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In the Know – Issue 54

Posted in: In the Know

In the Know, The Newsletter for the people who make the University work
From left: Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35); Paterson Public Schools Executive Director, Full Service Community Schools Jenna Goodreau; Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh; Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Eileen F. Shafer; Montclair President Jonathan Koppell; Paterson Education Fund Executive Director Rosie Grant; Eastside High School Principal of Operations Edgard Nieves; and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tanuja Dehne.

University Announces $1 Million Grant to Develop Paterson One Square Mile Initiative

Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation support will be used to turn Paterson’s Eastside High School into a University-assisted community school as part of a comprehensive community development program and the center point of University-coordinated efforts aimed at advancing community aspirations.

Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking

Elected officials, survivors of human trafficking and other guests including First Lady Tammy Murphy joined the Global Center on Human Trafficking last week to discuss New Jersey law and policy aimed at eradicating the crime and improving lives.


Flag Raising Kicks Off Black History Month

The campus community gathered at the Student Center flagpole on February 1 for an opening program that included a flag-raising ceremony. Celebrations continue this month with art and museum exhibits, film screenings and discussions on a variety of social justice issues.


Adjunct Professor Holds 24 Degrees

To date, Adjunct Professor Joseph Segriff has earned 24 degrees – three doctorates, one post-master’s Education Specialist degree, six master’s, two bachelor’s and 12 associate degrees, not to mention many certificates. Why? “I like being a lifelong learner.”


Feliciano School of Business Launches Hawk+ Channel

Partnership with School of Communication and Media will keep prospective students, alumni and corporate partners informed via the free digital streaming platform.

In the News

  • President Koppell was ranked No. 57 in the ROI-NJ Super 60 Power List for 2023: “Three semesters into the role, Koppell already has earned numerous good-neighbor awards, as he has worked to save Bloomfield College and refurbish Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson.”
  • NorthJersey.com and CBS New York reported on our partnership with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to launch the One Square Mile initiative in Paterson.
  • Jonathan Howell (Linguistics) was interviewed by Men’s Health for an article about how people – like Elvis star Austin Butler – are able to change their accents.
  • Jeff Giacobbe (Enterprise Technology Services) is quoted in this NJ.com article about federal data that shows New Jersey ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. for at-home internet access.
  • Jason Williams (Justice Studies) is quoted in this NJ Spotlight News story about police accountability in New Jersey, following the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis.
  • A. Seddik Meziani (Accounting and Finance) lent his expertise to The Motley Fool for a how-to article about investing in EFTs (exchange-traded funds).

Reminders

  • Want to know how to help someone in distress? Take the Mental Health First Aid training on Thursday, March 9. In this 8-hour course, you will learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders and how to provide initial help and support. Open to all employees. Registration is free. Questions? Contact Suicide Prevention Coordinator Jude Uy at 973-655-4470 or uyj@montclair.edu.
  • Don’t miss the world premier of The Night Falls this weekend (February 10-12) at Alexander Kasser Theater. The Night Falls tells a story of people across America falling victim to the same nightmare. For more information and to purchase tickets visit PEAK Performances.
  • President’s Day, Monday, February 20, is a work day for managers. AFT employees may take the day as a holiday or work in exchange for a comp day. Learn more here.
  • You now have access to print and download your 2022 W-2 form in Workday.
  • You can find the latest campus COVID-19 data, including case numbers, on the COVID-19 Dashboard.
  • If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the new nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Kudos

  • To Pascale LaFountain and Thomas Herold (World Languages and Cultures) on the success of their mentee, Avelisse Guzman, who has recently won a full scholarship to attend the German School at Middlebury Language Schools, offered to students enrolled in Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
  • To Barbara H. Chasin (Sociology, Emerita) who appeared on KPFA radio show Against the Grain about the third edition of her book, Inequality and Violence in the United States: Casualties of Capitalism.
  • To Jason Strother (Communication and Media) for starting his Fulbright Scholar research on how climate change impacts people with disabilities in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
  • To Darius W. Edwards (Office of Social Justice and Diversity) for being selected as one of Virginia State University’s “Trojan 10 Under 10,” acknowledging 10 alumni who’ve graduated within the last 10 years that are making strides in their careers and impact in their communities.
  • To Richard Tomko (Educational Leadership) for being profiled in Education Week’s 2023 edition of “Leaders To Learn From,” an annual special report that spotlights innovative school district leaders from across the nation. Tomko will share ideas and innovations with fellow honorees from across the country during the Education Week Leadership Symposium in Washington, D.C.
  • To Milton Fuentes (Psychology) whose article “Rethinking the Course Syllabus: Considerations for Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” continues to be the most cited and most read article in the Teaching of Psychology journal.

Social Media Post of Note

Our campus community came together to kick off #BlackHeritageMonth with our annual flag-raising ceremony including presentations about historical Black leaders.

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