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Spring/Summer 2021
MONTCLAIR Magazine
The
Cole
Years
AN ERA OF
TRANSFORMATION
PAGE 24
Spring/Summer 2021 1
F E AT U R E S | O p e n f o r B u s i n e s s
F E AT U R E S | O p e n f o r B u s i n e s s
THE BIG PICTURE
Caroline Gutierrez ’21 shoots confetti in celebration of her BA in
Psychology. In 18 ceremonies on Sprague Field from June 7 - June 13,
Montclair State awarded doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees
to a Class of 2021 remarkable for its resilience and perseverance.
The multiple smaller ceremonies celebrated graduates in traditional
style, with the tossing of caps, speakers and an honorary degree, this
year awarded to Mimi Feliciano, co-founder and CEO of FEM Real
Estate LLC, during the Feliciano School of Business Undergraduate
Commencement ceremony. See coverage at montclair.edu/
commencement-news. (Photo by Mike Peters)
2 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 3
22 The
The magazine
magazine of
of Montclair
Montclair State
State University
University
CONTENTS
THE ART
OF THE QUILT ESSENTIAL CARE LASTING LESSONS
Bisa Butler ’05
WORKING TOGETHER In scenes of Former students
tells stories of the Collaboration community outreach, relate how retired
human condition brings musical to students and Professor Emeritus
through her life despite challenges faculty assist in Harbans Singh
intricate quilts of COVID-19 pandemic recovery made a difference
14 20 32 48
12
SNAPSHOTS
18
RECLAIMING ME
24
THE COLE YEARS
35
CONNECTIONS
A Talk with Need for Reflecting on the News and notes
Computer Science representation transformation of from alumni and friends
Professor drives research on Montclair State
Stefan Robila Muslim educators under President
Susan A. Cole’s
leadership
DEPARTMENTS
Feedback 5
Happenings 6
Athletics 34
Class Notes 40
In Memoriam 47
2 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 3
Enjoy the magazine? Have a story idea for us? We want to hear from you.
FROM THE
FEEDBACK
Email us at editor@montclair.edu. (We reserve the right to edit letters.)
PRESIDENT
Dear Alumni and Friends,
MONTCLAIR
Publisher
I am writing to you for the last time for these pages Joseph A. Brennan
as president of Montclair State University. After 23 Editor
Laura Griffin ’20 MA
years as the president of this growing University, it
Assistant Editors
is time to hand the keys to the next generation.
Robert Gano
Marilyn Joyce Lehren ’21 MA
As I look back on my time here, I am gratified by Design Director
Randi Rosh ’20 MA
how much we, as a campus community, have built
Designer
together. The past year has been a difficult one,
Samantha Spitaletta ’97
but we have come through the year, and the University stands strong and ready to
Staff Photographer
continue the realization of its important mission. Mike Peters
Staff Writer
Mary Barr Mann
I am immensely grateful to have had an extraordinary community of colleagues,
Contributing Writers
and I am grateful for the alumni and friends of the University who have so
Francesca DiPisa ’21
generously assisted us in giving our students the opportunity to prepare for Stacy Albanese Fagioli ’08, ’17 MA
Michele Hickey
lives of accomplishment. I have deeply valued the confidence this community
Production
has demonstrated in my leadership, and I have done my best to be deserving
Debra Morella ’79
of that confidence.
MONTCLAIR is produced by University
Communications and Marketing.
Views within these pages do not
I am certain that the University has a very bright future ahead of it, and I hope that necessarily reflect the opinions or official
all of you will continue to derive satisfaction from watching generations of students policies of the University. No materials Professor of Public Health Stephanie Silvera appeared on You can now find us on TikTok. If you’re not
(articles, photographs, illustrations, etc.) The Brian Lehrer Show on May 14 to discuss the CDC’s
benefit from the education they receive here. I wish you all good days ahead and following us on the popular video app, you are
may be reproduced in whole or in part
latest mask guidance, and the show tweeted an ICYMI link missing out. tiktok.com/@montclairstateu
without consent of the editor.
fulfillment in your lives. to its nearly 75,000 followers afterward. Silvera has been a #RedHawkPride
Letters to the editor may be sent to sought-after expert throughout the pandemic.
editor@montclair.edu or to:
Montclair State University
University Communications
Farewell, Congratulations to
and Marketing
150 Clove Road, Third Floor WMSC-FM. As the
Little Falls, NJ 07424 nation’s best college
radio station, even the
Please recycle.
Susan A. Cole governor is tuned in to
© 2021 Montclair State University your success. (See story,
montclair.edu page 8.)
4 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 5
Beyond the Call of Duty NEW BRANDING
HAPPENINGS Former Red Hawk Nick Volpe ’19 came up with many clutch moments while on the
ELEVATES US
football field for Montclair State. However, none of them compare to the one he had
this past November when the rookie police officer in Howell Township, New Jersey,
UNIVERSITY NAMES
rescued a man moments before his car burst into flames.
It was one of three saves in recent months by Montclair State alumni. New Jersey
NEXT PRESIDENT Jonathan G.S. Koppell
State Trooper Corey Beczo ’15 saved the life of a distraught teen who was attempting
to jump from a highway overpass in Camden. And Toms River Police Officer Rebecca
Sayegh ’15 rescued a woman from a burning house.
The officers, who each earned a BA in Justice Studies, say it was all in a day’s work.
Jonathan G.S. Koppell was selected as Montclair State student population to become a doctoral research university
“There are times and places where things go the right way,” Beczo says.
