October 24, 2022

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

I began these weekly updates during the early days of the pandemic in 2020 and since then have sent well over 100 emails on most Mondays. What started as a way to share critical news about academic and operational logistics as we shifted to remote instruction and work, evolved as we returned to campus to include updates on items of general importance and interest to the WP community, including recognizing some of the many student, faculty, and staff achievements through the WP: We are Proud feature. I value having this means of regular communication with you, and I appreciate the many questions and conversations that these emails have prompted. I plan to continue sharing them, though starting in the Spring semester, they will be sent every other week, rather than weekly. As always, I will otherwise communicate with the WP community whenever there is time-sensitive news to share.

I mentioned in this space last week that our October 15 Open House went well, and I want to share further evidence of its success. We hosted 378 prospective students, a 20% increase compared to the same event last year. When factoring in accompanying family members, approximately 1,100 visitors brought a great energy to the Shea Center – where I welcomed them and led them through their first Will. Power! chant – and across campus throughout the day. I want to again thank all our student, faculty, and staff hosts who represented William Paterson so well throughout the day, which is so important to our recruitment efforts. The next Open House is Saturday, November 12. 

This will be another busy week for our campus. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson; University Galleries, and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences will host international scholars and dignitaries as part of the symposium, “Across Time and Space: The Silk Road and the Silk City.” You can also check out the companion exhibit “A Durable Thread: The Silk Road from China to America” at the University Galleries in the Ben Shahn Center for the Visual Arts.

Then, on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will speak in the Shea Center for Performing Arts as part of the 41^st Season of the Distinguished Lecturer Series. A bestselling author and educator, Dr. Dyson will speak on his latest book, “Unequal: A Story of America,” which examines how racial inequality permeates every facet of American society with an eye toward meaningful change. Faculty and staff tickets are $5 with WP ID. WP students will be admitted free. I hope you can join us for what will surely be an informative and engaging evening. 

I also hope you and your families can join us this Saturday, October 29 for tailgating, football versus TCNJ, and other festivities as part of Homecoming and Family Day. The pre-game tailgate kicks off at 9:30 a.m., the Pioneer Carnival at 11:00 a.m., and the game at 1:00 p.m., with free admission in celebration of Homecoming. So, don your favorite orange and black/WP-branded gear, and join us for what’s sure to be a fun day with family, friends, colleagues, and of course Pio! As a warmup, wear your orange and black this Wednesday, October 26, to show your WP spirit during the Pioneer Pride series of events this week on campus.  

This week’s WP: We are Proud – Congratulations to WP student Nicholas Wilkerson (above, left) and Professor of Communication Rob Quicke (above, right), who recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with senior White House officials, including a surprise visit by Vice President Kamala Harris. Professor Quicke led a group of 19 students, faculty, and staff representing college radio from institutions across the country based on his role as founder of College Radio Day and Co-founder of World College Radio Day. The group met with Vice President Harris, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and others, and the students had the opportunity to ask questions reflecting concerns of college students nationally. Professor Quicke described watching Nicholas interact with Vice President Harris as one of his proudest moments at William Paterson. Nicholas, representing WPSC Brave New Radio, said the “experience was something I will never forget. Being able to speak to our leaders about issues that affect us is something that is immensely important to change society for the better.” 

With so many more great campus events coming up this week, I hope to see you soon. Have a great week.