E-Newsletter
Volume 8, No. 10 |
October 2010 |
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 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. |
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ECC President Shares Message of “New Beginnings” at Convocation 2010
Essex County College’s 2010 Convocation ushered in a new era under the leadership of the College’s sixth president, Dr. Edythe M. Abdullah. Dr. Abdullah led off the day’s activities by delivering a rousing presentation that detailed our accomplishments over the past year and highlighted the priorities for the coming year.
Dr. Abdullah discussed the actionable forces that are impacting the College and encouraged staff to engage in dialogue in preparation for ECC’s Middle States review in April 2011. The program concluded with a series of college wide area meetings that included discussion on annual goals and an adjunct faculty orientation.
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ECC Grad Earns $15K Scholarship
In July, at the 2010 Women’s National Basketball Association’s Fifth Annual Inspiring Women Luncheon in New York City, Class of 2010 honors graduate Jordana Vasquez, who earned an A.A.S. in Architecture Technology, was one of two recipients of the WNBA and Bacardi USA, Inc. Inspiring Women Scholarship Awards, each worth $15,000.
Vasquez was already honored by Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, respectively, signifying her academic achievement, leadership skills, and charitable contributions.
She plans to pursue architecture and has taken the next step in her studies at the Pratt Institute this fall.
Her goal is to meld her lifelong interests in “arts, sciences, and helping people” by putting design and service together to provide housing where it is needed most. Born in New Jersey, Vasquez’s parents are both from the Dominican Republic.
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Congratulations!
Radiography Graduates at the Pinning Ceremony
The 24 members of the Radiography Class of 2010 were honored at the pinning ceremony in August. The graduates will now prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification in order to become licensed radiologic technicians.
ECC President Dr. Edythe Abdullah congratulated the graduates and keynote speaker Norman McLeod, assistant professor at UMDNJ’s School of Health Related Professions, noted that “this is a profession in which you can make a good living with an associate degree.” Two of the graduates, Solomon Agbo and Christina Fuentes, are recipients of scholarships from Montclair State University where they are now both majoring in pre-medicine.
ECC Offers No Cost Classes to Local Employees
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Again this fall, the college is offering “no cost” classes to Essex County employees through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and via partnership with the New Jersey Business and Industry Association and the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. The programs are designed to increase worker productivity, improve skill sets, boost morale, help job retention, and provide career advancement.
More than 50 for-profit and non-profit companies and organizations in Essex County sent employees to the classes in the first three years of the program. The classes are held either on-site at the business or at the college.
Classes being offered this fall include Business Communication (12 hours); Written Communication (12 hours); Customer Service Communication (12 hours); Basic Math (16 hours); English as a Second Language Level 1 and Level 2 (40 hours each level), and PC Microsoft (six different classes each eight hours). Course work in most of the classes can be completed in one week or less, depending on the availability of the employees. Under the terms of the grant, all employees must be paid by their respective companies while taking the classes. The minimum size of each class is 10 students.
County businesses interested in participating in the classes may call Carmen Pichardo at (973) 877-3172.
Elearning System Launched at ECC
In Spring 2010, ECC’s Information Technology Department launched the Sakai Learning Management System (LMS) as an instructional tool for faculty. Sakai LMS is an open source system that features a set of software tools designed to help instructors, researchers, and students collaborate online in support of their work. For coursework, Sakai provides features to create course sites to deliver distance education courses or to supplement and enhance face to face and hybrid teaching and learning.
Sakai LMS (which has been integrated with the Banner system that contains information on courses, students, faculty, staff, and alumni) has been labeled the elearning system and can be accessed by students and faculty via the college website.
This summer, the college added Project Delta/SIRIUS courses, developed by Florida State College, to ECC’s hybrid course offerings. Project Delta (Disseminating Effective Learning Through Automation), is a national consortium of colleges funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Project Delta software has been integrated with ECC’s Sakai Learning Management System. Sakai training for faculty which started in May will continue. Faculty and student manuals are also posted on the elearning site for further assistance.
The Sakai model moves from teacher-centered to learner-centered instruction -- from a traditional didactic approach to a learner-centered participatory approach. The model thus adapts to learning styles and student expectations in an electronic environment. Faculty are turning to Sakai LMS to develop courses on their own for hybrid classes and online classes and SIRIUS course offerings, which began this fall, will be offered in increasing numbers in subsequent semesters.