University’s ninth president, the Board of Trustees with a sizable residential student population and a growing
announced on June 8, 2021. A nationally regarded scholar national reputation (see story, page 24). Rebecca Monsanto, a sophomore Molecular
Even so, each was hailed a hero and responded to the ensuing media attention with Biology major, is filmed for the University’s new
of policy, organization and management who transformed
grace and humility. brand video.
the public affairs college at Arizona State University into “I am confident that Jonathan Koppell understands this
one of the largest, best and most innovative in the nation, university and will work with the campus community to
As a first responder to the burning home – where she could hear the woman inside
he will start on August 2. continue to secure a meaningful future for Montclair State The University’s institutional brand identity
yelling for help – Sayegh recalls thinking, “I’m going to do what I would want someone
and the students and the state it serves,” Cole said. highlights the passion and grit of Montclair State
to do for me” before breaking down the door to save the homeowner and her pets.
Board of Trustees Chair Francis M. Cuss said Koppell was students – and shows how a Montclair State
the “clear choice for all the Trustees, who were impressed During his decade-long tenure as dean of ASU’s Watts education elevates them to new heights.
Beczo, a classmate and friend of Sayegh, was able to save a teen when a gathering
with his energy, his passion, and his dedication to the College of Public Service and Community Solutions and vice
crowd caused a momentary distraction. Beczo saw an opening – “it was a now-or-
ideals of public higher education.” provost for public service and social impact, the College In a recent brand video, it also shows students
never situation” – as he wrapped his arms around the boy and pulled him to safety.
more than doubled its enrollment, becoming the nation’s proving naysayers wrong: “Definitely in my life,
“He is an experienced and visionary leader with a very largest comprehensive public affairs college, serving more there has been someone who says, ‘Oh, you can’t
Volpe was on patrol driving down a road where a car just moments before had
strong record of increasing service to students and than 9,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral do that. Or you’re not that good,’” says junior
hit a tree. He pulled the driver out a window before the car caught fire. Following
communities, of supporting and advancing the work of the programs. He also led the College to significantly improve Brandon Vargas. “That always motivates me to do
the incident, Volpe drove the man home to his anxious family. “As I was leaving, I
faculty, and engaging donors and alumni in the mission its student retention and graduation rates through new it and to do it better than I did before.”
explained the story to his wife, and she thanked me for saving his life.” n
of his institution,” said Cuss. “He has created mutually and innovative counseling and student-support initiatives.
beneficial partnerships with many external organizations Koppell quadrupled fundraising at the college, secured one Vargas, a Family Science and Human
and communities, and he is known on his campus as a of the largest gifts in the university’s 136-year history and Development major, is one of nine students
fierce advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity. All of tripled research funding to exceed $30 million annually. chosen to represent the University in a
these qualities, coupled with his experience as a teacher, Communications and Marketing video that
a scholar and an administrator, make him the ideal choice He earned doctoral and master’s degrees in political showcases Montclair State’s values: empowering,
for Montclair State at this moment in our history.” science from the University of California – Berkeley and welcoming and committed to excellence.
a baccalaureate degree in government from Harvard
“I could not be more excited about joining Montclair State University. At ASU he holds the endowed Lattie and Agency partner, The EFK Group, tested four
University,” Koppell said. “At a pivotal moment in higher Elva Coor Presidential Chair as Professor of Public different concepts for the brand, and students
education, this university – with its deep commitment Administration and Policy and is a Fellow of the National New Jersey State Trooper Toms River Police Officer picked “Elevate” by a wide margin. “I think it
to serving the public interest and advancing student Academy of Public Administration. At Montclair State he Corey Beczo ’15 Rebecca Sayegh ’15 really speaks to how tenacious and hard working
success – has an opportunity to define the future. I will serve as a faculty member in political science. they are,” says Joseph Brennan, vice president
am so impressed by what the faculty and staff have for University Communications and Marketing.
accomplished with President Cole, and I am confident we Koppell, 51, and his wife, Jennifer Steen, have two high
can build on this foundation in bold, imaginative ways that school-aged children. The appointment represents a return Rebecca Monsanto, a sophomore Molecular
contribute to the prosperity, health and well-being of New to his home region. The son of a New Jersey college Biology major, says she identifies with the can-do
Jersey and the nation.” professor and a long-time New York elected official, spirit of the video’s final line: “We were too busy
Koppell grew up in New York City and graduated from the to listen.”
Koppell will succeed Susan A. Cole, who is retiring after 23 Bronx High School of Science.
years of service. Under Cole’s leadership, the University “My motto is always do what you’re afraid of,”
nearly doubled its enrollment and rose from a well-respected For more on Koppell’s background visit On and off the field, Howell Township Police Officer Nick Volpe ’19. she says. n
regional master’s institution with an almost entirely commuter montclair.edu/new-president. n
6 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 7
HAPPENINGS | News
Subway Baby Inspires Book on Finding a Home
Peter Mercurio ’90 recently published his When thrust into parenthood, Mercurio was
debut children’s book, Our Subway Baby, but 10 years out from Montclair State, where he
it’s a story that he’s been living and writing for earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science in
more than 20 years. Speech and Theater with a concentration in
Communications. Says Mercurio, “The skills
In August 2000, Mercurio’s partner Danny I learned in those Communication Studies
Stewart found and helped rescue an classes and from the teachers that I had, I
Peter Mercurio ’90 (left) and Danny
abandoned newborn infant in the Union still use today.”
Stewart (right) with Kevin in 2001.
Square subway station in New York City.
The remarkable tale of their journey to When Kevin, who is now in college, came
From left, President Susan
adopting that baby, whom they named along, Mercurio says, the couple’s network
A. Cole, Rocky and Karen
Kevin, is detailed in Our Subway Baby. of friends and colleagues stepped up to
L. Pennington in front
of the masked crowd at help raise him so that Mercurio and Stewart
Karen L. Pennington and Rocky the Red Hawk wave at her retirement parade. Pennington’s send-off. Published in 2020 by Penguin Random could continue to follow their dreams.
House, the book is a selection on the ALA “When we say, ‘It takes a village,’ we lived
Rainbow Book List for Young Readers and it, and we credit our village with helping us
has gained the attention of major media, raise our son, without a doubt. We couldn’t Mercurio (left) and Stewart (right)
CAMPUS CELEBRATES A CAREER SERVING STUDENTS including the BBC, NBC’s Nightly News have done it without them.” For more, visit
with Kevin in 2019.
