St. Thomas Aquinas College
Office of Institutional Advancement
Official Press Releases recently published. for more details and
Complete releases, contact : Vin Crapanzano, (845) 398-4020, vcrapanz@stac.edu

NEWS & EVENTS SPRING SEMESTER, 2003
The Office of Institutional Advancement provides this listing. In most cases, each of the following stories is a summation of a press release distributed in the past weeks. For more information or full press releases contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 4020. Dr. John Durney or Vincent Crapanzano wrote these releases unless credit is given to another individual. Contact the Advancement Office for further information.

ADMISSIONS INFO

APRIL EVENT: ACCEPTED STUDENTS DAY
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host an Accepted Students Day on Sunday, April 13th. High School students accepted to the College as part of the Freshmen Class of 2003 are invited to attend this program. College officials will be on hand to discuss questions students may have as they make their decision about the College plans. In addition, the President of the College, Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., will welcome the newest members of the College.

APRIL EVENT: OPEN HOUSE
(Spring 2003) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host a Spring Open House for high school, transfer and adult students interested in the College's undergraduate degree offerings, on Sunday, April 27th, 11a.m. to 3 p.m. No pre-registration is necessary, but it is encouraged. Contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 398-4100 for more information.

FEBRUARY EVENT: BASKETBALL RECEPTION
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host an Accepted Student Day Basketball Game & Reception on Saturday, February 22, 2003 from 1-5pm. The Lady Spartans hosts C. W. Post at 1pm and the Spartans host C.W. Post at 3:30pm. A Hospitality Suite will be available for high school students accepted for the Freshmen Class of 2003. In addition, the President of the College, Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., will welcome those in attendance.

FEBRUARY EVENT: WORKSHOPS
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host a series of workshops this Spring to assist students throughout the application and acceptance process as they prepare for entry into College, even if they have not decided on St. Thomas Aquinas College as their top choice, announced John Edel, Dean of Enrollment Management. One workshop, designed to assist families in completing the Federal Application For Student Aid, is slated for February 1, from 10am-1pm at the College. The Admissions Office will hold Accepted Student Days, On the Spot Evaluations for Transfers, as well as a Basketball Game & Reception for Accepted Students on February 22nd. "We have put together a whole schedule of workshops and activities that will help high school seniors as they transition to college freshmen at St. Thomas Aquinas College," Mr. Edel said.

ALUMNI EVENTS

GOLF TOURNAMENT
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College is planning its 31st Annual President's Council Golf Tournament for Monday, June 16th at the Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, NY. This event traditionally raises more than $75,000 for the College and typically brings in 200 golfers, dozens of sponsors, and great golf stories. In past years, the tournament has offered a $1,000,000 hole in one prize. The golfers closest to the pin on the course's four par 3 holes have earned the right to shoot for a $1,000,000 hole-in-one at a par 3 hole after the tournament has concluded, and in front of a gallery of envious players. In addition, each of the par 3 holes has offered automobile prizes such as BMW, Mercedes, Jeep, Cadillac, and a Ford Explorer as a hole in one prize. The sponsor, who reserves the option of obtaining hole-in-one insurance, usually donates these prize offerings. The day includes breakfast, lunch and a President's Buffet Reception, door prizes, tournament prizes for men and women, and an excellent opportunity to network yourself and/or your business. For more information on the Golf Tournament, either to participate as a golfer or sponsor, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 845-398-4020.

ALUMNI WEEKEND
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College is planning its 2nd Annual Alumni Weekend on Friday, May 2, Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4th. The weekend plans include a Movie Night in Sullivan Theatre on campus on Friday Night. Saturday activities include softball, basketball, volleyball and other sports activities for the whole family. Alumni are encouraged to involve their children in the softball and volleyball events. The basketball games are for alumni only, but are not limited to those that played intercollegiate athletics while at St. Thomas Aquinas College. All games will be co-educational. Saturday events will also include a barbecue on the front lawn. Sunday events will include Sunday services and a bus trip to a Broadway or off Broadway play or musical. More details are available in March/April or by contacting the Office of Alumni Affairs at 845-398-4020. Some events will have a fee to cover cost, such as the Sunday trip, but most events will have a nominal fee or will be free.

BASKETBALL RECEPTION
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host an Alumni Day Basketball Game & Reception on Saturday, February 22, 2003 from 1-5pm. The Lady Spartans hosts C. W. Post at 1pm and the Spartans host C.W. Post at 3:30pm. A Hospitality Suite will be available for alumni and a host of other groups invited for the day. The game and reception is free for alumni and for the Freshmen Class of 2003. The President of the College, Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., will welcome those in attendance.

