Dear NJCU Community,

Each year, the NJCU Gifts from the Heart Committee collects, wraps, and distributes gifts for children and families in our Jersey City community and beyond.

This year, the committee continues to collect toys for the Children's Cancer Institute of New Jersey. We are also again partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson, & Union Counties to collect new clothes and toys for children.

Will you help us support these wonderful organizations and deserving children this year with your generosity?

Please consider opening a wish list below to sponsor a child. All gifts must be unwrapped and labeled with the child’s name, age, and number on the list.

WHAT WE NEED: For the Children's Cancer Institute of NJ

Please donate unwrapped gifts for children ages 4 -17 including toys, games, books. Please do not give clothing or video games unless it is the complete handheld console (i.e. Gameboy).

WHAT WE NEED: For Big Brothers Big Sisters

Please donate new clothes and toys for children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Please click to open the wish list and sponsor a child. When dropping off donations, please make sure all gifts are unwrapped and labeled with the child’s name, age, and number on the list.

DROP OFF your donations anytime during the month of November at one of the following locations:

For more information call: Sergio Villamizar at ext. 2170 or e-mail: svillamizar@njcu.edu

Mark Your Calendars! Donors will be invited to a card signing event on Tuesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Gilligan Student Union lobby, across from GSUB Room 111. Light refreshments will be served.

The Gifts from the Heart program is sponsored by sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Student Development and Community Engagement

The field of business management is rapidly evolving, fueled by advancements in AI, data analytics, and remote collaboration. Professionals with strong management and organizational skills are in demand across industries, from real estate to human resources.

Click on any of the below to learn more about our program offerings and to Register Today!

75-Hour Real Estate Salesperson’s License Course: Train to become a licensed real estate agent and build a rewarding career helping clients buy, sell, and rent property.

Human Resources Professional with Payroll Practice and Management: Gain essential HR and payroll management skills and be prepared to take the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) certification exam.

The Complete Project Manager with CAPM® and PMP® Prep:  This is a comprehensive project management program for those who want to expand their knowledge and application of PM concepts.

For more details or to enroll, contact us:
Adult and Continuing Education | 201-200-3089 | conted@njcu.edu

NJCU proudly hosts an exhibition of over one hundred winners of the annual intercontinental poster competition, Poster Stellars, at the Lemmerman Gallery from September 17 to November 25. The opening reception will be held on September 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and there will be the curator’s talk at 6 p.m.

Poster Stellars, founded and organized in 2021 by Professor Wesam Haddad who teaches graphic design at NJCU, has been has been hosted and exhibited in many countries, including Poland (2021), Indonesia (2022), Mexico (2023), and at notable institutions such as Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University in Philadelphia (2024). Poster Stellars aims to create equal opportunities for artists and designers worldwide.

With the motto “Reach for The Stars,” its mission is to empower emerging and established creatives locally and globally. Open to anyone aged 18 or older, it welcomes published posters from professionals and students in a variety of genres. In its 5th edition (2025), it received 719 entries from 40 countries, awarding 106 projects across all continents. The exhibition showcases diverse global talent.

For the list of the winners and other details, visit www.posterstellars.com

Nobuho Nagasawa, Nuke-Cuisine originally shown at Atomic Cowboy: The Daze After 1992, aluminum with printed paper, 18 x 11 x 11 cm

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the NJCU Visual Arts Gallery will host two interrelated exhibitions which will present the ramifications of atomic bombs from multiple perspectives.

Shown at Daniel Saxon Gallery in Los Angeles in 1992, Nobuho Nagasawa’s exhibition, The Atomic Cowboy: The Daze After, drew significant attention to an unusually high number of cancer deaths among the cast and crew members of “cowboy western” films, many of which were shot in Nevada deserts, not far from nuclear test sites.

