Summer 2004
If You Build It, They Will Come: The Berrie Center– A Look Forward Page 6 Spotlight On Literature Page 13 Sam Masotto ’04 (right) An outstanding contract film major Page 9
SUMMER CALENDAR 2004
Save the Dates September
March, 2005
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8 p.m. Sharp Theater Anne Hampton Calloway One of the most widely acclaimed singer/songwriters working in pop/jazz today.
Photo credit Lani Guinier
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Plan now to attend the 23rd Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner.
2 p.m. Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center Opening Convocation The public is invited to hear Dr. Lani Guinier, the first black woman tenured professor at Harvard Law School, and author of five books.
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8 p.m. Sharp Theater Nai Ni Chen Dance Company New Jersey’s premiere contemporary and traditional Chinese dance companies offer an evening of their stunning work.
8 p.m. Sharp Theater Kurt Elling with Fred Hersch An evening of jazz that cannot be missed.
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Ramapo Family Weekend Fun-filled weekend with the entire Ramapo College family. Meet other alums and their families, reconnect with the faculty, staff, and other familiar faces on campus.
Fireworks light up the night sky at the Commerce Bank Summer Concert Series on July 8. Photo credit Kurt Elling
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For information or to volunteer at any Alumni events, call 201.684.7115 or e-mail pjoisher@ramapo.edu. For Ramapo College Foundation events, call 201.684.7612. For Friends of Ramapo events, call 201.684.7115.
ON CAMPUS SUMMER 2004
RAMAPO MAGAZINE
College Executive Officers William Sanborn Pfeiffer, Ph.D. Interim President
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RAMAPO Magazine
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Volume 4, Issue 3
Summer 2004
COLLEGE
Pamela M. Bischoff, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
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J E R S E Y
Martha Ecker Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Victoria H. Bruni, Esq. Vice President for Administration and Finance
Board Chairs Gail Brady Board of Trustees
Photo credit Hardy Holman Pfeiffer & Associates, Michael Moran
Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement
6 The Berrie Center: A Look Forward Cover photo: Sam Masotto ’04
Bernard Milano Board of Governors David Berntsen Alumni Association Helen Thayer Friends of Ramapo
Calendar of Events 2
News Briefs
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In Memoriam
Executive Editor Bonnie D. Franklin
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Spotlight on Literature
Managing Editor Christine Baker
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Foundation News
News Editor Cynthia Burns
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Athletics Update
Alumni Editor Kathleen Mainardi
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Alumni News
Foundation Editor Kathleen Austin
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Class Notes
Ramapo Magazine Staff Editor-in-Chief Cathleen Davey
Sports Editor Rachel McCann Intern Matthew Soohoo Design: Camarès Communications www.camares.com Cover Photographer: Gouss Photography © 2004 Other photos: Joe Salmon, unless otherwise noted. Information contained in this magazine can be made available upon request in alternate media. Requests should be directed to: 201.684.7611.
Commencement 2004 In her commencement address, Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, who waged a campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2004 Presidential race, credited the “Greatest Generation” for the higher education opportunities today’s students enjoy. She challenged the Class of 2004 to make education available and affordable for the next generation. Moseley Braun spoke before a crowd of approximately 7,000 graduates, friends, family members, faculty, and staff.
Alumni Contact and Change of Address: Kathleen Mainardi at 201.684.7179 or kmainard@ramapo.edu Student Affairs Contact: Pam Bischoff at 201.684.7457 or pbischof@ramapo.edu
Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun
Visit our Web site at www.ramapo.edu Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Institutional Relations. Ramapo College of New Jersey 505 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680
Student jumps for joy as she receives her diploma. RAMAPO MAGAZINE
SUMMER NEWS2004
News Briefs HealthCare Symposium Held On Campus U.S. Senator Jon S. Corzine was the keynote speaker and Dr. Gene Cheslock, founder, Parker Family Health Center, gave a luncheon presentation at a symposium, “HealthCare: Addressing the Issues,” held March 29. Panelists included Alieta Eck, MD, co-founder, Zarephath Health Center; Laura Fitzgerald, vice president, marketing, The TriZetto Group; Glenn B. Gero, N.D., a doctor of naturopathy; William Healey, executive vice president, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey; David Knowlton, president, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, and V. David Schwantes, former CFO, SMDC, St. Mary’s/Duluth Clinic Health System.
Dr. Murray Sabrin, executive director of the Center for Business and Public Policy at Ramapo College and a professor of finance, gave the welcoming remarks. “Families, employers, employees, small business owners, the uninsured, and the government all have a stake in a high quality healthcare system. The challenge is to contain costs, otherwise both quality and access will be adversely affected,” he said. This was the third in a series of symposia this year. The first symposium, “Litigation and the Economy,” featured keynote speaker John Stossel. The second, “Ramapo Roundtable: Business and Financial Outlook,” featured an outstanding panel including Warren Boroson, financial columnist, Daily Record;
Dr. William Sanborn Pfeiffer Assumes Role as Interim President The Board of Trustees named Dr. William Sanborn Pfeiffer interim president of Ramapo College effective July 1. He previously served as provost. Gail Brady, who chairs the Board of Trustees, said
the board was impressed with the academic initiatives begun by Pfeiffer during his term as provost. “He’s an able administrator, good communicator, and a team-builder.” Prior to his appointment as provost, Pfeiffer held several positions at Southern Polytechnic State including vice president for academic affairs, acting associate vice president for academic affairs, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and department head for Humanities and Technical Communication. Pfeiffer’s appointment comes after Rodney D. Smith announced in January he would not seek reappointment for personal and professional reasons.
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Dwight Carey, managing member, American Productivity Group; Richard Goldberg, president, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey; Beth Gorin, president, Bergen County Economic Development Corporation; John Murphy, former CNBC technical analyst, and editor of www.murphymorris.com; Jim Rogers, author, adventure capitalist and business correspondent for Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto; and George Taber, president, NJBIZ. The Ramapo College Foundation and the School of Administration and Business, in conjunction with the Center for Business and Public Policy and the Ramapo College Business Network, offered the symposium without charge
Accounting Professor Receives Outstanding Educator Award Raymond Rigoli, M.B.A., C.P.A., and an associate professor of accounting, is the recipient of the 2003/2004 New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Outstanding Educator Award. The NJSCPA recognized 2
Senator Jon S. Corzine
as a community service. For information about the 2004-2005 symposia, contact Dr. Murray Sabrin, at msabrin@ramapo.edu.
Rigoli for his significant contributions to accounting education through his teaching and active involvement in the profession. Rigoli has taught accounting at Ramapo College for more than twenty years. Prior to that, he was with the accounting firm, Price Waterhouse. “I’ve been an active member of the society and serve on its Educators Committee, formed for accountants who are teaching,” he says. “A lot of the folks who have been nominated in the past were my mentors. I aspire to be as effective as they were,” says Rigoli.
