In The Know – Issue 112

Next-Gen Rocky and Roxy Mascots Unveiled!

The University’s beloved mascots have new looks that will enhance performance and safety costumed performers.

Professor Receives $1 Million Grant from the Templeton Religious Trust

Pablo Tinio and his research team were awarded the grant to extend research on art’s ability to promote understanding and creativity.

Reminders

• Utilize this photo gallery of approved Rocky and Roxy images to update websites and print materials.
• ​​The University’s current digital printing contract with Studio 042 will end on Thursday, July 11. Starting Friday, July 12, the University will transition to a new contract with One Source Solutions. As part of this change, a new punch-out system will be established for printing needs. Further details and instructions will be provided soon.
• The fall tuition waiver and reimbursement deadline is Thursday, August 1. Applications must be submitted to the Division of Human Resources via Workday. Contact the benefits team at benefits@montclair.edu with any questions.
• Take advantage of the newly updated Montclair Employee Perks and Discounts program and view the Bloomfield Business Discounts list.
• Download the Parking Logix app to check for available parking on campus.
• Request our pupscot, Pebbles and Rocky the Red Hawk at your upcoming events!
• Lost and found items may be brought to the Student Center information desk in the 2nd floor lobby. Browse the inventory of lost items or file a claim for lost items.
• Concerned about a student’s well-being? Please fill out a CARE Report form to connect students to mental health support and resources. Faculty and advisors can complete an alert via Navigate for academic concerns.
• To receive training on the use of hemorrhage/bleeding control and Narcan kits, contact EMS at 973-655-7836 or ems@montclair.edu.
• The Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential support services for employees and their families. For more information, view the CONCERN brochure.
• If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.
• Email successcenter@ascendiumeducation.org or call 833-707-1220 for assistance with student loan repayment support. Visit MSU GradReady website for additional resources available to help with managing your financial needs.

In The News

• President Jonathan Koppell, Daniel Jean (Special Programs, EOF and Academic Success) and Montclair students were featured in a PBS News Hour “Rethinking College” series segment, discussing the University’s MEGA Initiative.
• Stanislav Mamonov (Information Management and Business Analytics) appeared on a PIX11 News segment about a recent burglary in Florham Park in which thieves used a wifi jamming device to disable security surveillance.
• Daniel Geltrude (Accounting and Finance) was named to the NJ BIZ 2024 Accounting Power 50 List. Geltrude also recently appeared on Newsmax to discuss the recent presidential debate.
• Gabriel Rubin (Justice Studies) is quoted in this Voice of America article about former President Trump’s rhetoric about Islamist terrorism.
• Matthew Aardema (Biology) is quoted in this HuffPost article about recommended tools to have on hand for tick removal.
• Joe Amditis (Center for Cooperative Media) is quoted in this New Jersey Monitor article that discusses whether NJ 101.5 radio show host Bill Spadea has an unfair advantage in the 2025 governor race.
• Karen Goodman (Professor Emerita, John J Cali School of Music) was interviewed for The British Society of Music Therapy “Music Therapy Conversations” podcast, discussing relationships between conducting music therapy and teaching, challenges in music therapy education and training today, the importance of clinical supervision following training and other vital topics.
• Paul Bologna (Biology) and his students were featured on NBC New York for a segment on continuing research and monitoring of the invasive clinging jellyfish.
• Lenn Robbins (School of Communication and Media) appeared on Scripps News to discuss the U.S. men’s soccer team in the Copa América, WNBA player Angel Reese and the NBA.
• Thomas Franklin (School of Communication and Media) is quoted in this USA TODAY article about the symbolism of the American flag.

Kudos

• To Jessica Henry (Justice Studies), who was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to the new Clemency Advisory Board which will work toward expediting clemency petitions and issuing pardons.
• To Jonathan Greenberg (English), whose new book, “Roctogenarians, Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks and Triumphs”, co-authored with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca, debuted at number 15 on the New York Times bestseller list.
• To Romayne Eaker-Kelly (Campus Recreation), who was honored with the President’s Service Award at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association’s Officer Installation luncheon.
• To RJ Miller (University Police), on his graduation and return to duty from the Passaic County Police Academy.
• To Joanna Torres and Joseph Fernandez (University Police), as they begin their training at the Essex County Police Academy.

Retirement News

• After 52 years of service to Montclair State University, Naomi Liebler will be retiring on September 1. Her 1995 book, “Shakespeare’s Festive Tragedy,” established her as an internationally renowned scholar, a reputation she has steadily built in the decades since. In the English Department, she has taught classical, Renaissance, American, and international drama, and served as Deputy Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, and advisor to Montclair’s chapter of the national English honor society. Additionally, she has served as faculty advisor to Hillel, as part of the leadership of AFT-Local 1904 and as a Trustee of the Shakespeare Association of America. In 2017, she was awarded the Townsend Harris Medal for Lifetime Achievement from the City College of New York Alumni Association. The department expresses its profound gratitude for all she has contributed and extends its best wishes for her future endeavors.

• After 15 years as the inaugural Marie Frazee-Baldassarre Chair and Professor of English at Montclair State University, Lucy McDiarmid will be retiring on September 1. As an editor and author of five books of poetry and Irish cultural history, Lucy is a former fellow of the Guggenheim Foundation and the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. She has enriched Montclair’s campus life immeasurably by sponsoring an annual series of talks and readings that have brought world-renowned scholars and poets to campus to meet and speak with students. Recognized by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) for her exceptional service and teaching, she has been a devoted mentor to undergraduates, graduates, and junior scholars in the field. The department expresses its profound gratitude for all she has given, and extends its best wishes for her future endeavors.

Social Media Post of Note

YOU AWAKE YET ⁉️⏰

We’re back and better than ever! My sister Roxy and I got our beauty sleep and are ready to spread some serious Red Hawk Pride. Catch us around campus to check out our new looks! ✨

Have an item you’d like included in Kudos or Reminders? Want to nominate a staffer for our spotlight? Use this form to tell us. Read more about our people and programs in the University News Center and in back issues of In the Know. And find out what’s happening on campus in the Events Calendar.