The magazine of Montclair State University Fall/Winter 2018 MONTCLAIR

University Aims High With Fundraising Goal Vice President Joe Biden visited campus to campaign for Mikie Sherrill and posed for lots of selfies with students. See story, page 7. CONTENTS | FALL/WINTER 2018 FEATURES Fulbright Scholars Promote 11 Global Health Foreign medical professionals give the Master of Public Health a world view

Education Exploration 16 University College guides students in choosing majors, career paths

Home-Field Advantage 18 Red Bulls II provides start to broadcasting careers

Backstage Stars Alumni bring hit productions to life from Broadway 22 to Europe

Soar 26 University launches the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history to help meet the needs of a vibrant and growing community

Schambach Strong 35 Coach leaves legacy of success, inspiration for lacrosse team

3 Feedback

4 Headlines

35 Athletics

41 Alumni Connections

49 Class Notes

55 In Memoriam

56 Lasting Lessons DEPARTMENTS

On the cover: The Red Hawk statue soars by College Avenue. MONTCLAIR The magazine of Montclair State University FROM President Susan A. Cole THE Vice President for Development Colleen Coppla Assistant Vice President for PRESIDENT Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Jeanne Marano his fall, as we mark the University’s 110th anniversary and celebrate Editor Laura Griffin its tremendous growth in both size and reputation, we have officially Tlaunched Soar, The Campaign for Montclair State University, a $75 million Assistant Editors fundraising effort. Robert Gano Marilyn Joyce Lehren When the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair opened in 1908, with Design Director Randi Rosh the mission to educate and train an initial class of 187 students in the science of education, it would have been hard to envision the day when Montclair Designers State would grow into a national research university, serving more than 21,000 Samantha Spitaletta ’97 Stefani Whitehouse students and offering more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate degree programs. But here we are! Staff Photographer Mike Peters To maintain the University’s momentum and commitment to providing life- Contributing Photographers changing and affordable educational opportunities, the private funds raised by Gennadi Novash Michael Scala the Soar campaign will allow us to increase the number of students supported by scholarships, to fund groundbreaking research and innovative academic programs, Contributing Writers Robert Gano and to improve the campus experiences for all of our students and faculty. Marilyn Joyce Lehren Kathleen Lynn Suzanne Marta The Soar campaign both celebrates how far we have come and reflects our Steve Politi ambitions for the future. An affordable, high-quality education matters greatly in Amy Wagner a democratic society, and philanthropic support is central to our goal to reach all Production those students who deserve access to the excellence Montclair State University Debra Morella ’79 offers. Our core mission is to serve students who reflect the full diversity of our society, without respect to their economic circumstances, which means that in MONTCLAIR is published by University Communications. addition to providing a rich academic experience for students, we must ensure they can afford it. Multitudes of gifts from alumni, foundations, corporations and Views within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or official policies of the friends of the University have made possible initiatives that enrich the educational University. No materials (articles, photographs, illustrations, etc.) may be reproduced in whole or in program and contribute to keeping the University affordable for students. part without consent of the editor.

Address changes: We are committed to sustaining Montclair State as a first-rate, student- Send the mailing label from this issue, centered research university, and we are grateful to all those who believe in along with your new address, to: Montclair State University, and support our work. This issue highlights some of the benefits that gifts to Office of Advancement Services 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043 the Soar campaign have already provided to our students. I invite you to visit or fax to 973-655-6441. montclair.edu/soar for more updates and to watch a short but inspiring video

Letters to the editor may be sent to that captures our compelling story. [email protected] or to the address below:

Montclair State University Thank you for all that you have done to bring us this far and for providing University Communications 1 Normal Avenue opportunities for generations to come. Together, we will soar to new heights. Montclair, NJ 07043

Please recycle. Sincerely,

© 2018 Montclair State University montclair.edu

Susan A. Cole Enjoy the magazine? Have a story idea for us? We want to hear from you. Email us at editor@mon tclair.edu. FEEDBACK (We reserve the right to edit letters.)

OUR FAVORITE TWEETS AND POSTS

Doubling in size and scope in just three years, the “Green Teams” With Montclair State nationally recognized for its campus sponsored by the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies spread out diversity, Fox News included an interview with President Susan across the Garden State to tackle how industries and communities A. Cole and Montclair State students (shown in this tweet adapt and innovate greener ways of doing business, and as this tweet when the crew visited campus) for a series on diversity and from August shows, connect with global sustainable development education. goals set by the United Nations.

Mary Stanton, a junior Theatre Studies major at Montclair State, tweeted about the time Vice President Joe Biden called her dad. It happened during Biden’s visit to campus. With the vice president posing for selfies with students, “I tried to scramble some thoughts together,” Stanton recalls, “and blurted out a jumble of ‘You’re an inspiration, I grew up knowing and respecting you.’ And then I mentioned my dad (Tom) who is a huge supporter.” Biden’s response? “Your dad? Put him on the phone!” Stanton says she did what the VP asked, calling her dad and praying he would pick up. “Thankfully he did and he was in just as much shock as myself.” See page 7 for a story about the event.

2017 SCM BUILDING OPENS A high-tech, high-def, $55 million School of Communication and Media building opens with a partnership with Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions Americas providing students with the most 1998 FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT IN advanced broadcast facilities on a campus Under the leadership of its first FALL 2014, in the country. THE UNIVERSITY female president, Susan A. Cole, GROWS TO Montclair State becomes the 20K second-largest and fastest growing university in New Jersey. She ushers in an era of building and transformation. 2016 HISPANIC SERVING U.S. Department of Education designates Montclair State as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and for more than 15 years has been on the Hispanic Outlook in Higher 1964 Education Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Colleges 2ND for Hispanics.” 2016 SCHOOL OF NURSING OPENS UNDEFEATED Responding to a national shortage in FOOTBALL SEASON IN nursing, the University opens a School of 5 YEARS 2006 NEW SCHOOL AND BUILDINGS Nursing and offers a RN to BSN degree Correction University Hall and the John J. Cali School and adds a BSN degree in fall 2017. of Music are established, the latter with a $5 million gift from the Cali family. 1966 UNIVERSITY ADDS LIBERAL ARTS The NJ Legislature made Montclair State a multipurpose institution and it admits its first liberal arts students in 1966. 1963 HARRY A. SPRAGUE LIBRARY OPENS Named for the principal and later A timeline in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue of magazine misidentified president Harry Sprague, who ran the 1994 UNIVERSITY STATUS Montclair college from 1924 to 1951, overseeing Under the leadership of President Irvin Dexter Reid, its change to a four-year teachers Montclair State College is renamed Montclair State college and elevating its reputation. University. 2016 A RESEARCH UNIVERSITY Carnegie Classification designates Montclair State as a Research Doctoral 2004 ALEXANDER KASSER THEATER OPENS Institution, followed by the State of New A $4 million gift from Kasser’s family in Jersey recognizing the University as a his memory made the theater possible. public research university. The stunning facility seats 500 and stages the first African American president of Montclair State. When Dr. David W.D. Dickson 1978 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL avant garde productions often praised by 2020 Women’s Basketball makes it to the The New York Times. national AIAW Final Four tournament. 1976 WRESTLING MANIA The Wrestling team wins the national 2010 1989 NCAA Division III championship in both THE MSU 1976 and 1986. INDIANS 2000 BECOME THE 2013 BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE BONDS RED HAWKS Montclair State receives $94 million 1990 from state bonds for $121 million in became president in 1973, he also became the first African American to head a construction projects that include the 1980 School of Business building and the Center for Environmental and Life Sciences.

1970 1998 FLOYD HALL AND YOGI BERRA STADIUM 2000 BASEBALL TEAM BECOMES A gift from Floyd Hall and a public-private partnership NATIONAL CHAMPS 1987 HONORS PROGRAM OPENS results in a first-of-its-kind venture for a university in 1960 Coach Norm Schoenig leads the The honors program opens for New Jersey. Red Hawks to the their third Division academically gifted freshmen; by 1989, III national championship. 100 students were enrolled. New Jersey state college or university. A corrected version of the timeline has been 2015 LARGEST GIFT EVER An anonymous donor gives the University $20 1970 STUDENT STRIKE million to support programming in the Feliciano In May 1970, two days after School of Business. four students were killed at Kent State in Ohio, the 25 Montclair State student Spring/Summer 2018 government called for a student strike. Faculty voted 1973 FIRST AFRICAN to support the students and AMERICAN PRESIDENT the strike lasted through the David W.D. Dickson becomes reprinted and can also be found at montclair.edu/magazine. end of the semester, but the first African American students held protest classes to head a New Jersey state of their own. 1970 college or university. THE COLLEGE HAS 7,500 FULL-TIME UNDER- GRADUATES

The magazine of Montclair State University 24

Fall/Winter 2018 3 HEADLINES

skills and competencies that organizations in the private and public sectors need to be successful. For example, our inaugural online short-duration certificate programs in the expanding fields of blockchain technology and analytic linguistics/criminal translation, along with a line of technical skills workshops to enhance young professionals’ resumes, address immediate needs in our state and region – while furthering students’ education and career goals.”

In addition, students enrolled in the short-duration, non-credit CAPE certificate programs will receive personalized career guidance and support – an innovative feature that sets CAPE’s approach apart from those of most other continuing and professional education programs.

While CAPE helps northern New Jersey government, not-for-profit and private Continuing Ed Expands Course Offerings organizations and groups develop cost-effective solutions ontclair State’s seeking skilled “new collar” University’s robust health, to their training needs, it is Mexpanded Continuing professionals. social service and community- also committed to developing and Professional Education oriented resources,” says and delivering personal- (CAPE) offerings include face- “CAPE’s courses reflect today’s Montclair State University enrichment and community- to-face and online credential- workplace realities, while Provost Willard Gingerich. engagement programs by bearing courses designed to learners of all ages can explore growing partnerships with help working professionals outside interests and passions “We’re taking a holistic community organizations, such advance or change careers; through personal enrichment approach to continuing and as the Montclair Public Library. provide enrichment for offerings. CAPE’s community professional education,” says lifelong learners; and meet service options give our local CAPE Executive Director Peter To see a full list of offerings, the needs of area businesses community access to the McAliney. “We’ve identified visit montclair.edu/cape. n

4 The magazine of Montclair State University New Semester, New Degree Programs

In the new Master of Social Work (MSW) program, advanced practitioners are being prepared to provide clinical and advocacy services to vulnerable children, teens and their families.

“Graduates will promote the well-being of their clients by engaging in ethical, culturally competent and evidence-based practice – and Dancers Tayler Riveron and by demonstrating a strong commitment to social Marsha Pierre perform To Have and economic justice,” says MSW Program and To Hold, the dance they Registered nurses are now able to earn an MSN online. Director Svetlana Shpiegel. performed with Montclair State classmates at the Kennedy Center in June. The fall semester marks the launch of dynamic The new bachelor’s degree in Medical new graduate degree programs in Nursing Humanities examines far-ranging questions and Social Work, as well as a brand-new about health and illness, and connects the hard STUDENTS’ undergraduate major in Medical Humanities. science of modern medicine with the healing KENNEDY powers of art. CENTER DANCE The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) EARNS AWARD offers three concentrations – administration, Students will delve into the social sciences, education and clinical research – providing humanities, arts, biomedical sciences and ix students from “registered nurses the opportunity to advance caregiving disciplines to explore and understand SMontclair State’s their practice and education, and to specialize in the human experience of health and illness, BFA in Dance program an area that’s meaningful to them,” says School says Jeff Gatrall, director of the BA in Medical performed the modern of Nursing Dean Janice Smolowitz. Humanities program. n dance masterwork, To Have and To Hold, on the Kennedy Center stage at the American College Dance GOVERNOR LAUNCHES ‘RESEARCH WITH NJ’ Association (ACDA) National College Dance Festival ontclair State University engineering and mathematics. Herness sits on the Research in June. Their bravura is among six leading “Through Research with NJ, with NJ Advisory Board, which M performance was recognized New Jersey universities the University is able to share provides oversight, guidance with the ACDA/Dance contributing to “Research more fully our exceptional and insights for the portal’s Magazine Outstanding with NJ,” a scientific research research assets and expertise success. Performance Award. database created to support in the search for solutions the continued development to today’s most pressing “Research with NJ reflects This is the 10th time of New Jersey’s innovation societal and scientific issues the state, national and University dancers have economy. and in applications of new international impact of the been selected to perform knowledge,” says President University’s research efforts,” at the prestigious festival. Governor Phil Murphy Susan A. Cole. he says. “For New Jersey “Our program in Dance has launched the portal in entrepreneurs and industry emerged as one of the best August, saying it is designed The portal showcases innovators, it is a streamlined, in the nation,” says College to foster collaboration researchers from Montclair efficient way to connect with of the Arts Dean Daniel between business, industry State, the New Jersey Institute the cutting-edge institutional Gurskis. “Our graduates are and prestigious New Jersey of Technology, Princeton, research breakthroughs that on their way to success at research institutions by Rowan, Rutgers and Stevens lead to the creation of new dance companies around providing free access to Institute of Technology. Vice products – and bolster the the country – and around institutional research Provost for Research and state’s reputation as a national the world.” n in science, technology, Graduate School Dean Scott leader in innovation.” n

Fall/Winter 2018 5 HEADLINES z News

STUDENT WOWS JUDGES ON THE VOICE hen Radharani “He really fought for me, so the fall semester off from her WMartinez – better now it all feels like being on studies as a Television and known by her stage name Team Adam was meant to Digital Media major to focus RADHA – belted out Jessie J’s be,” RADHA recalls. on The Voice. “Mamma Knows Best” on the first day of on-air auditions RADHA has been singing Regardless of the final for the hit TV show The Voice, since age 4 and performing outcome, RADHA knows she judges Adam Levine, Jennifer since sixth grade, and since is already a winner. “I’ve Hudson and Blake Shelton The Voice premiered in already gotten a taste of what quickly responded. After 2011, she has dreamed of it’s like in the ‘real world’ – Levine used his only block competing on its national the world I want to be a part to keep Hudson from being stage. “Being here and of. The Voice has opened up a potential coach, RADHA physically seeing myself live parts of me I didn’t know chose him as her coach. my dreams is indescribable,” existed.” n she says. RADHA is taking

Grad Appears on FOX-TV Dance Show udges on the hit FOX TV show So You Think You Can Dance Jdescribed contestant Cole Mills’ dancing as “gorgeous,” “genuine” and “amazing” before naming him as one of the five male finalists who would compete along with five female finalists in the live shows.