SUMMER NEWS2004
Spanish Language Major Offered Beginning in fall 2004, Ramapo College will offer a major in Spanish language studies. It encompasses an interdisciplinary curriculum that consists of a firm grounding in the Spanish language complemented by coursework in one of six concentrations. Literature and teacher education will be offered initially, while LatinAmerican studies, media and communications, social work and Spanish for business will be added gradually. In particular, the offering of media and communications, Spanish for business, and social work will set Ramapo’s Spanish major apart. “It is the six tracks that make the program unique,” says Dr. Vassi-
Christina Micchelli ‘04
Students Make A Connection and a Difference Ramapo College’s Student Literacy Corps unites students,
liki Flenga, convener of foreign languages. “Most colleges offer literature and Latin-American studies.” Ramapo College’s program is more career-oriented. The tracks were developed with careers in mind to better serve the aspirations of students. Dr. Iraida Lopez and Dr. Paula Straile-Costa, both assistant professors of Spanish, are advisors to the major.
ports formal and pertinent education, recognizes distinguished and meritorious educators, provides scholarships, and stimulates cultural dialogue in the community. The organization is comprised of ItalianAmerican educators from the metropolitan area.
Italian Studies and Literature Professor Elected President of Association Dr. Rosetta D’Angelo, a professor of Italian studies and literature, has been elected president of the Association of Italian-American Educators (AIAE). The Association was created to enhance the Italian-American image and presence in education. The AIAE sup-
Teacher Training Pilot Program will Focus on Math/Science Instruction A pilot teacher education program integrating mathematics and science into the requirements leading to teacher certification is underway. The project addresses the need for more teachers to receive training specifically in math and science. “Kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers have been conspicuously unprepared in math and sci-
faculty, and staff committed to addressing illiteracy in schools. Participants take a required course taught by Dr. Ellen Kaiden, professor of reading and education, to learn methods and techniques of teaching reading to non-readers and low-level readers. They also learn assessment techniques, instructional strategies, and how to construct and implement lesson plans. Through Kaiden’s efforts, the U.S. Department of Education awarded two grants that were used to establish the program.
The Literacy Corps works mostly with students in Paterson who attend public schools 24 and 28 and Eastside High School. Christina Micchelli, a 2004 graduate who majored in communications/graphic arts, and her roommate, Lauren Mundy, a communications major who focused on public relations and education, collaborated on a communications project to promote the corps. “I wanted to stay involved with the program and help to increase enrollment,” says Micchelli. They
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ence instruction,” says Dr. Richard Russo, Teacher Center coordinator at the College. “A fifth-grader is far more likely to be taught math or science by a teacher with a degree in education, rather than a degree in math or science, as is the norm in other nations.” Ramapo College faculty in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and education have designed a program of three four-credit courses that focus on the integration of the natural sciences and mathematics. The topics of the handson, project-based, technology-enriched courses directly correlate to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
developed a brochure, a flyer, and a poster for the program and Web site. “Our students are working to transform society in a very meaningful way, helping one person at a time to begin to shape a dream,” says Kaiden. “Literacy empowers students to see beyond their present circumstances and to start to formulate a future that helps the student to achieve his or her potential.”
RAMAPO MAGAZINE
SUMMER NEWS2004
Photo credit Friends of The Hermitage Collection
Hats Off to Alumna Kelly McCartney, a Ramapo College history major who graduated in 2003, is a curatorial assistant at The Hermitage Historical House Museum in Ho-Ho-Kus. Last year she was a guest curator for an exhibit of hats called “Feather, Fruit, and Flora: Elegant Hats from the 1880s to 1960s.” “This opportunity gave me an advantage—usually only graduate students get the chance to curate an exhibition.” She began interning with curator Pamela Smith at The Hermitage in 2002 and credits the experience with provid-
This velvet hat, stuffed with a bird, dates to 1880.
ing a solid foundation for her career objectives. Unsure of what she wanted to do, McCartney chose to explore how history relates to objects. “I have always had an appreciation and interest in preserving objects,” she says. “I believe one can better personalize history through objects. The internship taught me that there are many ways to teach history and going into museum studies was definitely a path I wanted to take.” McCartney plans to enroll in Seton Hall University to pursue a master’s degree in museum studies.
Ramapo College Student Serves in Iraq
Photo credit Nicole Watson
Nicole Watson, a medic in the Army Reserve and National Guard who began her senior year here this fall, was called up to active duty and is now serving in Iraq. She is one of several students attending Ramapo College who are in the military and have either been deployed, or recently returned from an assignment overseas as a result of Operation “Enduring Freedom.” These dedicated young men and women have been stationed in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Cuba, to mention a few.
Nicole Watson (far left) is stationed about twenty miles outside of Iran near the town of Baladruz. Watson is a medic from the Jersey City Armory and is assisting the 30th Brigade. She now handles medical activities in their area of operation. Watson enjoys working with the children. She says, “They make this all worthwhile. They smile and wave at us , and those able to speak English say, ‘thank you Americans, we love you!’”
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IN MEMORIAM The Ramapo College Community mourned the passing of eight of its members during the past year. of Modern Art. Dr. Roth was the first recipient of the Thomases Award for his contributions to Ramapo College.
graduate degree from Cornell University and a master’s and doctorate from Columbia University Teacher’s College.
Dr. Ronald Brady 1937-2003 Dr. Brady began his career at Ramapo College in 1972 as a professor of philosophy for the School of American and International Studies and taught courses in philosophy, literature, and science. During his thirty-one years at Ramapo College, he presented thirty papers at major conferences all over the world and published fifteen papers on perception and Goethe’s theory of science.
Dr. Helen Burchell 1931-2003 A founding faculty member, Helen Burchell taught at Ramapo College for more than thirty years as an associate professor of education, director of clinical experiences, and in various areas of teacher education. In 1987, she changed her focus to academic outreach and special projects and grants. She was the director of The Record Debate Classic and also served on the Donald G. and Flora A. Borg Merit Scholarship Award committee. She earned an under-
Eliot Hyman 1942-2003 Professor Hyman, a psychology professor, taught courses ranging from developmental psychology and psychological testing to introductory psychology. His students recall that he was remarkably enthusiastic about the subject matter of the courses he taught and his colleagues remember his great sense of humor. Professor Hyman also dedicated many hours working one-on-one with student teachers. Throughout his two year battle with pancreatic cancer, he pressed on, never letting illness dim his spirits.
Dr. Sebastian Raciti 1934-2003 For thirty-one years, Sebastian Raciti, known as Sib, served in various roles that were instrumental in the development of Ramapo College. One of the founding faculty—he arrived in Ramapo College’s second year—he held various posts during his tenure including director of the School of Metropolitan and Community Studies, dean of the School of Administration and Business, vice president for Academic Affairs, vice president of Institutional Advancement, and professor of economics. He was also the director of the Governor’s School for International Studies, a summer program for gifted high school students. In his administrative roles, he helped design new academic programs, raised funds to support new initiatives and scholarships, and recruited new faculty. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from Fordham University.
Bernard Jakacki 1934-2003 Professor Jakacki came to Ramapo College in 1987 following a distinguished business career as vice president of the Continental Grain Company and later as president and chief executive officer of Quality Bakers of America. He served as an assistant professor of marketing in the School of Administration and Business and as interim vice president for operations, finance, and planning. He was wellrespected by his students and was dedicated to helping them succeed.
Dr. Rodney Jack Roth 1927-2003 A professor emeritus, Dr. Roth was a founding faculty member of mathematics in the School of Theoretical and Applied Science. He was committed to teaching and the development of Ramapo College’s ideals. He was also a dedicated artist and poet and his works are included in the permanent collection of the Museum
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Angelo Tarallo 1940-2003 An associate professor of international business in the School of Administration and Business, Angelo Tarallo was selected as the first international business executive-in-residence at Ramapo College for the 1996-97 academic year. Prior to that, he served as chief executive – Legal Affairs, corporate secretary, and member of the Corporate Strategy and Policy Committee for The BOC Group of Windlesham, England. Professor Tarallo earned a B.A. in economics from Columbia College, a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law, and an L.L.M. in taxation from New York University Law School. Dr. Ernest Simon 1932-2003 Dr. Simon first came to Ramapo College in 1973 as a professor of literature in the School of American and International Studies. He taught more than twenty different courses in literature, the humanities, and environmental studies before retiring in 1998. Prior to his tenure at Ramapo College, he taught at Columbia University and Yeshiva College, and was a veteran of the Korean war.
