College and School Happenings

Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences

FDU Joins Code2Career Challenge

FDU has been accepted into the highly competitive BASTA/Google Code2Career Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower students with unparalleled access to the Google Software Engineer Program (G-SWEP).

Through this exclusive partnership, FDU students will benefit from one-on-one mentorship from Google engineers, career-readiness workshops and a 10-week journey designed to help students excel in technical interviews and launch successful careers in technology.

As part of the inaugural cohort, seven computer science majors from both New Jersey campuses have been accepted to participate in the program.

“We are thrilled to offer our students this exceptional opportunity to learn from and connect with industry leaders at Google,” said Laila Khreisat, computer science and associate dean, Becton College (Flor). “This partnership aligns with FDU’s commitment to providing students with the skills, experiences and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.”

Biology Seminar

The department of biological sciences will host a free seminar on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in Room 1144, Dickinson Hall, Metropolitan Campus.

Pankaj Mishra, former senior scientist at Catalent Pharma Solutions, Somerset, N.J., will speak about “Trailblazing Immunology: From Fundamental Insights to Next-generation Vaccines and Cell Therapies.” For information call 201-692-2391.

Latinx Masks — A Creative Interpretation

“Latinx Cultural Masks,” an exhibit cosponsored by the Hispanic Center and the School of the Arts, will run until Tuesday, November 25, at the Hispanic Center, Fourth Floor, Robison Hall, Metropolitan Campus. An opening reception was held on April 24 at the Hispanic Center. Regular exhibit hours are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to Irene Oujo, communications/English and executive director, Hispanic Center (Metro), “Masks demonstrate the richness and heterogeneity of Latin American culture and specifically art, dating back to Mayas, Aztecs, Olmec, Inca and other indigenous civilizations. Focusing on masks at this year’s Hispanic Center Art Exhibit highlights this history and their continued importance today.”

Yelena Aronson, computer graphics (Metro) and exhibit curator, said that the new exhibit was “inspired by students who were interested in discovering many beautiful masks from Latinx cultures.” “Works will feature many variations of posters and drawings depicting Latinx masks as well as life drawings by students of Latinx background,” she added.

Students from the following classes have their works on display.

• ART2236 Introduction to Color with Katherine Solis, Becton College: Angelis Alfaro, Marshall Cruz, Marley Eckert, Janin Guner, Lenelly Madrill, Brandon Martinez, Janaeya Smith, Zach Winter, Tyler Worth and Michelle Yang;
• CGD1313 Creative Imagery with Photoshop with Judith Williams, Becton College (Metro): Nathaniel Anevski, Lanniece Bradshaw, Finley Caringer, Jampierrt Arias Ferrua, Erika Hidalgo-Gomez, Elizabeth Kim, Victor Labite, Christopher McIntyre, Gareth Ong, Madison Rishel and Anthony Sarro;
• ART1153 General Life Drawing I with Marie Roberts, fine arts (Metro): Juan Casco, Antone Gallishaw, Isabella Herring, Denzel Jeter, Jenny Lucero, Karoly Revi, Frank Rodriguez and Joseph Weh; and
• CGD1177 Introduction to Digital Media with Yelena Aronson: Sophia Almonte, Mariana Chacon, Jadelynn Cruz, Elena Cvetkovic, Brigitte Gil, Harleen Kaur, Madeline Marricco, Angelica Ortiz-Reyes, Joshua Quiambao, Sophia Ramirez, Tanish Soni and Ashlee Stanley.

For information email Irene Oujo at oujo@fdu.edu.

Calling All Kids

FDUFilm seniors Amber Buckley, Abby Semeneck and Francis Okyere are working as volunteers with video producer and FDU alumnus, Jacob Lyons, BA’21 (Flor), to film a Family Feud-style show with pediatric oncology doctors and nurses for the Morristown Hospital’s internal children’s TV channel, “Calling All Kids.”