Scholarships for Students Available for Fall 2010 Semester
Students who completed the federal financial aid form but may not have been eligible for financial assistance have an opportunity to apply for scholarships through the ECC Foundation for financial assistance from the Provident Bank Foundation and the Van Houten Memorial Fund.
The Provident Bank Foundation funds are available to students enrolled in any major for 6 or more credits and are U.S. citizens or legal residents. The student must be eligible for English 096, Math 092, or above level courses; a returning student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The Van Houten Memorial Fund is designed to assist students in either the RN or LPN programs as long as they are enrolled for 6 or more credits. These funds are for new or returning students with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
To apply, students must first contact Micah Mukabi in the Office of Student Affairs (Fifth Floor) at 973-877-3471 or Annette Weis with the ECC Foundation (Sixth Floor) at 973-877-3007. Eligible students will be provided forms by the Office of Student Affairs that they must complete and submit by no later than October 14.
ECC’s Golf & Tennis Scholarship Tournament
ECC’s 12th annual Golf and Tennis Scholarship Tournament will be held at the Maplewood Country Club on Thursday, October 21. The tournament was postponed from October 4 due to inclement weather. There will be special salutes to ECC’s past scholarship recipients.
Every year thousands of county residents look to ECC to fulfill their dreams. By participating in this worthy event, you will be helping the college bolster the scholarship fund, a key to source of support for our students. Our goal this year is to raise at least $50,000 for student scholarships.
ECC Professor Alston Performing at Concert in Montclair
Professor Richard Alston, Coordinator of Essex County College’s Performing Arts Department, will be the pianist in a concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5 High Street, in Montclair on October 17, 4:00 p.m. He will be performing compositions by Franz Liszt and virtuoso arrangement of hymns and spirituals.
ECC's Gateway to College Coordinator Appointed to National Leadership Position
Nikkie Constantine-Guy, ECC’s Gateway to College Coordinator, is one of five from a nation-wide pool of 26 program leaders selected to be a member of the Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN). The GtCNN is responsible for being the “bigger” voice of sister programs and are required to come up with innovative methods of maintaining the integrity of the programs, organize professional development workshops centered around program improvement, and to liaison with program leaders. Constantine-Guy was selected based on her demonstrated abilities at ECC and also her written statement regarding her goals in serving on the committee.
ECC’s Gateway College program serves 144 at-risk youths, specifically high school dropouts or youths between ages 16-21, on the verge of dropping out of high school. Each student is afforded the opportunity to simultaneously earn credits toward their high school diploma and an associate degree. Since the inception of the ECC program two years ago, partnerships have been established with two school districts, Newark Public School and Montclair High School.
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Newark & Irvington Leaders Share Insights at ECC's Education Reform Series
ECC hosted the second in a series of education reform programs on September 30 at the main Newark campus. The program was designed to examine the challenges in primary and secondary education in the state and to develop a dialogue to transform education throughout New Jersey.
Panelists included Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith; Michael Daniels, former Newark schools principal; Newark City Councilman and Central (Newark) High School Principal Ras Baraka; Dr. Lauryn Wells from New York University; and Keith Benson of Excellent Education for Everyone.
This was the second of four forums to be held at the college in 2010-11. It was co-sponsored by the college’s Africana Institute and Urban Issues Institute in conjunction with such organizations as the Alliance for Free Choice in Education, We CARE Partners, Women in Support of the Million Man March (WISOMMM), and the New Jersey Black Issues Convention.
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College Yes Leadership Series: Money, Power & Respect
ECC’s College Yes program is offering a seminar series entitled Money, Power, and Respect that started in September. The program deals with financial literacy and development of leadership and life skills for college bound teens and first-year college students.
Thomas Owens, the Director of Communities in Schools of New Jersey – Mentoring Success Center, spoke about power and Alex Ellis, founder of the New Brunswick-based Tied to Greatness organization, spoke about image enhancement. Speakers in October will include a representative from CITI Financial and Alvin Perry, a public speaking expert.
The closing event will be held on October 28 at 1:00p.m at the Clara Dasher Student Center.
Go Wolverines! Nationally Ranked Men’s Soccer Team Wins a Pair in Own Tournament
The men’s Wolverine soccer team, presently ranked 4th in the country by the National Junior College Athletic Association, won a pair of games at its Essex County College Soccer Classic held October 9-10. The four team tournament was held at Weequahic High School in Newark.
