New Jersey - North Jersey Alumni Chapter

About the Chapter

WELCOME ! ! The North Jersey Chapter is comprised of alumni, parents and friends of the College who live or work in Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson Counties. We have a very strong tradition of service to the admissions office through our Alumni Admissions Representatives Committee. For over forty-five years thousands and thousands of local high school students have been introduced to the College on the Hill through our Junior Visiting Day Bus trips, and through our admissions programs at the Ridgewood Library - all funded by local alumni donations. This supplements our regular volunteer alumni interviewing and college fair schedule. While full of tradition, the Chapter is also known as being very innovative. We were in the vanguard of including parents in our activities, and went so far as to change our name to "North Jersey Lafayette Alumni, Parents and Friends". We also took a leadership roll in instituting Community Service Projects. Each year we conduct "Christmas in June" donating school supplies for the battered women and children's shelter in Easton. Our active Young Alumni (10 years from graduation or less) hold a variety of social events throughout the year in Hoboken and in Manhattan. We aid the Career Services Office in providing Externships, Internships, and guidance to current Lafayette students. We greet local incoming Freshmen and their parents at an annual picnic in August. We provide a number of small scholarships to incoming freshmen each year honoring Glenn E. Grube '57, Don '60 and Betsy Ohnegian, and the memory of Denise Logmans Becher '79. These take the form of gift certificates to the College Bookstore. From time to time we host local receptions for Lafayette's President and other college officials to update us on what's new on campus. In the purely social area, we celebrate the great football rivalry each year through our Lafayette -Lehigh Telecast Parties. We hold tailgates and receptions on Campus during football and basketball season. Our annual Irish Pub Nite at a local alum's residence is always a crowd pleaser, and our Broadway theatre parties, complete with bus transportation and post theatre dinner are always well received. For it's efforts in providing a full spectrum of activities for alumni, parents and friends, the group was recognized as Lafayette College "Alumni Chapter of the Year 1999-2000". Participating in Chapter activities is a great way to take advantage of the small college family atmosphere that is Lafayette. Getting to know other alums and parents from our area is a very rewarding experience! Our schedule of activites is listed under "Upcoming Events" below. JOIN US ! ! ! ! *************************************************************************************************** +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ALUMNI NEEDED TO HELP STUDENTS GAIN VALUABLE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE Lafayette students have wonderful skills and ideas to offer employers and graduate schools after graduation, but they also need professional experience. In this challenging economy, internships are more valuable than ever. In order for Lafayette students to be competitive, they need tangible experience to showcase their skills. Here's where we need alumni support. Career Services asks you to consider offering a summer internship for a student. If you are unable to offer an opportunity yourself, you can provide us with information about internships at your place of employment. Please contact Rachel Nelson Moeller '88 at moellerr@lafayette.edu or 610-330-5115 to discuss how you can help. **************************************************************************************************

Chapter Officers & Executive Committee

Upcoming Events

(Updated May 5, 2010)
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NORTH JERSEY ALUMNI BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Attention alumni in North Jersey...

Join us for an alumni business card exchange
and informal night of networking!

Thursday, May 6, 2010 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Morton's the Steakhouse
The Shops at Riverside
One Riverside Square
Hackensack, NJ 07601

There will be a cash bar with drink specials.
Free appetizers will be provided!

Please RSVP to David Van Schaik '06, laf.networking@gmail.com, by April 26 so we know how many alumni to expect.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO JOIN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE!

A number of longtime members of our North Jersey executive committee have moved out of the area, and we need new members to plan future events. Alumni, young alumni and parents of students, are all welcome to participate. If you are interested, please contact past president John Becica, Becica@juno.com for more information. Past officers no longer living in the area are available to mentor you!

Participating in running Chapter activities is a great way to take advantage of the small college family atmosphere that is Lafayette. Getting to know other alums and parents from our area is a very rewarding experience. Inquire today!



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Chapter News and Past Events

(Updated August 10, 2009)

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS HAVE GREAT TIME AT ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC!

Our annual picnic for local incoming freshmen and their parents
took place on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the home of Jann Bate Catto '84 and her husband Gary in Franklin Lakes. Eight first year students and their families had a chance to meet and socialize with each other as well as with a good number of current students and their parents. A 2009 Lafayette graduate and other several alumni were also in attendance. The heat and humidity broke, and it was a beautiful afternoon.

