The College of the Arts and Communication Spotlight Digital Publication

SPRING 2019

Cast members from the Department of Music’s Premier Performance of “The Pirates of Penzance...”

INSIDE :

Dr. Jin-A Choi James Weidman Jaimeo Brown Elise McAloon Dr. Christopher Herbert

Eileen Foti Maria Zuniga Brock Borgeson Ashley Gerst

Dr. Phillip Sprayberry Marcos Salazar Vanessa Nilsson

COAC NEWS:

WPSC-FM Brave New Radio and WPTV received 3 awards at the 79th Annual IBS Awards in New York City on March 2, 2019: WPSC-FM/ Brave New Radio - Best Press Release, WPSC-FM/ Brave New Radio - Best Use of Sound Effects and WPTV - Best Sports Program.

WPSC-FM Brave New Radio and WPTV were also finalists in: Best College TV Station, Best College Radio Station, Best Video News Report (WPTV), Best Station Contest/Promotional Event (WPSC-FM), Best Video Comedy Program (WPTV), Best Variety Program (Video) – WPTV, Best TV Talk Program (WPTV), Best Use of Graphics (WPTV), Best Use of YouTube (WPTV) and Best On-Air Personality (WPSC-FM). Brave New Radio & WPTV) Professor Kyle Coniglio’s work was included in the exhibition Personal Spaces, which was on view at Danese/Corey Gallery in New York City.

Dr. Nicholas Hirshon’s graduate class (PCOM 6000) collaborated in the Queen’s Memory Program, a New York City initiative that collects oral histories from residents of Queens. Students interviewed longtime residents, many of whom were involved in the production and promotion of defunct news publications that focused on the arts in Queens.

Dr. Hirshon entered the Queens Memory Program into the Transformative Teaching of Media and Journalism History contest, sponsored by the History Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). Dr. Hirshon’s entry was accepted. As a result, he’s been invited to share his teaching practices at the AEJMC convention, to be held in August.

Professor Lily Prince was one of 12 artists to have her art included in the exhibition Ingenious Prospects at Novado Gallery in Jersey City, which was on view until April 13, 2019.

Dr. Jin-A Choi | Faculty of the Month (March) Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, presented her research on social media celebrities, entitled Usenet and the First Class of Social Media Celebrities, at the 2019 Joint Journalism and Communication History Conference held on March 9 at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.

During Fall 2018, she and five scholars received a research grant from the Korean Advertising Society. Under Dr. Choi’s leadership, the group presented their research at the Korean Advertising Society’s Spring Conference at Sogang University in South Korea.

James Weidman | Adjunct Professor of the Month (March)

How long have you been an adjunct professor?

I have been an adjunct professor at William Paterson for 19 years. The marvelous pianist/composer James Williams was the Director of Jazz Studies and asked me to be part of the faculty.

What course(s) do you teach & what’s your favorite course to teach?

I teach Functional Jazz Piano, courses I-IV and I teach private jazz lessons (I have piano and vocals students). I enjoy all the classes that I teach because in the end, it’s all about entering inside the music.

What inspires you?

As both a teacher and a performer, music remains a continual source of inspiration. As a teacher, it is inspiring to observe the musical development in my students. Their growth of course, is the result of their dedication to practice and study. My esteemed colleagues in the Music Department inspire me as well.

The music faculty consists of top-notch artists who are both passionate and knowledgeable about their craft.

What have you learned from a student or students?

During my years of teaching, I have certainly become more enlightened in terms of my approach because of my students. Every budding musician is unique in terms of their musical needs. Some travel afar from various countries to come to William Paterson to study this great genre called jazz. I feel that as a teacher, the challenge is to be always flexible. It is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the various aspects of musical elements. A teacher’s musical life experience counts for much in that regard, too. That being said, I offer that the best learning experiences for both teacher and student is the creative collective act of solving musical problems.

The Department of Communication WPSC-FM Brave New Radio and WPTV Students, Faculty and Staff Award recipients

What does Will.Power. mean to you?

