New Building Offers Most Advanced Technology Of
The magazine of Montclair State University MONTCLAIR Fall/Winter 2017
NEW BUILDING OFFERS MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY OF ANY SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY Alumnus Michael Price ’81, a writer and producer of The Simpsons, returned to campus at Homecoming to discuss his career with School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler and to dedicate the Michael Price Audio Production Center. See story in Alumni News, page 46. CONTENTS | FALL/WINTER 2017 FEATURES
Poetic Justice 12 Ruth Bader Ginsburg spends day on campus, tackles The Merchant of Venice at round-table discussion
Connecting Threads 17 Student mentors support personal growth of middle school boys in Newark
Looking for Home Students travel to Greece to film the human stories 20 of the refugee crisis
Hollywood East School of Communication and Media’s new home 24 is nation’s most technologically advanced university media production facility, rivaling professional studios
Solving Cosmic Mysteries 30 Faculty on LIGO team help with historic detection of neutron stars’ collision
3 Feedback
4 Headlines
35 Athletics
41 Alumni Connections
47 Class Notes
54 In Memoriam
56 Lasting Lessons DEPARTMENTS Photo by Gennadi Novash MONTCLAIR The magazine of Montclair State University FROM President Susan A. Cole THE Vice President for University Advancement John T. Shannon Associate Vice President for PRESIDENT External Relations Carol Blazejowski ’78 n October, I had the honor of delivering the “President-to-Presidents Lecture” at Assistant Vice President for the annual meeting of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Communications and Marketing Ellen Griffin I(AASCU), where 200 presidents and chancellors gathered to explore issues facing higher education to ensure that we, as leaders, are doing our best to provide future Assistant Vice President for generations with the tools they need to lead our country forward. Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Jeanne Marano It was an honor, in this context, to use Montclair State as an example of a University Editor that has put in the time and the work it takes to give its students the opportunities Laura Griffin and excellence they deserve. In the nearly 20 years that I have been at the Design Director University, we have grown from 12,000 to 21,000 students. When I arrived, we Randi Rosh granted about 2,200 degrees a year; today our university grants more than 5,200 degrees each year. We have added new colleges, schools, programs, research Designer Samantha Spitaletta ’97 institutes and centers. We have added doctoral programs. We have built hundreds of thousands of square feet of instructional, laboratory and research space as well as Staff Photographer residence halls and parking spaces. We rebuilt the entire energy infrastructure of the Mike Peters campus and hired hundreds more faculty and professional staff. Contributing Photographers Thomas E. Franklin But that’s not all. As you’ll read in these pages, this summer saw additional fruits Steve McCarthy of our labor, when Governor Christie signed into law a bill, supported unanimously Gennadi Novash by both the New Jersey Senate and the Assembly, establishing Montclair State Contributing Writers University as a public research university. Robert Gano Marilyn Lehren Donny Levit How did we manage these transformational accomplishments? The answer, which I Suzanne Marta shared with my fellow presidents, is simple: sweat equity. We did not stand and wait. Steve Politi We worked really hard and we worked really smart. Amy Wagner
Production And our work never stops. As you’ll read here, this fall we welcomed our first cohort Debra Morella ’79 of students in our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program; we are in the process of expanding our College Hall and Mallory Hall facilities to serve students better; and MONTCLAIR is published by the School of Communication and Media just opened its new home – a technological University Communications. wonder that, thanks to our strategic partnership with Sony, offers the most advanced Views within these pages do not necessarily reflect digital film and broadcast equipment, technologies and studios at any university in the opinions of the editor or official policies of the University. No materials (articles, photographs, the country. illustrations, etc.) may be reproduced in whole or in part without consent of the editor. We continue contributing that sweat equity, as do our students, many of Address changes: whom are the first in their families to go to college. All this work and growth Send the mailing label from this issue, along with your new address, to: enriches the lives of our students, whose experiences at the University lead to Montclair State University, the completion of degrees that will enable them to realize their potential and Office of Advancement Services 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043 expand their opportunities. I hope you share the pride we take in the University’s or fax to 973-655-6441. accomplishments because Montclair State’s momentum has been made possible, in large part, to the generous support of our alumni and friends. For that, we and our Letters to the editor may be sent to [email protected] or to the address below: students thank you.
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© 2017 Montclair State University Susan A. Cole montclair.edu Enjoy the magazine? Have a story idea for us? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. FEEDBACK (We reserve the right to edit letters.) MAGAZINE OUR FAVORITE TWEETS HONORED Vogue magazine included Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s visit to campus in its pages and tweeted about it. To read more about her visit, see page 12.
Montclair State University Communications received recognition for its creativity in its publications, digital media, writing and photography with four platinum and six gold MarCom Awards as well as five honorable mentions in the 2017 competition.
An international creative competition sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing Communications Professionals, the MarCom Awards recognize outstanding achievement by creative professionals Alumnus Michael Price, a writer and producer of The Simpsons and F Is for Family, tweeted involved in the concept, direction, about his Homecoming visit and dedication of the room in his name. To read more, see page 46. design and production of marketing and communication materials and programs. Of the awards won by the department, Montclair magazine received two platinum, three gold and three honorable mentions for writing, photography and the magazine as a whole. For a list of winners, visit montclair.edu/newscenter.
Fall/Winter 2017 3 HEADLINES
New Jersey Designates Montclair State a Public Research University
ew Jersey Governor by the Carnegie Classification our home state recognize New Jersey’s future economic Chris Christie signed of Institutions of Higher what has already been growth.” Nlegislation officially Education in 2016 and as acknowledged in the national designating Montclair State a doctoral degree-granting higher education community The new designation will a public research university. institution by the New is both welcome and also expand Montclair State The bill – unanimously Jersey Secretary of Higher appropriate, and will further students’ eligibility for Tuition supported by both the New Education. strengthen the University’s Aid Grants, enhance the Jersey Senate and Assembly ability to contribute to the University’s ability to conduct – is the latest recognition of “The University greatly education of the state’s business more effectively the University’s recent growth appreciates the strong workforce, create new under regulations better suited and transformation. The bipartisan support for this knowledge in fields important to its needs, and enable it to University was designated a legislation,” says President to the state, the nation and compete more successfully for research doctoral institution Susan A. Cole. “Having the larger world, and help fuel new research funding. n
4 The magazine of Montclair State University Candidates for Lt. Governor University Receives Debate on Campus Campus Suicide Prevention Grant
ounseling and Psychological Services staff psychologist and suicide Cprevention coordinator Jude Uy received a three-year Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant to expand the University’s leadership role in preventing violence and suicide on New Jersey’s college and university campuses and to help strengthen Montclair State’s commitment to destigmatizing mental health issues.
“Our primary objective is to support the mental health of our campus by decreasing the prevalence of suicide and serious mental health issues and providing resources to the external community and Journalism students and professional media covered the Lieutenant Gubernatorial debate. other campuses throughout New Jersey,” says Uy. ieutenant governor candidates and the aging New Jersey Transit system. faced off in a live, televised Democrat Sheila Oliver, Phil Murphy’s The University is one of only 17 colleges debate on October 16 at the running mate, and Republican Carlos L and universities nationwide to receive School of Communication and Media Rendo, Kim Guadagno’s running mate and the prestigious award administered by Presentation Hall. Woodcliff Lake mayor, took questions from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health NJTV viewers via social media, including Services Administration of the U.S. Political dignitaries from both sides of the a question on making New Jersey more Department of Health and Human Services. aisle and a capacity crowd gathered for affordable for millennials asked by a NJ The award supports the University’s Montclair State University student. Decides 2017: The Lieutenant Gubernatorial new Project Suicide Awareness Violence , co-hosted by NJTV and Montclair Debate Education and Response (Project SAVER) State, to hear the positions on New Jersey’s The 60-minute debate was broadcast live and supplements existing Counseling most significant issues, including property on NJTV and livestreamed on its website and Psychological Services initiatives. taxes, attracting corporations to the state and on Facebook Live. The debate was It also supports the establishment of moderated by NJTV News the University and College Alliance for Chief Political Correspondent Prevention of Suicide, or UCAPS – the Michael Aron and coverage first-ever New Jersey campus suicide and of the broadcast included violence prevention consortium. commentary and analysis anchored by NJTV News “I am hopeful that Project SAVER can help anchor Mary Alice Williams destigmatize and shift public attitudes and correspondents Michael about suicide, mental health and help- Hill and David Cruz. seeking,” says Uy. “The grant will help us continue to create and sustain a campus On November 7, 2017, culture of tolerance and acceptance – voters elected Murphy and and foster the safety and care of our Oliver to the state's top community.” n jobs. n Carlos Rendo and Sheila Oliver debated the issues affecting New Jersey.
Fall/Winter 2017 5 HEADLINES z News Presidential Scholars Program to Begin in Fall 2018
allows the University to make a positive contribution to the state’s economic and social development.”
The University will automatically consider New Jersey applicants with a 3.5 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale in a rigorous course of high school study that includes, for example, additional years of math, science and world language; AP or IB courses; or courses for college credit. The Presidential Scholars Program will also provide scholars access to special academic and career preparation opportunities, including high-impact educational experiences across all four years of their undergraduate study.
“We anticipate that Presidential Scholars will be highly diverse and eginning in fall 2018, the University will launch its among New Jersey’s most ambitious and determined young people Presidential Scholars Program, which will offer $5,000 who are looking to maximize their college experience, explore Bscholarships – and additional programming – to highly opportunities and gain every possible advantage,” explains Director accomplished first-time freshmen. of Undergraduate Admissions Jeffrey Indiveri-Gant. “This program encourages them to put a stake in New Jersey ground and establish “As a newly designated public research university, we are intent themselves as the next generation of leaders and professionals.” on leveraging the capacity of the extensive educational programs and facilities we have built to advance our mission of serving the As long as Presidential Scholars maintain program academic needs of New Jersey,” says President Susan A. Cole. “By making standards, they will continue to receive a $5,000 scholarship our outstanding education accessible to the state’s most valuable for each of four years of full-time study at Montclair State – for a resource – talented, motivated students – this dynamic new program potential total award of $20,000. n
Middle States Commission Reaccredits University
he Middle States Commission on leadership and administration – and was Higher Education reaccredited commended by the Commission for “the TMontclair State after a two-and-a- quality of the self-study process and half-year process of self-study and peer report.” evaluation that sets the groundwork for a new strategic plan. The University’s self-study identified areas – from connecting with alumni in a more Recognized by the Council for Higher systematic way to enhancing the research Education Accreditation as well as by culture at both undergraduate and graduate the U.S. Department of Education, the levels – that could advance its academic prestigious accreditation reflects and impacts and operational efficiencies. confirms the educational quality of the University. The next Middle States “With these suggestions in hand and accreditation review is scheduled for with the experience of self-study and 2025–26. its discoveries fresh in our minds,” says Montclair State University Provost and Montclair State met all seven Commission Vice President for Academic Affairs Willard standards — which cover mission and Gingerich, “we are turning this fall to the goals, ethics and integrity, educational future and the creation of a new strategic effectiveness, assessment, governance, plan.” n
6 The magazine of Montclair State University University Enrolls First Four-year BSN Class
Freshman Rokia Fane is part of the first cohort of 50 in the four-year BSN Class.
he School of Nursing The School enrolled its first the new BSN program lays “We are looking to the welcomed its first class cohort of 54 students in its the foundation for graduate future,” Smolowitz says. Tof 50 freshmen in its inaugural Registered Nurse to education and lifelong “We have recruited a very new, four-year Bachelor of Bachelor of Science in Nursing professional development forward-thinking faculty Science in Nursing, or BSN, (RN to BSN) degree program through an innovative who are fully committed to program in August. in fall 2016. By earning a BSN curriculum grounded in nursing educating nurses prepared to meet the needs of individuals The BSN is the preferred and populations in a rapidly degree for those wishing to evolving, technologically become registered nurses “We have recruited a very forward- advanced health care (RNs). After completing system.” the four-year program and thinking faculty who are fully committed earning their degrees, to educating nurses prepared to meet School of Nursing students graduates will be eligible for the needs of individuals and populations learn in a 50,000-square- licensure as RNs. foot, state-of-the-art facility in a rapidly evolving, technologically featuring lecture halls, fully “By developing new programs, advanced health care system.” mediated classrooms, an such as the BSN degree anatomy lab and computer – JANICE SMOLOWITZ program, Montclair State study areas. They develop has been able to proactively and hone skills in specific meet the evolving educational procedures in specially needs of New Jersey and designed nursing laboratory beyond,” says President degree, these RN graduates of as a human caring science. spaces, while a high-tech Susan A. Cole. “The School associate degree and diploma Admitted as freshmen, students simulation center fosters of Nursing was established programs can chart a path to will be prepared to provide student decision-making, to meet a demand for highly career advancement. compassionate, coordinated problem-solving and qualified nurses that is health care services for people interpersonal-communication expected to continue well into According to School of Nursing within the context of family and skills. n the foreseeable future.” Dean Janice Smolowitz, community.