Photos courtesy of Peter Mercurio.
and Today. petermercurio.com. n
The University honored Karen L. Pennington who – after more integral part of the University’s growth, including the expansion of
than two decades at Montclair State – retired as vice president for student housing and recreational facilities.
Student Development and Campus Life and on her last day was
honored with a send-off parade across campus. Her legacy is also being honored with contributions to Rocky’s Closet, NJ COVID-19 SERVICE CORPS University Launches
Marching behind decorated golf carts and police vehicles on March 31,
which provides professional attire to students in need so that they
can be dressed appropriately for job interviews and professional GETS TO WORK New Pre Med Program
students and colleagues bid a fond farewell to Pennington, who served networking events.
and shaped the lives of countless Red Hawks. The University is leading AmeriCorps Montclair State University has launched a new
Dawn Meza Soufleris, formerly a vice president at La Salle efforts to help the state recover Pre Medical Program for the fall 2021 semester,
The parade began and ended at the Student Center, where University, joined Montclair State on April 5 as the new vice from the pandemic, with a dozen creating new opportunities for students by
Pennington’s vision and concern for the health, safety and well- president for Student Development and Campus Life. The vice Montclair State students accepted preparing them to pursue careers in medical fields,
being of all students created one of the most inclusive campuses in president oversees 22 departments with nearly 300 employees and into the New Jersey COVID-19 take the MCAT exam, and apply to medical school.
the country. Since joining Montclair State in 1998, she has been an some 700 student workers. n Service Corps. They are working
for nonprofits and local agencies, The Pre Med Program will be an interdisciplinary
particularly in New Jersey’s low- offering that students in any major can pursue.
income communities, where the Students will receive focused preparation for the
WMSC Named impacts of the pandemic – job loss,
hunger, homelessness and limited
MCAT exam and advising for applying to medical
school, with the goal of increasing the entrance
Best in College Radio access to medical and mental health of historically underrepresented students into
Mioandrys Rodriguez, left, and Amar care – are endemic. medical school cohorts and ultimately into the
Helwani are two of a dozen Montclair State
Looking for a great radio experience? Tune in to the University’s station, 90.3 WMSC-FM or medical profession.
students who have joined the NJ COVID-19
listen on the iHeartRadio app. WMSC was recently named the Best College Radio Station in The Center for Community
Service Corps.
the nation by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System for 2021. The station also picked up Engagement secured a $418,000, “The creation of our pre-medical support will fill
two awards for Joshua Tirado, Best Program Director and Best Use of Sound Effects, and Joshua Tirado and Kaya Maciak brought home three-year grant from the New Jersey Commission for National and Community a special need for our current students, have the
one for Kaya Maciak, named Best Business Manager. individual national broadcasting awards. They are Service for the effort as well as a $100,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson potential for significant impact on the success
seen here with General Manager Anabella Poland,
Foundation’s New Jersey Health Initiatives. of our graduates, and will help create diversified
right, in a rare moment together in the studio.
The recognition comes during a year in which the coronavirus pandemic forced the station pools of qualified medical school applicants,”
to improvise and find new ways to broadcast its mix of alt-rock, sports and talk. Corps members are paired with agencies, including the Jewish Family and says Lora Billings, dean of the University’s
Children’s Services of Northern New Jersey and Wafa House, a nonprofit College of Science and Mathematics, which will
“Before the pandemic, you would just come in during your slot, sit down, maybe have a script prepared, go with the flow and trust the agency formed to provide social service outreach to Muslims in Passaic County. house the program. n
soundboard,” says Maciak, a junior studying Communication and Media Arts. “But now there’s no soundboard. It’s you and your computer AmeriCorps provides a modest living stipend and an education award to use
recording and editing. I think we’ve definitely had to put in a lot more energy and strategies into how we want to operate.” n toward repaying students’ loans or for further education. n
8 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 9
HAPPENINGS | News
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Sex Ed MA in Ed Leadership
Named Best in NJ
How young is too young for sex education? Montclair State CREATING SAFER ENVIRONMENTS
professors Eva Goldfarb and Lisa Lieberman say age-appropriate sex Programming implemented earlier has helped to prevent child The University’s online Master of Arts in Educational
ed, concepts like consent and respect, should begin in kindergarten. sex abuse. It has also led to improved self-protective skills and Leadership program is ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and No.
knowledge of appropriate/inappropriate touching, increased parent- 15 in the nation – up 10 spots from 2020 – in the U.S. News
Their new study – the first of its kind in the field – shows child communication and increased disclosure of abuse. & World Report 2021 Best Online Programs rankings. The
comprehensive sex education can prevent child sex abuse program also ranked among the top 20 in the nation in the
and intimate partner violence, increase appreciation for sexual
diversity and improve environments for LGBTQ students, among
At higher grade levels, comprehensive sex education has also MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK rankings’ specialty area results for Educational Administration
resulted in decreased intimate partner violence, as well as an and Supervision, moving up three spots to No. 19.
other benefits. increase in bystander interventions. EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
Two other online graduate programs offered by Montclair State
“This landmark study establishes once and for all that quality sex Quality sex education can also improve the school environment. In just three years, the University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program also placed among the nation’s best in the annual rankings.
education that begins early, is developmentally appropriate and The research found that LGBTQ-supportive classes resulted in a has achieved accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
builds sequentially through middle and high school can improve more positive school climate, including increased feelings of safety The University’s Master of Science in Information
young people’s physical, mental and emotional well-being,” says and lower levels of homophobia and bullying for all students – “No one expected this program to be formally accredited during a Technology with a concentration in Applied Information
Goldfarb, a professor of Public Health. “While many people think of specifically homophobic bullying. n pandemic,” says Emily Douglas, chairperson of the Social Work and Technology (Professional Science Master’s) is now ranked
sex education only in terms of pregnancy and STD prevention, these Child Advocacy department. “But even in these difficult times, our No. 56 in the nation, while the online Master of Business
findings speak to the broader impact of quality sex education.” students are moving forward, our faculty are teaching, and our agency Administration (MBA) program continued its climb up the
partners in the community are continuing to work with our students, for rankings to No. 79 (up nine spots from 2020).
