County College of Morris Alumni Advocate, Fall 2019

Alumni County College of Morris

advocate

Creating Relationships With Clients Is Key For dMdC Photography

FALL 2019

FORWARD Campaign Prepares to Shape the Future of CCM – Page 8 Art Entrepreneur Who Connects Common Visions of Creative Minds – Page 11

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FALL 2019 Vol. XLV No. 2

From the

Table of Contents

Director

Continuing Professional Education Courses Benefit Businesses and Individuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Richard Taylor Selected for Unique Learning Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Two CCM Alumni Start Family Scholarships . . . . . . . . 8

Our May Commencement signaled the conclusion of County College of Morris’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Thank you to all who participated in the various events, especially Titan Weekend – the Titan Ball, Titus’ birthday party, and the Titan Trot! The bronze statue of Titus the Titan was unveiled and is now a sight to see at the entrance to the Student Center!

Nearing its Goal, the 50th Anniversary Forward Campaign Prepares to Shape the Future of CCM . . . . 8

CCM College Hat Day at Yankee Stadium welcomed 70 alumni, staff and students on Friday, August 16, 2019. A great time was had by all. Yankees win! See related story on page 14!

15-Year-Old Paul Michael Corrente Jr. Graduates Summa Cum Laude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Each issue of the Alumni Magazine has a feature known as the Winner’s Circle. In this section, our focus is on entrepreneur graduates. In this issue, you will read about Desiree who is the owner of dMDc Photography. We are always looking for candidates for this profile story. We request that those of you who have started a successful business contact us for consideration in a future issue. The newsletter is circulated to over 41,000 graduates nationally, and each issue is also available online for viewing from anywhere around the world. This represents a great opportunity to highlight your business.

CCM's Historic 50th Commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Creating Relationships with Clients is Key for dMdC Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Graduate Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Art Entrepreneur Who Connects Common Visions of Creative Minds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Titan Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 County College of Morris Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ex-Titan Stars Selected in Major League Baseball Draft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Yankees/CCM College Hat Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What’s New at CCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The CCM Alumni Advocate is published by the County College of Morris, Randolph, N.J. 07869.

The Alumni Office is located in Henderson Hall, Room 211 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Last fall, we held an Alumni Networking Happy Hour at the Famished Frog in Morristown, NJ. This October, we had Football Sunday Alumni Networking at Mr. Crabby’s in Randolph, NJ. If you missed these opportunities and would like to be on an email list to receive information about events like these, please advise the Alumni Office by email: alumni@ccm.edu. Also, if you have an idea about a networking event you would like us to offer, be sure to let us know!

We have reached a milestone of over 1,000 followers on the County College of Morris (CCM) Official Alumni Page on Facebook! If you are on Facebook, please like our page and check it regularly to find out about CCM news and alumni events! Also be sure to join our CCM Alumni Group page on LinkedIn to network with other CCM graduates.

What’s better than New York City at Christmastime? The beautiful tree in Rockefeller Center, a walk down Fifth Avenue and, of course, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! Join us for our annual bus excursion on Thursday, December 5 to see the Rockettes perform their amazing show! Experience Radio City Music Hall® as it transforms into an immersive, winter wonderland, and create lasting memories with the legendary Rockettes®. Start or continue your tradition this year!

Co-Editors: Barbara Capsouras, ‘82 Director of Alumni Relations

Barbara Capsouras ’82, Alumni Director bcapsouras@ccm.edu

Mary Ann Kiczek, MAK Communications

Sports Writer: David Artuso, ‘86

Alumni Awards

o nominate someone for an Alumni Award, please complete the T form at the following link by December 31.

Design and Layout:

https://forms.gle/DsaGvignf6VenWYcA

Gina Garcia

Circulation 41,000

2003 and 2006 Bronze Award winner from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.

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The award categories are: •A lumni Achievement Award: Specific, outstanding achievements and/or accomplishments in his/her profession. Have received honors from associations or employers, or whose work has proven beneficial to a pronounced segment of society.

•A lumni Service Award: Recognition of outstanding service to County College of Morris Alumni Association or some other segment of the College.

•A lumni Humanitarian Award: Dedication to humanitarianism and serving the public good.

Unique contribution to society or the community. Lengthy volunteer service to community.

•A lumnus/a of the Year Award: Highest honor given by the Alumni Association and recognizes the exceptional achievements of graduates of the college. Nominees must have shown outstanding performance in their professions, should be recognized as leaders, and should have made outstanding contributions to the community, state, or nation.

Continuing Professional Education Courses Benefit Businesses and Individuals The Center for Workforce Development at County College of Morris is a training leader in continuing professional education. The Center provides quality, in-demand certificate and training program solutions across a multitude of disciplines for both individuals and businesses.

Continuing professional education courses are available in business, IT, emerging technologies, health care, manufacturing, engineering and more. Workforce Development has grant-funded training programs, in addition to dynamic oneday career and skills enhancement courses.

“The Center for Workforce Development evolves with the times, adapting to the ever-changing work environment. For individuals seeking a career change, or for those who are unemployed or underemployed, the Center offers life-changing education and training that can open doors and provide new opportunities for transitioning to a fulfilling career,” commented Irena Kaler, Director of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships.

Beth Rodgers, Associate Director for Workforce Development, works closely with area companies to assess their training and education needs. The Center’s Business Solutions team offers customized training solutions, flexible scheduling, and training delivered at the Randolph Campus, as well as the company site. According to Rodgers, CCM is the number one training provider in the greater Morris County area, having trained over 5,000 individuals this year.

