OCC Alum Gains World-Class Experience in Washington, D.C
Transcript of OCC Alum Gains World-Class Experience in Washington, D.C
A NEWSLETTER FOR OCC ALUMNI, OUR COLLEGE FAMILY, AND THE COMMUNITY
Fall 2009 / Winter 2010
Vol. IV : No. I
OCC Alum Gains World-Class Experience in Washington, D.C.
“Mr. Ocean County” Turns 95
(editor’s note) The following article was written prior to Mr. Jack Lamping’s passing on October 23. He will be deeply missed by the entire Ocean County College community. We hope you enjoy this tribute to his amazing life. Rest in Peace “Mr. Ocean County…”
“Lamping here” is a declaration familiar
to friends and colleagues of Jack Lamping,
honored this past May by the Rotary Club
of Toms River for his 95th year of “living
and giving.” A man of faith, a pillar of the
community, a husband, father, and friend –
these are just a few words that describe
Lamping, who is best known as “Mr. Ocean
County.” He is a man many individuals feel
fortunate to know, as they have reaped the
benefits of his dedication to the community.
“Jack Lamping invented networking and
social networking,” noted Bobbie Steele,
Ocean County public affairs and tourism
director, at the May celebration, held at
the Legend Lounge in Toms River.
The Rotary Club first noticed Lamping 58
years ago when, at age 37, he was a county
Continued on page 3
Kevin J. Donohue, OCC ’08, spent ten weeks in
the nation’s capital this summer as an intern for the
Embassy of Jordan. Donohue, who graduated with an
Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts, is a senior
political science major at Rutgers University, New
Brunswick. The internship program helps students
connect classroom-based learning with valuable
on-the-job experiences, and was arranged through
Rutgers and the Washington Internship Institute.
How Donohue came to work at the Embassy of Jordan is rooted in his first-year
courses at OCC. He enrolled in “Elementary Arabic I” in the fall semester, followed
by “Arabic II” in the spring. The following year, he took “History of the Modern Arab
World,” which was taught by a visiting Fulbright Scholar from Egypt. In May 2008,
Donohue took his first trip abroad on a 10-day study tour of Egypt, earning three
college credits toward his OCC degree. With his interest in the Middle East solidified
through his academic work at OCC, Donohue committed to completing a minor in
Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers.
“There is a tremendous need in this country
for people to have a clear understanding of
Middle Eastern culture, customs, and language,”
said Donohue. “My summer internship in
Washington was the best experience of my life!
It was the perfect opportunity to use what I
learned in the classrooms of OCC and Rutgers.
And, I earned nine college credits toward my
bachelor’s degree.”
Continued on page 2
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At the Embassy, Donohue worked in the Jordan Information Bureau and was responsible for monitoring White House and State
Department daily press briefings and events in Washington. He also prepared press releases for the Embassy of Jordan website.
While at work one day, Donohue was introduced to the Ambassador of Jordan to the U.S., Prince ZEID Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein.
Donohue was in awe of the diplomatic limos coming and going at the Embassy, shuttling foreign dignitaries all over Washington.
“Kevin took on considerable responsibility and worked on a variety of projects in several offices of the Embassy of Jordan,”
stated Eugene Schmiel, director for academic programs with the Washington Internship Institute. “He received well-deserved
praise for his work.”
Donohue also met numerous U.S. Foreign Service and government employees and learned how their job responsibilities align
with foreign policy. Among many activities, he attended a conference on American/Israeli relations with Senator John McCain
as the keynote speaker, toured the White House and Pentagon, and found time to enjoy the nation’s capital on the Fourth of July.
As for the future, Donohue will graduate in May 2009 and hopes to work in Washington, D.C. or perhaps join the U.S.
Air Force. n
RoseAnn D’Urso, editor
Manager of Promotional Programming
Greetings to all of
our past alumni and
a special welcome to our
new graduates! As the
new director of resource
development, I envision
an energized relationship
between Ocean County
College and our alumni family. In addition to informing you about
OCC happenings through this newsletter, we look forward to your
direct participation to afford opportunities to both you and the
college. In order to strengthen our alumni network, we are initiating
new communication tools including FaceBook, LinkedIn, MySpace,
and Twitter. We are also developing a specialized OCC Alumni
Membership Benefits Program, in addition to offering unique travel
experiences, and professional and social networking events.
As Alumni Affairs expands through these initiatives, the college
will be looking for your support through partnerships, volunteerism,
and contributions to create the brightest future for OCC. And as a
proud OCC alumna, I look forward to our growing alumni community! n
Gina M. Suriano, ‘96
Director of Resource Development
OCC Alum Gains World-Class Experience in Washington, D.C.Continued from page 1
A Warm Hello to Alumni & Friends
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Dec 3/Dec 15
NYC Holiday Lights Tour – Dec 7
Jersey Boys on Broadway – Jan 6/Jan 13
Billy Elliott on Broadway – Jan 9
Titanic Exhibition: Times Square Expo – Feb 2
Chocolate Covered February in Hershey – Feb 6
Wicked on Broadway – Feb 24
2010 Philadelphia Flower Show – Mar 4
Eastern State Penitentiary Tour – Mar 10
Rodin & Philadelphia Art Museums – Mar 16
NYC Cathedrals Tour – Mar 25
Facebook Alumni Affairs: http://www.ocean.edu/facebookalumni.htm
Linked In: http://www.ocean.edu/linkedin.htm
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/oceancountycollege
Twitter: http://twitter.com/OceanEdu
Connect with OCC!