HALL OF FAME
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College inducted six men and women into its Hall of Fame at the Colleges 6th annual induction ceremony in January at The Park Ridge Marriott, announced Kevin P. Duignan, the Colleges Executive Director of Development & Alumni Affairs. The 2003 inductees: Sr. Mary Mooney, O.P., a Sparkill Dominican Sister and principal of St. John Chrysostom School (South Bronx); Robert Avdoyan, a teacher at Port Jervis High School; Paul Borghese, a New York City actor who portrayed Yogi Berra in the HBO movie "61"; Dr. John Lawler, a Pearl River resident and former chairman of the College's Board of Trustees; and Peter and Kim Unanue of Old Tappan, NJ. Peter is a Vice President with Goya Foods. Spartan Award Honorees are Dr. John Casazza, a long time professor of chemistry and Dr. Robert Schelin, a Tappan resident and professor of history at the College.

ART EXHIBITS

APRIL: BIRCHWOOD SCHOOL
(SPRING 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host an exhibit of art work created by students at the Birchwood School (Congers, NY) in the College's Lougheed Library from April 21st through April 28th. The public is invited to view the exhibits. Call the Lougheed Library for regular library hours or for information at 398-4223.

APRIL: JONES EXHIBITS PAINTINGS
(Spring 2003) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College's Azarian-McCullough Art Gallery will feature the works of Dr. George Bobby Jones, an associate professor of art at the college since 1983, whose works have been exhibited in galleries throughout Europe and the United States over the last 20 years. This exhibit will begin April 3rd and run through May 1st. A special Artists' Reception will be held on Sunday, April 6th, 2-5pm. The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the community.

Dr. Jones is a graphic artist who specializes in mixed media forms. He received his B.F.A. and M.F.A. from Syracuse University and his Ph.D. in Art from New York University. Regular gallery hours are 4-6 pm, Tuesday and Thursdays, and 2-5 pm on Sundays. For more information on the AMAG and future exhibits, call Dr. Carl Rattner, Acting Director of the Gallery at 398-4196.

MARCH: STUDENT MASKS
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College undergraduate art students will exhibit their works in the College's Lougheed Library this semester. There will be an exhibit titled Student Masks from March 3rd through March 26th. The public is invited to view the exhibits. Call the Lougheed Library for regular library hours or for information at 398-4223.

FEBRUARY: INDIAN ARTIST
(Spring 2003) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College's Azarian-McCullough Art Gallery will feature the works of Alakananda Mukerji, whose vibrant watercolors depict life and living in her native India, running until February 18th, with an artist's reception on Sunday, February 9th, from 2-5 pm. "What I paint and teach, and what I am trying to achieve as an artist and as an educator has its roots in the environment that I grew up in and the schools attended in India, Europe and America. In India the focus is not on individuality. Society is rather close knit. Most decisions are significantly influenced by family, friends and the environment, Ms. Mukerji said recently. Regular gallery hours are 4-6 pm, Tuesday and Thursdays, and 2-5 pm on Sundays -- written by Dr. Carl Rattner.

FEBRUARY: STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College undergraduate art students will exhibit their works in the College's Lougheed Library this semester. There will be an exhibit titled Student Photographs from January 27th through February 26th. The public is invited to view the exhibits. Call the Lougheed Library for regular library hours or for information at 398-4223.

ATHLETICS

ST. THOMAS' FITZPATRICK NAMED TO NCAA DII PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL

(Spring 2003) - Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., president of St. Thomas Aquinas College, was appointed to serve as a Region 1 representative on the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II Presidents Council, announced Kay Schallenkamp, President of Emporia State University, and chair of the 14 member council which represents the 300 NCAA DII colleges and universities and more than 75,000 student athletes.

"I am very happy to be selected to represent our region. This appointment speaks volumes about the NCAA's respect for our institution. I am happy to represent our student athletes, but I am equally happy for the vote of confidence in our institution by the NCAA's Presidents Council," said Dr. Fitzpatrick.

75,000 student athletes compete at 300 colleges and universities in the NCAA Division II. Only 14 presidents are members of the Presidents Council and Dr. Fitzpatrick's appointment to this policy-setting board is unprecedented at the 51 year-old institution, since it just recently became an active member of the NCAA.

The NCAA D II has two governing groups: the policy-setting Presidents Council and the Management Council. The Presidents Council oversees the Management Council, which consists of 25 athletics administrators and faculty representatives. Below these two bodies is a committee structure that focuses on issues relating specifically to Division II. Legislation in Division II is considered and approved through a traditional one-school, one-vote process at an annual Convention. In this way, Division II institutions make their own rules, independent of the other two divisions.

St. Thomas Aquinas College was twice named the recipient of a USA Today/NCAA Foundation Division II Academic Achievement Award, one in 2001 and the second in 2002. Both awards were keyed to academic achievement by student athletes at the College.

The College earned one of the $25,000 Awards for having the highest student-athlete graduation rate above the student body graduation rate in the NCAA Division II, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which compiles information on its member institutions.

The College has demonstrated a commitment to excellence across the board and expanding its participation in intercollegiate athletics has been a factor in its growth. In 1997, prior to entry into the NCAA, St. Thomas fielded 9 sports and 125 student athletes. It now fields 14 sports, is an active member of the NCAA, and supports 200 student athletes. The teams compete in more than 300 contests annually and the athletic department is researching additional sports for expansion.

