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McCain Internet Strategist Lectures Centenary Web Design Students.

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Centenary Students 'Take Back the Night'.

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The Centenary Theatre Program Presents the Comedy 'Gammer Gurton's Needle'.

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Centenary's Earth Day Celebration Speaker Announced.

Hackettstown, NJ, April 7, 2008 – As part of Centenary College’s Earth Day celebration, Dr. Celine Santiago Bass will speak on Wednesday, April 23rd at 4:00pm in the George H. Whitney Chapel. The presentation will be entitled “Parasite-Induced Changes in Fundulus heteroclitus: Implications of Restoration?”

Dr. Celine Santiago Bass has 13 years of experience as a research scientist, examining various environmental issues.  As a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, and a certified Ecologist, she has spent the last 10 years honing her skills as an ecologist, specializing in wetland habitats.  A large part of which focused on researching the intra- and interrelationships of the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) and their parasite communities in restored and unrestored salt marshes of New Jersey.  

Dr. Santiago Bass also has several years of experience working in the environmental consulting sector, conducting ecological evaluations, wetland delineations, mitigation benchmarking and monitoring, environmental site assessments, and threatened and endangered species surveys.  She has prepared numerous environmental impact statements, baseline ecological evaluation reports, Phase I environmental site assessments, and natural resource permits for various Federal, State, and coastal permitting programs.  

Currently, Dr. Santiago Bass is the Vice President and Senior Ecologist at a New York City based ecological firm; Great Eastern Ecology, Inc.  She has a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from Rutgers University, a M.S. in Environmental Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University.  

Wetlands in general are among the most productive ecosystems in the world.  However, historically, wetlands have been considered to be nuisances due to their mucky sediments, odors and the insects they bred. Dr. Santiago Bass will present on the crucial importance of preservation of these ecosystems.

Centenary College will celebrate Earth Week from April 20-23. Each year, Earth Day—April 22—marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Centenary will make it a week of events.

For more information, please call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2407.

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Centenary to Celebrate "Denim Day" the Week of April 14th.

Hackettstown, NJ, April 4, 2008 – Centenary College will celebrate the venerable cause of “Denim Day” all week the week of April 14-18. The event will be co-sponsored by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County student volunteers—mainly psychology students and members of Psi Chi. Denim Day is April 28th.

Erin Iwamoto, the student who spearheaded the effort to bring “Denim Day” to Centenary, says, “The purpose of the event is threefold: 1. to increase sexual violence awareness and knowledge in the community as April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  2. to spread the word about April 28th in hopes of getting more businesses, schools, and individuals to participate in Denim Day and the fundraising aspect of the date which is called Denim for Dollars and 3. to raise funds for the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center via a raffle donations and jean painting.  Denim Day is a great cause, and has a very interesting back story.”  

Denim Day is commemorated in honor of one young lady.  In 1992 in Italy an 18 year old girl was excited about taking her first driving lesson. Her 45 year old driving instructor took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, wrestled her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully raped her. He then threatened her with death if she told anyone and forced her to drive the car home. Eventually this courageous young woman told her parents, pressed charges and the perpetrator of this crime was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to jail.  
 
The driving instructor appealed the sentence, and the case went to the Italian Supreme Court.  Within days, the case was overturned, dismissed and the perpetrator was released.  In a statement the Chief Justice argued, “Because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”  
 
Enraged by the verdict, women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated others to do the same and the international phenomenon known as Denim Day was born.
 
Erin Iwamoto, the inspiring individual behind this movement, is a senior psychology student and intern at the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center.

Dr. Christine Floether, Assistant Professor of Psychology, says of Erin, “Her hard work and the effort she has put forth for this worthy cause is just astounding. Even her proposal for the event was a phenomenal work of art. I hope this event draws awareness to the community of the true perils of domestic violence and sexual assault.”

The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center is Warren County’s first and only shelter for victims of both domestic violence and sexual assault.  Its mission is twofold: to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault and to develop a community where there is no acceptance or tolerance for either. The agency provides services to all who identify themselves as victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference, religion, age, or disabilities.

The phone number for the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center is 908-453-2553.

"Green" Garment Exhibit Planned as Part of Earth Day Celebrations.

Hackettstown, NJ, April 4, 2008 – As part of the many Earth Day activities lined up for Sunday April 20th, Centenary’s Draping Classes will exhibit “green” garments in the Front Parlours of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors to this exhibit will experience draped designs enhanced with recyclable products that remind us to be socially responsible consumers. Bottle caps, bubble wrap and soup labels are a few of the eco-friendly items used in the “Green Garments Creation.”

Phyllis Hartman, adjunct instructor in the fashion program says, “My goal is to increase awareness of Earth Week in Hackettstown and share the creative designs of Centenary College fashion students with the community. The students have created truly innovative Green Garments.”

There will only be one exhibit showing, but the garments will also be presented in the Annual Fashion Show on Thursday, April 24, 4:30 pm in the Reeves Gym. The many other events featured on Sunday, April 20th at the Dalton House Field include:

• Alternative Energy/Hybrid Cars on Display
• Campus Club Tables
• Farmer’s Market Exhibition
• Food Drive 
• Food/Business Vendor Booths
• NJ Parks & Recreation Information
• Sustainable Fashion Display
• WNTI and WRNJ music
• 8am-10am — Bird Watching
• RSVP to Lynn Taylor at (908) 852-1400, x2261.  Breakfast will be served.
• 10am-2pm — Food Drive
• 12pm-2pm — Children Activities
• Recycled Arts and Crafts: make and take projects for kids of all ages
• 3pm-5pm — Movie Screening: An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
• 7pm-9pm — Movie Screening: An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

 
For more information, please call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2407.  For more information on Earth Week related festivities, visit

http//www.centenarycollege.edu/earthweek.

