Life Changing Years
Senior year can present many challenges. Where will I move when I graduate?
What companies should I interview with? I had the challenge of my girlfriend
(now wife) getting pregnant mid year. The first people I told at the University
were my roomates Andy and Soltan, as well as Men's Soccer Coach Brian
Woods. The moral support Coach Woods provided me that day was immeasurable.
I am happily married with two sons 3 and 5. The years at WPU helped shaped
my life. My favorite memory that year was beating Trenton State College
for Coach. That was the least I could do for what Coach Woods and the
University did for me...
Michael Zurawski, Class of 1999, B.A. History, mzurawsk@yahoo.com Sent: January 31, 2005
Finding Buddah
I remember after finishing a coffee from Starbucks and heading to class,
my friend and I were talking about the little Buddah in all of us. We
weren't speaking of Buddah in a religious or philosphical way, but we
spoke of the way he is depicted. He is a chubby man sitting indian style
with a big grin on his face. As I looked around I noted that a few of
the people can be physically compared to Buddah. But then I thought of
the history courses I've taken at William Paterson University. I then
realized that Buddah is smiling because he found peace with himself. He's
not happy that he's obese, yet he's okay with it. This is when I had to
burst out into tears and hug my friend. We cried together for a good few
minutes because we had both realized the same thing at the same time.
Life is all about finding the Buddah in you. WPU helped me open my eyes
and shape my lifestyle. I have found Buddah. I have found myself.
Ron Jeremy, Class of 2001, Degree: Nursing,
RJeremy@aol.com Sent: January 15, 2005
Dr. Edith Shannon
One year between 1949-1953, I had a geography course or two from Dr. Edith
Shannon. She probably thought me a silly, happy "youngster"
who never really listened. But maybe, in her wisdom, she somehow knew
that I did. I really hope that she did.
Here is one of the deeply profound lessons I absorbed
from her and, in turn, passed on to my many students over my teaching
years. She drew a very large circle on the chalkboard. In a far little
corner of that huge circle was an almost microscopic tiny circle. She
swept her arm over the enormous circle and said that these were the "have
nots" in our world—and in that very very small circle were
the "haves." She said to us that that was our future! "Yes,
class, THAT is your future" in her famously very soft spoken voice
to a very well controlled class of 18 to 21 year olds . A class that dared
not even breathe too loudly. Lord, I wonder how in the world could she
have predicted our future so succinctly, so accurately, so right on the
mark over fifty years ago???
Myra Casey Masson, Class of 1953, MMasson811@aol.com
Sent: June 8, 2004
Returning Student
I just remember starting out at WPU in 1984 as a part-time student. I
knew I would return one day. Twenty years later I am back and halfway
through my junior year!
Donna M. Collinson Sent: December 21, 2004
Dr. Runden
I had many wonderful professors in the English Department but my favorite
was Dr. Runden. He taught American Literature, which was not my favorite
at all, but he had a way of making it enjoyable and interesting. If it
hadn't been for him and his teaching methods, I don't think I would have
gotten through it! He was interesting, insightful, was personable and
treated everyone with respect and consideration. At graduation, I got
to "walk" at the head of the line with him and I will never
forget that!
Margaret Beresford, Class of 1975, B.A. English, MJBPLUZ3@aol.com Sent: December 17, 2004
Favorite memories
One of my favorite memories was in Anatomy and Physiology. Unfortunately
I cannot remember (the professor's) name but it was in the year 1985/6.
I not only learned a lot but he also reminded us that life is full of
possibilities and it is not all that bad. A true optimist. My other memory
is of the friends I had made in psychology. I only speak to one today
but I have a lot of great memories.
Peter Timpano, Jr, Class of 1987, B.A. Psychology, pete.timpano@itt.com Sent: September 17, 2004
Dr. Jaarsma
One of my favorite professors was Dr. Jaarsma, an English Literature teacher.
He had a subtle way of teaching that encouraged freedom of thought and
expression, and instilled within his students an eagerness to explore
the written word. I was a freshman the first time I took one of his courses.
