Arts and Humanities

Lois Sullivan, (M.A., 1967) has recently been named Professor Emeritus of Bergen Community College, after having taught a variety of subjects at the institution for the past 32 years. Sullivan played a variety of roles in the business department between 1968 and 1990 when she transferred to the Division of Arts and Humanities, where she taught courses in speech communication. In 1991, Sullivan coordinated a grant awarded by the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education for the Bergen Community College's Partners in Learning Program. She became the regional director for the State of New Jersey for the Partners in Learning Program, where she worked with 27 college campus coordinators to promote more effectiveness in the teaching and learning process. During this time, Sullivan became a Fellow of Seton Hall University at the New Jersey Institute for Collegiate Teaching and Learning. Sullivan has made presentations at many national conferences, and in 1998 she presented in Danbury, England, where she brought the concept of Partners in Learning to British higher education.

Blindness and Visual Impairment
Caron Lee Cohen (M.A., 1998) is the author of a new children's book Happy to You, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger (Clarion Books, www.houghton mifflinbooks.com). Cohen is the author of several picture books, including The Mud Pony, Three Yellow Dogs, and Crookjaw. A former Rehabilitation Counselor and teacher of visually impaired children, Cohen is now a full-time writer in New York City. She is coming out with another book in the spring, Martin and the Giant Lions, illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles, due out in March.

Curriculum and Teaching
Alisa Fontana Lewis (M.A., 1985) was recently honored at the Greenwich Public Schools 2001 Distinguished Teacher Awards Ceremony. Lewis has taught in the Greenwich Public Schools for 15 years and is currently a second grade teacher in the North Mianus School. Lewis is a member of the Theme Committee, Program Team, Teachers Learning Council, and Educational Excellence Committee. Her nominator for the award says that Lewis' students "function as a cohesive community and their happy demeanor reflects her emphasis on cooperation and her infectious sense of discovery and adventure." The class's current projects can be viewed on their Web site, at http://greenwichschools.org/nms. Lewis worked at the Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College as Head Teacher and Educational Director from 1985 to 1986, prior to moving to Greenwich, Connecticut.

Carolyn Caselton Spence (M.Ed., 1977) has recently co-authored the book, Take Charge! Advocating for Your Child's Education (Delmar/Thomson Learning) This book, released in October, 2001, is written for parents, educators and decision-makers who seek to have quality elementary schools for all children. It provides a framework of key health and achievement essentials that are imperative for quality schooling in the 21st century. The book guides parents in defining and prioritizing their key purposes of schooling and in building effective relationships with educators. During her 30-year career as an educator, Carolyn has been a classroom teacher in public, independent and parochial schools, as well as a curriculum coordinator and elementary school principal. Her work as an educational leader and collaboration with her co-author and mentor, Dr. JoAnn Shaheen, was the fertile ground in which Take Charge! took root. Carolyn is now in private practice as a Reading Specialist and Learning Consultant. She specializes in working with students, families and schools in support of youngsters struggling with learning issues. Intent upon nurturing the development of future teachers, Carolyn also works as a supervisor of teachers-in-training for Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

Educational Administration
Leith Yetman (M.A., 1978) recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her school, the New York Institute of Business Technology. The school is built on the education philosophies that Yetman learned from her mother, Grace, while growing up in their central Jamaican village. Yetman remembers her mother admonishing them that "silver and gold go away, but education will never decay." The school now has 650 students, many of them Latin American, East European, and Asian Immigrants, studying subjects such as English as a Second Language, computer literacy, accounting, computer applications beginner to advanced, and many other business related courses. Leith has earned inclusion in Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, and has won awards from the International Biography Center (International Woman of the Year), and the Baruch College Alumni Association (Outstanding Achievement Award).

Educational Institutions and Programs
Diane B. Goss, (Ed.D., 1998) has recently published her book, Parenting Children with Disabilities, under Bergin & Garvey. The book is co-authored by Jane Adelizzi and offers support to parents of children with learning disabilities. The book will help diffuse the overwhelming feelings of confusion, anger, fear, sadness and frustration that parents often feel, and help to empower them with the ability to provide the academic and personal support that their children need to thrive. Goss is a member of Shared Visions, an online educational newsletter, and is currently working with the Massachusetts Department of Education, contributing to the development of courses for a new certification initiative for teachers of adult basic education. She is currently a Professor in the Program for the Advancement of Learning and the Master of Education Program at Curry College located in Milton, Massachusetts.

Christie Huh, (Ed.D., 1994) was named to the Bergen Community College Board of Trustees, and was sworn in as the first Korean-American member of the Board this past January. A specialist in multicultural education and educational reform, Dr. Huh is currently Assistant Dean of Curriculum Development, Associate Professor of Education, and Director of Intercultural Studies at Nyack College Manhattan Center in New York. She received the "Pioneer Woman of '90's" award in 1998 for her leadership on the Bergen County Human Relations Commission. As the founder and president of Multicultural Education Consultants, Dr. Huh has coordinated three international youth peace conferences in China, Japan, and South Korea. She hosts a weekly television program, "Mountain View," for WMBS-TV, which focuses on issues related to education, social justice, religion, youth and culture.

