJ.

Glenn Treibitz

After graduating from William Paterson University in 1987 with a degree in Dramatic Arts, Glenn relocated to Los Angeles. He is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Hollywood Piano, a famous and historic piano sales and rental company. Glenn purchased Hollywood Piano from the original owners, who established the company in 1928. Hollywood Piano is considered the “goAdd-to” pianoname store and for titlemovies here and television and has supplied pianos for events, award shows, and music industry events. While he was a studentAdd bioat WP, here he wrote and produced “Going On,” which won a national playwriting competition from the American College Theater Festival and was performed by WP students at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

14 Dean’s Advisory Board

Jaimeo Brown Add name and title here Jaimeo Brown is an acclaimed jazz drummer and composer, and tours with his own group, AddTranscendence. bio here In 2013, their debut album 'Transcendence', included a core band, guitarist and GRAMMY- winning producer Chris Sholar ‘01, saxophonist JD Allen, and bassist Dartanyan Brown (Jaimeo’s father), along with appearances by pianist Geri Allen and other special guests. The album is a mix of Southern black spirituals, post-Coltrane jazz, and Indian Carnatic music. “The "Power of God", included on the album was chosen as one NPR Music's "50 Favorite Songs of 2013". In 2016, his album Work Songs, was nominated in the first round for the Gram- mies. Jaimeo has also worked as an ambassador for the US State Department through Jazz at Lincoln Center, he has traveled to Africa and Asia bringing music education to a new generation of young artists. Jaimeo began his drum career at age 16 with his father bassist Dartanyan Brown and mother pianist and woodwind specialist, Marcia Miget, and drum teacher, Sly Randolph, himself a Bernard Purdie protégé from Harlem. In the last 20 years, he has worked with a range of musicians including Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Q-Tip, Carl Craig, Bobby Hutcherson, Greg Osby, Joe Locke, David Murray, and several other New York based musicians. He gained extensive experience performing and educating various audiences around the world as an ambassador for the US State Department. In addition to onstage work, Jaimeo contributed program material for the Oscar and Grammy award winning documentary 'Twenty Feet From Stardom' and the PBS original production of Ralph Ellison's 'King of the Bingo Game.' As a Principal and Director of Transcending Arts, Jaimeo is a passionate educator. He has given countless hours in community service in urban NJ and NY giving lessons to kids through programs such as NJPAC, New City Kids.

Add nameJanice and Lai title here

Janice Lai is the MarketingAdd Director bio hereat Behaviorally, where she runs the global marketing department to help brands and retailers to define and diagnose shopper behavior. She majored in Political Science at William Paterson with a minor in Anthropology and studied abroad at Cambridge University as part of the pre-law program. During this time, she also was part of Student Government Association, Political Science Club, and Model UN. Janice is an INTJ who completed one semester at Seton Hall Law, holds also an Associates Degree in Mortuary sciences, and recently relocated to Phoenix in 2021.

15 Dean’s Advisory Board

Alex Malino Add name and title here Alex Malino (Political Science ’97) is a partner in the law firm of Barry, McTiernan & Moore,Add and bio is here a specialist in the insurance defense field and in labor law. He earned his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School in 2000, and is a member of both the New Jersey and New York bar associations. Mr. Malino served as SGA President and Student Trustee on the then-William Paterson College Board of Trustees, and has served on the board of Disabled Independent Awareness and Living (DIAL).

Marc Schaeffer

A retired member of William Paterson University, Marc Schaeffer served as Chief of Staff to WPUNJ President Arnold Speert. In this role, he oversaw operational functions of the President’s Office, organized and staffed searches for cabinet-level positions, and served as a policy advisor to the Board and President, and as member of his cabinet. Dr. Schaeffer also served on the Executive Board of the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE), as Chair of the Marketing and Membership Committee, and on the Leadership Team of the Board Professional Staff group of the Association of Governing Boards.

Blair Wilson

Blair Schleicher Bravo (Liberal Studies ’95) is the Executive Director of Morris Habitat for Humanity. Under her leadership, the organization has grown its home building program by 255 percent, developed a home repair program, and created New Jersey's largest ReStore to support program needs. She is a founding member and current Chair of the Housing Alliance of Morris County, member of the Board of Directors of the Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey, and past member of the Board of Trustees of Morris Tomorrow.

16 Dean’s Advisory Board

Jason Richardson Add name and title here I am a first-generation college graduate from Irvington, NJ, and a proud alumnus of William AddPaterson bio University. here As a student, I was an executive member of several organizations, including the president of Brothers For Awareness (BFA). I graduated with a bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Africana Studies. Currently, I am a high school assistant principal and a doctorate candidate for Educational Leadership.