RAMAPO MAGAZINE
Photo credit Hardy Holman Pfeiffer & Associates, Michael Moran Photo credit Spencers Theatre of Illusion
Russ and Angelica Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts
The Spencers Theatre of Illusion showcases the greatest magical mysteries of our time.
The Sharp Theater, a 350-seat proscenium theater engineered without obstructions to visibility or sound.
Photo credit Gouss Photography
Photography shooting studio.
Sharp Theater lobby
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Moliere’s Tartuffe, was presented by the Ramapo College theater program this spring and directed by Marta Banta and assistant director Christine Tippy. L to R: Jenella Sosa (Elmire), Lee Sable (Tartuffe), Kevin Pertusiello (Orgon), and Bethany K. Fustos (Madame Pernelle).
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“If you build it, they will come.” The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing And Visual Arts: A Five Year Review By Cynthia Burns
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here’s truth to the movie line, “If you build it, they will come,” believes Steven Perry, dean of the School of Contemporary Arts. The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts was conceived as a new academic building devoted to the arts. “It was long overdue,” he says. Photo credit Gouss Photography
Within two years of completion in 1999, enrollment in the school’s majors–communication arts, contemporary arts, music, theater, visual arts–doubled. Currently, 950 students are enrolled in the school. The Center, rising majestically on a campus hillside, makes a statement: Ramapo College is committed to the arts. Student recruitment factors into the enrollment surge. “Seeing the facility on campus visits, prospective students and parents are assured of our commitment,” Perry says. Senior Ginny Przyborowski is balancing a double major of theater and interdisciplinary communications, which includes organizational communication and leadership and group communication courses to enhance a theater degree. She wants to become an artistic director. She chose Ramapo College mainly because of the Berrie Center. “It was a brand new building and it really stuck out in my mind. It had everything I wanted in one place.” She says the coursework and her experiences at the College exceeded her expectations and the faculty has been supportive in helping her get handson experience. “I was able to take an independent study program and directed and produced a dramatic comedy, Approaching Lavender, in April.” Last fall, she served as a production manager for students’ one-act plays. “No one has had that position before.” Rachel Budin, assistant professor of theater explains, “We have gone from no dance classes to offering four or five each semester, in modern dance, ballet, tango, and choreography. These classes are extremely popular, both within the School of Contemporary Arts and
Steven Perry, dean of the School of Contemporary Arts
with students in other schools at the College. There is also a broader range of theater courses, including The Craft of Costume and one in scenic art (the painting of stage scenery). These classes are offered in professional quality scenery and costume shops. This would not have been possible without the Berrie Center.” Offerings also include a music technology center dedicated to electronic music composition, two main stage theater productions each year instead of one, programs in filmmaking and digital video art, enhanced offerings in photography including black and white, studio, and digital in the Center’s Computer Imaging Lab, and separate studios for drawing and painting. 7
RAMAPO MAGAZINE
The Myron and Elaine Adler Theater
and to extend the galleries to allow the Selden Rodman collection to be housed there and space to be dedicated to art history. Due to space constraints, the music program can’t expand. “The main classroom devoted to music is booked from early morning until nine each night,” Perry says. The School serves a wide-ranging campus population. Many students pursuing teacher certification are majoring in the arts, especially visual art and music. Students can also choose a contract major, concentrating on a topic that is not offered as a major, such as the business of music, art therapy, and film. A contract major may combine courses from communications, the arts. and other schools. Programs also serve to unify students from across the College. For instance, The Ramapo Chorale, the Gospel Chorus, and student theater productions are open to all students. They illustrate how growth in enrollment, having the Berrie Center, and a shift to a residential campus come together in a positive way. “We are grappling with a huge increase in enrollment which requires more faculty,” Perry says. Filling the need are sixty-eight adjunct professors. “It is a challenge to recruit, mentor, and evaluate them.” But, he points out that Ramapo College has benefited from the addition of these highly regarded professionals and artists to the teaching roster. “They bring real world experience to the classroom. They are valued and we’ve embraced them as part of our faculty.” Increasingly, the dean, contemporary arts faculty, and the directors of the Berrie Center and the art galleries collaborate to offer students unique academic opportunities. For instance, a residency model brings artists and performers to campus for programs open to the public to serve as in-class guest instructors. Filmmaker Jamal Joseph, who presented his documentary Hughes’ Dream Harlem, a tribute to Langston Hughes at the Sharp Theater, worked in residence. “We make sure there are healthy links between the academic programs and the performing and visual arts programs, ” says Perry. In the future, he and Berrie Center director Jane Stein would like to introduce a summer theater-in-residence program, a modern dance series, and, to support students’ interest in film and in response to a proposal by the faculty, present an independent film festival. Whether it’s an artist invited to exhibit or a South Asian film festival, the dean views the link as a meshing of visions to promote the academic mission of Ramapo College.
