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Retired Faculty Association Luncheon Meeting of November 28, 2007
The Retired Faculty Association's memorial luncheon commenced at noon in the Hobart Manor dining area. Those in attendance included: Jane Bambrick, Sidney Berman, Julie Bliss, Joseph Brandes, Jerome Chamberlain, Elisabeth DeGroot, Annalore Drabble, Ruth Fern, Anna Freund, Barbara Grant, Joseph (Vinson) Hill, Stanley Kyriakides, Helen Kyriakides, Judy Linder, Anthony Maltese, Marilyn Daniels Maltese, Barry Morganstern, Wilber Myers, Elizabeth Rinaldi, James Ruban, Arnold Speert, Spencer Scott , John Stimson, Alphonse Sully, and Gabriel Vitalone.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. the above group gathered together in the Hobart Hall Parlor (Sitting Room) and shared anecdotal remembrances about their former friends who passed away recently. (There was no set order in sharing information and stories about their former friends and co workers.)
Those former colleagues who were remembered at the luncheon included:
Barbara Bohny, John Drabble, Seymour Hyman, Harriet Modeman, Ralph Walker, Marie Yevak, Sam Cooper, Caterina Ettinger Feldman, Adele Lenrow, Soon-Man Rhim, and Mildred Wittick.
The group was fortunate that Dr. Speert added comments relative to many during the gathering.
In addition to commenting about their former friends, many in attendance shared anecdotal incidents which added a sense of nostalgia to the memorial session.
The meeting ended about 2:30 p.m.
Retired Faculty Association Luncheon Meeting of September 19, 2007
The Retired Faculty Assoication luncheon meeting, held at the Alumni House, was called to order by Presider Tony Maltese at noon on September 19, 2007. Dr. Maltese noted distinguished administrators present, including Arnold Speert, University president; Joanne Nigrelli, assistant vice president, principal gifts; Spencer Scott, director of major and planned gifts; and Judy Linder, executive director of alumni relations. Two special guests, Gina Guerrieri and Jay Ludwig, were there to present their film, ACADEMANIA, to the members of the Association. Since they had classes that afternoon it was decided that comments would be made during the luncheon. The short film would then be seen. Questions and comments by the group and the special guests would follow the film presentation.
President Arnold Speert was introduced and spoke to the gathering. Dr. Speert provided information for the retirees relative to the physical plant of the University. In addition to the structural changes on the campus he stressed major financial concerns being faced by the University. He was received warmly by the group and left to attend another meeting.
Dr. Maltese introduced Gina Guerreri, assistant professor of communication, who made brief comments about her film. The short film, ACADEMANIA, which has garnered awards and been shown at numerous film festivals, was enjoyed by the group. Professor Guerrieri and Dr. Jay Ludwig, the featured performer in the film, answered questions about the making of the film, including aesthetic issues, budgeting, locations, and character changes.
Spencer Scott, director of major and planned gifts, was introduced and spoke very briefly about giving programs at the University.
Tony Maltese closed the session at 1:45 p.m. He noted that the the next gathering of the Association would be held on November 29 in Hobart Hall. At that time memorable comments will be featured about former colleagues who have recently died.
Retired Faculty Association Luncheon Meeting of February 5, 2007
Tony Maltese welcomed the retirees and attending staff members and introduced University President Arnold Speert. President Speert described the current events on campus, with particular emphasis on the progress and plans for: (1) the Asian Studies Program and (2) the expansion and renovation of the Student Center and the Science Building.
The Student Center, now near completion, features a new Ballroom that has been linked to Wayne Hall. Extensive renovation is also planned for the Science Building, including a 65,000-square-foot addition, as well as a selective upgrade of the thirty-year-old existing building. It was also disclosed that President Speert has achieved a new status: Grandfather.
In addition to President Speert, other guests included Sandra Deller, vice president for institutional advancement; Joanne Nigrelli, executive director of development; and Kelli Christensen, director, major gifts and planned giving, and of course our hostess. Judy Linder, executive director of alumni relations. They joined the retirees for lunch and added to the many discussions around the table. We were also joined by the main speaker, alumnus Jeff Keith, sociology ’73, M.A. ’75, and his friend and neighbor, Francine Nardone, B.A. ’80.