Will.Power. so aptly describes the mindset for jazz students here at William Paterson. It is a description of those who have graduated from here and are now out there doing great things. One must be determined to be a good musician.

One must be tenacious to pursue this music. I should add that the ultimate driving force of Will.Power. is passion and love.

What career advice would you give to WP students?

Never forget your passions and protect it at all costs. Learn all you can while you are here. When you leave here, remember to be creative, fearless, and intelligent in terms of all your life options.

Name three adjectives that best describe your William Paterson University teaching experience.

Exciting. Swinging. Mind-Opening.

Tell us about any projects that you’re working on.

I am working on a book featuring my compositions. I also have two trios that I am presenting at various venues this year: The Aperturistic Trio featuring Harvie S on bass and Alvester Garnett on drums and The Rhythm Keepers featuring Marvin Horne, guitar and John Menegon, bass.

Jaimeo Brown | Alumni of the Month (March) When did you graduate?

2001 What was your major?

Music/Jazz Performance What inspires you?

Recently, I have been inspired by movies and filmmakers. It’s intriguing to me that when you watch an incredible film, you become lost in the movie. You forget you are watching actors and become emotionally tied up in the story and characters. Storytelling is the essence of what inspires me and motivates me to create music. Movies like StarWars challenge me to think and imagine bigger.

What advice would you offer to current William Paterson University students in the College of Arts & Communication?

Master your skills at reading, speaking and thinking not for the purpose of obtaining a degree. Master these skills because they are the essence of becoming a powerful individual. The knowledge I absorbed in college took me to incredible places all around the world. History demonstrates that the arts are at the forefront of steering culture. A wise politician once said, “Let me write the songs of a nation, and I care not who writes its laws.”

contemporary forums on the

arts and new media

contemporary forums on the

arts and new media

contemporary forums on the

arts and new media

What have you learned in William Paterson’s Music program that’s been beneficial to you?

William Paterson has a special music program that helped to bring out my fullest potential. Professors like Rufus Reid, James Williams, and Horace Arnold equipped me with the tools I needed to be a professional musician and balanced human being. I also learned so much from the students that the school attracted. The culture of practicing 6 hours a day on our instruments was considered normal. Chris Sholar, who is a member of the musical ensemble Transcendence, was one of the first people I met at William Paterson. An amazing program will attract amazing people; Dr. David Demsey has done a stellar job of keeping the Jazz Program organized.

Tell us about your current projects.

We are currently working on a new Transcendence album entitled Street Cries. This album musically tells the story of how the earliest forms of African American music evolved into the blues, jazz, rock and hip-hop via the Great Migration.

New music is often developed in the streets and this phenomenon can be observed all over the world. For more information, visit www.jaimeobrown.com.

Elise McAloon | Student of the Month (March) What is your major?

Music Education When will you graduate?

May 2019 What inspires you?

I am inspired by my friends, family, professors and all of my own students.

What do you like most about William Paterson University’s Music Department?

William Paterson University’s Music Department offers many performance and professional opportunities. These opportunities that the school has given me include touring Europe with the Chamber Choir, performing at a Marimba

Dr. Christopher Herbert | Faculty of the Month (March)

Dr. Christopher Herbert, Assistant Professor of Music, completed his doctorate (DMA in Voice) in May 2018 from The Julliard School and won the Richard F. French Dissertation Prize. During the Summer of 2018, he received a Mid Atlantic Foundation grant for travel to Europe to perform with his Grammy nominated ensemble, New York Polyphony.

Lauded by Opera News for his “exceptional” singing, Dr. Herbert, a critically acclaimed baritone, has performed operas and concerts throughout the world. His upcoming opera performances include: Kopernikus

by Claude Vivier at Issue in Brooklyn in May; Dido and Aeneas by Purcell at Green-Wood Cemetery in June and a third opera in October at The Miller Theatre in NYC. Most recently, Dr. Herbert directed a short documentary, where he describes his research on the music of Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata, Pennsylvania and introduces America’s first known female composers.

