alumna finds inspiration under a tree t...service excellence in financial aid to match and even...

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

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

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

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].

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

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



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

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



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

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.

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



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.

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.

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

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

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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

[email protected].

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