A NEWSLETTER FOR OCC ALUMNI, OUR COLLEGE FAMILY, AND THE COMMUNITY
SPRING 2009VOL. XIII : NO. II
Toni DePalma, OCC Class of 1985, always
dreamed of being a writer and working
with children. However, her journey took
many paths before she finally began to realize her
dream. Recently, DePalma’s dream became very real
when she was recognized as a 2009 Artists’ Fellowship
Recipient by the New Jersey State Council on the
Arts. After submitting a portion of her first novel,
Under the Banyan Tree, published by Holiday House in
2007, DePalma was selected by an independent peer
panel who reviewed work samples from more than
460 applicants. She was awarded $8,600 in the prose category. In addition, Under the
Banyan Tree was a New Voices Pick by the Association of Booksellers for Children.
DePalma’s dream began years ago while a student at Toms River High School
East where she wrote for the school newspaper and then continued journalistic
writing through her senior year at Ocean County College. After graduating from
OCC, DePalma had doubts about whether a writing career was a realistic goal. So,
she decided to pursue a psychology degree at Douglass College, Rutgers University.
DePalma’s hope was that this new direction would give her the opportunity to work
with children as a counselor or school psychologist.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, DePalma returned to Toms River and took
some time to rethink the next step toward her goals. She returned to Rutgers
University and completed a Master of Social Work in direct practice. Over the
next dozen years, in her role as a school social worker, DePalma found the human
connection with children that she always knew she wanted.
Alumna Finds Inspiration
Under a Tree
Do you remember your
first year of college?
Did you receive the tools
you needed to succeed or
were you left to wander the halls of academia?
According to education pioneer John N. Gardner,
it is imperative to make the first year of college a
positive experience that students will carry with
them throughout their lives.
Ocean County College’s primary mission has
always been to make students its number one
priority. Continually striving to meet student
needs, OCC takes creative and concrete steps to
keep its commitment to enhance each student’s
education. In keeping with that mission, OCC
held its bi-annual Colloquium for faculty,
administration, and staff on January 20 in the
Gymnasium, Main Campus, Toms River. The
theme of the colloquium was “A New Year, A
New Beginning for New Students: Foundations of
Excellence® in the First College Year.”
Continued on page 3Continued on page 2
page 2
With the birth of her son, DePalma gave
up her full-time job in order to be a full-
time mom. DePalma still didn’t honestly
believe she was good enough to be a writer,
but without a job and lacking a sense of
identity, she began writing and taking
classes. When her son turned five, DePalma
read about a low-residency Master of Fine
Arts program in writing for children and young adults at
Vermont College. She became motivated by the challenge
even though she realized the sacrifices it might require. While
studying for her master’s, DePalma returned to OCC, but this
time as an adjunct instructor of psychology; and it was her
OCC paycheck that helped to fund her tuition at Vermont
College.
During that first semester at Vermont College, the idea
for Under the Banyan Tree came to her, after she was inspired
while on a family vacation to the West coast of Florida.
“When I spied an enormous banyan tree, I was encouraged by
the grace and strength of the trees. Banyans can weather any
storm and I wanted to write and ‘feel’ a character who could
weather any storm herself. Hence, my creation of Irena,”
explained DePalma.
DePalma used her personal life as the basis for Irena and
then drew from her experiences as a social worker, especially
from interactions with adolescents and young adults.
“Though I didn’t consciously know it at the time, Irena’s
story reflected where I was emotionally in my life. As a young
mother, who had given up her job to stay at
home and be a full-time mom, I was feeling a
little lost,” she said.
DePalma worked on Under the Banyan
Tree for two years and submitted it to several
publishers before she was offered a contract
from Holiday House. Then, for the next three
years, she worked through the revision process.
When the book finally reached her hands, DePalma described
it as a wonderful moment although “it didn’t measure up to
the very intimate, very personal moment that occurred when
I wrote the last line and knew in my heart that I had brought
my character to the finish line of her journey.”
DePalma’s post publishing period has been interesting
and sometimes surprising. She has been invited to speak
about her novel with young people at local schools. Some
of the experiences of her characters, like running away
and hitchhiking, have provided an opportunity for very
worthwhile discussions. “Sometimes it’s easier to talk about
characters and the situations they are in than to talk about
your own feelings,” she added.
Today, DePalma continues to work on developing her
writing. She has written several other young adult novels
that she hopes to have published. Later this year, DePalma
will return to the OCC Bookstore to chat with students and
autograph her novel. For information on Under the Banyan
Tree, visit www.tonidepalma.com. n
Kathy Buffum
Assistant Director of Resource Development
Calling All Alumni Authors!If you have written and published a book, we would like to hear about it. Please email your name, book title, publisher, and a short synopsis to [email protected]. Be sure to include your mailing address and phone number.
Alumna finds inspiration under a treeContinued from page 1
page 3
In challenging economic times, campuses
need a strategic action plan for the critical
beginning college experience. Foundations
of Excellence® is a comprehensive, externally
guided self-study and improvement
process for the first year. It helps colleges
to set a new vision for enhanced learning
and retention of first-year and transfer
students as well as set priorities for resource
allocation.