To view the video, please click the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2NhY9VO3aM&fbclid=IwAR0xlQpN6N2eMCTed4S_UGU6P95_gnmOpN7QdNSo6qz1xBua_c4B01robJo

Festival in Florida with the Percussion Ensemble and being a featured artist at the 2018 PASIC (Percussive Arts International Convention) with the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble in Indianapolis. These opportunities are important to me because it’s helping me become a better musician and educator. I consider myself lucky to have been exposed to these many experiences that have helped me grow more than I ever could have imagined.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at William Paterson University?

The most important thing I have learned is to build connections within my field.

Being exposed to many surrounding schools, educators and professional musicians have all taught me to work with a variety of people to help me better my craft as well as build a name for myself in the music education field.

Tell us about your work.

Being a percussion major, I have spent the majority of my time performing in various ensembles at the university, which include: William Paterson University’s Percussion/New Music Ensemble, The New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, The Wind Ensemble and The Chamber Choir. I also student teach at Wayne Valley High School, where I work with WP alumnus, Gabriel Batiz.

What are your future plans?

My plans after graduating are to become a public school music teacher. I also plan on continuing to perform as a percussionist and obtaining a Master of Music in Percussion Performance.

Eileen Foti | Adjunct of the Month (April) How long have you been an adjunct professor?

I have been teaching in the Department of Art at William Paterson University since 2013.

What course(s) do you teach?

I teach all levels of undergraduate and graduate printmaking. I have integrated hand-papermaking and artist book techniques into the curriculum as well.

What inspires you?

As an artist, I am inspired by the sheer diversity of the physical, spiritual and conceptual life around us. As a teacher, I am inspired by the satisfaction, pride, and sometimes amusement that students feel when they make their first successful prints.

What have you learned from a student or students?

I have learned that students learn in different ways. There is no single way to successfully disseminate information to everyone. Finding creative ways to reach everyone keeps me on my toes.

What does Will.Power. mean to you?

Will.Power. means taking time to learn from every single experience one has while being at this university, and then, applying that collective knowledge as he/she begin to shape the future.

What career advice would you give to WP students?

I always tell my students that having a background in art is valuable for a number of reasons. Creativity, flexibility, originality and the ability to collaborate are things that make an artist strong. But they can also be applied to any path that one may take.

Name 3 adjectives that best describe your William Paterson University teaching experience.

Each semester, I feel appreciation, a strong desire to learn, and sense of pride from my students.

Tell us about any projects that you’re working on.

Right now, I am working with The Swat Relief Initiative, a non-profit organization which, among many other things, helps to raise the quality of life for girls and women in rural Pakistan by teaching methods of traditional arts and crafts to promote a way to sustain their families. I am brainstorming ways to incorporate the art of handmade paper.

What’s your favorite course to teach (please explain why)?

I love teaching all aspects of printmaking. As a medium, it combines artistic vision, the need for collaboration (sharing presses and equipment while working together), an understanding of a wide range of tools and materials, and the ability to problem solve. All of this keeps it interesting!

Maria Zuniga | Student of the Month (April) What is your major?

I am a double major in broadcast journalism and public relations.

When will you graduate?

May 2019 What inspires you?

Hearing other individual’s stories inspire me. I feel that we all have traveled similar but different paths and I want to be able to tell these stories. I think this forms a connection between people that isn’t really seen in our society anymore.

What do you like most about William Paterson University’s Communication Department?

What I like most about William Paterson University’s Communication Department is how much professors are invested in the success of students in and outside of the classroom. Every professor I’ve had has impacted my life and career.

They are knowledgeable about the industry and are willing to give every student advice and a helping hand. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of certain professors.

What can you tell us about your work?