Fall/Winter 2017 7 HEADLINES z News Hispanic Student College Institute is New Automatic Transfer Initiative First of Its Kind in the Nation Approved
ith the launch completion to include on of its summer their resumes. WHispanic Student College Institute “The HSCI provided these (HSCI), Montclair State high-performing students – a recognized Hispanic- with the tools they need Serving Institution – took to thrive in a college a leadership role in environment and make an ontclair State and preparing the fastest- impact at any institution Bergen Community growing college-bound they choose to attend,” MCollege (BCC) have demographic for college says Vice President for formalized a dual-enrollment and post-graduate Student Development automatic transfer initiative success. and Campus Life Karen allowing BCC associate degree Pennington. candidates to transfer seamlessly More than 200 high to Montclair State to pursue school juniors from “Navigating the college bachelor’s degrees in selected across the nation preparation and search programs. The partnership not attended the first-of- process can be daunting, only creates a new pathway for its-kind three-day institute in August. A mix particularly for students who are the first in students to pursue affordable of empowerment activities, college-planning their families to attend college,” says Director of higher education in New Jersey, workshops, a college fair, mock college Undergraduate Admissions Jeffrey Indiveri-Gant. but also expands the two- interviews and hands-on career guidance “Our goal was to help participants get a jump- plus-two model that enables encouraged participants to “think big” about start on preparing for college. We hope many of associate degree candidates to their futures. Participants are eligible for them will ultimately decide that Montclair State pursue four-year degrees. scholarships and received certificates of is where their future begins.” n To be eligible, students who enrolled in fall 2016 or School Hosts Journalism Workshop later at BCC must pursue and eventually complete the Journalism Workshop – a program where students Associate of Arts or Associate live on campus and are immersed in the fast- of Science degrees. Program paced worlds of communication and journalism. Participants can then choose one of 17 specially designated “We want students to not only learn skills in majors at Montclair State. journalism and communications, but also to learn about the entire industry and the types of jobs “Bergen Community College has that will be available to them,” says program long been a close collaborator co-coordinator and multiplatform journalism and our largest source of professor Thomas Franklin. community college transfers, and this partnership will The workshop combines in-class lectures with capitalize on that relationship,” hands-on instruction in multiplatform journalism, says Montclair State University broadcast journalism and filmmaking as well as Director of Undergraduate field trips to ABC News and the National Football Admissions Jeffrey Indiveri-Gant. or the second year, the School of League’s New York Giants’ public relations “We want to make the process Communication and Media welcomed 18 department. It also gives participants a firsthand of transferring to a four-year Fhigh-performing students from 11 New taste of college life. n institution as seamless as Jersey high schools to the annual Summer possible.” n
8 The magazine of Montclair State University New Living Community Supports Success for Students in Recovery
or students struggling to recover from being exposed to drugs or alcohol. It is alcohol or drug abuse, college life a nurturing and supportive community Fcan be especially stressful. A new that considers the whole student when substance-free living community, Residents addressing the physical, social, emotional, in Recovery, gives students the academic intellectual, financial and spiritual and recovery support they need to succeed dimensions of wellness by offering hands- both in and out of the classroom. on advising and programs on stress, sleep, nutrition, sexual health, alcohol and A 2015 New Jersey law mandated that drugs, and activities such as yoga and public institutions of higher education meditation. establish substance abuse recovery housing programs by 2019. “We are implementing a On-campus recovery services and program before the law takes effect because programs are available to all students we believe that offering students the support who need support – whether they live they need to lead a positive lifestyle is on or off campus. University Counseling critical to their success,” says Vice President and Psychological Services (CAPS) for Student Development and Campus Life offers assessment, counseling, recovery Karen L. Pennington. coaching and groups for students, while Exploring Change and Health Options The Residents in Recovery living community (ECHO) provides strategies to help is an environment in which students don’t students change their relationship with have to worry about the possibility of substances. n
Student Filmmakers Document MBA Study Trip to India
ll Feliciano School of Business MBA students take a nine- or 10-day Ainternational study trip to explore countries with emerging economies, but they don’t always travel with a film crew. During this past spring break, a School of Communication and Media professor and two students accompanied an MBA cohort on their capstone trip to India, documenting the experience as they visited everything from multinational and regional companies to cultural landmarks such as the Taj Mahal. The trip was an adventure and learning experience for both the MBA students and the communications students. A defining feature of the MBA, other 2017 capstone trip destinations included the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Morocco, Austria and the Czech Republic. n
Fall/Winter 2017 9 HEADLINES z News Celebrating 20 Years of Graduate Studies
The University offers nearly 100 graduate programs as well as post- baccalaureate certificates and certifications, with many geared toward future teachers. U.S. News & World Report recently included the School’s graduate education programs among the nation’s top 100 in its 2017 Best Education Schools list, and also placed the school’s graduate programs in elementary and secondary teacher education among the top 15 in the country.
Nearly 4,200 students are enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs with the majority attending part time, but about 35 percent of students now attend full time, thanks to state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, full-time fellowships and other resources that enable faculty and students to pursue research.
Environmental Management, the first doctorate offered in 1998, paved the way to expand the doctoral program. Today, more than 270 ince opening its doors 20 years ago, The Graduate School students are pursuing doctoral degrees in Audiology; Communication at Montclair State has made a substantial commitment Sciences and Disorders; Counseling; Environmental Management; Sto expanding its master’s and doctoral degree programs, Family Studies; Mathematics Education; Clinical Psychology; and milestones that contributed to the University’s recent designation as Teacher Education and Teacher Development. Notably, the National a research doctoral university. Science Foundation Doctoral Research assistantship supports full- time doctoral studies in Mathematics Education. Celebrating two decades of work that transformed the program to meet the educational goals of qualified students and the needs The offerings over the past two decades have been strategically of New Jersey, The Graduate School’s 20th Anniversary event selected to help shape the future and “illustrate the wide-ranging on Nov. 9 gave Dean Joan Ficke the opportunity to highlight research opportunities we provide for the next generation of scientists the “invaluable contributions of our faculty to the career and and professionals,” Ficke said. n educational aspirations of our students.”
Chilean Partnership Expands to Include Theater Exchange
y supporting a Gilbert-Simon, the international This fall, students are also collaborative theater engagement and global connecting online. Two phases Bexchange program, programs coordinator, to build of live collaboration and a U.S. Department of State on a 2016 spring break theater international travel will follow, grant will increase study visit by Montclair State students with Montclair State students abroad between Montclair to Universidad Mayor. traveling to Chile during State and Universidad Mayor spring break, and with Chilean in Santiago, Chile. The new grant will support students visiting Montclair State Devised Theatre Project of the in fall 2018. “Each exchange The Partners of the Americas Americas, a three-semester will include a weeklong 2017 Capacity Building Grant program for students from developmental rehearsal for U.S. Undergraduate Study the two universities, who will process, a ‘work-in-progress’ Abroad allows recipients jointly create and ultimately showing and an itinerary of Heather Benton, a Theatre and perform an original, bilingual cultural explorations in each Dance professor, and Wendy theater piece. country,” Benton explains. n
10 The magazine of Montclair State University Women Entrepreneurship Week Draws Record Crowd
he fourth annual who started businesses that entrepreneurs discussing the same week. This year, 2017 Women grew beyond their wildest the areas of immigration, the event grew to involve 76 TEntrepreneurship imaginations; and a panel education, finance and film, in universities and nonprofits in Week (WEW), titled “Women of C-suite executives, who what was a called a powerful 22 states and 15 countries Changing the World,” explored how women can be and inspiring event. that hosted events celebrating harnessed the energy women entrepreneurs. of women doing just At Montclair State that – making change alone, a crowd of nearly in business, politics, 450 people broke education and the arts. attendance records.
The first day of the “Universities want conference, held in their young women October at University students to see Hall, featured a positive role models “fireside chat” with up on stage telling of Evelyn McGee Colbert their entrepreneurial who discussed the journeys and how they founding of the got to where they are,” Montclair Film says WEW manager Festival, which began Sharon Waters, the as a simple festival program manager for and expanded into the Feliciano Center an organization A panel of female entrepreneurs discussed immigration, education, finance and film at a packed house. for Entrepreneurship. with year-round “As long as women programming and 10 full- entrepreneurial within a large Women Entrepreneurship Week are underrepresented as time staff members. Other company or organization. started at Montclair State in entrepreneurs, the need first-day events included a The second day featured an 2014 and four North Jersey for this type of celebration panel of female entrepreneurs evening panel of female social universities held events during remains.” n University Hosts Genocide Prevention Conference cholars, lawyers, and prevention are key to cultivating citizens who are resistant to high school teachers, violence. The conference explicitly connected genocide education Sstudents and members and prevention – which is currently a novel endeavor.” of the public came to campus in July for a three-day Scholars from Columbia University, the Benjamin N. Cardozo Genocide Education and School of Law, George Mason University and Montclair State, Prevention Project conference. among others, gave presentations on everything from “Teaching Atrocity Prevention” to “The Role of Corporations in Mass According to Religion Atrocity.” professor and event Students help in human rights workshops organizer Kate Temoney, The conference was sponsored in part by the Montclair State’s the collaborative project Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Project. between Montclair State and George Mason University focuses Students who are part of the project and participate in human on genocide education and prevention and providing resources rights education internships attended lectures by renowned to teachers. “Now, more than ever, it is important to recognize genocide scholars in the morning and toured the United the dangerous rhetoric and acts of violence that can culminate in Nations headquarters in the afternoon, says project director and human rights violations and genocide,” says Temoney. “Education Educational Foundations Professor Zoe Burkholder. n
Fall/Winter 2017 11 FEATURES Po e ti c
Above (from left): Columbia University Professor James Shapiro, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Yale University Professor David Scott Kastan explore the themes of The Merchant of Venice during a conversation prior to the show. Opposite page: Ginsburg’s grandson, Paul Spera, in the role of Lorenzo, seen here with Shylock’s daughter Jessica (played by Michelle Uranowitz)
12 The magazine of Montclair State University Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spends day on campus, tackles The Merchant of Venice at round-table discussion by Laura Griffin
s it turns out, United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not only a constitutional law scholar, she’s also a well-versed student of Shakespeare.
At a round-table discussion of The Merchant of Venice at Montclair State on Po e ti c September 23, Ginsburg talked about Shakespeare’s controversial play – including the Aissues of law, anti-Semitism, assimilation and conversion in the play.
Ginsburg, whose grandson appeared in the Peak Performances production of Merchant at the Kasser Theater, joined renowned scholars David Scott Kastan of Yale University and James Shapiro of Columbia University in a conversation prior to the performance.
In addition to having studied Shakespeare in school, Ginsburg has performed various roles with the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C., which, she said, invites the Supreme Court of the United States justices to play “bit parts for lawyer’s night.”
“In Henry VI, I was ‘Dick the Butcher’ who has the famous line, ‘First thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers,’ and I then have to explain that was not meant as a put-down of lawyers. It takes place during The Jack Cade Rebellion. Jack Cade is an anarchist. And you need the law to save the society from chaos.”
In introducing the panel, Montclair State English Professor Naomi Liebler lauded Peak Performances’ unique and updated production as a thought- provoking piece for the current political climate.
Fall/Winter 2017 13
FEATURES z Poetic Justice
“In all the ways that really matter, it was not on stage because it had been a lawyer or a judge, so in a sense she is an this perfect combination, this perfect banned from public schools in New York. outsider, too. That’s why it’s remarkable that brainstorm, is not at all surprising with its she could do this to Shylock.” collection of ‘others’ in a place suspicious “So, then I decided to read the play,” of and yet dependent on them for survival,” said Ginsburg, who grew up in Brooklyn. With its court scene, Merchant also gave said Liebler. “Merchant is the right play “And, of course, Shylock’s famous speech, Ginsburg a chance to discuss the play for us…not only because it vibrates with ‘Hath not a Jew eyes’ and Portia’s speech in legal terms. The courtroom scene is national and global issues but also because ‘the quality of mercy is not strained.’ It surprising, she said, because it starts as a it speaks to this University’s own embrace of also occurred to me that these are two civil case brought by Shylock and turns into a diversity. It’s a stroke of good luck we should wonderful speeches but neither character criminal case against him during the hearing have all of this right here, – something unheard of right now.” in the legal world, even though through his plays, That good luck extended Shakespeare appears to to the fact that Ginsburg’s have known a lot about grandson, Paul Spera, the law. was performing the role of Lorenzo in the Peak “Shylock was denied due Performances production, process,” she said. “The giving the University the first thing, as someone perfect opportunity to suspected of criminal include the justice in the activity, he has a right round-table conversation. to notice of what the charges are and to defend The production, directed against them.” by Karin Coonrod and performed by the In the week leading up Compagnia de Colombari, to the round table, the addresses the notion of University community was “otherness” by having abuzz about Ginsburg’s the Jewish moneylender visit to campus, and Shylock performed by the conversation was five actors of different President Susan A. Cole welcomes Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the University. attended by faculty, staff, races, ethnicities and students and invited even gender. In 2016, Coonrod premiered is likable. There isn’t an emergent hero or guests, including New Jersey Senator Lorretta this production in the Jewish ghetto of heroine. They’re all flawed people.” Weinberg, State Supreme Court Justice Venice, its original setting. According to the Stuart Rabner ’11 HON, and Ginsburg’s program, Coonrod says, “Now we are in the Kastan and Shapiro – each authors of daughter and grandson. New World after a shattering and divisive several books on Shakespeare – and election that challenges our aspirations. The Ginsburg discussed specific scenes and “When a person of important and substantial play calls us to witness the stranger in our nuances of Merchant and whether the play achievement visits the University, it offers an midst and feel the extremities of rage inside is anti-Semitic because of its negative opportunity to provide our students with a our shared humanity.” portrayal of Shylock, who is considered model of what one can make of a life,” says alien or “the other.” Ginsburg pointed out Montclair State President Susan A. Cole. The conversation took place in the new that the female lead, Portia, who disguises Ginsburg’s visit, she says, “makes real…a School of Communication and Media herself as a lawyer-judge to pronounce person who is the second woman to be building’s 187-seat Presentation Hall, with judgment against Shylock, is conniving and appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, an the professors wearing suits and ties and the hypocritical. accomplished American jurist, an advocate justice sporting a brocade jacket and white for women’s rights and an example of the crocheted gloves. When asked about her “In a way, she should have understood that uses of education, all wrapped up within earliest exposure to Shakespeare, Ginsburg status,” Ginsburg said. “Portia is a woman the context of a grandmother proud of her responded that her first experience was, pretending to be a man pretending to be a grandson and defying the prejudices we have coincidentally, The Merchant of Venice, but lawyer-judge at a time when she could not be about age in our society.”