Centenary's Marketing Research Course Studies Hackettstown Business Improvement District.

Hackettstown, NJ, April 2, 2008 – A Centenary College Marketing Research class is currently engaged in a study for the Hackettstown Business Improvement District.  The class will be in the field for the first 3 weeks of April interviewing BID merchants and conducting personal and telephone interviews.

Professor Quade, the instructor of the course, often has his classes conduct surveys for the College, communities, local businesses and organizations three times a year.  An expert in market research, he has consulted for companies, such as Becton-Dickinson, Exxon, and C. R. Bard and developed the first market research group in professional products at Johnson & Johnson, as well as serving as sales manager.  Prior to coming to Centenary in 1985, Professor Quade served as a faculty member for Fairleigh Dickinson University and Rutgers University.

The Hackettstown Business Improvement District seeks to protect and improve the economic potential of each and every business that chooses to locate in Hackettstown. By attempting to provide a clean, safe, attractive business district that meets the needs of residents, customers, owners, and employees, the Business Improvement District promotes Hackettstown as a desirable location to visit or invest.

Professor Quade says, “It is always a pleasure to partner with the Town of Hackettstown in such a mutually beneficial manner. My students gain so much from the experience, as does, we hope, the town.”

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Centenary SIFE Team Preparing for Regional Competition.

Hackettstown, NJ, April 1, 2008 – Centenary College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team has recently been preparing for their April 4th Regional Competition in Tarrytown, New York. Although preparations for this event have spanned both 2007-2008 semesters, the final touches are being put on both verbal and visual presentations for the event.

The 2008 SIFE team members include: Taryn Kosakowski on Technology Support and Presenters Angela Pereira, Cara Gibson, Mary Fazekas, Tim Viola, Siliang Wang and Noel Leuzarder.

SIFE competitions are conducted much like other academic competitive events. Each team must prepare a professional 24 minute presentation that uses both verbal explanations as well as visual representation of projects implemented to prove they fulfilled the judging criteria. The judging criteria outline that the projects must create economic opportunity by helping others learn and understand about the five educational topics: Market Economics, Success Skills, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and Business Ethics. After the presentation, each team has a five minute question and answer session to address any concerns the judges may have. The judging panel consists of both established business professionals from large brand companies as well as entrepreneurs and other business executives. After all teams have presented the winners are announced and the champions are granted the opportunity to proceed to the SIFE National Exposition, this year being held in Chicago.

In addition to the overall presentation, Centenary SIFE also participates in the Individual Topic Competitions, which allows each educational topic’s project to be judged on its specific adherence to the criteria as well as creativity. These entries have been prepared and submitted already with the results being announced at the National Exposition in May.

SIFE team member, Mary Fazekas, says, “With the exemplary record set by past teams, this year’s group is looking forward to continuing that fine example and is excited to have several new freshman members presenting this year.”

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Centenary and Bloomfield Make a Bubble Connection.

Hackettstown, NJ, March 31, 2008 – Centenary and Bloomfield College recently partook in the “Bubble Connection.” This two-day retreat, attended by students and staff of both New Jersey institutions, is designed to bolster understanding and tolerance. The event was held on March 14-15, 2008 at the Frost Valley YMCA in Clarysville, New York. While there, 40 some students and staff learned about their metaphoric “bubbles,” how to break those bubbles, and learned about others from different backgrounds.

The Bubble Connection was inspired by activist and motivational speaker Van Jones, who said, “So we live together in these bubbles that touch, and we call that diversity, but we don’t know each other. And when that bubble breaks for just a second and we’re face to face with each other, it’s very, very hard to hear that reality.” This philosophy inspired the entire event.

The students first participated in ice-breaker exercises that introduced interaction between the two institutions. There was an outdoor low-ropes course which encouraged teamwork and trust in the students. The indoor sessions involved introspective and interpersonal activities within the groups to encourage leadership and promote diversity and tolerance.

Jones works on environmental, social, and cultural issues and promotes education and job training as an alternative to incarceration. The Bubble Connection allows people to examine their own “bubbles” or their thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs, and gently offers ways to correct any misconceptions about others.

By the end of the weekend, the two groups of students found far more similarities than differences, and some exchanged information to maintain communication. All involved viewed the event a success, and a similar one might take place next spring.

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Centenary to Present "Abraham's Table Dialogue Luncheon".

Hackettstown, NJ, March 26, 2008 – On Wednesday, April 2, from 12:30-2pm, Centenary College will host “Abraham’s Table Dialogue Luncheon,” a panel discussion at the Interfaith Dialogue Center in the Front Parlours of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building. The discussion’s topic will be “jihad for peace,” and the participants will discuss the many ways that each Abrahamic faith faces an inner struggle and hope for peace.

The informative and educational panel discussion on the hope for peace within the three monotheistic faiths—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—will feature three panelists: Dr. Levent Koc (coach) from The Interfaith Dialog Center (IDC), Rabbi Schusterman from The Chabad Center of Warren County, and Dr. Ruth Hennessey, Postural Counselor in North Jersey.

TThe event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Student Services, EOF, and The Interfaith Dialogue Center. Interested parties should RSVP to 908-852-1400, ext. 2153.

According to its website, at www.idcnj.org, the Interfaith Dialog Center was founded by Turkish-American Muslims of North Jersey in 2003. It is a non-profit organization that endeavors to promote respect and mutual understanding among all faiths and cultures through partnership with other religious and interreligious organizations, and organizing educational activities such as seminars, lectures and discussion panels.

The Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build a strong united Jewish presence in Mt. Olive/Washington Townships. and Warren County. Their vision is to enrich the quality of Jewish life by fulfilling the material, spiritual, educational, cultural and social needs of all Jews in the area, according to www.mychabadcenter.com.

The continued goal of the state-funded Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) is to provide support services and financial assistance to qualified students who are selected to participate in the program. The potential of these first-generation college students is nurtured by a state program designed to strengthen skills and cultivate the awareness of the individual student's personal responsibility to fulfill his or her own academic goals. They are encouraged to be active in the college community and to assume civic leadership.

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Centenary Launches Debit Card Program.

Hackettstown stores expected to benefit.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
BY JULIE O'CONNOR
Star-Ledger Staff

With the goal of attracting Centenary College students to Hack ettstown businesses, school and town officials yesterday announced the launch of a debit card program already in use by hundreds of schools across the country.

At Centenary, the Blackboard OneCard has served as a student identification card for a little over a year, and it's known as a "Cyclone Card," after the college's mascot.

Students already use it as a library card, dormitory key, or to pay for laundry and dining services -- but its newest feature, announced at a local pizza parlor yesterday, is as an off-campus debit card.

The college's technicians will set up the card-swipe feature in Hack ettstown businesses free of charge, said Scott Hughes, its director of information technology.

Hackettstown and college officials have been working on the debit card program for six to eight months. So far, it's been set up at two pilot businesses, Mama's Res taurant & Cafe Baci on Mountain Avenue and Brian's Market on Main Street, and Hughes said "we haven't had any hiccups."

Town officials are seeking to involve as many of the 430 local businesses as possible. David Rucki, head of the town's Business Improvement District, also called the BID, said he hopes about 70 percent of Main Street stores will eventually participate.

While most of the start-up costs for the businesses will be covered by the BID, merchants pay about $50-$100 to join the program, Rucki said.

"It gets the students to our local stores as opposed to going to a Wal-Mart or Panera," he said. And the benefit to students, he says, is convenience -- since they can walk downtown, saving on gas, and be offered some discounts.

Centenary represents "over 100 million dollars a year in economic impact" in New Jersey, and college President Kenneth Hoyt said he hopes students will spend more of that money locally.

Centenary senior Michael Barcellona, who was present at yesterday's press conference, said he thinks students are most likely to use the card at local eateries.

"The only competition the food places have is against the cafeteria on campus," he said. "They'll probably want to eat out rather than eat on campus."

Blackboard's ID cards are used by 450 schools in the United States and Canada, said Jeff Staples, senior director for marketing and business development at Blackboard. In New Jersey, Montclair State, The College of New Jersey, Rutgers University and Seton Hall use the card, officials said.

He said the vast majority of the schools offer it as a debit card for stores or vending machines on campus, and nearly 100 schools now use it for off-campus merchants.

"It's an incredible benefit," Rucki said. "At the end of the day, if we're attracting the Centenary College community, it's tough to put a price tag on that."

Julie O'Connor may be reached at joconnor@starledger.com or (973) 539-7910.

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Centenary Equine Alumna Tiffany Neidhardt Realizes Lifelong Dream.

Hackettstown, NJ, March 9, 2008 – Centenary Equine alumna, Tiffany Neidhardt (along with her gelding, King’s Ransom), captured the adult amateur hunter championship at the Winter Equestrian Festival. This impressive championship win marked the culmination of not only six years of hard work since purchasing King’s Ranson, but also a genuine lifelong dream.

Tiffany served as Captain of Centenary’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association for two years and was also a member of the school’s reserve championship ANRC team. Throughout her time at Centenary, she won several awards, but this one was particularly special to her.

“Growing up I dreamed about the Winter Circuit,” Tiffany says. “I was flabbergasted when I actually won.”

Tiffany’s tale was recently told in the Chronicle of the Horse, an eminent journal in the equestrian field since 1937. Tiffany credits both her supportive parents and the staff at Centenary for her success. “So many people have helped along the way,” she says. Tiffany particularly praised Tara Clausen, Andrea Wells, and Michael Dowling.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

King's Ransom Pays Off At WEF.

The Chronicle of the Horse. February 22, 2008 Issue.
Reprinted by permission of The Chronicle of the Horse.
 
Tiffany Neidhardt realizes a lifelong dream at the Winter Equestrian Festival by winning the adult amateur hunter, 18-35, championship aboard King's Ransom.

Back when Tiffany Neidhardt was still in jodhpurs and pony straps, contesting the Welsh pony hunters in Bucks County, Pa., she fantasized about attending the Winter Equestrian Festival.

"Growing up I dreamed about going to the winter circuit," recalled Neidhardt. "My parents were very supportive-they helped me show as much as they possibly could. But going to Wellington just wasn't an option then."

So when she learned that she and her gelding King's Ransom had captured the adult amateur hunter, 18-35, championship at the Winter Equestrian Festival Week 3 Smart For Life, Jan. 30-Feb. 3 during her first trip to Wellington, Fla., Neidhardt was beside herself.

"I was completely shocked," recalled the 22-year-old. "The adults go on forever, and I'd competed hours earlier. I was back at the barn wrapping someone, and Jen [Bauersachs] called me and said, 'You were champion! I'm bringing you your loot.' I was completely flabbergasted."

The championship, Neidhardt's first with her 12-year-old Quarter Horse cross, represented the culmination of six years of hard work. In 2002, Neidhardt got "Toby" as a project from her trainer Harry Duce. She'd been catch riding sale horses for Duce since she outgrew the ponies, and she was eager to have a promising horse of her own.

"I haven't had pros really sit on him, so it's been a learning process for both of us," she said. "It's been such a great experience because we learned together."

