VIRTUAL ASPIRE 2021 UNIVERSITY - William Paterson University
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COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES,
AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY
PRESENTS
VIRTUAL ASPIRE 2021
Building Success Through the Liberal Arts
Building Success through the Liberal Arts
Vision Statement
The goal of the Aspire program is to empower students to appreciate,
articulate, and leverage the intellectual skills, knowledge, and
dispositions unique to a liberal arts education in the service of their
personal and professional development. Participants will learn to convey
the core values and strengths of their degree program, identify career
paths that may connect to that program, and prepare themselves to fur-
ther pursue passions and opportunities upon completing their degrees.
Thank you to Boston College, Endeavor: The Liberal Arts
Advantage for Sophomores, for inspiration and activity ideas.
2
Contents
Schedule Overview 4-5
CoAHSS 6-9
Dean’s Advisory Board 10-21
Connect with Us!
Guest Speakers 22-24
Campus Resources 25-26 @WPCOAHSS
Thank You 27
“What we think, we become.”
-Buddha
3
Schedule Overview
In-Person Evening Program: Monday, August 2nd Student Center. Rm. 211
5:30pm-6:30pm: Welcome: Program Overview/Introduction:
Speakers:
o Dr. Wartyna Davis, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science
o Dr. Joshua Powers, Provost and Senior Vice President, William Paterson University
o Valerie Gross, Dean’s Advisory Board Chair
o Selected Student from Aspire 2020, Zhakier Seville
Reception: Light Refreshments
VIRTUAL Day One Tuesday, August 3th from 9:00am to 2:35pm
9:00– 9:05am Welcome: Dr. Ian Marshall and Lauren Agnew
9:05am-10:00am Virtual Workshops: Career Foundations
Group A: The Liber al Ar ts Advantage: Under standing Your self thr ough the Str ong Inter est Inventor y Assessment with
Ms. Alma Diaz, Facilitator
Group B: Car eer Ready! Under standing car eer competencies and networ king with Mr. Alex Cor sillo, Assistant Dir ector ,
William Paterson University Career Center
10:05am-11:05am
Group B: The Liber al Ar ts Advantage: Under standing Your self thr ough the Str ong Inter est Inventor y Assessment with
Ms. Alma Diaz, Facilitator
Group A: Car eer Ready! Under standing car eer competencies, and networ king with Mr. Alex Cor sillo, Assistant Dir ec-
tor, William Paterson University Career Center
11:10am-12:10pm Virtual Workshops: Career Development
Group A1: Creating and Critiquing Your LinkedIn Profile with Mr. Alex Corsillo
Group A2: Perfecting Your Headshot with Ms. Robin Gurin
Group B1&2: “Growth Mindset and Imposter Syndrome” with Ms. Tia Cherry
Break: 20 Minutes
12:30am-1:30pm
Group B1: Creating and Critiquing Your LinkedIn Profile with Mr. Alex Corsillo
Group B2: Perfecting Your Headshot with Ms. Robin Gurin
Group A1&2: “Growth Mindset and Imposter Syndrome” with Ms. Tia Cherry
1:35pm-2:35pm WPU Alumni Mixer:
Breakout Room Topics:
The HSS Major, Non-Profits, and the Government Sector
Making Connections: My Network, My AHSS Major, and My Career
Careers and Family: Long-term Planning
4
Schedule Overview
Day Two Wednesday, August 4th from 9:00am to 1:25pm
9:00am-9:03am Introduction of Guest Speaker: Mr. Michael Blizzard
Dr. Ian Marshall
9:03am-9:35am Plenary Guest Speaker
My Compass Your Journey with Mr . Michael Blizzar d
9:40am-10:10am
Processing What We Have Gathered: Growth Mindset, Imposter Syndrome, and Telling Your Story with
Ms. Tia Cherry
10:15am-11:00am
From Telling Your Story to Building Your Brand: Careering Outside the Box: Forging Your Own Paths to Success:
Board Members in Dialogue
Breakout Room Recommended for Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences Majors
Moderator: Dr. Michael Gordon
Janice Lai
Marc Schaeffer
Val Gross
Breakout Room Recommended for Fine Arts and Music Majors
Moderator: Dr. Ian Marshall
Brian Wood
Jonte Silver
Charlie Dougherty
Jamieo Brown
11:05am-11:35am
Plenary Virtual Presentation: Drury Design Dynamics
Break: 25 Minutes
12:00noon-1:00pm: Speed Introductions (about 5 minutes per student/
member)
Advisory Board Members/Aspire Students
1:05-1:25pm Closing Remarks
Representative from Dean’s Advisory Board Colin Ungaro
Dr. Ian Marshall, Scholarship Awards
5
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Wartyna Davis, Dean
Dr. Wartyna Davis is the Interim Dean of the College of
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at William Paterson
University. Formerly, she was Associate Dean, full-time Professor of
Political Science, and served for seven years as Chair of the
Political Science department. She received her bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in Political Science from the University of
Alabama, and doctoral degree in Political Science from Florida
State University. She is an interdisciplinary scholar, who has
published and presented works on intersectional
identity and politics. She has committed her life to researching,
educating, and advocating for issues of justice and fairness.