14 The magazine of Montclair State University
Two recent Montclair State graduates, who were English majors, had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Gustavo Vasquez and Allison Gormley asked questions about assimilation and conversion, and resistance to both, that impressed the panel.
“The questions confirm just what a great job Montclair State is doing,” said Shapiro of Columbia University.
Afterward, the former students were among only a handful of audience members who got to have their picture taken with Justice Ginsburg.
“It was humbling to get the opportunity to ask her a question,” says Vasquez, who Ginsburg talks Shakespeare (above) majored in English and teaching. “It was a and poses with recent graduates surreal experience, really. I feel like, ‘Did Allison Gormley and Gustavo Vasquez. Below, left: Lynda Gravatt that just happen?’” (Shylock No. 3) delivers Shylock’s famous speech “Hath not a Jew Gormley, who just started teaching eighth- eyes?” surrounded by, from left, Shylock No. 5 (Steven Skybell), grade English, says, “There are no words to Shylock No. 4 (Michael Rogers), describe the experience. Justice Ginsburg Shylock No. 2 (Frank Rodriguez), is a powerful female that I look up to. It and Shylock No. 1 (Sorab Wadia). was a little overwhelming.” n
“IT ALSO OCCURRED TO ME THAT THESE
ARE TWO WONDERFUL SPEECHES BUT
NEITHER CHARACTER IS LIKABLE. THERE
ISN’T AN EMERGENT HERO OR HEROINE.
THEY’RE ALL FLAWED PEOPLE.”
– Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Fall/Winter 2017 15 future BY AMY WAGNER ready. 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 contribute 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 CONNECTING T H R E A D S
Student mentors n any given week at Newark’s Brick Peshine Academy last spring, two dozen seventh-grade boys could be support personal found reciting positive rap lyrics and poetry, playing growth of basketball, talking about their feelings, learning why Omath is relevant and discovering how to be “the best versions of middle school themselves” from their Montclair State student mentors.
boys in Newark The youth mentorship program THREADS – Truth, Honor, Respect, Education and Development of Self – is the creation of Educational Foundations Professor Jamaal Matthews, who believes that the last BY AMY WAGNER part, “development of self,“ is a process that takes time, patience and lots of support. THREADS offers just that through a weekly journey of empowerment and self-discovery.
Kyle Boomhower mentored 6th grade boys at BRICK Avon Academy in Newark.
Fall/Winter 2017 17 FEATURES z Connecting THREADS
The boys are regularly reminded that I am because we are the expense of others. So I committed “no one becomes great without help,” as As Matthews sees it, the rate of personal myself to helping empower urban youth mentors often share their own adolescent growth for mentors and students is through education.” struggles and how they learned to focus exponential. “Our multigenerational on the things that are important – family, structure reinforces ideals of community Boomhower says THREADS gave him schoolwork and developing character. and legacy, and an understanding that valuable on-the-job experience that no one becomes who they were meant to confirmed his decision to become a high THREADS is supported by a five-year, be alone,” he explains. “That’s why, on school history teacher in a disadvantaged $750,000 National Science Foundation the first day of training for the mentors, I district. As a mentor, he shared not only his CAREER grant Matthews received in 2014 direct them to reflect on an African Ubuntu passion for critical thinking and reflection, to explore urban students’ motivation in proverb that says, ‘I am because we are.’” but also the difficulties he faced after bad math during the middle and high school decisions – from addiction and arrests to years. It is a vital project component of his History major and current senior Kyle being kicked out of his home and failing research. Developed at the University of Boomhower mentored the inaugural his classes – with the boys. Michigan in 2001 and directed there by THREADS cohort of sixth-grade boys from Matthews in 2005, the weekly after-school Newark’s BRICK Avon Academy in spring “I hoped to show them that no obstacles program had been dormant for several 2016. are insurmountable and that the path years before its 2016 reboot at Montclair State. In spring 2017, nine undergraduate He says his own early experiences students served as mentors. with education bored and frustrated him, until a teacher While the 13-week curriculum is designed encouraged him to think critically to help boys in the school-day program and conceptually. “I then made understand and appreciate the relevance the decision to become a teacher of math in the real world, it also affirms myself in order to provide a and celebrates each boy. Additional units rewarding and positive classroom are devoted to self-respect and respect for experience for students,” he women, controlling anger and stress and recalls. finding personal purpose. Yet the path toward achieving his “One of the most powerful elements of the goal has not been straightforward. program is its multigenerational structure Boys listen as Saul Ocasio (standing, right) Dealing with drug addiction at the goes over a math lesson. and the flow of knowledge between the time, he failed out of Montclair generations that promotes growth for State in 2009, after a single the adolescent boys, the undergraduate semester. After spending time in Paterson mentors and myself,” says Matthews, and North Philadelphia in what he calls you choose in life is important,” he says. who trains the student mentors. “The a “heartbreaking and tumultuous time,” “The most rewarding component of the boys have a significant impact on the where he saw economic disparity up close, THREADS program was the opportunity development of the mentors – and I and after a stint in rehab, he eventually to see the mentees grow as students and am also profoundly influenced by both returned to Montclair State in 2014. “I men. After working with these boys for a mentors and boys.” resented the little suburban bubble I’d semester, I knew that I wanted to seek out grown up in, because I was privileged at further opportunities to work with kids, and have since worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.”
Empowering youth to create change Mentor Jorgi-Anandi Ilmojahid was BECOMES GREAT WITHOUT recruited for the THREADS program when NO ONE HELP taking an education class Matthews taught in spring 2016. “I wanted to mentor because I think it’s important to help middle school–aged youth build strength
18 The magazine of Montclair State University THREADS mentors and mentees visit campus together.
“I think it’s important to help middle school– aged youth build strength of character and develop a strong sense of purpose for their lives.”
–Jorgi-Anandi Ilmojahid
Llyasha Moore (left) and Samueldo Mompoint (in white) talk with boys in the program. want to affect change in themselves – and THREADS program mentor to play my part their communities. “Seeing how amazing in trying to uplift my community,” the these kids are affected my approach as senior history major and Newark native a THREADS mentor in that I understood explains. that junior youth don’t need or want to be treated like children. We can learn from The experience, he says, has made a each other.” significant impact on his life. Ocasio was deeply affected by his mentees’ personal Working with young teens can be realities. “I came face-to-face with the challenging, but for the mentors, the many issues these urban young men of result is worth it. “Some days it was really color face daily,” he says. “The hardships difficult to keep the students focused and that they’re forced to overcome will we mentors thought we hadn’t gotten our influence their future, as well as ours.” points across,” Ilmojahid explains. “But of character and develop a strong sense then when we’d hear what the boys had to Like Boomhower, Ocasio drew on his of purpose for their lives,” the math major say, it would just blow our minds. Knowing own life experiences to provide empathic says. that the program meant something to guidance to his mentees. “My approach them and that they learned so much from was heavily influenced by my own dealings Ilmojahid doesn’t like how young teen it was so rewarding.” with school systems that didn’t support boys are stereotyped in society as me and the lack of hope and optimism I troublemakers and rebellious. “In reality, Serving as a mentor reinforced Ilmojahid’s harbored as a student,” he recalls, saying they are eager to learn about the world, determination to become a middle school that perspective drove his interactions have an acute sense of justice and have math teacher, and, like Boomhower, with the students. an immense capacity to bring about teach in an urban school district. “These positive change in their communities. It’s students have a huge potential for growth Ocasio says he benefited greatly from his important for them to have people in their and endless capacity to contribute experience as a THREADS mentor. “Being lives who will empower them to create this positively to their communities and to the able to watch the students mature and change.” world,” he says. begin to internalize the program’s lessons, ideals and concepts, and apply them to Before mentoring with THREADS, Uplifting the community their own lives in order to grow was a truly Ilmojahid worked in another youth In spring 2017, Saul Ocasio mentored gratifying experience.” n program with young people ages 11 to 14, seventh-grade boys at BRICK Peshine helping them think about how they might Academy in Newark. “I wanted to be a
Fall/Winter 2017 19 FEATURES LOOKING FORHOME Students travel to Greece to film the human stories of the refugee crisis BY AMY WAGNER
rom a beach on the Greek island of Lesbos, Turkey appears as a short and scenic boat ride away. Yet for the hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from Syria and other war-torn countries, the Aegean Sea passage between the two nations is a perilous “route of death.” For those who manage to survive Fthe crossing in ill-equipped inflatable rubber dinghies, Lesbos has become a gateway to new homes in Europe.
This summer, a team of five students joined School of Communication and Media professors Steve McCarthy, David Sanders and Thomas Franklin on a 10-day journey to Greece where they shot videos focused on the island’s refugees. “The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the major stories of our lifetime,” says Franklin. “This was a very rich experience and great opportunity for the students and for us.”
The professors had each received awards from the University’s Office of International Engagement to defray travel expenses. Franklin, a photojournalist, joined colleagues Sanders and McCarthy who have taken students abroad to film in such countries as Tunisia and Austria in the past.
Acting as executive producers, the professors met well in advance of the early summer trip with their student producers who pitched stories and reached out to location sources and government officials – through social media and email – to schedule location shoots for individual five- minute videos.
20 The magazine of Montclair State University Full page: Students Shawn Latham and Nadia Abbas interview a refugee family from Syria inside the family’s trailer at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos. Above: Student Kristie Keleshian interviews films volunteers at a refugee community center in an abandoned industrial building near the Kara Tepe camp. Right: Students Allison Councill and Kristie Keleshian shoot video of street scenes in Mytilene on the island of Lesbos.
Photos by THOMAS E. FRANKLIN
Fall/Winter 2017 21 FEATURES z Looking for Home
Filmmaking boot camp The trip was a far cry from an idyllic summer vacation on a legendary Greek isle. “We run this like a boot camp,” says McCarthy, an Emmy Award–winning producer. “We start early and shoot every day. It’s a steep learning curve of how to shoot in the field – I squeeze into a week what I can teach in half a semester. One thing that amazed me is that these students didn’t know each other ahead of time. Yet there was no drama. Once on the ground, they worked as a team.”
Franklin was impressed by the students’ work as documentarians. “They were very sensitive in interviewing refugee families who had arrived in Greece in inflatable boats after leaving everything behind in Syria,” he says. “These families had risked everything Above: Nadia Abbas interviews a Syrian to seek better lives for themselves and their refugee family in Arabic inside their trailer families. I was proud of our students, who at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos. Abbas is fluent in Arabic and translated for many of stepped up to the plate as professionals.” the refugees. Right: Shawn Latham records audio on a hill overlooking Mytilene. For senior Shawn Latham, the trip was Below: Danielle Weidner interviews a young Syrian woman and her family transformative. “It was a culture shock for outside their trailer at the Kara Tepe me in the most positive sense,” he recalls. camp in Lesbos.
A Television and Digital Media major who is concentrating in Audio/Sound Design, Latham was initially uncertain as to whether the trip would be a good fit. “As a tech and operations guy, I was thinking it might not be my forte,” he says. “But I saw a great opportunity to learn more about the challenges of shooting on location in a foreign country – from scheduling interviews with people to crafting a story out of the experience. I realized I’d have to go out of my comfort zone to get experience like this.”
Latham had arranged ahead of time to film at the One Happy Family Community Center near the island’s city of Mytilene. Affiliated with Swiss Cross Help, the Center offers refugees activities and assistance – from clothing and language classes to internet access and food.
When the team arrived to film there, Latham noticed that three Pakistani brothers had started up a radio station at the Center.