Neidhardt's equestrian education picked up at Centenary College (N.J.), where she served as team captain of the school's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team for two years. She led the team to a sixth- placed finish at IHSA Nationals in 2006 and fifth in 2007, and she was also a member of the school's reserve championship ANRC team. Neidhardt even filled in on the school's dressage team when they needed an extra rider.

Toby joined Neidhardt at Centenary during her last two years for a little higher education with trainers Tara Johnson, Andrea Wells and Michael Dowling. The easy-going palomino proved his versatility, competing in the ANRC Championships and IHSA Dressage Championships hosted by Centenary and traveling to IHSA Nationals to serve as a mount for riders in the alumni and novice divisions.

"So many people have helped along the way," said Neidhardt. "It's made him such a wonderful horse to have so much input from so many different perspectives."

"This win was such an incredible confidence builder for Tiffany," said trainer Jennifer Bauersachs. "She is such a hard worker, and she's great to have around, always upbeat. Her horse is just adorable, and she's come a very long way with him."

Visit The Chronical of the Horse online.

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Centenary's SBDC and NJAWBO to Host Second Annual Business "Boot Camp".

Hackettstown, NJ, March 5, 2008 – Centenary College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) will host the second annual Business “Boot Camp” on March 29, from 8am-5pm in the Edward W. Seay Administration Building at the Hackettstown campus.

The event will be self-designed and will promote the ideas of “being a leader, not a follower” and “getting in front of the pack.” There will be workshops, three 20 minute private consultations, opportunities to be a participant in any of the one hour presentations, and the event will offer networking and sharing of ideas among business owners. The cost to attend this event is $69.00 (including breakfast & lunch).

A small sampling of the workshops include: “Is Your Business Ready for Student-Powered Projects?”, presented by Dolores J. Stammer, Regional Director of Centenary’s SBDC, “3 Steps to 3 New Clients in 30 Days,” presented by Suzanne M. Evans, The Blueprint Coach, “7 Fatal Mistakes Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them),” presented by Marcy F. Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions, and “ABCs and D of Starting a New Business,” presented by Penni K. Nafus, Director of NJAWBO’s Women’s Business Center.

The Sussex-Warren Chapter of NJAWBO is an exclusive membership community of success-minded women, serious about networking, making money, and helping others. The members consist primarily of women business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives. They are always seeking new resources and information for their businesses.

Centenary’s SBDC is one of 11 centers in the New Jersey Small Business Development Center network which provides small business entrepreneurs business advancement services, student-powered projects, counseling and workshops, and research resources.

Dolores J. Stammer, Regional Director of Centenary College’s SBDC, says, “Last year’s event was a great success and we hope to have an even greater success this year.”

For more information and registration, please visit http://www.njawbosw.org or call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2127.

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Centenary CAPS Student Directs Independent Film.

Hackettstown, NJ, March 4, 2008 – Rob Buck, a current Centenary College Center for Adult and Professional Programs (CAPS) student, directed an independent film project that was shot in the Centenary TV Studio during the summer of 2006. The film, CONFERENCE ROOM C, played at several film festivals last year, and Rob and his crew are now in the process of screening the film at several historic theatres in and around the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.

Centenary’s Broadcast Manager Jon Lewis aided in the production of this film.  In addition, Centenary student Megan Lindsay acted as assistant director and students Mike Colasurdo and Christoph Nowaczyk were production assistants.
 
Rob says, “There is an upcoming screening on March 22 at the DARRESS THEATRE (in Boonton), for which special arrangements have been made for Centenary Students and Faculty to be admitted for a reduced price (with Centenary I.D. cards). I hope to see some of our great community come out to see our film.”

According to the Web site, http://www.myspace.com/conferenceroomc, in the film, “A normal business meeting goes horribly awry, as five corporate employees are placed in a dire situation and forced to make a terrible decision by their Board of Directors. An inescapable sense of claustrophobia transforms the conference room into a veritable viper's den, as the decision making process devolves into frank debates regarding class, race and sex...and ultimately reveals a dark side of corporate “culture.”

CONFERENCE ROOM C is a 93-minute drama told in real time. In this award winning film, a dynamic cast brings a powerful script to life with frightening ferocity and realism as Howard Roark Productions introduces a new film genre: the “verbal action movie.” In the classic tradition of LIFEBOAT and 12 ANGRY MEN, CONFERENCE ROOM C presents a claustrophobic examination of contemporary prejudicial issues, wherein class, race and sex all provoke debates that will linger with the viewer long after the credits roll.”

Centenary developed the Center for Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) in 1999, with an off-campus learning center located in Parsippany, New Jersey. The CAPS program provides working adults of northwest New Jersey with accelerated degree programs tailored for the individual whose professional schedule prevents him or her from attending a more traditional undergraduate college, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

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Gas Leak Discovered at Centenary College.

March 4, 2008 — A little before 10:30 a.m. this morning, the Edward W. Seay Administration Building, the Ferry Building, Smith Hall and Reeves Hall were evacuated as a precaution as a result of a staff member reporting the smell of a gas leak.

Elizabethtown Gas was called and did a thorough investigation of the premises, including an evaluation of all of the lower level rooms in the Smith Hall Residence Building and the outside of that building.

It was determined that there was no gas leak and the smell was caused by a new hot water heater that was installed early this morning. Faculty, staff and students were allowed to return to those buildings at approximately 11:40 a.m.

March 3, 2008 — At about 11:20am, a faculty member at Centenary College reported smelling natural gas in Smith Hall. The faculty member reported the smell to the facilities department. Facilities staff responded immediately with a natural gas detection meter that showed a positive reading for natural gas.