Dr. Jon H. Larson, OCC President, kicked
off the colloquium with a “state of the
college” address. Among his comments,
Dr. Larson reviewed how organization,
improvement, and campus culture are being addressed at
OCC, and how they already closely match the Foundations of
Excellence core dimensions.
“I am pleased to report to you the state of our college
is exceptionally, and perhaps uniquely, robust and vibrant.
At a time when many of the social, economic, and political
institutions of our society are in extraordinary disarray, it is with
deep satisfaction that I report to you on the excellent health of
both our fiscal and professional resources of our college.”
Dr. Larson explained that OCC management had reviewed the
organizational structures and policies in all college divisions and
that plans were underway to make them operationally leaner
and more efficient. He also stressed that OCC is committed
to its growing student population. With “over 10% in added
credit hours in this semester alone, it is our responsibility to
both retain our commitment to excellence while at the same
time maximizing our cost effectiveness so we are able to make
attending college as affordable as possible,” he said.
According to Dr. Larson, in order to do this, OCC will continue
to manage college expenses to minimally impact tuition costs,
offer lowered textbook costs, provide scholarship support
through the OCC Foundation, and supply
service excellence in Financial Aid to match
and even surpass the $16 million dollars of
aid awarded to OCC students last year. He
also emphasized that there will be no increase
in student fees next year (see related story
“Holding the Line on Tuition,” page 4).
After addressing various aspects of college
reorganization, upcoming improvements, and
a commitment to a positive campus culture,
Dr. Larson turned the podium over to keynote
speaker John N. Gardner, Executive Director,
Policy Center on the First Year of College.
The Policy Center works with colleges and
universities to undertake assessment of the first college year as a
means to improve student learning and retention.
In his address, Gardner explained that a colloquium is an
occasion to bring the whole campus community together and
can be used to improve and advance the college, its faculty,
administration, and staff. It is a time for learning, inspiration,
commitment, and action. It is “an occasion to confirm our best
practices and to think about a plan for improvement,” Gardner
added.
Gardner explained that it takes “a whole college to raise
new students.” He emphasized that each person associated
with the college is directly responsible for the success of new
students, from the President and Board of Trustees to the faculty
and administration … and from financial aid professionals to
academic advisors, all the way to the security, custodial, and
secretarial staff.
To paraphrase Gardner, “all aspects of college life and resources
contribute to each student’s success or failure including an
inviting campus atmosphere, technology infrastructure, secure
environment, in addition to career planning, and student services.”
First-year students take precedenceContinued from page 1
Continued on page 5
page 4
Holding the Line on Tuition
OCC’s tuition and fees for 2009-
2010 will not increase! The tuition
rate will continue
at $92 per credit
and student fees
will remain the
same as in 2008.
In January, OCC Board of Trustees
voted to approve College President
Dr. Jon H. Larson’s zero-increase
tuition recommendation.
“With the economy in crisis, it was
our responsibility to maximize our
cost effectiveness and do everything
possible to make college attendance
affordable, while continuing our
commitment to excellence,” explained
Dr. Larson.
The flat tuition rate is the result of
prudent resource management and
several cost containment measures.
Several sweeping budget-saving
measures assisted OCC in passing
savings along to its students. “The
administration’s careful attention
to sound resource management
and cost containment helped to
wring expense from the budget and
allows us to continue providing high
quality education without increasing
tuition or fees. We will continue to
closely monitor expenses in order to
minimally impact educational costs,”
added Carl V. Thulin, OCC Board of
Trustees Chairman.
Job Searching Just Got Easier
For those who are unemployed
or looking to move up the career
ladder, OCC offers several ways
to become competitive in today’s
tough job market. Through job
search workshops, individual
career counseling, job training, and
assistance programs, OCC is helping
to get careers back on track!
OCC’s Department of Continuing
and Professional Education offers
workshops that reveal the secrets
to getting the right job. In May,
the “Job Search Workshop with
Resume Writing” focused on a plan
of action for self-promotion and the
development of a resume that shows
off marketable skills. In July, the
“Help in looking
for a job in
today’s market”
workshop will
provide tips on
searching for employment and help
in writing a powerful resume. Also in
July, the “How to Get a Federal Job”
workshop will highlight the ins and
outs of application forms, resume
preparation, salaries, benefits, and
veterans’ preference in hiring.
In addition, OCC’s Career,
Employment and Counseling Services
offers free and low cost assistance
in finding a job. Services include
counseling, assessment, online
resources, linkage with recruiting
employers, and assistance with
interviewing and resumes. Those
seeking employment can also attend
free Job Seekers Support meetings,
job fairs, and workshops. In addition,
for a fee, resume development and
career counseling is tailored to meet
individual needs.
If you need help in finding a job or
are looking for career training, contact
OCC’s Office of Career, Employment,
and Counseling Services and the
Department of
Continuing and
Professional
Education. For
information, visit
www.ocean.edu.
OceanViews is published bi-annually by the Office of College Relations at Ocean County College, College Drive, P.O. Box 2001, Toms River, NJ 08754-2001. © 2009 Ocean County College.