Add name and title here

Add bio here

John Byrne

John A. Byrne is the founder, chairman and CEO of C-Change Media Inc., a digital media platform for web communities launching a network of websites for the global business community. Byrne also started an MBA website called Poets & Quants, an on-line website and community created to help people interested in graduate business school education. Prior to starting C-Change, until 2009, Byrne served as editor-in-chief of BusinessWeek.com and executive editor of BusinessWeek for nearly 18 years. He holds the distinction of au- thoring a record 58 cover stories in BusinessWeek magazine. John Byrne is the author of eight books on business, leadership, and management. On Sept. 11, 2001, published by Warner Books, Jack: Straight from the Gut, was a highly anticipated collaboration with Byrne and former General Electric Co. CEO Jack Welch. The book debuted at the very top of The New York Times bestseller list. Byrne has written or co-authored seven other books, including Chainsaw (HarperCollins, 1999), the behind-the-scenes story of Al Dunlap’s rise and fall as a business celebrity. The book received widespread acclaim. Publishers Weekly called the book a “blistering saga” and a “sizzling tale.” The Street.com said Chainsaw “should be required reading in all business and accounting schools.” Byrne is a frequent lecturer and commentator on television, having appeared on CNN's Moneyline and CNBC's Squawk Box and Business Center.

17 Dean’s Advisory Board

Kenyatta Stewart Add name and title here Kenyatta K. Stewart graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in political Addscience bio and herewent on to receive his law degree from Hofstra University. He was named a partner at the law firm of Hunt, Hamlin & Ridley (HHR). As partner, he manages the firm’s city of Paterson office. In addition, Kenyatta represents numerous public entities in Title 59 matters. These entities include the City of Paterson, Irvington Board of Education, Pleasantville Board of Education, East Orange Housing Authority and the County of Passaic. During law school, he interned with the Law Office of Fiesta & Ingenito, the Honorable Patricia P. Satterfield of the Queens Supreme Court, the Honorable Ronald Hedges (former District of New Jersey Magistrate Judge), the Narcotics and Investigation Division of the Queens District Attorney's Office, and the Cochran firm. While attending Hofstra, Kenyatta was an active member of the Black Law Students Association, the Hofstra Moot Court Association, and successfully competing in the Frederick Douglas Moot Court competition.

Mia Tochi

Mia Toschi graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in communication. She is a Video Producer, Public Relations & Social Media Expert at MVT Media, as well as a professional Voiceover Artist at MVT. In addition, she is a four time Emmy- winning TV Reporter & Producer and Managing Editor for Weekly Reader Magazines, Mia combined those experiences to create her own company, MVT Media. Toschi was also anchor with News 12 New Jersey off and on from 1999-2011. In addition, she is a professional voiceover artist with experience voicing over corporate videos, commercials and documentaries.

18 Dean’s Advisory Board

Michael Gray

Michael graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in communication. He has gone on to have a successful career in Marketing, Advertising and Public relations to include founding Marketing & Promotions Group, Inc. and Director of Public Relations and Advertising for Weichert Realtors Corporate Real Estate. In addition, Michael has partnered in real estate development and other investment capital projects with a focus on entertainment, real estate and homeland security. In addition, Michael Gray is the Executive Producer of a cutting edge documentary, FIGHTVILLE, which entails the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Directed by the award winning and successful team of Mike Tucker and Petra Epperlein, FIGHTVILLE has recently been selected for competition at the SXSW (South by Southwest) Film Festival in Austin, TX from March 11th-20th, 2011.

Mike Siegel

Mike Siegel is a communications consultant and an authority on media and communications. After his graduation from William Paterson Mike taught for the Newark, NJ School District. During his tenure as a PhD student at the University of Utah, Mike taught Speech Communication. Upon completion of his Ph.D, Siegel moved to Massachusetts where he taught at Fitchburg State College and Emerson College until 1978. In 1978 Mike decided to move from the world of intellectual theory to actual practice. He joined WOTW radio in Nashua, New Hampshire as the President and General Manager. While managing WOTW AM and FM, Mike continued to focus on personal enrichment through education. After graduating from law school, Mike went on to pass the Bar in Massachusetts, New York, Florida and the District of Columbia. He practiced law for a few years until his passion for radio called him back. Mike has made numerous appearances on a variety of television talk programs including Oprah, The O'Reilly Factor, Politically Incorrect, Geraldo, Fox News Sunday and more.