The Emergency Action Procedure was put into effect and the natural gas was immediately shut off to the building. Security notified Hackettstown Police and Fire Departments. The Seay Administration Building, Smith Hall Dormitory, and Reeves Hall Dormitory were immediately evacuated.  College administration chose to also evacuate Ferry Recital Hall as a further precaution.

Students, faculty, and staff were notified through emergency text messages and by walking patrols to evacuate the buildings and to assemble in the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center. Elizabethtown Gas found a broken gas value that was leaking natural gas into the basement of Smith Hall Dormitory. They have since repaired the value, and the facilities department is waiting for a new heat exchanger that will then return hot water to the dormitory. At 1pm, the Hackettstown Fire Department permitted the return of students, faculty and staff to the buildings.

At no time did the quantity of natural gas reach measurable levels for the carbon monoxide detectors in the living areas.

The students, faculty, and staff of Centenary College should be commended for dealing with this emergency quickly, calmly and maturely.        

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Centenary to Celebrate Women's History Month.

Hackettstown, NJ, February 29, 2008 – Centenary College has an extensive array of activities planned to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. The theme will be “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” and there will be events throughout the entire month.

All the events are sponsored by the Northwest New Jersey Regional Women’s Center at Centenary College, and all programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.  Please call 908-852-9365 for more information.

These events include:

Saturday, March 8. 6 p.m.
International Women’s Day Celebration: Oriental Painting Art Show by Oh, Ja-Yeon and Others in Ferry Hall. Reception for the art show and the play will be followed by a presentation of Daphne Does Dim Sum, in the Little Theatre.

Monday, March 10. 10 p.m.
The Real Deal Game Show: Trivia celebrating Women’s History Month. CASH PRIZES will be awarded. The event will take place in the Formal Dining Room, and a short teaser will begin in the cafeteria from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12. 7 p.m.
Sociology and Religion: A Women’s Perspective, will be presented by Amy D’Olivo, Assistant Professor of Sociology at 6:30pm. There will be refreshments. The event will take place in the Grace Harris Smith Memorial Parlors, Seay Building.

Wednesday, March 12. 11-2 p.m.
Centenary’s Global Village: An Exhibition of Mini-Artifacts and Gift Shop will be on display in the Sunken Lounge.

Thursday, March 13. 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A Panel Discussion on Women’s Rights Around the World will be presented in Smith Rotunda.

Friday, March 14. 12:30-1:30 p.m.
There will be a book discussion of Caramello, by Sandra Cisneros, in the Women’s Center—Brotherton Hall, LLB 005.

Tuesday, March 25. 7 p.m.
Women in Politics: Then and Now, will be presented by Sandra Matsen, Past President, League of Women Voters of New Jersey,      Grace Harris Smith Memorial Parlors, Seay Building. Refreshments and discussion will follow.

Friday, March 28. 11:30 p.m.
20th Anniversary Party, a luncheon by invitation will take place at Grace Harris Smith Memorial  Parlors, Seay Building followed by Campus. Reception at 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 29.
Entrepreneur Boot Camp-NJAWBO, co-sponsored with Centenary’s Small Business Development Center. The fee is $69 for the day, including breakfast and lunch. The event will take place at Grace Harris Smith Memorial Parlors, in the Seay Building. Please visit www.njawbosw.org for more information.

Monday, March 31. 6:30 p.m.
What’s Color and Gender Got To Do With It? Understanding Color and Gender in Political Participation and Representation will be presented by Nadia Brown in the Grace Harris Smith Memorial Parlors in the Seay Building.

Friday, Feb 22-March 9. 8 p.m.
The Centenary Stage Company Women Playwright Series will present Daphne Does Dim Sum, by Eugenie Chan in the Little Theatre.

Wednesday, April 9. 8 p.m.
Strange Weather, by Renee Flemings, will be presented in the Little Theatre.

Along with the contributions of the International Department, Faculty, Staff, and the Women Center 's Advisory Board, the programs that have been planned are sure to be informative, enlightening, and entertaining.

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Centenary College to Celebrate Earth Day Starting on April 20th.

Hackettstown, NJ, February 29, 2008 – Centenary College will celebrate Earth Day through a series of events on April 20th through April 23rd. Each year, Earth Day—April 22—marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Centenary will make it a week of events.

Centenary’s newest member of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department—Lauren Bergey, Assistant Professor of Biology, is helping to spearhead the event.

Dr. Bergey recently earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University. Her M.S. was in the field of Environmental Science from East Carolina University in North Carolina, and her B.S. was in Biological Sciences (Marine Option) from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Her current primary research interest involves behavioral ecology and population biology in three populations of fiddler crabs. She has extensive laboratory experience, has been teaching in varying capacities since 1998, and has also successfully published numerous articles and presented at several conferences.

Professor Bergey says, “We have some great events lined up, and we are really hoping for a lot of community involvement, particularly on Sunday.”
 
Some of the events will include: bird watching, WNTI and WRNJ radio presence, Farmer’s Market and recycled crafts on Sunday, environmental themed movies on all four days, fly tying, alternative fuel and hybrid cars on display Sunday and Monday, Clean-Up Day, food booths, and a guest speaker and the Women’s Playwright Series on Wednesday.

There are various sponsorship levels available for interested parties to help support Earth Week.  Platinum level sponsorship allows sponsors to receive three months of free advertising on WNTI, as well as placement of their company logo on Centenary Earth Week t-shirts and banner, 10 free t-shirts, and a vendor table on April 20 for $1,500. Gold sponsors receive two months of free advertising on WNTI, their company logo on t-shirts, 7 free event t-shirts, and a vendor table on April 20 for $1,000. Silver level sponsorship allows one month of free advertising on WNTI, 5 free event t-shirts, and a vendor table on April 20 for $500. Those interested in a vendor table can purchase one for $25.

