Welcome to Edition 42 of This Week at NJCU for October 24, 2022. This once-weekly Monday publication will inform the university community about all events happening each week over the next eight days on campus and offer important announcements. To submit your event or announcement for the October 31, 2022 edition, please use the form at the bottom of this communication.

All listed times are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). All events are in-person unless otherwise noted as online, via Zoom, or hybrid.

NOW INCLUDED in this issue are sections highlighting current faculty, staff, student and alumni news and an In Memoriam section to honor those alumni, faculty, staff, or students, who have passed.

Share your news with us at communications@njcu.edu.

If you are a registered voter who lives in Hudson County, you could make $300 by serving as a poll worker this Election Day — Tuesday, November 8. Be a part of our democratic process by helping our elections run. Please attend this session on Wednesday, October 26 at 2 p.m. to be trained by the Hudson County Board of Elections.

Come support the NJCU men's soccer team in its final home game of the season. With a win, NJCU will advance to the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament! Prior to the game, NJCU will honor its senior class.

Free Admission.

MTW Presents NJCU BOO! Shocking, creepy, scary and campy songs from The Horror and Halloween of Broadway.

Free Admission.

This bi-weekly drop-in group aims to create a safe space where currently enrolled students can identify potential stressors and set goals for the upcoming week, engage in conversations around wellness and connect with other students by giving and receiving support and feedback.

Every other Tuesday from September 27 through December 6

NJ SNAP will have a representative available on campus to help fill out your application.

Are you interested in getting started on a graduate degree or certificate in business? The NJCU School of Business has virtual office hours to chat with current and prospective graduate students every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Join us to ask questions related to curriculum, classroom hours, course modality, program-specific details, career opportunities, and more!

Questions? Contact Ginneh Collins: gcollins@njcu.edu or text 201-603-3064.

Personal Branding:
How the World Sees You 
Wednesday, October 26 
2-3 p.m.

(View Spotlight events for more information)

Men's Soccer 🆚.
Rutgers-Newark (Senior Day)
Wednesday, October 26 | 3 p.m.

(View Spotlight events for more information)

No Events Scheduled

NJCU BOO
Friday, October 28 | 7:30 p.m.

(View Spotlight events for more information)

NJCU BOO
Saturday, October 29 | 7:30 p.m.

(View Spotlight events for more information)

9:45 a.m. | NJCU Campus Quad
A. Harry Moore Parade & Dance! 
Come out for a "Thriller" of a good time. 

10 a.m. | Hepburn Hall 1st Floor 
Halloween in Space! 
Trunk or Treat 

Wishlist Ask
Help us meet our GHOUL! 
Purchase a decoration from the Wishlist! 

Email ccofone@njcu.edu for Zoom link

Please help us by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit those in need.

For more information, please contact communitycenter@njcu.edu.

We offer non-credit online courses in a variety of professions to help you start or advance your career in today’s top fields. Many of our Advanced Career Training courses lead to industry-recognized certifications and often include the certification exam fee in the cost of enrollment. You can start any time and financial assistance may be available.

State and local municipal employees may contribute to many charities through payroll deduction with the New Jersey Employees Charitable Campaign. Consider donating this year to a charity that is meaningful to you. charities.org/NJECC

What We Need: Unwrapped gifts for children
ages 5-13 including toys, games, and books. Please no clothing or video games unless it is the complete handheld console (i.e. Gameboy).

DROP OFF your donations from November 1 to December 5 at one of the following locations:

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

Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs

You probably have heard of the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS), but do you know what the office does and doesn't do? Learn more by watching a short video on the DOS webpage! 

Provides FREE COVID-19 Vaccines
(Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax and J&J/Janssen)
* Vaccines available to anyone 6 months or older 

Current Vaccination Site Days: 
Mondays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays, 1-6 p.m.
Fridays, 1-5 p.m
* Hours may change due to inclement weather & holidays

Visit hudsoncovidvax.org to schedule an appointment and to find more information on additional sites and hours. Walk-ins are always welcome.

*The challenge is to accrue a minimum of 10,000 steps per day most days of the week. The person with the most steps at the end of the contest wins. 