“The Center for Workforce Development offers companies the opportunity to invest in their employees by enhancing their knowledge and skills, increasing productivity and improving retention,” commented Patrick Enright, Vice President of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences. Enright encourages all CCM alumni to investigate The Center for Workforce Development to update and enhance their personal skillset or to utilize the vast array of workforce courses to develop the staff of companies they work for. “The mission of Workforce Development is to help people get a job, get a better job, or do better at the job they’re in,” Enright added.

For the most updated information on what The Center for Workforce Development has to offer, visit www.ccm.edu/workforce/ or contact the center at 973-328-5187.

The CCM Workforce Development team: Vice President Patrick Enright, Administrative Assistant Crystal Lutton, Administrative Assistant Kathy Sheehy, Program Assistant Joanne Louie, Director Irena Kaler, Associate Director Beth Rodgers

County College of Morris Advanced Manufacturing And Engineering Center The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center at CCM, opening in 2020, will feature the latest technology and equipment to prepare the workforce of the future, provide current employees with cutting-edge training, and offer faculty, students, and industry professionals a center for technological collaboration and innovation. The Center will house multiple laboratories for electronics, prototyping, computers, quality control, automation, robotics, materials testing, welding, 3D printing, a MakerSpace, emerging technologies, and more.

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Richard Taylor Selected for Unique Learning Opportunity

By Mary Ann Kiczek Richard Taylor graduated from CCM in 2019 with a degree in Public Administration, and is continuing his studies in Public Administration at Rutgers University. Earlier this year, Taylor completed a two-week international adventure to Tanzabia and Zanzibar with the University’s International Leadership Exchange.

This program, open to international scholars, provides Rutgers students with the opportunity to travel abroad, learn about different cultures, and visit locations of significance. Taylor was one of only eight students selected for this unique learning opportunity.

The key purpose of the trip was to install solar suitcases for communities that do not have access to electricity and, in some cases, running water. A solar suitcase is essentially a power conduit that connects solar panels to a battery source with outlets. “Those outlets provide a source of power for not only laptops, phones and other technology, but also for light, a basic necessity that some cultures don’t have access to,” Taylor was quick to point out.

Richard Taylor formed a close bond with Amani who works at the Corona House in Arusha Tanzania.

When asked about the greatest challenge for creating social change in culturally complex communities like Tanzabia and Zanzibar, Taylor said, “Learn first about the people and their culture before you try to make change in their communities! If you do not understand who they are as people and why they behave as they do, you cannot act as a social change agent for them. Respect begins with understanding. Once you have earned peoples’ respect, they will be willing to hear you out.”

Among the trip’s highlights, Taylor cited experiencing The United Nations International Criminal Court, where the scholars had a privileged tour of the Court’s activities. They also spent a night with the Masai, a local tribe in Africa that lives in clay huts and has little contact with the outside world, and interviewed members of the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights.

In summarizing his global experience, Taylor said, “We achieved many great things throughout the trip, despite the challenges we faced. It was wonderful to be living, loving and learning with other students to make a positive impact on social change.”

In the future, Taylor hopes to become an elected official for the state of New Jersey, where he will continue to do great things for the people of the state he calls home.

Right, top to bottom: Taylor poses at Zanzibar in front of buildings of royalty or very wealthy slave trades from several hundred years ago.

Taylor with guide at the United Nations International Criminal Court.

Taylor with a park ranger for the Ngorongoro National Conservatory who served as tour guide and provided protection from lions, hippos and predators.

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CCM's Historic 50th Commencement

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Creating Relationships with Clients is Key for dMdC Photography

By Mary Ann Kiczek Desiree Martin Del Campo '97 took her first photography class as a sophomore in high school. But her career direction was cemented when she won an award for an image she snapped at Turtle Back Zoo. “What better way to decide what you want to be when you grow up than winning a blue ribbon that probably cost 10 cents?” she commented kiddingly.

In reflecting on her photography course of study at CCM, Martin Del Campo appreciates that CCM gave her the opportunity to learn not only technical aspects of photography, but the artistic side as well. “Classes in painting and in the history of both photography and art were an important part of the curriculum, and they have really influenced the way I see the world through my camera’s view finder,” she commented.

Fond Memories of CCM Photography Assignment One memorable project from college stands out in Martin Del Campo’s mind, “For one of my assignments, I decided to photograph my abuelo and abuelita, which turned out to be a very unnerving experience.

I struggled with providing direction, stressed about getting the lighting just right, and hoped fervently that my settings were correct. My grandparents have both since passed away, and I am so grateful for both the personal time I spent documenting them and the images I now have to treasure.”

After graduation from CCM, Martin Del Campo worked as an associate photographer at several local photography studios. In 2006, she launched her own business – dMdC Photography – after completing extensive research on everything from the best camera equipment to creating a logo and business cards.

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Winner's Circle Desiree Martin Del Campo '97

Early efforts lead to continuing business success One of the challenges Martin Del Campo faced earlyon was gathering enough images to build a credible and effective website. “The images I took while employed by other studios belonged to those owners so they were not available to me,” she explained. But Martin Del Campo was determined, as she worked for free or charged clients very little until she had enough images to create an impressive company website.