Central to the exhibition were Nuke-Cuisine consisting of 835 “Cloud of Mushroom Soup” cans. 835 was the number of the "announced” nuclear tests in America from 1945 to 1992. 120 cans will be shown at NJCU with a wall installation of the atomic bombs’ data, portraits of the actors who suffered from radiation exposure, and other related works. By re-exhibiting many works 33 years later, The Atomic Cowboy uncovers the human fragility concealed beneath the spectacle of Hollywood’s “cowboy” genre and its glorification of men as heroes. This lens reflects Nagasawa’s enduring ecological sensibility, one that embraces the interconnected realms of the natural environment, human society, culture, and politics.

Simultaneously presented in the front half of the gallery is Take it home, for (__) shall not repeat the error. Curated by Souya Handa, who was raised in Hiroshima, his exhibition was one of the open call winners and presented at Apexart earlier this spring. The title derives from the cenotaph of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: "Rest in peace, for [we/they] shall not repeat the error." According to the formal statement by the Hiroshima government, the omitted subject in it is "we," representing not only Hiroshima but all of humanity.

Featuring the work by four artists –- Souya Handa, Kei Ito, Sixte Kakinda, and Layla Yamamoto, from Japan, the United States, and Demographic Republic of Congo, the purpose of the exhibition is to connect the histories of the Manhattan Project with the subsequent nuclear weapons development in the U.S., to construct a linear narrative from the uranium mines used in the Hiroshima bomb, to post-WW2 nuclear tests, and even Fukushima.

Presented together, the two exhibitions aim to raise awareness on the dangers of nuclear weapons and the ongoing threat of nuclear wars.

Tickets: $10 for students

The NJCU Jazz Ensemble welcomes you to an exciting evening of big band music for listeners of all ages! The concert will feature the Jazz Ensemble featuring students from NJCU's Jazz Department and one of today's top jazz stars as a special guest. You will also hear one of the area's top high school jazz ensembles play an opening set, continuing to showcase students who may be tomorrow's jazz stars. The music will span the full history of the jazz tradition and typically showcases music from the great ensembles of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Thad Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and many more. Under the direction of Nathan Eklund, the ensemble will deliver a powerful, dynamic evening you won’t forget!

The University Senate will hold a regular meeting on November 24. Register in advance for this meeting. You must have an NJCU email account to register.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

No events scheduled.

Get ready, Knights! ⚔️ For The Knightsgiving Bowl Mini Flag Football Tournament!!

Bring your school spirit, your loudest gobble, and maybe some stretchy pants because the Knightsgiving Bowl is going to be a feast of fun before the feast at home!

University Closed.
No events are scheduled.

University Closed.
No events are scheduled.

No events are scheduled.

No events are scheduled.

It Don’t Mean a Thing Jazz Ensemble
Monday, December 1, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information

Eligible graduate students are invited to apply for the Professional Pathways Scholarship for the Spring 2026 semester. This program is part of the Department of Education Title V PPOHA initiative, which is dedicated to enabling Hispanic and low-income students with academic ability to successfully complete graduate professional degrees.

We are providing a limited number of scholarships—14 awards of up to $5,000—for Spring 2026.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

Don't miss out on this opportunity!

The Alumni Relations office is pleased to share that New Jersey City University has once again been awarded funding from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation to support scholarships for NJCU students. This scholarship is designed to ease financial burdens and recognize the unique challenges faced by students who balance academics with work and family responsibilities.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Each year, over 25 students are selected to receive this scholarship. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Alumni Relations team strongly encourages you to apply.

Join our weekly drop-in support group - no appointment needed, no commitment required. Every week, students gather to share real experiences, learn practical stress-management techniques, and discover you're not alone in navigating college challenges.

Whether you're dealing with academic pressure, relationship stress, or just feeling overwhelmed, this is your space to connect authentically with peers who understand. Drop in anytime during our weekly sessions. Stay for 20 minutes or the full hour - whatever works for your schedule and comfort level. Every voice is valued and every student belongs.

As the 2025-2026 academic year begins, NJCU has made significant progress on the 2027 Middle States Commission and Higher Education (MSCHE) Self-Study. This process is central to our accreditation and advancing our strategic priorities. 