After lunch Jeff Keith presented a delightful and fact-filled recounting of his tour of Antarctica with many beautiful pictures of its animals and glaciers. He surprised us with some crucial and surprising facts: such as: The Antarctic is a frozen desert with less than two inches of snow per year and temperatures of minus 150 degrees; that krill, a tiny shrimp, is the mainstay of the food chain: and, that if you wish, you can catch some drinking water from a melting iceberg that is 70,000 years old. He also recounted stories from his trips to many other continents. He has accomplished all this after retiring from teaching for 30 years at Mountain Lakes, and is planning another tour for this year. His discussion was excellent and we all wished that he would return another time to tell us about experiences on other continents.
After the discussion, Tony Maltese announced that there would be another meeting of the Retired Faculty Association to honor and appreciate the lives and work of recently departed members, and that planning will be done by a group in the RFA, for which you can volunteer.
Retired Faculty Association Luncheon Meeting on September 25, 2006
Tony Maltese welcomed the retirees to a full program and luncheon, and turned to Sandra Deller, vice president for institutional advancement, who also offerred a warm welcome. Vice President Deller then introduced Dr. Edward Weil, the newly appointed provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, who spoke of his history, expectations and goals for his leadership of the faculty and research.
Kelli Christenesen, director of planned giving, then introduced the first speaker, Sara B. Haley, an attorney with TIAA-CREF, who gave a detailed presentation of the alternative models of planned giving and their benefits for the giver and the University. She emphasized the possibilities for tax savings and tax traps, and the need to proceed with professional assistence, which can be provided by TIAA-CREF or by the University's Philanthropy web site, or campus office. Ms. Haley was accompanied by Christopher Weyrauch, who was available for questions and one-on-one discussion. Joanne Nigrelli, executive director of development, was also present.
Tony then introduced the featured speaker, Dr. Vincent Parrillo, who provided a charming and illustrated discussion of his book, William Paterson University, from the Campus History Series by Arcadia. His discussion was engaging and informative, and centered on many of the photographs he had collected from every possible historical source to depict WPU from 1855 to 2005. Two highlights were: the pictures of buildings now gone and sometimes forgotten, and the identification of past presidents and faculty. The presentation brought forth stories and comments from the retirees that added to the fun; the interaction between retirees and Dr. Parrillo made for an enjoyable discussion. After the discussion, Judy Linder made sure every attending retiree got an autographed copy of Dr. Parrillo’s book.
Tony then introduced John Stimson to say a few words about the AFT Retirees group. Tony reminded the retirees that the RFA is a social and informative group, but that the Union group is working to help retirees stay informed and maintain their benefits. Stimson announced that the next meeting will be on November 7, and the topic will be "Threats to Health Benefits." He quoted the Union President's statement that retirees may think that their benefits are secure, but that could change with any new contract. Ruth Fern then spoke up with news from Monmouth county teachers, saying that their contract is "being gone over with a fine tooth comb" to cut benefits. A letter from Reg Grier, president of the AFT retirees will be arriving soon, inviting everyone to the meeting on November 7.
The Retired Faculty Association Luncheon Meeting began at noon on Thursday, May 4, 2006. The meeting was held at the Alumni House.
Dr. Anthony Maltese presided. He introduced Steve Bolyai, vice president for administration and finance. Mr. Bolyai spoke to the group for about ten minutes. He described the current budget crisis facing the University. The retirees were called upon to assist in any way possible to offset the budgetary emergency. The group had questions and comments. It was suggested that letters to individual legislators and the governor would help ameliorate the situation.
Luncheon was made available after Mr. Bolyai concluded.
After lunch, Kelli M. Christensen, the new director of major gifts and planned giving, was introduced to the Association. She made several comments relative to her position and anticipated meeting with the group in the fall.
Dr. Maltese introduced Dr. Barry Morganstern, professor of Intercultural Communication, who was invited to share visual and personal experiences of his travels with the Association.
