September 8, 2026

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

I hope you all enjoyed the extended Labor Day weekend and were able to catch your breath after the first busy weeks of the new academic year. It was great to see so many of you at First Thursday and hear about how your summers went and how your semesters are going so far. If you weren’t able to make it, please plan to join us on October 1, in Hobart Manor.

Our campus community will mark the solemn 25^th anniversary of 9/11 with a series of events this week. There will be a flag planting in Zanfino Plaza on Thursday, September 10 at 12:30 p.m., and a Day of Service on Friday, September 11, will begin with a panel of veterans and first responders discussing the bond between 9/11 remembrance and service at 8:30 a.m., in the UC Ballrooms.

While discussing budget matters during my August 24 State of the University address, I inadvertently left AFT President Dr. Sue Tardi out of the group receiving thanks for their good work. I want to acknowledge Sue for the work she and the AFT do every year advocating in Trenton on behalf of William Paterson and our students.

William Paterson continues to have a safe and secure campus. We do encourage everyone to make sure their office doors are secure when leaving for a meeting or at the end of the day. Additionally, please know that personal items are not covered by university insurance. Valuable personal items should be taken with you or left at home.  

Looking ahead to next week, our annual Latinidad Celebration kickoff luncheon will take place on Thursday, September 17, at 12:30 p.m., in UC Ballrooms B/C. This is always a great event, and this year marks the 5^th anniversary of the opening of the Center for Latinidad, so I hope you can attend.

This week’s WP: We are Proud – Thank you all for showing up for our newest students and demonstrating what the Pioneer spirit is all about on another wonderful Welcome Day! More than 700 students and more than 500 faculty and staff, along with some very special alumni, brought a fantastic energy to the start of the semester and these new Pioneers’ William Paterson experience. Every division plays a role in an event this large and complex, and I want to offer special thanks to Academic Affairs, under the leadership of Interim Provost Amy Ginsberg; Student Development, under the leadership of VP Mel Johnson-Norwood, especially AVP Francisco Diaz and Professional Service Specialist Michele Martin; Finance and Administration, under the leadership of VP Kirsten Loewrigkeit, especially AVP Jim Shelley and everyone on the Physical Plant Operations team, all of whom helped make the campus look its best, along with the Catering team for the wonderful barbecue lunch; and everyone in my office for their contributions to a great day.

Let’s keep the momentum of the first couple of weeks going. Have a great week!