The College of the Arts and Communication Spotlight Digital Publication (Fall 2020 Issue)

FALL 2020

WP

WE ARE PROUD

2 FALL 2020 SPOTLIGHT

CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5

Fall 2020

Front Cover

Inside Front Cover Contents Dean’s Message September Spotlights Featuring Elaine Lorenz, Philip Engsberg, Jianing Yang, and

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Samantha D’Yan

October Spotlights Featuring Dr. David Demsey, Rainey Lehrman, Michael Pierre, “Mike

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Medium,” and Olivia Biel

November Spotlights

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PHILIP ENGSBERG

Featuring Jamsheed Akrami-Ghorveh, Dawn Fitch, Tekoa Criddell, and Dante Portella

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December Spotlights Featuring Anne G. Barretta, Dr. Alejandro Anreus, Christopher Sholar, and Angelina Cirovic

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A View Through My Lens: Campus Life During COVID-19

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WP: We are Proud

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College of the Arts and Communication: Office of the Dean

College-Wide News/ Upcoming Events

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DR. DAVID DEMSEY

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ANNE G. BARRETTA

WP: WE ARE PROUD SPOTLIGHT FALL 2020 3

Dean’s Message: W

elcome to a new edition of Spotlight. The fall 2020 semester was a challenging one in which students learned and faculty taught in various modalities - in-person, online and various blends of the two. With updated technologies in place and a strong showing of grit and determination, we made it through and earned a lengthy break in the time between Thanksgiving and late January. During these past few months, we had many occasions to speak to students, alumni and faculty about their achievements and particularly about the pivotal moments that changed the course of their study or career.

Be IN THE MOMENT.

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Being “in the moment” is a theme that runs through many of the interviews in this issue of Spotlight. What does it mean to be “in the moment?” For some, it means taking advantage of what is available to you at that time to help you build your future. For others, it means realizing that something special is happening at that moment and will forever change your life. And for others, it means discovering who you are in a particular moment, letting go of the “past you” and growing into a “new you.” We hope you enjoy these self-told stories of inspiration and realization, especially in this moment when we are all presented with unexpected challenges.

These challenges will help us build resilience that will serve us well into the future.

Sincerely,

Loretta Mc Laughlin Vignier Interim Dean College of the Arts & Communication

not only about the specific course information, but also how they as artists operate in the real world.

Perhaps, the best career advice that I got as a young person was to continue my studies and go to graduate school.

Unfortunately, I did not take that advice until many years later but doing so changed my life in such a huge way and I was sorry that I had waited so long. I altered the style of my work, making it more personal and emotional and the degree gave me a competitive edge.

What are some of your favorite art pieces that you’ve created?

“MY FAVORITE WORK IS ALWAYS THE ONE I AM CREATING AT THE MOMENT.”

Elaine Lorenz

September Faculty of the Month Department of Art You’ve recently retired. How many years have you worked at the university?

It has been 29 years. I began as a oneyear Sculpture Faculty replacement, and then was invited to teach Sculpture and 3-D Design as an adjunct. When the Ceramic area line became available in 2001, I was offered another one-year position. I applied and was appointed in 2002 as an Assistant Professor in the Sculpture/Ceramic Area, received tenure status in 2006 and later gained Associate status.

I think a favorite piece was Earth Spiral, which was a large commission for New Jersey’s Environmental Center at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. It was based on a series of work that I worked on for about 10 years and exhibited in the Court Gallery in 1990.

It was primarily large outdoor pieces of steel and cement. Each piece had an area for earth and live plants. Since my pieces moved from site to site, there were some obstacles that I could not overcome. The sculptures were basically just briefly sited without any site preparation or landscaping. It was also difficult to keep the plants alive, since I could never set up a watering 2006 Earth Spiral Steel Cement Earth by Elaine Lorenz

What career advice would you offer to Art students & what has been the best career advice that you’ve received?

I would suggest that students be well-rounded as possible because just about everything they learn will come into use later on in their career. Also, seek out other serious students, create a network of friends, pay attention and absorb information from the faculty, SPOTLIGHT FALL 2020 5

system. With this commission, I had the opportunity to design a setting with paths and signage, install a watering system and make a complete installation of work from an earlier period and a perfect culmination to 10 years of work.

Another special piece is Élan Vital, a 103” high piece commissioned in bronze. I speculated on making the prototype in foam and fiberglass, as I did with other work, and exhibited it in several locations. It had been on view at a gallery and the right person saw it, commissioned me and donated it to the town. The location is so special – on the banks of the Hudson River in Piermont, NY, with the newly finished Tappan Zee Bridge in the background. It will be there permanently and be seen by thousands of people. It caused the town to create a “Public Arts” committee and jury in other sculpture. The next one installed was by Grace Knowlton. However, in reality, my favorite work is always the one I am creating at the moment.

Are you working on any new projects?

Yes, I have a new commission and I’m in the process of creating a 54” fiber cement sculpture for a lobby of a new residential building called Hamilton Cove, in Weehawken, New Jersey. Also, I’m creating new ceramic work for the exhibition at Ben Shahn as well as deciding on the larger pieces to include.

Élan Vital, Bronze, 2019 by Elaine Lorenz

Photo credit by Philip Engsberg

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Philip Engsberg

September Adjunct of the Month Department of Communication What course(s) have you taught in the Department of Communication?

I’ve taught Audio and Radio Production.

You are one of the founding members of Big Beat Band. What led you and your fellow band mates to form this group?