A secret to Martin Del Campo’s success is the effort she makes to get to know her clients. She believes that every wedding and portrait is different, and the approach she takes depends on the couple, location, weather, time constraints, and other factors. “I always try to develop a relationship with my clients so they are comfortable with me by the time their portrait or wedding day arrives,” she commented.

Like any business, advances in technology have had a significant impact on dMdC Photography. For Martin Del Campo, it was the move to digital photography that drastically changed her business model. “When I first started photographing weddings, everything was done on film. I would snap 200-300 images, and had to wait for the film to be developed to see the end results. Now there is instant gratification, and the number of images has turned from hundreds to thousands,” she explained.

time with friends and family or taking a delicious siesta. But the majority of her free time involves travel – and quite often that travel is likely to coincide with a half marathon.

She explained, “I had never run a day in my life when I won the lottery to compete in the NYC Marathon.

From that day forward, I ran a race at least once a month.” Martin Del Campo just recently achieved her goal of completing a half marathon in each of the 50 states, and she is just seven half marathons away from completing a total of 100. “I am a perfect example that you are never too old to try something new,” she ended.

You can learn more about dMdC Photography and see the many beautiful images created by Martin Del Campo at www.dmdcphotography.com.

The Rewards of being an Entrepreneur While Martin Del Campo readily admits that it takes her trusty alarm and a diet coke to get her out of bed in the morning, she finds being a business owner to be entirely rewarding. “I like being able to make my own decisions on the type of work I want to do, and I’ve enjoyed meeting so many amazing people. It’s important for me to have the freedom and flexibility to decide what works best – not only for my business – but for me as a person," she commented.

What works for Martin Del Campo as a person is taking “Desiree” days. Those days might be spent working around the house, practicing yoga, watching sports and movies, finding a new craft brewery, spending County College of Morris

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Two CCM Alumni Start Family Scholarships Colleen McArdle ’87 is the CCM Director of Special Events and Foundation Programs and couldn’t think of a better way to pay tribute to her mother. It was

Colleen McArdle (right) with her brother, nephew, neice and late mother Carolyn. also a fitting tribute to the 50th Anniversary of CCM where she has been a staff member, adjunct faculty member, student and theater choreographer for more than 20 years. When McArdle and her brother lost their beloved mother, a lifelong educator, they

knew right away how they wanted to honor her life.

They established the “Carolyn R. McArdle Scholarship” for education! This scholarship is intended to keep her memory alive by helping a student in need achieve the dream of becoming an educator. The first scholarship was awarded to Courtney Kreuger of Long Valley, who is enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program and graduated in May 2019.

Barbara Capsouras ’82, CCM Director of Alumni Relations, along with her daughters Cristina Capsouras ’05 and Alexi Capsouras Doherty, decided that CCM’s 50th Anniversary and the first CCM Giving Day in 2018 would be a wonderful opportunity to establish the “Capsouras Family Scholarship” for a business major student. Barbara has degrees in Business from CCM, Thomas Edison State College and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Cristina’s degrees are humanities/social science from CCM, organizational communication from Ramapo College and she works in the corporate world of ADP. Alexi has an english degree, University of Delaware, her own in-home personal training business, A-Flex Fitness, and works for RAdata, Inc. John Capsouras, until his death in 2012, taught in the business curriculum at Parsippany High School. The Capsouras family is proud to know that deserving CCM business student, Grace McGovern of Sparta, will be the first recipient of this scholarship award.

Barbara Capsouras (middle) with her daughters Alexi Capsouras Doherty and Cristina Capsouras.

Both McArdle and her brother, along with the members of the Capsouras family, are pleased to give students the opportunity to obtain a college education, an opportunity they might not otherwise have without the help of scholarship programs like these and the generosity of so many others who give to the CCM Foundation.

If you would like to establish a scholarship program to honor a loved one and assist students, please contact the Foundation at 973-328-5060 or foundation@ccm.edu.

Nearing its Goal, the 50th Anniversary Forward Campaign Prepares to Shape the Future of CCM The County College of Morris Forward Campaign capital campaign, led by the CCM Foundation, is nearing its goal of $2.1 million, thanks to funds raised by CCM alumni, friends, businesses, corporations and private foundations. The historic multi-million-dollar campaign, announced on May 4, 2018 at the Foundation’s Gala, celebrates the College’s 50th Anniversary and its commitment to shape the future of CCM for the students of today and tomorrow.

“The Forward campaign is an historic effort to support the vision of CCM through philanthropic investments from our community. The Foundation is grateful to all donors who have expressed their confidence in our plans, and we look forward to reaching our goal by year’s end thanks to the generous support of our alumni and the broader community,” commented William McElroy ’83, chair of the CCM Foundation.

A Healthcare Simulation Center will become a reality at CCM through the generous contribution of the Paragano Family Foundation.

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The Forward Campaign is focused on funding facility upgrades, student scholarships and programs. New and improved space and equipment is planned for the new Paragano Family Foundation Healthcare Simulation Center, an enhanced Culinary Arts Training facility, the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering building, and the Investors Bank Cyber Security Suite.

Katie Olsen, Executive Director of the CCM Foundation, noted “the Forward campaign represents the mission of CCM in ensuring that we provide our students with an exceptional educational experience, leading them towards a fulfilling career and life. We are thrilled to be approaching the finish line and invite all who have not done so, to join in moving CCM forward!”

