Graduation weekend at Caldwell College will culminate Sunday May 16, 2010 at 11 a.m. with the commencement address by Caldwell College Student Government president and graduating senior Ryan Gleason of Franklin, New Jersey. An honorary degree will be presented to a New Jersey doctor who cares for the poor in Haiti.

Caldwell College President Nancy H. Blattner, Ph.D. will confer degrees on the Caldwell College Class of 2010 in the Newman Center on campus. The president will present undergraduates with their Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Those receiving degrees include full-time traditional, adult undergraduate and graduate students. Students enrolled in graduate studies will receive either their Master of Arts or Master of Business Administration degrees.

The college will present an honorary degree to Dr. James Morgan an internist with a practice in Cedar Grove. He has been caring for the poor in Haiti for several years and in the aftermath of the earthquake. He and a colleague founded Lamp for Haiti in 2006, which operates a medical clinic in Cite Soleil, a region near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.

When the devastating earthquake hit on January 12 this year, Dr. Morgan rushed to Haiti to attend to acute wounds, crushed limbs, chronic diseases, infectious problems and much, much more. Up against many obstacles, some of which included very little shelter, water, or food, he and his team persisted because they had hope. They shared that hope immediately with the people of Haiti, and they continue to share that hope through the Foundation.

The Lamp Foundation’s mission is to work together with Haitians, to advocate for the respect and protection of basic human rights in the areas of greatest misery and poverty in the capital city of Port-Au-Prince. Lamp provides basic health care, investigates allegations of human rights abuses, and provides educational and humanitarian aid. The clinic provides medical care free of charge to the poor in Cite Soleil, Pele, San Fil, and Jeremy. Closer to home, Dr. Morgan provides medical care for the residents of St. Catherine’s Convent and Health Center in Caldwell, NJ.

from left to right: Bonnie Michaels, RN, MA, NEA-BC, FACHE, Sook Choi, RN, PhD, and Ngozi Nkongho, PhD, RN, CNE meet to plan for the fall launch of the BSN program.

Future Nurses to Study at both Caldwell College & Mountainside

Mountainside Hospital (Montclair) and Caldwell College (Caldwell) have received final approvals to launch their partnership for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. The New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education have approved the program.

Applications for the new undergraduate program are now being accepted for the fall 2010 entering class. Under the partnership, Caldwell College will offer a nursing degree for the first time in its history. Mountainside Hospital will serve as the primary site for teaching theory and clinical nursing through the Mountainside Hospital Center for Nursing Practice.

Caldwell College is providing admissions, student services and non-nursing degree requirements. Nursing faculty at Mountainside will teach courses in the theory and practice of nursing and clinical work will be performed at the hospital. Ngozi Nkongho, PhD, RN, CNE is the Director of the new BSN program and Administrator of the Mountainside Hospital Center for Nursing Practice.

“Caldwell College is delighted to be able to partner with Mountainside Hospital to offer the BSN degree. The hospital’s School of Nursing has a long history of offering a quality diploma program and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Mountainside Hospital by offering the BSN degree in collaboration with their Center for Nursing Practice,” said Paul Douillard, PhD Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Caldwell College. “We are fortunate to have on Caldwell’s faculty Sook Choi, RN, PhD, Director of Health Sciences at Caldwell College who will oversee the non-nursing curriculum which will be offered in the Caldwell College Natural and Physical Sciences department.”

“Throughout its 117-year history, our nursing school has distinguished itself as a premier educational institution and generations of our graduates have achieved success. This new partnership is consistent with our longstanding practice of proactively responding to emerging trends in the field of nursing,” said John A. Fromhold, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mountainside Hospital. “With evidence that BSN care improves patient outcomes and government initiatives that would make an undergraduate degree an expected educational standard for nurses under consideration, this partnership will provide incoming students with superior credentials upon graduation. This BSN program will provide an educational platform that prepares newcomers for the rigors of nursing in an increasingly challenging healthcare industry by emphasizing core communication, organizational and analytical capabilities in addition to exceptional clinical and technical expertise.”

Freshmen who are currently enrolled at the Mountainside Nursing School will be the last to graduate with nursing diplomas upon completion of their scheduled two-year program in May of 2011. “While this marks the start of a new era in our history, it also ensures that Mountainside’s tradition and reputation as an institution that prepares caring individuals for pivotal nursing roles will endure,” Fromhold said. “We are very excited about this proposed partnership. We look forward to working with our colleagues at Caldwell College to build one of the leading undergraduate nursing programs in our region.”