The other leaders and I met in our composition masters and needed an outlet for this funky music we were writing. We were all deep into big band music, and big band music needs a big band to play it (for better or for worse). It felt inevitable at the time. Our first rehearsal was so great. The music was fresh and the whole band was electric. We ended the rehearsal by asking, “Are we meeting next Tuesday too?” Fast forward to present day: the band just turned six and it’s better than ever.

As a WP student, what knowledge did you acquire that has been impactful in your career?

“Having all the ANSWERS is IMPOSSIBLE but having a place to

FIND EVERYTHING you need to KNOW is INVALUABLE.”

Not so much knowledge, as the infrastructure and the faculty. I felt like I had the freedom to explore whatever I wanted. Having all the answers is impossible but having a place to find everything you need to know is invaluable. The faculty gave me practical, straightforward advice (feedback is so valuable), and the freedom to explore my passions. The industry standard studios on campus gave me the chance to refine my editing and production technique, and work at a very high quality.

What projects are you working on?

I’m producing a record of my own music with some good friends and great musicians. My landscape videography is being set to original ambient music and nature sounds and Big Beat is floating on both of these projects.

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Jianing Yang

September Alumni of the Month Department of Music What was your major and when did you graduate?

I obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies & Performance in 2019.

What instrument do you play and what led you to pursue a career in Music?

I play jazz guitar. This article details what led me to pursue music: https://www.wpunj.edu/articles/news/2020-07-23/Debutalbum-Jianing-Yang-Album-of-the-Year/ Your debut album is China’s 2019 Jazz Album of the Year.

Tell us your creative process for the album, the album’s title and your favorite tracks?

The album, entitled Cat’s Planet, includes eight songs three of which are my original music: Cat’s Planet, The Beginning, and Blind. The other songs are jazz standards.

The inspiration of Cat’s Planets, which is one of my favorite tunes, came from my cat, Chubby. The melody of the tune uses guitar’s left- hand slide technique and imitates the cat’s meow. While Cat’s Planet is one of my favorite tunes, Blind, a dramatic composition, is my favorite. The album was recorded at WP’s Shea Center and was arranged

by WP Professor David Kerzner, recorded and mixed by Matthew Filipek and me and released by Pacific Audio & Video CO. WP faculty members, Professor Steve LaSpina and Professor Paul Meyers, and several WP alumni are featured on this album, how was it working with them?

The musicians on the album include faculty members and alumni from the Jazz Program: Professors Steve LaSpina (Bass) and Paul Meyers (Acoustic Guitar), and alumni Walter Gorra, MM ’19 (piano), Nick Dekens, ’20 (drums) and Griffin Ross, ‘21 (saxophone). Professor LaSpina is my favorite bass player, who worked with one of the modern jazz guitar masters, Jim Hall, who is also my guitar hero.

Hall’s music influenced my music deeply. Professor Meyers is my professional teacher of jazz guitar performance and the other three musicians are some of the best WP jazz musicians that I’ve ever met. All of the musicians on the album were able to visualize the music that I imagined and I enjoyed working with them very much!

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“I DREAMED of one day SHARING that

HAPPINESS

with others through MUSIC.” -Jianing Yang

Samantha D’Yan

September Student of the Month Department of Music What instruments do you play and what led you to pursue Music?

“It’s never too late to START something

NEW.”

-Samantha D’Yan

I play flute, piano, and keyboard percussion. I’ve been a musician my entire life, piano being my first instrument at 5 years old, and throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I participated in various ensembles. To put it simply, I always knew I would study music in college.

I became interested in the music business during my freshman year after taking Survey of the Music & Entertainment Industries and I immediately changed my major from Music Studies because I thought it was so cool.

What is your favorite course in the Department of Music?

My absolute favorite course has been Personal Management in Music because I’ve always been very interested in music management. In this course, we learned about major labels, distributors, management companies, and so much more.

What advice would you offer to Music students?

It’s okay to be unsure of exactly what you want to do.

Throughout college, you will learn that there are so many different avenues you can go down in the music industry. There are always going to be new opportunities for you, so don’t be afraid to take your time and try out a bunch of things before you decide on a specific role.

Even if you find out later that you don’t enjoy what you pursued, try something else. It’s never too late to start something new.

What are your future plans?

After college, I plan to continue managing artists and work at a music management company. Though music is a huge part of my life, there are other things I would also like to do, such as obtain a Master’s degree in mental health counseling from NYU and travel to Europe, Australia, and every state in the country.

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Dr. David Demsey

October Faculty of the Month Department of Music Please provide one of your most memorable experiences working in the Department of Music?

I’m not sure I could narrow it down to just a few moments – it’s always such a thrill to see and hear my students make this music at such a high level. I have conducted the WP Jazz Orchestra (an 18-piece big band) for 21 years.

Leading the students in this band at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York and hearing how strong they sound with the amazing guest soloists we have every semester like Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, and Joe Lovano is very meaningful. Every year, the band starts as a group of really talented individual students, and they learn how to play, breathe, and hear the music together as one.

In your opinion, what makes Department of Music unique?

Dr. David Demsey on soprano saxophone, with WP students at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC.

the

The uniqueness of the Department of Music is its diversity, in terms of the number of interwoven degree programs we offer to students with varying career aims. For example, as a Jazz Studies major, you can major in Jazz Performance – or, you can be in one of the “hybrid” degree programs: Jazz/Music Education, Jazz/Sound Engineering Arts, Jazz/ Music and Entertainment Industry, or Jazz/Classical Performance. No other school offers these options, especially at this very high level.

The audio and music business programs are totally connected to the New York music scene, and our music education program is one of the most successful at placing New Jersey public school teachers and the jazz program continues to be one of the strongest in the world, with so many famous and successful alumni.