This is the first of several updates we will share throughout the fall semester regarding our Middle States accreditation progress.

MSCHE Self-Study Updates:

We encourage you to stay involved in this process, as your insight and contributions are vital to NJCU's continued growth and accreditation success.

Thank you for the role you play and for your commitment in supporting our students and shaping the NJCU experience! 

KNIGHTPASS is your ultra-affordable ticket to all of the VIP experiences, private receptions, biggest moments, best thrills, and breakthrough performances by tomorrow's elite actors and actresses, today's award winners, and more.

The NJCU Exercise Science Department is recruiting participants for a university-approved research study titled “Culturally Tailored Dietary Guidelines for Hispanic and Afro-Caribbean Populations.” The goal of this study is to better understand cultural food practices and create more inclusive and effective nutrition resources.

We’re looking to speak with individuals who identify as Hispanic or Afro-Caribbean and are interested in sharing their experiences and perspectives in a short focus group session (in-person or via Zoom).

If you or someone you know may be interested, sign up here:

For more information, please email Dr. Josh Williamson at jwilliamson3@njcu.edu.

This annual award is presented for the best memoir, personal essay, or creative nonfiction written by a student in a course at NJCU during the 2025-26 academic year.

Email submissions by May 20, 2026 to:

Submissions must be 2,000-3,000 words and must be submitted in a file that includes title and word count, but not the author’s name. A separate file should include the title of the submission, author name, course, and semester for which it was written, and contact information. No more than one submission per student.

About the Kathy Potter Memorial Writing Award

The Kathy Potter Memorial Writing Award was established in 2013 in memory of Kathleen M. Hackett Potter who died on January 6, 2013. Kathy graduated summa cum laude from NJCU with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She received honors for her senior thesis in creative nonfiction, “Thruway.” In 2008, she became Editorial Assistant at "Transformations: The Journal of Inclusive Scholarship and Pedagogy," published by NJCU, and was a vital force in its success. In 2009, she was appointed Managing Editor. With other NJCU writers, Kathy started a 100-word group that became the catalyst for countless NJCU-based 100-word groups. With other alumni, she founded the writers’ group The ReCollective. Kathy’s family, friends, fellow writers, and the NJCU community remember her though this award that recognizes the literary excellence of a student at the university she so loved.

Please remember the university continues to collect retired flags at the following drop-off locations: 

All flags will be delivered to the American Legion for proper disposal. 

For more information about any of the scheduled events, please contact the Office of Military & Veterans Services at 201-200-3199 or visit www.njcu.edu/veterans.

This fall, take a midweek pause to refresh your spirit! Join us every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Vodra Hall Room 101 (Conference Room D). Online Option Available on Teams.

Come connect with colleagues, share fellowship, and grow in faith together. 

For more Information, contact Monica Almonor at malmonor@njcu.edu. Follow CRU on Instagram at @njcucru.

Welcome back to the Fall Semester! Discover our brand-new collection of popular and leisure reading materials—featuring today’s most talked-about bestsellers in biography, autobiography, memoir, and more. Fresh titles across a wide range of genres are added regularly, so there’s always something new waiting for you.

Our new books are on display on the First Floor and can be borrowed easily with your NJCU Gothic ID.

And don’t miss our expanded magazine collection! With nearly 50 high-interest titles—including National Geographic, Forbes, PC Gamer, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, and ¡Hola!—there’s something for everyone. You’ll find them in the Second Floor Reading Enclave, now featuring new seating and campus views.

The Library is always here to support your research and learning needs—explore your resources:

Select a therapist that aligns with your personal preferences, including gender, language, ethnicity, and area of expertise. Additionally, choose a time that suits your schedule, whether it be during the day, night, or weekend. You can conveniently connect with them through video, phone, chat, or message.

Experiencing a mental health crisis?

Help is available 24/7/365 by contacting: 866-646-1526.