NO DIFFERENT THAN MATH which we are endlessly grateful.”
Goldfarb and Lieberman analyzed 30 years of published research “These rankings once again highlight Montclair State
on school-based programs around the world, and their results The program prepares leaders in social work practice with children, youth University’s ability to deliver a nationally prominent, accessible
show that sex education, like any other subject, is most effective and families. “Accreditation is important because it ensures that graduates education in any delivery mode,” says Provost and Vice
when it builds – creating an early foundation and advancing with of the MSW program are qualified professionals who provide ethical President for Academic Affairs Willard Gingerich. n
age-appropriate content and teaching. and effective social work practice often to vulnerable and marginalized
members of society,” says Lynette Reitz, an associate professor of Social
Children as young as preschool age not only comprehend, but Work and Child Advocacy and the MSW program director.
can openly discuss subjects as varied as gender diversity, gender
nonconformity and gender-based oppression, making it the ideal “Students are now eligible for different levels of licensure in New Jersey, and
time to begin creating a foundation for lifelong sexual health. faculty are eligible to apply for federal grant funding for their research.” n
“Waiting until eighth grade algebra to first introduce the subject of math
Eva Goldfarb, professor of Lisa Lieberman, chairperson of
would be absurd. The same is true for sex education,” says Goldfarb.
A Chain Reaction
Public Health Public Health
Registry, an organization that facilitates was in the hospital recovering that it sunk
living-donor kidney transplants, made it in what just happened. It was touching and
of Kindness possible for her to become a “nonspecific”
donor, someone whose donation can help
powerful, but words don’t do it justice.” n
FOSTERING A RECORD NUMBER OF FULBRIGHTS Ever since Gianna Graw ’21 lost her father,
William, a Jersey City police officer, to
someone she does not know.
cancer, she has held onto the memory of Graw’s donation set off a chain of kidney Gianna Graw’s kidney donation set off
A record number of Montclair State applications of cognitive computational Peter E. Siegel, professor and chair of the transplants that spanned the country. “It a donation “chain” across the country.
how caring and compassionate he was.
scholars and alumni have been selected as models of languages at the University of Department of Anthropology, was selected Photo courtesy of Gianna Graw
was exciting, but I also felt a little detached
Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2021-2022. Sheffield, England. to teach and conduct research for two until it all happened and four recipients had
“He was willing to do anything to help
semesters in Jamaica, collaborating with their transplants and surgeries,” she says.
anyone, even a stranger,” says Graw, who
Gail Perry-Ryder ’20 PhD was awarded Blenda P. Alexandre ’15, ’19 MA and Zachary J. M. Beier of the University of the
earned an MA in Higher Education and will
for her work in Barbados, where she Carmen Rosario ’20 were selected West Indies at Mona to update Jamaica “Sometimes when planning and doing the
pursue a career in disability services.
is studying how a nation’s educational for Fulbright English Teaching Assistant National Heritage Trust legislation, develop prep work for something, it’s hard to realize
systems respond to social transformation. Awards in South Korea and the Canary protocols for systematically addressing what is going on and the emotions behind
This past December, Graw, inspired by
Islands of Spain, respectively. heritage resources, and foster improved it until it’s actually happening, and that’s
her father’s kindness, donated a kidney.
Emily Ip ’20 was awarded a Fulbright interagency cooperation. n definitely how it was for me,” Graw recalls.
Hackensack University Medical Center’s
Study/Research Grant to examine clinical “It wasn’t until my surgery was done and I
partnership with the National Kidney
10 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 11
A Talk with Professor Stefan Robila
A Moment with Anthony McGill, Artist-in-Residence, John J. Cali School of Music
SNAPSHOTS Computer Science Professor Stefan
Robila, director of the Computational
Sensing Laboratory, recently completed a
three-year stint as program director at the
National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Office
of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (OAC) that
collaborates with other NSF divisions to
develop innovative research infrastructures
research expertise and writing skills came in
handy as every recommendation had to be
well justified and placed in the context of value
to the program and the NSF. My work covered
a variety of programs such as the Major
Research Instrumentation, core research, and
software and data cyberinfrastructure.
that open new frontiers for discovery. Only two months after arriving at NSF, I joined
the group managing the Cyberinfrastructure
The Foundation is the premier independent for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI)
federal science agency and is tasked with program, an initiative with deep roots in OAC,
identifying and funding projects that advance and unique within the Foundation for its focus
the country’s health, prosperity and welfare, to support science-driven data and software
and secure its defense. To do so it relies on cyberinfrastructure development. As program
experts like Robila to serve either as reviewers lead, I tracked and managed hundreds of
or as temporary or permanent program proposals for projects that could someday
directors. Robila gave Montclair magazine a potentially change the way we live.
glimpse into the NSF and how his time there
will serve to help Montclair State students. Montclair: What insight did your time at
the NSF OAC give you for your work at
Montclair: How would you compare your Montclair State?
life as a researcher and professor to your Robila: As Montclair State faculty, I am
time at the NSF? inspired by our students every day, and I
Robila: As faculty I contribute to the creation am amazed by their drive to succeed. NSF
of new degrees and develop new research actively works to ensure that tomorrow’s
directions; at NSF I participated in the design scientific community will be inclusive and
of programs that will shape future research diverse, something that is important to
and education. OAC’s mission is to enable Montclair State as well. Shortly after arriving
the research, development and provisioning at the NSF, a group of colleagues and I
of cyberinfrastructure that enable all NSF- developed an opportunity that encourages
supported science. The connection between submissions focused on expansion of
this cyberinfrastructure and the science inclusivity in computing research. We
it serves is growing stronger, generating continued evolving this into a full funding
discoveries that no longer fit within specific program focused on fostering computer
domain boundaries. One such discovery led science research at Minority Serving
to development of AI-driven computational Institutions with its first deadline in April 2021.