Currently, the Spartans and Lady Spartans compete in men's and women's basketball, men's baseball, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's golf (women compete individually), women's softball, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's track & field.

BASKETBALL RECEPTION
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College President Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C. will have a busy day on Saturday, February 22nd, from 1-5PM. In addition to hosting an Accepted Student Day Basketball Game & Reception the President will host trustees, president's council members and the College's Alumni Association Board for a Basketball Game & Reception on Saturday, February 22, 2003 from 1-5pm. The Lady Spartans hosts C. W. Post at 1pm and the Spartans host C.W. Post at 3:30pm. A Hospitality Suite will be available for high school students accepted for the Freshmen Class of 2003. In addition, the President of the College, Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., will welcome those in attendance.

WEBCAST GAMES
(Spring 2003) - At least seven St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartan and Lady Spartan basketball games can be listened to around the world as a result of a recent deal signed by College officials and Sports Radionet.com, announced Gerald Oswald, Director of Athletics at the College. Fans can tune into the webcast by logging on to www.stac.edu and accessing the link to SportsRadioNet on the Athletics Home Page. "This was the most comprehensive offer we looked at for broadcasting our games to our alumni fan base across the country and around the world," Mr. Oswald said. The college was involved in negotiations with other radio stations, but the range would have been limited to the Rockland County area. When SportsRadioNet approached the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference for permission to broadcast its games, St. Thomas immediately stepped to the forefront and worked out a deal with Rob Goldenberg, founder and president of the internet based, broadcast company. St. Thomas will look to expand its webcasts in the future and include other sports in its webcast lineup. Games will be webcast live and archived on the site. Both Lady Spartan and Spartan games on the following dates will be webcast live and archived for listening at a later date.
" January 21st, NYIT at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
" February 1st, L.I.U., Southampton College at St. Thomas, 1, 3:30pm.
" February 12, 2003, University of Bridgeport at St. Thomas, 5:30, 8pm.
" February 15, 2003, St. Thomas at Adelphi University, 5:30, 8pm.
" February 20, 2003, St. Thomas at Dowling College, 6, 8pm.
" February 22, 2003, LIU, CW Post at St. Thomas, 1, 3:30pm.
" February 26, 2003, St. Thomas at New York Institute of Technology, 5, 7:30pm.

LADY SPARTANS: NO WHISTLE FOR THIS WALK AS LADY SPARTANS MAKE STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER
(Fall 2002) -- The St. Thomas Aquinas College Lady Spartan Basketball team hopes to add to its $16,000 in contributions (1995-2001) to the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk in Central Park this month. "This is a special cause that affects a lot of women and therefore it's important for the team to take part in it," said Mr. Michael McManus, Assistant Athletic Director and 18-year head coach of the Lady Spartans. "We've been doing the walk for so long now, that it seems to be a part of the season." This year will mark the eighth straight year that the Lady Spartans have participated in the event. During the previous seven years the team has raised over $16,000 for this very important cause.

MCMANUS: COACH MCMANUS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
(Fall 2002) -- Michael McManus of Pearl River (NY) has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director at St. Thomas Aquinas College and he will retain his position as head coach of the College's Lady Spartan basketball team, announced Dr. Walter Schneider, Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs. Mr. McManus will primarily be responsible for Sports Information as the College competes in over 300 intercollegiate contests each year as part of the NCAA Division II in the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference.

NCAA: ACTIVE STATUS
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College has received active status as a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II institution, after a four-year provisional period, announced Dr. Walter Schneider, Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs a the 2,200 student liberal arts college in Rockland County (NY). "We are very proud of the student athletes who represent the maroon and gold and have been equally blessed with a strong fan base for our major sports. The NCAA decision now opens the door for post season play, something that will make both of those groups very happy," Dr. Schneider said.

NCAA: $25,000 USA TODAY/NCAA AWARD
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College was named the recipient of a USA Today/NCAA Foundation Division II Academic Achievement Award for the second consecutive year, announced College President, Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C. The College earned the $25,000 Award for having the highest student-athlete graduation rate above the student body graduation rate in the NCAA Division II, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which compiles information on its member institutions.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEBRUARY EVENT: FACULTY COLLOQUIUM

(Spring 2003) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host a Faculty Colloquium titled Ethics, Pluralism, Diversity on Thursday, February 27th at 4:30pm in the College's Lougheed Library. The event is free and open to the community. Sponsored by the College's Division of Humanities and its' Faculty Development Committee, the discussion will feature Dr. C.J. Churchill with his discussion titled, “Symbolic Interactionism and the Quest for Difference”, Dr. Eileen Cunningham, O.P., and “Student Diversity: A Great Source for Enhanced Learning”, and Dr. David Keppler, “Peter Singer: Scoundrel, Bad Philosopher, Both, or Neither?”.

The program will be moderated by Dr. Florette R. Koffler and was organized by Dr. Koffler and her faculty colleagues, Rachel Golland, Dr. Robert Murray, Dr. Maria Roglieri and Dr. Robert Trawick.