Despite being eliminated on the show’s third live episode, making the Top Ten was an unforgettable experience for Mills, who graduated in 2016. “There’s no other opportunity where the best FROM WALL STREET TO choreographers in the commercial industry create works of art BROADWAY specifically for you,” he says. “There is so much emphasis on the dancer that being yourself never felt so good.” n n “Defying Gravity,” the first what was missing from her life, Iact finale of the hit musical so she trusted those instincts Wicked, Elphaba – the Wicked to rekindle her early dream of Witch of the West – sings, “It’s being a performer. time to trust my instincts/Close my eyes and leap.” She made her Broadway debut in 2014 in The Bridges of That is precisely what Jessica Madison County and left the Vosk ’07, who is currently cast of the Broadway revival of starring as Elphaba on Broadway, Fiddler on the Roof to star as did when she quit her job on Wall Elphaba on a national tour of Street to pursue a career as a Wicked. In July, Vosk joined performer nine years ago. the Broadway cast of Wicked, which is celebrating 15 years Jacalyn and Greg Willis After suffering panic attacks at on Broadway. n work, Vosk realized that art was

6 The magazine of Montclair State University Red Hawks Get Out the Vote; Biden Visits Campus

who join the voter rolls with T-shirts that feature the slogan, “Grumble. Complain. Blame. Tweet. Protest. Vote.” Montclair State also competed in the Ballot Bowl, a non- partisan, statewide collegiate voter registration competition connected to the September 25 national registration drive. For the first time, the University was able to target registration strategies using data that shows which kinds of students vote and which do not, according to Mariel Pagán, director of the Center for Student Involvement. In the 2016 Presidential election, for instance, nearly 56 percent of all Montclair State undergraduate students voted, a number provided by the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement.

Clockwise from top left: Vice President Joe Biden takes a selfie with students and fans; students led a get-out-the-vote effort; Biden The University’s efforts recently and then congressional candidate Mikie Sherrill pose with students; Sherrill poses for selfies with students and others. Sherrill went earned it a spot on the listing on to win the 11th District on Nov. 6. of America’s Best Colleges for Student Voting Information ontclair State’s efforts to University’s Office of Civic and for Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th published by Washington Mget students registered Voter Engagement. After the congressional district, which Monthly. to vote this year got a boost on September rally, Odondi says includes Montclair. the first day of classes when she saw an increase in both “The University feels former Vice President Joe the number of students who “I decided to educate myself strongly that part of our core Biden stopped by campus with registered and pledged to vote. on how we got here and how I responsibility to the State of Governor Phil Murphy to stump could be proactive and make New Jersey and to society as for congressional candidate Among the motivated was a difference,” Khan told the a whole is to help students Mikie Sherrill, shaking hands Naajidah Khan, a junior political crowd. “I began to understand develop and execute their and posing for selfies. It was science major who spoke about the importance of off-year rights and responsibilities an Instagramable moment that her personal journey to civic elections, civic engagement, that as citizens,” says Karen L. inspired political engagement engagement at the rally. “When every vote really does count, and Pennington, vice president among campus voters. you have an elected official how our current political climate for Student Development and standing in front of you, shaking has been allowed to take shape Campus Life. “Voting is the That high-profile event helped your hand and telling you, ‘You in large part because of our own most fundamental of those efforts by Britah Odondi, a need to vote,’ it’s inspiring and complacency.” rights, and the responsibility of graduate student working on a brings everything into context all who are eligible to be a part combined BA in Jurisprudence/ about why things matter and The Office of Civic and of creating and sustaining the MA in Law and Governance, why you need to be engaged,” Voter Engagement promoted type of world in which they want who also works for the says Khan, who also volunteered registration, rewarding students to live.” n

Fall/Winter 2018 7 HEADLINES z News

Student, Alumni among GRAD LANDS ROLE ON NJBIZ’s Forty Under 40 BLUE’S CLUES REBOOT

ontclair State Bergenfield, I’d be that guy MUniversity alumnus someday,” Dela Cruz told Joshua Dela Cruz ’11 NJ.com for a recent story. was recently named the new host of the reboot “I’m so excited to bring (the of Nickelodeon’s popular show) to a new generation children’s show Blue’s Clues, because they can watch with titled, Blue’s Clues & You. their parents who might have nostalgia with this show,” he The Bergenfield, New said. “I want to get kids to Jersey, native will make his be excited about curiosity, to television series regular debut not be afraid to ask for help, after appearing in Disney’s and just be silly and make Aladdin on Broadway as the mistakes.” From left: Luzaj, Lazare and Garcia understudy for Aladdin and a member of the ensemble. He In Blue’s Clues & You, t just 22 years old, George Garcia, a senior at Montclair State has also appeared in other beloved animated puppy AUniversity, has had a hand in two startup companies and a seat theater productions during Blue invites viewers to join on a government agency looking at economic development. He’s a his career, including David her and host Dela Cruz on young professional to watch, according to , which named him NJBIZ Byrne’s Here Lies Love and a clue-led adventure and to its list of 40 influential up-and-comers, all under the age of 40. Encores! Merrily We Roll solve a daily puzzle. With Along. His TV appearances each signature paw print, The Forty Under 40 awards recognize the achievements NJBIZ include CBS’ Bull and ABC’s Blue identifies clues in her of millennials making headlines. Garcia is the CEO of a social Time After Time. animated world that propel application startup called Wheatpaste Inc., which won the Montclair the story and inspires State pitch contest, the biggest collegiate prize for promising “Never in a million years viewers to interact with the entrepreneurial ideas at any university in New Jersey. did I imagine when I was in action. n

Garcia isn’t the only one connected to the University who made the list. Two alumni joined him on this year’s Forty Under 40:

• Shannon Lazare ’09 MBA with a concentration in Management and a vice president at M&T Bank was named to the list in Banking.

• Ermal Luzaj ’03, ’10, a partner at Sax LLP, was named in Accounting. At Montclair State, Luzaj earned a BS in Accounting and a MBA. n

2018-19 ENROLLMENT BREAKS RECORDS embers of the Class of The applicant pool hailed from M2022 are among 21,115 45 states, plus the District Montclair State undergraduate of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and graduate students – the and nearly two dozen foreign University’s highest-ever countries. n Dela Cruz recorded enrollment.

8 The magazine of Montclair State University From left: Alumnus Anthony Scriffignano ’82, ’85 MA and University board member Francis Cuss join Susan A. Cole, Lora Billings and Constantine Coutras at the opening.

INTRODUCING THE CENTER FOR COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCE Mallory Hall transformed into a technologically advanced research and instructional facility

hen it was dedicated in 1963 “The new Center will allow New Jersey’s as laser projectors; 55- and 85-inch Wto honor former Montclair State second-largest university to sustain and displays; robotic pan/tilt/zoom cameras Mathematics Professor Virgil Mallory, grow high-quality, high-demand science in collaborative spaces; and wireless Mallory Hall was a modern educational programs that are directly aligned with the microphone systems – to the high-tech facility with what was then considered state’s and our students’ needs,” says Lora center. state-of-the-art classrooms, labs and a Billings, the new dean of the College of lecture hall. More than half a century Science and Mathematics. Department of Computer Science Chair and a complete renovation later, the Constantine Coutras is especially looking 34,400-square-foot Mallory Hall has been Classrooms and labs in the Center for forward to the Center’s significantly transformed into the 43,800-square-foot, Computing and Information Science expanded research spaces. With all the cutting-edge Center for Computing and include specialized research labs and research space, Coutras explains, “We’ll Information Science. instructional spaces for areas such be able to offer new graduate degrees, as cybersecurity, data science, image including an MS in Cybersecurity and an Funded in part by state bond funds, the processing, parallel and distributed MS in Data Science.” new $22.2 million facility – like the other computing, human-computer interaction bond-funded projects such as Partridge and computational sensing. Another standout feature is the Hall, the Center for Environmental and reconstructed and expanded skywalk that Life Sciences, and the Feliciano School The University’s strategic technology connects the Center to neighboring Schmitt of Business building – supports Montclair partner Sony Electronics has delivered Hall. Says Billings, “These common areas State’s mission as a Carnegie-designated a unique mix of classroom technologies, encourage increased communication within research doctoral university and state- active learning solutions and state-of- and across different disciplines, inspiring designated public research institution. the-art professional equipment – such new research directions.” n

Fall/Winter 2018 9 HEADLINES z News

SEEN AND HEARD ON CAMPUS Police Lt. ontclair State hosts wide- Stephen Sweeney, joined media executive who ran NBC- Honored Mranging programming Brigid Harrison, professor of owned newsrooms in New that shapes the University as a Political Science and Law, in a York, Los Angeles, Chicago cultural, artistic and intellectual salon-style conversation on civic and Washington, D.C.; and center for the campus and engagement and the future of Hugo Balta, a broadcast and community. Here’s just a New Jersey politics. digital media news executive sampling of the guest speakers and former senior director at seen and heard this fall. Disney ABC Television Group.

Mehmet Oz, host of The Dr. Oz On National Latina Equal Pay Show, made a house call to talk Day, the University and partner ontclair State about the importance of mental Latina Surge hosted an event MUniversity Police and physical resilience. He on campus focused on equal Lieutenant Timothy Fox touched on managing stress to pay issues in the Hispanic was recognized by the improve health and wellness and community that featured a International Association of how thoughts and actions set keynote address by New Jersey Chiefs of Police with its 40 you up for success (or failure). First Lady Tammy Murphy. Under 40 awards for 2018.

Celebrated education thought First Lady Tammy Murphy visited As part of a partnership Each year, the Association leader and scholar Linda campus on National Latina Equal between the SCM and the honors 40 law enforcement Pay Day. Darling-Hammond, president Montclair Art Museum, professionals under the of the Learning Policy Institute the School held a panel age of 40 from around the and professor emeritus at In a conversation on discussion on the intersection world who demonstrate Stanford University, explored #MeToo, the School of of social justice, race, media leadership and exemplify “The Current and Future State Communication and Media and art with panelists Soledad commitment to their of Teacher Education.” (SCM) Colloquium Series O’Brien of HBO and Hearst profession. Fox has been looked at the media, race, News, MSNBC’s Joy Reid and with the University’s police New Jersey’s top-ranking gender and making it with WNYC’s Kai Wright. n department since 2004. n lawmaker, Senate President Vickie Burns, a pioneering ALUMNUS RECEIVES YOUNG COMPOSER AWARD he American Society of went on to earn an MFA from TComposers, Authors, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation’s and a Master of Music degree prestigious Morton Gould Young from the Mannes School of Composer Award encourages Music. He is also the recipient concert music creators aged 12 of the Bohuslav Martin Award to 30. Montclair State alumnus for his orchestral composition Aferdian Stephens received The Clock. the 2018 award for his Trio for Violin, Clarinet and Piano. He A multidisciplinary musician, was among 17 composers from he has composed one-act around the world selected by a operas, song cycles and panel of composer judges from a chamber pieces, as well as competitive field of 520 entries. songs for Tony Award winner Chuck Coopers’ cabaret After graduating from Montclair show The Blues of Langston State with a degree in music Hughes. n Aferdian Stephens (center) with ASCAP’s Cia Toscanini and ASCAP Foundation composition in 2014, Stephens Executive Director Colleen McDonough

10 The magazine of Montclair State University FEATURES

Political leaders and family traveled from Papua New Guinea to see Fulbright Scholar Rose Andrew receive a Master of Public Health. From left, front, Jennifer Makiba, Rose Andrew, Kikitani Andagali, Rhonda Andrew Kelwaip Liu; in back, Larry Libe Andagali and Janet Andagali

FOREIGN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS GIVE THE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH A WORLD VIEW

“WHERE’S ROSE?” A world away from Papua New Guinea, where Rose Andrew is a dentist devoted to tackling the inequities Fulbright Scholars faced by the sick and poor, she heard her name, called in a Pidgin common Promote in her country. She was hiking a New Jersey forest – Montclair State’s New Jersey School of Conservation – as part of a Fulbright Scholars orientation to America. To hear the Tok Pisin language here, at a GLOBAL time when she was yearning for home, was surreal.

“I felt like God was talking to me from Heaven,” she recalls.