What advice would you offer to students pursuing a career in Music?

First, and most importantly, go into music as a career only if you must do it, if music is so important in your life that you have to be involved all the time. Then, investigate the many different career options that exist in music. There are two best

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Legendary saxophonist/composer Benny Golson performs with WP Jazz Orchestra conducted by Dr. David Demsey, WP Jazz Room Series

ways to do that: 1) if available, “shadow” people who are in various music careers, such as classical, Broadway and jazz performers; people in the music industry; people who work in recording studios; etc., to learn about their daily lives from the inside; 2) visit several music schools that offer these majors and spend a day there to learn what it feels like to truly “do music” 24/7, and see if you are ready to make that kind of commitment. Music isn’t a college major, it’s a lifestyle; for our music majors, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

What projects are you currently working on?

One of the ongoing projects that most inspires me is the William Paterson Living Jazz Archives, which I started and curate, located on campus in College Hall. This group of collections began with a set of original 1960s ink and pencil scores by Thad Jones, a hugely influential composer/ arranger, who was our first jazz director at WP. Then, the iconic trumpeter Clark Terry chose us for the site of his archive, and we were off and running. Since that time, we have had archives donated by a number of artists or their families, including saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpeter Art Farmer, arrangers Don Sebesky and Jim McNeely, and pianist and longtime WP faculty member Harold Mabern.

More major donations are planned – it is amazing how this archive continues to gain momentum. We are achieving Clark’s goal, which was to store the materials at the highest archival levels but also, to have copies on students’ music stands and in classes. These materials are used on a daily

basis and are directly connected to our curriculum and our students, something that very few other archives can offer…as Clark named it, a living archive.

Last year, I had a spring sabbatical, related to the Archive.

I completed a book containing my transcriptions of 85 small-group compositions by Thad Jones. Thad’s big band arrangements are widely published, probably in the library of every high school and college band in the world. His small-group pieces are not nearly as well known. I realized that there were no written versions of most of these pieces – so I had to transcribe them (write them down) directly from the original recordings. It was a huge job, hundreds of hours, but I loved it. Now, I am working to get publishing permission from Thad’s estate, and I plan to donate any book royalties that I earn directly to the Thad Jones Archive here at WP. One of my most fun projects is continuing to play the National Anthem, on solo saxophone, at baseball and basketball games. I have played numerous anthems for the NBA Brooklyn Nets (starting when they were the New Jersey Nets), for Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies and games in Cooperstown, for some major league spring training games in Florida, for literally hundreds of minor league baseball games in the area – and, of course, a number of anthems for baseball and basketball games and events here on campus. Being on the court or on-field before game time gives me a rare chance to meet and get to know some great players.

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Rainy Lehrman

October Adjunct of the Month Department of Art How long have you been teaching in the Department of Art? Seven years.

What do you enjoy about teaching at William Paterson University?

I teach both 3D design and Woodworking so I often meet students as freshmen and then get them again as juniors and seniors.

I love seeing how students develop their own visual language over several years.

What has been your favorite work of art that you’ve created and why?

Most of my art is made as a series. I often add new pieces to that same series and title them with the same name, like an addition of prints, only in this case sculpture. One series of objects I have been working on since 2008 is called Stockpile. To stockpile is a natural human instinct - putting away for harder times, hoarding grain, salt and gold to sustain and control the masses. Stockpile, is a reaction to that mentality and the larger absurdity of bioengineering and human consumption. This series of work represents a version of the future of “Foodstuffs” and what that might

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look like if produced without the use of living animals. One that is fleshy, fatty and firm. Stockpile is organic in nature and will degrade over time. It will cure, mold, stain and develop a rind. Comprised of industrial spandex, sawdust and ten layers of exterior paint, each piece was sewn, stuffed, sealed, painted and tagged - much like industrial sausage processing. I love that this work appears familiar, yet, strangely off putting, and deeply suspicious.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’ve been working on a series called Wall Bellies. These are my first figurative sculptures, although very simplified figures, focusing only on the weight and protrusion of a belly. I live in Brooklyn and have found my crowded subway rides to be a place where I am constantly pushed up against by other people’s bodies. Wall Bellies reference the way people might push into your personal space. The work is hung on the wall but protruding out into space.

I would like to install them in a hallway where you might feel like you need to move out of the way but cannot without pushing into them. For more information on my work, visit www. rainy-lehrman.com.

Do not be AFRAID to make MISTAKES. No one is PERFECT. Take CHANCES and LEARN. -Michael Pierre

Michael Pierre “Mike Medium” October Alumni of the Month Department of Communication

What was your major and when did you graduate?

I graduated in 2014 with a major in Media Production.

What WP professors from the Department of Communication were instrumental to you?

I’ve always wanted to thank the professors but I wanted to wait until a moment like this where WP would reach out to me so I can properly acknowledge them.

Professor Obadike took time out of his day to sit with me and go over plans for the future. I consider him a mentor because he always gave me advice and bounced ideas back and forth. He would listen to my beats and provide honest feedback. His honesty meant the world to me.

Dr. Rob Quicke, thank you. I produced a few promo pieces for College Radio Day and from that, I was nominated for an award. Dr. Quicke is amazing. We keep in contact regarding students who are interested in interning or working in the radio/music industry.

5. Lastly, educate yourself about personal finance. I know this is a bit left-field but it is something I wish I focused on during college. There are resources on campus that can assist you with this. Take advantage of it.