Classes for students in the communications major are offered in the recently renovated C and H wings. There are two design and multi-media labs, a writing lab, and a Final Cut Pro professional nonlinear videotape editing facility with fifteen stations that Perry deems, “incredible for a public institution of this size.” The courses offered continue to draw students. Perry believes Ramapo College’s evolution from a commuter to a residential campus is part of the reason. He notes the school has quickly outgrown the space. “When we planned the building, we knew we wanted to supplement the academic programs with a performing arts program and a gallery exhibition program, but we didn’t know exactly what direction or scope these would take. We were making modest guesses about what we needed.” Perry explains, “With the blossoming of courses and theater and music events there is an obvious need for more music rooms, additional dressing rooms, and more space for acting and dance programs. We would love to add another level to the rehearsal hall, and build another dressing room space so that the Adler and Sharp theaters can operate comfortably at the same time.” There is also a need for a reception space to hold dinners, SUMMER 2004
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Photo credit Gouss Photography
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Performances Take Center Stage The Myron and Elaine Adler Theater and the Sharp Theater in the Berrie Center are the venues for a stellar selection of performing arts programming. “We support the mission of the College to present a diversity of artists and performing arts genres that feature artistic excellence and highlight other cultures,” says Jane Stein, director of the Berrie Center. Performances have featured artists from Russia, Japan, Cuba, China, and other countries. A turning point was achieved this past fall when nearly every performance at the Berrie Center was sold out. According to Stein, an ongoing discussion among college presenters is how to engage and convince students to experience a performing arts genre they’re not familiar with. Higher education institutions, including Ramapo College, achieve this by requiring students to attend a specific type or number of performances, assigning papers on a performance, making the performances accessible and affordable by offering discounted or free tickets, awarding extra credit for attendance, and planning events with other campus entities. “We are increasingly working with faculty and centers on campus to create extended residency programs,” Stein says. “This model works well and allows faculty input in the planning stage.” A one-week residency collaboration with Touchstone Theatre, a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based theater company that presents original, ensemble-created drama, is in the planning stage. “Our job,” notes Stein, “is to create the next generation of theater goers.” The Center’s Schooltime Performance Series in the Sharp Theater is targeted to schoolchildren. The performances are often linked to New Jersey’s mandated core curriculum content standards for public schools and study guides for in-class discussion are developed in conjunction with the
Jane Stein, director of the Berrie Center
performances. “The programs are of outstanding quality,” says Edward Ruthberg, a sixth grade teacher at Ramapo Ridge Middle School in Mahwah who accompanies about 275 students to Schooltime performances. “We attend so that kids who do not have a chance to see performances like this get a chance to do so.” They attended the American Family Theater’s Ellis Island, a musical celebrating the multicultural foundations of the country, and a performance by David Parker, who combines American Sign Language with live music, movement, visual comedy, and audience interaction. “The post-performance question and answer sessions are very helpful,” says Ruthberg. Collaboration with faculty and others on campus to develop programs that fulfill Ramapo College’s mission brings strength to the process, believes Stein. A new project is the development of a course with Dr. Angela Cristini, director of the Master of Science in Educational Technology program, on how to use performing arts in the classroom. Another involves something Stein labels “edgy,” a navigational dance project called Bird Brain. Created by choreographer Jennifer Monson, director Ismail Merchant. After the screening, Masotto introduced himself and shook Merchant’s hand. The gesture was simple and polite, but produced a great reward. Merchant offered Masotto the opportunity to work for him. He worked on an electronic press kit and a behind-the-scenes documentary for an upcoming movie of Merchant’s. In addition, he learned the procedures, rules, and daily routines of a film set. He also gained course credit for his efforts, registering the project as an independent study. Masotto has never hesitated to take advantage of what the College
Photo credit Gouss Photography
About Sam Masotto ‘04 By Matthew Soohoo ’04 Sam Masotto (also on the cover), recently a senior contract film major in the School of Contemporary Arts. Two of his notable achievements were as co-producer of a feature-length film, David, written and directed by fellow student Joseph McConnell, and a documentary inspired by an alternative spring break trip to Philadelphia last year. His most unique and amazing experience came last October when he attended a screening of The Mystic Masseur at the Berrie Center, presented by 9
has to offer. He is always busy on campus, actively attending art gallery openings and Berrie Center events. He is also a member of the TV Club. As for the future, Masotto is still unsure exactly what he would like to do, but he hopes to pursue his interests in film, travel, and art history. The possibility that he will be called upon by Ismail Merchant to help on a film set again exists. Masotto has many paths to choose from, but the path he chooses will undoubtedly lead to a bright future.
RAMAPO MAGAZINE
The Peking Acrobats wow audiences with their amazing feats.
it investigates the migratory patterns and habits of birds and other animals through dance. For this, Stein will work with Dr. Eric Karlin, dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science, Dr. Victoria Madden, project director/Center for Technology Enhanced Education, and Cristini. A popular offering is the CIT Performing ArtDinner Series, a specially packaged series of performances and dinner receptions that raises funds for the Ramapo College Foundation. “The program variety is great and of high quality,” says Marc Goldstein, a series subscriber. In addition to series performances, Goldstein also enjoyed fiddler Eileen Ivers, pianist Benny Green and guitarist Russell Malone, and trombonist Slide Hampton’s tribute to Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. Dean Perry acknowledges that planning performing arts programming is a balancing act. “The offerings need to be continually evaluated. As an education venue, we should be able to present what’s not offered anywhere else, that is, not as mainstream.” Ramsey residents Doris and Peter Griffin regularly attend the Berrie Center. “We enjoy the variety and quality of the programs as well as the opportunity to see different forms of entertainment,” says Doris Griffin. The Griffins have attended the Hawthorne Symphony, the Peking Acrobats, a performance by pianist Dick Hyman, and gallery exhibits, including a career survey of feminist artist Mimi Smith. “We love the diversity. We hope the students take advantage and appreciate it.”
Visual Arts
Photo credit Peking Acrobats
The Berrie Center Art Galleries at Ramapo College showcase an intriguing roster of internationally-known artists. Painters, photographers, and performance artists, as well as those whose work incorporates textiles and what’s gleaned from nature are presented in The Kresge Foundation Gallery and the André Z. Pascal Gallery. As the prestige of the galleries grows, so does the caliber of the artists featured. One goal of Sydney O. Jenkins, director of the galleries, is to “make people feel comfortable about SUMMER 2004
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“Part of our educational mission is to make people feel comfortable about feeling uncomfortable about contemporary art. It’s supposed to be provocative.”
he had to seek help from private collectors of Opie’s work to proceed with the exhibit. In his quest to find works by Opie, Jenkins noticed one collector also owned a photograph by Cindy Sherman, another up-and-coming artist. He inquired if he might also borrow that piece for the Ramapo College galleries. “The following week, The New York Times referred to another photograph from the same series as having great value,” he says. The shows are used as teaching tools for students in design, studio art courses, and writing. As an example, Betsabeé Romero created tiles using Mayan markings made on tires for an exhibition titled Sited Inside. Students mixed and matched the tiles to create their own art on the walls of the galleries. This spring, the “old” and the contemporary were juxtaposed. Light from the Past: Early American Rugs from the Collection of Ronnie Newman featured yarn-sewn, shirred, appliquéd, embroidered, and hooked Colonial and post-Colonial rugs from an Upper Saddle River collector. This was one of the few times the gallery strayed from its usual contemporary focus.
Sydney O. Jenkins, director of the Art Galleries with Andy Warhol’s “Mao”
Photo credit Ronnie Newman
feeling uncomfortable about contemporary art. It’s supposed to be provocative.” Two shows usually run simultaneously, often allowing one to be unsettling and the other serene. In his five years as director, Jenkins has remained a step ahead of emerging trends, often prescient in his selection of artists invited to the College, and in some instances, just prior to their careers soaring. “Being ahead of the curve is avoiding redundancy,” he says. One of the first shows Jenkins curated at Ramapo College, along with Virgilio Garza, was (this is not the place). It featured internationally-renowned African-American artist Kara Walker, in addition to Sally Mann and Alighiero e Boetti. It explored themes of dislocation, migration, and the geopolitical loss of place, which has become a global topic. Another exhibition, Plots and Intentions, featured Henry Darger, who lived in obscurity and created frail paper works that served as illustrations for a hand-written 19,000-page book. Darger’s genius and insanity have been discussed and debated as much as his art. “It was the last second you could get a major work by Darger,” says Jenkins. The Museum of American Folk Art in Manhattan displayed one of the pieces that had been at Ramapo College. Photographs by Catherine Opie from her Domestic series that depicted domestic life among lesbian couples was another exhibition. Just before it was scheduled to open, Opie’s career soared and everything that was to be on display at Ramapo College was snatched up by museums. Jenkins recalls
New England hooked rug from Light from the Past: Early American Rugs from the Collection of Ronnie Newman
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Running concurrently was Mom’s Pop Art: Prints from the Collection of Freide Gorewitz. Legendary 20th century artists Andy Warhol, John Cage, Robert Rauschenberg, Jim Rosenquist, and Marisol were among those featured. Mom is Freide Gorewitz, the mother of Shalom Gorewitz, a Ramapo College professor of visual arts. Freide Gorewitz befriended the artists during the days when they were struggling. This colorful and imaginative collection included Warhol’s infamous “Mao,” Rauschenberg’s homage to the rock star Janice Joplin, “Yellow Body;” and Marisol’s “Elizabeth C. P. Stanton and Lucritia P. Mott.” “Curating this exhibition provided a terrific learning experience,” says Jenkins, “Ramapo College visual art students assisted and collaborated with researching and writing the exhibition text.” As the Kresge and Pascal galleries move past their infancy, what becomes apparent is that they’re remarkable given the College’s size, and that they’re part of a state-owned institution. Against this backdrop, the exhibitions reflect what’s exciting to the faculty, of instructional merit to students, and of interest to the community.