Founded in 1939 by the sisters of Saint Dominic, Caldwell College is a Catholic, co-ed, four year liberal arts institution, offering 28 undergraduate degrees and 20 graduate programs. The college is located on a beautiful 70-acre campus in suburban Caldwell, NJ. Caldwell College provides students with a supportive community, a student/faculty ratio of 13 to 1, excellence in teaching, and innovative learning environments. For further information about Caldwell College, visit www.caldwell.edu.

At Mountainside Hospital, world-class physicians treat a wide range of medical conditions using cutting-edge technologies. Patients have immediate access to innovative and effective treatment alternatives at specialized centers within the hospital that focus on women’s health, cancer care, weight loss, outpatient diagnostics, dialysis, and other needs. Mountainside Hospital has been serving community health needs since 1891. Today, the 365-bed private hospital delivers personalized care while also functioning as a learning center via its nursing school and residency programs in family medicine, internal medicine and dentistry. For more information about Mountainside Hospital, visit www.mountainsidenow.com.

Caldwell College held its first annual “Caldwell Service Day” on Friday April 30 when more than 200 students, faculty and staff went out into the community to volunteer at 20 different non-profits, community agencies and local government organizations. Classes were cancelled to celebrate the life of St. Martin de Porres and the day was dedicated to living out the Dominican pillar of service.

On a perfect spring day with temps in the 70’s, the volunteer opportunities ranged from planting flowers on Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell for the Caldwell Downtown Alliance, to helping with administrative work for the Caldwell Merchant Association and Kiwanis, to stacking shelves at the Community FoodBank of NJ in Hillside. The Men’s Basketball team moved some 2,000 books at Temple Agudath Israel in Caldwell. The Women’s soccer team donated their time to Caldwell Live/ Senior Center and went door to door delivering materials to senior citizens.

The Men’s Soccer Team volunteered at the Caldwell Fire Department washing down the fire trucks and laying down mulch.

College President Dr. Nancy H. Blattner made the rounds to several sites and was exhilarated by all she saw and experienced. “The excitement was evident everywhere. It is so rewarding to see the students, faculty and staff giving back to the community agencies that support Caldwell College.”

Several volunteered with the elderly and infirm at St. Catherine’s Health Care Center across from the college. They played games and gave them time and attention, perhaps the most important gift of all. Students Dan Hohman, Lauren Podkul, Monique Paneros and Bryan Bloanos all said it was such a great experience. Hohman, a junior, said this is “what Caldwell College is really all about.” Sociology Professor Yang Cai, who teaches the Sociology of Aging, said she loves seeing the faces of the elderly when they light up. Music Department Chair Nan Childress-Orchard played the piano for the residents. She said she was reminded that what is most important in life is our “work in relating to others,” and “being present”. That, she said, can shine God’s love. Irene Demaio from the Business Division said it gives “ you a good feeling to help the elderly and maybe make somebody a little happy.”

Student Olga Ndhlovu volunteered at Marion Manor where her group put together a picnic for the elderly residents. She said the volunteers “got out of it more than they gave. ”

Many found that being out of the classroom, relaxing, having fun and bonding with co-workers does a lot for the soul. And there were other lessons too. English Professor Mary Ann Miller said she learned a little about obedience. Originally she had signed up for a site other than the one she was assigned. In letting go, she said she found “there is a real chance for grace.”

Others volunteered at a sensory fair for children with cerebral palsy at the Horizon School in Livingston and still others went to Our Lady Help of Christians School in East Orange to clean up a school yard for pre-schoolers. Back on campus, many took part in a spring clean up and others painted the Mother Joseph Residence Hall. It was a bonding experience for employees who might not always interact with each other. Residence Life staffer Sandra Gilot said it was “great to see people out of their element.”

Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P., Assistant to the President for Mission and Ministry led the team of employees who worked for several months on planning the entire day. “Our first annual Caldwell Day of Service allowed us to put into action our Catholic Dominican Mission that is Caldwell College. On this day we served side by side with friends and strangers, but more profoundly we became the living manifestation of the needs of God in today’s world,” she said.