22 The magazine of Montclair State University While in Greece, Thomas Franklin produced his own short film,The World Arrived on Our Doorstep, about a British couple who have helped thousands of refugees on Lesbos. The film has aired on i24news.tv. http://bit.ly/2gDe5CL
The School of Communication and Media team, from left: Kristie Keleshian, Allison Councill, Steve McCarthy, David Sanders, Nadia Abbas, Shawn Latham, Danielle Weidner and Thomas Franklin, taken on a hill overlooking Mytilene
“The brothers were pretty much running the through to find the stories of the people who Now that she is back on campus, Weidner station by themselves,” Latham remembers. are trying their best in the face of adversity plans to volunteer with Movement on the “They interviewed fellow refugees, played who are helping others,” he says. Ground, or a similar organization, in the music from different cultures and served as future. “I’d read a lot about the Syrian a community conversation access point. I English and journalism major Danielle refugee situation, but it didn’t feel real to thought this was an innovative way to bring a Weidner agrees that the people she me. But when I went there, reality smacked community of strangers together and create met – and the stories they shared – left me so hard. I learned so much and grew so a welcoming and prideful atmosphere.” an indelible impression. “We all really much as a person,” she says. “I realized connected with people who are completely things that I couldn’t even imagine were Because he is an audio guy, Latham culturally different from us, but who were happening all over the globe – and I switched gears and began making a short so kind and loving,” she says. “I think realized how good I have it here at home.” documentary about the radio station, when it comes down to it, we’re all human interviewing Swiss Cross organizers and one beings connecting on the same playing Making human connections of the brothers, who shared the story of his field.” “At some level, everyone is the same, no journey to Lesbos. Besides filming his own matter the situation. The important thing video, Latham captured the audio for his She interviewed a director of Movement is to make that human connection,” says team members’ interviews. “I was mainly on the Ground, a nonprofit organization Sanders, who was impressed at how readily the guy with the headphones on who was based in the Kara Tepe refugee camp on and genuinely the students connected with carrying the microphone for most of the Lesbos. “Movement on the Ground is trying refugees. Even on their first day on Lesbos, trip,” he explains. to create an environment where people can where they were left waiting outside the come together and forget what they’ve been gates of the Kara Tepe camp for hours, Latham will forever remember the through – or at least cope with it and move despite advance promises of entry, they unexpected generosity of the people on in a healthy way.” didn’t hesitate to reach out to refugees who of Lesbos. One day, while filming on a were coming in and out of the camp. relatively deserted part of the island, a boy Weidner also interviewed an Afghan refugee from a nearby house approached the team at One Happy Family, whose harrowing “The next day, as the officials were still with a bowl of cherries. Latham recalls the story will always stick with her. The back-pedaling and delaying our entry, two moment as a “small gesture of friendship young man had fled Afghanistan after his of the refugee families the students had to complete strangers that you don’t see brother produced TV bits that mocked the talked to came up and greeted them. Once everywhere.” government. After being assaulted by police the officials saw that a relationship already in Turkey, he finally reached Greece, where existed with refugees who were willing to While Latham returned home feeling local residents initially berated and insulted be filmed, they let us in,” Sanders says. connected to world events like the refugee him. “I broke down and started crying in “They learned firsthand that when things crisis, he believes that it is just as important the middle of his story. I’ll never forget don’t go as planned, you can’t just shrug to know the human toll of the events. “Most that moment,” she says, ”because we just and throw up your hands. You need a Plan of the time we get sensationalized stories, stared at each other and shared a moment B, C and D.” n not the human stories. You have to sift of silence.”
Fall/Winter 2017 23 FEATURES
School of Communication and Media’s new home is nation’s most technologically advanced university media production facility, rivaling professional studios
24 The magazine of Montclair State University by Amy Wagner
Fall/Winter 2017 25 FEATURES z Hollywood East
“Our students will gain the competitive advantage of mastering technology that not only meets industry standards but that in many instances goes well beyond.” –Daniel Gurskis
26 The magazine of Montclair State University he new $55.8 million School “This dynamic working environment is of Communication and Media the perfect complement to the School’s building opened this fall to much rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum fanfare, a red carpet event and that allows students to pursue majors in buzz befitting what industry communication, television and digital Tleaders are calling the most technologically media, filmmaking, journalism, and public advanced media and production facility of and organizational relations.” any university in North America. Sony partnership “It is, in fact, more advanced than many Building features – such as the first end- professional facilities,” President Susan A. to-end 4K broadcast production studio Cole told an audience of alumni, University and control room in higher education – are board members, state legislators, faculty, more advanced than those found at many staff and students at the opening celebration television networks, thanks to a long- for what is being dubbed “Hollywood East.” term alliance between the University and Sony Electronics designed to cover the The building is a “toolbox” designed to new building as well as a range of future inspire student creativity and give students campus projects. the competitive edge they need for career success, she said, affirming that the In his remarks at the ribbon cutting, Sony School’s new 105,000-square-foot, cutting- Professional Solutions Americas President edge home also supports the University’s Katsunori Yamanouchi stressed that Sony commitment to serving the state and the was proud to play a pivotal role in creating nation as a national- and state-designated products and active-learning solutions research doctoral university. that give students the experience and professional training they need to succeed. A national leader “The new facility lets the world know that “We’re well established with the Hollywood Montclair State is committed to being filmmaking community and we were looking at the forefront of the communication to have a similar presence on the East and media industries,” says School of Coast,” says Theresa Alesso, vice president Communication and Media Director Keith of Sony’s Solution Services group. “This Strudler. “From the quality of our graduates new building delivers the right combination to the work produced by faculty, staff and of technology and collaboration needed for the visitors we host on campus, we will be the future of education.” known as one of the nation’s preeminent schools of this kind.” Built for collaborations High-tech features of the new multimedia In the five years since the School of facility, which links Morehead Hall with Life Communication and Media offered its first Hall, include a motion picture stage; an courses in 2012, it has garnered national advanced audio suite featuring Foley stage attention for preparing students for highly for sound effects, performance stage and competitive and evolving industries. The new audio sound labs; a multimedia newsroom facility gives students and faculty, as well as with 26 work stations and an anchor desk; area filmmakers and media professionals, and four broadcast-ready HD and 4K access to the latest technologies and studios and control rooms. Other amenities production capabilities used in Hollywood. include makeup and green rooms, as well as a set from Comedy Central. “Our students will gain the competitive advantage of mastering technology that not Powered by Sony Digital Camera Projection only meets industry standards but that in and 7.1 Surround Sound, both the 187- Students work in a broadcast control room to many instances goes well beyond,” says seat Presentation Hall and the 40-seat produce Carpe Diem. College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis. screening room deliver immersive viewing
Fall/Winter 2017 27 FEATURES z Hollywood East
“The new facility lets the world know that Montclair State is committed to being at the forefront of the communication and media industries.” –Keith Strudler
Student Alex Chen runs the camera during a taping of Carpe Diem.
28 The magazine of Montclair State University experiences. “The Presentation Hall is the best,” says Professor Roberta Friedman, director of the Film Forum. “I program Film Forum, our free films and filmmakers screening series. Films look and sound wonderful.”
Students also get real-world, hands-on training in a contemporary, broadcast-ready Left to right: Students tape and enjoy the common space of the new building. newsroom; interactive collaborative learning Carpe Diem spaces; and high-tech multimedia labs. Inviting public spaces with sweeping views professional environment after graduation.” Professor David Sanders, who teaches of New York City, informal learning spaces Josue Dajes, the managing editor of The the School’s audio and sound design and glassed-in team rooms are configured Montclarion, is excited to move into the courses, notes that, “After teaching audio to foster creative teamwork – the heart of student newspaper’s new second-floor practically out of a closet when I arrived any successful journalism, film, television offices, which offer panoramic floor-to- 20 years ago, we finally have a world-class, or radio production. The building’s ceiling views of the New York City skyline. fully professional audio recording facility. integrated design invites multimedia “The new facilities and technologies I’m really excited about the possibilities collaborations by bringing faculty, industry will make students more proficient and and level of professionalism it offers our professionals, academic programs and knowledgeable in their fields of study,” he students.” students under one roof for the first time. says. “Yet it’s really up to us as students to take advantage of everything at hand to For Patricia Piroh, associate director of Welcome to Hollywood East make our own futures.” Broadcast and Media Operations, it is “Students, faculty and staff are all inspired especially gratifying to make the move and energized by this new building,” Rave reviews to a building that is certain to be the says Steve McCarthy, instructor and news Like Dajes, Journalism Professor Tara George, home for “future generations of media producer for the School of Communication who is also The Montclarion faculty adviser professionals.” and Media. “It will attract students from all and co-coordinator of the School’s Journalism over the country.” and Television and Digital Media programs, Strudler sums up the building’s potential is delighted to see the student-run news long-term impact this way: “Here we will Students had been eagerly awaiting this organization move from its former basement create outstanding and thoughtful content semester so they could start using the quarters into its new digs upstairs. “There’s that is limited only by our imaginations. facility and equipment. “The building’s state-of-the-art equipment that students can With our media partners, we will make a new technologies and features are going to get their hands on, lovely open spaces for vibrant hub of collaborative excellence. And revolutionize the way students like myself hanging out and great learning environments, we will foster a learning community that are going to learn,” says senior Television including newsrooms for The Montclarion and changes lives, our community and that will and Digital Media major Avery Federico. for the radio station,” she says. perhaps change the world for the better.” n “Learning on high-end equipment used in professional networks will give us a leg up Dean Daniel Gurskis speaks at the opening of the School of Communication and Media’s new building in September. in our job searches.”
Casey Owens hopes to produce late-night television shows after she graduates in May.
“My educational experience is enhanced because I’m working with broadcast equipment that’s actually used in the real world,” she says, noting that the switcher in one of the control rooms was used in the 2016 Rio Olympics. “It inspires me to believe that if I can learn how to use equipment like that now, I’ll have no problem with the equipment in a
Fall 2017 29 FEATURES
Sarah Lowe SOLVING COSMIC MYSTERIES by Amy Wagner
Faculty on LIGO team help with historic detection of neutron stars’ collision
An illustration of neutron stars colliding, courtesy of LIGO
30 The magazine of Montclair State University n a galaxy 130 million light years away and long ago, two neutron stars collided and collapsed into each other. But it wasn’t until August 17, 2017, that scientists were Iable to detect the ripples of the gravitational waves and light produced by that collision – a cosmic first. The historic discovery was made using the U.S.-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO); the Europe-based Virgo detector; and some 70 ground- and space-based observatories.
Montclair State physics faculty members Rodica Martin and Marc Favata are part of the international LIGO Scientific Collaboration team that made the discovery. A national- and state-designated doctoral research university, Montclair State has been a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration since 2013.
“We are proud to have two members of the LIGO team at Montclair State,” says College of Science and Mathematics Acting Dean Lora Billings. “Their contributions in unraveling the information provided by gravitational waves is a great example of the cutting-edge, collaborative research done in the College. The project also provides unique opportunities for our talented students. We hope that their amazing success continues.”
In addition to it being the first time the collision of two neutron stars – small, dense stars formed when huge stars explode in supernovas – has been detected using gravitational waves, it is also the first time a gravitational-wave signal has been accompanied by coincident detections with conventional telescopes.
“It is tremendously exciting to experience a rare event that transforms our understanding of the workings of the universe,” says France A. Córdova, director of the National Science Foundation, which funds LIGO.
While averaging just 12 miles in diameter, neutron stars are so dense that a teaspoon of neutron star material has a mass of roughly a billion tons. In a distant galaxy, two neutron stars spiraled toward each other, emitting powerful gravitational waves before they crashed into each other, causing a burst of gamma rays. Their collision produced a “chirp” recorded by the LIGO and Virgo detectors that lasted nearly 100 seconds. This happened 130 million lightyears away, in a galaxy 50 times farther than the Andromeda galaxy – the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way.