Sarah Trimmer from the Alumni Office welcomed everyone and presented each incoming frosh with a Lafayette flash drive for their computer. Lauren Carballo greeted the frosh on behalf of the Admissions Department and congratulated them on their accomplishments.

Each freshman introduced themselves, giving their hometown, high school attended, potential major in college, and the residence hall to which they have been assigned. Each alum present talked about the great Lafayette Experience that they had had as students. John Becica '69 and host Gary, took picnic photos, including a formal shot of the incoming freshmen, and then the students got down to socializing with each other in earnest.

The traditonal door prize drawing was conducted by John Becica '69, Sarah Trimmer, and our hosts. The three lucky winners, Michael Viteritto '13, Katie Gramigna '13, and Erin Duggan '13, each received a $200 gift certificate to the college bookstore. The certificates are presented annually by the North Jersey Alumni, Parents, and Friends to honor Glenn Grube '57, Don and Betsy Ohnegian '60, and the memory of Denise Becher '79, all of whom have/had been long time volunteers for the Chapter.

Thanks go to Jann and Gary for hosting the picnic this year!
They had so much fun that they have volunteered to do it again for the third year in a row!
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ADMISSIONS RECEPTION HELD IN RAMSEY FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS

Palm Sunday afternoon, April 5, 2009 found us once again at the home of Don '60 and Betsy Ohnegian in Ramsey with members of the Admissions Dept., Faculty, Students, and Alums. Our guests were accepted high school seniors and their families. Plenty of time was devoted to informal socializing and question answering with our guests. The purpose of the event was to increase our "yield" (the percentage of accepted students from our area who commit to attend Lafayette). The enthusiasm was contageous. Thanks to all the alums and parents who have contributed funds to this program to make it possible! And thanks to Don and Betsy for once again opening their home for this important event!
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ADMISSIONS PROGRAM HELD ONCE AGAIN AT THE RIDGEWOOD LIBRARY

One of the strengths and long time traditions of the North Jersey Chapter has been its involvement in recruiting the best and the brightest students from our local high schools to apply to Lafayette. Our admissions work stretches back over a 45+ year period! On Tuesday, September 23, 2008 we once again welcomed interested high school students and their parents to our admissions program at the Ridgewood Library. John Becica '69 was Master of Ceremonies. Director of Admissions Carol Rowlands and admissions officer Jessica Goldblat were there to give our guests the scoop about the college. In addition, a panel of current Lafayette students and professors spoke about their "Lafayette Experience", and fielded questions from the audience. The auditorium was filled with students and parents eager to learn more about the college. Thanks to all those loyal North Jersey pards for their donations to support this program each year. It is well worth the time, effort and money!__________________________________________


FROSH HAVE GREAT TIME AT ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC!

Our annual picnic for local incoming freshmen and their parents
took place on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the home of Jann Bate Catto '84 and her husband Gary in Franklin Lakes. Ten entering freshmen and their families had a chance to meet and socialize with each other as well as with a current student and several alumni. Following a morning of thunderstorms, it was a beautiful afternoon and everyone had a great time.

Emily Kernan from the Annual Fund Office welcomed everyone and presented each incoming frosh with a Lafayette lanyard for their access card. Jessica Goldblat'06 greeted the frosh on behalf of the Admissions Department and congratulated them on their accomplishments.

Each freshman introduced themselves, giving their hometown, high school attended, potential major in college, and the residence hall to which they have been assigned. Each alum present talked about the great Lafayette Experience that they had had as students. John Becica '69 took the official picnic photo of the incoming freshmen, and then the frosh got down to socializing with each other in earnest.

The traditonal door prize drawing was conducted by John Becica '69 and our hosts. The three lucky winners, Marisa Fernandez '12, Adam Scheps '12, and Zachary Bronstein, '12 each received a $200 gift certificate to the college bookstore. The certificates are presented annually by the North Jersey Alumni, Parents, and Friends to honor Glenn Grube '57, Don and Betsy Ohnegian '60, and the memory of Denise Becher '79, all of whom have/had been long time volunteers for the Chapter.