processes that explore time-dependent
changes in molecular systems that have As a faculty advisor, I often engage students in
been used to investigate the SARS-Cov-2 discussions about how graduate degrees help
infection mechanisms. them further their professional development
and broaden the career landscape. Keeping
Montclair: What work at the Foundation graduate students in mind while at the NSF,
was the most rewarding? I became more familiar with opportunities
Robila: I am proud that I was part of available to support them. For example,
the team that formulated the first ever I served as director for panels reviewing
cyberinfrastructure research program at NSF. applications for the Graduate Research
As a researcher at Montclair State, I served Fellowship Program, one of NSF’s longest-
as a reviewer of proposals; at NSF I managed running programs that provides stipends and
the full proposal pipeline, from ensuring tuition reimbursement for graduate students. n
compliance and synthesizing research results
to making recommendations for funding. My –Laura Griffin
12 Spring/Summer 2021 13
F E AT U R E S
M
ailissa “Bisa” Yamba Butler’s art career has soared in
the past year, capped by a solo show at the prestigious
Art Institute of Chicago, where 22 of her works were on
exhibit through April. Butler’s unique technique involves
reappropriating vintage photographs and giving them new life through
a traditional folkloric medium – quilting. Her work engages with themes
of family, community, migration, history, creativity and promise using
a variety of material including velvet, cotton, wool, silk and West
African kente cloth. Here, Butler, who graduated with a Master of Arts
BISA BUTLER ’05 in Teaching in 2005, answers our questions about her “whirlwind” year
and the many decades of work behind it.
Montclair magazine: Tell us about your defiance, pride and fierce convictions. We
technique, using photographs and giving are lucky to know his story – but what about
them new life through the medium of quilting. those who weren’t so lucky? I am curious
Beyond the technical side, what does the about the human condition in all forms
THE ART
tradition of quilt making mean for you and for and lifestyles. I believe we are all deeply
your art? layered – and beautiful in our own ways and
that is what I want to portray. If I can make
Bisa Butler: Quilt making is one of the truly someone’s innate beauty stand out, I feel I
American art forms. When I quilt I feel like have done my job.
I am carrying the torch that was lit by my
ancestors. There was a tradition of making Montclair: There seem to be hidden stories in
fabric appliqué artworks in the ancient the fabric patterns you choose for the clothing
kingdom of Dahomey (present day Benin) in your subject matter. The fabrics feature
OF THE
where you will find brightly colored cloths globes, airplanes, rings, snakes, electric fans.
Textile artist’s quilts with images of animals and people stitched
onto them. Enslaved African Americans made
What does it all mean?
tell stories of the quilts for their own families using the designs Butler: I use many African textiles that are
and patterns reminiscent of African textiles designed by African and Dutch designers.
human condition
QUILT
and passed on this tradition to their children. This cloth is called “Dutch Wax” or “African
Although my direct relatives were not quilters Wax Print.” The images are often inspired by
through intricate to my knowledge, I feel that I am carrying on African folktales, sayings and allegories. For
patterns this tradition from ancestors unknown. instance, the fabric printed with an electric
fan indicates that the wearer is wealthy. If
Montclair: Your portraits include famous you have an electric fan in your shop in the
By Mary Barr Mann people but often feature the unnamed, the marketplace it would mean that you have
forgotten. The man in I Am Not Your Negro more money to pay for that convenience.
is as regal and deeply layered as Frederick The fan indicates economic prosperity. There
Douglass in The Storm, the Whirlwind, and the is another fabric that is printed with stools
Earthquake. Tell us about that. all over it. This fabric is called “If you want
to talk about me, you may as well pull up a
“I use these Butler: The man pictured in I Am Not stool” or in other words, “I don’t care about
fabrics to help Your Negro was sourced from a photo by your gossip.” I use these fabrics to help
communicate the Dorothea Lange for the Farm Securities communicate the story I am trying to tell about
story I am trying
Administration. I was drawn to his thoughtful my subjects.
to tell.” –Mailissa
gaze and pose and it made me curious about
“Bisa” Yamba Butler
’05 MAT this contemplative man. It is the mystery and Montclair: The colors in your work are so
the soul of an image that draws me in – I vibrant, from the patterns of the clothing to the
want to know more. When you encounter play of light and shadow across faces.
Frederick Douglass’ images you can see his
14 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 15
F E AT U R E S | T h e A r t o f t h e Q u i l t
Montclair: How did your studies at
Butler: I use color as a way of expressing successful as a high school art teacher and
Montclair State shape you as an educator
emotion. I use warm hues like red, orange was proud of what I was doing. I dreamed
and an artist?
and yellow to express passion and that one day I might be able to make a
happiness, while I may use blues and living making my artwork and I’m so glad it
Butler: I made my first quilt while I was
purples to express more somber moods. actually happened.
attending Montclair State. My Fibers
I also use colors seen in African textiles –
professor, Kerr Grabowski, instructed us
electric blue, lime green and rich scarlet It’s easier for me to get work done now
on the basics of quilt making and I decided
reds all at the same time. I portray African because I can work for hours on end in
to make a portrait of my grandparents for
Americans and I want to infuse and adorn my studio – whereas before I would have
my final assignment. That was the moment
them with the colors of the continent. to stop because I had to get up early in
when I realized I could use my love of
the morning!
sewing and textiles – and combine that with
Montclair: You have had quite the year or
my drawing and painting skills in order to
so – with more major museums exhibiting Montclair: The Toledo Museum of Art
make art.
and purchasing your work, and your portrait purchased your portrait of Frederick
of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Douglass. What does this mean for you?