Ian Marshall, Associate Dean
Dr. Ian Marshall is the Associate Dean of the College of Arts,
Humanities and Social Sciences and a Professor of English. He
earned his BA and MA from Rutgers University-Newark, and his
PhD from City University of New York, Graduate Center. He
served as Chair of English for eight years. He specializes in
Cultural Rhetoric, Modern American Literature, and Rhetoric and
Composition. Among his publications are “Hemingway,
Race(ism) and Criticism” Cambridge University Press, and
“Reading, Writing, and the Rhetorics of Whiteness,” which is a
book-length treatment of the intersections between Whiteness
Studies and Composition Studies, coauthored with Wendy
Ryden.
Michael Gordon, Dean’s Fellow and Assistant
Dr. Michael Gordon is a Professor of Psychology and former
Psychology Chairperson who completed his Ph.D. at the
University of California, Riverside and post-doctoral studies at the
University of Toronto. He now serves as Assistant to the Dean of
the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and directs
the Audiovisual Perception Laboratory at William Paterson
University. He is an innovative teacher and scholar with
publications ranging from echolocation to the perception of
music. He travels globally and acts locally to support program-
matic enrichment in educational and scholarly activities.
6
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
James Miles,
Director of Digital Learning and Outreach
James Miles, Director of digital learning and outreach, has 20+
years of technology support in the William Paterson College of
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, including oversight of world
languages proficiency exams, in-lab support for world languages
courses, web site content management, digital signage content
management, and serving as a liaison with Information
Technology User Support and Instruction & Research
Technology.
Tia N. Cherry,
Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and
Student Engagement
Tia Cherry is the Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and
Student Engagement in the College of Arts, Humanities and
Social Sciences. She graduated from Bloomfield College with a
B.A. in Psychology and Capella University with a M.S. in
Psychology with a specialization in Child & Adolescent
Development. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational
Leadership at Liberty University. She was recently inducted into
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education and
Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society for Online Students.
“The best preparation for tomorrow is
doing your best today.”
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
7
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dean’s Office
Office: Atrium 260 Community and Social Justice Studies
Phone: 973.720.2731 Office: Atrium 112
Wartyna Davis, Dean Phone: 973.720.3027
Ian Marshall, Associate Djanna Hill, Chairperson
Dean Michael Gordon, Dean’s Fellow and Mayra Soto, Department Secretary
Assistant
Lauren Razzore Cedeno, Dean’s Fellow
Michele Cascardi, Dean’s Fellow English
Tia N. Cherry, Assistant Director Office: Preakness Hall 321
Yolanda Martinez, Financial Secretary Phone: 973.720.2254
Nancy Elshahawi, Faculty Issues Secretary Barbara Suess, Chairperson
Suzanne Petrozza, Receptionist Sandy De Jesus, Department Secretary
Rosario Urena, Receptionist
Amy Nemery, Financial Secretary
Lavene Gass, Marketing and Community History
Liason Office: Atrium 217
Phone: 973.720.2319
Art Department Lucia McMahon, Chairperson
Office: Ben Shahn Center 136 Malissa Williams, Department Secretary
Phone: 973.720.3649 Music Department
Graduate Director- Steve Rittler Office: Hunziker Hall 106A
Office: Power Art Center 124 Phone: 973.720.2373
Phone: 973.720.3807 Chair- Tim Newman
Center for New Art Director- Michael Rees Office: Shea Center 167
Office: Power Art Center 144 Phone: 973.720.2340
Phone: 973.720.3173 Graduate Director- John Link
Center for Chinese Art- Zhiyuan Cong
Office: Ben Shahn Center 116 Philosophy
Phone: 973.720.3283 Office: Preakness Hall 306
Gallery- Casey Mathern Phone: 973.720.3032
Peter Mandik, Chairperson
Communication Department Liz Siders-Brown, Department Secretary
Office: Hamilton Hall 213
Phone: 973.720.2540
Chair- Keith Obadike
Office: Hamilton Hall 205
Phone: 973.720.3349
Graduate Director- Jennifer Owlett 8
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Philosophy
Office: Preakness Hall 306
Phone: 973.720.3032
Peter Mandik, Chairperson
Liz Siders-Brown, Department Secretary
Politics, Legal Studies, and Urban
Science
Office: Raubinger 433
Phone: 973.720.2183
Aaron Tesfaye, Chairperson
Julie Vigorito, Department Secretary
Psychology
Office: Science Hall East 2061
Phone: 973.720.2148
Corinne Datchi, Chairperson
Delores Oertel, Department Secretary
Sociology & Criminal Justice
Office: Raubinger 465
Phone: 973.720.2274
Jacob Felson, Chairperson
Francine Troisi, Department Secretary
Languages & Cultures
Office: Atrium 242
Phone: 973.720.2330
Ming Jian, Chairperson
Joselynne Tanis, Department Secretary