Thanks go to Jann and Gary for hosting the picnic this year!
They had so much fun that they have volunteered to do it again next year!
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ACCEPTED STUDENTS' RECEPTION HELD IN RAMSEY

Thursday evening, April 10, 2008 found us at the home of Don '60 and Betsy Ohnegian in Ramsey with members of the Admissions Dept., Faculty, Students, and Alums. Our guests were accepted high school seniors and their families. Plenty of time was devoted to informal socializing and question answering with our guests. The purpose of the event was to increase our "yield" (the percentage of accepted students from our area who commit to attend Lafayette). The enthusiasm was contageous, and from all indications our yield will be very high. Thanks to all the alums and parents who have contributed funds to this program to make it possible! And thanks to Don and Betsy for once again opening their home for this important event!
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NINTH ANNUAL IRISH PUB NITE HELD IN FRANKLIN LAKES

Art ’68 and Mary Conway hosted their ninth annual Lafayette Irish Pub Night for North Jersey Alumni, Parents, and Friends at their home in Franklin Lakes on Saturday, March 1, 2008.

The Conways have transformed their entire walk out basement into an authentic Irish Pub featuring bar area with karaoke setup, pool table, and various other games. The event featured informal socializing and networking, a wide assortment of beverages of your choice, scrumptous passed hors d'oeuvres, desserts to die for, and, of course, valet parking. As usual, a great time was had by all! We continue to be indebted to Art and Mary for hosting and fully funding this event for the past nine years.
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LAFAYETTE-LEHIGH FOOTBALL TELECAST PARTY

The annual North Jersey Lafayette-Lehigh football telecast party took place November 17,2007 at Dorrian's Red Hand in Jersey City.
Alumni, parents and friends enjoyed socializing as we watched the Leopards beat Lehigh in college football's most played rivalry.
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ANNUAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM RECRUITS STUDENTS FOR LAFAYETTE

Our annual admissions program, which recruits high school juniors and seniors from our area starting out on their college search, took place on September 10, 2007 at the Ridgewood Library Auditorium in Ridgewood, NJ. Director of Admissions Carol Rowlands, and other admissions officers participated. They were accompanied by several professors and current Lafayette students who conducted a panel discussion answering questions about the college from the audience of prospective students and their parents. Thanks to all those North Jersey Pards who contribute the funds to make these admissions events possible! Developed a number of years ago by John Becica '69 and Carol Rowlands to replace our former Junior Visiting Day Bus Trip from Bergen County, the program has been so successful, that Carol now runs similar ones in 6 other geographic areas!
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REMEMBERING NED JESSER ‘39

By John Becica '69

(Ned Jesser "The Dean of North Jersey Alumni" passed peacefully from this life on August 20, 2007)

Ned Jesser’s dedication to his alma mater was legendary in the North Jersey Lafayette community. He enjoyed interacting with young people, and it was in this context that I first met him.

Each April, the North Jersey Alumni would bring local high school juniors to the college by bus for the Admissions Department’s Junior Visiting Day program. An avid Alumni Admissions Representative (AAR), Ned would volunteer to chaperone a bus, spending a Saturday showing off the college he loved. As a fellow chaperone on the trip, I found Ned’s enthusiasm to be unbridled, and I was instantly captivated by his down to earth charm. Here I was, a generation younger than he, interacting with this man who was a powerful force in the New Jersey business world, and yet he made me fee like a contemporary!

A number of years later, when I took over running the Junior Visiting Day Bus Trip program, Ned became one of my most reliable chaperones. He couldn’t wait to get on campus and show the kids around.

His service as an AAR was also characteristically exemplary. He is one of the few volunteers that I have known who actually forged personal relationships with the guidance staffs in the high schools he covered. He even convinced a few guidance counselors to come with us on the bus trip! Many appreciative alums from North Jersey will remember being interviewed by Ned Jesser!

In more recent years I used to get regular phone calls from Ned during the fall football season. They would generally go “Hey, John, it’s Ned! I have an extra ticket to the game on Saturday, can you go?” (Ned was suffering eyesight problems and knew he shouldn’t be driving long distances.) I eventually earned the reputation around campus of being Ned’s driver. Over the years I took him from Bergen County, N.J. to Easton to view a number of Lafayette contests on the gridiron, including a memorable home win over Lehigh.