Montclair: Your father, A. Zachary Yamba,
Maathai featured as one of 100 covers
served as president of Essex County
produced as part of Time magazine’s 100 Butler: I am always thrilled when an artwork
College for three decades, bringing
Women of the Year – the most influential I have made finds a new home. The Toledo
enormous growth to the college. How did
women of the past century. How does Museum of Art is an incredible institution
he influence your path?
success feel? and to have my artwork join their historic
collection is thrilling. I am so happy that
Butler: My father always taught me and my
Butler: I feel incredibly thankful and people appreciate what I am doing, and
siblings to do our best at whatever it was
happy that I get to experience moments I am doubly honored that my rendition of
we put our minds to. He used to say, “If
of success – it has been a long road. Frederick Douglass can represent such an
you are a street sweeper, be the best street
Although I must say that I felt very important person.
sweeper!” To this date he still advises me
and edits my essays. As a teacher, I knew
that I had to try my best to make every
student have a positive experience while
they were in my class. As an artist I still feel
that I have a responsibility to put my best
effort forward with each piece.
Montclair: What advice would you give
students today?
Butler: I would advise students to pursue
what you love, and don’t be afraid of hard
work. It is OK to struggle, it is OK to get
tired – as long as you keep going. Set
goals for yourself and don’t quit until you
get them. Success may not come easy or
quickly but that is OK – the struggle will
make you stronger and better. n
Left: Butler at her studio in Bisa Butler, Broom Jumpers,
West Orange, New Jersey. 2019. Cotton, silk, wool and
Above: At the opening of velvet. 98 x 58 in. (Mount
her solo show, Bisa Butler: Holyoke College Art Museum,
Portraits, Art Institute of South Hadley, Massachusetts)
Chicago, November 16, 2020.
16 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 17F E AT U R E S
Led by Montclair State Associate Professor student in the Teacher Education and white women, which does not match the
Mayida Zaal, the work of the seven- Teacher Development program. demographics of the student population in
member participatory action research our state. When I realized this was bigger
collective – “Reclaiming: ME (Muslim The group also includes Nagla Bedir, founder than just one Muslim girl in New Jersey,
Educator)” – is supported by a $500,000 of Teaching While Muslim, an organization that this was all over the nation, my interest
1 2 1. Amir Billups grant from the Spencer Foundation’s Large that focuses on addressing discrimination and in working with research rooted to help
2. Maheen Ahmad
Research Grant on Education. institutional racism in schools and creating with recruitment and retention of racialized
3. Manar Hussein
4. Nagla Bedir a supportive network for Muslim-American teachers was solidified.”
5. Chedia Ayari “The COVID-19 pandemic, the economic teachers. “There’s no institution, no system in
6. Mayida Zaal and political volatility, and the mass place that supports Muslim educators in any An important piece of the conversation is
7. Nushrat Hoque response to racism have increased the way, shape or form,” she says. how Muslim Americans are impacted by
urgency of our research,” Zaal says. complicit racism, specifically anti-Blackness,
Studies show the benefits of a diverse Zaal says. “The research says that the kinds of
Zaal has focused much of her scholarship teaching force, including higher academic issues that push teachers of color out of the
3 4 on recruiting and preparing teachers of color. performance, graduation rates and college profession are things like racial battle fatigue,
As she watches the gap continue to widen enrollment when teachers share race, and having to always be the ones to advocate
among marginalized groups, and schools ethnicity or gender with their students. for marginalized students and to educate
operating in systemically unequal and racist others about what it means to be different.”
ways, she says children from marginalized
“The COVID-19
communities continue to be left behind. As the study expands nationally, the
researchers will be talking with teachers
“Representation matters now more than
ever. To help address these disparities,
pandemic, the economic in cities with growing Muslim-American
communities, ethnic enclaves and in places
5 6
our children and communities need and political volatility, targeted by hate crime, including Dearborn,
diverse teachers committed to anti-racist Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and
pedagogies,” Zaal says. and the mass response to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The group will examine the intersectional racism have increased the The study’s pilot “uncovered that some
experiences of Muslim-American teachers
urgency of our research.” Muslim-American educators have
Reclaiming
By Marilyn Joyce Lehren in K-12 schools. “Part of what makes our experienced microaggressions, have
project unique is that we are participatory –Mayida Zaal experienced bias, or they’ve had to censor
action researchers. This has allowed us to themselves in terms of the content that they
ME
upend who constructs knowledge and who covered in their classroom,” Billups says.
7
gets included in complex narratives about Preliminary findings in the “Reclaiming: ME”
Muslim-American teachers,” Zaal says. pilot, says Amir Billups, a high school social The results were influenced by the school
studies chairperson in Newark, New Jersey, setting. “In the City of Newark or East
Nushrat Hoque ’16 MA, a graduate of the “found situations where young people Orange, areas with large Muslim populations,
Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellows program opened up because they found someone those teachers may not feel they need to
at Montclair State, says the group has on the staff who shared their experiences. censor or feel self-conscious about who they
Need for
M
connected over a shared passion for social There’s a connection that’s being made are,” Billups says. “But in a different setting,
representation justice that has informed both their teaching there that’s value added.” Muslim-American teachers are forced to be
aheen Ahmad ’13, a sixth encourages students to love who they are
drives research grade English teacher in and where they come from.”
practices and the study’s structure. a lot more conscious of who they are, how
Manar Hussein, a doctoral student they show up in certain spaces, because
on Muslim West Orange, New Jersey,
Chedia Ayari agrees. “It’s the deep desire in Teacher Education and Teacher they may be the only person who represents
educators never wanted to miss a Ahmad is using her experiences as
for social justice, but we also spend a lot Development, recalls having only a few a faith or a culture associated with it.”
day of school as a child. Her teachers, she a researcher and collaborator on
of time together just knowing each other teachers of color growing up. “I’ve never
recalls, “were the smartest, coolest people the first national study of Muslim-
and knowing our lives and who we are as had a Muslim teacher in the United States “We need to flip the conversation,” Zaal says.
in the world. They knew everything.” American teachers, “Teacher Diversity,
individuals, as teachers, as parents. The until my current program at Montclair,” “Anti-racist education needs to not only focus
Retention, and Muslim-American
experiences that we share in our educational she says. “I thought it was my exclusive on racialized communities. It’s the reverse.