Ask. Listen. Refer. is a 15–20 minute online suicide prevention training that equips faculty, staff, and students with the skills to recognize warning signs, identify those at risk, and refer them to help.

The training covers:

Participants will complete a pre- and post-test and receive a certificate. If you need proof of completion, please contact me—I can track participants.

This interactive program supports our ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and is a valuable resource for our division and campus.

Taking care of your sexual health is an important part of overall wellness. The NJCU Health and Wellness Center is offering free, confidential HIV and STI testing—making it easier than ever to know your status.

As a thank you for prioritizing your health, all participants will receive a $5 Dunkin' gift card. Just bring your NJCU ID.

Knowledge is power when it comes to your health. We encourage all members of our campus community to take advantage of this important resource.

🍎 Step into your teaching career with confidence! Join NJCU’s Virtual Info Session to learn everything about earning your Certificate of Eligibility (CE), preparing for the Praxis Content exams, and exploring Alternate Route programs in P-3, ESL, Elementary, and Secondary Education. 🎓✨ Get expert guidance, discover flexible course options, and receive a special application fee waiver! 💻

Theme: Behind the Spotlight
Dress Code: Backstage Black Tie

Join the SAB for "An Evening Of Elegance"  — a formal night of music, dining, and celebration. Dress to impress and enjoy a memorable evening with the NJCU community.

Take Charge of Your Health: Free Wellness Checks Coming to Campus

Your well-being matters. That's why we're pleased to announce a free Wellness Checks event on Wednesday, December 3 at the NJCU Health & Wellness Center. In partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, we're offering complimentary health screenings that can give you valuable insights into your wellness. No appointment necessary—just stop by during the event hours.

Free services include:

Join us for the second edition of “Music in the Stacks” at NJCU!

Featuring guitar students from the Music, Dance, and Theatre (MDT) department. The program will highlight the musical excellence of NJCU’s student musicians. This ongoing series is sponsored by the Music, Dance, and Theatre Department in conjunction with the Congressman Frank J. Guarini Library. Free and open to all members of the campus community. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Fred Smith at fsmith@njcu.edu. 

Please join the Criminal Justice Department for its December CJ Coffee Talk. Criminal Justice Alumnus Robert Dowd '11 and '13 will discuss his career and experiences in law enforcement and share career advice.

Chief Robert J. Dowd (Ret.) is an accomplished police executive and educator with more than 26years of distinguished service, culminating as the ninth Chief of Police in the North Bergen Police Department’s 118-year history. He is nationally recognized for advancing the principles of 21st Century Policing, achieving record-low crime rates, strengthening accountability, and deepening community trust through innovative leadership. Chief Dowd is the Chief Operating Officer of Bernstein & Associates, Inc., a national leader in police promotional exam preparation, and a published adjunct professor at NJCU. He obtained his bachelor’s (2011) and master’s degrees (2013) in criminal justice from NJCU.

In addition to earning numerous honors, including commendations from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Chief Dowd was invited to the White House by President Barack Obama to participate in a national briefing on the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Join us for career advice and networking.

Get ready to repay loans and manage your money after college. Facilitated by PNC Bank.

This series is co-sponsored by the Men of Color Initiative (MOCI), the Opportunity Scholarship Program/Educational Opportunity Fund (OSP/EOF), Center for Student Persistence and Success, and Military & Veterans Services.

🌟 Ready to ignite your future as a certified Spanish teacher? Join NJCU’s Alternate Route Virtual Info Session to fast-track your certification, elevate your skills, and step confidently into the classroom! 🍎✨📚 Don’t miss your chance to level up your career and shape the next generation—your journey starts here! 💫

🍎 Explore your path to becoming a certified teacher in New Jersey! Join NJCU’s Zoom Info Session to learn about Alternate Route programs in P-3, ESL, Elementary, and Secondary Education. 🎓📚 All attendees will receive a special application fee waiver! ✨

The NJCU Chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) and the School of Business invites you to this free career panel discussion. The session will be moderated by NJCU Finance Adjunct Professor Robert J. Alvarez.