Upcoming Trips
Travel with OCC!Experience the finest tours, exciting destinations, the best restaurants, and luxury motor coaches on an OCC day trip! Call 732-255-0469 or
visit www.ocean.edu and click on “Travel with OCC.” Seating is limited, so register today! Day trips are open to all ages.
page 3
publicity director. A Philadelphia native, Lamping had been living
in Ocean County for roughly 10 years, and had already established
his reputation as “Mr. Ocean County,” the individual responsible for
welcoming tourists and popular for raising public visibility of Ocean
County through government publications, newspaper columns, and
ongoing radio spots for WJLK and WMID. A charter secretary of the
Toms River Rotary, Lamping is also remembered for helping to save
the Barnegat Lighthouse from demolition in 1947.
“It is my great pleasure to be here for the salute to Jack Lamping
on his 95th year,” said John C. Bartlett Jr., director, Ocean County
Board of Chosen Freeholders (see photo below). “No one has
represented Ocean County more graciously or faithfully than Jack.”
In a Proclamation from the Freeholders, Lamping was recognized
for his contributions that have greatly improved the quality
of life for many people in Ocean County. “Thank you for your
dedication to and
achievements
for Ocean County,”
Bartlett added.
In 1964, Lamping
was a keen voice for
the establishment
of Ocean County
College and served
as secretary of
the OCC Board of
Trustees as well as
an OCC Foundation
trustee. Among his many accomplishments, Lamping was named
the Island Historian of Long Beach Island. He was also a part of the
Long Beach Island – Stafford Board of Trade and the Monmouth-
Ocean Development Council, and he served as executive director of
the NJ Organization of Counties. In addition, Lamping is a charter
member of the Ocean County Historical Society and was instrumen-
tal in establishing the Ocean County Historical Museum.
A licensed speaker in the United Methodist Church, Lamping
remains active in the NJ Conference of Christians and Jews, once
serving as vice-chair of the Monmouth-Ocean Chapter. A pillar of
the community, Lamping remains on the Advisory Board of Shore
Community Bank, and is third vice president of Community Services,
Inc. of Ocean County.
During the celebration, OCC President Dr. Jon H. Larson honored
Lamping with a plaque (see photo right), and stated, “He is the
only person I’ve ever known who never said anything negative
about anyone – a unique person. He has done the work of the Lord
and the community – a man of community and a man of faith. He
has a world of wisdom to offer. The College has benefited from
Jack through his work with the Ocean County College Foundation.”
Sam Christopher, a longtime friend and colleague, met Lamping
in 1947. “Jack is the greatest public relations man Ocean County
has ever had. Thank you, Jack, for all the help you’ve given me.
You took me under your wing when I was 19 and I am very
grateful,” Christopher added tearfully.
Married for more than 60 years, Jack’s devotion to his wife, the
late Virginia Pederson Lamping, and to his daughter, his son-in-
law, and grandchildren is well-known. The Lampings exemplified
happy family life, divided between their two Ocean County homes
in Toms River and Long Beach Island. The Jack and Virginia Lamping
Award for an OCC graduate is a living testament to their partnership
and to their dedication to the college.
In honor of his birthday and dedication to OCC’s students, Jillian
McCleer, OCC ’09, presented Lamping with a boutonnière. In May,
McCleer received the Community Services Inc. of Ocean County
Award in honor of Virginia and Jack Lamping. “Thank you for all
you’ve done, not just for Ocean County College but the entire
county,” she said to Lamping.
“It’s been a blessing,” Lamping replied.
“You have been the real blessing,” remarked Bartlett.
Lamping’s contributions to the community were summed up by
Marilyn Kralik, OCC professor of humanities, when she quoted poet
Robert Bly: “We’re in a sibling society, or a horizontal society, or a
flat society, or a fatherless society, even a motherless society.
More accurately, it’s
a society without
elders. The thing
that I have said
that’s had the most
effect is that both
men and women
need older women
and older men
as mentors.”
On a personal
note, she continued,
“All my dealings
with Jack puts that into action. Thank you for being that example
for me. You are a very loved man and you are a real pleasure. Our
society needs older men and women to bless those who come
“Mr. Ocean County” Turns 95Continued from page 1
Continued on page 5
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BBNEP News
In May 2009, the Barnegat Bay National
Estuary Program (BBNEP) was selected
to participate in the Climate Ready
Estuaries Program (CREP), and was
awarded $50,000 to
support its efforts
to develop a climate
change adaptation
strategy for the Barnegat Bay-Little Egg
Harbor estuary. CREP is a partnership
between the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the National Estuary
Programs to help prepare for the diverse
projected impacts of climate change and
sea level rise in coastal areas. The BBNEP
is one of five recipients nationwide and
one of two programs from the Mid-Atlantic,
which is projected to experience among
the highest rates of sea level rise on the
East Coast.
CREP funding will enable the BBNEP
and its key partners to initiate climate
change vulnerability assessments and
adaptation planning and inform local
municipalities about regional challenges
and potential solutions. The initial steps
will include the establishment of a climate
change workgroup, the convening of a
series of public “listening sessions” during
2010, and co-sponsoring a technical
workshop on preparing communities to
face climate change, which is scheduled
for February 11, 2010.
The BBNEP also received two EPA
grants, totaling over $540,000, to establish
an integrated coastal wetlands assessment
and monitoring program. The BBNEP
will work with the Partnership for the
Delaware Estuary – along with the NJ
Department of Environmental Protection
to establish fixed monitoring stations
in key coastal wetland areas along the
Delaware Bay shore and the Barnegat
Bay to help determine the current
conditions and functions of NJ’s
threatened coastal wetlands.
In July, the NJ State Legislature Senate
Environment Committee and the Assembly
Environment and Solid Waste Committee
held a hearing to discuss coastal issues, in
particular the health of the Barnegat Bay
estuary. Dr. L. Stanton Hales, Jr., BBNEP
program director, testified on the impor-
tance of timely action on the priority
environmental threats to the Barnegat
Bay ecosystem, and recommended
restoration efforts in need of funding.
