University Dedicates Allan and Michele Gorab Alumni House

More than 120 alumni and members of the William Paterson community gathered on Saturday, May 3 for a special ceremony to dedicate the Allan and Michele Gorab Alumni House at Oldham Pond.

"This is a marvelous moment in the history of the University," said President Arnold Speert. "This special facility speaks to our past and our present, and is a showcase for the future."

The 7,500-square-foot building, located in Haledon a half mile from the main campus, will house the University’s Alumni Relations Office, as well as the John Rosengren Laboratories, named after the late John Rosengren, University professor emeritus of biology. Meeting rooms of various sizes will be available for use by alumni, faculty and friends of the University.

President Arnold Speert (left) and Allison Kendall Worman (second from left), president of the Alumni Association, look on as benefactors Michele and Allan Gorab hold the plaque which will hang in the new Michele and Allan Gorab Alumni House.

Mrs. Beverly Rosengren (left) and Michael Sebetich, professor of biology and coordinator of the new John Rosengren Laboratories in the Alumni House, with a plaque which outlines the contributions of the late Dr. Rosengren, a professor emeritus of biology, after whom the labs are named.

Scientists gather for the dedication of the Rosengren Labs. From left: Henning Schnieder, associate professor of biology; Roy Messaros ’82, M.A. ’93; Michael Sebetich, professor of biology and coordinator of the labs; and Eswar Phadia, dean, College of Science and Health.

Reunion Weekend Set for June 6 to 8
—New Alumni House Gets It’s Own Party on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

The Alumni Association is hosting Reunion 2003 from June 6 to 8. A full program of events including seminars, a picnic, a dinner dance and a visit to the new Allan and Michele Gorab Alumni House will be held from Friday evening to Sunday morning on the campus in Wayne. (More Information)



President Speert Honored with History Day Award

University President Arnold Speert (right) received the New Jersey History Day Outstanding Contribution to History Education Award, given by the History Channel, for his contribution to history education. Nancy Norris-Bauer (left), director of field experiences, and state coordinator of New Jersey History Day, presented the award. Speert was honored for his commitment and support of the program at William Paterson. The program, held on May 3, drew more than 400 students and their teachers from middle and high schools throughout the state.

New Grads Get Gala Send Off

More than 1000 graduating seniors and their families have already signed up for the University’s annual Senior Send-Off, held this year on May 19 in a tent in Caldwell Plaza beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event, scheduled for the evening before commencement, is hosted by the Young Alumni Chapter of the University’s Alumni Association, and features a light dinner, live music and the opportunity for the Class of 2003 to bid farewell to their college years and share some memories. Special guests this year include members of the Class of 1953, celebrating their 50th reunion. For additional information, please call Alumni Relations at x2175.

Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot Speaks on Campus

The Leadership Development Program, a partnership between the Paterson Public Schools and the College of Education to assist school leaders in developing and nurturing leadership skills, was host to Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot (center), a respected sociologist and professor of education at Harvard University, who spoke on campus last month. With her after the lecture were Ronald Verdicchio (left), project director and chair of elementary and early childhood education, and Leslie Agard Jones, dean of the College of Education.

Reminder: Commencement to be Held on May 20

The University will hold its 177th commencement on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. on Wightman Field on campus. The rain date is Wednesday, May 21, also at 10:30 a.m. Eileen Scott, CEO of Pathmark Stores, Inc. and a 1976 graduate of William Paterson, will give the commencement address. Sister Patricia Daly, social justice activist, and George Tice, internationally acclaimed photographer, will receive honorary degrees.
(More Information)

Writer Speaks for Friends of the Library

Chris Hedges

Chris Hedges, New York Times foreign correspondent and author of War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, spoke in the David and Lorraine Cheng Library Auditorium on campus as part of the Friends of the Cheng Library program held on May 1. The Friends of the Library serve as an advocate the Library's importance as an integral resource of the University and the broader community. It provides fellowship to help focus community support for special projects and programs, raises funds to purchase books, equipment, and other materials beyond the capabilities of the Library's budget, and serves proactively to encourage gifts of materials for the Library's collections and programs. For more information, please call x2113 or email vanboerumd@wpunj.edu.




William Paterson University Presents Summer Comedy, Crossing Delancey

William Paterson University will produce Crossing Delancey, a popular play and subsequent movie by Susan Sandler, in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus in Wayne. Performances are slated for July 11 through 19.

"Crossing Delancey" is a sentimental, character-driven romantic comedy about a New York City Jewish woman who must choose between suitors and cultures.

For information and ticket reservations call x2227.