You work for SiriusXM’s Shade 45 and Hot 97. What do you do and what’s the best part about your job?

At Shade 45, I am a guest DJ for the DJ Enuff Presents: The Heavy Hitter DJs Radio Show. I have also been featured as a guest DJ on Sway in the Morning. I love to DJ and being on one of the biggest platforms in the world, introducing people to new music, always gives me a high. Meeting all of my favorite artists like Lil Baby, Drake, Juice WRLD, Nipsey Hussle etc. and being able to talk to them is always surreal. For more information on my work, visit djmikemedium.com.

You can also listen to my show on HOT 97 on Tuesday and Thursday from 12 a.m. – 5 a.m.

Risa Pappas, station manager, was so amazing and instrumental in helping me get my job at SiriusXM and thank you Professor Lorra Brown for giving me that great advice to go to Brave New Radio. It got the ball rolling in the right direction.

What career advice would you offer to students pursuing a career in radio?

The following are the things that I wish someone really drilled into my head:

1. Find a mentor, find a mentor, find a mentor! I can’t say it enough. Doing this will help better navigate you in your career. When you are starting from scratch, you can ask for advice for free.

2. Build relationships like your life depends on it with

the people around you - on and off campus. Prime example: the person who trained me at Brave New Radio was a student who is now working in SiriusXM’s Human Resources Department. Needless to say, this relationship came in handy.

3. Do your research and provide value when applying for an internship or pursuing your career. When you get an internship, please take it seriously because if you do well, you will most likely be offered a position.

4.

Do not be afraid to make mistakes. No one is perfect. Take chances and learn. Some of my major accomplishments came from taking a leap of faith.

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“My GOAL was always to make the WORLD a FAIRER, more RESPECTFUL and HAPPIER place through

STORYTELLING.”

You’re the Features Editor for the university’s paper, The Beacon. Name two of your favorite articles that you’ve written.

My favorites are definitely the feature on the university’s efforts in making the transgender community on the campus feel safe and my story about WP’s math professor, David Nacin, who published a math-infused sudoku book. As in most of my stories, it’s the people I interviewed that made them special.

Olivia Biel

Name two people that you would like to do a feature on.

You were originally an English major, what made you decide to change your major?

I’d like to interview WP alumna, Maria Zuniga, former WPSPJ president and former Features Editor of The Beacon. She studied broadcast journalism and public relations and currently runs an online fashion magazine. She graduated last May, so I’d love to know more about what she’s currently doing and how her experiences at the university helped her.

I’d also love to interview singer and songwriter Billie Eilish because I think she’s a unique pop icon. She’s young but her music deals with a lot of dark themes and she isn’t exactly the peppy, dolled up pop celebrity that we often see, so I’d like to know more about her story and what shapes her music.

To watch Olivia’s Student of the Month interview, click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J15-Bdk0a4w.

My goal was always to make the world a fairer, more respectful and happier place through storytelling. When I was growing up, I loved to get lost in fantasy through books and video games. I loved how the books I read also dealt with real world issues, like The Hunger Games (I was a huge fan of that series).

Initially, I wanted to write fiction in an effort to get people to pay attention to important issues, both socially and politically - hopefully sparking change.

In my freshman writing class, we explored political issues through essays, book excerpts and documentaries.

I found myself really moved by the storytelling and after I took a Media Writing class, I realized I could achieve my goal through journalism. I found that real stories could be just as or more interesting than fictional ones.

WPSPJ e-board members and I unveil the New Jersey Journalism Hall of Fame plaque in Hamilton Hall.

October Student of the Month Department of Communication What’s your major and when will you graduate?

I’m a print journalism major and I graduate this December.

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Jamsheed Akrami-Ghorveh

November Faculty of the Month Department of Communication How long have you taught at William Paterson University and what courses(s) do you teach?

I started teaching at William Paterson University in 1995.

I taught a mix of theory and production courses for many years before writing new film courses for our UCC program when it started. I am currently teaching those courses, which are “Film and Civic Engagement” in UCC area 5 and “Film as Cross-Cultural Communication” in UCC area 6. The first course attempts to utilize the power of film as a medium of inspiration to encourage students to get more engaged in social issues and become active citizens.

The latter examines how movies explore diverse cultures and is designed to help expand students’ understanding of cross-cultural issues. The selection of films shown in the course equally represents American co-cultures and international cultures.

I also coordinate the Communication Department’s internal internship program, which currently offers two courses for one or three credits. The internships provide an opportunity for students to work in different areas on campus and earn credit for what they do.

You’re a film director and producer. How did you get into filmmaking?

I was originally interested in film theory and criticism. I was a film critic in Iran for about ten years before starting my graduate studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. I took some production courses at Columbia and NYU during my studies, which sparked my interest in filmmaking. As a film critic, I had been interpreting other filmmakers’ ideas, but as a filmmaker I could become more creatively engaged and express my own ideas. I started with some short fiction films and was hired to do educational films when I was still in a doctoral program.

Some of the educational films I made were feature-length and gave me an opportunity to work with professional actors. After graduation, I became a full-time professor and no longer had the luxury of taking a year or two off to make a feature film that involved directing a cast and crew. My filmmaking plans had to fit into my academic career. It was in fact my academic career that made me interested in producing what is known as essay films, the visual equivalents of research projects.

As a film director and producer, what advice would you offer to our film students?