Please address comments and submissions to RoseAnn D’Urso, editor, at [email protected].
page 5
Sustainable Roofing
OCC is stepping up its efforts to
be environmentally friendly. The
College continually seeks new ways to
improve its stewardship while striving
for ways to be economical. One way
that OCC is “going green” is the
construction of “green roofs.” There
are many environmental benefits of
this technology, including a reduction
in HVAC equipment and insulation
requirements, decreased noise levels,
marketing exposure, and storm water
management.
As the cost of fuel and energy has
continued to increase, there has
been considerable interest in the use
of “green” roofing in the United
States. The U.S. Green Building
Council’s Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED)
rating system was developed in
response to market demand for
“green” buildings to reduce or
eliminate negative impacts on the
environment. OCC’s goal is to
have all its campus construction
and renovation receive the LEED
certification. n
The first year of college is the foundation of the entire undergraduate curriculum. According to Gardner, it is during this first
year that new students choose a major, establish a good GPA, learn good study habits, decide on which groups to affiliate with,
acquire behaviors that may carry over beyond college, and redefine roles with family and employers.
In his assessment of OCC, Gardner pointed out that he was “impressed with OCC’s mission, vision, and value statements.” He
specifically singled out OCC’s cultural assessment and planning, commitment to global education, its outstanding Kean@Ocean
Alliance, and its impressive first and second year retention rate. Gardner noted OCC’s long history of transfer success, stressing
that no other community college has a higher rate.
OCC was also praised for its academic master plan, exceptional variety of courses, required new student orientation, and
honors program. Gardner stressed that OCC was among very few colleges that have multiple formats of registration, and he was
duly impressed that OCC had the largest number of NJ STARS students in the state.
As part of its commitment to continually improve and to provide the very best possible to its students, OCC is one of ten
colleges that is participating in the 2008-2009 Two-Year Foundations of Excellence National Select Cohort. OCC is also one of
50 colleges and universities nationwide to participate in the Foundations of Excellence comprehensive, guided self-study and
improvement process. It is expected that Foundations of Excellence will demonstrate OCC’s national leadership as it focuses on
this crucial time in students’ development and engagement in the habits of learning.
In addition, Gardner worked with OCC during the spring semester to assist in implementing improvements that “will make
OCC even stronger and more unique in the state.” Among the areas that Gardner looked at to enhance the new student
experience are first-year seminars, learning communities, supplemental instruction, developmental education, structures for
developing peer relationships, and structures that build out-of-class faculty/student interaction.
For information on the Policy Center for the First Year of College, visit www.firstyear.org. n
RoseAnn D’Urso, editor
Manager of Promotional Programming
First-year students take precedenceContinued from page 3
page 6
Mommy’s Going to College!Losing your major source of financial support because of death, disability, separation,
or divorce can be a frightening thing, especially for those who are emotionally
or vocationally unprepared to enter the job market. The Displaced Homemakers
Program of Ocean County, located at Ocean County College, provides free services
to these individuals and helps them become economically self-sufficient.
Belinda Joyner, Toms River, was
once lost and uncertain about
what steps to take to further her
education and turn her family’s life around.
“When I first came in (to OCC), I just simply
did not know where to start. I was scared
and felt foolish to think I could even go to
college. I took a deep breath and, standing in
front of a kind-hearted soul in registration,
I blurted out my situation. ‘I want to come
to school. I don’t know where to start.
I’m divorced, I have five kids, and I need a
career so I can support them. I need help,’ ”
Joyner cried.
The woman behind the counter said that
she knew someone that Joyner should speak with. Joyner was
directed to see Kathleen Bombery, OCC Community Services
Specialist for the Displaced Homemakers Program.
“No matter what someone’s needs are, whether they are
unemployed or underemployed, the Displaced Homemakers
Program provides a variety of services,” explained Bombery.
“We provide training and education, pre-employment
counseling, academic advising, career planning, and job
placement. Because life-alternating changes affect more than
education and employment, we also offer self-esteem and
confidence building, life skills programs, and supportive
counseling. And for those instances when we
can not directly help, we supply information
and referrals to community resources, and
health, wellness, and social services.”
In January 2008, Joyner was frightened
and confused, uncertain of her abilities and
her future. However, with the support of the
Displaced Homemakers Program, she has
become an accomplished student and a role
model of success.
“To think that just the thought of coming
to college sent me into a full-fledged
panic attack. Thank you to the Displaced
Homemakers Program of Ocean County for
listening, encouraging, and enlightening me.
Through this program I’ve not only enrolled in college and
completed classes, I have been shown the ability and worth
within me. In the immortal words of my girls: ‘Mommy
decided to start over and she’s going to college!’”
The Displaced Homemakers Program of Ocean County is
located in the Office of Career, Employment and Counseling
Services at Ocean County College, Main Campus, Toms River.
For information, call Kathleen Bombery at 732.255.0400,
ext. 2297, or visit www.ocean.edu. n
RoseAnn D’Urso, editor
Manager of Promotional Programming
page 7
o c c f o u n d at i o n
Congratulations to Leonard G. “Bud”
Lomell, who has been selected to
receive the OCC Foundation’s most
prestigious honor, the Humanitarian
of the Year Award. A retired Toms
River attorney, Leonard G. “Bud”
Lomell is a highly decorated former-
United States Army Ranger who served
in World War II. He is best known for his
actions in the first hours of D-Day at Pointe
du Hoc on the coast of Normandy, France, and for
his bravery in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, also known as Hill
400 or Castle Hill.