Expected panelists include:

Don't miss out on this heartwarming tradition — it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends, family, and fellow students...including our beloved students from A. Harry Moore Laboratory School! Come sing, laugh, and spread the holiday cheer, and join us for free refreshments.

For more information please reach out to eseitzman@njcu.edu

Mental health challenges among college students are more prevalent than ever, and knowing how to respond can make a life-changing difference. The NJCU Counseling Center, in partnership with the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute, is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training with a focus on college-aged individuals.

What You'll Learn:

🔥 Dive into the future of learning with NJCU’s Fall Ed Tech Webinar Series! Discover hot topics, emerging technologies, and innovative strategies shaping today’s classrooms. 🚀 Join our experts as we explore tech-integrated approaches to assistive technology that boost accessibility, empower diverse learners, and strengthen collaboration. 🌈✨

Late Night Breakfast is an NJCU tradition, held each semester before finals week. The President and staff across the University serve a full and free breakfast to students and wish them good luck on their final exams. Join us for Free Food, Music, Giveaways and Activities.

Urban Reflections: An Illustrated Love Letter to My Hometown, Jersey City, N.J. by Richard La Rovere, celebrates Jersey City through over 650 extraordinary illustrations of its neighborhoods, landmarks, and the people who give it character. A lifelong Jersey City resident and 1978 graduate of New Jersey City University with a B.A. in Art, La Rovere has spent decades documenting the region’s evolving urban landscape, offering a remarkable and heartfelt collection of portraits of life in Jersey City.

Stephanie Romano’s MFA exhibition, "Reconciling With The Empty Space," presents an evocative body of mixed-media work that weaves together fiber, screen printing, ceramics, and sculpture. Through this multi-sensory installation, Stephanie invites viewers into a deeply personal exploration of memory, love, loss, and healing.

Stephanie Romano is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose creative journey began with a love of making things by hand. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry/Metalsmithing and her Art Teacher Certification from NJCU in 2006. Her work explores material, form, and the stories objects can hold. In 2023, she was honored with an Individual Artist Fellowship Grant from the Jersey City Arts Council and recently participated in the Wonder Woman 13 Residency: Walk With Me. When she is not in her studio, Stephanie teaches sculpture and ceramics in the Jersey City Public Schools, where she shares her passion for creativity with her students. She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree and continuing to grow her practice through collaboration within the community.

Artist IG Handle: https://www.instagram.com/stephromanoart/

Step into the world of tomorrow’s jazz legends at the 2025 NJCU Spring Jazz Fest. Join us as multi-Grammy award-winning jazz faculty headline the festival and engage in a captivating display of musical dialogue with the region’s most talented young artists, creating an unforgettable musical experience that you won’t want to miss. This concert is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Ticket Link: $10 for students

Join us for VivaldiI's GLORIA, an end of the year celebration with our NJCU Chorale. With works from a myriad of styles that will help usher in the season, and featuring the Vivaldi Gloria, the NJCU Chorale will also be joining with a local Jersey City area Choir to create a musical evening that you will not want to miss. This concert will feature singers and instrumentalists from NJCU’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Celebrate the holidays and close the semester with lunch, games, and good conversation! Sponsored by the Black Alumni, Administrator, Faculty, Students & Staff Organization.

Make this holiday season merry, bright, and full of color! Join the NJCU Alumni Association for our festive Holiday Paint & Sip Mixer on Wednesday, December 10!

Enjoy a guided painting session led by a local artist, delicious food and beverages, and lively karaoke. No experience needed—just bring your holiday spirit and a smile! Network with fellow Gothic Knights and create lasting memories.

All materials provided. Space is limited—reserve your seat today! Tickets are just $15.

All events/announcements must be submitted no later than Wednesday at noon to be included in the weekly email newsletter that will be released on the following Monday.