For more information about the events, please contact Professor Bergey, at Centenary, and for corporate sponsorship information, please contact Centenary’s Director of Public Relations, Annamaria Lalevee at 908-852-1400, extension 2238.  Also, look at the Web site: www.centenarycollege.edu/earthweek.  

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Centenary's Influence Prevalent throughout Recently-Published Book.

Hackettstown, NJ, February 28, 2008 – A book edited by Centenary College’s Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Bryon Grigsby, entitled Misconceptions about the Middle Ages, was published this month by Routledge, an imprint of Taylor and Francis Group. In addition to his editing duties, Dr. Grigsby also wrote a chapter in the book entitled “Medical Misconceptions.” But Dr. Grigsby was not the only Centenarian involved in the project. Assistant Professor of Theater and Humanities, Dr. Carolyn Coulson-Grigsby wrote a chapter entitled “Medical Drama” and Associate Professor of History, Dr. James Patterson, wrote a chapter entitled “The Myth of the Mounted Knight.”  

In addition to his current duties as Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Bryon Grigsby also has a background in building successful education programs in business and is also an expert in medieval and renaissance literature, Shakespeare, Chaucer, literary criticism, linguistics and stylistics, writing, tutoring and composition.

Dr. Grigsby holds a B.A. in English from Moravian College, an M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University and a Ph.D. in English Literature from Loyola University in Chicago.
 
Original work published by Dr. Grigsby includes Pestilence in Medieval and Early Modern English Literature published by Routledge. In addition, he published a number of articles which have appeared in The OWL Construction and Maintenance Guide, Connecticut Review, Modern Language Association, The Writing Lab Newsletter and Essays in Medieval Studies 13.

Dr. Patterson is an expert in the history of modern Europe, particularly Britain and Ireland.

Dr. Patterson holds a B.A. from State University of New York, College at Oswego in History, a M.A. from C. W. Post, a Masters of Philosophy in Early Modern European History and a Ph.D. in British/Irish History from Fordham University.

Published works include Everything Irish: Ireland A-Z published in 2003 by Ballantine Books, The Aftermath of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 in Antrim and Down published by Harvard University in 2001, White Terror: Counter-Revolutionary in South Leinster, 1798-1801 in Eighteenth Century Ireland in 2000 and The Continued Presbyterian Resistance in the Aftermath of the Rebellion of 1798 in Antrim and Down.

Grants that Dr. Patterson received include the Harvard University Travel Grant in 2001, The Folger Institute Consortium Grant in 1998 and the Fulbright Fellowship in Ireland in 1995-1996.

Dr. Coulson-Grigsby’s teaching responsibilities include courses in Shakespeare, Chaucer, Medieval Literature, Medieval Drama and Theatre History.

She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Santa Clara University and a M.A. and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut, where she wrote her dissertation on Herod the Great in medieval drama.  She also studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

She has directed productions of Mankind, the Towneley Herodes Magnus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and is directing a production of the sixteenth-century comedy Gammer Gurton’s Needle at Centenary.  Other publications “Enacting Herod the Great’s Diseased Spirit,” EDAM Review 23 (2001); “Meditation, Mysticism, and Identification in The Book of Margery Kempe,” Essays in Medieval Studies 12(1996).

She has presented many conferences papers on medieval drama at international congresses and is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Medieval and Renaissance Drama Society, an international association of scholars who study and perform early drama.

According to Routledge’s website, Misconceptions about the Middle Ages “Rang[es] across religion, art, and science, [and] unravels some of the many misinterpretations that have evolved concerning the medieval period, including the church, war, science, art, and society. With an impressive international array of contributions, the book will be essential reading for students and scholars involved with medieval religion, history, and culture.”

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Centenary College to Host Girl Scouts Event.

Hackettstown, NJ, February 27, 2008 – Respect, Equality, Autonomy, Communication, and Honesty are all ingredients in a healthy relationship. Centenary College is collaborating with Jersey Battered Women’s Services and Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey to offer a program that teaches girls about healthy relationships.
 
The program hosted by the college’s Sociology Department, will be held on March 2 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. for girls in grades 7-12. Girls will fulfill most of the requirements for the Interest Project Award called R.E.A.C.H (Respect, Equality, Autonomy, Communication, and Honesty. About 200 people will be in attendance. Sociology Professors Christopher Linne and Christine Floether will also be present on this day.

Other agencies from Warren, Sussex, Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties will host workshops as part of the day’s proceedings.  Remote Control, a theatre production, will be performing. Remote Control explores issues, attitudes, and beliefs about dating relationships and incorporates skill-building exercises designed to encourage healthy decision-making.

Additionally, some sociology students will be hosting a workshop. Several other students from the Sociology/Criminal Justice Club will volunteer.  
 
Professor Amy D’Olivo says, “It is always our pleasure to reach out to the community and partner with local groups. This Girl Scout event should be a great opportunity to do just that.”

“Giving girls the tools they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives is a critical issue for the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey,” says Helen Wronski, president and CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey.

Partial funding for the program was provided by the United Way of Warren County.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, the largest council in New Jersey, serves 20 percent of girls ages 5-17 in 160 municipalities including all of Bergen, Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties and the northern half of Warren County.  There are currently 37,462 girl members and 17,654 adult members, with service centers in Paramus, Randolph and Riverdale.

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Hackettstown Historical Society To Present on The Tillie Smith Murder at Centenary

Hackettstown, NJ, February 25, 2008 – On Thursday, April 3, the Hackettstown Historical Society, in cooperation with Centenary College, will present Denis Sullivan, author of In Defence of Her Honor, the book that chronicled the Tillie Smith murder and its aftermath. The program will be held in the Front Parlours of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building at Centenary College. The program will begin at 7:30 pm and all are invited to attend and learn about Hackettstown’s most infamous event, from the night Tillie was murdered through the shocking trial that followed, and decide if justice was really served.