From his humble beginnings, Lomell learned hard work,
dedication, and love of his country. Adopted as an infant by
Scandinavian immigrant parents living in Brooklyn, NY, no
one would have thought that Lomell would rise to be one of
America’s greatest war heroes. After moving with his parents
to Point Pleasant, NJ, he subsequently graduated from Point
Pleasant Beach High School. He attended Tennessee Wesleyan
College and graduated in 1941.
On June 13, 1942, Lomell enlisted in the U.S. Army, at first
serving with the 76th Infantry Division and then volunteered to
serve in the Ranger Army Battalion. He quickly rose in rank from
Platoon Sergeant, to First Sergeant, and then Sergeant Major.
Pointe du Hoc was the site of the German army’s largest
cache of coastal weapons. Concealed in an orchard, the guns
were prepared to fire on tens of thousands of troops landing on
Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. With expertise and bravery, then
First Sergeant Lomell found and swiftly disabled all five guns.
For this act of heroism, one historian has said that Lomell was
the single individual, other than General Dwight D. Eisenhower,
who was most responsible for the success of D-Day. In the Battle
of Hürtgen Forest, newly field commissioned Second Lieutenant
Lomell captured Hill 400, personally attacking
a German weapons shelter and driving
the enemy to surrender. For this act,
historians have praised his courage
and judgment under fire. During
the course of the war, Lomell was
wounded three times, the last in the
Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged
due to wounds on December 30, 1945.
After returning from war, Lomell married
Charlotte Ewart on June 6, 1946 and raised three
daughters, Georgine, Pauline, and Renee. After Charlotte’s
sister Gene passed away, the couple also raised their niece and
nephew, Elizabeth and Jay Bergson.
Lomell studied law at LaSalle University and Rutgers
University, passing the bar in 1951. Founder and senior member
of the law firm of Lomell, Muccifori, Adler, Ravaschiere &
Amabile, subsequently known as the Lomell Law Firm, he
retired in the mid-1980’s.
Active in his community, Lomell’s civic activities included
the Garden State Philharmonic Symphony (cofounder and
president), Christ Episcopal Church (Vestry board member,
men’s club president, legal counsel for 35 years), Community
Memorial Hospital (general chair and chief fund raiser for 1981
building program), Ocean County Historical Society (director),
and Colonel Waterhouse Museum (trustee). In addition, he
was a member of the Dover Township Board of Education, the
Ocean County Bar Association (president, ethics and grievance
committee), and the Ocean County College Foundation Board
of Trustees. Lomell was also the first Post Commander of the
Point Pleasant Veterans of Foreign Wars; a member of the
French Committee of Point du Hoc, Normandy, France; and
past-President of the Legion of Valor and the Ranger Battalion
Association of World War II.
Continued on page 8
2009 Humanitarian of the Year Named
page 8
For his heroic actions at Pointe du Hoc, Lomell received the
U.S. Army’s Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, the
British Military Medal, and the French Légion d’honneur.
His heroism at Hill 400 earned him the Silver Star.
In 1994, he was inducted into the Ranger Hall of
Fame. One year earlier (1993), he was inducted
into the Point Pleasant Beach High School Hall
of Fame, and in 1999, the Borough of Point
Pleasant Beach dedicated a monument to him
at its Veterans Park with a replica of the grapnel
hook used by the Rangers at Pointe Du Hoc. This was
a particularly touching honor for Lomell, since the grapnel hook
was given by the residents of Grandcamp-Maisy, France, in honor
of his contribution during the war. In 2001, he was awarded an
honorary Doctor of Humanities from his alma mater, Tennessee
Wesleyan College. In 2007, Monmouth University awarded him an
honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.
The OCC Foundation will honor “Bud” Lomell at its Summer
Gala in September on OCC’s Main Campus in Toms River. The
gala, accompanying ad journal, and auction combine to be the
OCC Foundation’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the Summer
Gala will support the mission of the Foundation.
“Our annual summer gala provides the community with an
opportunity to honor well-respected, well-deserving individuals
and organizations who have given of their time, talents,
and resources. We are very pleased to be honoring
this wonderful man for his outstanding service
to his country, and his involvement in the
community and business life of Ocean County,”
said Sandy S. Broughton, Executive Director of
the Ocean County College Foundation.
According to Broughton, through the support
received from corporations and individuals, the
Foundation is able to provide scholarships and open doors to
the future for many OCC students. “Over the years, tremendous
community support has continued to enable the OCC Foundation
to help thousands of deserving students,” she added.