University Performing Arts
Office: Shea Center Lobby
Phone: 973.720.2384
Al Schaefer
Office: Hunziker Hall 110
Phone: 973.720.2994
Ed Matthews
9
Dean’s Advisory Board
Valerie Gross
Add name and title here
Valerie Gross is an attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. She
Add
practices in Morgan Lewis’s Newbio
Yorkhere
City office and specializes in
Outsourcing and Technology Transactions. She earned her Juris
Doctorate from Cornell Law School in 2006 and is admitted to the
bar in both New York and New Jersey. Ms. Gross founded the
William Paterson University Cambridge Scholarship and is also a
frequent Pre-Law Program guest speaker. During her time as a
student at WPUNJ, Ms. Gross served as the Secretary of the SGA
Court of Judicial Review and Vice President of the Student Business
Association.
Lauren Agnew
Lauren Agnew, (Sociology & Communication ‘06) Public
Information Officer for the County of Essex and member of both
the Alumni Executive Council and the Young Alumni Council,
earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication and an
Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers
University. She is the founder of the “Lauren T. Agnew SPIKE
Scholarship” for minority female students at WPUNJ, and a
member of the National Association of Black Journalists; Public
Relations Society of America; American Society for Public
Administration; and the National Association of Professional
Women.
10Dean’s Advisory Board
Barbara Krajkowski
Add name and title here
Barbara Krajkowski was an adjunct communications professor at
Addand
William Paterson. She taught bio herestudent productions for
directed
over twenty years while simultaneously serving as co-founder and
Artistic Director of the Women's Theatre Company, an Equity
theater company. She is a producer, director, and actor involved in
community and professional theater for over 40 years.
Krajkowsk has directed over 50 plays, including numerous
productions at William Paterson. In addition, she has coached and
managed the career of her daughter, Jane Krakowski, a Tony and
Emmy award-winning actor. In 1993, Barbara co-founded The
Women’s Theater Company to provide more theatrical opportuni-
ties for women.
Brian Wood
Brian Wood is the Founder of MARS Coaching, a corporate
leadership and development company. He is a transformational
success coach and global speaker with a background of more than
30 years in the corporate world. While attending William Paterson,
he was captain of the men’s basketball team. Passionate about
continuous personal growth and organizational development, Brian
continues to support major corporations, professional sports
organizations and municipalities. He provides confidential,
professional and discreet executive coaching, online learning
resources and leadership assessments with customized summaries
and action plans. He is also an executive coach with the American
Express Leadership Academy – hosted by the ASU Lodestar Center
for Philanthropy and nonprofit innovation. Brian also specializes in
Athletes and for Athletes and is a Certified Agent for the NBPA,
WNBA and FIBA, helping that population transition into other
phases of life outside athletics. Earlier in his career, Brian had a 30
year career at American Airlines and as Director of Operations with
Waste Management. His leadership coaching combines a corporate
perspective with his background as an athlete and a certified
professional coach to provide clients with unique support and
guidance toward the next level of greatness.
11Dean’s Advisory Board
Dave Wiktrom
As a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, David L. Wikstrom represents
clients in claims involving Legal Malpractice, Product Liability,
Personal Injury, Dramshop and Employment Discrimination. Mr.
Wikstrom has been named one of New Jersey’s Super Lawyers in
the product liability category for the years 2006 to 2019, and has
been named to the prestigious Top 100 Attorneys of New Jersey by
New Jersey Monthly’s Super Lawyer Magazine in 2019, 2020 and
2021. He is a Past-President of the Union County Bar Association,
former Chairman of the Product Liability Section of the Essex County
Bar Association and a member of the Standing Committee for Legal
Malpractice and Insurance. He is currently serving as Trustee of the
New Jersey State Bar Association, and is the former Chairman of the
Union County Bar Association’s Civil Practice Committee. He the
former Chair of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Civil
Trial Certification and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates
Forum, which recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated
exceptional skill, experience, and excellence in trial advocacy and
have obtained recoveries on behalf of their clients in excess of one
million dollars. He is a frequent lecturer for ICLE on Legal
Malpractice and Ethics, and has presented seminars both nationally
and internationally. Mr. Wikstrom is also an adjunct professor at
Union County College where he teaches Business Law. Mr.