19 Dean’s Advisory Board

Add nameRobin and Gurin title here

Robin graduated from WilliamAdd Paterson bio here with a degree in dramatic arts. She is an Emmy-nominated makeup artist who has had a 25+ year career in film, television, and theater. Highlights of her career include the New York City Opera, “Guiding Light,” “Spin City,” and working on “Saturday Night Live” from 1989-94, for which she received an Emmy nomination in 1994. She has also worked on many notable political spots and interviews, including with Richard Nixon, Senator Jon Corzine, Christie Whitman, and Fortune 500 CEOs and Executives. Her political interests include; servings as a Campaign Volunteer with CD-7 – Morris County Freeholders Somerset County, Volunteer Team leader for Victory 2017 – Phil Murphy for Governor, and Campaign Manager for Veronica Fernandez for Washington Township Committee. In addition to her work as a makeup artist, Robin is a partner with Emanuel Kallins in Gotham Music Inc., which produces the Gotham Music Catalogue for BMG Music. She is also an executive Producer with Politically Driven, a Web Series.

Susan Lisovicz

Susan Lisovicz got her start in journalism at WPSC Radio and The Beacon and has since reported for CNN, CNBC, The Associated Press, Yahoo Finance and PBS. She is a visiting professor at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and has also taught at William Paterson. She is a mediocre guitar player but an excellent live music fan.

20 Dean’s Advisory Board

Susan Ungaro Add name and title here Susan Ungaro’s career spans over four decades in the publishing and the nonprofit world as EditorAdd-in- Chiefbio hereof Family Circle magazine and President of the James Beard Foundation. She credits her happiness and success to making the most of the opportunities that college life offers and to WPU’s faculty. They didn’t just teach, they offered support and mentorship. Since paid internships were not readily available when she was a Communications major, Susan believes working on the university’s radio station and newspaper helped her gain valuable work-related experience and, just as important, make lifelong friends, including her husband Colin. She believes the 10 most important two-letter words are: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Good advice to life!

Terrance Romney

Terrence Romney received both is undergraduate and graduate degrees from William Paterson University in communication arts. He serves as a Producer/Editor and Technical Media Manager for NBC’s Today Show. With extensive experience in production, editing, and technical experience, Terrence began his career at NBC in 2005 as a runner for the Today Show. Rising through the ranks, Terrence has also worked as a Researcher, Field Producer, and Photographer/ Editor for NBC News Channel.

Mike Hartman Add name and title here Mike Hartman (BA English Literature 1999, MA English/Writing, 2004) is the Chief CreativeAdd Officer bio here for Greater Than One (GTO), an integrated creative agency focused on delivering marketing and technology solutions to global pharmaceutical, health and wellness brands.

21 Alumni Speaker

Zhakier Seville Alumna/Researcher/Writer

Zhakier Seville has a keen interest in supporting underserved groups. Independently, she developed and directed a summer camp for the natives of her home district, Trenton, New Jersey, which is a historically underserved district. Collaborating with private and public business stakeholders, She created and implemented several pilot programs providing academic, recreational, and other family-wellness resources and services for the natives of Trenton. She is currently serving as a research assistant for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program at William Paterson University which financially assists aspiring science educators who commit to teaching at least four years in an urban district. She is also a clerk at Rutgers University for the Urban Teacher Department. She works with a team of educators to expand Rutgers’ Urban Education program.

“The question isn’t who is going to let me;

it’s who is going to stop me.” -Ayn Rand

22 Workshop Leader

Alexander Corsillo Assistant Director Career Development Center William Paterson University

Alexander Corsillo is an Assistant Director in the Career Development Center & liaison to the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. He is an Alumni of William Paterson University, He received a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from William Paterson University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Kean University.

Alma Diaz Assistant Director Career Development Center William Paterson University

Alma Diaz is one of the Assistant Director of the Career Development Center, she is also an Alumni from William Paterson University who majored in Psychology as a first-generation college student. During her time at William Paterson University, Alma became very involved on campus and her experiences inspired her to seek a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from Rowan University. During her career in higher education, Alma has worked in several areas including strategic enrollment management, academic enrichment, pre-college youth programs, and continuing education. In her current role, Alma aims to help students build the path to their careers by helping students connect the dots between their passions, skills, values and experiences.