Educational Psychology Human Cognitive Studies Education
Arline Bronzaft (Ph.D., 1966) recently had her book, Listen to the Raindrops, published by the League for the Hard of Hearing. The book is illustrated by Steven Parton, and explains to children noise awareness, the joy of sounds, and the need to protect our hearing. The book describes the adventures of a family of mice and their learning to differentiate between good sounds and harmful sounds. The book is the result of more than 25 years of research, writing, and lecturing on the harmful effects of noise to a child's development. Bronzaft has conducted two studies on the effects of noise in classroom learning, one of which was cited in the March, 2001, edition of Smithsonian magazine.

English Education
Marcia Worth Baker, (M.A., 1991) recently won the International Reading Association's Regie Routman Award. The award, given annually, recognizes "an outstanding regular classroom elementary teacher who is dedicated to improving teaching and learning through reflective writing about her teaching and learning process." Baker was also the 2001 recipient of the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children Grant. Her work has appeared in Instructor Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, the New York Times, and several other publications.

Elaine Slayton, (M.A., 1992) recently published her book Empowering Teens: A Guide to Developing a Community Based Youth Organization (Croya Press). The book describes The Community Representing Our Young Adults (CROYA), which was established 20 years ago in Illinois in response to the problems affecting teenagers in urban communities. Slayton documents CROYA's history and development, and provides a guide to others seeking to meet he needs of youth. It is an invaluable aid for anyone who wants to work with and empower young people. The book was positively reviewed by Library Journal (10/1/00), and Booklist (10/15/00), which said, "Anyone who works with teens will find this practical, nut-and-bolts book a genuine asset."

Fine Arts Education
Stefani Ramberg, (M.A., 1961) was recently awarded the Teacher of the Year Award at the Gloucester County Juvenile Detention Center in Clarksboro, New Jersey. Ramberg, a woman with seven grandchildren, finds she is often asked how she copes with being the primary schoolteacher at the detention center. Ramberg's perspective is refreshing. "You meet many obstacles because the history of many of them is that they're difficult and from dysfunctional families, but they're still children, still interesting and valuable, and still perform their assignments satisfactorily for the most part. You can't have many successes-many of them are small successes-but when you have a student smile, show you respect and act properly, especially coming here with charges of murder, rape, robbery, and suddenly they're different. They're just children." Ramberg teaches math, English, social studies, history, art, and even law justice, as well as an art therapy class, which has "enriched many lives," according to the Center's Superintendent, Ted Perian. Ramberg's work was recently exhibited at the Ahda Arzt Gallery.

Gifted Education
Ronald L. Rubenzer, (Ed.D. 1984) a licensed psychological associate, formerly employed by TC's Evaluation and Placement Center for the Gifted, was a recent recipient of the 2001 North Carolina Writers' Network Special Citation. As a part of the award, a chapter from his book, 2001 A Cyberstress Odyssey was published in the journal Technology: Teaching & Research in the Humanities, Vol. II, Spring 2001 and on the Web at www.technology-teaching-research-humanities.com. Rubenzer just completed a book on improving productivity and relationships through wellness. Portions of his book were developed from a paper he presented based on his leadership stress coping study, "More Power to You, By Using Your Heart and Your Head" at the World Congress on Stress in Switzerland in 1997. Currently, Rubenzer is in private practice providing Psychoeducational Testing, SAT Prep. & Job Stress Management Seminars with Triad Counseling and Clinical Services, LLC, in Greensboro, NC, and is a school psychologist for Guilford County in North Carolina.

Higher Education Administration
Dr. David Hadaller (M.A, 1999) was recently appointed Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Curriculum and Instruction at Dutchess Community College (SUNY) In Poughkeepsie, New York. Hadaller served as a Fulbright Professor in American Literature and Culture in Romania in 1987, and in 1995 completed his book Gynicide: Women in the Novels of William Styron, published in 1996 by Associated University Presses. From 1998 to 2001, Hadaller was Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at Hostos Community College (CUNY), during which time he served as Chairperson of the innovative Language and Cognition Department at the College, where he supervised departmental faculty and directed changes in the ESL course sequence. Hadaller also served as Interim Chief Librarian and Acting Director of Continuing Education during his tenure at Hostos. From 1996 to 1998, Hadaller was the full-time Academic Liaison and Coordinator for Special Projects at Hostos, where he was responsible for obtaining several important grants.