For more information on the Summer Gala, to become a
sponsor, or to make a donation, call the OCC Foundation at
732.255.0492. n
RoseAnn D’Urso, editor
Manager of Promotional Programming
Michael B. York, Chairperson
Nina Anuario
Janet Beers
Ilene Cohen
Vincent D’Allesandro
Robert A. Davis
Eileen Della Volle
John N. Ernst
Katie Grofik
Virginia E. Haines
William Hoey
Thomas Hourigan
Marc Kassenoff
Dottie LaPosa
Dr. Jon H. Larson
Michael O’Brien
Ken Olsen
Richard Pallamary
Richard M. Parrish
Pravin Patel
Joel Perlmutter
Karl Reinheimer
Michael Ritacco
Pauline Rota
Domenick Servodio
Maria Sessa
Brian Solik
Thomas Vogel
Massimo F. Yezzi, Jr.
Matthew Yezzi
Harvey York
8th Annual Golf OutingThis year’s annual Foundation Golf Outing was held on Tuesday, May 5 at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, NJ.
Funds raised will benefit the students of Ocean County College with scholarships, special projects, and programs. A special
thanks to Chairperson Michael York and his committee for coordinating the event and our sincere appreciation is extended
to the sponsors, donors, and players for supporting the efforts of the Foundation.
8th Annual Golf Outing Committee
OCC Foundation Staff
Sandy S. Broughton, Executive Director • Nancy A. Heroy, Administrative Assistant
Humanitarian of the Year NamedContinued from page 7
Planned Giving
Planned gift, deferred gift,
estate gift – different names
for a way to manage your affairs,
plan for the future, and make a
gift to the Ocean County College
Foundation. These are the most
common types of planned gifts.
Please consult with your attorney or
financial planner to discuss the best
method for you and your family.
• Cash – checks and credit
card donations are the most
frequent, and generally the most
convenient, means of giving.
• Wills or Trusts – alumni and
friends are encouraged to include
provisions to benefit the students
of OCC through their estate plans.
• Real Estate and Tangible Property
– if highly appreciated, offers a tax
benefit to donors when donated
to the OCC Foundation.
• Income Producing Plans –
charitable gift annuities and
charitable remainder trusts.
• Charitable Lead Trusts – support
the students of OCC now and still
leave assets to your heirs.
• Life Insurance – use a life
insurance policy to make a
substantial gift.
For additional information about
gifts to support the students of OCC,
please contact Sandy S. Broughton,
Executive Director, OCC Foundation
and Resource Development, at
732.255.0400, ext. 2134.
page 9
Speaker’s BureauInterested in learning more about the role that the OCC Foundation plays in
your community? Organizations and clubs are encouraged to contact the OCC
Foundation to request a presentation from a representative of the College. The
speaker will address your group for about ten minutes and show a brief video.
To arrange for a speaker, please contact Sandy S. Broughton, Executive Director,
OCC Foundation and Resource Development at 732.255.0400, ext. 2134.
OCC Foundation Board MembersFrank J. Dupignac, Jr., Chairman
Joseph D. Caoronato, Vice Chairman
Keith A. Buscio, Secretary
Edmund Bennett, III, Treasurer
Nina B. Anuario
Lawrence E. Bathgate, II
Janet Beers
Estelle Brodkey
Rosanne L. Citta
Robert A. Fall
Kristin Farfalla
Richard D. Galgano
Ross D. Gertner
Virginia E. Haines
Thomas J. Hourigan
Byron Kotzas
Angela M. Koutsouris
Eileen Lehman
Stephan R. Leone
Joseph Mezzina
Michael M. O’Brien
Sharon Pastras
David G. Paulus
Joel Perlmutter
Karl Reinheimer
David Rosen
Philip F. Scallon
Domenick M. Servodio
Kevin J. Smith
Matthew Smith
Brian Solik
Carl V. Thulin, Jr.
Daniel J. Vitale
Thomas S. Vogel
John E. Walsh
Gale G. Wayman
David C. Wintrode
Harvey L. York
Michael B. York
Emeriti
Joseph E. Buckelew
Joseph A. Citta (1908-2009)
Jack Lamping
Leonard G. Lomell
Richard S. Sambol
Sen. Robert W. Singer
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D., College President
Franklin H. Berry, Jr., Counsel
Sandy S. Broughton, Executive Director
page 10
ODETTE KIM CAO DUNN ’80 is an associ-
ate auditor for the State of California
Franchise Tax Board in Sacramento, CA.
ROBERT DUNN, ESq. ’80 serves as tax
council for the State of California
Franchise Tax Board in Sacramento, CA.
KELLY FINAN ’92 is a computer
programmer for Pinpoint Resource
Group Inc. in Raleigh, NC.
KERRIE HASKAMP FARKAS, PHD, ’90
is an assistant professor of English
and the director of the Center for
Public Scholarship, Civic & Community
Engagement, and Research Project at
Millersville University, Millersville, PA.
ERIN K. GARRABRANT ’98 is a certified
trust financial advisor and a vice president
at Wachovia Bank, Toms River, NJ.
VIRGINIA LARATTA-HINSINGER ’85 is
a licensed practical nurse and works
as a human service specialist for the
Ocean County Board of Social Services
in Toms River, NJ.
RYAN MATTHEWS ’04 earned a degree
in meteorology from Kean University and
is a weather producer at CBS2 News.
CLAUDIA ANN PERRY ’68 is a registered
nurse who, after a 40-year career, now
works part-time as a CNA (certified
nursing assistant) instructor. She resides
in Tucson, AZ.
