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

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.

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

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].

“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)

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.

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

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!

7

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

occ alum gains world-class experience in washington, d.c

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