Fall/Winter 2017 31 FEATURES z Solving Cosmic Mysteries
A momentous breakthrough Equally important, Martin says: of light. In 2015, LIGO’s detection “This is a really big deal,” says Favata. “The discovery involved lots of of gravitational-wave signals resulting “Neutron star collisions are one of the electromagnetic astronomers, all working from the merger of two black holes key sources that LIGO was hoping to together with LIGO/Virgo. Making joint first validated Einstein’s theory and observe – and now we have. It’s also observations with these partners has ushered in the new field of gravitational- the loudest source that our network of been a key goal for LIGO.” wave astronomy. Earlier this month, detectors has found so far.” LIGO founders Rainer Weiss and Kip Confirming Einstein’s theory Throne, as well as early LIGO Principal According to Favata, the discovery has of relativity Investigator Barry Barish, received the resolved a persistent mystery as to the On August 17, LIGO and Virgo detectors 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. origin of short-duration gamma ray registered gravitational waves – or bursts (GRBs). “It’s long been suspected ripples in the geometry of space and Contributing to a that these GRBs are due to the collision time – at roughly the same time that groundbreaking discovery of two neutron stars, but that hasn’t NASA’s Fermi space telescope detected As part of the approximately been confirmed until now.” a burst of gamma rays. The discovery 1,200-member LIGO team, Favata prompted follow-up observations by and Martin helped contribute to its The new observations also resolve long- telescopes around the world. successes. standing speculation as to how heavy elements, such as gold and lead, are Together, the gamma-ray measurements Martin helped to design and install produced. A byproduct of the collision and gravitational-wave detections various components of the upgrade to of the two neutron stars, these elements provide further confirmation of Einstein’s the detectors – called Advanced LIGO. are distributed throughout the universe. theory of relativity, which predicted that “My role in the discovery was to help gravitational waves travel at the speed build the upgrade that enabled the
32 The magazine of Montclair State University “This detection opens the window “Neutron star collisions are one of the key sources of a long-awaited ‘multi-messenger’ that LIGO was hoping to observe – and now we astronomy,” says Caltech’s David H. have. It’s also the loudest source that our network Reitze, executive director of the LIGO Laboratory. “It’s the first time that we’ve of detectors has found so far.” –Marc Favata observed a cataclysmic astrophysical event in both gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves – our cosmic messengers. Gravitational-wave recent discoveries,” she explains. “My the soundsofspacetime.org website, astronomy offers new opportunities to current role is to develop and design which is being updated with sounds understand the properties of neutron optical components and instrumentation from the new detections, as well as stars in ways that just can’t be achieved for future detectors. This will increase informative exhibits of LIGO science. with electromagnetic astronomy alone.” the sensitivity and allow us to observe Both professors work closely with a even more distant events or sources that team of eight students on experimental, More details are available at ligo.org. are currently too weak to detect.” theoretical and educational aspects of gravitational physics. The team is Left to right: 1. An illustration of the first cosmic Favata helped develop some of the composed of undergraduates Valerie event observed in gravitational waves and light (credit: Karan Jani/Georgia Tech). 2. Rodica Martin gravitational-wave models used to Avendano, Kevin Chen, Lita de la Cruz, works with student Valerie Avendano. 3. Martin analyze neutron star collisions. He Xavier Euceda, Nicholas Provost and and Favata and their students Kevin Santiago, and Martin are also actively involved Kevin Santiago, and graduate students Avendano, Nicholas Provost, Lita de la Cruz, Matthew Karlson (back), Joseph DeGaetani and in education and outreach efforts Joseph DeGaetani and Matthew Karlson. Kevin Chen who are helping the LIGO team “listen on behalf of LIGO. These include to the universe.” Not pictured: Xavier Euceda
Fall/Winter 2017 33 network ready. CONNECT WITH MORE THAN 110,000 ALUMNI
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With an alumna coaching a current Red Hawk, U.S. field hockey team medals at the ‘Jewish Olympics’ in Israel
TAKING ON THE WORLD BY STEVE POLITI
Fall/Winter 2017 35 RED HAWKS ATHLETICS
anielle Altersitz remembers wondered: Was she good enough to make “We want them to take those international opening the email from that team? And was she ready for this kind trips because it gives them an opportunity her field hockey coach at of commitment? to see different styles of play,” says Montclair State and being Gottung, who transitioned into an assistant confused – and plenty The answers: Yes, and more than she coaching role after becoming director of Damused – about how the message began. could have ever imagined. development for athletics in 2015. “But even more so, it’s great for them to see the “I’m not really sure if you’re Jewish or not,” That tryout started an unexpected entire culture.” she says the note from Coach Beth Gottung international career for Altersitz, who not read. “But if you are, you should check this only played on the silver-medal-winning Altersitz wasn’t the only Montclair State out.” team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, representative at the Maccabiah Games this but returned this summer as one of the summer, when 10,000 athletes marched Altersitz is, and in those first moments, coaches of a team that would again in the Opening Day parade in Jerusalem. she wasn’t sure what, exactly, her coach claim silver against some of the best She was also coaching one of the Red was sending to her. This was 2008, when competition in the world. Hawk’s current players on her field hockey Altersitz was an underclassman who, just a team in Petah Tikva, a city in the central couple years earlier, wasn’t sure if she was She is far from the first Montclair State district of Israel. Yael Yonah, a freshman even good enough to play her favorite sport athlete to take her talents from Essex at the University, wasn’t only the youngest in college. County and compete against the world. player but speaks fluent Hebrew and often Carol Blazejowski, now the University’s acted as the team’s translator during its Now her head coach was pointing her associate vice president for external adventures. toward a tryout for an international relations, led Team USA to four gold competition. The U.S. field hockey team medals and one silver in international “It’s hard to describe what an incredible was preparing for the Maccabiah Games competition during her three seasons experience it was,” Yonah says. “Danielle – or, as they are commonly called, the as an All-American basketball player at was an amazing coach from the start. No “Jewish Olympics” – and was recruiting Montclair State. one had high expectations of us going in potential players for the annual tournament but we played well together. It was fun to be that would be held in Israel the following Montclair State athletes have discovered there with players who not only share a love summer. for years that they can take their talents for field hockey but also a love for Israel.” beyond the fields and gymnasiums of New Altersitz was intrigued but uncertain. Sure, Jersey and even the country. Gottung, And, for both, the entire trip was an she would love the opportunity to represent who has taken her team to Australia adventure – not only a chance to compete her country in an event that, she would and other field hockey hotbeds, says against the best in the world with “USA” later learn, is the third largest sporting the University’s coaches encourage emblazoned on their uniforms, but to soak event in the world with more than 10,000 international experience for reasons up a different culture and meet athletes participants across the globe. But she beyond the sport. from around the globe.
Red Hawk and Team USA member Yael Yonah (left) and coach Danielle Altersitz
Team USA with their silver medals and the men’s team from Australia, which also won silver, at the Maccabiah Games in Israel
36 The magazine of Montclair State University “I would never have imagined that I’d have an experience like this when I started at Montclair State,” says Altersitz, who is a seventh-grade teacher at Kingsway Regional Middle School in Woolrich, N.J., and a coach with the South Jersey Edge Field Hockey Club. “It was such an amazing opportunity, both as a player and a coach, to be part of something like this.”
The Maccabiah Games were first held in 1932. They are held quadrennially and open to Jewish athletes from around the world and Israeli athletes regardless of religion, with competition in traditional Olympic sports such as swimming and gymnastics and some less traditional ones like bridge, futsal and lawn bowling. All told, athletes from 80 countries now compete in 45 sports in eight Israeli host cities.
Altersitz wondered if she even qualified. While her father is Jewish, her mother is Catholic and raised her in that religion, leading to an interesting dynamic in their household.
“My mother’s name is Ave Maria,” Altersitz says with a laugh, “and my dad used to sing her name to the tune of ‘Hava Nagila.’” Danielle Altersitz in 2008 when she was a Red Hawk and played for TEAM USA
But she met the qualifications, and to her surprise, earned a spot on the team as a sophomore. “We’re all going to Israel!” her father, Russell, told the family, and the “IT WAS SUCH AN AMAZING 2009 games became a trip for the entire Altersitz clan. OPPORTUNITY, BOTH AS A PLAYER
The trip this past summer was a bit AND A COACH, TO BE PART OF different. Altersitz was chosen as a coach and had to quickly build a roster and meld SOMETHING LIKE THIS.” the different playing styles with limited –DANIELLE ALTERSITZ training. At only 29, she was coaching several athletes who were her age or older, but after twice serving as the team’s captain in the European Maccabi Games in an impressive 3-2 victory over a favored now includes two silvers and two bronzes. 2011 and 2015, the leadership role was Holland team. In the final, however, Who knows? Perhaps in another four years, not unfamiliar. Argentina won a hard-fought 2-0 victory to Altersitz will return to Israel and try to take the gold. reach the top of the medal stand again. The team opened with a 7-0 victory over Israel – with temperatures reaching 120 “It was disappointing not to win the gold “Maybe I won’t retire just yet,” she says. degrees on the artificial turf field – and medal,” says Altersitz, who was hoping to “We’ll see.” n reached the finals of the tournament with add that medal hue to a collection that
Fall/Winter 2017 37 FEATURE z Open for Business RED HAWKS ATHLETICS
PROJECT SENDS MESSAGE OF INCLUSION FOR LGBTQ ATHLETES
ne after another, a cross section of institution and we felt it was important that “Many people ask me, ‘How does your team athletes from Montclair State look we were doing everything we could to ensure react to it?’ My answer always is, ‘Like nothing into the camera and deliver the that our athletes felt safe and welcome.” has changed,’” Johnson wrote in the post. Osame message: “If you can play, “Before coming out as gay, I was terrified of YOU can play.” You Can Play was launched in March 2012. the thought of being judged by my teammates One of its founders, Patrick Burke, wanted and other people around me. However, to my They are men and women. They are to honor his late brother, Brendan, an openly surprise, everyone here at Montclair State has swimmers and basketball players and gay student manager with the Miami (Ohio) been nothing but overly supportive. soccer stars. They are white and black University hockey team who went public and Hispanic. And their message is one with his story to combat homophobia in the “I have some of the best teammates in the of inclusion: Athletes should be judged sport. Brendan Burke, 21, had died in a car world. They are like brothers to me and they on talent, heart and work ethic, not sexual crash two years earlier. treat me the same way that they did before orientation or gender identity. they knew I was gay. Montclair State’s pride What started as a movement in professional in its LGBTQ community has only added The video is part of the You Can Play hockey quickly spread to other sports, to my decision to come out. The diversity Project, an NCAA-supported initiative including at the collegiate level. That of the school and that it’s a Stigma-Free designed to spread the message that locker Montclair State would join is no surprise: campus made me feel sheltered in the rooms should be safe and sports venues The University was named as one of “the 25 classroom and on the soccer field.” should be free from homophobia. Montclair most LGBT-friendly campuses” in the nation State Director of Athletics Holly Gera for three years running from 2015 to 2017 Johnson isn’t the only athlete who has attended the NCAA Inclusion Forum in April by Campus Pride, which praised the LGBTQ embraced that message of inclusion. More and decided that participating in that effort Center on campus. than a dozen – gay and straight – are was important. featured in the short video that shows them Ian Johnson, a player on the men’s soccer diving into the campus pool, sinking three- “We were very happy that our student- team from Morristown, wrote on a Red pointers and passing a lacrosse ball before athletes and staff were enthusiastic about Hawks of Montclair State Instagram post, joining to deliver this message: the project and that many students were that he had worried about coming out as interested in being a part of it,” Gera says. gay to his teammates. But their reaction “We are all champions. We are all Red “It is an important message that we want to made him vow to “be a role model for those Hawks for life. We play together. We win send, and it proved to be very meaningful athletes who struggle with coming to terms together. If you can play, YOU can play.” n for many of our students. Montclair State with their sexuality” while he’s a student at University is a diverse and welcoming the University. – Steve Politi
38 The magazine of Montclair State University RED HAWKS ATHLETICS SPORTS BRIEFS
INDUCTED
quartet of All-Americans from four A different sports were announced as the new inductees for the Montclair State Athletics Hall of Fame. They are Jackie Ferranti, a softball infielder who was one of the most decorated players in NJAC history; Cornell Hunt, a football linebacker who was a three-time First-Team All-NJAC selection and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2008; Brianna Gillin, a lacrosse standout who is one of three BRIANNA GILLIN
JACKIE FERRANTI players in school history to surpass the 300-point plateau; and Thomas Bowers, a lacrosse goalie who is arguably one of the finest to play that position at Montclair State. The official enshrinement took place October 12 at the Valley Regency in Clifton, and the quartet was honored at the Homecoming football game on October 14.
TRIP TO NCAA TOURNEY For the second year in a row, the Montclair State field hockey team played in the NCAA Division III Championship tournament – one of five teams that received an at-large bid to the 2017 tournament
CORNELL HUNT field of 24 announced. It was also Montclair THOMAS BOWERS State’s seventh overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament, including a run to the national title game in 2012. The Red Hawks’ 2017 season came to an end in the second round of the tournament with a loss to Franklin & Marshall 2-1.
Fall/Winter 2017 39 FEATURE z Open for Business RED HAWKS ATHLETICS
HONORED
our Montclair State athletes were Fnamed to the New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Academic Teams for 2016–17. Erin Sullivan (soccer) and Daniel Barreira (track and field) were named to the first team, whileMegan Roeloffs (field hockey) andRyan Long (baseball) were named to the second team. To be eligible for the squad, an athlete must be a sophomore, junior
ERIN SULLIVAN or senior in a conference-sponsored
MEGAN ROELOFFS sport with a minimum 3.20 grade point average. A total of 122 Montclair State student athletes received honorable mention.
NOMINATED rin Sullivan, a senior defender on the Ewomen’s soccer team and NCAA Player of the Year, was chosen as Montclair State’s nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year. The award is given annually to graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics,
RYAN LONG RYAN athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers. Sullivan
DANIEL BARREIRA was the anchor of a defense that allowed just 14 goals in 22 games and received the Red Hawks’ Highest GPA Award for 2016–17.