In the early hours of April 9, 1886, the body of Tillie Smith, an 18 year old domestic worker was found brutally murdered on the grounds of Centenary Collegiate Institute.

The murder of young Tillie shocked Victorian Hackettstown and quickly became a sensational, closely followed trial covered by many major market newspapers, including New York City, Trenton, and Philadelphia. The papers carried the details of the story as it unfolded; this sensational journalism fueled public outcry and pressured local authorities and police to find someone guilty of committing this heinous crime.

James Titus, a 32 year old janitor at Centenary was sentenced to hang for Tillie’s murder, but an 11th hour confession, signed several months after his conviction, commuted his sentence. He was released from prison on December 27, 1904. Titus, ironically, went on to live the rest of his life in Hackettstown, amongst the same neighbors and townsfolk who had called so loudly for his conviction.

The story of Tillie Smith lives on today, more than 120 years after her brutal demise. A monument to her memory stands in Hackettstown's Union Cemetery, constructed with generous donations from local and national benefactors. Unveiled on November 24, 1887, it is a lasting tribute to the young woman who died “in defence of her honor.”

Donna Brock, President of the Hackettstown Historical Society, says, “I am tremendously appreciative of the support Centenary has extended to myself and the Historical Society  for this event. It will be a wonderful evening and the beginning of a mutually rewarding partnership.”

The Hackettstown Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of the historic heritage of Hackettstown and the surrounding areas. Its purpose is to collect, catalog, display and preserve artifacts, mementos, and memorabilia for present and future generations.

The Society was organized on March 6, 1975 with seventy-two charter members. Membership in the Hackettstown Historical Society is open to all interested individuals, families, institutions or groups.

For further information, contact Donna Brock at (908) 850-4154 or email information@hackettstownhistory.com.

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Nadia Brown to Offer Political Presentation at Centenary College on March 31.

Hackettstown, NJ, February 21, 2008 – As part of Centenary’s traditional Women’s History Month events, Nadia Brown—a scholar of minority women and election behavior from Rutgers’ Eagleton Institute of Politics and Ph.D. candidate at the Center for Race and Ethnicity—will present “What’s Color and Gender Got to Do with It? Understanding Color and Gender in Political Participation and Representation” on March 31, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Front Parlours of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building.

This program is sponsored by the Northwest New Jersey Regional Women’s Center. This event is free and open to the community.

Ms. Brown has an extensive history of teaching, researching, and conference presentations. Her primary scholarly interests include the studies of Black Feminism, Black Politics, Urban Politics, Black Civic Participation, and Community Development.

Centenary Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Fitzpatrick says, “This will doubtlessly be an extremely interesting event. I certainly hope our students and individuals in the surrounding community take the opportunity to attend this lecture and listen to this extraordinary individual.”

For more information, please call 908-852- 1400, ext. 2374.

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Northern Illinois University: A Statement from Centenary College.

The administration, faculty, staff, and students at Centenary College are saddened by the tragedy that occurred at Northern Illinois University yesterday, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them in this terrible time.  We are taking precautions to provide members of our community with resources to get through this difficult time, such as extending counseling hours and offering Chapel Service.   

Security will continue to be extremely visible at the College, and it continues to be our highest priority.  In light of the tragedy at Northern Illinois, we are reexamining our Emergency Action Plans and reminding all campus members of their role in the plan.
 
Once again, our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, faculty, and staff of Northern Illinois University and to the parents of those who have lost children in this tragedy.  May healing and peace come quickly.

Kenneth L. Hoyt, Ph.D.
Centenary College President

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Hackettstown, NJ, February 14, 2008 – Centenary College has announced the recipient of their second Hackettstown High School student scholarship-Kelly Lynn Reed. The scholarship marks the continued partnership between the institutions. Since 2007, each year one Hackettstown High School senior will receive a scholarship to Centenary that covers full tuition.

Though there were several worthy Hackettstown High School students among those vying for the scholarship, Kelly best exemplified Centenary’s qualifications. In fact, eight other applicants received partial scholarships in amounts ranging from $8,000 to $11,000.

Kelly’s scholastic ability, self-sufficiency, exceptional work ethic and leadership potential all led to her selection by the Hackettstown School District.

“We are pleased that Kelly will soon be a Centenarian,” says Dr. Kenneth L. Hoyt, Centenary College President. “She is the newest addition to our family of learners.”

Kelly plans to study Elementary Education. She worked for Catholic Charities After School Program at Willow Grove Elementary School and is starting her third season at Rita’s Italian Ice. She maintains a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the French Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Previous extra-curricular activities include being a member of the Key Club, Junior Statesmen Association and Helping Our Planet Earth (HOPE) Club.

“I have always wanted to study at a competitive, fast paced college,” says Kelly Reed. “In addition, the involvement that Centenary has with the local community is astounding. I have lived three blocks from the campus my whole life and have countless memories of the students' and faculty's involvement with Hackettstown and the town people.”

The requirements for the scholarship application included a preferred B average or higher, attendance at Hackettstown High School for at least two years, community service experience, a strong sense of teamwork, leadership potential, and the desire to lead a values-centered life.

To apply, candidates completed a Centenary College Application Form and wrote an essay that addresses why he or she is a good match for the college and how his or her goals address Centenary’s expectations and requirements.

Robert Gratz, Hackettstown’s Superintendent of Schools, says, “This scholarship presents such a wonderful opportunity for a driven, talented student like Kelly. It is so nice to see the bond between Hackettstown and Centenary continually evolve and expand.”