HEALTHBY MARILYN JOYCE LEHREN (Continued next page)

Fall/Winter 2018 11 FEATURES z Fulbright Scholars Promote Global Health

In a twist of fate, Montclair State has a malignant mouth cancer, which Andrew connection with her homeland in William says is attributed to the once sacred Thomas, a researcher and director of the custom of chewing buai or betel nut. The field campus at the School of Conservation. country also has the highest HIV prevalence For 30 years, he has explored Papua New among the Pacific Island nations. Guinea, working to save ecosystems in Over the past few danger of climate change, including, as it Growing up in the rainforests, Andrew was turned out, the same swath of wilderness in educated at a time when few girls had the years, foreign which Andrew had lived. opportunity to go to school. “I come from a tough culture like that,” she says. But medical professionals “I went and hugged him and almost cried,” her father’s work as a missionary opened she says of the memory. “I felt at home.” his mind to such opportunities and Andrew have completed the excelled, becoming the first in her province Master of Public So began Andrew’s journey toward an to receive college and advanced degrees, advanced degree from Montclair State becoming an advocate for oral health and Health as a path University. Last spring, she was among the among the few in her country to ever win a “ international Fulbright Scholars who earned Fulbright Scholarship. toward working with a Master of Public Health, bringing home a sea of new science and learning initiatives Andrew plans to write policy to help their governments or to improve medical care and community guarantee funding for dental issues long health in their corners of the world. neglected, especially in the rural areas of health care systems the country. It’s a passion fueled by her The Graduate School Commencement own experiences providing care to villagers to improve practices ceremony in May was the culmination who wait for hours, hundreds deep to be of years of challenges and commitment seen, and childhood memories of suffering and policies that for these Fulbright Scholars, the latest by family members with tooth and gum from the renowned educational exchange decay. protect the public’s program to graduate from Montclair State. These global health perspectives enrich health by focusing on The scholars’ prestige back home Montclair State’s program by expanding was embodied by the attendance at the horizons and world view of students prevention.” Commencement of a delegation of Papua and faculty, says Professor Lisa Lieberman. New Guinea political officials and family “Over the past few years, foreign medical to celebrate the achievements of Andrew, professionals have completed the Master –Lisa Lieberman who graduated alongside medical doctors of Public Health as a path toward working Samwel Marwa of Tanzania in East Africa with their governments or health care and Evgeniya Shalaeva of Uzbekistan in systems to improve practices and policies Central Asia. that protect the public’s health by focusing on prevention.” Mohammad Naseer Malikzai, who worked as a UN humanitarian affairs officer in An emphasis on social justice is particularly Kabul, Afghanistan, is completing his appealing to these doctors passionate in studies. providing humanistic care and finding solutions to deep-rooted problems. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES “I have a lot to do when I get back,” says Marwa, the Fulbright Scholar from Andrew, as she shared her experiences a Tanzania, is the medical officer in charge few days before returning to work at the of a referral hospital in the rural Rukwa Papua New Guinea Department of Health region. He has taken an interest in with fresh ideas on how to raise awareness improving the quality of care of women of oral cancer and rapid oral HIV testing. during childbirth, implementing change Both are vital health issues. Papua New in the maternity ward to reduce infections Guinea has the world’s highest rate of after delivery. It hasn’t been easy.

12 The magazine of Montclair State University Left: Samwel Marwa meets with colleagues and community leaders on how to improve health services in Tanzania. Below: Marwa travels with midwives to a remote health facility.

“Everyone was singing their own tune,” Marwa recalls of his early days at the facility, “and not in harmony.”

In 2012, he met an American, Adrienne Strong, who was conducting PhD research in Tanzania. “It was clear that the hospital was really struggling with supply shortages and, especially on the maternity ward, shortage of staff.” Over time, Marwa’s commitment changed the image of the hospital and raised morale among the professionals who worked there. To further his experience, Strong encouraged Marwa to apply for a Fulbright, cementing a friendship so solid that Strong traveled from Tanzania to see Marwa earn the master’s degree from Montclair State.

Marwa says his experience in the Public Health program has taught him the importance of truly listening to his ultrasound,” Marwa says. “Having the right “I was constantly engaged in practical underserved community – “How do they equipment is key.” work as a physician, scientific work, health want services, what do they need, what education and professional education,” she is the best approach?” He will also be Before coming to the United States as a says. returning with a renewed focus on disease Fulbright Scholar, Shalaeva worked as a prevention, research tools and commitment cardiologist and researcher at Tashkent Shalaeva has a strong interest in to better equip the health facilities. “I’ve Medical Academy, one of Central Asia’s decreasing morbidity and mortality among seen women dying because of a lack of an leading research and teaching universities. diabetic patients in Uzbekistan. Earning

Fall/Winter 2018 13 FEATURES z Fulbright Scholars Promote Global Health

From left to right: Mohammad Naseer Malikzai will return to Afghanistan in May rededicated to promoting medical care for children and women; Fulbright Scholar Evgeniya Shalaeva, a cardiologist in Uzbekistan, added to the Fulbright family at Montclair State when she gave birth to her son Below: Adrienne Strong, who is conducting research in Tanzania, encouraged Samwel Marwa to come to America to earn the Master of Public Health as a Fulbright Scholar. She returned to the U.S. for his graduation.

added to Montclair State’s Fulbright family when she gave birth in November 2017 to a son.

Malikzai will return to Afghanistan in May rededicated to promoting public health and health care for children and women. The country is suffering one of the worst health crises in the world, he says, devastated by decades of conflict. About 40 percent of the population lacks access to basic health services. Children are especially vulnerable to chronic malnutrition, respiratory infections and vaccine preventable deaths, especially measles. Women’s access to health care has decreased due to societal restrictions on gender relations and behavior.

The Fulbright and Montclair State program has provided Malikzai the opportunity to explore how best to overcome these huge challenges upon his return to Afghanistan working in the the advanced degree, Shalaeva says, has “I have skills and basic structural public health and health care sector. given her the tools and expertise to conduct knowledge in research and grant writing, “What I learned here I can apply at home research on health-related issues and to program evaluation and implementation, very effectively,” he says. n apply health theories to improve patients’ as well as advocacy campaign and medication compliance and lifestyle changes. policymaking,” Shalaeva says. She also

14 The magazine of Montclair State University Your gift opens doors.

More than 80 percent of the students attending Montclair State University rely on some form of scholarship or financial aid to complete their degrees.

When you make a gift to The Fund for Montclair State, you help make it possible for our students to make the most of their talents and realize their dreams. And, just like that, your gift changes everything.

To give, visit montclair.edu/make-a-gift or use the envelope provided in the center of this magazine. FEATURES

ario Rodriguez was facing a pool of options as a student new to Montclair State, so he did what comes naturally – Mhe hit the gym. As he trained, he saw how his workouts motivated other students to join him, and he grew interested in learning more about how the human body works, EDUCATION and once injured, how it recovers. “That was the start of my journey,” Rodriguez says. Now a second-year student, he is moving closer to connecting his interests, EXPLORATION skills and strengths to choosing an academic and career path in exercise science. “I wanted experience to decide what it is I want to do,” Rodriguez says of the time he spent in the gym thinking about his future. “There are UNIVERSITY so many things you can do on this campus and so many places it can take you. I feel a COLLEGE year really helped me out.” guides students To give students the time and space to make “major” decisions, Montclair State in choosing has launched the first program of its kind in New Jersey with University College. The initiative makes “exploratory” and “pre- majors, major” the new “undeclared” and provides an academic home for students as they career paths discover a passion and career path.

Opened in September of 2018, advisors in University College are helping more BY MARILYN JOYCE LEHREN than 2,000 students wade through all the educational possibilities available at Montclair State, mindful that a wrong choice could lead to added semesters and tuition. The students include freshmen and transfer students, as well as continuing students who have yet to select a major or are transitioning to a new major.

“We give students the chance to explore, to take their time and make sure that the major they’re selecting is the right major,” says David Hood, founding dean. With an academic home, “students don’t feel the pressure to decide whether they want to be a chemist or a marine scientist or an educator or study pre-law.”

Students coming out of high school may not know exactly what they want to pursue,

16 The magazine of Montclair State University “WE GIVE STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE, TO TAKE THEIR TIME AND MAKE SURE THAT THE MAJOR THEY’RE SELECTING IS THE RIGHT MAJOR.” –DAVID HOOD

Dean Hood greets students at University College orientation.

“and at 18, 19 years old, that’s OK,” says Daphne Galkin, assistant dean for academic programming. Even students who are sure about what they want to study often change their mind.

“What we’re creating is a sense of belonging for students to the College and to Montclair State,” says Danielle Insalaco- Egan, associate dean, “that will enable them to select a major that is truly the ‘right fit’ so they can stay on track and graduate in a timely way.”

With 300 majors, minors and concentrations, there’s a lot for students to Jaffir Abdul Rice, an academic advisor at University College, helped Mario Rodriguez discover how his interests, consider, and some difficult conversations, skills and strengths connect to an academic and career path at Montclair State. says Temeshia Rufus, an academic advisor. It could be about grades or the “aha!” and consider different educational and chance to explore those in early October, moment when a student – perhaps one career paths that I would have otherwise literally “crashing” classes in business and attracted to fashion studies – comes to overlooked had I gone directly into a communications during a special academic terms that the major they are interested in major.” exploratory week. requires more math and science than they bargained for. Ayers is considering the arts and working “I want to take my time, complete my on her portfolio for Animation/Illustration. general ed requirements and see where Freshman Ally Ayers says University But she’s open to other avenues, and as it goes,” Ayers says. “I still have time to College has allowed her to “experience a University College student, she had the decide my major.” n

Fall/Winter 2018 17 FEATURES home–field ADVANTAGE

BY MARILYN JOYCE LEHREN RED BULLS II PROVIDES START TO BROADCASTING CAREERS

Casey Owens ’18 works audio sound during Red Bulls II broadcasts. Students film the action from the video camera platform.

18 The magazine of Montclair State University Christo Apostolou ’17 directs the Red Bulls II soccer broadcast from inside a mobile studio truck.

“MY ROLE AS A DIRECTOR hen the New York Red Bulls II take the field on their home turf at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field, fans at home can IS TO MAKE SURE ALL THE watch their live broadcasts on ESPN+. These visuals and PIECES COME TOGETHER INTO sounds are captured by a production team comprised of a director, camera operators and engineers – a majority of A NICE, TIGHT-KNIT PACKAGE whom are either alumni or current students of Montclair WITH A BOW ON THE TOP.” State University.

–Christo Apostolou ’17 The production crew are employees of Fascom Productions of Nutley, New Jersey, which drives its high-tech mobile video studio truck right up to the turf of MSU Soccer Park. w Fascom is one of hundreds of companies in the New York and New Jersey region jump-starting careers and engaged in meaningful partnerships with the University.

Fall/Winter 2018 19 FEATURES z Home-Field Advantage

Last year, more than 3,000 Montclair State students completed hands-on learning experiences, including co-ops, internships, fieldwork, practicums, externships, student teaching and faculty- led research. Students who have benefited include Casey Owens ’18, who works audio sound during Red Bulls II broadcasts. She earned her degree in TV Production and had several “dream internships” while a student, including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Late Night with Seth Myers and Say Yes to the Dress. “I’ve had an amazing amount of opportunities,” she says.

Fascom’s owner Patricia Fastook, who also teaches at Montclair State as an adjunct professor in the School of Communication and Media, says the company routinely hires the “great, young talent” she finds Andrew Amiano, senior, Television and Digital Media in class for the intense, live Red Bulls II

“I HAD VARIOUS INTERNSHIPS AT ABC’S THE CHEW AND WENDY WILLIAMS. I LEARNED A LOT AT BOTH THEIR STUDIOS AND MONTCLAIR STATE’S TV PRODUCTION STUDIOS. NOW THAT I’M IN THE REAL WORLD, I’M CONFIDENT THAT WHAT I LEARNED WILL HELP ME SUCCEED.”

–Amanda Kaminsky ’18

Amanda Kaminsky ’18, production assistant, Red Bulls II

20 The magazine of Montclair State University productions. “It’s a professional shoot and you think the players are going to do.” the crew has been instrumental in helping Camera operator Andrew Amiano, a us pull off this big endeavor,” she says. Montclair State senior majoring in TV “I was a little nervous going into this,” Production, says he has learned to student says Christo Apostolou ’17, who directs appreciate this fast-growing sport by filming the sports show. “But the excitement that the action, though through a lens so in a announcers comes from the crowd, the players and much different perspective than that of the score plays are second to none. I love it.” fans in the stands. home run The players for the Red Bulls II are “I’m not watching it for the players or prospects for major league soccer, and the for the game itself,” Amiano says. “I’m team has made Montclair State home to watching it for the production. So, while One week before the first pitch of the its developmental squad, upgrading the people will say, ‘That was such a good Women’s Softball World Championship stadium with new turf and stands, and goal.’ I’ll say, ‘That was such a good in Chiba, Japan, the School of constructing camera towers for the live [camera] shot.’ It gives me a different Communication and Media partnered broadcasts. perspective.” with digital sports provider Eleven Sports to help produce the tournament’s “When I’m directing,” Apostolou says, Amiano, ever focused on the angle of the global English-language play-by-play “what I’m looking for out of my crew is camera, cheers, “Follow, Follow, Follow,” broadcast. consistency and being ahead of the game. instead of “Go, Go, Go, Go.” n A big part of soccer is being on top of what “This event allowed us to do what we truly aspire to accomplish, which is partner with cutting-edge media properties to give our students and recent graduates hands-on, professional experiences that place them at the forefront of the industry,” says School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler, who set the pace by calling the first game.

Project manager Keanan Carter ’18 assembled a team of student and alumni announcers in August to call the tournament’s 72 games as they came in via live overnight feeds from Chiba. The winning team – USA – automatically moves on to the 2020 Olympics.

“We scrambled,” recalls Mark Effron, the School’s clinical specialist. “We were doing something never done before at Montclair State, calling an international sporting event from here and broadcasting to different platforms around the world. Who knows what we’ll be doing next? We’re at ground zero of this new world.” Game Action –Amy Wagner

On the field, the Red Bulls II take on Bethlehem Steel in mid-summer action.

Fall/Winter 2018 21 FEATURES BACKSTAGE Alumni bring hit productions to life from Broadway to Europe STARS By Amy Wagner

22 The magazine of Montclair State University hen audiences applaud, it’s not only for Dobkowski describes his craft as a lengthy, bravura onstage performances, but also collaborative process. “It’s a lot of work. for all the behind-the-scenes artistry that But I enjoy what I do. It’s what I’m good brings a show to life, including costume at,” he says. design, sound and lighting, and hair and Wmakeup. Graduates of Montclair State’s The finishing touches Theatre and Dance department – which Like Dobkowski before her, Samantha was recently ranked #1 in New Jersey by LaScala ’17 is now gaining valuable College Factual – are making their mark experience sourcing and buying new on productions the world over, not only on fabrics for costumes in upcoming stage but backstage as well. Broadway shows as a head shopper at Eric Winterling. According to Theatre and Dance Professor Debra Otte, theatre production and design Since April, LaScala has also been the hair/ students gain both the knowledge and wig designer and stylist at the Shakespeare experience to excel in the industry. Theatre of New Jersey, where, as a student intern, she made the connections that led “Due to our department’s large scale, we to the job she holds now. produce three musicals, three plays and three dance concerts, as well as workshop Wigs, she believes, bring characters to and concert events each academic year,” life. “It’s amazing to see the actor become she says. “Each is designed, managed and the character once the hair is on,” she built by our undergraduate students, giving says. “Costumes do the same thing, but a them experience with a wide variety of wig really is the finishing touch that makes performance styles.” actors see their characters.”