To learn more about the Forward campaign, please visit: www.ccm.edu/ forward. To confidentially discuss making a gift or pledge to the Forward campaign, please contact Katie Olsen at 973-328-5060.

15-Year-Old Paul Michael Corrente Jr. Graduates Summa Cum Laude

By Mary Ann Kiczek When Paul Michael Corrente Jr. was in fifth grade, his mother received a phone call from his teacher encouraging her to find a way to address her son’s high learning ability. In response, she began supplementing his learning by homeschooling Corrente at the high school level and enrolling him in the County College of Morris Challenger Program. As a result, he finished eighth grade as he also completed his high school education through homeschooling. In Fall 2018, Corrente became a full-time student at CCM. The Challenger Program at CCM provides high school students the opportunity to enrich their education through college-level coursework at CCM. Students can explore courses in general education, including options in English, math, and science, as well areas such as art, social sciences, technology, and languages. It also affords them the chance to experience the college campus environment. More than 300 students participate in the Challenger Program each year.

During his enrollment at CCM, Corrente participated in a number of extracurricular activities, including serving as vice president of Alpha Mu Gamma, the national foreign language honor society. He was also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an honor society that helps college students to achieve their goals, and was elected a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

On Friday, May 24, 2019, at age 15, Corrente was awarded an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the college’s 50th Commencement Ceremony at Mennen Arena. He graduated summa cum laude with a 3.973 grade point average.

Corrente is now attending Seton Hall University, working towards a bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a doctor.

In describing his experience as a CCM Challenger Program student, Corrente said, “CCM offered a really positive environment. The professors are amazing and they teach in a way that raises you to their level. The students also help one another because everyone wants one another to succeed.”

We have a day for giving thanks and two for bargain shopping (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). Now we have “Giving Tuesday!” – a day dedicated to impacting the lives of our students through giving! This is a national day to celebrate generosity. It gives the CCM community a chance to come together and give back to make an impact.

Last year, we launched our first ever Giving Tuesday, and more than 45 donors generously responded by giving over $5,000! We want to raise that bar this year to an even greater goal and surpass our inaugural success! We need you to help us achieve this! Every gift, from every donor, counts!

Gifts made through December 3 will count toward our Giving Tuesday goal!

Your gift is a way of ensuring CCM students’ dreams come true! Donate easily at this link :https://lnkd.in/eP-BHyu hashtag#CCMGivingDay

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graduate

Updates

The following class notes information was obtained from submitted Alumni Update forms.

Graduates who completed work for their CCM degrees in December are officially recorded and listed under January of the following year.

By Barbara Capsouras

1970

1997

2014

Betty Lou (Bortnick) Stewart graduated from the first class of CCM with an A.A. in humanities/social science.

After graduating from Newark State College (now Kean University) in 1972 with a teaching degree, she began teaching language arts and social studies in Allamuchy NJ. Stewart lived in Budd Lake and Long Valley before moving to Southern Pines NC where she taught third grade for 29 years. She retired five years ago after a very rewarding career. Stewart has many fond memories of her two years at CCM. CCM provided her with the tools to be successful in a four-year institution and many opportunities for forming friendships and becoming involved in organizations. She was recently reminded of those fnd memories when she found old yearbooks and Youngtown newspapers as she prepared to downsize. Stewart fondly remembers Randy Rucker, then Coordinator of Student Activities, who, along with Joseph Nazzaro, coordinator of Financial Aid and Placement, were always active on campus.

Heather Dempsey earned an A.A. in humanities/social science, followed by a B.A. in anthropology in 2001 from Montclair State University and an MBA in international business in 2012 from Liberty University. Dempsey is a teacher’s assistant for the Kinnelon Board of Education, and also works as a paraprofessional/ABA therapist for Erica Tober ABA Consulting.

Nicholas Zanoni graduated with an A.S. in business administration. At CCM, he was a NJ Stars student, captain of the ice hockey team, member of Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma, and was named NJCAA All American in 2014. In 2016, Zanoni graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.S. in economics and where he was a member of the club ice hockey team and the Residence Housing Association. Since 2015, Zanoni has been employed by Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Advisor/College Unit Director.

1982 Elizabeth Macierowski earned an AAS in computer information systems. She continued her education at the College of St. Elizabeth earning a B.S. with honors in Business with a CIS concentration & gerontology certificate in 1994. Macierowski is a paramedic with St. Clare’s Health.

1987 E. Michele Anderson received an AAS in nursing. She also received a B.S. in Community Health Education. Anderson is ANCC Med/Surg certified, and currently works in Ocean Medical Center in Brick NJ as a Utilization RN.

1992 Ellen Bihler obtained an AAS in nursing. Bihler is employed at Matheny Medical & Educational Center as a staff RN.

1993 Jill Ann (DeFabrizio) Divone graduated with an A.A. in humanities science. Then, Divone studied business administration/ organizational theory at Thomas Edison State College. DiVone had a long career as a credit manager before owning her own business and starting a new career at Subaru 17 years ago. In her current role as Government Relations Analyst for Subaru of America Inc., she often travels for regulatory meetings. Divone has been named mentor of young people for Subaru Women's Group.

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2009 Amber (Marsano) Tappen, Esq. received an A.S. in criminal justice. She then received a B.S. in 2011 in criminology with a minor in political science from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).

