Sonia Rosado (right), vice chairperson of the University's Board of Trustees, is holding the Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented to her aunt, Virginia Martinez, who was unable to attend the event. With her is Susanna Tardi, professor of sociology, who was master of ceremonies for the event.

Four longtime residents of Passaic County were honored at the University’s Eighth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner held on November 20 at the Brownstone House, and guests who attended were invited to celebrate their contributions to their own communities.

“Some of you will be remembered and honored by name and with plaques,” said Stephen Hahn, interim provost. “Others among you are without public announcement, but our intention is the same: to recognize and give thanks for your part in creating and sustaining the community that serves us, as we hope to serve it…thank you also for your service to family and community. We recognize all your service--to family, community, country, and thus to us--by serving you this one day in celebration of our thanksgiving.”

Four were honored with the University’s Lifetime Achievement Awards:Osvaldo Aquirre, founder of the CASA Latina Americana program, an organization that advocates for Hispanics who have encountered obstacles in employment and who need assistance in participating in political leadership positions; Virginia Martinez, founder of PRIDE (Puerto Rican Institute of Development and Education), which provides tutoring and career guidance to youth and adults, and co-founder of the United Puerto Rican Council; Harvey Nutter, executive director of the local chapter of the Opportunities Industrialization Center, which assists unemployed and welfare clients in obtaining skills needed to support themselves and their families; and Mary Wheeler, director of senior services for the City of Paterson, Department of Human Services, and an active community member who has been recognized for dedicated service to the National Council for Negro Women.