“I am pleased that Kelly is being recognized in such a manner and that this life changing scholarship is available to our students,” says Dr. Brian Purzak, the Principal of Hackettstown High School.

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Centenary College Supports the Giants.

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Centenary's Caps Phi Theta Kappa Holds Successful Book Drive.

Hackettstown, NJ, January 28, 2008 – Phi Theta Kappa, the Associate Program Honor Society of Centenary College’s Adult and Professional Programs (CAPS), recently conducted a Book Drive to help raise money for the Center of Family Literacy. These adult students donated about 600 pounds of used textbooks that were sent to Better World Books to be sold online. Part of the proceeds went to The Center for Family Literacy, a non-profit organization.
 
They collected 192 books and 145 qualified to be resold through Better World Books. Twenty-seven books were given to universities and libraries in Africa, and the remaining 20 books were recycled—which saved them from landfills. After this successful first year, Phi Theta Kappa now plans to conduct the Drive two times per year.
 
Jennifer Hackett, Advisor of Centenary’s Phi Theta Kappa and CAPS Program Advisor, says, “This was an outstanding demonstration of the commitment of these outstanding individuals. I feel we have done something truly meaningful by helping this cause.”
 
Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

The Center for Family Literacy’s belief is that “Family literacy is proven to break down other barriers to success—poverty, unemployment, poor health and inadequate housing. In fact, when parents struggle with literacy and life skills, their children have fewer chances for success. Family literacy reverses that cycle by teaching the families of today in order to impact the generations of tomorrow.”

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Centenary Chapter of KME Inducts Eight New Members.

Hackettstown, NJ, January 28, 2008 – Eight Centenary students were recently inducted into the Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) Delta Chapter of New Jersey.

Kappa Mu Epsilon is a specialized honor society in Mathematics. It was founded in 1931 to promote the interest of mathematics among undergraduate students. Its chapters are located in colleges and universities of recognized standing which offer a strong mathematics major. The chapters' members are selected from students of mathematics and other closely related fields who have maintained standards of scholarship, have professional merit, and have attained academic distinction.

The inducted students are as follows:

• Caitlin Marie Burghoffer
• Nita Connell
• Constance Karima Edouard
• Stephanie M. Kowalak
• Xandria Katelynne Matlock
• Stephanie Osinski-Rea
• Amy Sprofera
• Candice Zappile

Remarks were given by Centenary Student KME Delta President, Brittany Garcia, who thanked Centenary’s math faculty, Professors Search, Repice, Ritchie, and Turrisi, for their hard work, dedication, and guidance to the Kappa Mu Epsilon students throughout the semesters and for their assistance in the induction ceremony of the new society member.

Dr. Don Tosh, the National KME President, presented the KME Delta Charter and Crest to Kathy Turrisi, Faculty Sponsor and Corresponding Secretary and Nita Connell, Student Vice President for KME Delta.  The Delta Charter and Crest signifies that the Delta Chapter of KME is officially recognized by the national Kappa Mu Epsilon society and that the Delta Chapter has the fully support of the society.

The Centenary College KME Delta honor society is highly active in Hackettstown and the surrounding communities. KME members at Centenary not only offer free Praxis1 tutoring to people who have a desire to be teachers, but they also provide math tutoring services for all school levels (Kindergarten through grade 12).  Anyone interested in either service should contact Centenary’s Chair of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Professor Kathy Turrisi, for more information at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2321.   In the near future, the KME Delta Chapter is planning activities to support Earth Day and Math Month.Professor Turrisi says, “I am so pleased that the students can offer their expertise to the surrounding community. We have many talented students who are very willing to share their diverse knowledge with others.”

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Centenary's Academic Foundations Program Expands to Two Sections.

Hackettstown, NJ, January 25, 2008 – Centenary College’s Academic Foundations program, formerly known as the First Year Experience is, for the first time, running a second section of courses this spring. Further, the program will continue to expand on Centenary’s ongoing commitment to community service. Indeed, the service learning requirement of the course will account for up to 25% of the students’ grades.

As a part of Centenary’s dedication to individual students, the comprehensive first-year program was implemented in 2003.  The primary goal of the First-year Experience Program (FYE) is to help first-year students make the transition from secondary school to college with equal—and individualized—attention given to academic, social, and emotional development.  The FYE program strives to foster the spirit of civility and respect required for participation in a diverse democratic society, and endeavors to cultivate socially and ethically responsible behavior.  

A strong emphasis on community service will also continue to propagate the program. Some projects for Social Science, Criminal Justice, History and Political Science majors include community service at Hackettstown’s Trinity United Methodist Church, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon Counties and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties.

The students who chose to do community service at Hackettstown’s Trinity United Methodist Church will help with the Saturday ESL class for 10 weeks.  They will engage the children of the students enrolled in the ESL course in games and crafts while their parents learn.  Community service through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties will entail adopting a brother or sister and being involved in fundraising projects.  Students who will work with CASA will also participate in fundraising outreach and will help promote Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month in April.

Projects for Education Department candidates include facilitating a “lock in” at the Hackettstown Middle School, which is an after-school event where students participate in extra-curricular activities.  In addition, Centenary students will be involved in, REBEL2, a substance and tobacco abuse prevention program.  Other service projects include supporting Willow Grove Elementary School and Hatchery Hill Elementary School’s Drama Club, as well as participating in the ESL after-school program at Hatchery Hill.

Associate Professor of Business and Director of Academic Transitional Programs Cheryl Veronda says, “The expansion of the First Year Program to two semesters provide tremendous learning opportunities for our students.  My colleagues have developed challenging and interesting courses that include amazing community service projects plus research and reflection on the underlying issues of each project. This combination of experiences in and out of the classroom is exciting."

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