It was during these 90 minute trips each way that I really got to know the man on a personal basis. We discussed all kinds of topics ranging from his banking career and his service in WW II, to his vacation homes in Vermont and on Long Island, and his love of skiing and sailing. Local Bergen County politics, and national issues were discussed, but our common love of Lafayette would always dominate the conversation. By now I was President of the North Jersey Alumni Chapter and Ned would give me suggestions for alumni events as well as his insights and vision for what was happening on campus. He would also detail his efforts to raise funds for the college, and would tell me about the great class of 1939 and its members.

After the football games, Ned would take me to visit his beloved Delta Kappa Epsilon house on March Field. In his 80’s the man was still a dynamo. He would go striding across campus, and I, with my long legs, would almost have to run to keep up. Once at “Deke”, Ned would invite the undergraduate brothers outside and lead them in a ritual yell and dance called the “Deke Lion March” – a real sight to behold!

Just two weeks before his death I drove Ned to the North Jersey Lafayette Picnic for incoming freshman and their parents. It was the last Lafayette function Ned would attend. As usual he was the same gracious person I had come to know, welcoming the class of 2011 to the Lafayette family, and expressing his satisfaction that such a fine group of young men and women would be contributing to the Lafayette tradition.

For many years I have introduced Ned as “The Dean of North Jersey Lafayette Alumni”. His numerous accomplishments for the college as a trustee, supporter, and donor are well known, and his contributions have been acknowledged by the highest awards the college bestows. What is not so well known, however, is the marvelous work he did at the local level to support the college and it’s mission.

Ned will be impossible to replace in the North Jersey alumni community. It was an honor knowing him, and he will be greatly missed.

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REMEMBERING NED JESSER '39

By Sharon Tchon Gruet '81

Ned and I had the pleasure of being acquainted since my days as a student at Lafayette - through my summer work at United Jersey Bank, through my residence in Ridgewood, N.J., and more importantly, due to our proximate vacation homes in Vermont.

My career spanned from age 17, and his 60 or so. Never once from age 17, through our North Jersey AAR meetings (of which I was the chair), nor the Board of Trustees, nor the Admissions Council, nor his wonderful 80th birthday party bash in Vermont on Stratton Mountain was I treated differently.

His nephew was buddies with my son, and the Vermont experience was as rich as the New Jersey. He was always the same upbeat, Mr. Lafayette, a charming and gracious person. He and his wife
Ruth will always be remembered the same way - for their dedication and open arms to those who are different and younger but somehow all sharing the same spirit.

I am glad to have had the privilege to have honored him during his life, and also to have offered him my thanks and praise. To offer this once one is passed is not sufficient and empty.
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FROSH MEET AND GREET AT ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC

Our annual picnic for local incoming freshmen and their parents
took place on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at the home of Glen '86 and Allison Forrest in Pompton Plains. Nine entering freshmen and their families had a chance to meet and socialize with each other as well as with current students and alumni. It was a beautiful afternoon on the Forrest's deck, and everyone had a great time!

Jamie Hughes '05 from the Alumni Office presented each incoming frosh with a Lafayette lanyard for their access card. Ann Marie Ferriere greeted the frosh on behalf of the Admissions Department and congratulated them on their accomplishments.

Each alum present talked about the great Lafayette Experience that they had had as students. John Becica '69 took the official picnic photo of the incoming freshmen.

The traditonal door prize drawing was conducted by John Becica '69 and our host Glen Forrest, '86. The three lucky winners, Colin McCullough '11, Jessica Stern '11 and Stephen Comanto '11 each will receive a $200 gift certificate to the college bookstore. The certificates are presented annually by the North Jersey Alumni, Parents, and Friends to honor Glenn Grube '57, Don and Betsy Ohnegian '60, and the memory of Denise Becher '79, all of whom have/had been long time volunteers for the Chapter.

Ned Jesser, '39 "The Dean of North Jersey Lafayette Alumni" welcomed the frosh and expressed his gratitude that such fine young people were coming along to keep up the Lafayette tradition. As it turned out, this was Ned's last participation in a Lafayette event as he passed away at age 90 two weeks later. In addition to all the great work and financial support
Ned provided the college directly, he was very active as a volunteer for our local chapter. He was an Alumni Admissions Representative for many, many years, interviewing prospective candidates for admission, and enjoyed chaperoning the Junior Visiting Day Bus Trip from our area to the college each Spring. He was also our Development Chairperson, raising money for the college in North Jersey. A winner of the highest award the College gives to it's volunteers, Ned will be sorely missed and impossible to replace.