It “Pays” to Buy Books
Buying books in OCC’s Bookstore
really pays off! Not only is it convenient
to buy books in the
on-campus and online
bookstores, but with two
great incentives, students
can get cash and earn points redeemable
for books or merchandise!
The Bookstore’s Buy Back Program
was extremely successful this year. The
program pays cash to students for used
textbooks that the Bookstore then resells
the following semester at a discount. For
the spring 2009 semester, the Bookstore
paid out $424,580 to OCC students for
10,818 used books, which represents an
increase of 77 percent over last year! Of
that total, more than 75% of those books
were resold to students for the fall 2009
semester at a reduced cost, and the balance
of the books were sold to a wholesaler.
According to Carol Kaunitz, director
of auxiliary services, “The Buy Back
Program is very popular with students
because it puts money back in their pockets
at the end of the semester and allows
the Bookstore to sell more discounted
used books the following semester. The
Program also provides students with an
incentive to buy from OCC rather than
from online competitors.”
In addition, the Bookstore instituted
its Viking Bucks Rewards Program, a free
incentive for students that allows them
to earn points for bookstore purchases.
Students can then redeem points to be
used toward a future book purchase or
for merchandise in an “online rewards
catalog.” Between July and September,
this program picked up an additional
1,000 student members.
© 2009 Ocean County College. OceanViews is published bi-annually by the Office of College Relations at
Ocean County College, College Drive, P.O. Box 2001, Toms River, NJ 08754-2001.
Please address comments and submissions to [email protected].
page 5
“We commend Carol Kaunitz and
her staff for their efforts in making
these valuable programs available to
our students,” said OCC President
Dr. Jon H. Larson.
Earning Credits Off-Campus
OCC’s distance education continues
to expand, now allowing students to
complete entire degree programs online.
As of fall 2009, all courses for three
degree and two certificate programs are
offered online. It is anticipated that by
spring 2010, additional distance learning
programs will be offered.
As the E-Learning School continues
to evolve, it is anticipated that the
number of course offerings and students
registered will increase dramatically.
Patricia Fenn, executive director of
E-Learning, is working with academic
deans to ensure quality instruction, high
student satisfaction, and that courses are
offered in a timely and efficient manner
for online degree completion.
Chuck Jannarone, coordinator of
E-Learning; Dr. Carolyn Lafferty, assistant
vice president of assessment and curriculum;
and Dr. Janet Hubbs, assistant to the
president for institutional quality, are also
contributing to the goal of expanding
OCC’s distance education offerings.
Current online programs include
an A.A. in liberal arts, A.S. in business
administration, A.A.S. in business, and
two certificates of completion in small
business management or business studies.
In spring 2010, students will be able to
earn an A.S. in business administration-
economics option and an A.A.S. in allied
health. Programs beginning in fall 2010
include an A.S. in criminal justice, A.A.S.
in business-paralegal studies option, and
two certificates of completion in criminal
justice and accounting.
Highlights
• OCC’s Southern Education Center in
Manahawkin hosted the Kean-Ocean
Third Annual Nursing Research Day,
featuring research papers presented
by Kean nursing students. Speakers
included Dr. Elizabeth Speakman,
assistant associate dean, Thomas
Jefferson University School of Nursing,
and Dr. Virginia Fitzsimons, coordinator
of Kean-Ocean nursing programs.
• According to Dr. Norma Betz, director
of financial aid, statistics for FY 2009
are impressive! Financial aid is driving
enrollment and supporting a large
portion of OCC’s student population.
The number of students served grew
from 9,217 (FY 2008) to 11,889
(FY 2009) – a 29 percent increase.
Distributed aid also increased 29
percent from $16.6 million (FY 2008)
to $21 million (FY 2009).
• In May 2009, OCC graduated 240 NJ
STARS students, the highest number
of any NJ community college! This
state scholarship covers up to five
semesters of tuition and approved
fees for high-performing high school
students. “These students are highly
motivated not only to achieve academic
success but also to be socially conscious.
Their presence at OCC has a signifi-
cant impact,” remarked President
Dr. Jon H. Larson.
• Student Martha Molinini and her
mentor Neil Schiller, associate
professor of engineering, attended
the highly competitive 2009 Beacon
Conference at Mont-
gomery College, MD.
For the second year
in a row, Molinini
was named a Beacon
Scholar and presented
her paper “Dark Matter and the
Criteria of Adequacy,” which was
one of three outstanding submissions
in mathematics and science. n
“Mr. Ocean County” Turns 95Continued from page 1
after them, by sharing what they know and giving what they have. It’s become common for older people who have achieved a lot in our
society to keep it all to themselves, to make younger people struggle just as they had to struggle. But how much better our world is when
the elders share, when they unselfishly give of themselves to those who follow behind them – when they deliberately extend the blessings
of who they are.”
Lamping’s celebration brought heartfelt tears to many. He is indeed a man of faith and a much loved member of the community.
Many have been touched by his untiring dedication to Ocean County, and he will be remembered not just at this birthday celebration
but long into the future. Countless people are thankful for what Lamping has done to help his community, and he will be forever known
as “Mr. Ocean County.” n
Elizabeth Hernandez, College Relations Intern
(with RoseAnn D’Urso & Juliet Kaszas-Hoch, contributing editors)
page 6
O C C F O u n d at i O n
Pride & Patriotism Summer Gala Honors a True Hero
The OCC Foundation netted over $210,000 at its Pride and
Patriotism Gala on Saturday, September 12. The annual Gala,
which is usually held on OCC’s Main Campus, was moved to
the Poland Spring Arena at the Ritacco Center in Toms River
due to threatening weather conditions. The proceeds from the
Gala will support the Foundation’s general scholarship program.