SPEAKERS OFFER VARIETY
(Spring 2003) - Dr. Neerja Chaturvedi, an Assistant Professor of History at St. Thomas Aquinas College, can speak to the issue of East-West Global Relations and is one of 21 speakers available to the community as part of the College's Speakers Bureau, announced Dr. L. John Durney, Senior Vice President at the College and organizer of the Speakers Bureau. "We formalized what we have been doing for several years and that is offering a service to civic, school groups, PTAs, rotary clubs and other charitable organizations in the region who are seeking a speaker for a monthly meeting or annual event," Dr. Durney said. The speakers range from Dr. Chaturvedi and Dr. Lee Badgett, the College's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who can discuss Medieval Monumental Brasses or Dennis O'Donnell, the College's Head Men's Basketball Coach, who provides motivational talks. Dr. Badgett's Brass Rubbings are a hobby made popular during Queen Victoria's reign, and is accomplished by rubbing a block of colored wax over paper securely positioned on a selected Brass, typically found on medieval tombs. For more information on the STAC Speakers Bureau, contact Dr. Durney at 845-398-4020 or email him at ldurney@stac.edu.

FEATURE STORY

DONATIONS FROM THE HEART GET FACULTY A TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE
By Amanda Scarpone and Vin Crapanzano

(Spring 2003) – Sunny Anthwal, Baljit Patter, and Siyong Yu, three members of the College’s Information Technology Team, made an offer the College could not refuse. Together they custom built two state-of-the-art Pentium IV computers for the faculty resource room at the College.

“We wanted to give back to the school,” said Siyong Yu, a Network and Systems Administrator who initiated the idea of creating their own computer and donating it to the faculty.

“We knew that we could improve upon the computers currently used, based on our knowledge of the specific needs of the faculty that used them. We simply wanted to collectively give back to the institution and the people that have been so good to each of us,” said Patter, a Network Web Specialist.

The three men, Patter is single, Anthwal is married, and Yu is married with two children, donated the time and the funds to make the newest edition happen.

“They did this on their own time, with their own money, and I shouldn’t have been, since I know their character, but I was shocked and overwhelmed by their generosity,” said Anne Donini, the Vice President who oversees the IT team.

Adding intrigue to the story line is these three men hail from regions thousands of miles from Sparkill. Anthwal, a Network Manager, was born and raised in India. Patter was born and raised in England and Yu was born and raised in Korea.

Anthwal and Yu both attended the Chubb Institute (NJ). Patter studied at Langley College (England), and Rutgers University. Prior to joining the College’s IT team, Anthwal was an owner of a computer business, Yu ran a family clothing store in New York City’s garment district, and Patter worked in promotions for different Manhattan nightclubs.

“We owe a lot to STAC, we’ve learned a lot here,” Anthwal said. “It is very important to give back to the college community. This way both the faculty and students can benefit.”

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

MBA APPLICATIONS FOR NEXT SESSION
St. Thomas Aquinas College is accepting applications for its Master of Business Administration Program, which begins a new session on February 28th and May 30th. Interested individuals may contact Karen Gray, Director of the MBA program at 398-4130, to obtain more information about the program, which offers a major in finance, management or marketing. This weekend program offers classes on Friday nights, Saturday mornings or Sunday mornings, which avoids workweek conflicts.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION DEGREE
(Spring 2003) - St. Thomas Aquinas College is accepting applications for its Master of Science in Education program. The program began in 1984 and has since graduate hundreds of teachers. In addition, the College offers post master's certificate programs in special education and literacy certification. This program is offered in the late afternoons and in mini summer sessions to enable teachers work around their existing schedules. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 845-398-4100.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION DEGREE
(Spring 2003) - St. Thomas Aquinas College is accepting applications for its Master of Science in Education program. The program began in 1984 and has since graduate hundreds of teachers. In addition, the College offers post master's certificate programs in special education and literacy certification. This program is offered in the late afternoons and in mini summer sessions to enable teachers work around their existing schedules. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 845-398-4100.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING DEGREE
(Spring 2003) - St. Thomas Aquinas College is accepting applications for its new Master of Science in Teaching program. The program began in Fall 2002 with a group of 40 students. The new program is primarily for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in a major other than teacher education, but would now like to pursue a career in teaching at the elementary or secondary level. "This is a wonderful program for people who want to get their career restarted and want to do that as a teacher. The demand for good teachers is high and has been consistently high over the last decade. This program can help anyone with a bachelor's degree obtain the credentials they need to apply for New York State certification," said Dr. Joan Beairsto, Director of the Graduate Teacher Education program at St. Thomas Aquinas College. For more information, contact the office of admissions at 845-398-4100.