Thanks go to Allison and Glen Forrest for hosting the picnic this year!
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EIGHTH ANNUAL IRISH PUB NITE AT THE CONWAYS!

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007

North Jersey Alumni and Parents gathered for our Eighth Annual Lafayette Irish Pub Nite at the home of Art '68 and Mary Conway in Franklin Lakes. It was the highlight of the North Jersey Lafayette social season! Excellent food and drink, valet parking, game room, karaoke setup! This event was compliments of the Conways, and, as always, was great fun. It was a great time to socialize with other Pards.

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RECEPTION HELD TO GREET PRESIDENT WEISS

On Thursday, November 30, 2006 North Jersey Pards greeted Lafayette's new President, Dan Weiss, at a cocktail reception held at the Arcola Country Club, in Paramus, N.J.

A great time was had by all!
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ADMISSIONS PROGRAM PLAYS TO PACKED HOUSE!

Our annual admissions program, which recruits high school juniors and seniors starting out on their college search, took place on Wednesday evening, September 13, 2006. Master of Ceremonies John Becica '69 introduced Director of Admissions Carol Rowlands, and admissions officer Sue Kinney. They were accompanied by Chemical Engineering Professor Bud Martin and three current Lafayette students who participated in the panel discussion. There was a standing room only crowd as our guests and their parents peppered the panel with a wide range of questions about the admissions process and the Lafayette experience. Thanks to all those North Jersey Pards who contribute the funds to make these admissions events possible! Developed a number of years ago by John Becica and Carol Rowlands to replace our former Junior Visiting Day Bus Trip from Bergen County, the program has been so successful, that Carol now runs similar ones in 6 other geographic areas!
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FROSH PICNIC WELCOMES CLASS OF 2010

Our annual picnic for local incoming freshmen and their parents on August 5, 2006, again took place at the home of Jim '62 and Marie Lyttle in Wyckoff. Entering frosh and their parents had a great time socializing and enjoying a sumptuous picnic lunch on the Lyttle's spacious deck.

Joe Samaritano '91 represented the College staff, and presented each freshman with a gift from the Alumni Association (Lafayette keychain/flex card/credit card holder). Gift certificates to the College bookstore were awarded to three of the frosh as door prizes. The certificates are presented annually to honor Glenn Grube '57, Don and Betsy Ohnegian '60, and the memory of Denise Becher '79, all of whom have/had been long time volunteers for the Chapter.

The party was somewhat nostalgic for alums this year, since Jim and Marie are preparing to move out of the area, and their longtime role as our hosts will end. We thank them for their many years spent helping introduce new students to the College in a beautiful summer picnic setting!
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ANNUAL IRISH PUB NITE A ROUSING SUCCESS!

The seventh annual Art '68 and Mary Conway party on May 6, 2006 at the authentic Irish pub in the basement of their Franklin Lakes home was another rousing success! Rescheduled from the original February date (which turned out to be a blizzard), it became a three part gathering. Part I was Kentucky Derby Day. We watched the 132nd running on 3 televisions throughout the pub, and 11 of the guests had their horse win! Part II featured Friends of Lafayette Football. Coach Frank Tavani spoke about the football program and the exciting renovations going on at Fisher Field. Part III was the traditional Alumni and Parents party. Alums, parents and family members enjoyed the Conways' hospitality. The pool table and tabletop shuffleboard were given a good workout. As usual, the food, drink, and company were outstanding. In addition to coach Tavani, college staff members Mary Pat Staats and Ruth Hutnik from Alumni Affairs, and Skip Staats from Admissions joined us in the festivities. Guests went home with souvenir glasses of the 132nd Derby courtesy of our hosts. Huge thanks to Art and Mary for opening their home and contributing the entire cost of the event, so as to make it free to all the participants!
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ACCEPTED STUDENTS' RECEPTION AT THE OHNEGIAN HOME DRAWS RECORD CROWD!