Creating characters through Building a portfolio costumes Jeffrey Colton Reid ’17, who goes by As a student, award-winning freelance Jeffrey Colton professionally, credits his designer Leon Dobkowski ’02 was excited alma mater with giving him the hands-on by the idea of shaping characters through experience he needed to compile a costume costumes. “You give a garment to an actor design portfolio. “In my time at Montclair and they create a person around that,” he State, I would say I made or altered a says. costume or costume piece for every show the department presented,” he recalls. After graduating, he worked for the New York City costume shop Eric Winterling, Equally beneficial, Colton says, were the where he shopped for costume materials. department faculty and staff. “Having “As a shopper there, I really learned how professors working in the industry set a sketch is turned into a costume,” he me up to have a good connection to the recalls. He honed his craft on big Broadway industry even before I graduated.” musicals such as Wicked and Shrek, before earning an MFA from the Yale School of Today, while Colton describes himself as Drama. a freelance costume maker, he also works full time for Broadway costume shop While Dobkowski maintains a home base Parsons-Meares LTD, where his credits studio in New York City, he is in demand all include such hits as Frozen and Aladdin. over the country. His summer 2018 credits included lavish productions of Annie and “When working for costume maker Lynne The Wiz at The Muny in St. Louis, the Baccus, I worked on Hello, Dolly! I’ve Alumni Jeffrey Colton (left) and Jason Flamos (right) have both nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical also made costume pieces for the U.S. found success backstage in theatre. tour of The Lion King, for American Ballet costume and lighting design, respectively.

Fall/Winter 2018 23 FEATURES z Backstage Stars

Alumnus Leon Dobkowski designed costumes for The Wiz and Annie at The Muny in St. Louis.

Theatre and worked in the Macy’s Parade job. “At Hamilton, I swatch and shop for loves watching productions develop from studio,” he says. fabrics; create the ‘Bibles,’ which have script and research to performance. “It information about each character’s costume never gets old,” she says. From intern to employee from head to toe; deliver fabric to costume As a senior, Cheyenne Pellicoro, who shops; set up fitting rooms; and ship She says she gained the experience she also graduated in 2017, interned with costumes to companies on tour,” she says. needed to launch her career as a student. the costume design team of Tony Award- Pellicoro, who is also an assistant costume “One of my most rewarding experiences winning Hamilton, which led to a full-time designer at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, was being the costume designer for Aida in 2016,” she remembers. Her costume design for Aida, which received the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Design Excellence Award, will also represent the U.S. in the Emerging Artists category at the Prague Quadrennial in June 2019.

For classmate Deirdre Morgan, a cosmetologist/costume technician with Disney Cruise Line, the University was also a launch pad for a postgraduate career that has included stints as an assistant to several designers, a fabric shopper and as an off-Broadway theater wardrobe supervisor.

The Disney Cruise Line presents original productions that bring Disney characters to life. “It’s almost impossible to realize what an army the costuming team is,” she says. “I love the creative aspect, but I also love

Photo by Phillip Hamer being a part of the energy backstage, where

Actors in The Wiz dressed in Leon Dobkowski’s designs. running from quick change to quick change is so exciting.”

24 The magazine of Montclair State University From top to bottom: Cheyenne Pellicoro interned with the costume design team of Hamilton; Abigail Martin works backstage on Girl from the North Country at the Public Theater in New York City.

Setting the stage Scenic designer Aaron Turetsky ’15 believes college set the stage for an exciting career. “I get to collaborate with other artists to create productions that are entertaining, emotional and thought- designer for off-Broadway provoking,” he says. and regional productions.

As a student he interned with Blackwalnut Listen up LLC, an Emmy Award-winning scene shop May 2018 graduate Abigail and with the Wexford Festival Opera, which Martin quickly found work sent him to Ireland to assist Theatre and as head sound technician Dance Professor Erhard Rom on the European on the National Yiddish premiere production of Silent Night. Theatre’s off-Broadway production of Fiddler on Since graduating, he has assisted Rom the Roof. on more than 25 major productions for opera houses worldwide. “I help translate “I wouldn’t be where his beautiful designs into scale models, I am today without drafting packets and paint elevations for my internships,” she the rest of the creative team and scene confesses. “I spent every shop to use,” he explains. single summer away from school learning.” As a Shedding new light production audio intern “If you want to know how to work in dance, with The Public Theater’s musicals, theater, opera and live events, Shakespeare in the Park you won’t find a better place in New Jersey series in 2017, she fell than Montclair State,” insists Jason Flamos in love with the city – and ’10, who has worked all over the country, hands-on at Montclair State. It’s pretty her career. “I learned a lot Europe and South Africa as a lighting much a sandbox to play and learn in so about audio, but I also learned that work director for dance companies RIOULT long as you’re willing to apply yourself and should be fun. If you’re not laughing while Dance NY and 10 Hairy Legs – and most give it everything you’ve got.” sweating and running cable through tiny recently at Colorado’s Vail International holes while dodging raccoons left and right Dance Festival with Alonzo King LINES When not touring with dance companies, in a theater in Central Park, then you’re Ballet. “If you want hands-on, you’ll get Flamos works as an associate lighting not doing it right.” n

Fall/Winter 2018 25 FEATURES

We’ve looked to the future, we’ve spread our wings, and now, more than ever,

26 The magazine of Montclair State University we’re ready to... SOAR University launches the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history to help meet the needs of a vibrant and growing campus community

BY MARILYN JOYCE LEHREN and now, more than ever,

Fall/Winter 2018 27 FEATURES z Soar

“If you are going to invest in me, then I have to live up to the expectations you have in me.”

–Nubia Lumumba

Nubia Lumumba, Patterson scholarship recipient

As a student teacher to second graders in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Nubia Lumumba is drawing on the skills instilled in her by the teacher education program at Montclair State to tap her students’ potential to learn and grow.

The children come from all over the The novelist is among the University’s Montclair State University, the largest and world and Lumumba embraces their donors who, by removing financial stressors, most ambitious campaign in Montclair cultural backgrounds, speaking Spanish are helping students like Lumumba work State’s 110-year history. More than $60 and delighting a group of girls trying toward their degrees, and to learn and million has already been given as the to teach her Portuguese. Her efforts flourish at college. “I don’t like letting University strives to meet its goal of $75 are rewarded by Montclair State, where people down,” Lumumba says. “If you are million in private contributions. Lumumba’s academic performance going to invest in me, then I have to live up twice earned her scholarships from the to the expectations you have in me.” The campaign is designed to enhance the foundation of best-selling author James University’s ability to provide a vibrant B. Patterson. Making a difference in the lives of students educational environment where students, is at the heart of Soar, The Campaign for regardless of their financial means, are

28 The magazine of Montclair State University challenged and empowered to succeed. Soar also provides faculty members with the resources to conduct groundbreaking research, and for the entire campus community, access to facilities conducive to 21st-century teaching and learning.

President Susan A. Cole says the multitudes of gifts from alumni, foundations, corporations and friends of the University have made possible initiatives that enrich the educational program and contribute to keeping the University affordable for students. “Our students are rich and they are poor; they are homegrown and immigrants; they have been to good schools and to bad; they are all races and religions; and our job is to help each of them flourish, to give them what they need, so that they in turn can be productive and responsive and engaged citizens,” Cole says.

The power of giving Tom and Lucy Ott epitomize the givers to Montclair State University. They established a philanthropic endowment fund in 1996 in memory of their son, David, a promising journalism major who contracted a devastating brain disease.

Music was always important to him, and as he lived for 17 years with lasting physical disabilities from encephalitis, he listened to all kinds of music, an eclectic mix including BB King, spirituals and Beethoven providing meaning, comfort and strength. David’s Fund supports research, clinical services, and at Montclair State, scholarships for students studying music therapy.

The Otts maintain longtime bonds with the students who benefit from David’s Fund, inviting scholarship alumni each year to break bread and share stories about the healing powers of music. “The dinner is like a family reunion,” says Kristen O’Grady ’04, clinical director of creative arts therapies at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in New York, with everyone seated around the table “united by the generosity of Tom and Lucy.” In memory of their son, David, Tom and Lucy Ott established scholarships for students studying music therapy.

Fall/Winter 2018 29 FEATURES z Soar

“Our students are rich and they are poor; they are homegrown and immigrants; they have been to good schools and to bad; they are all races and religions; and our job is to help each of them flourish, to give them what they need, so that they in turn can be productive and responsive and engaged citizens.”

–Susan A. Cole Top: Students listen to a lecture. Bottom: The author James Patterson, at 2014 graduation ceremony

30 The magazine of Montclair State University “Scholarship support was definitely life changing for me to continue helping my family and completing what my mother would have wanted for me.”

–Jordan Brito ’18

reading and an understanding of the experiences of her students, Jordan Brito, many adjusting to new lives in scholarship recipient America. “Talking with children in their own language makes them feel comfortable and their Changing trajectories with little student debt and landing a job cultures valued,” Lumumba says. with the accounting giant Ernst & Young. Today, when the options of personal “Scholarship support was definitely life Her story is just one of thousands savings, parental support and federal and changing for me to continue helping my recounted as private funding has broadened state grants are exhausted, receiving a family and completing what my mother and deepened the opportunities available donor-funded scholarship can be a deciding would have wanted for me,” he says. at Montclair State. A sampling shows the factor for a bright prospective student to range of academic studies and aspirations attend or remain in college. For Jordan Next generation leaders lifted through the generosity of donors. For Brito ’18, the assistance, he says, changed Patterson, the prolific author and instance: the path of his life. philanthropist, provides scholarship money through the Patterson Family Foundation • Italian Studies have been transformed Growing up, school was always important, that supports aspiring teachers and focuses through the gifts from Lawrence R. his mother made sure of that. She was on youth reading and literacy at 22 colleges Inserra Jr. Given in honor of Inserra’s an immigrant who graduated college and universities, including Montclair State. parents, an endowed chair is held by summa cum laude and had a successful Teresa Fiore, one of the world’s top professional career in Manhattan. She “We love the teachers who come out of scholars in Italian immigration. died of cancer when Brito was 13, and here,” Patterson said in a 2014 interview • The support of the John J. Cali Family his family struggled financially, his father while on campus as Commencement provides scholarships for musicians and eventually filing for bankruptcy protection. speaker. “We love how well they are trained students in the arts. Students studying After high school, Brito helped raise a to go in and deal with inner-city problems.” vocal music and musical theatre have younger sister, worked a variety of jobs, benefited from the gifts of Kay Consales in and at age 21 encouraged by a mentor and Lumumba shares a love of literacy with honor of her husband Gene Consales ’50. supported by a scholarship, entered the the novelist. Growing up in Guyana, South • A creative talent award winner, Trevor five-year BS/MS accounting program. America, “there wasn’t a lot of recreational Stephney, a sophomore working on his activities or technology, so after school we BFA in Filmmaking, believes in the Brito’s life story, his sponsor Joanne played or read. And I was a big bookworm. power of political art. “What I want is Shershin remarked before she passed I spent so much time reading, seven books to address world issues with visuals away in 2017, is one of determination, a week,” she recalls. As she works toward you will never forget, change the world strong work ethic and dedication. Brito her degree in teacher education, she brings one frame at the time, all through the continued to hold down multiple jobs while to the classroom both her passion for perspective of an everyday kid from a student, graduating this past spring

Fall/Winter 2018 31 FEATURES z Soar

Morristown,” he says. The creative talent award is made possible by gifts from multiple donors to the College of the Arts and is intended to attract and retain exceptionally talented students to the program. • Matthew Berg’s curiosity with dictionaries from around the world helped him at an early age to learn basic vocabulary in a variety of world languages. Today, the senior and Conrad J. Schmitt Scholarship winner aspires to earn a PhD in Latin American Literature and become a university professor. • Candise Maiore went back to school after 20 years to study nursing, a career- changer from accounting after finding true purpose when a family member was hospitalized. “I’ve found my calling,” Maiore says. “The scholarship help has made all of this possible.”