SCHOLARSHIPS

COMMEMORATIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College has grown its endowment to include 60 commemorative scholarships that have been named in honor of many friends of the College. These Commemorative Scholarships are offered to students primarily as rewards for outstanding academic performance in high school. Some are keyed to a particular major, but most provide the student with flexibility in a major area. Individuals donate these funds to the College and the Scholarship is named at their request. The interest on these funds are offered every year in the form of student scholarships, and the principal remains in place to earn interest and help another student the following year. These scholarships range in amount from $1,500 to $3,500 per year and are renewable for the student as long as they meet academic progress guidelines. Students are still eligible to apply for other forms of aid, including aid based on financial need. These scholarships are primarily offered based on merit and not need. For more information on applying for a Commemorative Scholarship, contact the office of Admissions at 845-398-4100. For information on donating to a particular scholarship fund, or setting up one in a name of your choice, contact Dr. John Durney, Senior Vice President at the College, 845-398-4020.

HONORS PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS
(Spring 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College has set aside a limited number of full tuition Honors Program Scholarships for incoming freshmen students with excellent academic performance levels in high school, including at least a 1200 on the SAT or a 27 on the ACT. There are other requirements as well, including a personal interview session with the program director, but the SAT/ACT scores are usually the most difficult requirement. Students who are accepted into this program receive a full tuition scholarship, currently worth more than $60,000 over four years. Honors Program students are offered the opportunity to attend Oxford University in England in the summer following their junior year. They enroll in one course and the Honors Program Scholarship includes tuition, room and board for the summer study. At St. Thomas, there are several Honors Program courses, but most courses include the general student population. The average SAT level for St. Thomas Aquinas College students today is 1000, a dramatic increase over the last 20 years. . For more information on applying for an Honors Program Scholarship, contact the office of Admissions at 845-398-4100.

TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS
(SPRING 2003) --- St. Thomas Aquinas College has set aside a limited number of Transfer Scholarships for students interested in starting at the College in the Fall 2003 semester, announced John Edel, Dean of Enrollment Management at the College. Scholarships are typically reserved for students who have excellent academic credentials from the College or University they are currently attending. In many cases students are graduating from a two-year program, but in other cases, students would like to return to Rockland County to continue and complete their undergraduate studies. Students can set an appointment with an Admissions Counselor at the College and obtain all the information they will need to make a decision, including a transcript evaluation. "This is a great opportunity for students at other colleges, particularly junior colleges, to go through an 'academic physical' so to speak and know exactly where they stand should they desire to transfer to St. Thomas Aquinas College in the near future," Edel said. The Office of Admissions & Financial Aid is open Monday through Thursday, 9AM-7PM, Fridays, 9AM-4PM and, Saturdays by appointment.

STUDENT EVENTS

FEBRUARY/MARCH: MIDNIGHT RUN
(Spring 2003) - St. Thomas Aquinas College students, under the direction of Sr. Madeleine Murphy, O.P., Director of Campus Ministry and Volunteer Services, will participate in a Midnight Run on February 6th and March 6th, in an effort to provide relief to the homeless of New York City, announced Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., president of the College. "We're very proud of the legacy that these students are leaving and for the wonderful work they have taken on in a volunteer capacity. They epitomize what we hope our students aspire to become - great citizens, good neighbors, caring human beings," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. In over 600 relief missions per year, Midnight Run volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools and other civic groups distribute food, clothing, blankets and personal care items to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City. The late-night relief efforts create a forum for trust, sharing, understanding and affection. That human exchange, rather than the exchange of goods, is the essence of the Midnight Run mission.

EMPLOYEE NEWS (FULL-TIME) 2002-2003

BENNETT: TO MUSIC POST
(Fall 2002) -- Bruce Bennett of New York (NY) has been appointed to Visiting Instructor of Music at St. Thomas Aquinas College, announced Dr. Lee Badgett, the College's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "The addition of another talented professional to our Humanities Division is sure to galvanize the curriculum and student life on campus," said Dr. Barbara Ward Klein,Chairperson of the College's Humanities Division. Mr. Bennett has served on the faculty of Passaic County Community College (NJ) and at Belmont University (TN). Mr. Bennett holds a B.A. in Music and Theatre from Hardin Simmons University (TX) and a M.A. in Music from the New England Conservatory of Music (MA).

BRYDEN: JOINS ADMISSIONS STAFF
(Fall 2002) -- Tara Bryden, a 1999 graduate of Sacred Heart University, has been appointed to Assistant Director of Admissions at St. Thomas Aquinas College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and had been an Admissions Coordinator at the HoHoKus School of Business and Medical Sciences (NJ).

BURNS: APPOINTED TO ASSOCIATE PROF IN CHEMISTRY
(Fall 2002) -- Dr. Steven J. Burns of Maywood (NJ) has been appointed to Associate Professor of Chemistry at St. Thomas Aquinas College, announced Dr. Lee Badgett, STAC's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Burns has joined our science faculty," " said Dr. Mary Ellen Ferraro, Chairperson of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division. "Dr. Burns brings a wealth of experience teaching in an undergraduate degree program and our students will benefit from his areas of expertise." Dr. Burns holds a Ph.D. from Boston College. He had been an associate professor at Notre Dame College (NH) since 1996. He has taught at the New Hampshire Technical Institute, the Maine Maritime Academy and at Boston College (MA). While at Notre Dame College, he received the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award (2002) and Advisor of the Year (2000).