HELEN RUSCH PHILLIPS ’70 was employed
by Montgomery County Public Schools as a
science teacher and department chair prior
to her recent return to New Jersey.
ELIZABETH SCRO ’03 is the owner and
artistic director of Once Upon A Dance
School in Toms River, NJ. Her website is
www.OnceUponADance.com.
VINCENT VARVARO ’92 is a distribution
system operator for Jersey Central Power
and Light, Red Bank, NJ.
JOSEPHINE VELLA MURRAY ’05 works as a
production control clerk for Bowhead, Inc.,
a government contractor who does work
for the US Army, Fort Dix, NJ.
on the move
Share your career news!
a l u m n i
fund drive
reminderYou can make a
difference at OCC
The Annual Fund Drive
is a joint effort between
the OCC Foundation and
the Alumni Association.
By combining our
efforts, our goal is to
increase the scholarship
support available to
our students and
help make an OCC
degree a reality for
all deserving students
who are in need of
financial assistance.
Send your check to
Ocean County College,
OCC Foundation,
College Drive,
P.O. Box 2001,
Toms River, NJ
08754-2001 or
give on-line at
www.ocean.edu.
Your support is
greatly appreciated!Help us keep our database current by updating your address, phone, email, and career information. Email us at [email protected] or call 732.255.0494. Visit us on the web at www.ocean.edu.
page 11
a l u m n a S p o t l i g h t
Della Volle enrolled at OCC in
1984, so she could stay close to
home and assist her mother who was
ill. She discovered that OCC offered
the convenience of a local campus,
affordable tuition, the opportunity
to excel as an athlete, and a flexible
class schedule that allowed her to keep
up with a job. But OCC offered Della Volle so much more! The
college provided her with an education she could springboard off
into a long and successful career. OCC also gave her the foundation
for lasting memories and friendships.
“While at OCC, I learned that playing a team sport can teach
you many valuable lessons that are useful in life,” Della Volle said.
“I played field hockey and learned that victory is sweet, but even
sweeter is the way you and your teammates come together to
support each other in difficult times. You form relationships that
last a lifetime. These relationships impact who we are and how we
impact the world. You learn to depend on and trust others. You
also learn to step up to the plate when you are needed. Most of
all, at the end of the day, I’ve learned that accomplishments are
won by a team and not by an individual,” she added.
After two years, Della Volle found herself in a difficult situation.
Just three credits shy of finishing an associate degree, Della Volle
learned that she had to transfer to Kean University to qualify
for federal financial aid. But luckily, OCC agreed to let Della
Volle transfer her last three credits from Kean University back
to OCC, allowing her to complete an associate degree. In 1989,
she graduated from OCC with an associate in science degree
in liberal arts and from Kean with a Bachelor of Arts in public
administration. “The flexibility of OCC allowed me to do this,”
Della Volle acknowledged gratefully.
After graduating, Della Volle worked for non-profit
organizations in affordable housing and social services for families
and then later she transferred into state government. After
several years, she transitioned into the private sector working in
business development. In 2004, she assumed her current position
of Vice President of Business Development for KS Engineers, P.C.,
headquartered in Newark.
Della Volle’s time at Ocean County College helped to focus her
career path and greatly influenced her professional success. She
explained that one of her professors at Ocean County College,
Richard Strada (currently Interim Vice President of Academic
Affairs) had a profound impact on her life. “I learned that politics
plays out in every part of our lives. He suggested that I volunteer
on a political campaign for extra credit and it changed my view on
how life truly works and the impact we each have on the world.
We need to take that responsibility and use it to the best of our
ability to help others and give back to the community,” she said.
Della Volle has been recognized by top leaders from both
political parties including Hillary Clinton and mayors from many
major cities in New Jersey. She has also spearheaded an effort
with Governor Corzine’s office to help address public policy issues
surrounding contracting and procurement for women business
owners. Among her other distinctions, Della Volle received the
Award of Excellence from Odyssey International for outstanding
contributions to women and minorities and the Maurice Gurin
National Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Commitment to a
non-profit organization.
Most recently, Della Volle became a Leadership New Jersey
Fellow, Class of 2008. This year-long program includes the “Who’s
Who” of New Jersey and whose fellows include two governors and
heads of major corporations. Della Volle also volunteers on the
Ocean County College Foundation Golf Outing Committee. n
RoseAnn D’Urso, editor
Manager of Promotional Programming
For 25 years, OCC alumna Eileen Della Volle, Brick Township, has parlayed
her education into a successful business career and a commitment to
service. Della Volle’s time spent at OCC also helped her to learn valuable
life lessons and form lifelong friendships.
page 12
Robert J. Brown, Veterans Coordinator Financial Aid Advisor,
received a Master of Science in Management (MSM) from
Thomas Edison State College.