STUDENT SKATES HER WAY TO 2ND OLYMPICS
unior Isadora Williams Williams, who skated in skate her best in Sochi and Jwill return to the ice in the Sochi games in 2014. thinks the experience plus her second Olympics in “It was such a surreal four more years of training February when she skates experience to actually be – including juggling classes for Brazil at the 2018 one of them – and to be the with three hours on the ice Olympics in South Korea. first Brazilian figure skater five days a week at Floyd “As a little kid, I always at the Olympics.” Hall Arena – has improved watched the Olympics on her program immensely. TV and aspired to be like Williams, a Brazilian “I’m looking forward to the skaters I saw,” says American, says she didn’t redemption,” she says.
40 The magazine of Montclair State University CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
INSIDE
42 | NEWS 47 | CLASS NOTES 49, 50, 52 | PROFILES 54 | IN MEMORIAM
56 | LASTING LESSONS
Fall/Winter 2017 41 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
RED HAWKS CALLING Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call soon from a Red Hawk Caller. These hardworking students make a collective 250,000+ calls to alumni, parents and friends, seeking vitally needed support for Montclair State programs and services.
Annual gifts through The Fund for Montclair State have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of our students 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.
You can designate your gift to support the University’s greatest needs, or to an area that is most meaningful to you – your school/college, department, program, sport, organization or to funds that provide direct and immediate support to students in need. If you’d like to make a gift online, visit montclair.edu/make-a-gift.
RED HAWK OPEN The fifth annual Red Hawk Open brought more than 140 golfers to the Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The event raised $120,000. The money goes toward supporting the University’s 18 varsity athletic teams and toward the purchase of strength and conditioning equipment for the Panzer Athletic Center.
The day began with a barbecue lunch. After hitting the links, golfers and guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and an awards ceremony.
Beth Gottung, director of development for athletics, expressed appreciation for both the alumni and sponsors who attend the annual event, and gave particular thanks to longtime lunch sponsor Schumacher Chevrolet for also providing the hole-in-one car, and to dinner sponsor New Jersey Orthopedic for serving as team doctors. “Their support and care for our student-athletes is invaluable,” she said. Alumnus and The Simpsons producer Michael Price and School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler, watch a clip from Price’s latest creation, F Is for Family, during a Homecoming event.
42 The magazine of Montclair State University NEWS
Class of 1968 Reunion Planning is underway for the class of 1968 50th Reunion. Mark your calendars to join your classmates on May 25, 2018, for a luncheon and to walk at the Commencement exercises.
On May 24, catch up with classmates at a casual reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fairfield, New Jersey. For more information, visit montclair.edu/alumni/reunions or contact Deb Corasio in the Office of Alumni Relations at 973-655-4207.
SCIENCE IN PerksConnect ACTION Connecting with Alumni Relations has The College of Science and its perks. PerksConnect is a new service Mathematics’ Science in providing benefits to alumni, both local Action day, which coincided and around the country, including deals Book Fund Success with Homecoming, brought and discounts on travel, insurance, event out nearly 200 students, tickets and more. This service is free for all Montclair State graduates. To get The Emergency Book Fund raised parents and children to view started with PerksConnect, just sign in to your exclusive alumni account at $5,430 to help ensure that students demos of gravitational waves MONTCLAIRconnect, the portal for all things alumni. For more information, have the resources they need to and the equipment used to visit montclair.edu/alumni. succeed in the classroom. measure them, learn about various species of reptiles and The fund helps students who are amphibians and how to protect financially unable to purchase them, and to ride a stationary textbooks. Some 100 donors bike to generate electricity to gave to this fund drive, and the make a smoothie. Parents Fund at Montclair State made a dollar for dollar match for Other activities included donations. creating Halloween-themed toys using basic chemistry, testing Established by Student Development mental acuity against that of a and Campus Life, the Office of robot’s artificial intelligence and Financial Aid and the Office of experiencing how it feels for Alumni Relations and Annual someone else to take control of Giving, the Emergency Book Fund one’s motor skills. was created to supplement existing With a little chemistry magic – book scholarships and grants. IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: aka an empty soda bottle and liquid nitrogen – the atrium of LOS ANGELES “We receive requests well over the Center for Environmental and In an effort to continue to expand Montclair State’s West Coast alumni double the amount of the available Life Sciences became a blasting network, the Office of Alumni Relations partnered with the School of grants and funds for this type of zone with a volcanic eruption of Communication and Media this past summer to host an event at NBC need,” says Karen L. Pennington, ping pong balls into the air that Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. vice president for Student then rained down on onlookers. Development and Campus Life, Faculty as well as Acting Alumni had the opportunity to hear an insider’s view from Karen Horne ’08, emphasizing the importance of this Associate Dean Scott Kight, NBC Universal’s senior vice president of programming, talent development campaign. “Obviously, there is a who organized the activities, and inclusion. In addition to mingling and networking with fellow alumni, tremendous need for book support and Acting Dean Lora Billings guests also got an exclusive tour of the NBC Universal Studio back lots. and many students would not get were on hand to answer visitors’ Sixty-nine alumni, parents and guests took part in the event, which included the help they need without this questions. a cocktail reception at The Studio Grill. Emergency Book Fund.”
Fall/Winter 2017 43 FEATURE z Open for Business
HOMECOMING10.14.17
44 The magazine of Montclair State University HOMECOMING10.14.17
Red Hawks Return to the Nest Thousands of students, alumni, families and friends celebrated Homecoming on October 14. The day included a campus carnival, school- based activities, family pancake breakfasts and a new car show, where all proceeds benefited the Red Hawk Pantry. The day culminated with an exciting game against Salisbury University.
Fall/Winter 2017 45 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
MAKING ROOM3
2 4
1 6 5 Alumni, beloved professors honored with room dedications
This fall has brought many alumni from 1983 to 1997, says the own rooms and had unveiling Audio Production Center at back to campus to attend room- wisdom passed down during celebrations at Homecoming. Homecoming. While he was naming ceremonies – some in dinner conversations shaped his here, Price also participated in honor of alumni and others in political views and inspired his life For each unveiling, the honoree, a conversation with Strudler in honor of beloved faculty. of public service. an alumnus/a and School of Presentation Hall, where they Communication and Media showed clips from his shows and Former United States Senator “It is a fitting and generous tribute Director Keith Strudler spoke. audience members were able Robert G. Torricelli visited campus to an alumna who distinguished to ask Price questions about his in September to cut the ribbon herself over a long career as “It touches my heart and makes career and being part of an iconic for a lecture hall in University Hall both a teacher and librarian,” me smile to see how much our cartoon. (See photo page 42) named after his mother, Betty President Susan A. Cole said at students not only remember us, Lotz Torricelli, who graduated the ceremony. but still care about us. I realize Price advised future producers from Montclair State in 1940 with now that we left a mark here, and screenwriters to take any job a degree in English and was a School of Communication and and although I never expected in the industry, no matter how lifelong teacher and librarian. Media dedicates rooms at to be honored for it, I’m infinitely small, in order to get a foot in the Homecoming delighted and grateful for the door. “You never know where it She instilled her passion for Alumni crowd-sourced to raise distinction,” said honoree Doc will lead.” learning and service in her son, funds to honor and recognize Stasheff. beloved faculty by naming often turning the family’s dinner Photos rooms in the new School of time in their Franklin Lakes home In addition, Michael Price ’81, 1. Robert Torricelli 2. Christopher into “teaching moments.” Communication and Media executive producer and writer “Doc” Stasheff 3. Howard Travis 4. building in their honor. John Diglio for The Simpsons and co-creator Michael Price (right) with President Torricelli, who served in the U.S. ’69 MA, Larry Londino, Howard Susan Cole and Dan Gurskis 5. of F Is for Family, visited from John Diglio (right) with James Senate from 1997 to 2003 and in and Travis Christopher “Doc” the West Coast to celebrate the Benson ’86 (center) and Keith the U.S. House of Representatives Stasheff were honored with their unveiling of the Michael Price Strudler 6. Larry Londino
46 The magazine of Montclair State University CLASS NOTES
1940s 1 Helen Offinger Keegan ’41 recently Don Doolittle ’66, ’72 MA and his celebrated her 99th birthday. [1] wife Vivian Fontana Doolittle ’67 celebrated their 50th wedding Dr. Alan Rosenberg ’49 was asked anniversary. They met in the to plan the National Day of Prayer Freeman Hall cafeteria in 1965 for the fourth time by Mayor Carey and recently visited campus for Davis of San Bernardino, Calif. Vivian’s 50th Reunion. [4]
Carol Brierley Moore ’67, ’73 1950s MA was appointed the interim Eleanor Bill Calvin ’51 is president president for Columbia College in of The Schubert Club, a group of Columbia, S.C., after previously piano teachers, and continues to serving as the executive vice 2 teach music in her home studio, president. Musique Classique. Robert Lawrence Russo ’69, ’74 Claridel “Pudge” Delaney ’56 and MA published a memoir titled Oh, Ann Ward Jenkins ’56 in 2018 will Bob! I Thought It Was Curtains!: celebrate the 60th anniversary Survival and Transcendence in a of their 3-month 4,000-mile Homophobic World in July. adventure on their 3-speed Schwinn bikes. On their trip from Clifton, N.J., to Portland, Ore., 1970s they stayed at youth hostels and Michael E. Cryor ’70 MA was campsites, including a night at named to The Baltimore Sun’s Yellowstone National Park. They Business and Civic Hall of Fame. became local celebrities as they rode through towns and received Edward F. Buhrer ’71, ’83 MA has the key to the city of Portland written 24 novels and collections. upon arrival. [2] Maureen A. Conway ’71 MA received an honorary Doctor of 1960s Humane Letters from William 3 Norine Nelthropp Boyd ’60, Paterson University. owner and president of Norine’s Corporation, launched Nomato, a Jonette DeMarsico ’71 recently company that specializes in all retired from a long teaching career natural, no preservative, gluten- and now is playing Marjorie Prime free and tomato-free products. in Jordan Harrison’s play of the same name in Port Orange, Fla., Alex Dobrowolski ’63 successfully and directing Love, Loss, and completed the running of a What I Wore in New Smyrna marathon on all seven continents, Beach, Fla. along with his daughter Holly. At 77, Alex became the oldest Irene Dec ’73, ’80 MA was person ever to run a marathon in elected co-chair of Palm Beach Antarctica. [3] Score, a nonprofit small business mentoring program. 4 Dr. Robert F. Marcus ’65 has published his second book, The Donald Antisell ’74 was honored Development of Aggression and for 30 years of employment with Photos Violence in Adolescence (2017), Anthony & Sylvan Pools. 1. Helen Keegan 2. “Pudge” with Palgrave Macmillan. Delaney and Ann Jenkins 3. Alex John Herbst ’74 has been awarded and Holly Dobrowolski 4. Don and Vivian Doolittle the Association of Midwest Museums’ 2017 Distinguished Career Award.
Fall/Winter 2017 47 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Robert R. Mayer ’74, ’84 MA was Eileen Shafer ’80 was named the Judy L. LoBianco ’92, ’95 MA will 5 inducted into the 2017 Bloomfield first female superintendent of be awarded the SHAPE America (N.J.) High School Hall of Fame Paterson Public Schools. Honor Award for meritorious for his outstanding leadership as service by the Society of Health the head softball coach for the last Elsie Barrick ’84 MA was named and Physical Educators America. 28 years. the West Essex Board of Realtors’ The award recognizes notable 2017 Realtor of the Year. contributions to the advancement Warren Webster Vaché Jr. ’74 will of health and physical education. perform in Ocean Grove’s ever- Kevin Bradley ’84 was named popular “Summer Stars Classical executive vice president and chief Kristin Barber ’93, ’02 MA opened Series” with the renowned financial officer of U.S. Steel. New Jersey’s first cat café, Imperial Brass, the N.J.-based, Rahway’s Kitty Hall, a place to sit 28-piece brass ensemble. Tom Kaminski ’84 is the featured down, relax, have a beverage or a reporter on the new collaboration snack, and even adopt a cat. 6 Michael C. Gabriele ’75, an with PIX11 and Newsradio 880 on honorary chair at the New Jersey local traffic and breaking news. 5[ ] Gaspard Louis ’93 and his Folk Festival, discussed his book dance company are beginning New Jersey Folk Revival Music at Rev. Nelson J. Perez ’84 was their 2017–2018 season at the the Nutley Public Library in May. announced by Pope Francis as Schimmel Center in New York City. the new bishop for the Diocese of Garret Keizer ’75 is a finalist in the Cleveland. William Mesce Jr. ’93 MA authored 2017 Notting Hill Editions Essay the novel Legacy as well as The Prize. His essay, “Grub: A Man in Steven Weiss ’86 is now a captain Rules of Scriptwriting and Why the Market,” will be published in at the Bayonne Fire Department. You Should Break Them, which an anthology along with the other includes commentary from media finalists. Peter H. Lori ’87 is the executive industry veterans. vice president, finance; chief Leonard “Len” Harac ’76 was accounting officer and deputy Jennifer Woods ’93 MA of the UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION recently appointed to the board chief financial officer at Univision. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Did you move? Get married? of directors of Drone USA, a was recently appointed the new company that develops and Mary Carlomagno ’89 published chair of the board of directors for New email? New number? manufactures low-altitude drones her first novel titledBest Friend for United Way of Greater Mercer Let us know! and related products. Hire. [6] County. It’s easy to update your information online through Joseph V. Cosentino ’77 published Sylvia Sylvia ’89 was appointed Lisa Kasper ’94 has been named MONTCLAIRconnect, the his fourth book in the award- to the New Jersey State Board of director of admissions and online community exclusively winning Cozzi Cove series “New Education. outreach at Borough of Manhattan for alumni of Montclair State Beginnings” as well as a new Community College. University. novel, Drama Luau, the fourth Nicky and Noah mystery. Visit montclair.edu/alumni, 1990s Dawn Von Busch Romeo ’94 Kelly Sullivan King ’90 MA where you can also sign up co-authored Jack and the Case continues to direct a successful for your alumni email account. Charles “Chuck” Muth ’77 has of the Missing Sandwich with drama club at Caldwell’s Trinity You can also update your been appointed as the new chief her daughter, Cassandra. This Academy, now in its 24th year. information by calling the growth officer of Beyond Meat, a book is the first in a series about company specializing in plant Office of Alumni Relations at a mystery-solving basset hound protein. Caroline Nolan Chomiak ’91 was 973-655-4141. detective. recently hired as business lead Teresa Skjold ’78 recently received for Purdue Pharma L.P. over-the- Talya Oded Tsuna ’94 wrote a the New Jersey Driver Education counter product franchise. chapter titled “My Generations Photos Teacher of the Year award. of Women” in the book Aging 5. Tom Kaminski 6. Mary Carlomagno Martin Derby ’92 MA was hired as Wisely…Wisdom of Our Elders by senior geohazards practice leader Irving I. Silverman and Ellen Beth 1980s at Golder Associates Inc. Siegel. Michael Bocech ’80 is now a physical education teacher at Shawn W. Fitzgerald ’92 is George Czergovits ’95 MA was Monument Elementary School. research director for IDC Insights’ named one of Cedar Grove’s Worldwide Digital Transformation 2016–2017 Teachers of the Year. Joan McGeough ’80 was honored Strategies practice. He teaches sixth-grade science at as a Brand Builder in the Leading Memorial Middle School. Women Entrepreneurs 2017.