Sign up for the PhysicalActivity Challenge 

T-shirts or water bottles will be awarded to the top 3 participants in each category.

Everyone must present a valid ID to enter the facility. There are no exceptions.

Schedule subject to change depending on practice schedules.

All activities will cease 30 minutes before the building closes to allow everyone to leave the premises and time for cleaning and disinfecting.

Will you be completing your B.A. or B.S. degree this year in a subject area?

Teach while completing your dual certification program!

Contact: Carol Fleres or Charles Reid Taylor at cfleres@njcu.edu.

The Children’s Learning Center is now enrolling children for the fall semester!

CLC Highlights:

Learn More:
To enroll your child or learn more, call 201-200-3342 or email the CLC at 
njcuclc@njcu.edu.

This fall, getting your textbooks and course materials is becoming more convenient. NJCU has partnered with Barnes & Noble for a pilot program to provide you with all your course materials by the first day of class so that you have everything you need to be successful in your courses right from the start.

Here’s how it works:

How much does it cost?
The First Day Complete program costs $24 per credit that you are registered for. For example, if you are taking 12 credits, you will be billed $288. Most students see an overall average savings of 35%-50% annually for all course materials.

Having all your course materials by the first day of class puts you at a strong advantage to succeed in your classes. The First Day Complete program will help you be prepared. We encourage you to take full advantage of this program and to go to the First Day Complete webpage to learn more. 

If you have questions about the program that are not answered on our webpage, please email the NJCU Bookstore to discuss the pros and cons of the program for you.

Please know that on July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline became “988,” replacing the previous 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) number. Today, “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals 24/7 that provides confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. Those experiencing a mental health crisis or those worried about someone who may need crisis support can call this number.

Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

In today's rapidly changing world, you need more digital skills than ever before to flourish and succeed in your career. The Grow with Google Career Readiness Program offers you interactive learning paths that will help you build digital and practical skills needed to thrive in internships or post-college employment. The Career Success Lab at NJCU is excited to offer you this digital tool to excel in your future endeavors. Resume writing, interview techniques, networking tips and how to succeed in a new job, are but a few lessons you can use.

Why Digital Skills Training?
Digital literacy, problem-solving, and creative skills are essential for current and future jobs. Yet, among 18- to 25-year-olds, less than half (44%) believe their education system is preparing them with the skills they need to enter the workforce. We at Grow with Google have a responsibility to ensure that the young people we serve can gain the skills required for the workplace. Then, they can move toward their bright and successful futures knowing they are well-prepared.

Read more about the partnership between NJCU and Google in NJCU News.

For more information call 201-200-3587 or email communitycenter@njcu.edu.

Join Equitable Advisors for a Lunch & Learn event on Tuesday, November 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an in-person event held at the NJCU School of Business, Room 203. You can also attend this information session on Tuesday, November 1, from 2-3:30 p.m. at Grossnickle Hall Room 144.

Students who attend will have the opportunity to network with recruiters from Equitable, a Fortune 500 company! Equitable provides variable annuity, life insurance, and employee benefits products to both individuals and businesses. They specialize in customizable financial strategies that meet each client’s individual needs.

The Equitable Advisors team has arranged for catered food and light refreshments as you mingle with representatives. Participants will learn about their Finance Accelerated Program. This educational program will help you gain exposure to the financial services industry and help you to determine if a career in finance is right for you!

To be eligible for the Equitable Advisors Finance Accelerated Program:
All college juniors and seniors currently enrolled and in good academic standing.

Benefits include:

If you are interested in attending this event in person, click HERE to register! We only have 30 in-person spots available for both sessions, so be sure to register ASAP!

Questions? Contact Yosra Abdalla at yabdalla@njcu.edu.

Stop by the Counseling Center's table for activities, raffles, and giveaways! 

Career Services at NJCU is excited to bring you the following events for the months of October and November:

Please join us this semester as we host four sessions on Abortion: Health, Rights, and Access. This will be an open dialogue on your rights, resources, and access to abortions and other reproductive justice issues.

We look forward to seeing you.

Hosted by Jay Anderson and John Benitez

A time to listen, share and network with two of the greatest in the world!