I advise my students to be conscious observers of their social environments. I tell them that it’s important to learn the technical and aesthetic aspects of filmmaking, but it’s even

more important to have a strong sense of purpose ake what you as filmmakers. Many jobs do seriously can be considered as just ou do have a jobs. Filmmaking is not one of them. It shouldn’t be viewed as just a way to as earn a living. Filmmakers with a communicate with large audiences and what they present to them can make a difference. That’s what I try to convey to our aspiring filmmakers: Take what you do seriously. You do have a responsibility as artists with a voice.

“T

.

Y RESPONSIBILITY ARTISTS VOICE.”

You’re a scholar of Iranian cinema. Why do you feel it’s important to shine a light on Iranian filmmaking?

Iranian cinema has been one of the most admired national cinemas over the past three decades. Iranian films have won some of the most prestigious international film awards, including two Oscars since 2012 in the highly competitive best international film category. The country itself has been much maligned internationally due to the misguided policies of the Islamic government in Iran. Most people fail to distinguish between people and their governments.

The Iranian cinema represents the aspirations of Iranian people, which happens to be very different from those of the Iranian government. Ironically, the characters you see in fictional Iranian films are much closer to real Iranian people than those representing them in official capacities.

So, Iranian cinema is not only notable for its quality films, but for its representation of a misunderstood people.

SPOTLIGHT FALL 2020 15

a lifestyle. I add things to the products that I incorporate into my life and wellness plan. For example, I know that ginger and turmeric are good for fighting inflammation, so I added the essential oils to our body butters and body oils. I read so much about the benefits of sea moss, nature’s collagen, that we created a sea moss facial bar.

The line allows me to create things that I use and share it with others.

You were recently featured on HSN, QVC and Zulily in the Small Business Spotlight. Tell us about this experience.

Dawn Fitch

November Alumni of the Month Department of Art You worked in digital imaging and graphic design at Sony Music. What led you to transition into entrepreneurship – particularly in the wellness industry?

I was enjoying my job but started to feel run down and not well. This began my health journey. After dealing with illness for months and doctors telling me I was “extremely healthy,” I sought alternative therapies, such as acupressure and acupuncture. I decided to take an aromatherapy class and change my diet - taking out things that weren’t good for me. Reading labels became a part of everyday existence and naturally I began to read what type of ingredients I was putting on my skin, through my body care products.

Hence, practicing aromatherapy techniques seemed to be a perfect extension for my new lifestyle that allowed me to experiment with natural products that offered all types of healing benefits. I began mixing all sorts of scents and fragrances together and found out in the process that many of the products on the market were filled with tons of chemicals, dyes and harsh abrasives that could potentially do damage to the skin. Making body oils became a hobby and after trial and error, I came up with some good recipes.

Encouragement by friends and family led me to selling my recipes at a local festival. The response was overwhelming and that day was the birth of “Pooka.”

You’re the founder of Pooka Pure and Simple, a handmade bath and body company. How important is holistic living to you?

After starting the company in 2001, I still struggled on and off with health issues. After a period of illness, I was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I decided to fight the disease holistically - mind, body and spirit. Pooka, for me, is

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Due to these trying times with COVID-19, running a business has been challenging but the outpouring of support for small businesses during this time has been amazing! I’ve been sent links to grants from so many people and I can honestly say I’ve applied to each one. One night while tossing and turning, I grabbed my phone to check my email and saw an email from a friend about an opportunity. I decided to fill it out (sleep was just not happening). I stayed up until 3 a.m., completed it, hit send and finally fell asleep. A few weeks later, I received a call telling me that I’d been chosen for a small business spotlight on QVC, HSN, and Zulily! Appearing on these major platforms led to new customers; it was such a blessing.

As a health advocate and entrepreneur, you use your platform to empower young girls and women. Tell us about your work in the community.

Healthier living for all is important to me. “Baby steps to better health” is my motto because every little bit helps. I have a friend in the beauty industry and we both wanted to pass along that message and the message of entrepreneurship to young girls. We knew the best place to reach them was through Girl Scouts, so we contacted them and put together a program, which was approved.

After completing our course, the girls receive a badge.

To date, we’ve serviced over 1,500 girls. I also created The Best Life Tribe, a holistic wellness community, which was formed one day after having a bad MS week. I felt like I needed support. I knew others were suffering with feelings of “dis-ease” so I went on Facebook and grabbed about 20 friends. In this community, we talk about health, wellness, fitness, food, adventure and everything in between. It’s a wonderful group for women that are trying to live their best and healthy life. Initially, starting with 20 people, it has now grown to a community close to 5,000 people. For information on my products and The Best Life Tribe, visit www.pookapureandsimple.com and www. thebestlifetribe.com.

Tekoa Criddell

What has been your favorite design that you’ve created?

November Student of the Month Department of Art How has attending impacted your art?

William

Paterson

University

I’ve always appreciated and loved making art, but I didn’t really have much technical instruction, so I can honestly say that the university’s Department of Art helped me hone some of those skills. I genuinely feel that I’m a better artist from when I started the program because I’m better at sketching and conveying creative ideas.

What advice have you received from an Art professor that has been beneficial to you?

My Intro to Graphic Design professor, Professor DeLaura, helped me to understand that especially in the realm of communicative design, sometimes simplicity is harder than complex, ornate designs, and that having a majority of people understand your message is the goal.

As someone who tends to over explain and complicate things, it can be a challenge, but listening to this advice greatly helped me.

My favorite design is entitled Hair.

It’s a vector image that has gone through many changes over time and evolved a lot in style since I first had the idea in high school. I like its color palette. Neutrals and warm colors are comforting to me and in my opinion, highlight the skin tones of the figures I draw. Anyone who knows me knows that I am always changing my hair. I like to do so and it’s sometimes the first thing people notice about me. This piece speaks of the complex relationship people sometimes have with their hair, and how I view my hair.

