University Celebrates 176th Commencement

Dr. Leonard Harris

Pomp and circumstance were in the air on January 26 as the University observed its 176th commencement ceremony in the Rec Center on a chilly winter day.
 

The University’s Visiting Distinguished Scholar Leonard Harris gave the commencement address. An interdisciplinary scholar, whose work encompasses American philosophical thought, the Harlem Renaissance and African American history, he called learning a lifelong activity. "It is an activity that can help each of us to make a difference in the world," he said. "It’s comparable to the difference that the faculty and administrators of William Paterson University have made in your lives."

Enjoying their last moments as undergraduates before receiving their degrees at Commencement are (from left) William Colangelo, Susan Weiner, and Jonathan Liano.

University President Arnold Speert also addressed the audience of graduates, faculty, staff and friends and families of the graduates. "Individuals who share a connection through a community of scholars and learners are empowered to pursue their futures with confidence and resolve," he stated. "As you pursue those futures, you will play an active part in your community. Armed with your education you are empowered to participate in shaping the vision of your family, your place of business, your town, our state and our nation."

Mary Antoine

Senior Class President Mary Antoine urged students to get involved in their communities and give something back. "Serve as mentors to those who will be graduating in the next few years. They need our support to learn about the things that we are going to face as we embark on our lives away from home."



Pepsi Executive to Present Alumni Lecture
on February 11

Anthony Pessolano

Anthony Pessolano, general manager of Pepsi Bottling Group of New Jersey and a 1980 graduate of the University, will share his two decades of business experiences during an address on Tuesday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium at 1600 Valley Road. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend.

In his role at Pepsi Bottling Group, Pessolano manages a $300 million a year business. A former delivery route driver and mechanic, he worked his way up through the company. Prior to being named to his current position, Pessolano served as vice president of sales for Pepsi International, a position which took him to 40 countries.

His lecture, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations, is part of a continuing effort to bring prominent alumni back to campus to speak with students about their careers and experiences at the University. For information, call Alumni Relations at x2175.

University Community Invited to Discuss Master Plan
University faculty, staff and students are invited to share their ideas, concerns and suggestions for a new William Paterson master plan during an open forum on February 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and February 20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Representatives from Saratoga Associates, the firm developing the plan, will lead the discussions, titled "Charrette," a term used by architects and designers to describe an intensive effort to complete a project before a deadline.

Information gathered from ideas expressed by the campus community will be presented on February 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. All events are in the Machuga Student Center Ballroom.

According to Stephen Bolyai, vice president for administration and finance, the current master plan, which was developed in 1990, is now obsolete. "We have added a number of buildings and locations that are not within the core of the main campus, as well as increased our enrollment past the number we projected at that time," he explains. "In light of those changes, we need to reevaluate our future plans for the physical plant, and assess the condition and utilization of our existing facilities. It is very important for all members of the campus community to share their ideas with us."

Committees or groups wishing to participate should sign up in advance for a particular time by calling Robert Bennett, assistant vice president, capital planning, design, and construction at x2242. Individuals can sign up on the day of the event.

Achievements

A one-person exhibit of works by Zhiyuan Cong, assistant professor of art, is on view through February 27 at the Myhelan Cultural Arts Center in Long Valley. The exhibit is titled "Crossroads: Paintings and Prints Combining Eastern and Western Influences."

Retired Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson to Speak About National Security on February 14
----Tickets available at Shea Center Box Office

Senator Fred Thompson

"Threats to America Present and Future—Terrorism and Beyond" is the topic on the agenda as recently retired Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson discusses our nation’s security and vulnerability during an address as part of the Distinguished Lecturer Series at William Paterson University on February 14 at 8:00 p.m. in Shea Center.
(More Information)

Biology Professor to Discuss Developments in Genetics and Reproductive Biology During Faculty Lecture on February 11

Miryam Wahrman, professor of biology, will address cutting-edge developments in genetics and reproductive biology when she lectures on "Designing Children: Genes and Genomes," as part of the Faculty Book/Creative Expression Lecture Series on Tuesday, February 11 at 3:30 p.m. in the Paterson Room of the Cheng Library. Wahrman is the author of Brave New Judaism: When Science and Scripture Collide, which examines Jewish perspectives on a wide range of issues posed by advances in biotechnology and biomedical science. The series, which is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, provides a forum for University faculty to share their work with the campus community.