Wikstrom is a proud graduate of William Paterson University in
Wayne, NJ where he studied political science and concentrated in
minority studies. He was the MVP for William Paterson in 1987 in
the sport of Fencing and served on the leadership board of Alpha
Sigma Phi Fraternity. Following college, Mr. Wikstrom attended
Quinnipiac University School of Law where he graduated cum laude
and served as symposium editor on its law review. He was an IOLTA
Scholarship recipient and received the Am Jur Award for
Constitutional Law and Criminal Law.
12Dean’s Advisory Board
Colin Ungaro
Add name and title here
Received a BA in Sociology from William Paterson University (College
at the time) in 1975, then Add bioashere
continued a Graduate Communication
major for another year. For most of my time at WP, I was a member
of the Beacon, the student-run newspaper, where I served in various
roles, including Editor in Chief and Arts Editor, and where I met my
future wife, Susan (Kelliher) Ungaro. After Graduate School, I was
fortunate enough to begin an almost 40-year career in publishing,
first as a newspaper and magazine editor, and eventually as a media
executive running several companies that produced magazines, web
sites and both in-person and virtual events. On the side, my family
ran a professional opera company for some 30 years, in Hackensack,
NJ. It was a true labor of love for my entire family, and we all pitched
in to make it work—juggling most administrative, artistic and pro-
duction responsibilities. So much of my professional and personal life was
forged at WP—both in the classroom and participating in extracurricular activ-
ities—and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Dave Maltese
Dave Maltese graduated from William Paterson with a BA in
Communication. Dave learned from the best. His father, Anthony
(Tony) Maltese retired from WP in 1996 after a 36 year career in the
Communication Department, where he served as Chair and is
considered one of the founders of the television and radio
programs. In recognition of his father, Dave, along with other
members of his family, established the Maltese Family Scholarship,
which is awarded annually to a Communication student. David
Maltese was the New York Giants Director of Video Production for
28 seasons. Maltese has worked the combine (an event for football
insiders to get access to the future athletes of the NFL) since 2003
and has been in charge of player interviews for all seven years. He is
the recipient of two Superbowl rings. During his career with the
Giants, Dave is proud to have been able to provide close to eighty
William Paterson University students with internships.
13Dean’s Advisory Board
Dawn Fitch
Add name and title here
Dawn Fitch is the founder of Pooka Pure and Simple, a handmade
Addgraduating
bath and body company. After bio here from William Paterson
and working for Sony Music for 6 years, Dawn decided to step out on
her own doing freelance design. Creating products that were “good
for your skin to eat” became a passion in September 2000. The
company has grown from Dawn making products on her stove in her
apartment to a warehouse in East Orange, NJ. The products are
currently sold in various Whole Food markets, online and through
various distributors. Pooka has been featured on The Today Show,
CBS Evening News, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine,
The Network Journal, Michael Baisden Radio and various media
outlets. Dawn was the recipient of the Influencer Award for
Entrepreneurship given by the Urban League, the Black Executive
Award given by the African American Chambers of Commerce, and
an Agent of ChangeAdd name
award and
from the title here
National Council of Negro Women
and Pooka Pure and Simple was named a Local Hero by Whole Foods
Add bio
Markets. Dawn taught a seminar here and Healthy Living for the Radio
on Organic
One Women’s Empowerment Day in Raleigh, N.C. She has been a speaker and
panelist for many events including the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs
Conference, Girl Scouts of America Gold Awards and National Black MBA
Associations’ National Conference. In 2011 Pooka opened its 1st Flagship
Boutique in Orange, NJ.