According to Howard Libov, film; chair of School of the Arts; and director, MFA in film (Flor), “We have been involved since the inception of Calling All Kids (CAK). Today, three current students are working at CAK. And two of our alumni have worked at CAK, full-time, for several years.”

Student Research Symposium

The 26th Annual Student Research Symposium and Awards Night was held at the Metropolitan Campus on April 18. This year’s plenary lecture was delivered by alumnus Sudeep Banjade, BS’08 (Metro), drug-discovery scientist, SK Life Science Labs, Paramus, N.J., who spoke about “Targeted Protein Degradation Concepts and Approaches to Discover Small-molecule Drugs.”

The annual symposium gives students and faculty mentors from FDU and other colleges in the area the opportunity to showcase the results of their research. It was cosponsored by the department of chemistry, biochemistry and physics and the Hudson-Bergen Chemical Society. Mihaela Leonida, chemistry and coordinator, preprofessional studies/graduate school adviser (Metro), and Ish Kumar, pharmaceutical chemistry (Metro), helped organize the event.

Silberman College of Business

AI in Pharmaceutical Management

Silberman College of Business hosted a panel discussion on “AI [Artificial Intelligence] in Pharmaceutical Management” on April 10 at the Florham Campus. Graduate students, faculty, board members and community leaders attended the event and stayed long after the program to network.

The evening opened with remarks from President Michael Avaltroni, who underscored the University’s strategic commitment to the life sciences. He also served as the panel moderator, guiding a lively and thought-provoking discussion among a group of top data science executives from leading pharmaceutical companies. The panelists highlighted the growing importance of AI in transforming how pharmaceutical companies operate — from research and development to patient care. But they also issued a clear and powerful reminder: while AI tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, human intelligence remains irreplaceable.

Omer Topaloglu, marketing and chair, marketing/management/entrepreneurship (Metro), helped organize the event. “The event perfectly embodied Silberman College’s mission of bridging academic excellence with real-world relevance,” he said. “We’re proud to have created a space for this vital dialogue — and even more excited about what’s ahead as we continue to explore the intersection of technology, business, and human values.”

To read more go to “AI in Pharma: A Night of Insight, Inspiration and Impact at Silberman College of Business.”

CFP^® Certification Now Being Offered

Silberman College is now offering a Certified Financial Planner (CFP^®) program, a two-year program that is CFP^® Board approved and is tailored for current financial professionals, individuals transitioning into financial planning, recent college graduates and those preparing to take the CFP^® certification exam.

The noncredit certificate program includes six courses that run consecutively and culminate with a capstone course.

According to Ron West, taxation and CFP^® program director (Flor), “Our program provides comprehensive instruction on key financial planning topics, including investment planning, risk management, estate planning and tax strategies.”

For more information email West at fp@fdu.edu or go to CFP^® Certification Financial Planning Education Program and “Why Becoming a CFP^® Professional Is a Game-Changer for Your Career.”

FDUPitch 2025

The GreenLofts team, composed of students Abigail McDonald (marketing major); Jim Papke (exchange student from Zeppelin University in Germany) and Théophile Guillemette (exchange student from IÉSEG School of Management in France), won first place in this year’s FDUPitch competition held on March 5 at the Florham Campus.

GreenLofts had conceptualized an innovative idea that transforms the unused spaces of New York’s rooftops into luxurious and sustainable outdoor areas. According to the team, “Our idea came from a deep love for New York paired with frustration over its pollution. We want to make the city more breathable and livable.” GreenLofts’ plan is to “design and install custom serene gardens with greenhouses using wasted heat from the building’s aircon units to grow fresh produce on Manhattan’s rooftops throughout all seasons.”

It was a unique concept that earned praises from the FDUPitch judges who “appreciated the [team’s] clear vision, aspirational messaging and creative use of underutilized city space.”

GreenLofts will represent FDU at this year’s UPitchNJ, which will be held on Friday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Hatchery Innovation Studio, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.