Ocean County College received numerous 2008 Medallion
Awards from the National Council for Marketing and
Public Relations (NCMPR). Scott Bruinooge, Coordinator
of Publications, received a Silver Award for the Barnegat
Bay National Estuary Program Reaffirmation Ceremony
Invitation. RoseAnn D’Urso, Manager of Promotional
Programming, and Ralph Bertini, TV Production Director
(Media Services), received a Bronze Award for the
Foundation “Dragnet” Gala Video, and a Bronze Award
for “The Best Years,” an original half-hour monthly TV
magazine for seniors. Jan Kirsten, Director of College
Relations, and her staff received a Gold Award for the
new OCC Sail Logo, a Gold Award for the Reach for
the Stars Community Campaign Video, a Silver Award
for the Recruitment Video, and a Silver Award for the
2007 Annual Report. OCC went on to receive a 2009
NCMPR Paragon Bronze Award for the OCC Sail Logo. In
addition, the Council for the Advancement and Support
of Education awarded OCC its Accolade Silver Award for
the Recruitment Video. Dr. Jon H. Larson, President, was
also honored by NCMPR with its Pacesetter Award, which
is presented to a community college chief executive with
strong personal leadership in the institution’s community
outreach endeavors and who demonstrated an outstanding
commitment to college marketing and communications.
Kathleen Passuth
Bombery, Community
Services Specialist,
Displaced Homemakers
Program of Ocean
County, was appointed
by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders to serve
on the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status
of Women.
Dr. Ali Botein-Furrevig, Assistant Professor of English,
presented “Crossing Second Avenue: Molly Picon and the
Mainstreaming of Yiddish Theatre” at the International
Conference of Scholars sponsored by The Association of
Jewish Studies in Washington DC, and presented “Almonds
and Raisins: The Golden Epoch of Yiddish Theatre” at the
Jewish Federation of Ocean County’s Omnibus Symposium.
Dr. Botein-Furrevig attended a conference, “The History
and Story of the St. Louis,” sponsored by the New Jersey
Commission on Holocaust Education. In addition, she
serves on the Monmouth Dialogue Project Advisory Board,
funded by the Peace Development Fund, which examines
issues of mutual concern between Arab-Americans and
Jewish-Americans in order to promote understanding,
respect, and tolerance. Dr. Botein-Furrevig serves as Scholar
Honoraria on a grant from the American Library Association
and NextBook, where she lectures and leads discussions on
Jewish-themed novels for the Ocean County Library system.
page 13
Continued from page 12
Judith Hicks, Security Sergeant, and
John DiRocco, Security Officer, attended
the New Jersey College and University
Public Safety 40-hour training seminar
at Rutgers University, New Brunswick/
Livingston. Sgt. Hicks and Officer DiRocco
received certifications in first aid/CPR/
AED, defensive driving, ICS 100 (Incident
Command), and NIMS 700 (National
Incident Management System).
Grace Johnson, Assistant Director of
Multicultural Services, was appointed to the
Advisory Committee on Minority Concerns
Ocean Vicinage, by Judge Grasso Superior
Court. She was also appointed to the Ocean
County Census Committee by the Ocean
County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Sandra Kearns, Chief Nursing Officer of
Nursing and Allied Health, was chosen to
serve as President of the New Jersey Council
of Associate Degree Nursing Programs. The
council is comprised of the directors and
deans of the 19 associate degree nursing
programs in New Jersey. Awareness of
national trends and events in nursing
education is paramount to the success of
nursing education in New Jersey. She also
serves as the New Jersey State Nursing
Association Consultant for New Jersey
Nursing Student, Inc.
Sue Kozel, Adjunct Instructor of Social
Science, received an independent scholar
mini-grant from the New Jersey Historical
Commission, New Jersey Department of
State, to continue to research the life of
New Jersey Quaker Abolitionist Richard
Waln. She also presented “Richard Waln
and Slavery” at the New Jersey History
Conference, Upper Freehold Township;
and “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and His
Comments on ‘Survival of the Fittest’ ” at
the National Association to Study African
American Life and History Conference in
Birmingham, Alabama, and at the Gandhi-
King Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Marilyn Kralik, Professor of Fine Arts
and Media Studies, presented a paper on
“Religion and Identity in Islamic Art”
at the International Conference on Art,
Religion, and Identity held at the University
of Glasgow Graduate School of Arts and
Humanities, Scotland.
Thomas Lesniak, Adjunct Assistant
Professor of Science, received OCC’s
Innovator of the Year Award for his
development and implementation of
multiple internal and external crime scene
locations for the Criminal Justice Program.
Jayanti Tamm, Instructor of English and
Literature, had her memoir Cartwheels
in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult
published by Harmony Books (a division
of Random House). The book offers an
eye-opening account of being born and
raised in a cult. For over 25 years, she lived
in the inner circle of the guru Sri Chinmoy.
Kirkus Reviews hailed Cartwheels in a Sari
as the story of an “exceptional childhood.”
Publisher’s Weekly praised the memoir,
noting the “harrowing details of her story
create a sense of emotional devastation
that will linger.” Books are available at
Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble,
among others. For more information,
visit www.jayantitamm.com.
Richard Trimble, Professor of Social
Science, published his eighth book, It’s Been
Said: Quotations for Teachers, Coaches, and
Athletes (Championship Books & Video).