Glenn Treibitz
After graduating from William Paterson University in 1987 with a degree in
Dramatic Arts, Glenn relocated to Los Angeles. He is the Co-Founder, President,
and CEO of Hollywood Piano, a famous and historic piano sales and rental
company. Glenn purchased Hollywood Piano from the original
owners, who established the company in 1928. Hollywood Piano is
Add piano
considered the “go-to” name and
store for title
movieshere
and television and
has supplied pianos for events, award shows, and music industry
Add bio
events. While he was a student here
at WP, he wrote and produced
“Going On,” which won a national playwriting competition from the
American College Theater Festival and was performed by WP
students at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
14Dean’s Advisory Board
Jaimeo Brown
Add name and title here
Jaimeo Brown is an acclaimed jazz drummer and composer, and
tours with his own group, Add bio here
Transcendence. In 2013, their debut album
'Transcendence', included a core band, guitarist and GRAMMY-
winning producer Chris Sholar ‘01, saxophonist JD Allen, and
bassist Dartanyan Brown (Jaimeo’s father), along with appearances
by pianist Geri Allen and other special guests. The album is a mix of
Southern black spirituals, post-Coltrane jazz, and Indian Carnatic
music. “The "Power of God", included on the album was chosen as
one NPR Music's "50 Favorite Songs of 2013". In 2016, his album
Work Songs, was nominated in the first round for the Gram-
mies. Jaimeo has also worked as an ambassador for the US State
Department through Jazz at Lincoln Center, he has traveled to Africa
and Asia bringing music education to a new generation of young
artists. Jaimeo began his drum career at age 16 with his father
bassist Dartanyan Brown and mother pianist and woodwind
specialist, Marcia Miget, and drum teacher, Sly Randolph, himself a Bernard
Purdie protégé from Harlem. In the last 20 years, he has worked with a range
of musicians including Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Q-Tip, Carl Craig, Bobby
Hutcherson, Greg Osby, Joe Locke, David Murray, and several other New York
based musicians. He gained extensive experience performing and educating
various audiences around the world as an ambassador for the US State
Department. In addition to onstage work, Jaimeo contributed program
material for the Oscar and Grammy award winning documentary 'Twenty Feet
From Stardom' and the PBS original production of Ralph Ellison's 'King of the
Bingo Game.' As a Principal and Director of Transcending Arts, Jaimeo is a
passionate educator. He has given countless hours in community service in
urban NJ and NY giving lessons to kids through programs such as NJPAC, New
City Kids.
Janiceand
Add name Lai title here
Janice Lai is the Marketing
AddDirector
bio at Behaviorally, where she
here
runs the global marketing department to help brands and
retailers to define and diagnose shopper behavior. She majored
in Political Science at William Paterson with a minor in
Anthropology and studied abroad at Cambridge University as
part of the pre-law program. During this time, she also was part
of Student Government Association, Political Science Club, and
Model UN. Janice is an INTJ who completed one semester at
Seton Hall Law, holds also an Associates Degree in Mortuary
sciences, and recently relocated to Phoenix in 2021.
15Dean’s Advisory Board
Alex Malino
Add name and title here
Alex Malino (Political Science ’97) is a partner in the law firm of
Barry, McTiernan & Moore, Addand bio
is here
a specialist in the insurance
defense field and in labor law. He earned his Juris Doctorate from
New York Law School in 2000, and is a member of both the New
Jersey and New York bar associations. Mr. Malino served as SGA
President and Student Trustee on the then-William Paterson
College Board of Trustees, and has served on the board of Disabled
Independent Awareness and Living (DIAL).
Marc Schaeffer
A retired member of William Paterson University, Marc Schaeffer
served as Chief of Staff to WPUNJ President Arnold Speert. In this
role, he oversaw operational functions of the President’s Office,
organized and staffed searches for cabinet-level positions, and
served as a policy advisor to the Board and President, and as
member of his cabinet. Dr. Schaeffer also served on the Executive
Board of the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher
Education (NAPAHE), as Chair of the Marketing and Membership
Committee, and on the Leadership Team of the Board
Professional Staff group of the Association of Governing Boards.
Blair Wilson
Blair Schleicher Bravo (Liberal Studies ’95) is the Executive
Director of Morris Habitat for Humanity. Under her leadership, the
organization has grown its home building program by 255 percent,
developed a home repair program, and created New Jersey's largest
ReStore to support program needs. She is a founding member and
current Chair of the Housing Alliance of Morris County, member of
the Board of Directors of the Housing & Community Development
Network of New Jersey, and past member of the Board of Trustees
of Morris Tomorrow.
16Dean’s Advisory Board
Jason Richardson
Add name and title here
I am a first-generation college graduate from Irvington, NJ, and a
proud alumnus of William Add bioUniversity.
Paterson here As a student, I was an
executive member of several organizations, including the president
of Brothers For Awareness (BFA). I graduated with a bachelor's in
Psychology and a minor in Africana Studies. Currently, I am a high
school assistant principal and a doctorate candidate for Educational
Leadership.