Global Business Paris Trip

Twelve students from the Silberman College of Business traveled to Paris as part of the Global Business Experience (GBE), which offers students the opportunity to broaden their academic experiences, explore international business issues and gain a better understanding of the global marketplace.

They were accompanied by Silberman College’s Mary Sakin, assistant dean, corporate engagement and student success (Flor); Paige Soltano, director of placement and outreach, (Metro); and J. Daniel Wischnevsky, management and associate dean (Metro).

The students attended several classes including luxury marketing and entrepreneurship at the IÉSEG School of Management. They also attended a lecture from a bio tech startup. The group visited Versailles, the Eiffel Tower and Galleries Lafayette.

For more information about the GBE go to Study Abroad with Silberman.

International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management

NBA Executive Joins Sport Management Advisory Board

Kori Davis Porter, MBA’11 (Metro), senior vice president and head of business operations for the National Basketball Association (NBA), has joined the FDU Sport Management Advisory Board.

A seasoned executive with extensive experience in business strategy and sports operations, Porter brings a wealth of knowledge to the University’s growing sports management program. As SVP and head of business operations for the NBA, she plays a crucial role in shaping the league’s strategic direction, driving operational efficiency, and enhancing overall business performance.

Hospitality Reception Raises Funds, Honors Alumni

The Second Annual Hospitality Alumni Reception and Celebration, “Launching the Future … Remembering the Past,” was held on April 24 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, N.J. This year’s event raised about $15,000 that will go toward scholarships for students of the International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management (ISHSTM).

The event honored several alumni. Recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards of Excellence include Gina Kabak, BS’86 (Metro), business, Union College of Union County, N.J., Cranford, N.J., The Honorary Dr. Richard Wisch Educator of the Year; James Dale, BA’87 (Ruth), managing director, Stuyvesant Consultants, The Joe Cozza Food and Beverage and Events Industry Icon; Kimberly Pomerantz, BS’07 (Flor), director of sales and marketing, Loews Hotels and Co., Philadelphia, Pa., Hotelier of the Year; Andrew Cavitolo, BS’07, MS’08 (Flor), executive chairman, Riviera Hospitality Group, Brooklyn, N.Y., Entrepreneur of the Year; and Kristin Calandra, BS’13, MS’14 (Flor), vice president, Calandra’s Enterprises, Young Professional of the Year.

To view the photo gallery go to the Third Annual Hospitality Alumni Reception and Celebration.

Golf Outing

The Second Annual Sport Management Golf Outing was held on Monday, April 28, at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, Kenilworth, N.J. This year’s event raised more than $4,000, which will go toward the sport management program.

The annual golf outing is led by the SPAD3016 Sport Event Management students of Matthew Hawzen, sport management (Flor) and assistant director of industry relations, New Jersey campuses, International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management. “I’m also planning to develop a sport management scholarship fund this summer,” he added.

Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health

Accolades for Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs have officially earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This recognition marks a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing education and student outcomes.

ACEN accreditation is a rigorous and highly respected validation of nursing programs that meet national standards of quality and effectiveness. It underscores the University’s dedication to delivering outcomes-driven, leveled curricula and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and instructional innovation.

“ACEN accreditation confirms that our nursing programs meet rigorous national standards and reflect our deep commitment to student success, instructional excellence and continuous improvement. Following the pandemic, our faculty redesigned curricula to meet these high benchmarks — work that not only earned us accreditation but also contributed to our 2025 Top 50 national ranking by U.S. News & World Report,” said Annie Rohan, nursing and dean, nursing/allied health (Metro).

This dual achievement reflects the exceptional quality of FDU’s nursing faculty and the University’s strategic efforts to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders. With a sharpened focus on student-centered teaching and evidence-based learning, FDU’s nursing programs continue to advance the field and serve communities with distinction.

Virtual Information Sessions

Information sessions on a variety of nursing and allied health programs will be held via Zoom on select days in May.