Maiore’s story was highlighted at last spring’s Annual Scholarship Dinner, which raises funds for student scholarships and honors prominent philanthropic leaders. Carla Ko, Presidential Scholar Assistance came from the McMullen Family Foundation, which has supported the University in a variety of ways, of Presidential Scholars who each will providing operating funds for the George receive a merit-based scholarship worth Segal Gallery, scholarships for students up to $20,000 over four years. The cohort at the John J. Cali School of Music, includes Carla Ko, an accounting major and, most recently, scholarships to help who says being part of the Presidential registered nurses like Maiore pursue their Scholars is a highlight of her first year on Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees at campus. “I thoroughly enjoy being a part the University’s new School of Nursing. of something new that not only enhances my education,” Ko says, “but also creates Soar takes flight a network of connections and friendships, Private donations annually fund building a real sense of community within Matthew Berg, Conrad Schmitt Scholarship recipient scholarships for more than 700 students itself.” at Montclair State. The support covers a have benefited the development of the fraction of the nearly 13,000 students Fundraising continues to increase efforts Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship, who qualify for financial aid at the to attract top faculty and ensure they have the Ellyn A. McColgan Student Services University. The Soar campaign aims to the resources to conduct research that Center for academic career advising and significantly increase both the number addresses today’s most pressing issues. the James W. Merli Executive Conference of students supported and average award Other initiatives will ensure the entire Center. AJ Khubani ’84 inspires aspiring given. campus community has access to state-of- the-art facilities. student entrepreneurs by funding New Jersey’s richest collegiate prize pool for In addition to students needing financial promising business ideas. support, the University provides The largest philanthropic gift in the history scholarships to keep high-achieving of Montclair State, an anonymous $20 Donations large and small have been put New Jersey students in state. This fall, million donation, supports the Feliciano to work in essential programs, including the University welcomed its first class School of Business. Other campaign gifts

32 The magazine of Montclair State University providing students with emergency “reaffirms that the University recognizes As music soothed their son through his assistance, including food at the Red all that I do.” illness, the Otts say they have found Hawk Pantry. The Emergency Scholarship comfort in their relationships with the Fund helps fill gaps in a student’s ability Speaking at the annual Red Hawk Open scholarship recipients who heal through to pay tuition and the Emergency Book golf outing, which raises money for music. “It’s been a wonderful learning Fund helps to purchase academic texts. athletic teams, George Alexandris, a experience for us,” says Lucy Ott, “and to senior who last spring won the national have scholarships given in memory of our Last spring, the grandmother of Elizabeth long jump title, summed up the gratitude son, we feel we are benefiting as much as Lagrotteria, a senior Biology Education of all the students encouraged to spread we are benefiting others.” n major, found a scholarship ceremony their wings and fly. “Montclair State has poignant as the family’s experience truly changed my life, my perspective and at Montclair State went full circle. happiness,” he said. George Alexandris, track star, speaking at the Red Hawk Open Lagrotteria was receiving the S. Marie Kuhnen Scholarship, which celebrates When hosting their annual dinners, Tom the legacy of Marie Kuhnen ’41, former and Lucy Ott invite David’s Fund alumni to chair of the Department of Biology, a take turns talking about their work. “They professor Lagrotteria’s grandmother fondly are invested in hearing what everybody is a remembers for inspiring a lifelong love of part of,” says O’Grady, who in addition to nature while she was a student. her work with seriously ill children serves as vice president of the American Music Now, her granddaughter, also filled with a Therapy Association Board of Directors. “It love of the life sciences, would soon begin seems meaningful to Tom and Lucy to hear her clinical experience as a teacher of how people progress in their profession biology. The scholarship, says Lagrotteria, and career, and that they played a role in who works two jobs to help pay tuition, that.”

“It’s been a wonderful learning experience for us, and to have scholarships given in memory of our son, we feel we are benefiting as much as we are benefiting others.” –Lucy Ott

Fall/Winter 2018 33 opportunity ready.

We offer 100+ graduate programs designed to accommodate your schedule. To learn more, please visit montclair.edu/graduate.

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

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Coach leaves legacy of success, inspiration for lacrosse team

SCHAMBACH

STRONGBY STEVE POLITI

Fall/Winter 2018 35 RED HAWKS ATHLETICS

hane Carmody had to deliver But Schambach was making plans to the and he was unable to recover from it. He heartbreaking news to a group of two very end. He was so full of life, and his passed peacefully this morning. dozen college students, but even as he steadfast refusal to burden anyone with Ssat down to write the painful message, his condition had made it seem that he “He fought until the end. He was an he couldn’t wrap his head around that news would kick cancer in the backside and absolute warrior. And you guys were a big himself. roar with one of his unmistakable laughs reason he kept fighting. You were a part of afterward. his family and he didn’t stop talking about He had just seen Mike Schambach a few you guys and our plans for the program days earlier. The assistant coach had talked Mike Schambach was ... gone? until the end. He was so proud of each to his boss about recruiting and other and every one of you.” routine business involving the Montclair Carmody wanted to call his old coach to State lacrosse team. Hadn’t Schambach get his advice on how to handle this. He Carmody hit send. A few moments passed, just attended his daughter’s christening that wanted to lean on his mentor one final and when the replies started coming he weekend? Hadn’t he just hung out with his time for guidance, because, he remembers knew that he wasn’t the only one still too old high school pals at an alumni game? thinking, “He’ll know what to do. He’ll stunned to process the news. know what to say.” How could Head Coach Mike Schambach be Are you serious? Is this really true? How … gone? Not wanting the players to find out from can this be? someone outside the team family, Carmody Carmody had known this day might wrote a long note on June 14 and sent it Three and a half years earlier, Schambach come from the moment Schambach was to them in a group text. was on top of the world. Not only had he diagnosed with colon cancer less than a year been named head coach at a Montclair earlier. The disease, he knew, was aggressive “It’s with a heavy heart and deep regret State program brimming with potential, and the treatment – the chemotherapy that that I am writing this message. There’s no but after three years coaching at DeSales forced Schambach to, reluctantly, miss an easy way to say this but Coach is gone. His University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, occasional practice – was not effective. fight took a real bad turn earlier this week he was coming home.

36 The magazine of Montclair State University Clockwise, from far left: Mike Schambach coaches Montclair State men’s lacrosse; Schambach enjoying a moment with his son; Schambach with the team and coaching staff; players wear their Schambach Strong T-shirts; and with his wife, Lindsay, son, Cameron, and daughter, Chloe, at the baby’s christening.

He was returning to New Jersey, the national title to campus. He wanted to In the prime of life, Schambach was a state where he and his twin brother, turn the Red Hawks into a powerhouse. 37-year-old husband to Lindsay and father Phil, led Bridgewater-Raritan High to a to a son, Cameron, with a daughter on the perfect 19-0 record and a No. 1 state “It was his goal to take us from good to way. Then, on a trip to the Jersey Shore ranking in 1998. His new job was just great,” says Ryan Anzalone, a captain on the with friends and family, he complained of up the Turnpike from Rutgers, where team and a 2017 graduate. “And everything severe stomach pain. he anchored a 2003 team ranked No. he did was focused on that goal.” 7 nationally and appeared in the NCAA “I think I swallowed a chicken bone,” he Tournament. Any skeptics were quickly converted. The told them. team reached the second round of the “He could do everything,” his high school Division III NCAA Tournament in 2017 – its The pain worsened. Guy Budinscak, his coach, Chuck Apel, says. “He played best performance ever – and nearly pulled best friend, encouraged him to go to the three sports, which is rare these days, off a massive upset against top-ranked emergency room. It was there, at Ocean and was pretty good at all of them. And Ithaca College. County Medical Center, that doctors he was such a fierce competitor.” discovered an obstruction and delivered the He was a fair but demanding coach with grim prognosis. Schambach believed there was nothing a work ethic that never wavered. His team his new team couldn’t accomplish, and had one of the top grade point averages in He had colon cancer. soon after moving into his new office, he each of his four seasons. began to encourage his players to aim He underwent surgery days later at Weill higher and higher. “He would ride us at times ... but he did Cornell in New York City, where he was it for the betterment of you as a person,” told that the disease – in Stage 4 – had Montclair State was the dominant team Anzalone recalls. “He didn’t just want you metastasized to his lymph nodes. He was in in the Skyline Conference and had been to be a good lacrosse player. He wanted you for the fight of his life and his friends and for several years. But why stop there? to be a good man.” family were certain he’d beat it. Schambach set his sights on bringing a

Fall/Winter 2018 37 RED HAWKS ATHLETICS Business as usual “He had two families,” Carmody says. “He his energy with everything going on. They had his family at home, his wife and his made plans to see a game later in the Schambach never let that fight define him. kids, and his family at Montclair State. summer. Then, as usual, the conversation Even when he was delivering the news to He was always a happy guy, but when he turned to recruiting. Carmody, the coach was focused on the talked about either of his families, you team and the future. could tell how happy he was.” Schambach died just days later, on June 14, with his family at his side. On that “He didn’t want to say cancer and he didn’t He stopped the chemotherapy in February, same day, he and his assistants were want to say how bad it was,” Carmody telling a few people that it wasn’t working. named the Coaching Staff of the Year for recalls. “He needed me to come home from Even then, he quickly changed the subject all of Division III. a recruiting trip to give a campus tour to a when people pressed for details, and recruit. It was business as usual.” usually, the focus shifted back to his team. Outpouring of love No funeral home could hold all the The players knew he was sick. But they “He said, ‘Okay, here’s the deal, I have mourners, so as temperatures soared above had no idea how sick. Schambach, after colon cancer,’” Luke Neal, a captain on the 90 degrees on June 18, more than 3,000 all, only missed an occasional practice for team, says recalling a meeting with a small people packed Immaculate Conception treatment and never missed a game. He group of players. “But then he just started Church in Somerville. Others stood along was on the field for several hours a day talking about something else. That’s the Mountain Avenue for more than an hour, last spring, directing them with the same kind of guy he was.” waiting to get inside. passion he had always brought to their preparation. Montclair State had a rollercoaster season, Phil Schambach gave one eulogy, and and on April 28, it seemed the Red Hawks Budinscak gave another. The practices ran longer than usual, and had run out of gas in their final home game. that didn’t surprise Carmody. The field They were down three goals to Scranton “I had the privilege of being with Mike wasn’t just an oasis from his illness; it was heading into the fourth period when a heavy until the end,” Budinscak told the packed a place where he was surrounded by some rainstorm drenched Sprague Field. church. “He would never let on how sick of the people who mattered the most. he was. Never complained. He was fighting Neal remembers hearing the Scranton until the end, planning his recruiting players whooping it up in the visiting locker strategy for next season and discussing room. He and his teammates were furious. some projects that he planned to do around his house. “Our coach was fighting just to stand on the sideline,” Neal remembers. “We had “He didn’t want to say goodbye. I think he to win that game. It felt like it was destiny. knew what was coming, but he was trying There was no way we could leave that field to protect his friends and loved ones. Never without winning that game.” making it about him. Never wanting to be the center of attention. Always brave, They did, coming from behind for a thrilling always with dignity and integrity. He was 11-10 win. The five weeks that followed the bravest man I ever knew.” the season were filled with reunions, love and the birth of his daughter, Chloe The Montclair State players showed up in Michelle, on May 7. their lacrosse polos at the beginning of the service, still stunned that a man who led Schambach held his baby in his arms for them onto the field with so much passion her baptism, an event just two days after just weeks earlier was gone. the entire ’98 Bridgewater-Raritan lacrosse team gathered to tell old stories about that The players are preparing to head into season at an alumni game. another season in the spring, and when they do, two words emblazoned on Schambach was at the center of it all. their team T-shirts will serve as both a When he canceled plans to attend a remembrance and a rallying cry. Yankees game with Carmody, the assistant coach knew Schambach needed to preserve SCHAMBACH STRONG. n

38 The magazine of Montclair State University Weightlifter earns bronze, shoots for national team BY STEVE POLITI

hris Hernandez knows his reputation That breakthrough pushed him to chase “They usually say ‘You’re not very big’ or with other athletes at the Montclair bigger goals. Hernandez hopes to make the ‘How much do you bench?’” Hernandez CState varsity gym. He is “The Guy Who U.S. University National Team in 2020, says. “They don’t understand that Drops the Weights.” an elite group of the country’s very best weightlifting is a very technical sport, much weightlifters that will travel to an Olympic- like karate is. It’s not just strength. It’s the “I get dirty looks. I get people staring at me,” type tournament to compete globally. technique.” Hernandez, a political science major, says with a laugh. “I had one person come over The fact that 2020 will arrive just as Hernandez learned this from his father, to me and say, ‘If you have to drop it, it’s too Hernandez, a pre-law major, begins law Gaspar, who has been in the sport for 40 heavy.’ That’s life as a weightlifter, I guess.” school makes the challenge even bigger. years. His family even built a weightlifting gym near its home in Green Township. But Hernandez is not dropping those “I know my life is going to be weightlifting weights to be a nuisance. He’s training for and studying – and not much else,” He followed his older brothers into national competitions. And that training, Hernandez says. weightlifting while he was at Newton High, something he’s done since he was 15, is and though they gave it up, he stuck with paying off big time. Weightlifting is not a common sport it. And he got to celebrate his bronze medal on university campuses. While several with his father. Hernandez won his first national medal at the universities have club teams, it is not Nike USA Weightlifting National University an NCAA-sanctioned sport like football, Now the medalist has resumed his training and Under 25 Championships in Ogden, basketball or even rifle and skiing. That on campus for bigger goals. As for the noise Utah, in April. He lifted 130 kilograms – leads to a lot of questions from even the from those dropped weights? That just that’s about 286 pounds – in the clean and other athletes on campus, many of whom comes with the territory. n jerk competition to earn the bronze. dread the necessary time lifting.

Fall/Winter 2018 39 RED HAWKS ATHLETICS SPORTS BRIEFS HONORED ACHIEVED NAMED

Katie Sire, a women’s basketball All- Volleyball player Natalia Majkut and Myles Mitchell-White, a point guard for the American, and George Alexandris, a track football senior Nick Catalano were honored men’s basketball team, was named New and field national champion, were named for their classroom achievements as Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Outstanding Athletes of the Year for the 2017-18 Scholar-Athletes of the Year. The Year. Mitchell-White led the Red Hawks 2017-18 academic year. Sire, who also University’s field hockey team finished with with 13.8 points a game and 96 assists, won the award last year, averaged 21.7 the athletic department’s highest overall logging a team high 30.4 minutes a game points – ninth in Division III – along GPA for the fourth time in the last six in his first season. The team finished 18-9 with 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists as years. Lacrosse took the top spot among and 11-7 in the NJAC. Brittany Costigan, her team finished 25-4. Alexandris set a men’s teams. a freshman on the women’s lacrosse team, championship-meet record in capturing was also named the NJAC Conference the long jump at the NCAA Division III Rookie of the Year. Costigan broke the Championship in May. single-season record for draws with 121, helping the Red Hawks to a 9-7 record, 4-2 in the NJAC.

