Volume 7, No.4	April 2009

Spring is here! Welcome to our monthly E-Newsletter, an overview of news and activities at ECC. We encourage you to learn more about our College by going through the rest of our web site.

Enlarge This Image Trustee Sheila Baynes flanked by ECC’s Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Vernell Patrick and Board Counsel Juan Fernandez.

Trustees Welcome New Member

Sheila T. Baynes, former executive director of Newark Emergency Services for Families, was sworn in as the newest member of the Board of Trustees on March 24.

Baynes brings extensive administrative and financial experience to her role as trustee. She has worked in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors and previously served as a financial consultant for Salomon Smith Barney in Florham Park and as a Vice President of Wachovia Bank in Summit.

Registration for Summer and Fall

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Web registration is ongoing through May 6 for the Summer I term, through July 9 for Summer II, and through September 11 for the Fall 2009 semester. In person registration will be on April 30 and May 1 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) for Summer I, II, and Fall 2009 at both campuses. In person late registration for Summer II will be on July 6 & 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Classes for Summer I will be from May 4 – June 22 and for Summer II, from July 8 – August 18. Fall 2009 classes are from September 8 – December 21.

Transfer students must have received transfer credit for mathematics and English; otherwise, they must take the placement test which will be scheduled as needed. For more registration-related information, contact Enrollment Services at (973) 877-3100 (Main Campus) or (973) 877-6590 (West Essex Campus).

Enlarge This Image Sebastian Medina

ECC Student Selected as a Coca Cola National Finalist

Architecture major and Vice President of ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Sebastian Medina has just been selected as a 2009 Coca-Cola National finalist based on scores earned in the All USA Academic team competition. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by the national Phi Theta Kappa honor Society. As a finalist, Medina will receive a check for $1,000.

Leo Foundation Scholarship Winners

Enlarge This Image From left, Sebastian Medina, Nirmala Ramberran, A. John Gambro, foundation president, and Martha Scola

On March 9, the Leo Foundation, a nonprofit group based in Cedar Grove, awarded scholarships of $600 each to five ECC students. The recipients are Sebastian Medina (Architecture), Martha C. Scola (Engineering and Mathematics), Nan (Nikki) Dong (Mathematics), Kodjovi A. Quenum (Engineering and Mathematics), and Nirmala Ramberran (Mathematics). The selection criteria were academic merit, major in engineering technologies or mathematics, and plans to continue baccalaureate studies upon graduation from Essex.

 

 

Enlarge This Image Bertheleau Ngakham

 

 

 

ECC Grad Excels at Cornell

Bertheleau Ngakham (Class of 2007 valedictorian), an undergraduate at Cornell, has been selected by the university as a Cornell Hughes Undergraduate Research Scholar for the summer of 2009. He was chosen based on his grades in science courses, personal and project statements, and commitment to research as a career.

In the notification letter, Cornell’s Director of Undergraduate Research and Outreach wrote, “With the competition this year, you should be very proud of your acceptance. I have nominated you to receive funding from the Genentech Foundation. This funding will pay you a $3,500 stipend and will support you to present your work at the Annual Biomedical Research Meeting for Minority Students which is being held in Phoenix, Arizona in early November.”

College Access Challenge Grant

The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education has awarded ECC a federal one-year College Access Challenge Grant of $10,000 to assist seniors in high school and their parents/ guardians in completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial aid consideration.

New Affiliation Agreements in the Health Sciences

ECC’s A.A.S degree Radiography program has entered into a partnership with Jersey City Medical Center. The agreement allows the students to gain clinical laboratory experience at the medical center.

The A.A.S. degree Nursing program has similarly entered into an affiliation agreement with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey which allows the nursing students to obtain clinical laboratory experience at the UMDNJ University Hospital.

ECC’s A.A.S. degree Physical Therapist Assistant program has likewise entered into an agreement with the Institute of Physical Therapy in North Arlington, allowing PTA students to obtain clinical laboratory experience at the institute. The PTA students will also have the opportunity to gain clinical laboratory experience at any of the Concentra Inc. d.b.a. Concentra Medical Centers in New Jersey, based on an affiliation agreement with the centers.