23 Plenary Guest Speaker

Michael received his undergraduate degree in Psychology and English with Honors in Biopsychology at William Paterson University. He has earned his Master of Science Degree in Research Ethics at Union Graduate College/ Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Michael will be pursuing his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology this fall at Pace University. Michael has over a decade of clinical research experience conducting Phase II, Phase III, and Post Marketing Stud- ies. He has worked in various disease states i.e. Opiate Addition, Alcohol Abuse, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Medical Devices, and Uro-Oncology Clinical Trials. Michael was one of the Guest Speakers at the Guilds Club, a non-profit organization that supports cancer awareness. The topic centered on the psychosocial, and Michael L. Blizzard BA, MS, CP biopsychosocial health care needs of breast cancer survi- Clinical Research Administrator vors. & EPIC Research Analysts Michael was one of the Panelist at the 20th Annual IHA Health Literacy Conference. The topic centered on Health Literacy’s role in achieving Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Clinical Trials. Michael is a mentor at the Pesce Family Mentoring Insti- tute. He has been mentored a number of students since its inception in 2014. Benevolence is the recurring theme he shares with all of his mentees.

“If you work hard, nothing is impossible.”

-Prabhu Deva

24 Campus Resources

Academic Success Center Works collaboratively with members of the University to tailor and cater to the needs of the student population. Students receive both free one-on-one, and group-oriented tutoring assistance for a wide range of lower-level and upper-level courses, as well as for develop- mental skills for mathematics and reading courses.

Phone: 973.720.2563 / 973.720.3324 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/academics/asc/index.html Location: Raubinger Hall, lower level

Campus Police Department The University Police Department provides both the University and its community with services, including access to a form for anonymous reporting, to enhance the safety of the campus and to ensure that both students and faculty have the resources to contact the department if necessary. In case of an emergency, please call 911 from a campus phone or use the Guardian App on your cell phone. To download the Guardian App, please visit the following link for in- structions: https://itwiki.wpunj.edu/index.php/Emergency_Notifications.

Phone: (973) 720-2301 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/police/index.html Location: Building 31 is the first building on the left upon entering the University via Entry One.

Career Development Center Works in collaboration with the University and community constituents to help students develop the professional skills needed to achieve career success in a multi-cultural, global society. The center offers career counseling, career coaching, job, internship and graduate school preparation, as well as employment and mentoring connections.

Phone: 973.720.3291 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/career-center/ Location: Student Center 301

Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center A welcoming and accepting environment that strives to empower William Paterson Uni- versity students to make informed decisions about their physical and emotional well-being in order to promote lifelong health.

Phone: 973.720.2360 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/health-wellness Location: Ground Floor of Overlook South, between Matelson and White Hall

Location: Raubinger Hall second floor, Room 207B

25 Office of International Students and Scholars Provides assistance to international students and visitors with visa applications, on campus employment alternatives and resources, scholarships and financial aids, and cultural and social enhancement opportunities.

Phone: 973.720.2976 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/cie/oiss.html

Science Enrichment Center A "student-centered environment" that empowers students with diverse needs to achieve high levels of intellectual and personal growth, and enables professors to maintain high academic standards. Within this environment, SEC staff and faculty challenge students to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the sciences.

Phone: 973.720.3340 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/sec/index.html Location: College of Science and Health, Science Hall East 3023

Student Enrollment Services Assists current and prospective students; parents/family; high school counselors and community college advisors; and university community, including faculty and staff with financial aid/scholarships; financial literacy; billing/payment; installment plans; record/select registration services.

Phone: 973.720.3945 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/centerss/ Location: Morrison Hall, Room 104

Transfer Student Experience Provides comprehensive resources, success tips, and information to new and currently en- rolled transfer students, as well as readmitted students at William Paterson University.

Phone: 973.720.3107 3720 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/advisement-center/transfer-students.html Location: Student Center, Suite 301

Writing Center Provides one-on-one tutoring for anyone in the university community working on any kind of writing, in any stage of development, such as outlining, thesis clarification, organization, style, transitions, citing, and grammar.

Phone: 973.720.2633 Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/departments/english/writing-center/ Location: Preakness Hall 124

26 Thank You to Our 2021 Sponsors and Supporters

Dean’s Advisory Board William Paterson University Alumni Foundation

Special Thank You

Wartyna Davis, Dean Michael Blizzard, Alum '07 Rodney Cauthen, Alumni Relations Associate Tia Cherry, Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and Student Engagement Alexander Corsillo, Assistant Director Alma Diaz, Assistant Director Zhakier Seville, Alumna and Aspire 2020 Participant Michael Gordon, Dean’s Fellow and Assistant Valerie Gross, Chair of Dean’s Advisory Board James Miles, Director of Digital Learning and Outreach Maureen O’Connor, Institutional Advancement Jenna Villani, Executive Director, Alumni Relations

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