This year, the OCC Foundation honored Leonard “Bud” Lomell with the prestigious
“Humanitarian of the Year Award” in recognition of his outstanding service to his
country and his involvement in the community and business life of Ocean County.
“The OceanFirst Foundation has for many years been a major sponsor of the
Gala, continuing this year with a $55,000 donation,” explained Sandy S. Broughton,
Executive Director of the OCC Foundation. “Sincere appreciation is expressed to the
OceanFirst Foundation for its role in ensuring the success of the Gala and to those
who supported the event.”
Nearly 350 people attended the Gala. Guests were entertained with live music
provided by the Mission Dance Band. Food was prepared by Joe Leone’s Catering,
which included items representing several regions of the United States and an
assortment of all-American desserts. The souvenir journal was printed by Marange
Design and Printing.
The capstone of the evening was a video presentation narrated by Tom Brokaw.
A live and silent auction raised nearly $25,000. Guests bid on an array of items
including golf outings, sporting event tickets, vacations and entertainment
packages, theatre tickets, collectibles, and gift certificates.
The Gala Chair was Ginny Haines, a member of the OCC Foundation Board
of Trustees. The OCC Foundation Board Chairman is Frank J. Dupignac, Jr., of
Toms River.
The OCC Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth
and development of the College through scholarships, endowments, and capital and
special projects. n
Kathy Buffum
Manager, OCC Foundation
Above: Guests enjoy a sumptuous menu with All-American favorites.
Above: Dave Wintrode, OCC Foundation Board; Mike Kearney, Monsignor-Donovan teacher/coach; and Dr. Jon Larson, OCC president.
Above: Bud and his wife, Charlotte, spend time with family and friends.
Above: (l to r) Frank Dupignac, Ginny Haines, and Dr. Larson present Bud with the Humanitarian of the Year Award.
page 7
50/50 Cash Raffle WinnersThis year’s Gala was once again the setting for the drawing of the winning tickets
for the Foundation’s 50/50 Cash Raffle. The first prize of 25% of the gross proceeds
in the amount of $4,300 was won by Lynne Dunn. Second prize of 15% in the
amount of $2,580 was won by Alan Krupnick. The third prize of 10% in the
amount of $1,700 was won by Paul Barlo.
Thanks to the generosity of the OCC family and friends, 172 tickets were sold.
A special thanks to Anderson & Campbell Funeral Homes for donating the printing
of the tickets. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who sold or
purchased a ticket!
Gala Event Sponsors
Major SponsorOceanFirst Foundation
Magnum DonorsBathgate, Wegener & Wolf
Causeway Family of Dealerships
Two Hundred Club of Ocean County
Gold DonorsBerry, Sahradnik, Kotzas & Benson
Bob and Elaine Fall & The Fall Family
Cambridge Construction Management
Citta Foundation
Conner Strong
Exelon Oyster Creek Generating Station
Hiering, Dupignac, Stanzione & Dunn
Novins, York, Pagano, Jacobus & Seems
The Perlmutter Family Shop-Rites
Silver DonorsEd Bennett Properties, Inc.
Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle & Sacks
Citta Rhine LLC, Realtors
Concord Engineering Group
D’Onofrio Foundation
Economic Project Solutions, Inc.
Georgian Court University
Innovative Engineering, Inc.
Ocean County College
Ocean Medical Center
Pravin H. Patel Associates, Inc.
Tozour Energy Systems, Inc.
Above: Bud Lomell and Ginny Haines Above: Bud and Charlotte dance to their special song “Til the End of Time.”
Above: Tom Brokaw narrates a video commemorating Bud’s accomplishments.
Pride & Patriotism Summer Gala Honors a True HeroContinued from page 6
page 8
a l u m n i a F Fa i r s
on the move
Share your career news!
JAMES S. AGRO ’87 is the assistant director
for judiciary management services for
New Jersey Courts in Trenton.
EILEEN DELLA VOLLE ’89, vice president
of business development at KS Engineers,
P.C. in Newark, received the New York
Chapter for the Society of Marketing
Professionals’ 2009 Marketing Achieve-
ment Award. She was also honored by
the United Way of Hudson County for her
assistance to those in need in finding a
place to live and work.
RYAN C. GAYDOS ’03, Navy Seaman,
recently completed U.S. Navy basic
training at Recruit Training Command
in Great Lakes, Ill.
LOUISE HAMMELL ’89 recently published
a book titled, That You May Know God
Has A Purpose. Her website is www.
mattsmission.com.
ROBERT S. HIGHLEY ’79, associate professor
of biology, was elected chairman of the
Biology and Horticulture Department at
Bergen Community College in Paramus.
JEFFREY HIMPELE ’87, associate director
for McGraw Center for Teaching and
Learning at Princeton University, teaches
in the Anthropology Department. His
book, Circuits of Culture: Media, Politics,
and Indigenous Identity in the Andes,
was published by the University of
Minnesota Press.
JENNIFER LASALA ’92 is the case manager
for Holisticare Hospice in Toms River.
RUSSELL MARTONE ’96 is the public
relations & program assistant for the
Township of Brick, Brick Municipal
Alliance Office working with youth
of all ages.
JASON NEEDHAM ’00 is the owner of
H & M Distributors, Inc. in Henderson, NV.
STEPHEN PEACOCK ’86 is the curator of
The Sandstorm Gallery of Jersey Shore
Creative Writers, a local affiliate of the
National Council of Teachers of English.
MICHELE RETTINO, RN ’97 is a registered
nurse at Jersey Shore University Medical
Center in Neptune.
STEPHANIE SHESTAKOW ’96 is the
program coordinator and an adjunct
faculty member at The College of
New Jersey in Ewing.
SHEILA FOLEY SPRATFORD ’95 is the
nurse case manager for Horizon BC/BS
in Farmingdale.