Photo credit Betsabeé Romero
From installation by Atlanta artist Radcliffe Bailey, courtesy Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
From installation by Betsabeé Romero entitled Sited Inside, courtesy Galeria Ramis Barquet, New York
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SUMMER SPOTLIGHT 2004
Spotlight on Literature By Dr. Ronald Kase A booklet prepared by Ramapo College’s literature faculty asks, “Why Literature?” The faculty answer this question by offering: Literature gives us life in words. It trains us to hear the voices of others, and to express our own life story. The literature faculty encourage students to engage the voices and lives of others, and to learn about diverse and alternative cultures in order to be educated by life’s differences. The literature program has been led by Dr. Anthony Padovano since the College’s founding, through the restructuring of the College’s schools, and finally to its home in the School of American and International Studies. Recently, Dr. Padovano spoke of combining the American and world literature programs. “Our global literature is a richer program. It’s offered by faculty who specialize in all types of literature. We offer an astounding array of courses.” The literature program contains an incredible variety of subjects. The courses concentrate on American, British, and Continental writers as well as African, Asian, Latin American, African-American, and Native American literature. There are many options for literature students and the depth of the program demonstrates how quickly Ramapo College has developed over its short history. Ramapo College also has an active chapter of the
literature, American literature, and literature and philosophy. At the present time, almost 200 students are literature majors. Many plan to teach in the public school system while others are planning careers as creative writers and find the study of literature a practical way to move into the writing profession. For those headed to law school, the research required of a literature major is excellent training for the rigors of legal research. A recent survey of literature program graduates who have gone on to graduate school asked the question, how well did you feel prepared for graduate work? The response overwhelmingly was, I was very well prepared. Other graduates have careers in business, government, and science. Some have written for the theater, television, and various publications. Literature majors often gain insight into themselves and others, which is helpful in all parts of their lives.
national literary honor society Sigma Tau Delta. The society received its charter in 1990 and, along with citations by external evaluations through the 1980s and 1990s, is an indicator of the high quality of the literature program.
Dr. Robert Christopher, professor of literature
Dr. Padovano characterizes literature at Ramapo College as, “comprehensive rather than thematic,” and he recognizes the faculty for their outstanding teaching and scholarship. “We have wonderful people teaching in all areas of the curriculum, for example Ed Shannon in American literature. Ed is a Ramapo College graduate who went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina. Robert Christopher is our Shakespeare specialist and Carol Hovanec, the former dean of AIS teaches The American Short Story and is advisor to Trillium, the College’s literary magazine. Monika Giacoppe and Joe Johnson give the program a strong international and multicultural dimension.” Dr. Padovano’s areas of expertise are the literature of non-violence, the Bible as
Dr. Edward Shannon, associate professor of literature
Recently several members of the faculty who had taught in another part of the College joined the Literature 13
convening group. Each one is well credentialed and an experienced teacher who adds another dimension to the program. Lisa Williams teaches the work of Toni Morrison and Virginia Wolf; Patricia Ard specializes in British writers. Donald Fucci teaches literature before 1800 and American drama, and Peter Scheckner teaches the British novel.
Dr. Carol Hovanec, professor of literature
In 2005, Dr. Padovano plans to turn over the leadership of the program he has led for many years to another member of the literature faculty. He will direct the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program and continue with his writing. His twenty-eight books on theology and philosophy have been translated into eight languages and are available worldwide. On the basis of this publishing record, he was named Ramapo College’s first distinguished professor. Dr. Padovano is confident that the Literature program will continue to attract new students from among the highly accomplished freshman who enter the College each year. RAMAPO MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2004 FOUNDATION
Foundation News 22nd Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner Robert R. Ceberio, executive director of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission; Douglas H. Dittrick, president and CEO of Douglas Communications Corporation II; Frances K. Hackett ’80, vice president of program management in Prudential Financial’s Group Insurance department; and Robert E. Striano, former president of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. were honored at the Ramapo College Foundation’s 22nd Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner on March 6, 2004 at the Rockleigh Country Club.
L to R: Chairman of the 22nd Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner Committee, Tom McGurn with honorary co-chairs Dr. Carolyn Merkel ’78 and Jim Napolitano. Also serving as dinner co-chairs were Lawrence Inserra and Joe Leore.
Thomas O. McGurn served as chairman of the dinner committee that raised $200,000 to help support student scholarships, faculty research, and College projects. Honorary co-chairs for the evening were: Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr., president, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc; Joseph M. Leone, vice chairman and CFO, CIT; Dr. Carolyn M. Merkel ’78, executive director of ingredient technology, McNeil Nutritionals; and James Napolitano, president, Commerce Bank North. Major event support was provided by a sponsorship gift from Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. Committee members include: Elaine Adler, Richard Barclay, Timothy Buhl, Robert Cella, Joeen Ciannella, Richard Conti, Fred Damiano, Linda Dator, James Dziekonski, Joyce Menegus, Bernard Milano, Andrew Mougis, Thomas Palmer, Patricia Sullivan, and Gary Temple.
(Left) L to R: Peter and Pamela McBride, Joe Leone, Myron and Elaine Adler, and Emily and Sam Mann. Peter and Emily serve on the College Board of Trustees. Joe and Elaine serve on the Foundation Board of Governors.
L to R: Tom McGurn, Dr. Carolyn Merkel ‘78, Joe Leone, Bernie Milano, former President Rodney D. Smith, Doug Dittrick, Robert Striano, Fran Hackett ’80, Robert Ceberio, and Cathleen Davey.
L to R: Joe Tropia, Becky Kraus, and John Benfield
Scholarship Reception College President Rodney D. Smith and Mark W. Grannon, former chairman of the Foundation Board of Governors, welcomed more than 150 benefactors, student scholars and their parents, faculty, and staff to the Annual Scholarship Dinner on February 10, 2004. This annual recognition event brings together student scholars and the benefactors who provide the scholarships. During the 2003-2004 academic year, more than $163,000 was awarded for more than 170 student scholarships administered by the Ramapo College Foundation. (Below) L to R: Joe Leone, vice chairman and CFO of CIT and Jonathan Gonzalez, student scholar
L to R: Florence Thomases and Lindsay Conneely
L to R: student scholar Michael Garofalo and Chris Turner, center operator, Prestige BMW/MINI SUMMER 2004
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SECTION SUMMER FOUNDATION NAME 2004
17th Annual Foundation Golf Outing The 17th Annual Foundation Golf Outing, sponsored by SEIKO CORPORATION OF AMERICA, was held Monday, July 26, 2004 at the beautiful and historic Tuxedo Club. Additional sponsors of this event included: Century 21 Construction, PSE&G, Prestige BMW/MINI, and O’Connor Davies Munns and Dobbins. Participation in this major fund raiser for the College supported efforts to award student scholarships, faculty research opportunities, and fund capital projects on campus. Chairman Don Mahoney ’73, and the Golf Committee planned a spectacular day featuring lunch, an exciting raffle and auction, with awards presented during dinner, plus great camaraderie during a round of golf on the challenging Tuxedo Club course.