Add name and title here
Add bio here
John Byrne
John A. Byrne is the founder, chairman and CEO of C-Change Media
Inc., a digital media platform for web communities launching a net-
work of websites for the global business community. Byrne also
started an MBA website called Poets & Quants, an on-line website
and community created to help people interested in graduate busi-
ness school education. Prior to starting C-Change, until 2009, Byrne
served as editor-in-chief of BusinessWeek.com and executive editor
of BusinessWeek for nearly 18 years. He holds the distinction of au-
thoring a record 58 cover stories in BusinessWeek magazine. John
Byrne is the author of eight books on business, leadership, and man-
agement. On Sept. 11, 2001, published by Warner Books, Jack:
Straight from the Gut, was a highly anticipated collaboration with
Byrne and former General Electric Co. CEO Jack Welch. The book
debuted at the very top of The New York Times bestseller list. Byrne
has written or co-authored seven other books, including Chainsaw
(HarperCollins, 1999), the behind-the-scenes story of Al Dunlap’s
rise and fall as a business celebrity. The book received widespread
acclaim. Publishers Weekly called the book a “blistering saga” and a
“sizzling tale.” The Street.com said Chainsaw “should be required
reading in all business and accounting schools.” Byrne is a frequent
lecturer and commentator on television, having appeared on
CNN's Moneyline and CNBC's Squawk Box and Business Center.
17Dean’s Advisory Board
Kenyatta Stewart
Add name and title here
Kenyatta K. Stewart graduated from William Paterson University
Add bio
with a degree in political science hereon to receive his law
and went
degree from Hofstra University. He was named a partner at the law
firm of Hunt, Hamlin & Ridley (HHR). As partner, he manages the
firm’s city of Paterson office. In addition, Kenyatta represents
numerous public entities in Title 59 matters. These entities include
the City of Paterson, Irvington Board of Education, Pleasantville
Board of Education, East Orange Housing Authority and the County
of Passaic. During law school, he interned with the Law Office of
Fiesta & Ingenito, the Honorable Patricia P. Satterfield of the Queens
Supreme Court, the Honorable Ronald Hedges (former District of
New Jersey Magistrate Judge), the Narcotics and Investigation
Division of the Queens District Attorney's Office, and the Cochran
firm. While attending Hofstra, Kenyatta was an active member
of the Black Law Students Association, the Hofstra Moot Court Association,
and successfully competing in the Frederick Douglas Moot Court competition.
Mia Tochi
Mia Toschi graduated from William Paterson University with a
degree in communication. She is a Video Producer, Public Relations
& Social Media Expert at MVT Media, as well as a professional
Voiceover Artist at MVT. In addition, she is a four time Emmy-
winning TV Reporter & Producer and Managing Editor for Weekly
Reader Magazines, Mia combined those experiences to create her
own company, MVT Media. Toschi was also anchor with News 12
New Jersey off and on from 1999-2011. In addition, she is a
professional voiceover artist with experience voicing over corporate
videos, commercials and documentaries.
18Dean’s Advisory Board
Michael Gray
Michael graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in
communication. He has gone on to have a successful career in
Marketing, Advertising and Public relations to include founding
Marketing & Promotions Group, Inc. and Director of Public Relations
and Advertising for Weichert Realtors Corporate Real Estate. In
addition, Michael has partnered in real estate development and
other investment capital projects with a focus on entertainment,
real estate and homeland security. In addition, Michael Gray is the
Executive Producer of a cutting edge documentary, FIGHTVILLE,
which entails the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Directed by the award
winning and successful team of Mike Tucker and
Petra Epperlein, FIGHTVILLE has recently been selected for
competition at the SXSW (South by Southwest) Film Festival in
Austin, TX from March 11th-20th, 2011.
Mike Siegel
Mike Siegel is a communications consultant and an authority on
media and communications. After his graduation from William
Paterson Mike taught for the Newark, NJ School District. During his
tenure as a PhD student at the University of Utah, Mike taught
Speech Communication. Upon completion of his Ph.D, Siegel
moved to Massachusetts where he taught at Fitchburg State College
and Emerson College until 1978. In 1978 Mike decided to move
from the world of intellectual theory to actual practice. He joined
WOTW radio in Nashua, New Hampshire as the President and
General Manager. While managing WOTW AM and FM, Mike
continued to focus on personal enrichment through
education. After graduating from law school, Mike went on to pass
the Bar in Massachusetts, New York, Florida and the District of
Columbia. He practiced law for a few years until his passion for
radio called him back. Mike has made numerous appearances on a
variety of television talk programs including Oprah, The O'Reilly
Factor, Politically Incorrect, Geraldo, Fox News Sunday and more.