Images courtesy of Tekoa Criddell

Your art piece was selected in the 2020 SIGGRAPH International exhibition. Tell us about this experience.

I was very surprised and obviously very honored. My concept for the piece was to show a new, better future for the workplace through new technology and how this can also lead to an advance in diversity, creativity, and efficiency. I’m glad that this was conveyed to those who judged the piece and I’m also grateful to Professor Nobler for guiding me through the making of the piece in class.

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Dante Portella

November Adjunct of the Month Department of Music How long have you been an adjunct professor in the Department of Music and what course(s) do you teach?

I’ve been an adjunct professor since 2014. I’ve taught Advanced Audio Production in the Communication Department and I currently teach Audio Recording for Musicians in the Department of Music.

You play clarinet, classical guitar, banjo, fiddle, and piano. What instrument is your favorite to play and why?

I started playing old time banjo in 2010. It’s something I landed on by accident but has been a life changing event. I now have friends from all over the world that come together at music festivals every summer to share tunes with each other and socialize. My wife (a great fiddle player) and I met through this music too. These musical

interactions were deeply missed this past summer.

You support Brave New Radio. What is your role and how do you enjoy working at the station?

I help keep the studio running at Brave New Radio and do repairs on equipment and wiring. I’ve also accompanied a group of students on two trips to Vieques, Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria to do community outreach and form a partnership between Brave New Radio and Radio Vieques. I love being around the radio station and feeling the energy and excitement of the students. There have been so many incredibly talented students come through Brave New Radio and it’s been exciting to see them graduate and go on to success in the industry.

“TRY new things, CREATE new sounds, STRIVE to continue to BE A PART of the next wave of musical ideas.”

Technology and music have been the center of your creative endeavors. What advice would you give to students pursuing a career in music?

Though it’s not a requirement for success, having a well-rounded background has been beneficial for me. When I was in college, I took courses not only in music theory but also in things like electronics and acoustics. Music technologies are advancing at a faster pace and it takes work to stay relevant. The more skills you have and continue to grow, the easier it will be to plug yourself into an ever-changing production environment. I think that goes for music too. You might find success catering to a musical niche but it’s very hard to sustain that success.

Musical tastes change and before you know it, your audience might have grown beyond you. Try new things, create new sounds, strive to continue to be a part of the next wave of musical ideas.

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Anne G. Barretta

December Adjunct of the Month Department of Communication What are 2-3 critical things that students pursuing a career in Public Relations should know?

To achieve success within the PR industry, students must possess excellent and accurate writing skills with the ability to develop precise key messaging that will resonate with specific target audiences.

They must also learn to network and make connections with people and be open-minded and curious. Often PR practice is serendipitous: you never know who you’ll meet and how they might help to further your career. Students should also possess strong social media proficiencies, with the ability to develop relevant and credible content. Lastly, students should constantly expose themselves to all news sources, be active consumers of popular culture and diligent followers of business fluctuations within the marketplace.

Many people think PR is only a reactive practice. Not true. The most effective PR practice is proactive and consists of constant management of issues.

What areas of PR do you see growing and being important in the future?

The future of PR continues to be resilience, adapting to societal norms and cultural fluctuations within the marketplace. This enables creativity in generating brand loyalty and bringing awareness to issues.

fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my passion with my profession, and for the past four years, I’ve taken students on field trips to the Rescue. They not only engage with the horses but also work on real-world initiatives, which they can include in their writing portfolios, making them better job candidates. I think exposing students to advocacy writing is essential.

What projects are you working on?

Currently at BCHR, we’re thinking creatively about how to generate sustainable revenue sources (monthly sponsorships for our rescue horses) as well as how to safely and efficiently reopen our farm to visitors. We’re adapting our signature on-site fundraisers (Trot into Spring, BOO Walk at Halloween and Photos with Santa and our Horses) as well as exploring virtual fundraisers (virtual 5K race). We’re also nearing completion on our Medical Clinic & Education Center (three retrofitted stalls that will provide a safe and sanitary facility in which our vet can work, as well as an indoor wash station and farrier area) which has large plexiglass windows through which visitors can watch us bring our mission to life. We hope to utilize this facility to secure more funding through educational grants, and through our Horseplay for Literacy initiative, in which young readers improve their literacy skills by reading to our rescue horses.

Photos courtesy of Anne Barretta

Tell us about your involvement with the Bergen County Horse Rescue.

At Bergen County Horse Rescue (BCHR), I sit on the Executive Board and also serve as Communications Director.

My responsibilities include developing content for BCHR’s website, Instagram and Facebook pages, writing grant proposals, planning and executing special events, writing and editing BCHR’s quarterly newsletter, speaking to groups about equine advocacy and developing fundraising initiatives to help support our mission of Caring for Horses Mind, Body & Soul. I’m incredibly SPOTLIGHT FALL 2020 19

Christopher Sholar

December Alumni of the Month Department of Music How has attending William Paterson University impacted your career as a musician?

During my first year at WP, I got called to go on tour for a few months. I was nervous about missing classes, but my instructor told me, “The best teacher is learning in real time on the job. There is a big difference between book smarts and experience.” That lesson was invaluable to me.

The faculty at WP was jazz royalty: James Williams, Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Mulgrew Miller and Clark Terry!

Dr. Alejandro Anreus

December Faculty of the Month Department of Art

You were influenced and mentored by Dr. Alan Wallach, art historian. How has he impacted your art trajectory?