ECC's 40th Anniversary Celebration

As part of the year-long celebration of ECC’s 40th anniversary, there will be a special Madi Gras Party on May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Burch Theater and the Level II Forum, main Newark campus. It will be an evening of performances, dinner, and dancing, with proceeds from the event to benefit the college’s Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from the 5th Floor captains Lisa Padilla and Patricia Vaden. Join the fun as we celebrate this milestone and ECC’s vital role as a leading educational provider for the greater Essex County community.

PTK Project with American History High School

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ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society recently sponsored a joint leadership program, “Principal for a Day,” with Newark’s American History High School National Honor Society.

As part of the program, our honor students organized a contest for high school students; The teens were charged with the task of proposing ways to improve their school. Student participants made presentations and displays covering such topics as school safety, curriculum, recycling, and extracurricular activities. Their projects were evaluated by the PTK chapter and awards were presented to the winners Donya Bunn, Takiyah Gooden, and Deborah Pierre.

All participants were awarded certificates for their time and dedication to the project. Among those attending were ECC students and faculty, American History High School students, the American History High School Principal Robert Gregory, and the National Honor Society Advisor Ashley Burroughs.

Public Health in Action Conference

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s School of Health Related Professions will be holding a conference at ECC on April 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Siegler Hall at the Newark campus, to promote public health career opportunities to undergraduates. The free program, open to the public, will present the practices of local and state health experts through panel discussions, poster presentations, and mock exercises.

ECC Student Athletes Win Two Individual Titles

ECC’s track and field standouts Natasha Ruddock and Sasha-Kay Matthias captured individual titles at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Track and Field Championships held March 6-7 at Texas Tech University. Sophomore Ruddock set a national junior college record in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 7.66 seconds. At last year’s indoor championships she won the 60-meter hurdles. Fellow sophomore Matthias won the long jump, improving on last year’s effort
when she came in second. Lady Wolverine Akeisha Dumont came in third in the 400-meter dash. The ECC women scored a total of 26 points, finishing 11th out of 29 teams scoring.

On the men’s side, sophomore Demetrius Pinder finished second in the 400 meters, while Ryker Hylton came in sixth. The men scored 11 points, coming in 18th out of 29 teams scoring.

Both squads are coached by Michael Smart. Ruddock, Pinder, and Matthias will be transfering to Texas A&M University this fall to continue both their academics and athletics.

ECC Professor to Perform in Concert at the College

Professor Richard Alston, music coordinator at ECC, will be the featured pianist in the concert/lecture “Classically Black” on April 9, 2:30 p.m. in the Dasher Student Center, Newark campus. He will perform the works of composers of African descent. Admission is free and open to the public.

March Events

Enlarge This Image Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Induction Ceremony, March 5		Enlarge This Image Presentation by Professor Mamie Bridgeforth at the Women’s History Month Celebration Luncheon, March 25
Enlarge This Image Janice Kovach, Director of the NJ Division on Women held a Dialogue on Women’s Concerns, Life, Future – March 11		Enlarge This Image Newark City Councilwoman Mildred Crump flanked by Carol Lucas from My Sistahz Keeper Association and Luz Class, Director of ECC’s WISE Women’s Center, at the March 7 Women’s History Month Celebration
Enlarge This Image Deputy Mayor of Newark Margarita Muniz at the Women’s Empowerment Forum, March 28		Enlarge This Image Ursula Liebowitz, founder of the Essex County Rape Care Center, spoke about Rape and its Aftermath  - March 18
Enlarge This Image Leslie Morris, author of How Ya Like Me Now,  recounted her personal journey at the March 7 Women’s History Month Celebration Enlarge This Image Sharon McClain, Coordinator for Self Employment Assistance Program, addressing the topic, The New Face of Business: Women – March 4 Enlarge This Image Poet and author Amini Baraka (wife of poet and playwright Amiri Barka) read from her own works, Women's Voices program, March 26
Enlarge This Image Presentation by poet, actress, and singer Shanelle Gabriel, Women’s Voices program, March 26	Enlarge This Image Singer Lady Rose (from Newark) at the Women’s Empowerment Forum, March 28	Enlarge This Image Pastor Pamela Jones from Churches in Cooperation Inc. (Newark) at the Women’s Empowerment Forum, March 28
Enlarge This Image Trailblazers Luncheon honoring ECC Pioneers, March 18		Enlarge This Image Child Development Center Extravaganza , March 26