Help us keep our database current by updating your address,
phone, email, and career information. Email us at occalumni@
ocean.edu or call 732-255-0400, ext. 2949. Visit us on the web
at www.ocean.edu.
Note Our New Contact Info!
page 9
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a l u m n i s p O t l i g h t
Q. What motivated you to enroll at OCC?
A. In high school, I planned to go to school for hospitality man-
agement and was thinking of attending Johnson & Johnson or
Stockton, but OCC was close to home and the price was right so I
enrolled in Business Administration.
Q. What is your career goal?
A. To be involved with a non-profit – my top three interests are the
Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, and Education.
Q. Can you give more details about your interest in education?
A. Working for OCC – I would like to work here with Student Life
or Advising.
Q. Congratulations on being selected as the Student Representative
for the OCC Board of Trustees! What do you anticipate your role
to entail?
A. To bring the student voice to the Board – since I have been
involved in Student Government for the past three years I have an
understanding of what the students need and want.
Q. You are attending Kean-Ocean in business management -
what specific classes did you take at OCC that you see as being
particularly helpful as you continue your education?
A. The basics…Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Macroeconomics
and Microeconomics, Business Law…but my favorite class was Public
Speaking with Professor Waldman.
Q. Were there any special experiences or individuals at OCC that
you can recall that played a significant role in your success as a
student or in your professional life?
A. Jen (Fazio), Allison (Noone) and Don (Doran) in Student Life
and Brad Young. I attended the Ocean County College Student
Leadership Development Program three times. The second year I
met Brad so I took his political science class and became a member
of S.L.A.P (Students Learning about Politics). Side Bar: Ernie was
president in 2008.
Q. Tell me about any special accomplishments, commendations, or
rewards you received during you time at OCC.
A. On awards night, I received three awards – Who’s Who Among
Students at OCC, The James Inman Award ($250 scholarship), and
The Dolly and Harry David Sussna Award ($1500 scholarship).
Q. You are active in the Boy Scouts. What is the highest ranking
you achieved?
A. Eagle Scout. My role as an Eagle Scout is to help new scouts,
work to help them get their next ranking, and, overall, act as
a leader.
Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?
A. Hopefully, I’ll be done with my bachelor’s and working somewhere
at a non-profit in New Jersey (or OCC) and working on my master’s
degree that relates to my career. If I am at OCC, it will be education.
The Random SevenThe Alumni Spotlight’s “Random Seven” are just that… picked
randomly, based on a pool of 20 question cards. Here are Ernie’s
Random Seven:
1. What is the last book you read? “The one I received for being
a trustee, Community College Trustees: Leading on Behalf of the
Community by George Vaughn and Iris Weisman.”
2. If you were an animal, what would you be? “A lion.” Why?
“Because they are fierce and king of the jungle.”
3. Describe yourself in one word. “Caring.”
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you
like to see play the lead role as you? “Adam Sandler.”
5. Do you play a musical instrument – what instrument would
you like to play? “I play the saxophone and I would like to
play the trumpet.”
6. What was your favorite toy growing up? “The swing set
in my backyard.”
7. Favorite birthday present? “Sega Genesis!”
An Interview with Ernie Muska, ’09
page 10
Dr. Alice Botein Furrevig, assistant professor of English,
received a summer grant to study at the YIVO Institute for
Jewish Research in New York. Founded in Vilna, Poland in 1925,
YIVO relocated to New York in 1940 due to the imminent threat
of Nazism. YIVO includes the Center for Jewish History and the
Yeshiva University Museum, and serves as the world’s largest
repository of documents and texts of Eastern European Jewry. Dr.
Furrevig says that the program enabled her to develop
international relationships and will enhance her teaching as well
as her current research for a book on Orthodox Judaism.
The Center for Academic Services is now the Center for
Academic Excellence. Staff members, along with college
colleagues, have been busy. Jen Fazio, director of student life;
Al Longo, associate professor of social science; Barbara Napolitano,
associate professor of business studies; Mike Pezzimenti,
assistant professor of mathematics; and Maureen Reustle, dean
of academic services, attended the International Conference
on the First Year Experience in Montreal, Canada, sponsored
by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience
and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina.
Reustle, Lorett Cramer, learning disabilities specialist; Megan
Procaccini, project specialist; and Sandra Williams, learning
support specialist, attended the NJ Association of New Student
Advocates Conference, titled “The Changing Student in a Chang-
ing World,” at William Paterson University. Cramer presented
“Using a ‘Virtual Community’ to Keep Students Informed.” Cramer
is also president of NJ AHEAD, the NJ Chapter of the Association
on Higher Education and Disability, and attended the National
AHEAD Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, Cramer,
Procaccini, and Christine Psolka, disability counseling specialist,
attended the 2009 Postsecondary Disability Training Institute in
Philadelphia, sponsored by the University of Connecticut. And,
finally, OCC is participating in a national research study of the
impact of academic coaching on the academic success of college
students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), funded
by the EDGE Foundation and coordinated through a research
team at Wayne State University. Psolka is OCC’s point person.
Dr. Jim Brown, associate professor
of science, made four presentations
on the One-Day-Per-Week Nursing
Program and online science courses
to the University of Colorado and
the Colorado Community College
Consortium online. He was subsequently
interviewed for Inside Higher Education and The Denver Post. In
addition, Dr. Brown and his wife, Sally Jacober-Brown, received
the 2009 NJ Outstanding Adoptive Family of the Year Award,
which was presented by the NJ Department of Children and
Families Division of Youth and Family Services and the Foster
and Adoptive Family Services.
OCC was recognized in two articles in the May 22 edition
of the national trade newspaper Community College Times.