L to R: Ron Luino, Tom Rossiter, Dan Miller, and Les Perry enjoy a wonderful day of golf as part of the SEIKO foursome. SEIKO CORPORATION was the event sponsor for the 17th Annual Golf Outing.
and supporting the goals of the College’s strategic Plan. Bernard Milano, chairman of the Board of Governors added, “The Board of Governors is very committed to developing a successful planned giving program. A solid planned giving program is the best opportunity to raise significant new funds to support Ramapo College.” In addition to Anisfield and Milano, Task Force members include: Michael Azzara, Thomas Dunn, Kevin Ellman, Brian Flynn, Joseph Haynes, Dana Hiscock, Ira Kaltman, Paul Miller, Fred Osborn, and Sharon Rubin. The group will meet monthly to establish an initial plan and report. For additional information about planned giving at Ramapo College, please contact Cathleen Davey, vice president for Institutional Advancement at 201.684.7615 or e-mail cdavey@ramapo.edu.
Planned Giving Millicent Anisfield, Planned Giving Task Force chairwoman, member of the Foundation Board of Governors, and former chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, accepted the challenge to design and implement a planned giving program at Ramapo College as set forth in the Strategic Plan for Ramapo College of New Jersey 2002-2012. At the first meeting of a small working task force held in January, 2004, Anisfield charged the group to design and implement a program appealing to different constituents, launched with the most attractive planned giving instruments
CIT Performing Arts Dinner Series Presented by the Ramapo College Foundation and sponsored by CIT Group and the Prestige Family of Dealerships, the CIT Performing Arts Dinner Series is a specially packaged series of performances and dinner receptions, held in The Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts.
2004-2005 series performances: Saturday, September 18: Anne Hampton Calloway
Saturday, January 22: The Penn Dragons
Thursday, October 7: Fred Hirsch and Kurt Elling
Saturday, March 19: Slide Hampton
Saturday, October 23: Mort Sahl
Saturday, May 14: Donna McKechnie
Friday, December 17: Tomaseen Foley’s Celtic Christmas To join this exciting fund raising series, contact Kathleen Austin at 201.684.6834 or e-mail kaustin@ramapo.edu.
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SECTION ATHLETICS NAME
Spring Sports Wrap-Up Photo credit Carlisle Stockton
On Jeff Maund Memorial Baseball Field, Ramapo College ended the regular season with two huge conference victories (5-3 over Rowan and 9-6 over Montclair), earning the team the final spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament. Despite falling short in the tournament, Ramapo College’s appearance in the championships was the second in the four years that head coach Rich Martin has been with the team. They finished the year standing at 2216 overall, 11-7 in the NJAC. Individually, junior outfielder Doug Aday was named to the NJAC first team for his efforts. He was also awarded NJCBA first team All-State honors while teammate Jefferson Infante was named to the second team NJCBA All-State.
SUMMER 2004
Photo credit Carlisle Stockton
Ramapo College saw much team and individual success on both the softball and baseball fields in 2004. The women’s softball team clinched regular season first place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference for the second year in a row. This year the Roadrunners went 15-3 in the conference posting sweeps over William Paterson, Rowan, Rutgers Newark, Kean, College of New Jersey, and New Jersey City. Their sweep of Rowan on April 20th, 1-0 and 2-0, earned them the regular season champs title, the number one seed in the NJAC tournament, and the right to host the NJAC post-season games for the second year in a row. After a heartbreaking loss in the finals, Ramapo College earned one of only two atlarge bids given out in the country, for the 2004 NCAA Championship Tournament. With another heartbreaking loss in the finals, the team ended the season with a 35-8 overall record. Individually, senior pitcher Jamie Anzaldi and sophomore catcher Lisa Rizzo earned NJAC first team honors. Named to the NJAC second team were senior third basemen Michelle Micklos, sophomore outfielder Erica Moore, and rookie outfielder Michele Rossi. Anzaldi and Micklos were awarded first and third team NFCA Division III All-Region honors respectively, while Anzaldi was named to the second team All-American for her efforts.
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SECTION ATHLETICS NAME
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is comprised of two student-athletes from each varsity team and an executive committee. The purpose of this committee is to allow student-athletes to have input in the legislation of the NCAA and the NJAC. The representatives also have an input in the formulation of the College’s athletic program policies. This committee is mandated by the NCAA. The National Collegiate Athletic Association StudentAthlete Advisory Committee’s mission is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image. The executive committee of Ramapo College’s SAAC consists of two chairs, Katie Arcuri and Norm Crochetiere, both of whom also act as the conference representatives for Ramapo College. Arcuri and Crochetiere preside over the meetings and serve as liaisons to the athletic department. Alysia Battista is secretary and is responsible for meeting minutes. Kathleen Finnegan, assistant athletic director, serves as the staff representative. Community Service projects are a major focus of SAAC. The women’s soccer team participated in a walk for cancer and visited with children from the Holly Center at a Game and Barbeque event. The baseball team sponsored an annual food drive. Members of the women’s basketball team distributed clothes and hamburgers to the homeless in New York. The women's basketball team participated in a bake sale drive for our nation’s hungry children this spring.
Photo credits (3) Rachel McCann
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Thanksgiving Food Drive at the North Bergen Center for Food Action
NJAC SAAC Annual Bowling Tournament
Softball Food Drive
Congratulations to the 2004 Ramapo College Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class Peter Cafone - ’75, Baseball Frank Eufemia, Baseball Barry Evans, Golf Frank Marino, Football Doug Meeks, Golf Christine Moore Gabriel - ’81, Field Hockey Timothy Sensor - ’77, Service
L to R: Back row: Frank Marino, Bob Steiner, Bart Iurato, Peter Cafone, Frank Eufemia, Joe Wladyka. Front Row: Constance Sensor, Timothy Sensor, Artie Chill, Doug Meeks, Vince Nardello, Christina Moore Gabriel, Valerie McGoniga
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RAMAPO MAGAZINE
ALUMNI SECTION NAME SUMMER 2004
Alumni News Newly elected Ramapo College Alumni Association Board Members and Officers
The Alumni Association is on the Road! In December, the Alumni Association held a happy hour at the Mason Jar and in March a happy hour took place at Oddfellows Restaurant in Hoboken. The Alumni Association will continue to host these informal reunions. Come out to renew old acquaintances and make new friends.
David Berntsen ’85, who is the first vice president of UBSPaineWebber, Inc., has been re-elected as president of the Board; Steve Fonder ’74, a group manager for the Internal Revenue Service, has been elected treasurer; Ed Herter, the owner of Ramapo Graphics, has been re-elected to a three year term; and Todd Siben ’80, a senior portfolio advisor for Thomas Edison State College; and Gary Spivak ’92, an account executive for Ivy Mortgage; have been elected to three year terms. Nadine Mooers ’90, the former assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at Ramapo College, has been appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Board.
Networking The Alumni Business Network is a new program offered by the Alumni Association. The Alumni Business Network was organized with the help of Matt Schulman ’98, Pat Hunter ’01, and Alan Finkelstein ’01, and will add to business leadership, community involvement, and alumni assistance at Ramapo College. The Alumni Business Network will provide opportunities to network and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with other alumni.
Alumni Association Thanks Staff On behalf of the Alumni Association, David Berntsen ’85 thanked Janet Dengel ’87, former director of Alumni Relations, and Nadine Mooers ’90, former assistant director of alumni relations, for their dedication and hard work. Under the leadership of Janet and Nadine, Annual Fund donations increased dramatically and the visibility of the Alumni Association was enhanced. Janet also began the Parents Council; both Nadine and Janet were instrumental in beginning the Senior Gift Drive.