It was the early 70's and the world was reeling with turmoil and change.
Dr. Jaarsma let me speak my mind without censure, albeit usually off topic.
In fact, I'm pretty sure he secretly enjoyed my naive rhetoric at times.
Still, he never judged, nor lost his patience. Over my years at William
Paterson College I took at least 4 more courses with him. His teachings
and manner touched my mind and heart, and I thank him for allowing me
to grow. He could have been just an ordinary teacher, with an ordinary
agenda. He could have stomped on my bravado, nipping my adventurous, rebellous
spirit in the bud. Instead, he invited me into a world of thought. Because
of this wonderful teacher I am still thinking out of the box, still creating
and still writing. Thank you, Dr. Jaarsma.
Elisabeth Marrapodi Jacobsen, Class of 1978, B.A. English Literature,
liz1210@optonline.net Sent: June 29, 2004
Student Center Lounge
There are so many great memories to choose from.. but one that sticks
out in my mind the most were the times I spent at the Lounge in the Student
Center where the Starbucks is at today... With the dim lights and couches
all over it made it a great spot to study, meet with my friends, take
small naps.. (during those LONG breaks between classes) and even watched
TV it was like home away from home. Thanks for 4 great years!!!!
Pamela M., Class of 2001, B.S. concentration management Sent: May 22, 2004
Finding My Soul Mate
I found love at William Paterson.
More specifically, I found love the first day on campus at William Paterson.
Freshman Orientation, July 16, 1997. I'd just graduated from high school
less than a month ago, and would turn age 18 the following day. I reported
to Hunziker Hall (after first getting lost in the wing) for my freshman
orientation group. After introductions, we broke off into smaller groups
for ice-breaking games. It was then that I met Kristie Mucha, another
new freshman nursing student. We played word puzzles and other ice-breaking
games, and Kristie was impressed with my proficiency at the games. Throughout
the day she clung close to my side, saying she didn't know anybody else
there and I just had to keep her company. We met up the next morning for
day two of orientation and then parted, promising to keep in touch, but
probably not expecting to see each other again. Four years later we graduated,
and shortly thereafter married on September 2, 2001. We currently live
in Seminole FL and I couldn't be happier. William Paterson not only gave
me the education and training I needed to succeed in the world, it also
gave me a place to find love where I'd least expect to, in a class room
playing those silly ice-breaking games!
Michael L. van Gaalen, Class of 2001, B.A. Philosophy, English/Writing
Minor, Sent: Friday, May 14, 2004
Memories of William Paterson
I wish that there was just one specific (memory), so if there was, I guess
that it would be my times with my then boyfriend and husband now, Matthew
Harelick. We were very active in the SGA (Student Government Association)
and JSA (Jewish Student Association), and have been married now for a
little over three years. My time at William Paterson was a lot more fun
because of the time that we spent together at college, and for that I
will always remember WPC.
Laurie Harelick, Class Year 1993, B.A. Sociology, SGA member and leader
laurf30@yahoo.com Sent: May 14, 2004
The Perfect Fit in my Forties
I had attended WPU on and off for nearly 2 decades, taking whatever graduate
courses my employers would pay for. Finaly, 3 children later — one
of whom was in college herself — I decided it was time to get my
master's! As an at-home mom, I was free to chose whatever discipline I
wanted, as I was now paying for the credits myself. I dicovered that sociology
was the love of my life — well, one of my great loves, anyway. Now
I am preparing to pursue a doctoral degree, thanks to the encouragement
of Drs. Stein, Flint, Korgen, and Elsner. At this time in my life, WPU
became an oasis of thought and adult interaction, after nearly 10 years
out of the paid workforce. I will miss the wonderful professors (on par
with any you'd find at the most elite schools) and my very interesting
classmates, all of whom personally contribute to the great sociological
study of American life. But I will not miss the high demand/low supply
of parking spaces!
Sarah Murray, Class of 2004, M.A. Sociology, wpmurray@optonline.net Sent: May 12, 2004