19Dean’s Advisory Board
Add name
Robinand
Gurin
title here
Robin graduated from William AddPaterson with a degree in dramatic
bio here
arts. She is an Emmy-nominated makeup artist who has had a 25+
year career in film, television, and theater. Highlights of her career
include the New York City Opera, “Guiding Light,” “Spin City,” and
working on “Saturday Night Live” from 1989-94, for which she
received an Emmy nomination in 1994. She has also worked on
many notable political spots and interviews, including with Richard
Nixon, Senator Jon Corzine, Christie Whitman, and Fortune 500 CEOs
and Executives. Her political interests include; servings as a
Campaign Volunteer with CD-7 – Morris County Freeholders
Somerset County, Volunteer Team leader for Victory 2017 – Phil
Murphy for Governor, and Campaign Manager for Veronica
Fernandez for Washington Township Committee. In addition to her
work as a makeup artist, Robin is a partner with Emanuel Kallins in
Gotham Music Inc., which produces the Gotham Music Catalogue for
BMG Music. She is also an executive Producer with Politically Driven, a Web
Series.
Susan Lisovicz
Susan Lisovicz got her start in journalism at WPSC Radio and The
Beacon and has since reported for CNN, CNBC, The Associated
Press, Yahoo Finance and PBS. She is a visiting professor at Arizona
State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and has also
taught at William Paterson. She is a mediocre guitar player but an
excellent live music fan.
20Dean’s Advisory Board
Susan Ungaro
Add name and title here
Susan Ungaro’s career spans over four decades in the publishing and
Add bio here
the nonprofit world as Editor-in-Chief of Family Circle magazine and
President of the James Beard Foundation. She credits her happiness
and success to making the most of the opportunities that college life
offers and to WPU’s faculty. They didn’t just teach, they offered
support and mentorship. Since paid internships were not readily
available when she was a Communications major, Susan believes
working on the university’s radio station and newspaper helped her
gain valuable work-related experience and, just as important, make
lifelong friends, including her husband Colin. She believes the 10
most important two-letter words are: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Good advice to life!
Terrance Romney
Terrence Romney received both is undergraduate and graduate
degrees from William Paterson University in communication arts. He
serves as a Producer/Editor and Technical Media Manager for NBC’s
Today Show. With extensive experience in production, editing, and
technical experience, Terrence began his career at NBC in 2005 as a
runner for the Today Show. Rising through the ranks, Terrence has
also worked as a Researcher, Field Producer, and Photographer/
Editor for NBC News Channel.
Mike Hartman
Add name and title here
Mike Hartman (BA English Literature 1999, MA English/Writing,
Add
2004) is the Chief Creative biofor
Officer here
Greater Than One (GTO), an
integrated creative agency focused on delivering marketing and
technology solutions to global pharmaceutical, health and wellness
brands.
21Alumni Speaker
Zhakier Seville
Alumna/Researcher/Writer
Zhakier Seville has a keen interest in supporting underserved groups. Independently, she
developed and directed a summer camp for the natives of her home district, Trenton,
New Jersey, which is a historically underserved district. Collaborating with private and
public business stakeholders, She created and implemented several pilot programs
providing academic, recreational, and other family-wellness resources and services for
the natives of Trenton. She is currently serving as a research assistant for the Robert Noyce
Teacher Scholarship Program at William Paterson University which financially assists aspiring
science educators who commit to teaching at least four years in an urban district. She is
also a clerk at Rutgers University for the Urban Teacher Department. She works with a
team of educators to expand Rutgers’ Urban Education program.
“The question isn’t who is going to let me;
it’s who is going to stop me.”
-Ayn Rand
22Workshop Leader
Alexander Corsillo
Assistant Director
Career Development Center
William Paterson University
Alexander Corsillo is an Assistant
Director in the Career Development
Center & liaison to the College of Arts,
Humanities & Social Sciences. He is an
Alumni of William Paterson University,
He received a Master’s Degree in
Higher Education Administration from
William Paterson University and a
Bachelor’s Degree in Communication
from Kean University.
Alma Diaz
Assistant Director
Career Development Center
William Paterson University
Alma Diaz is one of the Assistant
Director of the Career Development
Center, she is also an Alumni from William
Paterson University who majored in
Psychology as a first-generation college
student. During her time at William
Paterson University, Alma became very
involved on campus and her experiences
inspired her to seek a Master’s Degree in
Higher Education from Rowan University.
During her career in higher education,
Alma has worked in several areas
including strategic enrollment
management, academic enrichment,
pre-college youth programs, and
continuing education. In her current role,
Alma aims to help students build the path
to their careers by helping students
connect the dots between their passions,
skills, values and experiences.
23Plenary Guest Speaker
Michael received his undergraduate degree in Psychology
and English with Honors in Biopsychology at William
Paterson University. He has earned his Master of Science
Degree in Research Ethics at Union Graduate College/
Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Michael will be pursu-
ing his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology this fall at
Pace University.
Michael has over a decade of clinical research experience
conducting Phase II, Phase III, and Post Marketing Stud-
ies. He has worked in various disease states i.e. Opiate
Addition, Alcohol Abuse, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C,
Medical Devices, and Uro-Oncology Clinical Trials.