Phonathon Erin Hughes ’07 and Lisa Rennick ’06 staffing the phones at Ramapo’s fall phone-a-thon. Student callers raised more than $54,000 in pledges amongst 1,365 alumni and parents, from October, 2003 through March, 2004. The phone-a-thons not only raise funds, but provide personal communication between the College and its alumni and parents, underscoring Ramapo College’s commitment to personal outreach.
SUMMER 2004
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RAMAPO MAGAZINE
ALUMNI
The Friends of Ramapo Art Auction The Friends of Ramapo Art Auction, held May 7, 2004, featured more than seventy-five works donated by area artists. Forty-three artists from the northern New Jersey region contributed paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures. “Heroes,” the memorable photograph donated by Thomas E. Franklin of Hackensack, depicting firemen raising the American flag in the rubble of debris on September 11, received the highest bid of the evening. Franklin, a photographer for The Record, is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College. The art auction raised more than $10,000. Proceeds will be used to fund Friends of Ramapo College endowed scholarships. The Friends of Ramapo award scholarships to students with outstanding academic achievements, sponsor and support cultural events, assist with College projects, and support students at Ramapo College. The organization was founded to expand communication and foster greater understanding between the campus of Ramapo College and neighboring communities. The art auction was co-sponsored by Chubb Insurance and Erich Courant & Co., Inc. Insurance Services. Artists who donated their work for the auction were: Jose Hernandez of Bergenfield; Claudia Esker of Boonton; James Willis of Fair Lawn; Cornelia Baker, Diane Harrison, Lucy Janjigian, Ellen Reinkraut and Rosemary Zabal of Franklin Lakes; Amy Bravo of Garfield; Ruth Geneslaw of Haverstraw, NY; Miriam Santonocito of Haworth; Minir Elias of Hawthorne; Anne Chang, Linda Dator, Becky Kraus and Mariana Maldonado of Mahwah; Joy Lynn Jones of Midland Park; Barbara Minch of Milburn;
L to R: Thomas Palmer, past chair Ramapo College Board of Governors; Frances D. Meyer, winner of “Heroes” by Thomas E. Franklin; Helen Thayer, president of the Friends of Ramapo Charlene Collins Haug of New Milford; Sandra Frech and William Frech of North Haledon; Donald Boone, Katherine Hill and Susy Suarez of Ramsey; Mildred Kaye, Pat Marker and John Pizzarelli of Saddle River; Lee Kaeumlen of Waldwick; Armin Lovi of Washington Township; Eva Wittlinger-Minnocci of Wayne; Scott Sandy of West Paterson, and Adele Pepe of Wyckoff. Other artists who contributed work: Anna Eardley, Dennis Glennon, Rama Jamoukha, R.J. Kieber, Jay Krimmel, Thomas McKay, James Sorensen, Sally Thompson, and Alida Van Dyke. The auctioneer was Dr. Ronald Kase.
Brothers Establish a Memorial Scholarship as employees,” he says. He is impressed with their individual backgrounds and also with what they’ve learned at the College. The company president says he understands the hardships of being a student, "especially students who are continuously striving to excel in their studies despite being saddled with the burden of arranging the finances required.” Pritam Grewal, who lives in Mahwah, believes the scholarship will recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and intense commitment that the recipient demonstrates through his or her consistent high level of academic performance. His brother Amarjit resides in Fairfield, NJ.
Brothers Pritam Singh Grewal and Amarjit Singh Grewal have established an endowed scholarship fund in memory of their parents. The Harchand Singh and Jagir Kaur Grewal Memorial Scholarship will benefit students in Ramapo College’s School of Administration and Business who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence. Pritam Grewal is president of ADPP Enterprises, based in Mahwah. ADPP owns and operates gas stations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company began as an entrepreneurial start-up and became one of the largest gas retailers in the country. Mr. Grewal says of his parents, “They always encouraged us to put our best effort in all of our endeavors and to push the limits of excellence. This principle has been the cornerstone of ADPP Enterprises’ way of doing business.” Establishing the scholarship at Ramapo College was a natural choice for Pritam Grewal. “Since establishing my company in Mahwah, it has attracted Ramapo graduates
SUMMER 2004
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RAMAPO MAGAZINE
Marriages and Unions
Suzanne Roberts ’00 to
Peter Flatten
Barbara Ann Klemt ’83 to
Keith Sanzari ’00 to
Grant Edward Boxleitner Kimberly Silva ’91 to David Bell
Tamara Baker Suzanne Hendl ’00 to
Christopher Orlando
Carrie San Phillip ’93 to
Roger Lee Foco Jr. ’00 to
Charles Robert Spero
Stella Heleno Santos
Michael McBride ’93 to
Elizabeth Kozakiewicz ’00
Rebecca Covert LaValle Mark Higuera ’95 to Erica Van Wyck
to Matthew Jones
Thomas Chenoweth '95 to
Diane Michele Smith ’00
Robin Jill Walder
to Ryan Keith Cosgrove Purvi Joisher ’01 to Bijal Parekh ‘04
Richard Alan Kemp '95 to
Jacquelin Lauren Phillips Jerry Pulis ’96 to Julie Bisogno
Dana Marie Sabio ’00 to
Michael Lawrence Hettesheimer
Stacey Leigh Dercole ’01
to Michael Stephen Gurovick
Cindy J. Rodriguez ’96 to Ives Galarcep ’97
Erica Carla Stevensr ’01
to Stanley William Bednarz Vidhi Parekh ’02 to Kunal Shah Stephanie Lynn Price ’02
to Mark Patrick McCann Jacklyn Marie Ducsai ’02
to Sean Aaron Brown
Andrew Valenzano ’97 to
Matthew C. Robinson ’02
Monique Schielke
to Melissa Ann Whelan
Cindy Simon ’98 to
Helena Eve Sroczynski ’02
Daniel Wohl
to David Anthony Bronovicki
Jessica Kalinski ’98 to
Andrew Jacobs
Robert William Ruitenberg ’03 to Karen Lynn Timko
Rebecca Maynard ’98 to
Christine Corvey ’03 to
Marc Cortese
Andrew Brown
Shannon L. Meade ’98 to
Paul Castimore
In Memorium
Cheryl L. Bucko ’98 to
Linda Aliseo ’71 Norman Lee Gilbert ’74 Dorothy Anne Johnson ’76 Dorothy Fromm ’80 Kevin Stephen Wood ’81 Judith M. Powley ’85 Michael A. Wagner ’85 Carol Anne Podgurski ’85 Gail P. LaFronz Tancredi ’86 Anthony W. Monti Jr. ’86 Michelle A. Liss ’95
Steven Civadelic Christine Syme ’99 to
Larry Pecoraro Bryan Heins ’99 to
Kim M. Leyden Maureen Skeahan ’99 to
John Zurlo Bryan Kevin Fort ’99 to
Tamara Ann Falvo Thomas Schemly ’99 to
’76
Michael Cedro
is engaged to D. Yong Evans. He is a proprietor of Riverside Wine & Liquors in High Bridge, NJ.