40 The magazine of Montclair State University CONNECTIONS IT’S ALUMNIA & FRIENDS FAMILY AFFAIR HOMECOMING 2018

INSIDE 44 NEWS | 49 CLASS NOTES | 47, 48, 51, 53 PROFILES | 55 IN MEMORIAM | 56 LASTING LESSONS

Fall/Winter 2018 41 FEATURES z Open for Business

CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

HOMECOMING 2018 The occasional drizzle didn’t stop the thousands of students, alumni, families and friends who turned out to celebrate Homecoming on October 6. With a day packed with activities, alumni gatherings and performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Played this year under the lights, the Homecoming football game saw the Red Hawks blank The College of New Jersey Lions 28-0, perfectly capping a memorable day of fun and festivities.

42 The magazine of Montclair State University Fall/Winter 2018 43 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

RED HAWK OPEN HELPS ATHLETICS

More than 130 golfers came out for a beautiful day on the golf course to benefit Montclair State athletic teams and programs, raising nearly $110,000 at the University’s Sixth Annual Red Hawk Open.

The funds will be allocated to each of the University’s 18 varsity athletic programs to assist with each program’s individual needs that include travel, equipment or special events. RED HAWKS CALLING

The Red Hawk Open began with a BBQ lunch prior to the scramble- Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call soon from a Red Hawk Caller. format golfing event. After hitting the links, golfers and guests were These hardworking students have made a collective 300,000+ calls to treated to an evening of cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and an awards alumni, parents and friends, seeking vitally needed support for Montclair ceremony. State programs and services. For these students, making calls is more than just a job. “I enjoy the opportunities to connect with alumni, bridging “Montclair State University athletic staff and student athletes appreciate the gap between generations and building valuable connections with the the generosity of the outing participants and the consistent support Red Hawks before us,” says Jessica Adams, a senior. from donors and friends,” says Athletics Director Holly Gera. “Proceeds from this event and other donations enable us to enhance the athletic Annual gifts through The Fund for Montclair State have a direct and experience for all of our student athletes.” meaningful impact on students’ lives by providing much-needed support for scholarships; improvements to classrooms, laboratories and campus facilities; new program development; and technologies that give our students an edge in an increasingly competitive world. All gifts, large and small, make a difference.

If you’d like to make a gift online, visit montclair.edu/make-a-gift.

SCIENCE IN ACTION: JURASSIC!

The College of Science and Mathematics’ Science in Action day, which coincided with Homecoming, featured a new museum-quality exhibit of the dinosaur Coelophysis at the Center for Environmental and Life Sciences. Coelophysis roamed New Jersey more than 200 million

CLASS OF 1969 REUNION years ago, and left a footprint where Montclair State was eventually built.

Planning is underway for the Class of 1969 50th Reunion. Mark your In 1976, then student Mike McCloskey ’78 discovered the footprint in a calendars to join your classmates on May 24, 2019, for a luncheon and to rock quarry that today is the site of the Yogi Berra Stadium. McCloskey’s walk in the Commencement exercises. Interested in serving on your 50th dinosaur discovery was recreated with the generosity of his employer, Reunion Committee? Contact Kara Brennan, Office of Annual Giving and Louis Berger U.S. Inc. The professional global services corporation, led by Alumni Engagement, at [email protected] or 973-655-7492. Tom Lewis, donated the funds that brought the exhibit to life.

44 The magazine of Montclair State University ALUMNI NEWS

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: L.A.

In a continuing effort to expand Montclair State’s West Coast alumni network, the Office of Alumni Engagement partnered with the School of Communication and Media this past summer to host an event at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, California, marking the fifth year for a West Coast event.

Alumni heard from Michael Price ’81, writer and co-executive producer for The Simpsons and co-creator and executive producer of F Is for Family. Guests also got an exclusive tour of the Fox Studios lot and a peek into The Simpsons writer’s room with Price. HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME The Office of Alumni Engagement celebrated the summer of 2018 by creating a family-friendly series of events geared to entertain alumni and PEAPACK- involve their families. GLADSTONE The Summer Fun Series included excursions to the Liberty Science Center, ‘BREAKING INTO the Turtle Back Zoo, the races at Monmouth Park and a Jackals baseball BANKING’ game at Yogi Berra Stadium on campus. “We are thrilled to offer activities like the Summer Fun Series to bring Karen Chiarello ’85, John Kowal ’09, together alumni and families to learn about the latest happenings at the Diane Makoujy ’81, Chris Rozewski University and to have some fun,” says Jeanne Marano, assistant vice ’09 and Karen Skocypec ’88 were president of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. presenters at the Peapack-Gladstone “Breaking into Banking” event held at the Feliciano School of Business in October. At the Liberty Science Center in July, families attended a show in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the biggest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. They also participated in scavenger hunts, an animal BOOK FUND SUCCESS encounter, beekeeping, science shows, a touch tank and other scientific adventures led by talented STEM educators, including an exhibit called Be The University’s new crowdfunding initiative, a Surgeon. The group gathered for lunch for a University Trivia Challenge Impact Montclair State, was established by game with Montclair State prizes. Student Development and Campus Life, the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni In July, alumni met up with friends and former classmates to enjoy a day Engagement. The Emergency Book Fund, one of the pilot campaigns, at the races, along with a barbecue picnic during the park’s Family Fun was created to supplement existing book scholarships and grants. The Day, which included pony rides, face painters, a bounce house and other campaign successfully raised $5,000, which was then doubled by a match attractions. from the Parents Fund at Montclair State. Early August found families of alumni enjoying an evening of baseball and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter has seen the immediate fireworks together at Yogi Berra Stadium as they watched the New Jersey impact that donations make to this fund: “The Emergency Book Fund Jackals take on the Quebec Capitales. will allow more deserving students an opportunity to purchase books and supplies critical to their academic success this semester.” The end of August brought alumni back together for a day at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey, where they met some furry, scaly Other campaigns executed through Impact Montclair State include a and feathery friends at the Australian Exhibit, African Adventure, the Wolf campaign to send the Wind Symphony to a national conference, a scholarship of the Woods and the Reptile House. for MBA students, and an archaeological field project in Genzano di Roma, Italy. For more information on giving to one of the programs, visit crowdfund. The Alumni Engagement Office plans events all year to bring Red Hawks montclair.edu or contact the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement at together and is already working on next summer’s activities. If you have 973-655-4141 or [email protected]. ideas or suggestions, write to Jeanne Marano at [email protected].

Fall/Winter 2018 45 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

CONFERENCE CELEBRATES WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

JUST SOME OF THE MORE THAN 20 SPEAKERS WHO INSPIRED ATTENDEES AT THIS YEAR’S WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK.

he fifth annual Women the youngest female franchisor in gotten used to being the only Mimi Feliciano, founder and CEO TEntrepreneurship Week took the entire country,” DuBose told woman in meetings. “I had of FEM Real Estate in Montville, place around the nation and the the crowd. to get comfortable with being and an advisory board member world in October, with Montclair uncomfortable,” she said. “It’s of the Feliciano School of State University once again hosting Opening the conference, being clear about what you hope Business, said that the Center for an all-day conference as part of Montclair State University to get out of that meeting.” Entrepreneurship has focused on the festivities. President Susan A. Cole said, women since its founding. Women, “Events like this can help young The speakers consistently urged she said, don’t always get the This year’s speakers came from women and emerging women the audience to take risks, even if guidance and encouragement they a range of industries – including leaders to understand that yes, that sometimes leads to failure. need to start businesses. “They’ve tech, food, pharmaceuticals and they can; yes, they have all “Every time I go through got a lot more [ability] than they energy – but they all basically had the talent, all the ability, all the something terrible, I think, this give themselves credit for.” the same message for the 479 knowledge, all the ideas, all of the is just getting me ready for the people in attendance: Go for it. energy to do whatever it is that next thing,” said Nicki Radzely, “It’s so important to encourage And then stick with it – even if no needs doing in this world.” co-founder of Doddle & Co. She women that they can do it,” said one else believes in your vision; described a string of failed tests Kateryna Kardash, a 19-year- even if your product prototype The speakers included both before her company’s product – a old international student from keeps failing; even if your place of business owners and women with new type of baby pacifier – was the Ukraine who attended the business burns down. experience in large corporations, finally ready for market. conference. She runs her own who said that they rely on many of freelance graphic design business. That’s what happened to Hakika the same skills as entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurship Week Jah-Melia Cookhorn, 20, of Jersey DuBose, a 2006 Montclair State including being persistent, trying was founded five years ago by City, a Montclair State fashion graduate and founder of Kika new experiences and speaking up the Feliciano School of Business studies major, said she attended Stretch Studios, which teaches for their ideas. and the Feliciano Center for the conference to get tips for clients how to stretch their Entrepreneurship, and is now starting her own fashion business. muscles. Although the fire forced Elizabeth Vilchis, founder of observed by 167 colleges, “It’s just kind of amazing to see her to relocate temporarily to a latinoTech – an organization universities and organizations in how women are bosses in male- PHOTOS BY KEITH MUCCILLI PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC PHOTOS BY KEITH MUCCILLI PHOTOGRAPHY, church basement, the business that promotes the development 32 countries and 46 states. dominated industries,” she said. continued to grow and now of Latinx entrepreneurs and includes five locations. “I became innovators – said she has –Kathleen Lynn

46 The magazine of Montclair State University Edward Gero ’76

A MAN OF CHARACTERS

Gero, who describes himself a until 1983, when he moved to State to conduct student loner prone to long moments of Washington, D.C., for a role with workshops, an experience reflection, found acceptance with what is today the Shakespeare he says helps him deepen acting while attending high school Theatre Company. Over the last his own understanding of the in Madison, New Jersey. three decades, the four-time fundamentals. Helen Hayes Award winner with “Acting was liberating for me,” 16 nominations, whose roles “By working with students, I he says. “Once I was given the have included characters such strive to honor the ideas and opportunity to participate in a as Richard Nixon and Ebenezer the challenges that inspired play, all of my inner thoughts Scrooge, has maintained a busy me through my training and and feelings were released. I was schedule of acting and teaching, my experience, and encourage encouraged to share all of myself.” working as an associate professor students to grapple with them and and head of performance at find their own solutions,” he says. As it turned out, Gero’s high George Mason University. “We learn from each other as we As he took the stage as Supreme school drama teachers were engage these questions again and Court Justice Antonin Scalia on Montclair State alumni, so he For Gero, Montclair State was a again. It’s about the process, not opening night of the off-Broadway decided to learn more about place to develop a strong work the result.” performance of The Originalist in the school and went to see a ethic and the drive to get involved. July, Edward Gero was empowered to University production of Peter Over the years, Gero has also know that Jerome Rockwood, his old Weiss’ 1963 play within a “I learned to reach beyond my had opportunities to mentor acting professor from Montclair State play, Marat/Sade directed by comfort zone to grow as an artist,” Montclair State students through University, was in the audience. Rockwood. he says. the Shakespeare company that helped him establish a foothold in “That he was there, at age 91, “It blew my mind,” Gero recalls. Gero says he can still hear the region. meant a lot to me,” Gero says. “He “That was the exciting theater I Rockwood’s voice in the back had such a major impact on the wanted to do. There was nowhere of his mind, challenging him to “I had great mentors from development of my career.” else to look. I applied early focus on the heart of the action. Montclair and the way I honor decision and never looked back.” them is by sharing my experience The role of Justice Scalia, which “He made you really want to work with students.” was written for Gero, offered his Gero graduated in 1976 with a on it and focus on the critical first return to the New York stage in degree in speech and theatre and analysis of the role,” he says. 35 years. lived and worked in New York Gero has returned to Montclair –Suzanne Marta

Fall/Winter 2018 47 Michele Gierla Ansbacher ’80

GIVING

BACKichele Gierla Ansbacher was applied for the company’s “I got to see how things were students or faculty grappling with Mtrying to decide between prestigious Management Training run,” she says. “It really gave me business issues. law school and a full-time Program, a challenging three- a chance to hone my leadership MBA program when a chance year program that provided skills.” A longtime member of the conversation with a Prudential a fast track to management. Advisory Board for the business executive at graduation changed Ansbacher rotated every six Ansbacher’s career at Prudential school, Ansbacher took the reins her course. months to different jobs in varied navigated numerous roles, as board chair in spring 2017. departments, then was evaluated enabling her to gain experience “He gave me his card and said, for how much impact she’d made grappling with a variety of Ansbacher and her husband ‘You should come work for during her time. business challenges.“I was seen are committed donors to the Prudential, and we’ll pay for you as a problem-solver and could University, where they met. They to get your MBA at night,’” she “You had to hit the ground transform things,” she says. dedicated a five-year gift to the recalls. She did and ended up running, make an impact Feliciano School of Business, staying 34 years. quickly,” she says. “It really From 2009-2012, Ansbacher represented by the Michele and taught me to adapt quickly and served as corporate chief ethics Keith Ansbacher Conference Since her retirement in 2014, that your success is up to you.” officer for Prudential’s global Room. Ansbacher, who graduated in operations. Her last role with the 1980 with a BA in economics Looking back, Ansbacher says company was running its East “I had fabulous professors and political science, has been her experience at Montclair State Coast operations for Prudential who were mentors, and great focused on giving back to the provided important training for Advisors. engagement with the dean and university she credits with success. As a leader of student other administrators during helping her launch her career and government, she worked closely Since 2015, Ansbacher has my time at Montclair State,” meet her husband, Keith. with University administration, served as an adjunct professor at Ansbacher says. “They believed serving on search committees the Feliciano School of Business. in me, propelled me and gave me Intrigued by the Prudential and managing meetings. She also serves as Executive-in- great opportunities. For me it’s an executive’s pitch, Ansbacher Residence, available to mentor honor to give back.” –Suzanne Marta