Dr. Wallach demonstrated that art history is a liberal arts discipline that helps one “read” the reality and issues of the world, not something disconnected from everyday life.

As a curator, what has been your most impactful exhibition that you’ve curated?

I can’t think of just one, but of a handful. Ben Shahn and the Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti, which presented the series on the two Italian American anarchists by this leading American artist (we have a building on campus named after him!) - the art told the story of the two immigrants and radicals in a compassionate, humanist manner. Also, traveling exhibitions of contemporary artists like Jaune Quick to See Smith, Melvin Edwards and Juan Sánchez. Each reflected the diversity of the American experience through art that is beautiful and powerful.

You initially began your career as an artist, what prompted your transition to art historian?

It happened organically; training as an artist gave me a grounding in the craft, in making but ultimately, what I was passionate about was telling the stories through the images, what it meant and means and what is its context. I enjoyed the research, the writing, but most of all sharing it with our students.

As a poet, how do you meld visual art into your poetry?

I have always written in Spanish. The language I use is clear and straightforward and I am sure it’s influenced by my vocation as an art historian. Many works of art have inspired my poetry, from Velázquez portraits to contemporary Latin American artists.

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You’re a producer, guitarist and composer, who has worked with Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg, among many others. Provide a memorable moment working with any of these artists.

When I was working with Stevie Wonder he would record our rehearsals. Sometimes he would call me at 3 a.m. and sing his ideas and changes on my voicemail. Some days I’d wake up to multiple messages of him singing melodies and variations of ideas. I used to pinch myself in disbelief.

I played those voicemail messages to everybody I knew at the time. It was the highlight of my life.

Tell us about your Clark Terry encounter at a summer jazz camp.

As a teenager I went to Clark Terry’s jazz camp to learn more about jazz. After playing together, Clark said I had a unique sound and he could hear me reaching for it. He took a chance on me by giving me a scholarship to go to school. I went home and quit my job as a telemarketer and started my musical journey. Clark Terry changed the course of my life.

You transitioned from working in telecommunications to pursuing your musical passion. What led you to make this career pivot?

After meeting Clark Terry, I never wanted to do anything but play jazz. He was so encouraging to me. He made me believe that I had a voice on the guitar. Being encouraged by a living legend helped my confidence and boosted my self-esteem.

I quit my job and never looked back. I dedicated myself to music.

Angelina Cirovic

December Student of the Month Department of Music What instruments do you play and what inspires you musically?

My primary instrument is clarinet. I also play piano, flute, alto saxophone, bass, and I sing. I am expected to know how to play a multitude of instruments because of my major. Something that inspires me musically is listening to music that I love. This can range from classical to rock and even jazz.

What music advice have you received that’s been beneficial?

One piece of advice I always keep with me is something my lesson teacher (for clarinet) in high school told me. He said, “If you don’t want to be nervous, be as prepared as possible.”

You’re the president of the university’s NAfME chapter. Tell us about the organization, what does the acronym stand for and your role as president.

“I

DEDICATED myself to

MUSIC.”

NAfME is the National Association for Music Education. It is a resource for music educators around the U.S. that provides online workshops, conferences, and more. It also focuses on the advocation for music education. NAfME has a collegiate organization that includes chapters at multiple universities (I am president of NAfME chapter #317, for example). The collegiate chapter gives an opportunity for upcoming music educators to explore their field and learn from those already in it. As president, I update our chapter members on what’s going on, schedule meetings with our amazing e-board to collaborate on ideas, communicate the most with our chapter advisor, and represent the chapter to outside organizations.

“If you don’t want to be nervous, be as PREPARED as POSSIBLE.” for about 16 years. During high school, I was exposed to how endangered music was in public school curriculum. I heard and read stories about music programs being cut because they were believed to be ‘unnecessary’ or ‘unimportant.’ Music is always the first to get cut when it comes to budgeting, unfortunately.

I didn’t know what I wanted to major in yet, and I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of music not being beneficial in multiple different aspects. By the start of junior year, the thought I had in my mind was, “the best way to save music is to continue teaching it to the next generation.”

I knew then that it was my duty to teach music so I can help keep it alive.

How long have you been playing music and what led you to pursue a music degree?

I started piano at three years old, so music has been a part of my life SPOTLIGHT FALL 2020 21

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A VIEW THROUGH MY LENS:

Campus Life During COVID-19

By: Megan Martinelli Department of Art Student & COAC Office of the Dean Photography Intern

A

View Through My Lens: Campus Life During COVID-19 documents the impact that COVID-19 has had on our campus. From maximum occupancy door signs to sanitary reminders to the overall emptiness of the campus, this photo collage captures our current “new normal.” However, amid the eeriness of our empty campus, the picture that I captured with the sign extending holiday wishes to pioneers, encompasses the support that is among us. I hope to return to campus soon and capture the bustling aspects of campus life… pre-COVID-19.

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WP

24 FALL 2020 SPOTLIGHT

WE AR PROU

RE UD

Photo credits: Tim Miller & Jess Talos

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College-Wide News: Department of Art student, Nicholas Montesano, has designed a chess set inspired by the pandemic. Click the link to read the article: ht tps: // w w w.dailyrecord.com/s tor y/news /morris / 2020/ 12 / 2 2 /njcollege-student-chess-set-toilet-paper-bishops-mask-pawns/651069 1002/?fbclid=IwAR3eBlqCrRZUsA2Hk_ JlnsVUX_aUALas3gLiGn_Rx_i_ fSod_iaSWq1x3eA. Tyshawn Sorey, Department of Music alumnus, is featured in the New York Times Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/.../07/magazine/tyshawn-sorey.html Dr. Christopher Herbert, Department of Music professor, has released his album, Voices in the Wilderness, which hit # 2 on the Billboard Classical Charts.