Sunday, April 2, 2006 found us at the home of Don '60 and Betsy Ohnegian in Ramsey with members of the Admissions Dept., Faculty, Students, and Alums. Our guests were accepted high school seniors and their families. Plenty of time was devoted to informal socializing and question answering with our guests. The purpose of the event was to increase our "yield" (the percentage of accepted students from our area who commit to attend Lafayette). The enthusiasm was contageous, and from all indications our yield will be very high. Thanks to all the alums and parents who have contributed funds to this program to make it possible! And thanks to Don and Betsy for opening their home for this important event!
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FRESHMAN PICNIC FOR THE CLASS OF 2009

The weather was perfect on August 6, 2005 as we welcomed our incoming freshmen and their parents to our traditional picnic at the home of Jim '62 and Marie Lyttle in Wyckoff. Members of the class of 2009 had plenty of time to visit with current students, alumni, parents, and most importantly, each other. As usual, we were treated to a sumptuous spread by our hosts, Jim and Marie.

Ann Marie Ferrier and Erin McKan '05 from the Admissions Office represented the College at the event. They presented each incoming freshman with a gift from the Alumni Association.

The North Jersey Class of '09 Group Photo was take by staff photographer John Becica '69. Classmates will receive a copy of the photo (with everyone identified) in their campus mail during the first week of class.

The Grube, Becher, and Ohnegian award winners were also announced at the picnic. The Grube awards are in honor of Glenn Grube '57, who was the guiding force behind our Junior Visiting Day Bus Trip for many years. The annual trip in the Spring exposed thousands and thousands of high school juniors to the college on the hill. The Becher awards, in their second year, honor the memory of Denise Logmans Becher '79 a devoted volunteer who led us as President, revitalizing the chapter, while simultaneously serving as an Alumni Admissions Representative. The Ohnegian awards, new this year, honor Don '60 and Betsy Ohnegian for their years of service hosting the annual Accepted Students' reception at their home. The four freshman award winners were Lee Kojanis, Lauren Yuhas, Michael Lemken, and Tory King. Each received a $150 gift certificate to the College Bookstore. Congratulations!
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RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SHOW

A number of alums and parents enjoyed a pre Christmas treat on December 18, 2004. The occasion was a bus trip to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Participants started out with a pre-show buffet at Rivara's restaurant in Fair Lawn, and then boarded the bus to NYC. Plenty of time was allowed to view the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the Fifth Avenue store window displays. The show featured the world famous Rockettes, and a peek inside Santa's workshop. The chapter donated 13 of our show tickets to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters club of Bergen County. North Jersey Vice President Jim Lyttle '62 notes that our continued efforts at community involvement allowed these children to receive an early Christmas present.
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NORTH JERSEY FORDHAM TAILGATE

On October 23, 2004, a loyal contingent of Pards from North Jersey attended Lafayette's eighth football game of the season against Fordham University at Fordham's Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx. After cheering for our victorious team (35-20!) participants celebrated the win at an excellent restaurant: Pasquale's Rigoletto, located on Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's version of Little Italy. The food was described as being "terrific", and a great time was had by all at this indoor
football "tailgate".
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"CHRISTMAS IN JUNE" COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT SUCCESSFUL ONCE AGAIN!

Our annual project to benefit the Third Street Alliance shelter for battered women and children in Easton was once again a resounding success!

On June 17, 2004, alums and parents dropped by the home of Brian '86 and Kerry Winiarski in Wyckoff with their donations of school supplies for preschool through 7th grade students. We also received several monetary donations for the shelter and a large number of used children's library books. The Third Street Alliance is most grateful for your donations.

Thanks to Brian and Kerry for hosting the event, to Fred Brown from the Alumni Office for transporting the donations to Easton, and to all those whose gifts will make the start of school in the Fall a little easier for the shelter's children.
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CHAPTER VP WINS WILLIAM E. GREENIP AWARD

At volunteer recognition day on campus recently, Chapter VP and Program Chair Jim Lyttle '62 was honored for his long and dedicated work on behalf of the Chapter and the College. He was awarded the prestigious WILLIAM E.GREENIP AWARD. Long regarded as the "Social Chair" of the chapter, Jim has instituted innovative programs such as Broadway Show trips with dinner, the winter reception at the Art Conway '68 home, and the inclusion of parents in the executive committee. Additionally, for many years he and his wife Marie have hosted the welcoming picnic for incoming freshmen and their parents.

We extend warm congratulations to Jim on this well deserved recognition!
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RETIRING CHAPTER PRESIDENT WINS AWARD

Retiring Chapter President John Becica '69 was honored for his service to the College recently at the annual Alumni Volunteer Awards Dinner. John was the recipient of the "Outstanding Chapters Support Award". This recognizes a person who has contributed exemplary service to the Alumni Chapters program. Congratulations, John!
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NORTH JERSEY GREETS THE PRESIDENT!