48 The magazine of Montclair State University CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Wendy Gillespie ’73 FROM BUSINESS T0 BROADWAY Wendy Gillespie is a successful informed her valedictorian speech at grocery products to Mexico and Direction of a Musical. A highlight of business leader, a generous Bloomfield High School in 1969. Latin America. producing the musical for Gillespie philanthropist and an education was visiting Gander. “The people proponent, and yet she still “The theme they asked me to She also gives back to the were simply amazing – exactly as continues to explore new paths. prepare focused on what being community, particularly to programs they are portrayed in the show,” “If you let them, magical things American means to me,” she for youth, and became active In she says. “The show is a triumph of will show up in your life,” she explains. “As an immigrant, you look Junior Achievement, in which she’d human spirit, when people step up says, recalling how her life took an at America differently. I’ve never also been involved as a high school to take care of others in their time unexpected turn. taken it for granted. I vote and take student. She and Marty helped of need.” my civic responsibilities seriously.” to create the Capdevilla Gillespie In 2009, two years after her Center for Junior Achievement, For this interview, Gillespie reread husband passed away, she was in Gillespie’s mother was from home to BizTown and Finance Park, a passage she wrote for her college Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where Khartoum, Sudan, and her father where students learn how to run yearbook. “Perhaps the most she met Jay Kuo, the composer was from the United Kingdom, successful businesses in a mini-city important lesson a person can and lyricist who was working on and they taught her to embrace environment. learn is that the world is made up a project that would become the diversity and respect others. “I was of people with whom we must live, Broadway musical Allegiance. “I brought up to be accepting of those Being open to people and new work, love and understand…and was fascinated by his idea for this from different backgrounds and ideas not only led her to produce through others we can expand the project,” she recalls. to appreciate every other human Allegiance but also to reinvent very dimensions of our existence,” being,” says Gillespie. herself as a Broadway producer wrote Gillespie, who was already Before long, she became one of the – most recently co-producing the demonstrating leadership acumen co-producers of the show, which Those values helped propel her Broadway hit, Come from Away. as a student, becoming the first was inspired by the experience of its to success. After graduating from student representative to the Board star George Takei, and tells the story Montclair State College in 1973 The musical is set in Gander, of Trustees and treasurer of the of one Japanese-American family with a degree in Spanish, she Newfoundland, where residents Student Government Association. torn apart during the internment spent 13 years at IBM, including a opened their homes to thousands of To this day, she says, the words still camps of World War II. As an stint in Japan, before she and her passengers stranded there after air ring true. “That’s pretty awesome. immigrant herself, Gillespie felt a husband, Marty Capdevilla, founded traffic was shut down on September I wouldn’t change a thing. I feel personal connection to the story. Frontier Trading, a multimillion- 11, 2001. The show, which opened exactly the same way.” Gillespie recalls how arriving to dollar, binational business in San in March 2017, was nominated for the United States at age 9 later Diego that exported and distributed seven Tony Awards and won Best –Donny Levit
Fall/Winter 2017 49 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
THE THING RealWamwari Waichungo ’90 realized it could translate into a switching from math, but I really career. felt curious about food science.”
Wamwari earned a Bachelor of Following passion was another Science from Montclair State lesson. in 1990, before undertaking a master’s degree and doctorate “I’m sure I would have been from the University of Missouri- great at math, but it wouldn’t Columbia. She worked briefly have been a great career,” she for ConAgra Foods in Omaha, says. “I just love food and have Nebraska, and Campbell Soup always been interested in it. Find in Camden, New Jersey, before something you love and you’ll be returning to Kenya to begin successful.” a career with The Coca-Cola Company. Wamwari established the Waichungo Food Science Over the last 17 years, Wamwari Scholarship in 2015, and has held several positions with credits the support she found at the iconic global beverage Montclair State for helping her maker, living in Lagos, Nigeria; build the courage to ask for what Johannesburg, South Africa; she needed. As an international London; and Cairo before student, she frequently met with returning to the United States her advisers and professors for to work at its headquarters in everything from navigating life in Atlanta. the United States, to finding part- time jobs and even secondhand Even when she was as young Her curiosity piqued, Wamwari Today, Wamwari is vice president books. as 6, Dr. Wamwari Waichungo stepped out of the math line and for Global Scientific and planned to study math. She was began speaking with Nutrition Regulatory Affairs for Coca-Cola, “Be bold enough to ask for good at it, and growing up in and Food Studies Professor overseeing a team of 140 people help,” she says. “There are many Nairobi, Kenya, she knew that John Specchio about the field, in 47 locations, responsible for resources on a college campus it could offer plenty of career and the kinds of jobs it could ensuring regulatory compliance that can help you.” opportunities. lead to. Then 17 and cognizant for all ingredients, products and of the money her parents were packages used by the beverage –Suzanne Marta But while she was standing in spending to send her to school in maker worldwide. a long line to register for math the United States, Wamwari was classes during her freshman reluctant to change her plan. Wamwari says her experience year at Montclair State, Wamwari at Montclair State helped noticed a nearby table with a sign “He told me, ‘Try a few classes underscore the importance of that said “Nutrition and Food” and see what you think,’ and taking chances. that had no students in line. that’s how I became a food science major,” she says. “Sometimes it’s good “I literally was standing in line and to go with your gut,” wondering, ‘Huh. I wonder what Actually, Wamwari had always she says. “I was a little that is?’” she recalls. been interested in food, but never uncomfortable about
50 The magazine of Montclair State University CLASS NOTES
Trina Parks-Evans ’96 was Beth Hibbits Garrett ’01, an Natasha Parrilla ’06, ’11 MEd appointed assistant vice president educator and athlete, was named published a front-cover article, “A of corporate diversity and inclusion the new girls soccer coach at Foundation for Learning,” in at RWJ Barnabas Health. Belleville (N.J.) High School. the August 2017 issue of The Learning Professional. Dr. David J. Ross ’96, ’98 MA was Drew D. Krause ’02 MAT was named dean of student services named the new principal of Ridge Louis Cappello ’07 MA, for the Ybor City Campus of (N.J.) High School. superintendent of science K-12 at Hillsborough Community College Bloomfield (N.J.) High School, will in Tampa, Fla. Dr. Matthew W. Lawrence ’02 MA oversee STEM activities for grades was named the new principal of kindergarten to five beginning in Natalee Vaccaro-Bartlett ’96 now Mahopac (N.Y.) High School. September. serves as the superintendent of schools for the East Hanover (N.J.) Robert M. Siris ’03 was appointed Judith NahLamiley Mills ’07 is School District. as the coach for the mens lacrosse taking her personal fight with program starting at Mercer County lupus to the next level by raising Tara Morlando Zurlo ’97, ’99 Community College. lupus awareness in New Jersey, MA earned a doctoral degree New York and Ghana. in Educational Leadership and CherylAnne Amendola ’05 won the Management (Higher Education) 2017 History Teacher of the Year Stacy Albanese ’08, ’17 MA, 7 from the School of Education, award through the Gilder Lehrman received a master’s degree Drexel University in June. Institute for American History. in Public and Organizational Relations from Montclair State in Thomas J. Muller ’98 was Kelley R. Faulkner ’05 will star as May 2017. (Pictured with younger promoted to the rank of sergeant Miss Adelaide in Milwaukee Rep.’s brother Christian Penney ’21, a at the Newton Police Department production of Guys and Dolls. freshman at Montclair State.) [8] in Newton, N.J. Alex Guzman ’05 MA was named Raul A. Huaman ’08, a guitarist/ the new principal of Middlesex composer from Lima, Peru, has 2000s (N.J.) High School. worked on a variety of projects Trish Bogusz ’00 MA was named including La FolieAustral, an principal of the Millstone (N.J.) Tamour Kousha ’05, chief financial Spanish indie-rock project, in Township Middle School. officer of New Jersey Community which he serves as songwriter and Development Corp., in Paterson, producer. Carolyne Jean-Phillipe ’00 was N.J., was named an NJBIZ CFO of elected to the American Health the Year finalist. Michael DiBartolomeo ’09 MA was Council’s Physician Board. recently named vice president 8 Mark Maggio ’05 was hired as Lodi for enrollment management at St. Jennifer Montesano ’00 was named (N.J.) High School’s new football Thomas Aquinas College where he superintendent of Secaucus (N.J.) coach. will work to provide leadership for School District. collegewide initiatives. Kathleen Passuth Bombery ’06 MA Carmen T. Morales ’00, vice was elected as dean for the Health Rahfeal Gordon ’09 headlined a principal at the Newark Tech Sciences division of Savannah global lecture at Carnegie Hall Campus of the Essex County Technical College. as part of his Skyscraper World Vocational Technical Schools, Tour. [9] was sworn in as an Essex County Dr. Yuri T. Jadotte ’06 received the College trustee in June. 2016–2018 Physician Training Award in cancer prevention and 2010s 9 James C. Vara ’00 is associate control from the American Cancer Allison Andresini ’10 is directing a attorney general at the New Society and a 2016–2017 research wedding film titledBucket along Hampshire Attorney General’s grant for the development of with screenwriter and actress Photos Office. methods to increase the utility of Gillian Holmes ’12. The film is a 7. Yuri T. Jadotte 8. Stacy Albanese 9. Rahfeal Gordon systematic reviews and meta- short comedy about love, marriage Glen Fuzy ’01 is working as senior analyses from the Agency for and expectations. operations manager of Basic Healthcare Research and Quality. Capital Advisors, LLC. He also traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands this summer to assist in efforts to prevent and control the spread of the Zika virus. [7]
Fall/Winter 2017 51 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Arthur Souritzidis ’10
HIGH
ENERGYArthur Souritzidis dreamed and found himself in a limping the 5,000 fastest-growing private take advantage of a fast-growing a career in finance would job market. Always looking for companies in the nation in 2017 industry. enable him to one day fund his opportunity, Souritzidis tried to (up from No. 883 in 2016), entrepreneurial ambitions, but the learn all he could, listening to and one of Solar Power World’s Navigating what some call the nation’s worst financial crisis since audio business books during his Top 500 North American Solar “solar coaster,” Souritzidis says the 1930s threatened to derail his commute. Contractors. his approach has been guided plans to work on Wall Street. by developing an expertise and After a few months of working as Souritzidis was recognized by visualizing his goals. Growing up in West Caldwell, New an independent sales contractor, Forbes this year on its “30 Under Jersey, Souritzidis was drawn to Souritzidis was introduced to 30: Energy” list. The company, When an important deal early in the world of finance watching the Cameron Christensen, the founder which designs and installs the company’s growth threatened success of an uncle who worked of a solar power start-up now customized solar power systems to go sour, he recalls driving by as a stockbroker. known as Momentum Solar. for the residential and commercial the building at the heart of it, markets, now employs 700 people “gripping the steering wheel and “His earning potential was “I was just trying to build a rapport in New Jersey, New York, Florida just imagining solar on the roof.” uncapped,” Souritzidis says. “I so I could solicit him, but I ended and California. wanted a job where I could work up becoming his best sales rep,” “Always keep your eye on the hard and reap the fruits of my Souritzidis says. Souritzidis, who now lives in end goal,” he says. “If you stay labor based on what I put into it.” Weehawken, New Jersey, says confident and keep working to get Souritzidis became a partner in his finance training provided there, life finds a path.” Looking back, Souritzidis says he the company by 2011 and took an important foundation, as he didn’t appreciate the severity of over as chief executive in 2012 quickly became an expert on –Suzanne Marta the recession until he graduated as the company skyrocketed to federal and state incentives, from Montclair State University become an industry leader ranked along with complex financing in 2010 with a degree in finance No. 67 on Inc. magazine’s list of approaches, and was able to