CARNEY: PROMOTED TO ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
(Fall 2002) -- Laura Carney of Rockland County (NY), and a member of the College's Class of 1999, was promoted to Administrative Assistant in the Division of Teacher Education.

CASAS: APPOINTED ASSISTANT PROF IN COMPUTER AND INFO SCIENCE
(Fall 2002) -- Dr. C. Augusto Casas of Ridgefield (CT) has been appointed to Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Science at St. Thomas Aquinas College, announced Dr. Lee Badgett, the College's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "We are proud to have Dr. Casas as a member of our computer science staff, " said Dr. Mary Ellen Ferraro, Chairperson of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division. "He brings a combination of practical experience and superior academic credentials." He holds a B.S. from the Universidad Javeriana (Columbia), an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University (FL).

CASELLI: APPOINTED SECRETARY
(Fall 2002) -- Monica Caselli of Rockland County (NY) was appointed Secretary in the Social Sciences Division.

CRAPANZANO: PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(Fall 2002) --Vincent Crapanzano of Washingtonville (NY) was promoted to Executive Director of Communications and Marketing. He holds a B.A. in Communication Arts and a M.B.A. in Marketing from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Crapanzano started at St. Thomas in 1993 as Director of College Relations. He coordinates the College's strategic marketing plan and executes its advertising campaign. Crapanzano is spokesperson and takes the lead on media relations at the College. In addition, he serves as creative director for the College's print publications and as web content editor for its Internet web site, www.stac.edu. He is an honorary graduate of Leadership Rockland, Inc., and previously served as Assistant to the Superintendent and Director of Community Relations for the North Rockland Central School District. He has had articles published in StoneWorld magazine, when he served as its Assistant Editor, and has been published in educational magazines on several occasions.

DIVINY: PROMOTED ON ADMISSIONS TEAM
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College recently promoted Tara Diviny, a secretary in the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid since 1999, to the position of Admissions Counselor. She is studying toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at St. Thomas. Diviny, of Pearl River, has been working with applicants and their parents as part of her position since she joined St. Thomas after positions with Pearson Education (1998-99) in Old Tappan (NJ) and Crystal Run Village (1993-98) in Spring Valley (NY). She has studied at S.U.N.Y. Albany (1993-95) and at S.U.N.Y. Rockland Community College (1995-97).

DUIGNAN: PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(Fall 2002) -- Kevin P. Duignan of Stormville (NY) has been promoted to Executive Director of Development and Alumni Affairs at St. Thomas Aquinas College, announced Dr. L. John Durney, Senior Vice President at the College. A 1975 graduate of St. Thomas, Duignan joined the College in 1997 as Director of Development and Alumni Affairs. As director, he was a member of the team that successfully completed the College's three million dollar "Building on Excellence Campaign 2002," a fundraising endeavor that helped finance the construction of Costello Hall. Mr. Duignan helped establish the Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner at the College for alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers. In its sixth year, the event regularly hosts over 300 alumni and friends at an area restaurant in the month of January and has inducted 31 alumni into the Hall of Fame. He has also organized Alumni Weekends on Campus and expanded the alumni board to 25 members.

GIANNINI: JOINS ADMISSIONS STAFF
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College recently appointed Tricia Ann Giannini, a 2002 graduate of St. Thomas and President of its most recent Senior Class, to Admissions Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and had been involved in numerous clubs and activities on the College's campus.

JACQUES: PROMOTED TO SECRETARY
(Fall 2002) -- Evelyne Jacques of Rockland County (NY) was recently promoted to Secretary in the Office of Admissions where she has served as a data entry clerk. She is attending St. Thomas Aquinas College.

JACQUES: APPOINTED TO FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR
(Spring 2003) -- Katucha Jacques, a 2002 graduate of Manhattan College, was appointed Financial Aid Counselor at the College. Jacques, of Rockland County (NY), holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.

KELLEHER: PROMOTED TO PROFESSOR
(Fall 2002) --. Dr. Maureen Kelleher of Rockland County was promoted to Professor of Business Administration. Dr. Kelleher began her career at St. Thomas in 1989. She holds a B.S. from St. Thomas Aquinas College, an M.A. from Fordham Univesity and a J.D. from Pace University.

KIRSHY: APPOINTED TO SECRETARY
(Fall 2002) -- Raina Kirshy of Orange County (NY) was appointed Secretary of the STAC Exchange, the College's program for students with learning disabilities. Kirshy holds a B.S. from St. Thomas Aquinas College and previously served as a Testing Coordinator in the STAC Exchange.

MARDENFELD: JOINS COMM ARTS FACULTY
(Fall 2002) -- Sandra Lynn Mardenfeld of Baldwin (NY) has been appointed as Visiting Instructor of Composition, Journalism, and Public Relations at St. Thomas Aquinas College, announced Dr. Lee Badgett, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Ms. Mardenfeld brings the professional experience our students need to prepare for careers and to enrich their personal and professional lives," said Dr. Barbara Ward Klein, Chairperson of the College's Division of the Humanities. Mardenfeld has taught at Hofstra University (NY), Long Island University's C.W. Post College (NY), and Berkeley College (NY). She holds a B.A. in Journalism from the State University of New York's College at Buffalo and a M.A. in Journalism from New York University.