President Arthur Rothkopf and his wife Barbara visited us during 2002 at a reception at the Ridgewood Country Club.

We took this opportunity to formally present him with our gifts of the pastel portraits of Hazel and Bob Pfenning, which will hang in the lobby of the new Alumni Center. This project, which involved 3 years of fundraising (through our chapter dues) and 18 months of work with the artist, will be a permanent memorial to the Pfennings, and a permanent reminder of our continuing efforts for the College. The unveiling of the portraits met with "oohs" and "aahs" from the assembled crowd. Two people who knew the Pfennings well, Gary Evans '57, and Ned Jesser '39, congratulated the artist, Betty Kievit, on capturing such wonderful likenesses of the couple from only black and white photographs.

President Rothkopf showed a film on the results of the recently concluded fundraising campaign, and held a lively question and answer session. A number of issues of importance to the future of the College were discussed. All in all, it was an evening to remember. Thanks to all who contributed to the portrait project. A special thanks to Ned Jesser, whose gift got us "over the top". And thanks to President Rothkopf for visiting with us here in North Jersey.

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YOUNG ALUMNI CONDUCT JAM-PACKED
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!

The Young Alumni of the North Jersey chapter had a jam-packed 2002! In March we enjoyed listening to a Dave Matthews Tribute Band at Willie McBride's in Hoboken. It was the first of many get togethers where Pards gathered to rekindle old friendships and form new ones.

In April we met again at the Whiskey Bar in Hoboken to jam to the music of LifeSpeed.

The summer was exciting as we joined forces with the NY Chapter to kick off our very first Summer Concert Series! In July we featured the music of 7 Minds with guitarist Chris Adubato '96 in the East Village, NYC. The following week was a jam session with Chillum, featuring several Pards including Jason Ojalvo '92, Joe Tosolt '91, the Hutchison brothers, and guest Whelan Mahoney '94 in NY. In August we spotlighted Slushpuppy with lead singer Dawn Botti '92 at the South Street Seaport. On October 23 we're gearing up for a special event at the Whiskey Bar when all three bands will perform!!

In mid-July we held a Happy Hour at the Boat Basin in NYC overlooking the Hudson River. We met up with alums from Lehigh, Bucknell and Indiana. Despite the sweltering heat a good time was had by all!

In August, we met at the House that Ruth Built for a special, private tour of Yankee Stadium. We got to sit in the press box, in the dugout, walk on the field, and enjoy the hallowed grounds of Monument Park. It was quite the treat for us Yankee fans! It was also a nice outing to have during the day as many Pards and friends brought their young children.

In early September we met at Willie McBride's in Hoboken where many of the newer, young alumni gathered.

Thanks to Vicki Salemi '95 for arranging this fantastic program!

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CHAPTER PRESENTS PORTRAITS AT PFENNING ALUMNI CENTER DEDICATION

The pastel portraits of Hazel and Bob Pfenning, which were donated to the College by our chapter, were displayed in their permanent home in the lobby of the new alumni center in time for the dedication of the building on September 14, 2002. Artist Betty Kievit of Hawthorne, N.J. was in attendance, with John Becica '69 Chairman of the portrait project, and other chapter leaders. Everyone was extremely pleased with the final result. As one staff member of the alumni office exclaimed "The portraits MAKE the Lobby. It was dull and uninteresting before they were installed". Many thanks to all who paid dues to the chapter over the past three years to make this project possible. Special thanks to Ned Jesser '39 for a leadership gift which boosted us over the top. And, of course, many thanks to our talented artist for a fabulous job!

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Dues

PARENTS! ALUMS! YOUNG ALUMS! JOIN US!!
IT'S TIME TO PAY YOUR 2009-2010 DUES

Many thanks to those alums and parents who have supported us by paying dues in the past. The nominal amount is only $20. All alums and parents who live or work in Bergen, Passaic, or Hudson Counties fall in our territory. To join in the fun, make your check for $20 to "North Jersey Lafayette Alumni" and mail to Jay Fowler, Treasurer, 296 E. Allendale Avenue, Allendale, N.J. 07401.

THANKS!!!

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Webmaster: John Becica '69 Becica@juno.com

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