V-Day Performances to be held on February 13

The University will once again participate in the annual V-Day College Campaign by staging benefit productions of the Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, to raise money and awareness to stop violence against women and girls.

Performances will be held in the Cheng Library Auditorium on February 13 at 12:30 p.m. and at
7:00 p.m. The production, consisting of University faculty, staff, and students, will be directed by Elizabeth Stroppel, assistant professor of communication. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Shelter Our Sisters, a local women’s shelter. Tickets are available at the Women’s Center. Ticket prices are $10; $9 in advance. William Paterson faculty and staff pay $7; $6 in advance; and the price for William Paterson students is $5; $4 in advance. Please call x2946.

University Employee Receives Marching Orders

Chris Hammerle, operations analyst, (center), Capital Planning, Design, and Construction receives good wishes from his co-workers as he prepares to join his unit in the National Guard. Pictured are: (from left) John Urinyi, director, Capital Planning, Design, and Construction (CPDC); Evelyn Lipscomb, office manager, CPDC; Robert Bennett, assistant vice president, CPDC; Hammerle; Karendt Zorogastua, intern, CPDC; Thomas McCann, project manager, CPDC; Elizabeth Dispenza, secretary, Physical Plant and Operations (PPO); and Aiesha Hill, student assistant, PPO.

Joseph (Chris) Hammerle, an operations analyst for the Office of Capital Planning, Design, and Construction, a 1999 graduate of William Paterson, and a sergeant in the National Guard, was called to active duty in January. He is a member of the 5th-117th Cavalry based in Dover, and has been a member of the National Guard for eight years. He is a tank crewman on a M1 Abrahms tank. Originally, he joined the reserves to put himself through college, but continued out of a sense of duty. "The National Guard was a way to have a civilian life and perform a civil service at the same time," he says. "I’m prepared to go where they send me." Hammerle reported to Fort Drum on January 30, for a minimum one-year deployment. Before he shipped out, he married his fiancée, Sarah, on January 24.

Freshman Wins Grand Prize in "Showtime at the Apollo" Series

Jayro Rosado, an 18-year old freshman at William Paterson, won the grand prize for his vocal performance at the "Showtime at the Apollo Theatre Series" in January. The television version of the Apollo’s long-running talent show airs on Sunday mornings on Channel 4.

Rosado sang a falsetto rendition of the Kate Bush song, "A Woman’s Work," and audience members voted him the clear winner with their loud cheers. "It was a great feeling," says Rosado, who has been studying music since the fourth grade. "I know I want to be a performer." Rosado won $25,000 in cash and prizes.

He earned his entry in the contest by beating out 13 other competitors at an "Apollo Amateur Night on Tour" concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark in October. He was one of 200 acts who tried out for the opportunity to compete in the show.

Rosado was also a 2002 finalist for The Star-Ledger Scholarship for the Performing Arts. He lives in East Orange and plans to major in music.

McPhail Named ECAC, NJAC Player of the Week

William Paterson University junior guard Kat McPhail earned a pair of honors when she was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Player of the Week on Jan. 28 and then captured the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Metro Region Player of the Week award a day later.(More Information)

Day Sets Women's Basketball Single-Season Blocks Record

Senior forward Jeanine Day put her name in the William Paterson University record books on Jan. 25 against New Jersey City, setting a new single-season standard for blocked shots. She had 33 blocks through Jan. 25, surpassing the mark of 31 set by Jill Struble in 1990-91. (More Information)

Men's Basketball Look Ahead
Khayri Battle	The three-time defending New Jersey Athletic Conference champion Pioneers (14-3, 8-2 NJAC) play their next three games on the road. Junior forward Khayri Battle has been having a strong all-around season. He leads the team in every statistical category.