The day began with a wonderful presentation by Joy Rodino, Esq., the wife of former New Jersey Congressman Peter Rodino. She spoke about how in her book “Fifty-Two Words My Husband Taught Me,” she pays tribute to the legacy of her husband and his commitment to the vision of the Founding Fathers and the fifty-two words of the Preamble to the Constitution. She encouraged the entire Caldwell College community to choose to “live a life that matters” in doing whatever they are called to do ---big and small—to make a difference.

Click here to see more photos from the day.

Dr. Nancy H. Blattner receives check donation from NJ Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin (D-34) towards the Caldwell College Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that will open n fall 2010. The state of the art center will serve children and families in Northern New Jersey who are affected by autism spectrum disorder .

It was a picture perfect day and more than 500 people came out Sunday morning April 11 for the Caldwell College 5 K Run-Walk for autism. Community leaders, students, faculty, staff, serious runners, and kids of all ages gathered to run or walk through beautiful Essex Fells to benefit the soon to be constructed Caldwell College Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

The college raised some $20,000 for the state-of-the-art Center, which will serve families and children in Northern New Jersey.

Andy Vogel of Roseland took first place coming in at 18:08.70, and Caldwell College employee Albert Cardona placed second at 19:04.20. Cardona said that after a long winter of training, he decided to come out and see if all of his hard work paid off and he was very pleased with the end result. “We were fortunate enough to have terrific weather, cool temperatures and sunny skies to start the race, which made for ideal race conditions for the athletes. The race was well organized and the course had plenty of water stations available.” Plus he said it was terrific to have Caldwell College students out on the course cheering for the athletes and ensuring everyone stayed on course.

Tim Cordier of Basking Ridge ran because it is a great “cause to support” and because he has been “fortunate enough to meet families touched by Autism”. The event was a wonderful family activity too. Lorraine Beeck, a Caldwell College employee, walked along with her two daughters. The best part, she said, was that the event offered people of every age an opportunity to participate. Her daughter Nancy Beeck of Morristown said “everyone was so friendly,” and she was energized by how those on the sidelines were “clapping along the way”. Lorraine’s other daughter Lorraine Morgenroth, who graduated from Caldwell College in 1994, said “ I loved the track” and “I’d love to have a cure”.

News 12 New Jersey anchor and talk show host Della Crews kicked off the Race and walked the 5 K with Dr. Blattner, Caldwell College’s president. Blattner said it was “a beautiful course and a spectacular day” and that is was wonderful to walk with Della.

Dr. Sharon Reeve, Ph.D. BCBA-D, Co-Coordinator of Graduate programs in ABA at the college, spearheaded the event. She pointed out that the theme for the run was Going the distance for autism. “Our inspiration for this comes from all people with autism who go the distance everyday to learn to do things that others find so easy. Caldwell College is committed to going the distance for autism in our academic programs and our new on-campus Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. The race happened because we were trying to think of ways to fundraise for the Center for Autism and ABA and bring the community together to support autism at the same time. Our 5K accomplished just that. One of the most amazing moments in my career was when I saw the sea of people running over the start line. I saw professionals in the field of autism, parents, and people with autism themselves. I also saw competitive runners running for autism, supporters of autism that live in the community, and just about the entire Caldwell College community. This race truly united everyone in support of autism. It was an amazing event.”

Crews congratulated Reeve on organizing such a spectacular event and said “God Bless Dr. Sharon Reeve and the new center, which will be a gem for New Jersey children with Autism”.

Caldwell College Co-Coordinator of ABA Graduate Programs Dr. Ken Reeve said “Seeing my colleagues, students, and families with children with autism all coming together for a cause like this really exemplified the theme of the day ‘Going the distance for autism.’ I was so proud to be a part of it!”

Caldwell College student Nicole Laureigh ’10 coaches Lacrosse at DePaul High School in Wayne, NJ and she brought 20 of the high school girls to run. Another Caldwell Student Christina Koleniak said she took part because she has two cousins with Autism.

Community leaders came out too. Caldwell Councilwoman Ann Dassing said there was a lot of spirit and that “as an alum, I see the college buzzing.” Three from the Caldwell police force ran too—Sgt. Mike Pelligrino, Patrolman Glenn Simmons and Patrolman Jessica Luszcz –all placed in the top three of their age category and received awards.