The Bass Network @ NJCU is an opportunity to network and build community with other Bass players in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Short master classes will be coupled with opportunities to ask questions and play with some of the greatest in the field! Bring your instrument if you want to play, or just come to listen and learn. Either way, The Bass Network @ NJCU is designed to provide a valuable opportunity for all musicians.

Hosted by Robert Edwards, John Cushing and Jermaine Bryson. Featuring Steve Turre

A time to listen, share and network with the greatest in the world!

The Trombone Network @ NJCU is an opportunity to network and build community with other trombone players in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Short master classes will be coupled with opportunities to ask questions and play with some of the greatest in the field! Bring your instrument if you want to play, or just come to listen and learn. Either way, The Trombone Network @ NJCU is designed to provide a valuable opportunity for all musicians.

Join us in the celebration of First-Gen students, faculty, & staff.

Enjoy some music, games, free goodies, and so much more!

NJ SNAP will have a representative available on campus to help fill out your application.

Signup information will be available soon for the next Campus Conversations.

Hosted by Tim Horner, Winard Harper and
Jeff “Tain” Watts with Freddy “Huevito” Lobaton

A time to listen, share and network with the greatest in the world!!

The Drums Network @ NJCU is an opportunity to network and build community with other drums players in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Short master classes will be coupled with opportunities to ask questions and play with some of the greatest in the field! Come to participate, or just come to listen and learn. Either way, The Drums Network @ NJCU is designed to provide a valuable opportunity for all musicians.

Stop by the Counseling Center's table for activities and info on our services.

The Office of Career Services at the NJCU School of Business invites you to attend an exclusive networking dinner with executives from Veris Residential on Monday evening, November 14, 2022, in downtown Jersey City (the location will be sent upon acceptance into the program).

Veris Residential develops, owns, and manages premier multifamily communities in New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Veris specializes in creating sustainable properties with a society-centric focus that improves the communities they serve. Selected guests will meet with influential industry leaders eager to share their expertise. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your network with professionals in the business world.

To participate in this program, applicants must register using this link.

We will be selecting only 20 students to participate. If interested, please RSVP as soon as possible. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Questions? Contact: Yosra Abdalla yabdalla@njcu.edu

Hosted by Nick Biello and Larry Bustamante. Featuring Sam Dillon, Andrew Gould, and Paul Jones

A time to listen, share and network with the greatest in the world!

The Saxophone Network @ NJCU is an opportunity to network and build community with other saxophone players in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Short master classes will be coupled with opportunities to ask questions and play with some of the greatest in the field! Bring your instrument if you want to play, or just come to listen and learn. Either way, The Saxophone Network @ NJCU is designed to provide a valuable opportunity for all musicians.

Hosted by Rachel Therrien with Nathan Eklund, Bria Skonberg and Bobby Shew

A time to listen, share and network with the greatest in the world!

The Trumpet Network @ NJCU is an opportunity to network and build community with other trumpet players in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Short master classes will be coupled with opportunities to ask questions and play with some of the greatest in the field! Bring your instrument if you want to play, or just come to listen and learn. Either way, The Trumpet Network @ NJCU is designed to provide a valuable opportunity for all musicians.

Two NJCU nursing students were among eight students statewide who were awarded scholarships from the New Jersey League for Nursing. Meaghan Bottino, BSN, RN, CSN-NJ, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing and undergraduate Udochukwu Igweze, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, were each awarded $10,000 Nursing Scholarships on November 4, 2022, at the NJLN Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Awards Event!

Senior goalkeeper Nick Linebaugh of the NJCU men's soccer program was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career and first time this season on October 17, following his two shutout performances last week in wins over Stockton — its first since 2012 — and William Paterson — its first over the Pioneers since 2013. Linebaugh is a Marketing major from Linden, N.J. and St. Benedict's Prep High School. | Read more

The NJCU Chemistry Club won first place at the Liberty Science Center’s National Chemistry Week Expo. | Instagram Post

The NJCU women's wrestling program will enter the season ranked #10 in the nation in the preseason poll released on October 20 by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

Junior co-captain Sandy Guerrero of West Orange, N.J. and West Orange H.S. is ranked No. 5 in the country in the 191-pound weight class to start the season.