In 2014, Tappen received a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law. At CCM, she was a recipient of the Morris County Police Chief’s scholarship. At TCNJ, she was a Jeffery R. Ralston Scholar, and at Widener she was honored with an Outstanding Student Service Award. Last year, Tappen joined Cigna Global Health Benefits as an attorney. Previously, she worked at AmeriHealth Caritas as an Enterprise Compliance and Regulatory Affairs analyst and for the Superior Court of New Jersey as a Judicial law Clerk to the Honorable Michael Paul Wright, J.S.C.

2016 Cody Katzenberger graduated with an A.A. in humanities/social science. He received a B.A. in sports management from William Paterson University. He recently joined the staff of The Madison Area YMCA as the Sports Associate. After playing for almost 20 years, Cody began his coaching career at CCM and then spent four seasons with Morris Catholic High School. Katzenberger currently coaches lacrosse and other sports classes to children at the Madison Area YMCA.

2010

2019

Sarah Kagan earned an A.A. in humanities/social science. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in Community and Public Health at the University of the People and Certification in Nutritional Health Coaching from Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Kagan recently joined Thrive Wellness Center in the role of office support/social media. She is also a live chat associate with JetSpring.

She was previously employed by Navient as a loan servicing specialist and a customer care specialist. Kagan currently resides in Pennsylvania.

Stephanie Odeluga earned an AAS in nursing. She is currently attending Rutgers University studying to obtain a BSN She is a registered nurse at Fresenius Medical Care North America. Her previous employment included a position as a certified nursing assistant at Genesis Healthcare System and receptionist at Happy Smile Dental Clinic.

Thomas Schumacker earned an A.A. humanities/social science. He continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University graduating with a B.A. in history in 2013. Schumacker holds the title of Demand Chain Management Analyst and is employed by Dollar General in Tennessee. Earlier employment includes Supply Chain Analyst at Mars and Unemployment Insurance Claims Analyst at Thomas & Thorngren.

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Kara (Rivera) Targia received an A.A. in humanities/social science. At Alba Wine and Spirits, she serves as a customer service agent. Since 2009, she has been a recruiter, administrative assistant, sales coordinator and customer care coordinator at various companies.

in memoriam 1974 – William Darnall, A.A. biology 1979 – Lorene Lutz, A.A. humanities/social science 1986 – Tammy Dolan, A.S. business administration 1996 – James Roberts, AAS nursing 2001 – Sasha Truesdale, A.A. humanities/social science 2015 – Zackery Clegg, A.S. engineering science

Art Entrepreneur Who Connects Common Visions of Creative Minds

By Mary Ann Kiczek Tatev Yeghiazaryan '07 was born in Armenia in 1987 to a family of artists. She showed a great interest in music and began classical lessons in voice and piano at the age of six.

Today, Yeghiazaryan, who goes by the performance name Tatev, is a composer, performer, pianist, vocalist and a music educator based in New York City. Over the course of her career, she has performed individually, as well as collaboratively with artists, movie directors and dance companies throughout the U.S., Europe and Colombia. She is adamant about her music not being categorized in any specific genre for her influences and inspirations are from a broad spectrum of genres and experiences.

Tatev released World Flight, her first EP, on August 10 and is currently working on her second. You can listen and learn more about Tatev at tatevsound.com Many of Tatev’s compositions are written to ornate and strengthen the visual experience of motion pictures. She has composed original scores for numerous award-winning shorts and animations.

Tatev earns prestigious Motion Pictures Award

Princess Tamar’s statue holding fire for her lover to see in the lake at night time.

In 2018, Music of Armenia commissioned Tatev to write and record the vocals for the “Sounds of Sevan” project, which won the London International Motion Pictures Award in the summer of 2019. This project was the first artistic collaboration to acquaint the legend of Akhtamar of Lake Sevan to the international scene. Tatev’s voice was to portray the lament of princess Tamar over the death of her love, a common fisherman whom she was forbidden to see.

Tatev Gives CCM Professors High Marks After moving to the United States in 2003, Tatev attended County College of Morris, graduating in 2007 with an AA in Music and a major in Classical Piano Performance. “CCM was a heavenly break from the non-creative high school atmosphere I escaped from when I first moved to NJ. I remember my years at CCM with joy and gratitude. I learned traditional four-part writing, much about music theory/harmony, and smooth voice leading. I listened to ensembles I never heard before. Most importantly, thanks to Dr. Gradone, I started to see the limitless power of our mind if open energy and practice is consistently attained,” she commented.

Tatev continued, “I learned much about classical singing and how to preserve my already weakened vocal cords from Professor Mammon, the "godmother" of our department. I shall never forget my private lessons and our incredible Form & Analyses classes with the coolest piano teacher I’ve ever had, Professor Bilotti. He never severed my love for not only music in general, but classical piano studies by concentrating on technical details that I never quite mastered in certain composers’ works. I continue to be great friends with many of my CCM classmates, which is very important to me.”

Tatev is a 2009 full-scholarship graduate of the Jazz Studies program at William Paterson University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She was a chosen Fellow for OneBeat Colombia 2019 - an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Colombia’s Culture Department. OneBeat supports an innovative approach to music diplomacy that builds mutually reinforcing networks comprised of powerful interconnected leaders who are committed to free artistic expression, collaboration and making a positive impact on local and global communities.

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athletics

By David Artuso

CCM Golf Team Powers Way To Conference And Region Titles

Baseball Captures Regular Season Titles In Conference, Region; Eberly Named Coach of The Year Take an offense that scores in double digits in 18 of 39 games, a pitchingdefense combination that shuts out opponents 11 times, and a head coach who wins a coveted award in his 10th season, and what do you have?