I am a strong believer in doing something you are passionate about. I found

Professor Ashley Gerst | Faculty of the Month (May)

Ashley Gerst, Assistant Professor, wrote, directed, produced and animated a short-film, The Spirit Seam, which is inspired by her late grandfather’s life in Appalachian Pennsylvania mining country and is loosely based on their bond. The film has received 6 awards; two of which were received this year: Best Animation and Best Professional Film. The film has also been screened at the 2018 Oxford Film Festival and the 2019 Colony Short Film Festival.Other short films created by Ashley include Cat Tunnel, which was her Graduate Thesis, The Cupcake Prince and she animated the title sequence for the feature film, The Con is On, which stars Uma Thurman, Sofia Vergara and Tim Roth. Films created by Professor Gerst have screened at The Tucson Slow Food & Film Festival, Standing Rock Film Festival and The Dam Short Film Festival. She’s currently working on personal pieces based on millennial women.

To view a clip from The Spirit Seam, click on the link below: https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/ vi668121625

myself doing that for The Beacon, the student run newspaper on campus, where I am the Features Editor. I am also president of our university’s Society of Professional Journalists. Our goal is to create a strong journalism culture on campus. I can say that my work is always done with passion and creativity.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at William Paterson University?

I’ve learned two important things at William Paterson University: the value and reward of hard work and the importance of being active on campus. Although, it has been difficult at times, I have achieved everything by not giving up. I’ve also learned how important it is to get involved on campus, especially as a commuter.

To any incoming commuters, being involved on campus will define your college experience.

Brock Borgeson | Alumni of the Month (April) When did you graduate?

May 2018 What was your major?

M.A. Professional Communication - Digital Media and Professional Writing

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the joy in creating something new. That fuels my drive professionally, whether this is in writing, design or in empowering people.

What advice would you give to William Paterson University students pursuing a career in Communication?

I would advise students to take the time to get to know their professors and professional staff. In addition to getting to know them, learn from them and build a relationship. From there, you can improve and also prove that you’re willing to go the extra mile. That makes a big difference, especially in media related fields.

What have you learned in the Communication Department that’s been beneficial to you?

I learned the diversity of the value of being able to write, design and work with people and how those skills play a huge role in a variety of communication-related fields. This can be in public relations, advertising, journalism, marketing, technical writing, teaching or in sports.

Tell us about your current position.

I work in the sports information world for collegiate athletics. Right now, I’m an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications at the University of North Florida, a Division I university in Jacksonville, Florida. I’m the primary sports contact for volleyball, baseball, men’s/women’s tennis and I also assist in coordinating our ESPN+ broadcasts. In this role, we write press releases, game recaps, coordinate interviews, design graphics, game notes, handle statistics, etc. It’s a job that always offers new challenges and pushes you to develop new skills all the time.

Phillip Sprayberry | Adjunct of the Month (May) How long have you been an adjunct professor?

At William Paterson University, I have been an adjunct professor for 18 years, but I have been an educator for more than four decades.

What course(s) do you teach?

Currently, I teach three courses: Successful Business & Professional Communication, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre Workshop. In the past at WP, I have also taught Media Writing, Communication in Action, Public Relations and Journalism.

What inspires you?

Compelling theatre • Beautiful music • Interesting visual art • Expansive vistas What have you learned from a student or students?

One size does not fit all.

What does Will.Power. mean to you?

Determination—an apt description of most of our students. “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet,” Helen Keller said. “Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

What career advice would you give to WP students?

Come to university to get an education—not a piece of paper that says you have a degree. Learn to write well, speak confidently and clearly, and [almost] always smile. Skill sets vary, but these three attributes are a good foundation for any career.

Name 3 adjectives that best describe your William Paterson University teaching experience.

Challenging • Rewarding • Transforming Tell us about any projects that you’re working on.

Most recently, I directed a production of The Pirates of Penzance for the University’s Music Department.

What’s your favorite course to teach (please explain why)?

Classes are like one’s children, you like them all, but for different reasons — so, both of my classes are my favorite. Though the classes are different, the reason they are both my favorite is the same: In each class, I get to see students grow, develop and expand as they develop skill sets to help them in any career path they choose.

Marcos Salazar | Student of the Month (May) What is your major?

Fine Arts, Interdisciplinary When will you graduate?