But that changed as she grew older and Teachers,” conducting research rooted
background varies from negative to positive. experience. In reality, even though New We need to be thinking about anti-racist
started wearing a hijab. In school, she says, in dismantling racism, Islamophobia and
Even the negative experiences have Jersey has a diverse population, the New education that addresses predominantly white
“I felt like I wasn’t always accepted. One of anti-Blackness.
managed to enrich us as both researchers Jersey Policy Perspective reports that communities, where those conversations may
the motivators for me is to be a teacher who
and individuals,” says Ayari, a doctoral about 66% of the teacher workforce are not otherwise be had.” n
18 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 19F E AT U R E S
WORKING
TOGETHER
Working’s tales of the trials and
tribulations of everyday workers also
made it the perfect theatrical vehicle
By Mary Barr Mann
for addressing the plight of essential
laborers during the pandemic. Flynn
worked with his associate director,
Chanel Johnson ’20, to update the
musical, with the blessing of the
legendary Stephen Schwartz, who
adapted the book for Broadway 43
years ago.
“We formulated questions and put
out an email to our entire Musical
Working performed and filmed at the Kasser Theater.
Theatre student body and said,
‘Whether you’re involved in the
show or not, we’d like to interview
any family members that have been
directly affected by quarantine or by
the pandemic.’ And we got a flurry of
emails back.”
As a result, Flynn explains, “We
interviewed a teacher, three business
owners, a pilot and a physician’s
assistant.” Then Flynn and Johnson
turned each of those interviews into a
Collaboration brings monologue using a fictional name for
the character.
musical to life despite
At the same time, Flynn began
challenges of COVID-19 Students performing a
vignette from Working
coordinating with School of
Communication and Media Professor
at the Kasser Theater.
Stuart MacLelland on the project,
which proved rewarding for students
in both programs. School of Communication and Media Professor
Stuart MacLelland (left) with Carter Winner ’22 in the
production room at the Kasser Theater.
W
“It’s a huge success story,” says
hen a global pandemic With its vignettes of individual the blocking of our show,”
MacLelland, who enlisted students
disrupted live performances workers’ toils – from farming says Peter Flynn, associate
from his Advanced Television
and classroom schedules to waitressing to welding – professor of Theatre and
Production and Television Production
last fall, an interdepartmental collaboration the show is almost ideally Dance. “So everybody, unless
Company classes. great opportunities. Besides filming a Kasser
between students in Theatre and Dance, suited for a hybrid production, they’re shooting remotely,
main stage production of A Chorus Line
and Television Production allowed the show one that could be rehearsed unless they’re on Zoom
“Most of the time, I give my students an using robotic cameras and the University
to go on. and recorded via Zoom or, or everybody’s in a mask,
assignment to find acts or talent. But we Singers performing Ain’t No Grave in the
for some musical numbers, everybody stays socially
weren’t going to be able to put 20 people Amphitheater, MacLelland and his students
Together, they produced Working, the 1978 in outdoor and/or socially distant. There are even some
in our studio and control rooms, so I went to work on Working.
Broadway musical based on Studs Terkel’s distanced or masked groups. characters, because of the jobs that
started looking around for content.”
book, Working: People Talk About What they are representing onstage, who
“It’s been a really good partnership,” says
They Do All Day and How They Feel About “We adopted protocols for the wear masks and gloves.”
The John J. Cali School of Music and the MacLelland. “Montclair State has always
What They Do, first published in 1974. pandemic into the design and
Department of Theatre and Dance presented been great at broadcast journalism and
20 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 21F E AT U R E S | W o r k i n g To g e t h e r
documentary.” Working with the Cali resume with the full cast and everyone in director Sarah Brett England. “But we were
School and Musical Theatre, however, the company was cleared according to the able to create a show in the middle of a
represents “a whole new world” for University’s COVID-19 protocols. “It’s an global pandemic, which I think is pretty
Television Production students. “When they Art,” about a waitress, was shot in the Red spectacular.” Johnson credits MacLelland
are watching the rehearsal process and see Hawk Diner in late February. and his students: “They’ve been really
that side of show business, we’re providing incredible throughout all of this. Major
the broadest foundation for any kind of Other scenes were recorded using Zoom props to them for all the hard work they put
media arts and performance, making them or with green screens. into this show!”
more dimensional and marketable.”
“It’s been very weird doing a show during Beyond all the artistic considerations, the
The University company for Working, which COVID,” says Johnson, who graduated timely and fitting theme of the musical was
was routinely tested for COVID-19, shot in December 2020. “Luckily, we’ve been not lost on anyone involved. Flynn notes,
scenes all over campus before needing to able to have a lot of one-on-one time with “For the very first time in a production
postpone production because of a positive the actors in person and over Zoom during of Working, there are monologues
COVID-19 test among the group in early the process. Zoom rehearsals have proven about people who do their jobs during a
November. A number called “Cleanin’ incredibly effective. We can meet as a full pandemic.” Musical Theatre major Grace
Women” was shot in the News Lab in the company or have five different breakout Rivera ’23, who plays the waitress, says “We were pretty much
School of Communication and Media. “The rooms rehearsing at the same time.” she is excited that the “subject of this show making a movie musical
and it felt exactly like that,”
Mason” was shot in the Amphitheater. is the working class, a group of people
says Grace Rivera ’23, who
Having to always think about social that have been immensely affected by the plays a waitress in Working,
Major production numbers that open distancing and other COVID-19 safety pandemic. It gives them the chance to be in an interdepartmental
and close the show were rescheduled measures made everything more the spotlight and gives them credit for their collaboration between
for filming in the spring semester – when difficult, says Johnson, who worked with contribution to the world we know today.” students in Theatre and
Dance, and Television
Flynn and MacLelland felt it was safe to choreographer Hollie Wright and music
Production.