52 The magazine of Montclair State University CLASS NOTES
James Doyle ’10 was named one Raif R. Hyseni ’13 MA performed Joseph J. Redmon ’15 was named of two Outstanding Intermediate at this year’s Garden of Righteous the new general manager of the School Teachers for 2017 by the ceremony, which honors non-Jews New Jersey Jackals. [12] Optimist Club of Westfield and who risked their lives to save was honored by the Westfield others during the Holocaust. Courtney Cholminski Savino ’15 Board of Education. MA married Troy Savino in August Patricia Monaco ’13 MA was 2016 at The Grove in Cedar Grove. Daniel Erhardt ’10, ’16 MA was appointed assistant principal, named the Educator of the Year for Pre-K Elementary, student services Kaitlyn Schoeffel ’15 represented Region II by ASAH, the umbrella by the Wayne (N.J.) Township New Jersey and finished second 10 organization for special-needs Board of Education. runner-up in the Miss America schools and agencies in New Jersey. Pageant in September. Cara Mangine Stokes ’13 married Ashley Hollister ’10 is pursuing her William Alvo “Bill” Stokes III on Olutosin Itohan Araromi ’16 was dream as a singer, recently touring May 27 in Columbia, N.J. named 2015–2016 Miss Nigeria with the American progressive USA. rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Teresa Yorkgitis ’13, event and special projects manager for a Robert Kennedy ’16 was sworn Jon Preciado ’10, ’12 MBA, and luxury retail concept store called in as a police officer in Berkeley Arielle Gellman ’12, college The Webster, ran the 2017 NYC Township, N.J. sweethearts, got married October Marathon to benefit Habitat for 14. Several other alumni and Humanity. Connor Manning ’16 was sworn mascot Rocky the Red Hawk in as a police officer in Chatham attended the ceremony. [10] Samantha Boczon ’14 is a Township, N.J. 11 guidance counselor at Secaucus Andrea L. Doto ’11 recently opened (N.J.) Middle School. Ryan D. Oxild ’16 was recently in Bandstand at the Jacobs hired as the youth services director Theatre, where she was the lead Omer F. Demirer ’14 is the at the Mendham (N.J.) Borough dancer in the ensemble. [11] president of Young Musiad USA Library. and managing partner of Lilax Jessica Murphy Sproul ’11 married USA, a textile company from Niki Lynn Russo ’16 received Joseph H. Sproul IV in Shrewsbury, Bursa, Turkey. the Avis Spirit Award, given to N.J., on December 2, 2016. those who exemplify Avis’ “We James D. Gianetti ’14 debuted Try Harder” theme, at Yankee Jessica L. Barton ’12 MEd was and signed his thriller novel, The Stadium. Russo received the 12 selected as the 2017 Bloomfield Town of Jasper, at the Book Expo award for her service to the (N.J.) School District Teacher of America in New York City. community, raising funds to help the Year. send kids for free to Comfort Zone CAREER CORNER Jennifer Tafro ’14 has been named Camp, where she volunteers. As alumni of Montclair State, Magdalena Doris ’12, an Emmy- head field hockey coach at many Career Resources are nominated reporter, started working Ramapo College. Maxx Wurzburger ’16 has been available to you for life. We for CBS 2 News in 2016 and has named the head coach of mens invite you to take advantage covered New York City since 2012. Matt Aziz ’15 recently became the soccer for The Dolphins at the of our range of resources and assistant athletic trainer at Felician College of Mount Saint Vincent. services, including: Mitsuko Flynn ’12 was promoted University. to director of education and Chrisovalanti Beckus ’17 is a n Official LinkedIn group community engagement for the Tierney J. Conlon ’15, former Newman’s Own fellow at Our n The Five O’Clock Club Charleston Symphony Orchestra. lacrosse player and coach at Piece of the Pie in Hartford, Conn. n Hire a Red Hawk – a Montclair State University, has place to post or view job Paul Pilcz ’12 and Allison T. Strong joined the Arizona State University Sammie L. Davis ’17 MA works as listings ’12 made their Broadway debut in lacrosse team as the assistant the coordinator of diversity and n Recorded webinars and the Roundabout Theatre Company coach. cultural life at Penn College. workshops revival of Bye Bye Birdie. Nicholas Pietroniro ’15 worked as Aaron Goodwin ’17 joined the Visit montclair.edu/alumni to Michael S. Brewer ’13 was the director of photography on the Madison (N.J.) Area YMCA as learn more. awarded a full scholarship for the feature filmSunset , which is about associate sports director. two-year MFA Professional Actor a group of civilians who grapple Training Program at the Katherine with the imminent probability of a Photos G. McGovern College of the Arts, nuclear strike near their town. 10. Jon Preciado and Arielle Gellman University of Houston, Texas. 11. Andrea Doto 12. Joseph Redmon
Fall/Winter 2017 53 IN MEMORIAM
Lillian O. Grundfest ’73 MA Mary DeFilipis, an academic George Rupp ’73 adviser in the Feliciano School of Frank Summerfield ’73 MA Business, died unexpectedly in Ruth Costa ’75 June at the age of 73. She joined Susan Geiger Kantor ’75 Montclair State in 1993 serving in Marc Manela ’75, ’79 MA various capacities at the Hispanic Elizabeth Pegel Welhorsky ’75, Institute for Applied Psychology, ’01 MA John J. Kirk, PhD, former the Psychoeducational Center Arlene Rosner ’76 MA director of the New Jersey School of Conservation and the Educational Opportunity Mario A. Marano ’77 Fund Program before joining the (NJSOC), died in September Robert Bergman ’77 MA Feliciano School of Business in 2002. A memorial fund was set up in at the age of 87. He began Ruth Druck Barber ’79 MA her name to provide a scholarship award to deserving Feliciano School his career on the faculty of Blanche B. Kircher ’80 MA of Business students who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, the University of Michigan Cheryl Eldridge Hart ’81 volunteerism and commitment to the University community. before becoming supervisor of camping services for the State of Michigan. He became Leonor L. Cunningham ’37 Truman Rice ’60 director of the NJSOC in 1963 Mary Brady ’40 Donald Wilderotter ’60 and spent the next 37 years Jane Riehm McNeal ’42 John Behnken Jr. ’61 building it into the third largest Louise Vandenberg Heck ’45 Frank Kotlan ’61, ’70 MA environmental field center in Evelyn Kogan Robb ’45 Loretta Onorato Palliardi ’61 the world and in establishing Marie Fabiano ’46 Michael F. Lepore ’63 Camp Wapalanne and myriad Doris Bedford Rabasca ’46 Charles P. Bauman ’63 MA John T. Riordan ’59, ’11 HON, other environmental education Laurette Connors McNiel ’47 MA Joan Huber ’64 educator and businessman, programs that served more than Alba De Rogatis Quaresimo ’47 Patricia Rembish Kay ’64, ’68 MA died in June at the age of 300,000 students, teachers, Emil Douglas Flynn ’48, ’49 MA Gaetano T. Occhipinti ’64 MA 80. After graduating from graduate students, faculty and Paul Kelley ’48, ’52 MA Robert A. Sexton ’65 Montclair State, Riordan professionals. taught French and Spanish Marion Salvatore Bruno ’49 John W. Wallace Jr. ’65 MA at public schools in Dorothy Apgar ’50 Alvin M. Holtz ’66 Princeton and developed Thomas J. Bain ’50, ’60 MA Franklin Gould ’66 MA Rita Kane ’81 tests at the Educational Paula Hauser Maxwell ’50 Anthony J. Conti ’68 William R. Nast ’84 Testing Service there. He Nancy Wilson Amato ’51 Trevor Newman ’68 Virginia Williams ’84 then joined Houghton John P. Roberts ’52 Katharine Mulvaney ’69 Ernest B. McCullough ’85 Mifflin Company in Boston Lois K. Roberts ’52 Timothy Blasko ’69 MA Grace Soucie ’85 overseeing its educational Lorraine Colatrella Barone ’55 Linda Shanney Whipple ’70 Adele Blau Treff ’85 publishing activities before Herbert Jacobson ’55 David V. Bourque ’70 MA Sister Barbara Nesbihal ’87 MA becoming an executive and John T. Sules ’55 John A. Dispoto ’70 MA Maryfaith Marriott ’91 MA later, president and CEO of Peter J. Wild ’55 MA Joseph A. Eichinger ’71 the International Council of Edward Nunno ’91 MA Richard A. Guidetti ’71 Dale Cocchiola ’56 Shopping Centers. A lifelong Thomas Haney ’95 MBA Walter Gollender ’57, ’61 MA Julia Evans Rogers ’71 MA supporter of the University, Vito Sessa ’95 Judith Christiano Ketterer ’58 Lois Tydor ’71 MA he was founding chair of the David Janosz ’96, ’99 MA Salvatore V. Paleologo ’58, ’62 MA Marshall W. Brehm ’72 College of Humanities and Michelle A. Intiso ’01 Kerry H. Davis ’59, ’68 MA Michael B. Pollard ’72 MA Social Sciences Advisory Peter N. San Filippo ’02 William D. Graham ’59 Clara Grandcolas Kolarsick ’72 MA Council. Marisa Rincon ’08 Ruth Pannicke Kracht ’59 Allen Gebhardt ’73 William George ’10
54 The magazine of Montclair State University WE CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH. We want to express our appreciation for your planned gift to Montclair State University. But we may not know about it. Please tell us if you have included the University in your will or trust, or as the beneficiary of your IRA, retirement account or insurance policy. Your intention makes you a member of the Carpe Diem Society— alumni and friends who are helping to make the Montclair State University experience possible for future generations.
For information, contact the Office of Gift Planning at 973-655-7298 or visit montclair.giftplans.org/legacy. Please consult your financial or legal adviser regarding your financial situation.
Fall/Winter 2017 55 CONNECTIONS ALUMNI & FRIENDS LASTINGLESSONS
DOMENICA DESIDERIOSCIOLI | Professor Emerita, Exercise Science and Physical Education
nown as Dr. Desi, Professor Emerita Domenica Desiderioscioli retired in June after 51 years at the University as a much-loved professor, administrator, Kcoach and mentor. “Dr. Desi was more than a professor,” says Kacie Kellerman ’17. “She was a friend as well as a mentor.” Since joining Montclair State in 1966, Dr. Desi taught health and physical education classes, coached women’s fencing teams, served as an acting vice president during Montclair State’s transition from college to university, and as department chair. “I learned from Dr. Desi about the importance of leadership,” says Judy LoBianco ’92, ’95 MA. “She instilled in me the drive and desire to lead in my profession in order to serve others rather than myself first.” Although most visible as the Grand Marshal at the last six Commencement ceremonies, Dr. Desi is best known to her students for her caring. “As a freshman, I was amazed by Dr. Desi’s passion for physical education, its history and importance,” recalls Steven Wehrle ’07. “Fifteen years later it amazes me how her passion and advocacy for her students and the subject have never faded.” Says Eric Eder ‘94, “The importance of giving back is something I learned from Dr. Desi.” Her mentorship made a difference for Christine Baccarella ’71. “I was most fortunate to have had her as a professor at the beginning of my career. She has truly been a blessing in my life.” –Robert Gano
Read more about Dr. Desi at montclair.edu/lasting-lessons/Desi. 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 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS program
FOR A STRONGER STATE of mind. Starting with the 2018 fall freshman class, our new Known statewide for a welcoming, diverse community, Presidential Scholars Program will give accomplished, solid academics, and the advantages of easy access to motivated students the added challenge of special career-ready internships in New York and New Jersey, academic and career preparation opportunities, and with this new program Montclair State helps New Jersey’s a $5,000 scholarship for each of their four years of study. high-achieving students prepare for success. If you have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, and a Montclair State University’s new Presidential Scholars Program record of rigorous high school study, you can apply to is strengthening the future of talented, goal-oriented students— be a Presidential Scholar at Montclair State. and the state in which they live, learn and contribute.
Learn more at montclair.edu/presidential-scholars NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID 1 NORMAL AVENUE PONTIAC, IL MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY 07043 PERMIT NO. 362
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL: Jan. 14, 2018 and May 22, 2018 NJPAC
UNDERGRADUATES: May 25, 2018 Prudential Center COMMENCEMENT
DECEMBER 22, 2017 – JANUARY 12, 2018
Earn credits from wherever break takes you, including home.
register at montclair.edu/winter