Dr. Morganstern presented a 22- minute documentary film of China. The documentary, compiled after a five week tour of China, was edited and narrated by Dr. Morganstern. A question and answer period followed the film presentation. Dr. Morganstern and the program were applauded and well received by the attendees.
Dr. Maltese indicated that the Steering Committee of the Association would be reconstituted and would be planning future programs for the group.
The meeting/luncheon adjourned at approximately 2:15 p.m. The next Retired Faculty Association gathering will take place early in the fall, 2006.
A breakfast meeting of the Retired Faculty Association and current senior faculty was held at the Alumni House on Friday January 27, 2006 at 8:30 a.m.
The session opened with greetings by Judy Linder, executive director of Alumni Relations.
Dr. Arnold Speert was introduced. He greeted all and commented on current University concerns and offered and update on programs and growth patterns.
Sandra Deller, vice president for Institutional Advancement, introduced guest speaker Russell Fishkind . Esq., a member of the Foundation Board and an associate of the legal firm of Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer, P.A.
Mr. Fishkind provided information to the attendees relevant to wills, financial concerns, health affairs, gift giving and estate planning. He responded to questions and offered assistance to all. Mr. Fishkind left several copies of his book for the group and a hand out pertinent to his remarks.
Judy Linder introduced Dr. Maltese. He greeted retirees and senior faculty attending the breakfast session. He informed everyone about the establishment of the AFT Chapter of Retired Faculty which will complement the activities of the Association. Dr. Maltese noted that the next Retired Faculty Association gathering will coincide with the AFT luncheon, scheduled for March 8, 2006, in the Paterson Room of the Library. Information from Reggie Grier will be forthcoming regarding that luncheon meeting. Issues relevant to pensions and health benefits will be on the agenda. The guest speaker will be Frank Stella from the national office in Washington.
Dr, Maltese introduced Dr. Orlando Saa, co-host of the session, who spoke of the significance of joint sessions of retirees and senior faculty.
There was general agreement that meetings of this nature would benefit the college community and should be encouraged.
The session was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Meeting of the William Paterson Retired Faculty Association on Tuesday, September 27, 2005
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On Tuesday, September 27, 2005, the Retired Faculty Association and other staff retirees shared memories of William Paterson at an all morning and early afternoon session at Hobart Manor, as part of the University's 150th anniversary celebration.
After a continental breakfast, Dr. Maltese welcomed the retirees and introduced Jeanie Robertson, director of professional and organizational development. She described the sequence of events that were to take place during the morning and early afternoon. This included audiotaping and videotaping of memories of the retired staff and faculty.
Individuals informally met around several tables and recorded audio information as they responded to questions relating to their college experiences. Also, if they wished, retirees could move to another station where they were videotaped and responded to other questions for a ten- to fifteen-minute sequence.
Other speakers during the morning session included Judy Linder, executive director of alumni relations.
A buffet luncheon was provided. President Speert welcomed all the retirees and thanked them for participating in this oral history program as part of the 150th anniversary of the University. He spoke about some of the upcoming events and achievements, including the establishment of the Clark Terry Archive, and a performance by the Bill Cosby Dream Band, on November 8, 2005 to support creation of the Clark Terry Concert Hall at the University. Dr Speert introduced Sandra Deller, vice president for institutional advancement, who reiterated some of the advances made by the University.
Entertainment was provided by Jeanne Brown, soprano.
The session disbanded about 3:00 p.m. Retirees had a pleasant morning and afternoon meeting friends and sharing remembrances.
Retirees Chapter Receives Charter from National AFT
—Memo from Reggie Greer
Hi Gang: For those of you who missed the charter presentation ceremony, I want to report that it went extremely well. As I pointed out before, the presentation ceremony was the first agenda item at the final year's meeting of AFT Local 1796. The presenter, Irwin Yellowitz from the CUNY Chapter, gave excellent remarks, including the many events and activities recently accomplished. Professor Yellowitz then presented the charter to AFT Local President Sue Tardi. The charter has the names of the 34 charter members, and will be framed and hung in the AFT Office in Hunziker Hall.