Several Feted at 2003 Senior Athletic Awards Banquet

John Martone, associate vice president and dean of student development, and Sabrina Grant, director of athletics

Women’s basketball player Patrice Sanders, volleyball player Brenda Kaus and Associate Vice President/Dean of Student Development John Martone were the recipients of special awards at the 2003 William Paterson University Senior Athletic Awards Banquet held at La Neve’s Restaurant in North Haledon. Overall, 25 student-athletes were honored for playing four years at William Paterson. Of them, 11 were cited for having a grade point average above 3.0.
(More Information)



Softball Caps Successful Season in NCAA Championships

William Paterson went 29-12-1, captured the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament championship and made its ninth appearance in the NCAA Division III Softball Championships in one of the most successful seasons in school history. Another highlight was that senior shortstop Katie Morris captured the New Jersey Athletic Conference Player of the Year award and was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)/USA Today Division III All-East Region first team.
(More Information)

Morris Selected as NJAC Softball Player of the Year

Katie Morris

Senior shortstop Katie Morris became the third consecutive William Paterson student-athlete to be named New Jersey Athletic Conference Softball Player of the Year. Morris, who also was picked to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)/USA Today Division III All-East Region first team, batted .331 with 29 runs scored, 14 doubles, three homers and 20 RBI. Morris was picked to the All-NJAC first team, while senior catcher Morgan Dunlap made the second team. (More Information)

Graham Named NJAC, NJCBA Baseball Player of the Year

Bryan Graham

Senior right fielder Bryan Graham capped one of the finest careers in Pioneer history when he was named the 2003 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association Division II/III Player of the Year in a vote of conference coaches. William Paterson’s all-time leader in doubles with 52, Graham was also named to the first-team All-NJAC squad along with senior shortstop Dan Suarez.

Dan Suarez

Meanwhile, senior center fielder Ron Hayward earned a spot on the second-team All-NJAC and All-NJCBA rosters, while sophomore second baseman Tim Banos was picked to the All-NJAC second team.
(More Information)

Baseball Season in Review

With some clutch hitting and a dash of drama down the stretch, William Paterson earned its way into its 13th consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament while posting its 13th consecutive 20-win season. Four players made the All-NJAC all-star team, including senior right fielder Bryan Graham, the NJAC and New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association’s (NJCBA) Division II/III Player of the Year. (More Information)

Scott Awarded Two NJAC Softball Pitching Honors

Jenn Scott

Freshman right-hander Jenn Scott captured the New Jersey Athletic Conference Pitcher and Rookie Pitcher of the Week awards after leading William Paterson to its second conference tournament title on May 4. After the Pioneers lost their first game, Scott won four consecutive outings, including a no-hitter against Montclair State on May 3. (More Information)

Migliaccio, Morris Named to Softball All-Regional Team

Senior middle infielders Pam Migliaccio and Katie Morris were selected to the All-Northeast Regional Tournament Team after the tournament concluded at the State University of New York at Cortland.
(More Information)

Welcome to efocus Update

efocus Update is a new 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.



Employee Art Wanted for Recognition Reception: A Wall of Art to showcase our employees' creative talents will be set up for everyone to see on the deck of the SS William Paterson as it sails on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 1600 Valley Road. The art and entertainment committee is actively seeking works by William Paterson University employees to be exhibited during the Employee Recognition Reception. If you or one of your co-workers have an artistic passion and would like to submit a piece for the exhibit please call Diane Casella at x3594 or reply via
e-mail to casellad@wpunj.edu for further details.

May 18
Catholic Campus Ministries: You are cordially invited to the CCMC Senior Mass for Graduating Seniors, 7:30 p.m., CCM Chapel, followed by a reception honoring our grads! Come...bring a friend! Fr. Lou, x3524.

May 19
Young Alumni Association: Senior Send-Off: Class of 2003 and their families are invited to a celebration to bid farewell and share memories, champagne toast and light supper, 7:00 p.m., Caldwell Plaza under tent, call Alumni Relations at x2175.

May 20
177th Commencement Ceremony: 10:30 a.m., Wightman Field, Eileen Scott, CEO of Pathmark Stores, Inc. and a 1976 graduate of William Paterson will give the commencement address. Sister Patricia Daly, social justice activist, and George Tice, internationally acclaimed photographer, will receive honorary degrees. Raindate is May 21, also at 10:30 a.m.

May 21
The SS William Paterson: Charting the Course for Academic Success through Service Excellence: A celebration for support staff will be held at the Valley Road Building Cafeteria and Terrace, which will be temporarily transformed into a cruise-ship to fit the theme. Time: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sponsors, donations and door prizes would be greatly appreciated, as would any volunteers who may include greeters to the event, card dealers, musicians, and talent — everything that would make this event a success. For information, call x2887 or e-mail curryg@wpunj.edu.

June-July
Summer Baseball Camp for Boys: Dates for this year are June 30 to July 3, July 7 to July 10, July 14 to July 17, July 28 to July 31. For additional information or a copy of the brochure please contact Jose Rebimbas at x2170.

July 11 - 19
Summer Theatre: Crossing Delancy, a popular play and subsequent movie by Susan Sandler, in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus in Wayne. Performances are slated for July 11 through 19. For directions, information and ticket reservations, call x2227.

July 21-26

Jazz It Up! Summer Jazz Festival: July 21: Faculty concert with David Demsey and friends, 7:30 p.m., Shea Center; July 22: Earl May, bass, 7:30 p.m., Shea Center; July 23: Jazz for Kids featuring the Blackman Brothers, 11:00 a.m., Shea Center; NY Voices with the William Paterson University Summer Big Band, directed by Steve Marcone, 7:30 p.m., Shea Center; July 24: Joe Magnarelli, trumpet, noon, Newark Museum and 7:30 p.m., Shea Center; July 25: Dr. Billy Taylor and his trio, 7:30 p.m., Shea Center. For tickets call x2371.

efocus  May 15, 2003

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