A successful Spring for the CCM baseball team.

The Titans, under 10th-year head coach Brian Eberly, put together an impressive 32-17 record this past season. That was good enough to capture the Garden State Athletic Conference title and earn the top seed in the Region XIX Tournament. It also earned for Eberly the region’s Coach of the Year honors.

Different day, different stars.

That’s how the dream-like post-season went for the CCM golf team, which for the second time since 2007 rolled to both the conference and region championships in the same season, earning a place in the national championship.

Sean Roberts

The team’s overall record for the year was 36–1 with the only loss coming at the hands of Ocean County College by two strokes back in mid-March.

Galloping Hills Golf Course was a special place for the team this spring, with both championships being played at the course. In the first, the Garden State Athletic Conference Championships on April 23, sophomore Kyle Kepler, of Wharton, led the way with a first-place finish, shooting a 74.

Titans’ sophomore Tommy Apostolico, of Sparta, shot 79, and freshmen Nick Axelson, of Succasunna, and Ricky Christensen, of Little Falls, each card a 79 as CCM won going away. The Titans earned sweet revenge on Ocean by topping the second-place finishers by 19 strokes.

Brandon Magnotta

After tying Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania at the Region XIX qualifier on May 2 at High Bridge Hills Golf Club (thanks to freshmen Ryan Ruban, of Oak Ridge, with a score of 78), both teams entered the region championships sharing the No. 1 seed.

On day one, Kepler again led the way with a 75 as CCM grabbed a 10-stroke advantage going into the tourney’s second day. Freshmen Christensen and Axelson took control day two, shooting 75 and 78 respectively, sealing the championship for the Titans by a 20-stroke margin and vaulting CCM into the NJCAA Division III National Championships at Chautauqua Golf Club in New York.

Nate Miller

Nolan Leger County College of Morris

| Alumni advocate

Brandon Magnotta, a sophomore outfielder from Jefferson, earned a GSAC Player of the Week accolade in late February for hitting .583 over four games. In those games, Magnotta clubbed two doubles and a home run, knocked in 10 runs and scored four times. His week was fueled by a 4-for-6, 7-RBI performance in a 21-4 rout of John Wood Community College.

Late in March, Nate Miller, a freshman third baseman from Morris Plains, earned conference Player of the Week honors by hitting .461—including three doubles, a triple and a home run—and driving in six runs in addition to four runs scored.

And in early April, freshman pitcher Nolan Leger, of Bridgewater, helped CCM to a 4-2 week by tossing a complete-game shutout as the Titans edged Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), 1-0.

Leger allowed the RCBC Barons just four hits and a walked one batter while striking out four.

Late in the season, CCM won eight consecutive games but then lost at Brookdale in its season finale. In the region tournament, the top-seeded Titans defeated RCBC, 4-3, in 11 innings but then dropped a 10-4 decision to Lackawanna and ended its season with an 8-6 loss to Mercer County College.

CCM wasn’t lacking for individual honors, either. Kepler was named first-team all-conference and second-team all-region. Apostolico joined him as a GSAC first-teamer and earned a spot on the region’s third team. Axelson was named a second-team start for both the conference and region, and Christensen earned honors to the GSAC second team and All-Region first team.

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The Titans had several players win awards during the season. Early in the season, sophomore righthander Sean Roberts, of Lake Hopatcong, earned Garden State Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week after a 2-0 victory over Rochester Community and Technical College. In the game he allowed just two hits, struck out nine and walked only two batters over 6 2/3 innings. Roberts later tossed a one-hit, 2-0 shutout over Lackawanna in the second game of a double-header on March 28.

the Titan Tradition continues Softball Team, Head Coach, Enjoy Dream Season With Title After Title Quick: Name something the CCM softball team and their head coach, Greg Wardlow, didn’t achieve last spring. Too late; time’s up.

Katlyn Lloyd

CCM rolled to a 42-10 record, won the Garden State Athletic Conference title, captured the Division II Region XIX championship, the National Junior College Athletic Association District 2 title after dropping the first game of a best-of-three final, and earned a berth in the National Junior College World Series for the first time since 1991.

If that mouthful of championships weren’t enough, along the way Wardlow eclipsed 400 victories for his remarkable career and earned Region XIX Coach of the Year honors.

Kelly Faber

And still that wasn’t enough. Sophomore outfielder Katlyn Lloyd, who came into the season as the reigning Player of the Year for both the conference and region, earned a spot on the Division II AllAmerica team. Lloyd was also honored in May with fellow conference athletes at a National Women in Sport Day event at Seton Hall University.

Softball Coach Greg Wardlow Eclipses 400-Victory Mark Friday, April 19 was an historic day for the CCM softball program.

That afternoon the Lady Titans, on their way to a 42-10 record that included conference, region and district championships and a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series, swept a doubleheader from Raritan Valley Community College.

But the confetti that hit the air after the final out of the second game had special meaning. It was Coach Greg Wardlow celebrating Lady Titans head coach Greg Wardlow.

With the sweep, the Mount Freedom resident reached the 400-victory mark for his coaching career.

“All of his 400 wins are a testament to his dedication and hard work,” praised Jack Sullivan, CCM’s director of athletics. “Coach Wardlow puts a lot of time and effort into this softball program. I am very proud to work with him and also proud that he represents CCM on the field. This accomplishment doesn’t happen overnight.”