48 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2018 48 CLASS NOTES

Nancy Erika Smith ’77, co-founder 1 1940s 1970s of the law firm Smith Mullen, was a Thomas A. Giordano ’47, at 92 years Joseph R. Baker Jr. ’70 retired as the finalist in theNJBIZ Power 100 list. old, is a Major League Baseball director of intercollegiate athletics at scout for the Atlanta Braves. Carroll University after eight years of Mary T. Walsh ’77 was named chief employment. information officer for the University of Kansas. 1950s Aldo D. Scrofani ’73 was elected Rose Marie Battaglia ’51, former board chairman for Newark JoAnn Young ’77 received two Bergen Community College coach, Symphony Hall in January 2018. Emmy nominations for her was inducted into the Women’s documentary on Fred Rogers from 2 Basketball Hall of Fame in June. James A. Wynne ’73 was named Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. director of the Jefferson Township Community Chorus in Jefferson, N.J. William Pope ’78 joined New York 1960s University Institute of Fine Arts’ Marie Attanasio ’65 and Bonnie Dennis Divenuta ’74 was named Board of Trustees. Ruggiero ’65 returned to campus executive vice president for strategy and took a walk down memory and corporate development at lane. (1) 3PEA International. 1980s 3 Susan Arslaner ’81 was honored Eleta J. Caldwell ’67, ’86 MAT was Jan Snyder Price ’74, ’77 MA, with a Perfumer Recognition Award honored with a gallery dedication national director of Women’s by Women in Flavor & Fragrance and opening reception at the HealthCare and Neurology Medical Commerce. Gallery Afero in Newark, N.J., in Science Liaisons Teams at Bayer, February. was honored as a Luminary by Karin Seidel Klim ’81 was named the Healthcare Businesswomen’s vice president for University Robert H. Meehan ’68 was Association at its annual Woman of Advancement at Rider University. presented with the Albert Nelson the Year event in May. (4) Marquis Lifetime Achievement Susan F. Young ’81 is serving the Award by Marquis Who’s Who. William Brian Kretzmer ’75 was New Jersey Association of School appointed as an independent Business Officials as immediate Charles Trocolli ’68 celebrated 50 director of Cole Capital Advisors in past president for the 2018-2019 years of friendship with his brothers February. school year. of the Psi Chi fraternity of Montclair State. (2) Henry “Hank” Gola ’76 released his Ronald Andersen ’82 was appointed book City of Champions, a story of senior managing director, 4 Vaughn Vandegrift ’68, ’70 MA two teams colliding in the historic Commercial Private Banker at received an honorary Doctor of Orange Bowl to decide the National Peapack-Gladstone Bank. Humane Letters degree from Sports Foundation’s 1939 national 5 Southern Illinois University championship. In addition, he was Joyce A. Brocaglia ’82 was listed in Edwardsville at its May 2018 the 2018 recipient of the Lincoln the 2018 NJBIZ Best 50 Women in commencement. Werden Award for Golf Journalism Business. presented by the Metropolitan Golf Marge Sawruk nee Wetmore ’68 Writers Association in June 2018. (5) Barbara A. Pinelli ’82 was recently was honored with the State History awarded the prestigious Facing Award for Distinguished Volunteer Joanne Barry ’77 was honored in History In-Depth Program Grant, Service by the History Society of the Accounting category of the which gives middle and high Michigan. (3) 2018 edition of the Top 100 Most school history teachers access CLASS OF 1969 Influential People. to professional development and It’s time to celebrate materials for their classroom. She your 50th Reunion. Joe Cosentino ’77 released two new also developed a grade 8 Pre-AP Save the date - May 24, 2019. books titled Cozzi Cove: Happy History course for the South Endings and Drama Fraternity. Plainfield (N.J.) School District. Visit montclair.edu/alumni/reunion for more information and updates. Richard “Rick” Geffken ’77 MA signed a contract with The History Press to co-author a book on Monmouth County (N.J.) history.

Fall/Winter 2018 49 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Anthony J. Scriffignano ’82, ’85 MA Steven M. Klein ’87 is the chief Karen D’Avino ’94 was appointed was named U.S. Chief Data Officer executive officer of Northfield Bank. the new superintendent of the of the Year 2018 by the CDO Club, Vernon Township School District in the world’s largest community of Peter Lori ’87 was named chief Vernon, N.J. C-suite digital and data leaders. financial officer of Univision Communications. He oversees Jennifer F. Terry ’95 joined The Robert Pignatello ’83 was selected its finance organization and is Bancorp as managing director and by the Board of Governors of responsible for corporate finance, chief human resources officer. Pennsylvania’s State System of treasury, risk management, investor Higher Education to be the 15th relations, financial planning and Joanne Vos ’95 was appointed president of Lock Haven University analysis, audit, tax, procurement, president of the Middlesex County of Pennsylvania. He served nearly real estate and corporate business (N.J.) Bar Association in May. 25 years in the CUNY system development. including 18 years as the senior Kerri Mazzoni Ehrmantraut ’96 vice president and chief operating Richard Scuderi ’87, a local top- was awarded first place in the officer at John Jay College and selling author, led an interactive “Public Relations: Feature Media 6 in the same capacity at Hunter discussion on surviving anxiety and Placement” category of NJ Ad College. (6) depression at a Barnes & Noble in Club’s 50th Anniversary Jersey Bridgewater, N.J. Awards for her work on the New Marie Rolls Faber ’84 was York State Podiatric Medical appointed trial court administrator Jeffrey Biunno ’88, ’05 MA was Association. (8) of the Hudson Vicinage in N.J. a finalist in the Public Company category of NJBIZ 2018 CFO of the Roger León ’96 MA was named Maria Sceppaguercio Gever ’84 Year Awards. superintendent of Newark (N.J.) joined Keurig Green Mountain as Public Schools. senior vice president of investor 7 relations. 1990s Erica D. Sampson ’96, a Melinda Mullery Hanlon ’90 MA transformational speaker and best- Maureen A. Langan ’84, radio host was appointed the new chair of the selling author, released her new and stand-up comic, returned Board of Trustees for Seton Hall book The Power to Believe in Your to The Marsh San Francisco for University’s Sister Rose Thering Greatness: A Story of Resilience a special limited engagement of Fund for Education in Jewish- and Triumph. her 2017 smash hit Daughter of a Christian Studies. Garbageman in April 2018. Greer Gelman ’97 MA, a Patrick J. Brunner ’91 was named kindergarten teacher and Livingston John R. McEwen ’84 received the athletic director of Mountain Education Foundation president, The Robert J. Smythe Award Lakes (N.J.) School District. was named 2018 Educator of 8 for Outstanding Professional the Year by the Livingston Area Fundraiser from the New Jersey Rhonda VanAntwerp ’91 MA was Chamber of Commerce in N.J. UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION chapter of the Association of appointed assistant director of Did you move? Get married? Fundraising Professionals in June. corporate and foundation relations New email? New number? at St. Thomas Aquinas College. (7) 2000s Let us know! Kevin E. Wright ’84 was ordained Nanette L. Rotonda ’00 MA was Kelly A. Frank ’92 joined Crowe LLP honored at a retirement dinner for It’s easy to update your as permanent deacon of the as a partner in audit services. her 44 years of service with the information online through Archdiocese of New York at a Mass Belleville (N.J.) School District. MONTCLAIRconnect, the online in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in June. Judy L. LoBianco ’92, ’95 MA was community exclusively for alumni listed among an elite group of Nicole L. Viola ’00, ’15 MA was of Montclair State University. Thomas Tkach ’85 was appointed interim director of University of New school district leaders recognized in named supervisor of special Visit montclair.edu/alumni, where Mexico’s Harwood Museum of Art. Education Week’s annual “Leaders services of the Clark Public School you can also sign up for your to Learn From” report. District in Clark, N.J. alumni email account. You can Catherine Franzoni ’86 was also update your information promoted to executive vice Elke Brindopke Yetter ’92 was Manda T. Weiss-Cronin ’00, ’07 was by calling the president and chief operating appointed Sussex County (N.J.) a recipient of the Sparta Governor’s Office of Alumni Engagement officer of Manasquan Bank. treasurer. Educators Award in Sparta, N.J. at 973-655-4141.

50 The magazine of Montclair State University Victor Cirilo ’00

PUBLIC SERVANT or Victor Cirilo, the leafy campus “All these things really helped Education ultimately led Cirilo director for the Newark Housing Fof Montclair State University me develop leadership skills and to the Dover Housing Authority, Authority, the state’s largest offered a rejuvenating refuge from learn how to move an agenda where he spent six years gaining public housing agency with a the urban neighborhoods of West forward,” he says. “These were experience in public housing budget of $183 million and about New York, New Jersey, where his all additional skills that you don’t property management and 400 employees, a position he family settled after emigrating from learn in a classroom.” development. Next, he shifted took in 2017. El Salvador. into politics, logging four years At Montclair, Cirilo says he felt as chief of staff for New Jersey Cirilo also was involved in local His experience there inspired faculty and staff were rooting for Assemblyman John F. McKeon, government, having served two Cirilo, who had been in the United him to succeed, and particularly honing his skills at building terms as a councilman for the States for a decade, to build a recalls the support of Dean James legislation, managing staff and Township of West Orange, New foundation in public service that Harris. “He was always interested in constituents. Jersey. would guide his career. how I was doing and making sure I was on the right path and doing In 2007, Cirilo returned to public “It was the greatest opportunity Cirilo, who graduated from well in the classroom,” says Cirilo. housing as executive director of of my life to become educated Montclair State with a degree the Housing Authority for the City and be part of the American in Political Science in 2000, Cirilo also credits Professor of Passaic, where, during the melting pot,” he says. “Being learned the power of networking Jack Samuels, his fraternity’s next decade, he turned around in public service is my way of and collaboration as a freshman faculty advisor, for his dedicated the agency’s finances, moving thanking this great country for legislator. Juggling classes, work mentorship that assured that the its federal designation from extending me so many great and extracurricular activities – organization ran in a business-like “Troubled” to “High Performer,” opportunities and really allow me he was president of his Theta fashion, and that the members and used a new federal financing to make something of myself.” Xi fraternity – helped him hone developed into strong, responsible program to modernize its aging time management skills. His leaders. infrastructure. work for The Montclarion student –Suzanne Marta newspaper helped push his Montclair State’s Center for It was that success that led him writing skills. Career Services and Cooperative to his current role as executive

Fall/Winter 2018 51 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Gary L. Bracht ’01 was promoted to Carrie E. Merritt ’05, a first grade Silvana Henao ’07 was promoted sergeant of the Old Bridge (N.J.) teacher at the Ocean City (N.J.) to segment producer of CNBC’s Police Department. Primary School, was named Cape Closing Bell. She also represents May County’s 2018-19 Teacher of CNBC as a bilingual talent Michael S. Gall Jr. ’01 was the Year. ambassador on Telemundo appointed superintendent of recording biweekly personal finance Sussex-Wantage (N.J.) Regional Stephanie Sabaliauskas ’05, ’11 MA, segments for Tu Dinero es Tu School District. Justine Barbato ’07, Stef Eleftner ’11, Futuro. Brittany Casares ’14, Christina 9 Jenn Winski Colodney ’02 was Nunes ’12 and former MSU Joseph A. DeNicolo ’08, ’15 MA, an named vice president of marketing women’s soccer coach, Eileen English teacher and drama director and communications for the Blair, came together to enjoy a at Jonathan Dayton High School in Somerset County (N.J.) YMCA. (9) New York Red Bulls ll soccer Springfield, N.J., was honored as game on October 14, 2018. (11) “Teacher of the Year” for 2018. Renata A. Mizak ’02, an attorney, was promoted to partner at Laddey, Kathryn L. Clores ’06 married Jeffrey Makeida Hewitt Estupinan ’08 Clark & Ryan, LLP. Vincent Fucci on October 22, 2017. was named principal of Gregory Elementary School in West Orange, Brent Barnes ’03 MA was hired Hakika DuBose ’06 was named N.J. as assistant football coach and the youngest female franchisor in defensive coordinator of Alfred the U.S. She is the founder/CEO of Talena Lachelle Queen ’08 won an State College. Kika Stretch Studios in Montclair, education award from the New N.J. (12) Jersey Clean Communities Council John W. Coviello ’03, ’10 MA was for her “Little Free Library” program 10 named principal of Manchester Sinclair Gibore ’06 was promoted in Paterson, N.J., where users can Regional High School in Haledon, to senior IT specialist of BL&S take a book to read or leave one for N.J. Technologies. someone else.

Ermal Luzaj ’03, ’10 MBA was a Yuri T. Jadotte ’06 was promoted Amanda McCloy Rivera ’08 was finalist in the Accounting category to associate professor at Rutgers named 2018 Educational Services of the NJBIZ 2018 40 Under 40 University. He was also appointed Professional of the Year by awards. the assistant residency program Cumberland Regional High School director and assistant professor of in Upper Deerfield, N.J. Keyana Jones ’04, founder of preventive medicine at the Stony HIKEOLUTION, was a guest Brook School of Medicine. Decosy Hercules ’09 joined St. speaker for a panel discussion at Luke’s University Health Network the Newark (N.J.) Museum in April Paul R. Rodriguez ’06 joined New as a primary care sports medicine 2018. Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s physician. administration as the director of the 11 Matthew I. Wechter ’04, a teacher New Jersey Division of Consumer Thomas E. Holland ’09 was a finalist at Robert N. Wilentz Elementary Affairs. in the Rising Star category of NJBIZ School, was named Teacher of the 2018 CFO of the Year Awards. Year 2018 for Middlesex County, N.J. Katalin Vilim ’06 showcased her pop art and abstract imagery in a Sonel Soulouque ’09 MA released Ryan Marshall ’05 is a partner joint show as part of ARTSpeaks his new book titled My Side at Ela Financial Group, a wealth edition of the Jersey City (N.J.) Income: 7 ways to put more money management firm that manages Theater Center. in your pocket. about $250 million with locations in Wyckoff and Westfield, N.J. He was Melody A. Federico ’07 MBA was also selected to be on the cover of hired as executive director for 2010s September’s edition of Financial HOMECorp. Shauna DeMarco ’10 MA was Planning magazine. (10) named superintendent of the Paul Gorski ’07 MEd was named Tenafly (N.J.) School District. principal of Fair Lawn (N.J.) High 12 School.