2021 What inspires you?

My current focus in my artwork is on my own personal journey in life. I self-reflect and I drift from my internal and external realities of my past and what I could only imagine to be my future. My goal as an artist is to reach a level in which I can create artwork of pure emotions, such as warmth, peace, security a total immersion in light and beauty. I also find inspiration from the places and people around me. I walk around with both a camera and sketch book to document places that interest me. My largest body of work is inspired by Paterson, New Jersey because to me, Paterson is a magical place with rich history.

What do you like most about William Paterson University’s Art Department?

My favorite part of being a student at WP is being able to learn and to be challenged by the faculty. Many of my professors have real life experience and are

exhibiting artists themselves. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed because the school has so much to offer and I am the only limit on what I can create. I am interested in photography, painting, graphic design, sculpture, textile and design. William Paterson offers the necessary technology and tools to make any artist’s dream(s) come true.

What can you tell us about your work?

My most recent project was creating the illustrations for the children’s book Little Heroes: A Story of Courage, Determination, and Friendship written by Nanci Ianzano.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at William Paterson University?

The most important thing I’ve learned at William Paterson is having confidence in my artwork and believing in what I am doing. All the endless hours I spend in my studio art class have built a powerful foundation for me to succeed.

Vanessa Nilsson | Alumni of the Month (May) When did you graduate?

May 2018 What was your major?

I received my Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in 3D animation and painting.

What inspires you?

Environmental issues, such as climate change and wildlife conservation inspire my work as well as apocalyptic narratives and imagery. Fellow artists, friends, and family that surround my everyday life also inspire me.

What advice would you give to a William Paterson University student pursuing a career in Art? The advice I’d offer current art students is to explore all your options and ideas even if they scare you. Usually our best ideas are the ones we’re most afraid of.

Surround yourself with a group of fellow artists that inspire and motivate you to create your best work. I wouldn’t have made it through my thesis if I didn’t have the support and creativity of the amazing ladies in my thesis class and professor.

What have you learned in the Art Department that’s been beneficial to you?

William Paterson’s Art program has been essential to my growth and confidence as an artist and as an individual. The program and amazing professors challenged me technically, creatively, and conceptually. I discovered passions and subjects I cared about and wanted to represent in my work.

Tell us about your current position.

I currently work as a Creative Department Manager at a company called Equipment Zone in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. The company is a reseller of Epson’s large format direct to garment, sublimation, photographic, and solvent printers.

I design and manage the company’s website, graphics, video production, and experiment printing on these amazing printers. Along with my job, I still do commissions and personal projects on the side and participate in shows. This past February, my animation, In The Laboratory, was on display at the Hearst Tower in New York City in a gallery show entitled Metamorphosis: Changing Climate.

They had jokes and got big laughs — in addition to “Onstage and in the Spotlight experience!” COAC Theater Comedy Students performing at New York City’s famed Gotham Comedy Club.

Milestones &Endnotes : Retirements Dr. Joann Lee Gary Kirkpatrick Dr. Phillip Sprayberry Jane Stein Departments Dr. Diane Falk Romaine is stepping down as Department of Music Chair Dr. Timothy Newman will be the next Department of Music Chair Promotions Dr. Timothy Newman promoted to Full Professor Leslie Nobler promoted to Full Professor Dr. Liz Stroppel promoted to Full Professor Dr. Angie Yoo promoted to Full Professor Lauren Fowler-Calisto promoted to Associate Professor Ed Matthews promoted to Assistant Dir 1 SC

From The Dean’s Office : Dear COAC Colleagues and Students: Congratulations on a job well done — completing another challenging and award winning academic year!

We wish you all the best during the coming summer break, for continued creative, scholarly and personal growth as you reflect on well deserved achievements and prepare for the new and evolving aspirations of your individual and collective talents for the coming academic year.

Know that it is a pleasure to continue supporting those aspirations — working together towards the successful advancement of the University, College and the continued success of our talented Students and amazing Faculty and Staff who facilitate and deliver the outstanding programs in the College of the Arts and Communication.