Wardlow joined the Titans in 2005. His coaching background includes 25 years as player/manager for the Kings Athletic Club of Central Jersey, a highly successful men’s softball team. Wardlow also served as head coach of the 18U Old Bridge Knights, winning two Central Jersey championships in the New York/New Jersey travel league.

Lloyd, pitcher Kelly Faber, who was 22-0 at one point in the season, and infielder Jonnalyn McClain also earned all-Garden State Athletic Conference honors.

Jonnalyn McClain

County College of Morris

| Alumni advocate | 13 |

County College of Morris Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame County College of Morris (CCM) held its first-ever Hall of Fame to recognize key individuals who have contributed to the growth and the success of the college’s Titans athletic teams. The ceremony took place Saturday, November 16, 2019 at The Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, NJ. A cocktail hour, dinner and program rounded out the evening.

The inaugural class of 2019 inductees were: • Jack Martin who served as CCM athletic director from 1968 to 2002.

• George Dragonetti who served as CCM’s first vice president of student affairs from 1969 to 1990.

• Former CCM athletes: Rebecca Caruso Williams ’01, Softball; Ed Higdon ’75, Hockey; Dennis Mack ’69, Baseball; Terry Ryan ’75 (posthumous), Basketball; Dirk Swaneveld ’74, Soccer; and Clarence White ’75, Basketball.

HALL OF

FAME

• Teams: ’85 Men’s Baseball and ’08 Men’s Soccer. ob Natarelli posthumously was recognized with B the Hockey Contribution Award for his years of service and dedication to the CCM Hockey Team as a volunteer goaltending coach and mentor to countless CCM student athletes both on and off the ice. As a result of Natarelli’s diligence and

attention to detail, CCM Hockey produced multiple All-American goalies, as well as over a dozen AllConference netminders in the mid-1970s.

Ex-Titan Stars Selected in Major League Baseball Draft A pair of 2017 CCM graduates have started down the road that could eventually take them to “The Show.”

Lebanon’s Shayne Fontana, a former center fielder for the Titans, was selected by the Baltimore Orioles of the American League East in the 23rd round of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft in June. Righthanded pitcher Tyler Poulin, who hails from Randolph, was selected in the 29th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who play in the National League West.

Fontana, who received an associate degree in Criminal Justice from CCM, recently graduated from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Poulin received his associate degree in Business Administration from CCM and then transferred and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

“The selections of Shayne Fontana and Tyler Poulin in the 2019 MLB Draft are tremendous accomplishments for these student-athletes, their families and

our program,” said Brian Eberly, CCM head baseball coach and Region XIX Division II 2019 Coach of the Year in his 10th season at the helm of the Titans. “It’s further evidence of CCM attracting and developing top-notch talent.”

In its proud history, the CCM baseball program has produced more than 50 professional players and has earned three trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series. In addition, CCM has produced more Major League Baseball players than any other New Jersey junior college.

During the 2017 season, the Titans went 41-8, winning a Garden State Athletic Conference title and finished the year ranked eighth in the nation.

“Poulin was a dominant presence on the mound for us that year,” says Eberly. “Fontana is a tremendous athlete. Not only did he continue to grow as an athlete, but he worked very hard to improve academically, as well. I am very proud of both these young men.”

Yankees/CCM College Hat Day On August 16, 2019, 70 County College of Morris alumni, students, staff and friends enjoyed watching the Yankees play the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium as part of College Hat Day, a new program.

For the first time, Alumni Relations and Campus Life coordinated the trip, giving the entire campus community the opportunity to participate. Tickets were offered online through the Yankees, and everyone who purchased seats through this offer received a special New York Yankees Hat with the CCM Titan Logo! Tickets were offered in several sections and price ranges, with additional options for all-inclusive Masterpass Batters Eye Deck pregame receptions. Bus transportation from CCM was available for a separate price.

On a beautiful evening a large group sat in Section 132, cheering on the players. What better way to end the night?

Yankees won!

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County College of Morris

| Alumni advocate

What’s New at CCM Mount Olive School District and County College of Morris Partner on Dual Enrollment Agreement

County College of Morris (CCM) and the Mt. Olive School District recently launched Titans Express, the college’s first dual enrollment partnership.

Through the partnership, CCM provides Mt. Olive High School students with a pathway to start earning college credits, while exploring college and career options. Mt. Olive High School students take college courses identical in content to CCM classes at half the in-county tuition rate.

Classes at the high school are taught by Mt. Olive High School teachers working collaboratively with CCM professors. Four courses are being offered: Audio Engineering, Music Theory, Industrial Design and Advanced Art, with additional courses to come.

Washington Monthly Ranking Places CCM 12th in Nation The Washington Monthly has ranked County College of Morris 12th in the nation in its 2019 ranking of community colleges that best serve adult learners. This is the third consecutive year that Washington Monthly has ranked CCM as one of “America’s Best Colleges for Adult Learners.”

Metrics considered in the ranking included the ease of enrollment and transfer, program flexibility, services for adult students, the percentage of adult learners at the college, the graduation rate of part-time students and the median earnings of adult students 10 years after entering the college.

CCM plans to expand the program to other high schools in the area. The college also offers a number of other programs for high school students.