MCCARTHY: PROMOTED TO PROFESSOR
(Fall 2002) -- Gerald McCarthy of Rockland County (NY) was promoted to Professor of English. Professor McCarthy joined the College in 1985 and he currently organizes a Visiting Poet and Writers Series. He holds a M.F.A. from the University of Iowa and a B.A. from S.U.N.Y. Geneseo.

MODICA: PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
(Fall 2002) -- Melissa Modica, a 2001 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College, was promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Admissions, where she has served as a counselor for the last year.

MURRAY: PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
(Fall 2002) -- Dr. Robert Murray of Rockland County (NY) received tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor of English. Dr. Murray joined the College in 1998 and serves as Assistant to the Chair of the Humanities Division and Director of the Writing Program. He holds a Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. from Rutgers University.

NELSON: APPOINTED ASSOCIATE PROF IN EDUCATION
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College has appointed Dr. Marguerite Hansen Nelson of Valley Cottage (NY) to Associate Professor of Teacher Education, announced Dr. Lee Badgett, the College's Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Nelson began her at P.S. 22R in Staten Island (NY) in 1969 after receiving her A.B. in Special Education from Boston College (MA). She taught at the Oak Street School in Plattsburgh (NY) from 1971-1973 before moving to Rockland County (NY) and teaching at Laurel Plains School in New City (NY) from 1973-1978. Since 1978 she has been a Resource Room Teacher at the Lakewood School in Congers (NY). Along the way, Dr. Nelson earned her M.S. in Education from S.U.N.Y. Plattsburgh, and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Fordham University (NY).

PRIOR: GRANTED TENURE
(Fall 2002) -- Bill Prior of Bergen County (NJ), an Instructor of Communication Arts, was granted tenure. Mr. Prior holds a M.A. from William Paterson College of New Jersey and a B.A. from the University of Delaware. He has taught at the College since 1994.

ROGLIERI: GRANTED TENURE
(Fall 2002) -- Dr. Maria Roglieri of Rockland County (NY), a Professor of Foreign Languages, was granted tenure. Dr. Roglieri holds a A.M. and a Ph.D., both from Harvard University and an A.B. from Columbia University. She has taught at the College since 1995 and she earned the Trustees Award for Excellence in 2002.

RURY: ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
(Spring 2003) -- Tamara Scappichio Rury, was recently appointed to Director of Academic Development at the College, announced Peggy Brady-Amoon, Executive Director of Academic Services. Rury holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Communications from Hamilton College and was most recently Director of the Tutor Program at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

SERPATI: PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
(Fall 2002) -- Nina Serpati, a 1999 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College, was promoted to the position of Associate Director of Admissions, where she has served as Assistant Director since January, 2002. Serpati began at the College after 2 years at the College of Mount St. Vincent as an Assistant Director of Admissions.

SUSSMAN: APPOINTED ASSISTANT PROF IN EDUCATION
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College has appointed Dr. Gwen Sussman of Sleepy Hollow (NY) to Assistant Professor of Teacher Education. Dr. Sussman began her career as a second grade teacher in New Brunswick (NJ) in 1965. In 1967 she moved to the first grade and taught in Chappaqua, Port Chester and Thornwood elementary schools in Westchester County (NY) until 1973. From 1992-2000 she taught in the Nyack Public School District (NY). She became Supervisor of Literacy K-6 at the Teaneck Public Schools (NJ) in 2000. Dr. Sussman earned her Ph.D. from Fordham University.

NEWS SUMMARY: SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2002

AQUINAS MEDAL: BARBARA & PAUL MCCULLOUGH
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will bestow its most prestigious award, the Aquinas Medal, upon Barbara and Paul McCullough at the College's Annual Tribute Dinner at the Pearl River Hilton on Friday, October 18th. Proceeds from the Dinner will benefit St. Thomas Aquinas College capital improvements and program initiatives.

DURNEY: NAMED PERSON OF DISTINCTION
(Fall 2002) -- Dr. L. John Durney III of Bergen County (NJ), Senior Vice President at St. Thomas Aquinas College, was named a Person of Distinction by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Rockland County, Inc. Dr. Durney is a Professor of Communications at the College and has been promoted several times to his current position since he began at the College in 1973. He holds an Ed.D and an Ed.M., both from Columbia University, and a B.A. from Manhattan College. He is involved in numerous community organizations as an extension of his external affairs role at the College. He holds board positions with the Rockland Business Association, Leadership Rockland, Inc., and a number of other non-profit organizations in Rockland County. He has served as chairman of the RBA, Leadership Rockland, Inc., and the Arts Council of Rockland County. He assisted with the relationship between Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the College, which now offers mentoring services from College students to teens at risk in the community. Dr. Durney also created the original curriculum for Leadership Rockland, a program that has educated over 300 leaders in Rockland County. He serves as the chief fundraiser, government relations' liaison, and chief external relations' officer of the College.