Frank H. Oliver (Ed.M., 1998 & Ed.D., 1999) was recently honored at the CASE International Assembly in San Francisco for his research and writing on philanthropy. Oliver was the recipient of the John Grenzebach Research Award for the 2001 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation. Oliver's study, "The History of Fund Raising Campaigns in U.S. Higher Education," traces fund development from the 17th through the 20th centuries in American colleges and universities. The work presents a history of higher education through the work of the people who financed its growth and development by raising funds. It examines the historical roots of fund raising as a profession, and the economic, social and political forces that shaped fund raising activities. Finally, it takes a critical look at practices of fund raising in higher education today. Oliver is Senior Vice President of Goettler Associates and specializes as a development consultant in higher education, health care and cultural organizations.

Sonya Shapiro (Ed.D., 1979) was recently appointed to the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees for a five-year term. For the past eight years, she has worked at the Rockland County Board of Cooperative Educational Services in West Nyack, New York, where she administered comprehensive adult education and business services to adults and their families. Prior to that, she was Associate Dean and Full Professor of the City University of New York and Chief Administrative Officer reporting to the Provost for Academic Affairs of the College. She also served as Associate Dean of University College, Civic Center Campus, of Pace University for four years. Having retired twice from educational positions, Shapiro told the Rockland Times that she was not interested in a paying position, but wanted to turn her experience into education for the use of the citizens of Rockland County. "I've always been concerned with education, and especially adult education…I believe my decades of experience in education can be usefully put toward the service of the people."

Nursing Education
Carolyn Chambers Clark (Ed.D., 1976) has recently co-authored a book DE-STRESS WEIGHT LOSS, A Six Step Program for Relaxing Yourself to Permanent Weight Loss (St. Martin's Press) based on her wellness practice with clients, including helping them reduce overweight and maintain a healthy weight. The book is based on her theory that stress leads to overweight and discusses cutting-edge research to back up that theory. The publication discusses the physiological and psychological reasons why dieting and diet pills do not work and can be unhealthy, and supports a wellness lifestyle change as the basis for permanent weight loss. The book garnered the highest rating from The Library Journal and from www.herhealthychoices.com. Clark founded and is editor of The Wellness Newsletter. She has won three Book-of-the-Year awards for some of her other books: Wellness Practitioner: Concepts, Research and Strategies, The Encyclopedia of Complementary Health Practice and Integrating Complementary Health Procedures into Practice. Clark has been on the nursing faculty of Pace University and the University of Tampa and is currently on the doctoral faculty in Health Services at Walden University.

Mary Claybon-Watson (M.E., 1980) was recently awarded the Sojourner Truth Award from the Central Nassau Club of the Negro Business and Professional Women of Long Island, New York. Claybon-Watson was recognized for her outstanding contribution to the personal growth and professional development of literally thousands of students, faculty and other women over a 35-year career. She is an active participant in a number of professional and community-based, non-profit organizations. She has also been a member of the Panel of Review for the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, and was a program evaluator for the National League for Nursing, traveling across the country reviewing educational programs in practical nursing. Claybon-Watson is a former Te Basileus, or president, of Kappa Eta Chapter, Inc., Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., an organization of registered professional nurses which provides health related community services to residents of the Long Island neighborhoods free of charge.

Organization and Leadership
Jeffrey S. Putman (M.E., 1998) recently received the 2001 State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service at Purchase College, where he is an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. Putman has served on the board of directors for the Purchase College Alumni Association since 1997, and was elected President of the organization in December of 2000. During his time on the board, he has helped it mature from a fledgling Alumni Association into one that alumni respect. He has used his position to help the college move forward on a plan to construct severely needed student housing. Putman has also been active as a member of the Advisory Board for Region II of the National Association of Student Personal Administrators, and served as a member of the State Employees Federated Appeal Committee.

Science Education
William Nixon, (M.A., 1973) has been awarded the President's Prize for Outstanding Achievement from the Entomological Society of America, for his program entitled "Order Orthoptera Olympics." The prize honors elementary school teachers who have gone beyond the traditional teaching methods by using insects as educational tools. Nixon was awarded a plaque at the Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of Canada and America this past February in Quebec. The theme of this year's meeting was "Entomology: Science and Art," which reflected on the beauty of insects, as well as the impact of insects of humankind throughout history. Nixon currently teaches at the Renbrook School, an independent day school, in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Social Organizational, Counseling Psychology
Richard V. Campagna (M.A., 1991) is an itinerant instructor/counselor throughout the Midwest. Campagna, also an attorney and interpreter, is based in Iowa City, Iowa, and travels the globe providing counsel and instruction on such themes as "existentialism and personal/professional freedom, the search for identity, legal issues in health care, the psychology of religion and economic development." Fluent in six languages, Campagna also serves in various educational capacities for Language Line Services, the largest provider of over-the-phone interpretation in the world.

Published Thursday, May. 16, 2002