To qualify, students must have a family adjusted gross income of no more than $65,000, not already have an

for Adult Learners

The Washington Monthly, is a bimonthly nonprofit magazine of United States politics and government that is based in Washington DC, and is known for its annual ranking of American colleges and universities.

Alumni update County College of Morris

New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant Offers Tuition Assistance for Eligible Students

Now that the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) has expanded to all county colleges in the state, County College of Morris (CCM) is offering this tuition assistance program to students.

A Top Community College

In order to keep our records up-to-date, we’d like to know where you are and what you are doing. We’d appreciate it if you would take a minute to fill out this form, include a photo if possible, and mail it to: T he CCM Alumni Association, HH 211 County College of Morris Or submit electronically, on-line, at 214 Center Grove Road https://forms.gle/yZ2XnuPNY5AASJK3A Randolph, NJ 07869-2086

associate or b a c h e l o r ’s degree, be registered for 6–18 credits, and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (New Jersey Dreamers are to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.)

Date:________________ Last 4 digits of Social Security #: X X X - X X - ______________________________ Name:____________________________ _____________________________ _______________________ ____ Last Maiden First MI Address:______________________________________________________________________________________

Those in the workforce who would like to earn or complete their college degree also may quality. For more information, visit www.ccm.edu/ccog.

City:_____________________________________________________ State:_______ Zip:__________________ Are you receiving the Alumni Advocate at this address?

l Yes

l No

Home Phone:________________________________ Business Phone:________________________________

CCM Receives Grant from U.S. Department of Labor to Provide National Apprenticeship Model

Email address:________________________________________________________________________________

County College of Morris (CCM) has been awarded a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) to expand apprenticeship programs for the industry. “The apprenticeship model offers a unique opportunity to blend classroom learning with direct workplace experience,” commented the NJ Secretary of Higher Education, Zakiya Smith Ellis.

“We are excited about the opportunities this program will provide.”

Additional College(s), Year of graduation, degree, major: __________________________________________

institutions and the private and public sectors.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

CCM will lead a consortium of New Jersey community colleges to build a network of apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing as part of a project called Career Advance USA. CCM was one of only 23 academic institutions nationwide to receive the USDOL grant.

Current Employer and Job Title: _______________________________________________________________ Please give us an update on recent accomplishments (for possible inclusion in the Alumni Advocate). _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

The German American Chamber of Commerce, a central partner in the grant, will bring extensive experience with the German apprenticeship training model to the consortium’s efforts to build a national model for apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

$

The grant program focuses on apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, information technology and health care. The program supports partnerships among educational

Year Graduated:_________ Major/Degree: ______________________________________________________

County College of Morris

| Alumni advocate | 15 |

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Dover, N.J. 07801 Permit No. 263

214 Center Grove Road Randolph, NJ 07869-2086

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Notice to parents of Alumni: If you are receiving the Alumni Advocate and would like it sent directly to your child, send us your child’s new address. Thank you.

Campus

Events

CCM FOUNDATION AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Giving Tuesday https://www.ccm.edu/donate/ Tuesday, December 3 Scholarship Gala and Alumni Awards

Spring Musical: “Big Fish” April 1 - 4, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

(Alumni Night, Friday, April 3) Festival of the Americas April 19, 2020, 12:00 p.m.

Cabaret Theatre Performance

Thursday, May 7, 2020, 6:00 p.m.

April 27-28, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Commencement and Diploma Frame Sale

CCM Spring Music Concert

May 22, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

THE ARTS AT CCM CCM Winter Music Concert December 6, 7:30 p.m.

CCM Music Theatre Drama: “Miracle on 34th Street” December 12-14, 7:30 p.m.

Dance Theatre “First Look” December 16-17, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 Leave CCM Health Phys/Ed Bldg. at 4:00 p.m. • Leave Radio City at 9:30 p.m.

May 1, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Price includes round trip transportation by charter bus, Orchestra seating.

Dance Theatre Concert

Tickets: $95 Alumni • $97 Guests

May 8-9, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Must be a CCM alumnus(a) to order tickets, MAXIMUM 4. Tickets must be used by the CCM alumnus(a) purchaser and his/her guests. Must show a valid CCM Alumni Identification Card to board bus. If you need a new card, please include $5 replacement fee with your ticket payment.

LONGO PLANETARIUM A Holiday Under the Stars December 13, 7:00 p.m.

December 14, 3 and 5:00 p.m.

Please send order form below with check payable to CCM. Be sure to include your Student I.D.# or the last four digits of your S.S.# and your cell phone number. Tickets will be sent out in the order requests are received. Order early; limited seating available.

For more information call 973-328-5059.

(Reservations must now be purchased at this website: https://bookstore.ccm.edu/ longo-planetarium)

$ RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 Additional forms online at https://forms.gle/dfbZncN21oS7utTCA Name:____________________________________________________________________ No. of Tickets:__________

Alumni Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973-328-5059 Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973-328-5253 CCM Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973-328-5060 General Information on Campus Events (Campus Life) . . . . . . . 973-328-5225 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973-328-5427 Planetarium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973-328-5076 Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973-328-5054

Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone:____________________________________ Cell Phone #:____________________________________ Amount Check Enclosed $____________ Email Address:________________________________________________ Student ID or S.S.# (last 4 digits)__________________ Make check payable to CCM and mail to: Alumni Director, HH Suite 211, County College of Morris 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, NJ 078692086

heck here if you need a new l CAlumni I.D. Card (Add $5 Fee)