Trio of Mystery Writers to Speak at William Paterson University’s Distinguished Lecturer Series on February 18

Coben		Meltzer		Paretsky

Harlan Coben, Brad Meltzer, and Sara Paretsky, three award-winning mystery novelists, are scheduled to speak about their genre on February 18 as part of William Paterson University’s Distinguished Lecturer Series. (More Information)

150th ANNIVERSARY TRIVIA CONTEST Editor’s Note: This Trivia Contest is part of the University’s 150th Anniversary celebration. There will be one question per issue dealing with the history of the institution. Responses should be sent to the efocus mailbox at efocus@wpunj.edu. The first correct response will be declared the winner and will receive a prize. Only one prize will be awarded per issue. Answers will be published in the next issue. This month we are publishing a photo for identification: Q: Which campus building is under construction in the photo? 1. Raubinger Hall 2. Shea Center 3. Hunziker Hall 4. Wightman Gym Barbara Pidgeon, office of the dean of student development, is the winner of the January 15 efocus contest. She was the first person to respond with the correct answer: Wee Collegians is the name of the children’s day school initiated in the summer of 1953 to bring children to campus who were available for demonstration teaching and child study. This program also made it possible for summer session students to bring their children ages 3-11 to campus for a small fee and supervised activity.

William Paterson University Presents Spring Jazz Room Series — Performers include Jean “Toots” Thielemans and Joe Lovano

“Toots” Thielemans		Joe Lovano

Jean “Toots” Thielemans, the renowned harmonica player, and Joe Lovano, the Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, are among the jazz artists scheduled to perform during the spring 2005 Jazz Room Series at William Paterson University in Wayne. The Sunday afternoon series, one of the most prestigious university-sponsored jazz events in the country, will run from February 13 through April 17, 2005.
(More Information)

University Celebrates 180th Commencement

Morris Rossabi

Despite an unexpected weekend snowstorm that required the University’s winter commencement to be postponed to Monday, January 24, the 865 graduates and their families and friends were in a festive mood as they celebrated the occasion in the Rec Center.

The University’s Visiting Distinguished Fellow, Professor Morris Rossabi, gave the commencement address. An expert in east and west Asian history, he spoke of the value for students of familiarity with non-western thought and culture.

Before the ceremony graduates (from left) Kathryn Amicucci, Michael Patterson and Carl Boyle gathered in the tents.

“I am delighted that William Paterson University requires students to take a course in non-western studies as part of their undergraduate education,” he said. “I’m pleased because democracy requires an informed electorate and public, and you as students have begun to develop the tools necessary to be informed citizens with a broad background not only in the western world but also with some knowledge of the non-western world.”

University President Arnold Speert advised the graduates to realize their potential. “Recognize how you can apply the knowledge, skills and talents that you have developed here to improve the lives of fellow citizens throughout our region, our nation, and even the world,” he said. “Remember your experiences here, and use what you have learned to foster tolerance, understanding and harmony.”

Senior class president Brandon Clay advised the graduates to be open to new challenges. “Be open to many new options, decisions and endless possibilities,” he said. “Take the pride, friendship, joy, laughter and knowledge you have gained here into the real world with you.”

William Paterson University Observes African Heritage Month

Lectures, performances and musical events support the theme of “Embracing the Legacy,” during William Paterson University’s observance of African Heritage Month in February. (More Information)

New Exhibits on View at Ben Shahn Galleries

Three new exhibits are on view in the Ben Shahn Galleries. In the Court Gallery, an exhibit commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the University uses images from the University’s Archive. The East Gallery holds “CONSTELLATIONS,” an exhibit of electronic sculpture by James Seawright. “Blue Crystals”, an exhibit of paintings by Janet Filomeno, is on view in the South Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Men's Basketball Look Ahead

Luis Martinez

The Pioneers (13-6, 5-6 NJAC) are currently battling for one of the six slots in the upcoming New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament. To secure a spot, they will rely on the improved offensive play of sophomore forward Luis Martinez (8.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and the playmaking capabilities of senior guard Robert Sullivan (11.6 ppg, 4.1 apg).

Women's Basketball Look Ahead

	Sheakia Jackson

The Pioneers (10-9, 7-4 NJAC) are in position to earn one of the top two seeds in this month’s New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament, which means they would get a first-round bye. Sophomore guard Luci Custis (12.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and freshman forward Sheakia Jackson (11.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg), named the NJAC Player of the Week on Jan. 31 and the ECAC Metro Region Player of the Week the following day, have emerged as two of the league’s top players.

Swimming and Diving Look Ahead

The Pioneers’ men’s (9-1) and women’s (9-3) teams are preparing for the upcoming Metropolitan Conference Swimming and Diving Championships to be held Feb. 18-20 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Upcoming road meets against The College of New Jersey on Saturday, Feb. 5 and Mount St. Mary on Wednesday, Feb. 9 will enable women’s junior Kristin Clegg (freestyle/backstroke) to prepare for the Met Championships.

Welcome to efocus Update

efocus Update is a forum for all faculty and staff wishing to post notices of events for the University community, and replaces our e-mail newsletter WPUpdate.  Please send your e-notices
of events to efocus@wpunj.edu for publication every two weeks.

February 1 - March 4

Ben Shahn Galleries: Janet Filomeno, "Blue Crystals," James Seawright, "Constellations: Electronic Sculptures," and "Chronologies and Connections 1855-2005: The Evolution of the University in a Global Context," designed by Angela DeLaura with assistance from Kelly Merkin and Yuan Zhang, Gallery open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., x2654.

February 3
Midday Artist Series: Bill Easley, saxophone, 12:30 p.m., Shea Center, x2371.

February 7
New Music Series
University Percussion Ensemble, new music for tabla and percussion ensemble, featuring guest tabla player Shawn Mativetsky, directed by Payton MacDonald, admission free, 7:30 p.m., Shea 101, x2371.

February 10
Midday Artist Series: Annual Band Day Concert featuring William Paterson University's Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, instrumental soloists and Percussion Ensemble, directed by J. Craig Davis, 12:30 p.m., Shea Center, x2371.

February 13
Jazz Room Series: Onaje Allan Gumbs, award-winning pianist, composer, arranger, and producer, "Sittin' In" Meet-the-artist session at 3:00 p.m., Shea 101, concert at 4:00 p.m., Shea Center, for tickets call x2371.

Hobart Manor Recital Series: Karen Demsey, flute; Merynda Adams, harp, recital at 5 p.m., reception at 6:00 p.m., admission: $20 recital, $35 recital and wine and cheese reception, Hobart Manor, x2371.

February 15
AFT Local 1796: Meeting, 12:30 p.m., Student Center 203-5, light lunch will be served, x2988.

February 18
Distinguished Lecturer Series: "An Evening of Murder, Mayhem, and Great Literature"
Harlan Coben, Brad Meltzer, and Sara Paretsky, three award-winning and best-selling mystery writers speak about their craft, 8:00 p.m., Shea Center, x2371.

efocus February 1, 2005

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