The first was an op-ed piece written by RoseAnn D’Urso, manager
of promotional programming, titled “Trading your college’s trash
for cash”and published in the
special Going Green-Recycling
edition. In addition, D’Urso
arranged for and coordinated an
article written by a Community
College Times staff reporter that
focused on the newest trend of
online science classes. OCC’s
page 11
model online, at-home lab science courses
are highlighted prominently in the article
“Science programs find a home online.”
Karin Gargone, instructor of humanities,
served as rehearsal director and pianist
for the Ocean Grove Auditorium choral/
orchestral performance of Giocomo
Rossini’s sacred masterwork “Stabat
Mater.” She was also the piano accompanist
for the Monmouth Civic Chorus “Summer
Choral Workshop,” which featured J.S.
Bach’s monumental B-Minor Mass. In
addition, Gargone accompanied guitarist
Keith Calmes in his performance of the
Guitar Concerto by Brazilian composer
Heitor Villa-Lobos in the OCC Library
as a part of the “Concerts in the Tower
Room” series.
The duo will perform on November 17 in the
OCC Library as part of the popular “Concerts in the
Town Room” series (free and open to
the public).
New Jersey Network News interviewed
Dr. Nancy Gerry, director of school
relations, and Dr. Carol D’Zio, alternate
route certificate teacher, regarding OCC’s
New Pathways to Teaching in NJ. The focus
of the news story was the opportunity
that New Pathways offers people who
have been downsized in this economy
to “reinvent” themselves and start a
teaching career.
Katja Hawlitschka, associate professor
of English, presented a paper, “Questioning
the Law of the Father: Male Authority
‘in Treatment,’” at the Northeast Modern
Language Association Annual conference
in Boston. She is revising the paper as
a contribution to a book of essays on
psychoanalysis and popular culture.
Grace Johnson, assistant director of
multicultural services, received the Com-
munity Service Award from the NAACP
in recognition of her generous support
to the community and the organization.
Jan Kirsten, director of college relations,
was named chairperson of the 2009
National Council of Marketing and Public
Relations District One Conference held in
Atlantic City. NCMPR is the only organi-
zation of its kind that represents marketing
and PR professionals at community and
technical colleges.
Karl Kleiner, associate professor of
business studies, recently completed two
courses offered by New York University’s
Center for Global Affairs, “The U.S. Dollar
& Its Rivals” and “The Politics of Interna-
tional Economic Relations.”
Dr. Marilyn Kralik, professor of
humanities, and Ted Gordon, instructor
of mathematics, co-presented a paper,
“Cultures in Conversation: Religion and
Mathematics in Islamic Art,” at the Third
International Conference on Design, in
Berlin, Germany. More than 55 countries
were represented at the conference.
Vivian Lombardo, administrative
assistant I at Southern Education Center,
was inducted into the Chi Sigma Iota
Honor Society, which is dedicated to
promoting excellence in counseling. She
was also awarded the Kean University
Foundation Endowed Scholarship at the
Scholars Recognition Ceremony at Kean.
Francis Polk, provost for off-campus
programs, adjunct faculty, and community
outreach, was reappointed to the Toms
River/Ocean County Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors for the 15th
year. He is also a member of Representative
John Adler’s Third Congressional District
Business Advisory Committee.
Debbie Robinson, director of continuing
and professional education, and her husband,
Chuck Robinson, were
invited to speak at the
2009 International
Beachcombing Con-
ference in Annapolis,
MD. Nationally-
known researchers, environmentalists,
anthropologists, geologists, oceanographers,
paleontologists, and award-winning
authors will also be in attendance. The
duo are also frequent guests on radio
and television shows.
Heidi M. Sheridan, instructor of English,
published two poems, titled “Nostalgic
Stops” and “Dinner last Night,” in the
literary journal Coffee House Poems. Along
with English Department faculty members
Lynn Kraemer-Siracusa, instructor of
English & literature, and Dana Lauro,
instructor of English & literature, Sheridan
presented “Using Tactile Visuals in
Composition Pedagogy” at the “Basic
Composition in the Works: North Eastern
Regional Composition” 2009 conference.
Continued from page 10
page 12
2009 AluMni Donors
Kaitlin Acquaviva ’08
Geraldine Aksdal ‘79
Anthony Alemi ’88
James Algeo ‘87
Bonnie Amato ’95
Pauline Ambrose ‘98
Debbie Andriano ‘83
Cathleen Applegate ‘94
Riley Applegate ‘83
Betty Aptekar ‘77
Susan Avazier ‘76
Catherine Baran ‘99
Lisa Belomocho ‘85