ECC, currently 9-1, defeated the County College of Baltimore County 4-1 on October 9. Another win followed the next day, a 3-0 victory over Prince George’s (Maryland) Community College. The Wolverines and Burlington County College played both Maryland teams in the predetermined schedule tournament.
Essex is the defending Region XIX and Northeast District champions. Hugo Pierre was named Regional Coach of the Year – Division I last season. For further details, click here.
ECC EVENTS
Scenes from Convocation 2010 -August 30 |
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Adult Learning Center Recognition Ceremony – August 26 |
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Honorees included: 36 students who obtained their GED; 41 who enrolled in post-secondary education or training programs, 23 who completed the ESL program, 28 who gained U.S. citizenship, and 19 who completed computer training.
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Constitution Law Day - September 20 |
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More Events
| Annual Newark Public Schools Counselors’ Meeting sponsored by Special Programs |
October 1 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Snack Bar III Main Campus |
| Masjid Rahmah Lecture Series | October 2 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Siegler 2132 Main Campus |
| Talent Show Audition | October 4 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Physical Education Building, Main Campus |
| Annual Fall Transfer Fair Sponsored by Career Resource Center |
October 5 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
2nd Floor Forum Main Campus |
| College Yes’s Seminar Series, Money Power, Respect | October 5 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. |
Dasher Student Center Main Campus |
| Children’s Fashion Show Rehearsals Sponsored by Student Life & Activities |
October 5 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Dance Studio, Physical Education Building Main Campus |
| Wachovia Bank Day Sponsored by Evening & Weekend College |
October 6 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
4th Level Forum Main Campus |
| Training Regarding Sexual Harassment Sponsored by Human Resources Dept. |
October 7 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Essex Room |
| Masquerade Dance Sponsored by Student Life & Activities |
October 8 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
Physical Education Building Main Campus |
| Hot Careers EOF Forum | October 12 at 2:30 p.m. October 14 at 3:45 p.m. |
Green Snack Bar , Room 3234, Main Campus |
| Alumni Association Book Sale Sponsored by the Alumni Association |
October 12 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
2nd Floor, Near Cafeteria, Main Campus |
| Training Regarding Sexual Harassment Sponsored by Human Resources Dept. |
October 13 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Essex Room Main Campus |
| “How to Secure Your Financial Future” Sponsored by WISE Women’s Center |
October 13 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus |
| Stay in Step Academy Orientation | October 14 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. |
Essex Room Main Campus |
| Employer Benefits Fair Sponsored by Human Resources Dept. |
October 14 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus |
| College Yes Seminar series, Money Power, & Respect. Speaker: Alvin Perry of The Critical Zone |
October 14 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Dasher Student Center Main Campus |
| Mixed Martial Arts Championship | October 16 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
Physical Education Building Main Campus |
| Wachovia Bank Day Sponsored by Student Life & Activities |
October 13 & 27 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Foyer Outside Student Lounge, West Essex Campus |
| Essex County Workforce Investment Board Meeting | October 14 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
Multipurpose Room-A West Essex Campus |
| CCE Scholarship Rummage Sale Sponsored by Community & Continuing Education |
October 19 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
4th Level Forum Main Campus |
| “How to Secure Your Financial Future,” Sponsored by WISE Women’s Center | October 20 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus |
| Child Development Center Book Fair | October 20 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
4th Level Forum Main Campus |
| 12th Annual Golf & Tennis Scholarship Tournament | October 21 | Maplewood Country Club, 28 Baker Street, Maplewood |
| Employee Recognition Reception Sponsored by Human Resources Dept. |
October 21 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus |
| Navratri ChhGam Patidar Samaj |
October 23 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
Physical Education Building Main Campus |
| Library Book Sale | October 26 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
3rd Level Forum Main Campus |
| Wachovia Bank Day Sponsored by Student Life & Activities |
October 27 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Foyer Outside Student Lounge, West Essex Campus |
| Hispanic Heritage Celebration | October 27 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Student Lounge, West Essex Campus |
| Board of Trustees Meeting | October 26 2:00 p.m. |
4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus |
| College Yes - Money Power Respect (Closing event), facilitated by Alvin Perry |
October 28 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
Dasher Student Center Main Campus |
For information on upcoming events of this month, click here to access ECC’s online Calendar of Events. 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 Director of IT Support & Instructional Media in cooperation with the Office of Marketing & Communications. Comments and suggestions are most welcome. Please address them to Dr. Lekha Keister at lkeister@essex.edu.
