February 3, 2025

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

Thank you to everyone who joined me in the Shea Center last Thursday for my State of the University address, and a special thanks to the wonderful student singers who opened the event with a stirring rendition of “Keep Marching” from the Broadway musical “Suffs”, under the direction of Dr. Hannah Carr, director of choral activities, and vocal coach and pianist Hannah Comia. 

I was proud to share so much great news and the many positive data that mark our progress on the current Strategic Plan. I also discussed the many statements and executive orders coming from the new administration in Washington, which are concerning for everyone working in higher education and, most importantly, our students. There is a lot to keep track of, and it can be difficult to gauge immediate impacts, let alone long-term ones. While we are right to be concerned, I urge everyone to avoid making assumptions about what these orders and potential legislation mean for us. Also, while you may read about how other colleges and universities are responding, it does not follow that we will do the same. Please be assured that I will communicate directly with you about any policy or operational changes at William Paterson resulting from new federal mandates or laws.   

In the meantime, let’s stay focused on serving our students as we have been doing, which is making a real difference in their lives. If you weren’t able to join us in Shea or would like to take a closer look at my remarks and the accompanying slides, please click here.

As part of our ongoing efforts to build and extend our brand both internally and externally, I am pleased to share new sets of virtual backgrounds and branded email signatures for the campus community’s use, courtesy of the Marketing and Public Relations team.

Tomorrow, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion kicks off Black History Month celebrations at William Paterson with an opening keynote address from labor activist and writer Paul Prescod speaking on this year’s theme of “African Americans and Labor”. The kickoff luncheon starts at 12:30 p.m. in the University Ballrooms A&B. Please click here for more details and to RSVP.

Also, a reminder that I will host Online Office Hours for student, faculty and staff on Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. Please click here for more details, including the Zoom link.

This week’s WP: We are Proud – Congratulations to all of the newest members of the William Paterson University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame, who were inducted during a January 25 ceremony on campus. Members of the new class of inductees are: retired athletic director Sabrina Grant; former Pioneer standouts Vera Blazevska ‘17, MS ’19, women's swimming; Floriana Borova ’14, women's basketball; Morgan Dunlap ’04, softball; and Jack Lipari ’04, baseball; and the 1982-83 Pioneer women's tennis team. William Joosten ‘66, MA ’69 was also honored as the University's first Pioneer of Distinction recipient. Thanks to Sean Connolly ’89, a former captain of the Pioneer Football Team, for serving as master of ceremonies, as well as to Vice President for Institutional Advancement Pam Ferguson, AVP for Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Roy Garcia, Senior Associate Director Linda Kavan, and the rest of the Alumni Relations team for producing and hosting a great event.

Have a great start to your February!