There was also a 1-mile fun run and activities throughout the day including a Rock for Autism concert featuring area talent and bands.

We thank all of you for helping us “go the distance for autism” by putting your sneakers to the pavement, said Sharon Reeve.

Caldwell College launched the first Ph.D. program in New Jersey for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a well developed scientific discipline that is best known for its proven ability to greatly help children with autism spectrum disorder in fall 2009.

Click here for more photos from the day

Click here for race results

Caldwell College honored Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P., Special Assistant to the President for Mission and Ministry, and the Independent College Fund of New Jersey at the 35th Annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, April 30, at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, N.J.

Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P. was honored for nurturing the spiritual and moral aspects of the lives of Caldwell College students and for bringing Dominican and Catholic identity to life on the campus.

The College also honored the Independent College Fund of New Jersey for their support in helping the state’s private colleges and universities partner with the corporate community in educating students who then contribute to the economic, ethical and intellectual aspirations of the state of New Jersey.

All proceeds from the night benefit the Caldwell College Scholarship Fund. Last year’s Gala raised $180,000 for the Fund, which enables students in need to pursue their educational and professional goals.

Pictured left to right:
Edward Collins, ’98 who received the Excellence in Financial Management Award, Nancy H. Blattner, Ph.D. Caldwell College President; Nancy Costello Miller, Esq. ’79 who received the Excellence in Jurisprudence Award and Mary Jo Codey ’77, who received the Excellence in Mental Health Advocacy Award.

Celebrating Alumni Professional Excellence:
Caldwell College celebrated its alumni professional excellence at its 25th Veritas Awards Dinner on Friday March 26 at the Essex Fells Country Club in Essex Fells, NJ. The Veritas Award is the highest honor the College bestows on its alumni for their professional excellence in diverse fields.

Edward R. Collins is a Founding Partner of Artisan Wealth Management, LLC located in Lebanon, New Jersey. Ed and his consultants provide financial guidance to clients across the country from Massachusetts to Florida and as far west as California.

He holds B.A. in History and Psychology, with a minor in Political Science from Caldwell College and a Certificate in Government Service and Administration.

For the past eleven years, he has served as Treasurer and Trustee of the Brian C. Kull Memorial Foundation, Inc. which issues scholarships to students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of service, leadership and fellowship within their community. Ed has served on the Business Advisory Council for Caldwell College and recently joined the College Board of Trustees and serves as Trustee Rep on the Alumni Board.

Nancy Costello Miller, Esq. has spent her career representing the State of New Jersey. She is currently the Senior Deputy Attorney General for the State Department of Law and Public Safety, with particular emphasis on administrative law. She is primary counsel for the New Jersey Board of Dentistry, providing legal services related to licensing and disciplinary matters, regulatory initiatives and appellate matters. She is also the counsel for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit, the Bureau of Kosher Enforcement, and a member of the Division of Law hiring committee for applicants seeking the position as deputy attorney general.

She has previously served as counsel for the Board of Social Work Examiners, New Jersey Cemetery Board, the Legalized Games of Chance Commission, the Bureau of Securities, Office of Consumer Protection, the Lemon Law Unit and the Board of Public Utilities. She has been a member of the Caldwell College Board of Trustees since 2003.

Codey has worked to raise awareness about postpartum depression and breast cancer. During her time as First Lady for the state of New Jersey, Mary Jo Codey advocated on behalf of the governor’s newly-created Task Force on Mental Health. Having suffered from postpartum depression, she helped to launch a statewide campaign offering evidence-based data, as well as local screening and medical resources for women, their families, and health care professionals. The campaign – “Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak Up When You’re Down” – featured Mary Jo in radio and TV PSAs.

As a result, New Jersey became the first state to commit resources to uninsured new mothers for postpartum depression screenings and treatment, and the groundbreaking Postpartum Depression Screening and Education law was passed in 2006.

As a breast cancer survivor who lost her mother to the disease, Mary Jo helped launch a statewide fund-raising campaign in support of breast cancer awareness. After receiving her B.A. in Elementary Education from Caldwell College, Mary Jo earned an M.A. in Elementary Education with certification as a learning disabilities teacher consultant (LDTC) from Seton Hall University. She teaches basic skills at an elementary school in West Orange, NJ.