52 The magazine of Montclair State University CONSUMER HEALTH Meriterese Racanelli ’08 MS ADVOCATE eriterese Racanelli is working and partnerships with government Her work includes educating Racanelli says her strong faith Mto improve consumer health agencies, hospitals and national consumers on how to use and results-oriented work ethic by creating cultural food and health organizations, as well as culturally traditional foods, such as drive her. “Whether it be a patient wellness campaigns to meet running wellness campaigns, beans, for a healthy diet as they health issue, company project national consumer demand for MyPlate Cooking Demonstrations cope with weight management and or government health initiative, healthy foods. and community outreach diseases such as diabetes, I enjoy creating and developing programs to name a few. high blood pressure and celiac. solutions to complex issues.” Now a global food scientist and nutritionist for Goya Foods, Inc., She also helps lead the company’s “Eating healthy doesn’t have to Since joining Goya in 2013, the nation’s largest Hispanic- research and development team cost a lot, it can be cheaper than Racanelli has helped the company owned food company, Racanelli on the food science and eating fast food,” she said in a navigate government guidelines wears many hats at the company, nutrition features and benefits of recent FOX TV video promoting and health initiatives, and develop including head of nutrition ingredients, products and recipes. tips such as choosing dry beans healthier cultural recipes and new and rice, buying fruit in season products. She created the Goya or reading labels to make sure “Better-for-You” product line, canned foods don’t contain sugary which includes low- and reduced- syrup. sodium and no-added-sugar foods, as well as organic and low-sodium Racanelli graduated in 2008 from grain mixes. The line has grown to Montclair State University with a include 300 products, she says. Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, after studying pre- Racanelli calls products such as med/biology for her undergraduate low-sodium canned beans “a good degree. example of how good nutrition can be combined with convenience Working with New Jersey hospitals, and good taste.” she also completed her Clinical Dietetics and Medical Nutrition Earlier this year, Racanelli returned Therapy training magna cum laude. to campus to share insights on the cultural components of food, diet Throughout her career, Racanelli and sustainability for University has taught nutrition, food and seminars on food sustainability. health science in schools, universities, health departments “It’s rewarding to be able to utilize and hospitals. Her nutrition and my formal education, expertise fitness programs targeting and cultural competencies children from multicultural to help achieve solutions and goals backgrounds was produced for that ultimately help the public media outlets such as Radio reduce disease and improve Disney and Nickelodeon. health.”

As a consultant, Racanelli has –Suzanne Marta worked with food and nutraceutical outlets, Olympic and professional athletes and celebrities.

53 The magazine of Montclair State University Fall/Winter 2018 53 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Kyle Peters ’12 graduated from Angela Babicz ’15 competed on Kofi Armah ’16 celebrated the UCLA Law with a JD from the MTV’s Ex on the Beach, a social opening of his Ghanaian restaurant Public Interest Law and Policy experiment reality TV show. called Coal Lounge & Grill in Program in May. He is now working Bethlehem, Pa. as a criminal defense attorney with Carlos Bandera ’15 was selected The Legal Aid Society in NYC. (13) as one of the six Copland House Maura Johnston ’16 was named Fellows to participate in CULTIVATE assistant coach of Stevens Institute Allison Strong ’12 will be returning 2018, an annual emerging of Technology’s field hockey team. as Talia Goldstein in Season 2 of composers institute. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Melissa T. Koster ’16 was named Amazon. She was also a featured Timothy J. Beaumont ’15 MA assistant coach of Stevens Institute guest on One on One with Steve received the prestigious 2018 Allen of Technology women’s soccer Adubado for NJTV and on the cover Morehead Memorial Award from program. of The Digest magazine. (14) Montclair State University’s College 13 of Education and Human Services Rita Rusin ’16 was hired as a Matthew V. Cornacchione ’13 MA at the CEHS Annual Awards registered dietitian for ShopRite of was named head baseball coach Ceremony. Emerson, N.J. at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Christopher Gash ’15 married Jenn Amatullah’Muhyi Ali ’17 and Sudol, his high school sweetheart, Michelle Martinez ’17, who Joseph LaSala ’13 was appointed on March 10, 2018. The wedding together own Afrotwin Productions, head football coach of Woodbridge took place in the hallway of Clifton showcased their two recent (N.J.) High School. High School in N.J. films titledUndefined: A Muslim American Musical and Hit Me Up at David Acosta ’14, a musician Rose B. Kingston ’15 MA founded the Montclair Film Festival in May. who goes by his stage name, Josephine Clark Academy in “Murdock,” celebrated the release Liberia in 2016. Her goal is to craft Melissa Collucci ’17 PhD was of his new album in August. an individual education plan so named assistant professor of students can overcome the gap in education of St. Thomas Aquinas Brittany Casares ’14 was named their education because of the war. College. head coach of women’s soccer at The College of Staten Island (N.Y.). Eiad Masri ’15 MA earned an EdD Donald J. Cook ’17 and Andrew 14 in Educational Leadership from the Mulick ’17, were sworn in as police George Juzdan ’14 franchised College of Saint Elizabeth. officers for the Clifton (N.J.) Police TAPinto Passaic Valley, which Department. provides original local news Eric S. Schaffer ’15 MA was hired coverage for the residents of Little as head women’s and men’s cross Kwasi Opoku ’17 competed in the Falls, Totowa and Woodland Park country coach as well as track and 7th season of MTV’s hit dating show in N.J. field coach for Dominican College. Are You The One? which premiered in August. Christine Soccio Romanell ’14 MFA Sandra L. Smith ’15 MA was named partnered with engineers at Unilux assistant principal of Clinton Jellyn Anne Echon ’18 is an to create a custom program that Elementary School in Maplewood, e-commerce and digital marketing creates a harmonic relationship N.J. director for W. Kodak Jewelry in between flash rate and the Hoboken, N.J. (15) geometric form that is in motion Gregory Winick ’15 MA released for her solo show Everything is his first fiction novel titledA.H . The Dean P. Spadavecchia ’18 15 Connected. novel is an ongoing paradigm of was sworn in as officer of the cause and effect, showing what’s Parsippany-Troy Hills (N.J.) Police Evan Ruggiero ’14 was nominated occurring in the past, current and Department. for a Chita Rivera Award for future times and its ramifications on Outstanding Male Dancer in an everyday American life. Taylor Strothmann ’18 MA was off-Broadway Show. appointed to the head women’s bowling coach at Felician University.

54 The magazine of Montclair State University IN MEMORIAM

William T. Allen ’36 Robert E. Johnson ’64 Charles Aughenbaugh Jr. ’72 MA Daniel Donovan ’77, ’81 MA Eugene W. Kahn ’37 Barbara “Bonnie” Richelo ’64, Toney Jackson ’72 MA Karen C. Rachwal ’77 Ruth Lussenhop Gibson ’39 ’72 MA Janet D’Alessio Lombardy ’72 MA Thomas Craughwell ’78 Pauline Poole Foster ’42 Robert Sulyma ’64 MA Tod McDougald ’72 Marie A. Seidel ’78 Lloyd Adler ’43, ’67 MA Carolyn Chesney ’65 Kenneth A. Pagach ’72 MA Clarice Silverstein ’78 MA Roslyn Goldstein Fink ’43 Frances M. Grimes ’65 MA Lawrence R. Pitts ’72 MA Ann Louise Voelzke ’78 E. Alma Flagg ’43 MA James Cottingham ’66 Yolanda Plasencia ’72 MA Klaus D. Schleim ’80 Ruth Mather Flock ’44 Frances Beckett Cucci ’67 Stephen W. Jefferson ’73 Robert J. Walzer ’80 Marie Swithenbank Buikema ’45 William T. Reedy Jr. ’67 Angela Rubbone ’73 Bethany DiMarco ’81 Berenice Giordano ’45 JoAnn E. Snow ’68 Kathryn Cheryl Chicken ’74, ’77 MA Timothy Dwyer ’81 Evelyn Murphy Mueller ’47, ’51 MA Frank P. Tilli ’68, ’73 MA Anne S. Cohen ’74 MA John A. Gilbert III ’81 Elaine Erikson-Marcus ’48, ’59 MA Ruth Blum Landini ’69 MA Philip Coloccia ’74 Margaret G. Kennedy ’81 Marion Gleason ’48 Thomas J. Gay ’70 MA Linda L. Froede ’74 James A. McElhinney ’81 Elise A. Kohms ’49 David McClay II ’70 Ronald R. Lauder ’74 Wayne Birkenthal ’83 Julia F. Dougherty ’50 Norman E. Franklin ’71 MA John R. Neary ’74 Robert M. Boyle ’83 MA Raymond C. Lewin ’50, ’53 MA Patricia Egan Procak ’71 MA Pearl Scott Osborne ’74, ’79 MA Carol Hickey Fitzgerald ’83 Ruth Freeland Rechten ’50 Stephanie Stave ’74 Phyllis A. Aquino ’84 Michael J. Bernardo ’51 Valerie A. Torrisi ’74 Rudolph L. Bartel Jr. ’84 Wynfield Kornreich ’51, ’70 MA John S. Brodie ’75 Hans E. Josephsen IV ’84 Walter Marusyn ’52, ’57 MA Robert L. Kastner ’75 MA Madeline McClure ’84 Gabriel Amatucci ’53 MA Daniel P. Kelleher Jr. ’75 MA Patrick J. Rooney ’84 William C. Enderlein ’54 Sonya “Sunnie” Kurtzman ’75 Laurie Belliveau Brunot ’85 Jean L. Badgley ’55 Lee T. McDonough ’75 William W. Hubbard ’85 Virginia “Ginny” Grammer ’55 Nanette Swordsma ’75 Michael Miniere Sr. ’85 Gerard Caracciolo ’56, ’61 MA Herbert V. Tobias ’75 MA George M. Snider ’86 MA Marion Orlandini ’56 Gary J. Barber ’76 Todd Sutterlin ’86 Richard Moryl ’57 Marilyn Conrad ’76 Patricia J. Corbin ’87 MA Carl L. Ordway ’57 Frances Goodman ’76 MA Barbara L. Schweitzer ’87 MA Dorothea Paoletta ’57 Mary Ann Betke ’77 Joseph Panzarella ’90 Terry H. Winter ’57, ’61 MA Kimberly W. Rotondi ’91 MA Bart DiPaola ’58, ’63 MA Marjorie A. Wilkins ’91 MA Henry Matelson ’58 John A. Kinsey ’97 Anna Daviet ’59 Lori A. Liskiewicz ’98 MA Jean Gallagher ’59 Zaida E. Polanco ’98 William T. Hodge ’59 Tana E. Quigley ’04 Joseph E. Beliveau ’60 Tammy M. Waldron ’04 Marie F. Halpin ’60 Christina Novak Azares ’06 Margaret Ruppert ’60 Michelle Carr ’08 James A. Agnew ’61 Jessica Lynn McMenemy ’12 Judith L. Reiss ’61 Janet Stemmle Hector ’62 Retired Faculty Rose Mary Bergmann ’63, ’79 MA Martin Greenwald Carol A. Dempsey ’63, ’70 MA Christopher Stasheff Eugene R. Fox ’64 Professors Emeriti Gerald Caracciolo ’56, ’61 MA Sureish Desai David Stuehler

Fall/Winter 2018 55 LASTINGLESSONS

HOLLY GERA ’79 | Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Amid the whirlwind of all the schedules, games, personnel and decisions that is Montclair State Athletics, one constant and calming presence for the past 22 years has been Holly Gera. As director of Athletics, she has ably led the University’s nationally respected athletics program, and guided and mentored countless student athletes. “I had the pleasure of having Holly as my athletics director during my time as player and coach,” recalls Bill Anthes ’07. “Her grace and composure were always evident and have had a lasting impact on me, not just at the leadership level, but on the human level.” After joining Montclair State in 1989 as director of Campus Recreation, Gera quickly distinguished herself as a leader becoming assistant director of Athletics the following year. “Holly is a tremendous role model,” says Michael Palazzo ’14, now an assistant football coach at Montclair State. “She approaches every day with such great passion – she is a real inspiration to me.” Gera, who is retiring in December, is renowned for her caring, positive approach to people. “Holly taught me the importance of poise and positivity,” says Melissa Tobie ’16, an All-American basketball star for the Red Hawks. “No matter how hectic the gym could be on game day, Holly always found a way to keep things running smoothly, with a positive attitude.” Maurice Torres ’10 agrees: “Holly’s warmth and sense of community will forever stick with me as an alumnus and former student athlete.”

–Robert Gano

Read more about Gera at montclair.edu/lasting-lessons/Gera. Let us know which faculty members made a difference during your time at Montclair State at [email protected].

56 The magazine of Montclair State University MAKE A TAX-FREE GIFT WITH IRA Your retirement can be the beginning of new futures for Montclair State University students. With a charitable IRA rollover gift, you can create a legacy at the University that makes the Montclair State experience possible for generations of students.

Direct gifts to Montclair State University from your IRA can be an easy and convenient tax-free way to make a gift from one of your major assets.

Give on or before December 31, 2018, for your gift to qualify this year.

Read about ways to give and the benefits of giving through your retirement plan at montclair.giftplans.org or contact Ely F. Santoni at 973-655-3695 or [email protected].

Please consult your financial or legal advisor regarding your financial situation. NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID 1 NORMAL AVENUE PONTIAC, IL MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY 07043 PERMIT NO. 362

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CONVOCATIONS Montclair State University CEHS, NURS May 16, 2019 CHSS, CART May 17, 2019 CSAM, SBUS May 18, 2019

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