Michael was one of the Guest Speakers at the Guilds
Club, a non-profit organization that supports cancer
awareness. The topic centered on the psychosocial, and Michael L. Blizzard BA, MS, CP
biopsychosocial health care needs of breast cancer survi- Clinical Research Administrator
vors. & EPIC Research Analysts
Michael was one of the Panelist at the 20th Annual IHA
Health Literacy Conference. The topic centered on Health
Literacy’s role in achieving Racial and Ethnic Diversity
in Clinical Trials.
Michael is a mentor at the Pesce Family Mentoring Insti-
tute. He has been mentored a number of students since its
inception in 2014. Benevolence is the recurring theme he
shares with all of his mentees.
“If you work hard, nothing is impossible.”
-Prabhu Deva
24Campus Resources
Academic Success Center
Works collaboratively with members of the University to tailor and cater to the needs of the
student population. Students receive both free one-on-one, and group-oriented tutoring
assistance for a wide range of lower-level and upper-level courses, as well as for develop-
mental skills for mathematics and reading courses.
Phone: 973.720.2563 / 973.720.3324
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/academics/asc/index.html
Location: Raubinger Hall, lower level
Campus Police Department
The University Police Department provides both the University and its community with ser-
vices, including access to a form for anonymous reporting, to enhance the safety of the
campus and to ensure that both students and faculty have the resources to contact the
department if necessary.
In case of an emergency, please call 911 from a campus phone or use the Guardian App
on your cell phone. To download the Guardian App, please visit the following link for in-
structions: https://itwiki.wpunj.edu/index.php/Emergency_Notifications.
Phone: (973) 720-2301
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/police/index.html
Location: Building 31 is the first building on the left upon entering the University via Entry
One.
Career Development Center
Works in collaboration with the University and community constituents to help students de-
velop the professional skills needed to achieve career success in a multi-cultural, global
society. The center offers career counseling, career coaching, job, internship and gradu-
ate school preparation, as well as employment and mentoring connections.
Phone: 973.720.3291
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/career-center/
Location: Student Center 301
Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center
A welcoming and accepting environment that strives to empower William Paterson Uni-
versity students to make informed decisions about their physical and emotional well-being
in order to promote lifelong health.
Phone: 973.720.2360
Email: wpuimmunization@wpunj.edu
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/health-wellness
Location: Ground Floor of Overlook South, between Matelson and White Hall
Location: Raubinger Hall second floor, Room 207B
25Office of International Students and Scholars
Provides assistance to international students and visitors with visa applications, on campus
employment alternatives and resources, scholarships and financial aids, and cultural and
social enhancement opportunities.
Phone: 973.720.2976
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/cie/oiss.html
Science Enrichment Center
A "student-centered environment" that empowers students with diverse needs to achieve
high levels of intellectual and personal growth, and enables professors to maintain high
academic standards. Within this environment, SEC staff and faculty challenge students to
develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the sciences.
Phone: 973.720.3340
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/sec/index.html
Location: College of Science and Health, Science Hall East 3023
Student Enrollment Services
Assists current and prospective students; parents/family; high school counselors and com-
munity college advisors; and university community, including faculty and staff with finan-
cial aid/scholarships; financial literacy; billing/payment; installment plans; record/select
registration services.
Phone: 973.720.3945
Email: studentservices@wpunj.edu
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/centerss/
Location: Morrison Hall, Room 104
Transfer Student Experience
Provides comprehensive resources, success tips, and information to new and currently en-
rolled transfer students, as well as readmitted students at William Paterson University.
Phone: 973.720.3107 3720
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/advisement-center/transfer-students.html
Location: Student Center, Suite 301
Writing Center
Provides one-on-one tutoring for anyone in the university community working on any kind
of writing, in any stage of development, such as outlining, thesis clarification, organization,
style, transitions, citing, and grammar.
Phone: 973.720.2633
Website: https://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/departments/english/writing-center/
Location: Preakness Hall 124
26Thank You to Our 2021 Sponsors and Supporters
Dean’s Advisory Board
William Paterson University Alumni Foundation
Special Thank You
Wartyna Davis, Dean
Michael Blizzard, Alum '07
Rodney Cauthen, Alumni Relations Associate
Tia Cherry, Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and Student
Engagement
Alexander Corsillo, Assistant Director
Alma Diaz, Assistant Director
Zhakier Seville, Alumna and Aspire 2020 Participant
Michael Gordon, Dean’s Fellow and Assistant
Valerie Gross, Chair of Dean’s Advisory Board
James Miles, Director of Digital Learning and Outreach
Maureen O’Connor, Institutional Advancement
Jenna Villani, Executive Director, Alumni Relations
2728
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