The book contains over 1,100 quotes
collected over his years of teaching and
coaching. He spoke on one of his previous
books, Brothers ’Til Death, a collection of
Civil War letters, as part of a three-author
panel at the Ocean County Library.
Prof. Trimble presented “Fifty Lessons
You Need to Teach in World History” at
the Mid-Atlantic World History Association
in Harford, Maryland. This topic was based
on an article of the same title published in
Our Story, the journal of the New Jersey
Council for History Education. He also
spoke on Abraham Lincoln, “More than
Emancipation and Preservation,” at
Ocean County Library. n
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The OCC Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Eagle Ridge
Golf Club, Lakewood, NJ. Join fellow alumni, the college family, and community members as we honor this year’s
inductees. Tickets for the induction dinner will be available early this fall.
The 2009 inductees include: Kerrie Haskamp Farkas ’90 (Swimming), Rene Roncin Nani ’79 (Field Hockey, Track
and Field), Malcolm Reed ’00 (Basketball), Danielle Riebe Rosinski ’94 (Basketball), and Denise Stusnick Rosetto ’77
(Basketball, Field Hockey, Tennis).
A special addition to this year’s induction will be the first induction of an OCC Team of Distinction. This award will
be given to the 1985 National Championship Women’s Field Hockey Team. If you or someone you know played on this
winning team and you have not yet been contacted, please call the Resource Development Office. For information on the
Athletic Hall of Fame and for a nomination form, please visit the Athletics page of the OCC website at www.ocean.edu or
call Resource Development at 732.255.0494. n
Athletic Facilities
Grow!A new athletic facilities project
began in spring 2009. This
exciting construction project
will include new tennis courts,
a multi-purpose turf field, a
walking path, and additional
campus parking. The expanded
athletic facilities will enable
OCC to host high school and
collegiate regional and national
tournaments on the Main
Campus in Toms River. Stay
tuned for more details! n
page 14
at h l e t i c S
Women Bring Home the “Goals”The Women’s Soccer team took 2nd Place at the National Junior
College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Division III Tournament.
Four of the women Vikings earned All Tournament Team recognition:
Ashley Bechtle, Stefanie Bonsky, Catherine Dyciewski, and Kristin DeMuth.
The team was also crowned the Garden State Athletic Conference
Champions, District C Champions, and NJCAA Region XIX Champions.
Head Coach Karen Trump earned Coach of the Year honors for both the
GSAC and Region XIX.
In District C, Danielle Pagano, Kristen LaCour, Stefanie Bonsky, and
Teresa Cambra were named to the All-District Tournament Team. And in
Region XIX, Pagano was named Offensive MVP and LaCour was named
Defensive MVP. n
page 15
Vikings Make a Splash at Nationals!The Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams each won the
Non-Scholarship Division of the 2009 National Junior College
Athletic Association (NJCAA) Swimming and Diving National
Championships. This is the first time either team has accomplished
this feat!
In addition, the swimming season saw several new OCC school
records set. From the Women’s Team, Jenny Lo set the new school and pool record in the 200 Backstroke with a time
of 2:16.92. The record was previously set in 1997 with a time of 2:18.38. Lo was also honored OCC’s “Woman Athlete
of the Year” during National Girls and Women in Sports Day held at Seton Hall University. As a NJ STARS student
majoring in liberal arts, Lo plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher.
Chris Lombardo, Brian Mahoney, Jason Jennings, and Jordan Centofanti set school records for the Men’s Team in
200 and 400 Freestyle Relay with times of 1:29.06 and 3:19.64, respectively. Previously, these records were set in 1997
at 1:31.14 and 1982 at 3:20.34. Lombardo, Mahoney, Centofanti, and Rich Maier also broke the 200 Medley Relay
school record with a time of 1:39.09. The previous
school record was set in 1997 at 1:39.18. In addition,
Centofanti set a new school record in the 50 Yard
Freestyle with a time of 22.25. The previous record
of 22.27 was set in 1977. n
A N
EW
SL
ET
TE
R F
OR
OC
C A
LU
MN
I, OU
R C
OL
LE
GE
FA
MILY, A
ND
TH
E C
OM
MU
NIT
Y
SP
RIN
G 2
00
9V
OL
. XIII : N
O. II
College Drive, P.O. Box 2001Toms River, New Jersey 08754-2001
Address Services Requested
NON-PROFIT ORGTOMS RIVER, NJU.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT 27
earn credits
toward your bachelor’s or master’s degreeon the occ campus with the
ocean county college/kean university degree program
K e a n U n i v e r s i t y a n d O c e a n c O U n t y c O l l e g e
have established a partnership that enables area residents to complete upper division courses required for
certain Kean University undergraduate degree programs and specific graduate programs on the campus of OCC.
Fast Facts
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• Accounting
• Biology
• Computer Science –
Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Elementary Education
• English
• History
• Management
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Physical Education & Health
K-12 Teaching Option
• Public Administration
• Sociology
• Special Education
master’s Degree Programs
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Counselor Education
• Educational Leadership
• Nursing
• Public Administration
(beginning spring 2010)
give us a call toDay
Let us help you complete your
Kean University degree, close to
home, on the beautiful Ocean
County College campus!
inFormation
Call 732.255.0356 or email us at