Sophomore Izabella Frezzo of East Rutherford, N.J. and Becton Regional H.S. is also ranked No. 5 in the country at 109 pounds.

Additionally, junior co-captain Naomi Henry of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Wingate H.S. is ranked seventh in her weight class (130 pounds). | Read more | Twitter

Do you have news to share? Email communications@njcu.edu

Dr. Anthony Giordano '98 (M.A. in Special Education) of Budd Lake, N.J., the superintendent of the Mansfield Township School District, is a candidate seeking a one-year unexpired term on the Mount Olive Board of Education this November. Giordano previously was elected to five consecutive three-year terms (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2020) and served seven years as its Board President. | Read More

Lisa Magovern '01 (B.A. in Psychology) is a candidate this November for a seat on the Toms River Regional Board of Education. | Read her profile

Brandon Rollo '17 (B.S. in National Security Studies) of Howell, N.J. was one of five new police officers sworn in with the Howell Township (N.J.) Police Department on October 18 during the township's council meeting. | Read more

Do you have news to share? Email communications@njcu.edu

Lisa Cerbone '80 (B.A. in Special Education) of Bayonne and Lake Como, N.J., passed away on October 14, 2022 at the age of 63. She was a long-time special education educator at Bayonne High School | Obituary

Alfred Joseph Dichiara Jr. '69 (B.A. in English) of Jackson, S.C., and formerly of Bayonne, N.J., passed away on October 17, 2022 at the age of 75. A former United States Marine and member of its Delta Forces who served tours in Vietnam, he later taught at Long Branch High School and later became a police officer for 16 years with the Long Branch Police Department. | Obituary

Joan S. (Feltz) Gardiner of East Hanover, N.J., passed away on September 18, 2022, at the age of 80. She studied Elementary Education at Jersey City State and later authored two children’s learning books: Rocco: Please Somebody Notice Me and Rocco: I Wish, I Wish, I Wish. | Obituary

Anne Brodowski Jablonski of Lincoln, Del. passed away on October 14, 2022, one day after her 70th birthday. | Obituary

Janet Hedy Jelenski '66 (B.A. in Elementary Education/Kindergarten primary) of Westwood, N.J. passed away on October 12, 2022, at the age of 78. She was a former elementary school teacher at the Spring Garden School in Nutley, N.J. | Obituary

Irwin Kreisberg '83 (B.A. in Criminal Justice, Fire Safety, Security Administration) of Rahway, N.J., passed away on October 14, 2022 at the age of 74. He worked for the Rahway Fire Department for 26 years and retired in 1998 as a Battalion Chief. | Obituary

Charles Anthony Manzella '74 (B.A. Education and M.A. in Education with LDTC and supervisor certification), of South Windsor, Conn., formerly of Pine Brook, N.J., passed away on October 20, 2022 at the age of 70. He began his career as a special education teacher in the Newark Public Schools system in 1974 and retired as the principal of the New Jersey Regional Day School in 2011. | Obituary

Olga Medvigy '66 (B.A. in Nursing) of Carteret, N.J. passed away on October 15, 2022 at the age of 95. She served as a nurse at the former Perth Amboy General Hospital (now known as Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center) before later moving to John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison as associate director of nursing. | Obituary

Meta Elizabeth Brown Seltzer '65 (B.A. in Nursing) of Navarre, Fla. passed away on October 12, 2022, at the age of 87. | Obituary

Susan Thoms '70 (B.A. in Early Childhood Education) of Toms River, N.J. passed away on October 10, 2022, at the age of 74. She was a teacher at Our Lady of Victories Parish School and later in the Toms River school system. | Obituary

Gregory Velardi '85 (B.S. in Criminal Justice, Fire Safety, Security Administration) of Wayne, N.J., passed away on October 14, 2022, at the age of 60. He spent 42 years as a Wayne Fire Company #2 life member, where he was its past chief and president and served as Wayne's township fire official. | News story | Obituary

If you would like to submit information for the In Memoriam section, please contact: communications@njcu.edu.

Past alumni are memorialized on the In Memoriam section of the NJCU website.

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.