Michael Blandina ‘86
Audrey Boeni ‘87
Kathleen Bombery ‘89
George Botts ‘86
Valerie Bourdot ‘94
Marcella Boyd ‘74
Velma Bruner ‘95
Mary Brusgard ‘94
Keith Buscio ‘88
Patricia Butler ‘86
Donald Calvert ‘08
Cynthia Cannizzaro ‘00
Jeannette Caputi ‘99
Eileen Carew ‘90
William Carpenter ‘72
Linda Casserly ‘98
Erica Catenacci - Haug ’94
Karen Chirelli ‘97
Constance Chisholm ‘89
Stephen Chisholm ‘89
Nicole Ciocher ‘97
Edmund Clayton ‘95
Christine Clinton ‘06
Theresa Collier ‘94
David Contouris ‘95
Kenneth Costello ‘84
Kathleen Coulier ‘86
Nancy Crabbe ‘79
Donald Cucuzzella ‘78
Jerome Dagostino ‘06
Kimberly Daley ‘82
John Dalton ‘05
Charles Davidson ‘89
Priscilla Davis ‘01
Jean De Fino ‘95
Jacquelyn Defilippo ‘96
Rafaela Delgado ‘82
Eileen Della Volle ‘89
Deanna Denhard Holman ‘93
Richard Deyo ‘86
Domenique Dicarlo ‘02
William Dikun ‘77
Rena Dineno ‘04
Rosemary Dixon ‘79
Jane Donovan Shareshian ‘94
Ruth Drake ‘00
Paschal Drew ‘84
Frederick Dunn ‘78
Maryjo Egbert ‘95
Courtney Eitel ‘00
George Eitel ‘03
Frances Elliott ‘89
Edith Erickson ‘82
Ray Erickson ‘86
Ruth Exel ’87
Maria Falcone ‘95
Kristin Farfalla ‘90
Kyle Fatigante ‘07
Tracey Fatigante ‘00
Steven Fedorczyk ‘98
Victoria Fedorczyk ‘00
Donna Findlay ‘71
Brian Flynn ‘77
Laurie Flynn ‘94
Jay Fornoro ‘00
Melissa Fornoro ‘99
Cynthia Fragale ‘05
Joanne French ‘89
Raymond Gaskill ‘77
Janice Gealey ‘93
Patricia Gemo ‘99
Jon-Lenard George ‘04
Eva Giba ‘94
Anna Godwin ‘86
Ernest Gomez ‘69
Joseph Gramlich ‘78
Susan Gray-Untoria ‘93
Robert Greaney ‘88
Erin Haber ‘05
Janet Hannell ‘04
Harriet Hecht ‘72
Jennifer Hendriksen ‘97
Kathleen Hendriksen ‘89
Maria Henriques ‘78
Cheryl Hermsen ‘03
Rodman Honecker ‘82
Lisa Hopkins ‘90
Robert Horn ‘78
Jody Humbert ‘08
Bruce Hummer ‘99
Kathleen Hummer ‘04
Ellen Hyers ‘69
Maria Iadanza ‘91
Joshua Johnson ‘09
William Johnston ‘00
Lynn Jozwick ‘91
Kevin Keehn ‘82
Ronald Kelleher ‘84
Robert Keller ‘84
Tara Kelly ‘03
Kelly Kernasovic ‘84
Diane Kerrigan ‘95
Robert Kiefer ‘76
William Kleissler ‘92
Carol Koch ‘97
Maria Kowalewski ‘96
Elizabeth Krasner ‘96
Angela Krejsa ‘95
Joseph Krrywda ’04
John Krupp ‘97
Terry Kuchera ‘94
Michelle Lacrosse-Schiel ‘95
Kenneth Lafferty ‘92
Janice Lally ‘97
Colleen Lamberson ‘93
Kathleen Laracy ‘99
Virginia Laratta-Hinsinger ‘86
Angela Lardieri ‘99
Teresa Larkin ‘82
Chiarina Larue Fanara ‘87
Bette Lasko ‘84
Barbarann Leaman ‘92
Reynaldo Lebron ‘97
Cathy Lewis ‘03
Bernadette Lewis-Cutajar ‘88
David Loffredo ‘96
Anna Long ‘02
Paul Lusnia ‘86
James Lynch ‘96
Shirleyanne Maken ‘91
Mark Malinowski ‘00
William Malosky ‘01
Nicholas Malta ‘91
Debra Manganelli ‘89
Philip Manolio ‘82
Christine Maritz ‘03
Donna Markulic ‘08
Stuart Martinsen ‘82
Kim Martis ‘85
William Matias ‘77
Ryan Matthews ‘04
Margaret Mazone ‘75
Deborah Mazurek ‘04
Beth Ann McCabe ‘95
Denise McCracken ‘88
Virginia McCullough-Fish ‘76
Robert McDaniels ‘73
Geraldine McGinty ‘83
Timothy McGowan ‘03
Donna Medlin ‘01
Kris Menweg ‘82
Victoria Messer ‘06
Stephanie Miller ‘83
Janice Milos ‘98
Florence Mitchell ‘97
Tanya Mosley ‘93
Nancy Mosquera ‘97
Dolores Mount ‘90
Margaret Mueller ‘83
Thomas Munley ‘03
Debbie Nacinovich ‘92
Michael Nowak ‘03
Terri Nowotny ‘85
Jan O’Malley ‘83
Steven Oglesby ‘77
Stanley Orenstein ‘87
Kathleen Osmanski ‘99
Priscilla Oughton ‘92
Audrey Painter ‘84
Geraldine Parrish ‘90
Peter Pasquale ‘78
Dorothy Joyce Patire ‘91
Norma Paul ‘78
Robert Paulaski ‘89
David Paulus ‘81
Daria Peifer-Ambrose ‘76
Antonio Pereira ‘76
Christine Phillips ‘96
Rocco Piccolo ‘73
Dolores Pinzino ‘75
Maryellen Ramirez ‘02
Karin Reistad ‘91
David Rickert ‘89
Lois Rickert ‘76
Amy Riello ‘99
Kathleen Rispoli ‘97
Regina Rosetto ‘89
Caroline Roth ‘98
Frances Saad ‘82
Dorothea Schall ‘86
Christine Seluchins ‘91
Joanna Sergejeff ‘92
Peter Serrada ‘70
Michele Sheft ‘93
Cynthia Sherman ‘98
David Silberstein ‘00
Eric Singer ‘98
Guy Sloat ‘72
Brian Smith ‘07
Karen Smith ‘83
Kevin Smith ‘72
Jeffrey Snesko ‘04
Betty Stana ‘99
Roxanne Stecura ‘00
Arthur Steinhauser ‘75
Cristie Steinhauser ‘75
Neal Stephens ‘04
Rebecca Stokes ‘05
Richard Strada ‘89
Claire Sullivan ‘88
June Sussman ‘85
James Sutera ‘02
Florence Taggart ‘92
Robert Tagliaferro ‘85
Maria Tamburro ‘07
Dawn Tencer ‘84
Wendy Torre ‘91
Nancy Uffer ‘85
Terianne Vafiadis ‘09
Girard VanHise ‘81
Kammie Verdolina ‘97
Stephanie Villari ‘03
Michael Walsh ‘76
Thomas Weg ‘90
Deborah Weingroff ‘73
Victoria Westawski ‘90
Barbara Wheeler ‘75
Bryan Williscroft ‘06
Marjorie Wills ‘95
Carolyn Work ‘96
Jun Ho Yi ‘07
John Zarzyski ‘70
Marlene Zawadzky ‘87
Lynn Zbranak ‘79
Linda Zelek ‘90
Philip Zitelli ‘68
We have made every effort to provide a complete and accurate list. Please advise us of any errors or omissions. This list reflects donations received September 1, 2008 through September 1, 2009.