Upcoming ECC Events

Proofreading and Editing II Sponsored by Evening & Weekend College	April 1 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.	Essex Room Main Campus
Study Abroad Program Workshop Sponsored by the Bilingual Studies Department	April 1 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.	Multipurpose Room-A West Essex Campus
Open House	April 2 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.	Multipurpose Room West Essex Campus
ECC Information Fair	April 2 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.	2nd Level Forum Main Campus
Diversity Day Sponsored by Student Life & Activities	April 2 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Smith 2131 Lecture Hall Main Campus
Community Day	April 2 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	2nd Level Forum Main Campus
Annual High School Writing Contest	April 3	Main Campus
Health & Wellness Symposium Sponsored by the Africana Institute	April 4 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Smith 2131 Main Campus
World Championship Grappling Tournament	April 4 &5 8:00 a.m.	Physical Education Building Main Campus
Study Abroad Program Workshop Sponsored by the Bilingual Studies Department	April 6 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	2nd Level Forum  Main Campus
How to Write a Resume workshop Sponsored by Student Life & Activities	April 7 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Multipurpose Room West Essex Campus
Summer Program for Kids  Information Night	April 7 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Multipurpose Room-A West Essex Campus
SGA Debate	April 7-9 2:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.	Main Dining Hall Main Campus
Math Department Equation Tournament	April 8 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Center for Technology Main Campus
Middle School Play Sponsored by the North Star Academy	April 9 6:00 p.m.	Smith 2131 Main Campus
Mixed Martial Arts Karriem ABdAllah Production	April 10 7:00 p.m.
Real World Connections Sponsored by the Career Resource Center	April 15 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	2nd Level Forum Main Campus
African Consciousness Movie Matinee Sponsored by the Africana Institute	April 15 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Africana Institute Main Campus
Evening & Weekend College and Career Resource Center Evening Transfer Fair	April 15 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.	2nd Level Forum, Main Campus
African Consciousness Movie Matinee Sponsored by the Africana Institute	April 16 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Africana Institute Main Campus
Spring Festival Cookout Sponsored by Student Life & Activities	April 16 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Outside Grounds West Essex Campus
Spring Festival Cookout Sponsored by Student Life & Activities	April 17 12:30 p.m.	Megastructure Courtyard Main Campus
Latino Open House	April 17 2:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Smith 2131 and Siegler 2132 Main Campus
Senator Lipman Saturday Seminar	April 18 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus
College Open House	April 18 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	2nd Level Forum Main Campus
Child Development Center Magic Show	April 20 10:00 a.m.	Smith 2131 Main Campus
ECC Board of Trustees Meeting	April 21 2:00 p.m.	Dasher Student Center Main Campus
U.S. Dept. of Labor Health Benefits Law Seminar	April 22 & 23 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Smith 2131 Main Campus
Next Step Program Recognition Ceremony Sponsored by Community & Continuing Ed.	April 23 1:00 p.m.	4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus
Annual Spring Fair Sponsored by St. Rose of Lima School	April 25 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.	Physical Education Building Main Campus
Business Preparation Workshop	April 25 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.	Multipurpose Room – A West Essex Campus
Stop the Self Genocide Symposium	April 25 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Smith 2131 Main Campus
Ecuadorian Election	April 26 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.	Physical Education Building Main Campus
Public Health in Action Seminar, Sponsored by UMDNJ School of Health Related Professions	April 28 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Siegler 2132 Main Campus
The Death Penalty for Who: Race Matters? Sponsored by the Africana Institute	April 29 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.	Smith 2131 Main Campus

Community Event

Why Whales and Birds Sing Speaker:  David Rothenberg, Dept. of Humanities, NJIT

April 1 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Campus Center Atrium NJIT

For more information, call (973) 877-3208 or (973) 877-6637 for main campus events and (973) 877-1903 for West Essex Campus events.

Contact Information

This newsletter is prepared by the Office of Publications and Production in cooperation with the Office of Public Relations. Comments and suggestions are most welcome. Please address them to Dr. Lekha Keister at lkeister@essex.edu.