Kevin Wang ’21, played
firefighter Tom Patrick
using a green screen.
Other scenes were shot
outdoors last fall. Says Rivera also is filled with gratitude for this “When most universities and their theater
Wang, “Some of us really very different musical theater experience. programs opted not to do shows during
needed this. We learned “It was insane to walk onto a set and see COVID-19,” Judith Evans, the costume shop
to appreciate every
all these lights and cameras. When we supervisor for Theatre and Dance, points
opportunity given and not
take any of it for granted.” shot ‘It’s an Art,’ we were able to see one out, “Montclair State is producing
of the takes in the Red Hawk Diner on creatively” – and safely.
campus, and it was honestly one of the
coolest experiences. I seriously could not Working debuted at the
stop smiling because it felt so unreal – in Department of Theatre and
the best way possible.” Dance Virtual Festival,
an online portal that
Television and Digital Media major Carter allows performance
Winner ’22 also appreciated the novel and presentation
experience of working with Theatre and opportunities for Dance,
Dance. “I learned a lot about thinking on Theatre, Musical Theatre
Working associate director, “It was so much fun to be a part of
the team that got to do something my feet. It was so great to cover such and other students, and
Chanel Johnson ’20: “We
were able to create a show so incredible, I’m so grateful,” says beautiful performances. It was so much provides every audience
in the middle of a global Carter Winner ’22, Television and Digital fun to be a part of the team that got to do member a front row
pandemic, which I think is Media major with a concentration in TV something so incredible, I’m so grateful.” seat to spectacular pre-
pretty spectacular.” Production and a Political Science minor.
recorded shows available
It’s an experience that they could not have for streaming. Visit
had elsewhere. peakperfs.org/virtual-
festival. n
22 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 23F E AT U R E S | O p e n f o r B u s i n e s s
The
For the past 23 years as Montclair State’s and followed to be able to fulfill that dream Notes Pennington: “Dr. Cole recognized
president, Cole has drawn on her vision, that she was creating for all of us. She early on that we had potential that was not
“ridiculous optimism” and the help of brought us all into the play and made us all being reached, whether it was because of
dedicated faculty, administrators and staff, part of that cast of characters to complete the numbers of students we were serving,
Cole
to write a new narrative for the University, the show.” the faculty that could be here, the research
transforming it from a respectable that could be done.”
regional school to an ambitious national “The work that we accomplished together,
research university with the state’s second the things we have built and grown SEEING UNTAPPED
Years
largest enrollment. constitute a transformation of Montclair
State that is nothing short of miraculous,”
POTENTIAL
Montclair State had been advanced
The transformation is seen everywhere: Cole said in her fall 2020 address to
from college to university status just a
in the growth of academic and research the University.
few years before Cole became the first
programs, the building of outstanding new
woman to lead the University in 1998.
facilities and the renovation of existing The efforts not only elevated Montclair
In her inaugural address, she said, “The
buildings, the nearly doubling of the State University’s reputation, they provided
important question is never ever what we
student body, the hiring of hundreds of tens of thousands of students with an
want for the moment, but what we, as
talented new faculty, the burnishing of affordable quality education that gave many
individuals and as a collective community,
Montclair State’s reputation and much graduates opportunities they might not
want to have accomplished at the end of
more. “It’s a phenomenal narrative that otherwise have had.
our working lives; where, for example, we
she built year after year,” says University
want this university to stand in 50 years’
Trustee and Foundation Board member, In an interview with Montclair magazine,
time; the impact we wish to have made on
Rose Cali ’80. Cole said Montclair State, a fledgling
the progress of society.”
university when she arrived, was already “a
In reflecting on that narrative, Karen L. good institution and had been for many
Pennington, who recently retired as vice years. But there’s no question, we have
president for Student Development and transformed the institution. It has been
Campus Life after more than two decades, major, rapid for higher education, and
says Cole “has told a tale that people read profound.”
Reflecting on the efore becoming a builder of universities,
Susan A. Cole, as a child of Brooklyn, dreamed of
transformation a life on the wild frontier. World-famous
sharpshooter Annie Oakley was her hero, “and
of the University I inhabited her persona for dear life,” Cole says,
during President “capturing the bad guys, bringing justice to the
world, acting bravely, doing things.”
The pace of growth over the past 23 years,
including the creation of a number of
Susan A. Cole’s important research centers and institutes
The Montclair State University president has been
23 years reflecting on her life story and career, from make-
and the addition of four new schools and
colleges, was meaningful for those working
believe-cowgirl to playwright to academic, as
alongside Cole to make it happen.
the curtain draws to a close on a remarkable
tenure. It’s a history marked by its boldness of
“To be there as it was happening was
vision for students and its principled response
one of the most exciting times of my life,”
By Marilyn Joyce Lehren to the urgent issues of the times. Always a
says Bertha Diggs, who retired in 2018 as
and Mary Barr Mann natural leader – as evidenced by her very
the associate director of the Educational
first preschool report card that read: “Susan
Opportunity Fund (EOF) program. “Even
is the leader in her group. She is the driving Over 23 years as president, Susan A. Cole helped transform Montclair State into a national research when we were going through growing
force of everything that kids do.” – she grew up university with the state’s second largest enrollment. Top right: Cole at her inauguration as president,
pains ... there was something about the
determined to make her place in the world and to September 24, 1999.
atmosphere and the aura. The tone was set
make the world a better place.
24 The magazine of Montclair State University Spring/Summer 2021 25You can also read