Susan Vladyka SUMMER 2004
Claire Krulikowski,
earned her English degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey. A former corporate purchasing manager, Krulikowski suddenly quit her successful twenty-year business career in 1993 to discover her life’s purpose and reconnect with her love of writing. Now an author and writer, Claire has recently completed her second book, Rapture, a collection of inspirational poetry. Claire’s first book, Moonlight on the Ganga, is an account of her travels and spiritual encounters while strolling along the Ganges River. Claire’s writing credits have appeared in national periodicals, including Organic Style and Natural Health magazine; trade journals, such as Quality Digest and NAPM Purchase; and regional newspapers. She is also founder of AshootingstarZ Production, which offers editing, research, and promotional services to writers and business owners. To get in touch, e-mail: claire@clairekrulikowski.com Grace T. Meyer, a lawyer in River Vale, is a proud grandmother of sixteen grandchildren ranging in age from twenty months to nineteen years.
Marianne Kelley
to Wendy TenHoeve
Filippo Lorenzo Baldino Joseph Phillips ’97 to Sara Hall Laura Spinelli ’97 to Lorenzo Prestigiacomo
’75
Bradley E. Dinkle ’01 to
Christopher Caporrino ’96
Michelle Ann Stella ’97 to
Photo credit Claire Krulikowski
SECTION NAME SUMMER 2004 CLASS NOTES
20
’78
Donna Singer was
recently appointed to the position of director of administrative computing and critical systems at Ramapo College. Donna had served as acting director since September 2002, during which period she distinguished herself as a well-respected leader. Mary Ellen Doster was promoted to senior vice president of the Boiling Springs Savings Bank where she is also CFO and treasurer.
’79
Russell B. Walther
worked at Verizon Communications. Currently he is on long term disability, but he still continues to write and publish poetry.
’84
Debra M. Perry
became a partner at McCarter & English on Feb 1, 2004. Her primary areas of practice are pharmaceutical and medical devices litigation, multi-jurisdictional products liability, mass and toxic-tort litigation, and appellate practice. She also has been the recipient of Ramapo College of New Jersey President’s Award of Merit (2003). She is a coordinator and member of the Essex County Judiciary Emergency Medical Guardianship Panel.
RAMAPO MAGAZINE
SECTION SUMMER CLASS NOTES NAME 2004
for his extraordinary support and advocacy for Israel.
Charles R. Givonetti has
joined M & I Support Services Corp. (an affiliate of the Marshall & Ilsley Corporation) as senior manager of East Coast Client Services. He is based at their Braintree, MA office.
’90
Diederik G. Olijslager was appointed vice pres-
’85
Ernest H. Ehling,
’95
Photo credit Ernest Ehling
Jr. established his personal legal
’88
Daniel Wasserman, a rabbi at Shaare Torah Congregation in Pittsburgh, PA received the 2003 Rabbinic Award from the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh. He was recognized
SUMMER 2004
’97
as a dispatcher in Waldwick for three years. Elizabeth Ann McNamara
is engaged to Eric G. Stutzke Jr. She is a behavioral consultant for children with autism. Melissa Jones Machovic and Drew Patrick Bradicich
are engaged. Melissa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education at Gratz College in Philadelphia and is a third–grade teacher at St. Cecelia School in Iselin. Drew is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY. He is employed by IBM in Poughkeepsie.
’01
Eric Melniczek
started Job Connect of the New River Valley in late 2003. To get in touch, e-mail at: emelnicz@vt.edu. Jennifer Zeichner has earned a Masters in Arts and Teaching (M.A.T.) from American University and has moved to Israel. Prior to her graduate work, Jennifer was the Jewish Student Life Coordinator at Rutgers University Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Daniel Jean and Aneesha Jean ’00 (last name formerly James) were married on July 20, 2001. Daniel currently works as
nity coordinator. In this capacity, he helps oversee the day-to-day operations of the brand new closed circuit television station and performing arts center, which opened in early March. Prior to joining Cedar Crest, Andrew was a producer of local programming for Cablevision of Rockland County, New York. Robert Sobocinski, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor of the certified public accountancy RD Hunter & Co., in Fair Lawn. He joined the firm in 1998, the same year that he graduated from Ramapo College. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Photo credit Daniel Jean
practice in January 2003. He is dedicated to providing exceptional tax, employee benefits, and trusts and estates services to corporations, businesses, estates, trusts and individuals. His practice provides a broad range of tax and estate planning, estate administration, employee benefits, and related litigation services in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Ernest serves as Of Counsel with the law firm of Marriott Casagrande Callahan Blair & Greer, P.C. in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. To get in touch, e-mail at: eehiling@ marriottlaw.com
Yaakov Steinhart
was promoted to associate editor at Ziff Davis Publishing in Manhattan, NY.
’98
Andrew Pruner, of Parsippany, has been hired as Cedar Crest’s Village’s TV commuPhoto credit Jackie Schatell
ident of Selective’s Investment Group. He joined Selective in November 2001 as assistant vice president of investments. Prior to that, he was a fixed income securities analyst with USAA Investments Management Co. Olijslager also holds an M.B.A. degree from Schiller International University in London, England.
Esther Daniel was awarded a juris doctorate degree during spring commencement ceremonies at New York School of Law, New York City.
’86
chaired the committee that reintroduced public transportation to the campus. Aneesha is a registered nurse working in her hometown of Paterson. Andrew Valenzano married Monique Schielke on September 26, 2003. They are expecting their first child, Nicholas Anthony on June 23, 2004.
’00
Viva White is attending Yeshiva University – Wurzweiler School of Social Work for her Master’s in Social Work (MSW). In addition, she is also pursuing her certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. Presently she is a substance abuse counselor at Essex Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Newark.
’02
Lori Siegel is engaged to Thomas Segrich. She is employed by Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rockland Count, NY.
’03
Julie A. Merrill has joined Certified Financial Services, Paramus, as marketing and development director. She will recruit financial service workers and will market the agency through a media placement program. She was employed previously by MediMedia USA.
M. Mosca is the sec-
ond woman to join the Ho-HoKus Police Department’s ranks. While at Ramapo College, Mosca received her bachelor’s degree in social science. She was employed
the assistant director of Student Activities at Ramapo College and
21
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Scholarships Small class size, a welcoming culture, and an innovative
During her senior year in high school, where she was
approach to teaching are the hallmarks of a Ramapo College
valedictorian of her class and had “amazing teachers
education. At Ramapo College, students become part of an
and friends,” Nagi suffered the death of her father and
institution that places special emphasis on academics, character building, and service to
a subsequent move to a different state. “What a difference a year makes,”
the community – all of which provide a
Nagi continued.
solid foundation for a lifetime of success.
imagined that in a year I would be stand-
Scholarships are an important way to rec-
ing here speaking to you all.” During her
ognize students who exemplify this com-
first year, Nagi was a member of the on-
mitment, and help financially needy stu-
campus EMS squad, the Biology Club,
dents defray the costs of a college education.
and the Pre-Med Club. She closed the
“I would not be in college were it not
year as one of five freshmen who earned
for my scholarship,” Ravneet Nagi ’07, recently told the audience at Ramapo Col-
“I could never have
a perfect 4.00 grade point average. “I don’t know if I can ever express how
lege’s annual Scholarship Reception. Nagi, a freshman
much this scholarship means to me,” said Nagi. “It helped
from Gaithersburg, Maryland, received a Ramapo College
me believe I can now fulfill my ambition to attend med-
Alumni Association Scholarship. The Alumni Scholar-
ical school and achieve my dream to become a physician.”
ships are given each year to one entering freshman in each of Ramapo College’s five schools.
RAMAPO MAGAZINE