OCC gratefully acknowledges the generous support of alumni listed below who donated to the Annual Fund Drive, Reach for the
Stars Campaign, OCC Sailing Program, or OCC Foundation fundraising efforts.
page 13
ATHLETICS FACILITY UPDATE
at h l e t i C s
I lene Cohen, athletics director, stepped down from her softball coaching duties
in June 2009. After 18 seasons and 350 wins, Cohen felt it was time to turn a
page in her career.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I will miss being on the field with the players
and the intense games that we play all season, yet at this time, this is the best for me,”
explained Cohen. “As athletic director, I will remain very much involved with all
our athletic programs as I have been, but in softball, I will now be on the outside
of the fence.”
Cohen said that she will still attend
many of the Viking softball games and
looks forward to participating in clinics
and camps in the future. She wished
good luck to everyone involved in the sport of softball and offered this advice,
“put your pride and passion into all you do and then it becomes a great ride.”
She also thanked all the players that she’s coached over the years, adding that they
helped to make “some of the best memories of my life.”
Vikings Make the GradeIn 2009, the OCC Athletic Department won the first-
ever Region XIX “Champions of Character Award.” This
award is given to a department that exhibits outstand-
ing results in character development of its student-athletes
and coaches by embracing the true spirit of competition
through five core values of respect, integrity, responsi-
bility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.
During the 2008-09 sports season, OCC athletics
were also ranked in ninth place among the top
20 athletic programs in the nation by the National
Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators.
This latest ranking moved the Vikings up eight notches
from 17th place the previous year.
OCC student-athletes also earned numerous academic honors. Ten students were named
NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-Americans with a minimum of 45 credits and a 3.8+
GPA, including two athletes who had 4.0 GPAs! Twenty-one students became NJCAA
Academic All-Americans with a minimum of 45 credits and a 3.6+ GPA. In addition,
Academic All-Region XIX honors went to 107 students with a 3.25+ GPA, along with
Academic All-GSAC honors going to 126 students with a 3.0+ GPA.
Softball Coach Steps Down
An exciting construction project began
in spring 2009 with renovations and
additions to OCC’s athletics facilities.
In mid-October, the tennis teams were
able to begin practicing on the all-new
tennis courts. An additional 366 campus
parking spaces were completed and are
now located in the area of the old tennis
courts. Also on the docket are a multi-
purpose turf field with spectator stands
and a walking path, which are anticipated
to be finished in July 2010. The expanded
athletics facilities will enable OCC to
host high school and collegiate regional
and national tournaments on the Main
Campus in Toms River. Stay tuned for
more updates!
page 14
b a rt l e t t h a l l
Ribbon Cutting: August 24
First Floor: Student Lounge, Employee
Lounge, Two Faculty Offices, Two 34-Seat
Classrooms/Laptop Labs, Two 34-Seat
Academic Classrooms
Second Floor: One 72-Seat Multipurpose
Classroom, Four 34-Seat Academic Class-
rooms, Department Office, Dean’s Office
Third Floor: One 34-Seat Classroom/
Laptop Lab, Seven
34-Seat Academic Classrooms
Classes: Anthropology, Criminal Justice,
Education, Fire Science, Geography,
Human Services, Political Science,
Psychology, Sociology
Building Total SF: 32,000 Gross SF
Project Budget: $12,000,000.00
Architects: DMR, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Construction: Tormee Construction,
Tinton Falls, NJ
Keeping it Green: Bartlett Hall reflects OCC’s commitment to environmentally mindful, sustainable construction,
with those involved with the project’s nuts and bolts striving for certification through the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The strategies for LEED Design include the creation of a sustainable site, with a storm water management plan, reduced
light pollution, water efficient landscaping and water use reduction, minimum energy usage and optimized energy performance,
collection of recyclables, use of regional building materials and recycled content materials, and controllability of lighting and
thermal comfort systems.
Bartlett Hall features energy-efficient windows and light bulbs; the roof coating is reflective and keeps the heat gain low, as do
the window shades; the lavatories include water-conserving devices; lights shut off automatically if a room is not in use; and the
landscaping is low-maintenance, designed to use minimal amounts of water through the choice of plant species and ground cover.
In addition, educational signage will be installed to teach students about sustainable building practices, and to broaden the
public’s knowledge and awareness of green building strategies.
John C. Bartlett, Jr. Hall
Fast Facts
page 15
Naming Bartlett Hall: The building’s namesake, Freeholder John C. Bartlett, Jr.,
has a long and notable history with Ocean County College. In fact, his affiliation
with the college began as a member of OCC’s inaugural graduating class.
After earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, Mr. Bartlett taught at Toms River
High School North for 25 years. He also taught at OCC, first as an adjunct professor
of political science, then as an assistant professor.
Mr. Bartlett began his career in public service in 1974. He was elected to the Ocean
County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1980, and served, for a number of years, as
the Freeholder Liaison to OCC, a role he again holds since his retirement from
college teaching. n
Juliet Kaszas-Hoch
College Relations Writer