ENROLLMENT SURGES
(Fall 2002) -- More than 500 new students began classes at St. Thomas Aquinas College on September 3rd, including 337 new freshmen, 130 transfer students, and 75 new graduate students in one of three graduate programs on the Sparkill campus, announced Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., president of the College. "This is the largest new contingent on campus in the history of St. Thomas Aquinas College. This is the largest freshmen class and largest total number of new students we have enrolled for a new academic year. Just as importantly, we are excited about the academic quality that many of these students have attained and we look forward to challenging them in our classrooms. Our commitment to excellence has been rewarded," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. The College's total enrollment is approximately 2,200 full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. One third of the college's full-time undergraduate students live on campus in McNelis Commons or Aquinas Village, two townhouse complexes on campus.

EXHIBIT: ROCKLAND ARTIST FEATURED IN AZARIAN-MCCULLOUGH ART GALLERY
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College's Azarian-McCullough Art Gallery will feature the works of Harry Leigh (Rockland County, NY), starting on October 6th, 2-5pm, with an opening reception, announced Gwyn Murray, A.M.A.G. Director. The AMAG is located in Costello Hall and the exhibit will run until November 3, 2002 and is free and open to the public. A sampling of Leigh's wall constructions will be on display. For gallery hours, and information on this and future exhibits, contact Gwyn Murray, AMAG Director, at 845-398-4196.

FOUNDERS AWARD: DR. PATRICIA ANN REILLY, O.P.
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will honor Dr. Patricia Ann Reilly, O.P., a member of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, with a Founders Award at the College's Annual Tribute Dinner on Friday, October 18th at the Pearl River Hilton, announced Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., President.

GRAD INFO NIGHT
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host an Information Session for individuals interested in one of the College's Graduate Programs, on Wednesday, November 6th, 7-9 p.m. on the College's campus. The College offers a Master of Business Administration degree, a Master of Science in Education degree, a Master of Science in Teaching degree and hosts the New York University Shirley M. Ehrankrantz School of Social Work.

HUTCHINSON: SELECTED TO 40 UNDER 40 LIST!
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College's Dr. Kathryn Hutchinson, Executive Director for Counseling and Psychological Services, was among 40 individuals selected by the Rockland Economic Development Corporation and the Rockland Business Association for its 40 Under 40 list of Rockland's young leaders as published in the September issue of Rockland Business World this month. Dr. Hutchinson has her doctorate in school psychology from Teachers College of Columbia University. Her career at St. Thomas is complemented by outside experiences as a script consultant for the popular television series, Blues Clues. She is advisor to Students in College Against Tobacco (SCAT) and volunteers with the American Cancer Society, and she is an authority on children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. "She offers an excellent role model to our college population, particularly for young women on campus," said Dr. Walter Schneider, Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs.

LITERACY CONFERENCE
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host a Literacy Conference for teachers and college students on Saturday, October 19th, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in the College's Romano Student Alumni Center. The event, focusing on grades Pre K-12, is open to the public and is sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas College, the Rockland Teacher's Center Institute, the Rockland Reading Council, and the College of Mount Saint Vincent (Westchester). Dr. Roger Farr, chancellor's professor of education and director of the Center for Innovation and Assessment at Indiana University, will be the keynote speaker. Panel presenters will also include Mel Glenn, author of Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?. He will focus on connecting adolescent readers with reading. The registration fee is $25 in advance, $20 for Reading Council members, $35 at the door, and $10 for full-time college students. For more information contact Dr. Michael Shaw, an associate professor of education at the College and an organizer of the event, at 845-398-4079.

OPEN HOUSE
(Fall 2002) -- St. Thomas Aquinas College will host a Fall Open House for high school, transfer and adult students interested in the College's undergraduate degree offerings, on Sunday, October 20, 11a.m. to 3 p.m. No pre-registration is necessary, but it is encouraged. Contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 4100 for more information.

RATTNER: LITURGICAL DESIGNS BRING PRAISE
(Fall 2002) -- The Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center in Ossining (NY) announced that the liturgical designs of Dr. Carl Rattner, professor of art at St. Thomas Aquinas College, will be displayed October 4th through November 22, 2002 with an opening reception Friday October 4th from 6-8 PM at the conference center. "We are very impressed by the beauty of his work," said Liz Thomas, Administrator at the Mariandale Center. "He carves heavy, sharp angles which then arrives into a 'melting' of the wood. It is amazing to see his skill."

TEAGLE FOUNDATION: FUNDS ST. THOMAS' 2ND YEAR
(Fall 2002) -- The Teagle Foundation (NY) renewed its commitment to St. Thomas with a $120,000 installment for the year-two phase of its three-year, $325,000 grant, designated for a comprehensive enrollment management program analysis. The Teagle grant allows the college, under the guidance of project director Dr. Edward D'Alessio, to thoroughly analyze its current admissions and student services, to enhance those programs, and to initiate strategies, which will expand support for students.