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I'll be in touch on future meetings and activities of the Chapter soon. Members at the presentation were Laura Aiken, Bill Willis, John Stimson and myself. For those of you who are not yet members and who would like to join and participate in our newly chartered Chapter, please send your application with a check for $25.00 to the AFT Office, Attention: John Stimson, Treasurer. You may call me at (301) 336-7879 or email me at rcgrier@erols.com with any questions you may have about the retirees chapter at William Paterson University.
Reggie
Luncheon Meeting of the WPU Retired Faculty Association March 22,
2005
Jeanie Robertson, director, professional and organizational
development, Human Resources, spoke to members about having a High Tea in Hobart Manor for retired faculty. The event will
be an opportunity for retirees to share their remembrances of William Paterson and record their stories and memories as
part of the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the University.
President Speert urged all retirees to attend this event. A letter will be sent to retirees with more information when a date has been set.
The Legacy Award dinner, on April 9, included an award to Gabe Vitalone.
This has special relevance for the RFA membership since Gabe has
been a leader and organizer of the Association.
It was announced that Vince Parrillo's book of pictures and memories
of the last 150 years of William Paterson University will
be available early in June from Arcadia publishing, http://www.arcadiapublishing.com.
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In celebration of the 150th Anniversary, the
Ben Shahn Gallery featured an exhibition titled,Chronologies
and Connections: 1855-2005. This is an exhibit of selected images and photographs depicting student life and architecture of the college
during this period of time. The exhibit will travel to the Paterson
Museum.
Members were asked to make note of a Charter Day Reception on April
20 at the Paterson Museum, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., to celebrate
the Sesquicentennial. All are invited to attend. Parking is available.
Don Fornuto updated the group on the progress of the AFT Retirees
chapter which has finally reached the stage of receiving a Charter
from the National AFT. Those 28 retirees who have already
paid dues will be inscribed as Charter Members, and receive a membership
card so stating. Don distributed enrollment forms, and those
who send in dues soon will also become Charter Members. A
luncheon is planned this semester, to which all retirees will be
invited by letter, and members will receive their cards. Elections
will be held in the beginning of next semester for officers of the
Chapter.
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John Stimson asked for ideas and contributions
for the RFA website, and noticed that when you "Google"
Retired Faculty Association, our site comes up about 4th or 5th
in the country. He hoped that Google ranked on quality.
The site is now a good skeleton and can become much more useful
through suggestions from retirees and prospective retirees.
Lynn Malzone Ierardi presented a delineation of the new vehicle
for giving to the University, the Charitable Gift Annuity.
It could be very useful to anyone interested in philanthropy and/or
income. This is a newly approved method of giving that provides
a lifetime of payments at higher interest than usual, and with some
portion of the payments tax free. More information is available
on the University's Philanthropy
website.
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President Speert spoke at the meeting and shared
two stories illustrating the University's successful cooperation
with the community. First, the Christos M. Cotsakos College
of Business received accreditation and special praise for the Russ
Berrie Professional Sales Laboratory and the E*TRADE Financial Learning
Center. The College was lauded because of its emphasis on programs
that provide students with real-world business experiences.
Also, President Speert proudly announced his photo-op in JET magazine
because of Clark
Terry's (renowned jazz trumpeter) decision to leave his extensive
archive to the University. President Speert credited the faculty
for these achievements, saying that the gifts from E*TRADE and Russ
Berrie became meaningful because of the way they were incorporated
into the curriculum; and that, Clark Terry had found a "home"
here because of the jazz program and the students it attracts.
Clark Terry donated his archival materials to William Paterson so
that they will be used by students rather than just sitting in a
display case.
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Retirees attending included: Don Fornuto,
Allen Isaacson, Tony Maltese, Anna Freund, Will Myers, Gabe Vitalone,
Bill Muir, Ruth Kane Fern, Laura Aitken, Gunvor G. Satra, Betty
De Groot, Barbara Grant, Joseph Brandes, John Stimson, Elizabeth
Rinaldi, and James Ruban. Other guests included Sandra Deller,
Joanne Nigrelli and Audrey Bonaparte-Watts.
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