WPSPJ (William Paterson’s Society of Professional Journalists) has been named National Chapter of the Year: https://patch.com/newjersey/wayne/william-paterson-student-journalists-garner-majoraward?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&fbclid=IwAR17J5gFBN3e tYEJqgOzsj0cHBKfwAD_vjJmaouqzaCkjMbAIbvoxLk6iSE Two students from Dr. Hirshon’s Fall 2020 Media Ethics and Law class have won recognition in a national podcast competition organized by AEJMC’s History Division. Ryley McKiernan received second place for his podcast that examines the history of music copyright law through the lens of the 2013 song “Blurred Lines,” featuring insights from an interview with Jason Lee Guthrie, a media historian at Clayton State University in Georgia. The judges wrote that Ryley “managed to make copyright law riveting - a claim few people can make.”

In addition, Sean Mauro won an honorable mention for his podcast discussing the concept of prior restraint of publication and the 1971 reporting on the Pentagon Papers with journalist and author Roy Harris. The episodes will air during the week of March 22 on the Journalism History podcast, which has listeners in 96 countries.

In place of in-person theatre productions, Professor Jerry Beal, created Zoom Theatre: Shel’s Bells, which is inspired by Shel Silverstein, author and playwright. Four of Silverstein’s works were performed. To watch the virtual performance, click the link: https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?fbclid=IwAR0hmLfMz5hKiml1x9a0RCWFu7r_OdOaTvIDerhF8tticv YFhfeL1WiCNi8&v=FdryznIdQEE&feature=youtu.be It is with great sadness that we report the passing of William Paterson University’s Professor Emeritus of Piano, Gary Kirkpatrick, who passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021. Professor Kirkpatrick taught at the university from 1972-2019. Professor Kirkpatrick’s biography can be accessed through this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_ Kirkpatrick.

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Upcoming Events: The Weight of the Body: Selections from the Permanent Collection Location: South Gallery On view until April 7, 2021 Info: Organized to mark the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, this exhibition showcases works by women artists who challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms while addressing the dialogues between issues of gender, race, sexuality, and class. The traveling poster exhibition, Rightfully Hers, from the National Archives will also be on view to explore the historical arc of women speaking truth to power. To schedule a virtual exhibition tour, contact Emily Johnsen, Gallery Manager: johnsene@wpunj.edu.

Fertile Ground Location: Court Gallery On view until May 7, 2021 Info: On the occasion of the retirement of Professor of Art Elaine Lorenz, this exhibition showcases Lorenz’s sculptures inspired by the natural world alongside works by her former ceramic students: Leslie Adler, David D’Ostilio, Amal Elnahrawy, Kara Kovach, Deborah Guzmán Meyer, Diana Jean Puglisi, Marcos Salazar, Jason Schneider, and Sarah Van Vliet.

Virtual Exhibition Tour: Thursday, March 25, 2021, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Online Info: Join artist Elaine Lorenz and Gallery Director Kristen Evangelista for this live exhibition tour of Fertile Ground.

Here/Now: A Juried Exhibition of Student Artwork Location: South Gallery On view until May 5, 2021 Info: Juried by Department of Art faculty Leslie Nobler, Lily Prince, and Steve Rittler, this exhibition highlights student artwork in diverse media.

Juror’s Talk and Award Ceremony Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Online Jurors share insights on their selections and announce awards for outstanding artworks.

WP Presents! Virtual Wednesdays – Naturally 7: The Human Instruments: The Sound of a Full Band – Created by the Human Voice Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 8 p.m.

Info: www.wppresents.org Voice Area Song Evening – CROSSOVER CONNECTIONS March 24, 2021, 8 p.m. www.wppresents.org

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Upcoming Events Continued: WP Presents! Virtual Wednesdays: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy starring Steve Solomon April 7, 2021, 8 p.m. www.wppresents.org WP Presents! Virtual Wednesdays: Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra’s Stage and Screen Spectacular April 14, 2021, 8 p.m. www.wppresents.org WP Presents! Virtual Event: Tom Paxton & The DonJuans April 17, 2021, 8 p.m. www.wppresents.org WP Opera presents ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD April 21, 2021, 6 p.m.

April 23, 2021, 6 p.m.

April 25, 2021, 6 p.m. www.wppresents.org Jazz Room Series at Home presents The WPU Latin Jazz Ensemble Directed by Chico Mendoza Guest artist: Ron Naspo, bassist April 25, 2021, 4 p.m. www.wppresents.org WP Presents! Virtual Wednesdays – The Silhouettes present Golden Moments April 28, 2021, 8 p.m. www.wppresents.org WP Choirs Concert – DARING TO SPRING April 30, 2021, 7 p.m. www.wppresents.org

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College of the Arts & Communication Office of the Dean: Loretta Mc Laughlin Vignier, Interim Dean Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, Dean’s Fellow & Assistant to the Dean & Associate Professor, Department of Music Lavene Gass, Marketing & Community Liaison Amy Nemery, Executive Staff Assistant Rosario Urena, Administrative Staff Assistant Kaeli Brady, Intern: Graphic Designer Tekoa Criddell, Intern: Graphic Designer Megan Martinelli, Intern: Photographer John Conlow, Intern: Videographer Alexa Chavarria, Intern: Social Media

Interviews & Edits by: Lavene Gass Layout Design by: Kaeli Brady To submit news, email Lavene Gass at gassl1@wpunj.edu.

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