• Undergraduate/Entry-level Nursing — noon–1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1
• Allied Health, Health Studies and Phlebotomy — 1–2 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 1
• MSN Entry-to-RN Practice — 2–3 p.m. EST on Wednesday, May 7
• Graduate Nursing (Nurse Practitioner MSN, Postgraduate Certificate and DNP) — noon–1 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 27

For inquiries email SNAH@fdu.edu.

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

This year’s Pinning Ceremony for students in the entry-level nursing programs will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 7, in Wilson Auditorium, Dickinson Hall, at the Metropolitan Campus. The event is by invitation only. For information email SNAH@fdu.edu.

Continuing-education Programs

As part of its continuing-education programs, the School of Nursing and Allied Health (SNAH) is offering a Basic Health Assessment (RN Refresher) course and a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program in June.

The Basic Health Assessment (RN Refresher) course is an online, four-week course that will help participants — including registered nurses (RNs) — develop basic health-assessment skills prior to starting an advanced health-assessment course or before transitioning to a career where these skills are required.

The course will run from Sunday, June 1, through Monday, June 30. The total cost is $785, which includes a materials fee of $210. Online registration is open.

The Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program is an educational curriculum structured in accordance with the American Society for Clinical Pathology. It is composed of two parts: Didactic and Student Lab and Clinical Rotation.

Summer session starts on Sunday, June 8, and registration is open. The total program cost is $2,500.

For more information go to SNAH Continuing Education Programs.

School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Graduation Celebrations 

The school is hosting a variety of celebrations for its graduating students and their families:

• Virtual Graduation Celebration — for Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) graduating students
  Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m.; via Zoom
• Graduation Celebration — doctoral hooding for PharmD graduates and pinning ceremony for PA graduates
  Tuesday, May 13, 1 p.m.; Lenfell Hall, Hennessy Hall, Florham Campus
• White Coat Ceremony — for doctor of occupational therapy and PharmD graduates
  Tuesday, May 13, 3:30 p.m.; Lenfell Hall, Hennessy Hall, Florham Campus

For information email Justin Zgombic, associate director for student affairs/co-curricular programming, pharmacy/health sciences (Flor), at jzgombic@fdu.edu.

8th Annual Research Symposium

The School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences held its annual research symposium on April 25 in person and via Zoom.

This year’s keynote speaker, Elizabeth Unni, chair and associate professor, social/behavioral/administrative sciences, Touro University College of Pharmacy, N.Y.C., spoke about “Bridging the Gap: Engaging Patients in Chronic Disease Care.”

The symposium showcased podium and poster presentations from members of the school community in public health, physician assistant, pharmacy, occupational therapy and social work; and presentations by students, faculty, alumni and resident-pharmacists of FDU-affiliated institutions and FDU community partners.

Symposium cochairs Kathleen Frey, pharmaceutical sciences, and Allison Buckingham, public health (both Flor), moderated the presentations.

School of Public and Global Affairs

Fall 2025 Public Affairs Lecture Series

The School of Public and Global Affairs is sponsoring the fall 2025 Public Affairs Lecture Series (PALS), which will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Bickford Theatre at Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, N.J.

Upcoming lectures are on September 8, “President Trump’s Second-term Foreign Policy,” with Jerry Pubantz, emeritus, political science, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; on September 15, “Managing Risk in the Age of Agentic Economy — Blockchain/Crypto, AI, Quantum and Much More …” Merav Ozair, financial technology/analytics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., and global emerging technologies expert; on September 29, “An Uncertain European Future: War, Economic Competitiveness and the Future of Alliances,” Heather Conley, senior adviser, Evenflow Macro, Arlington, Va.; on October 6, “Powershift, the Gulf Countries, the United States and the New Middle Eastern Order,” Steven Cook, Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies and director, International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars, Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, D.C.; on October 13, “What Does Criminal Justice Reform Now Mean for the U.S. Supreme Court and America in the Fall of 2025?” Douglas Berman, Newton D. Baker-Baker & Hostetler chair in law; and executive director, Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; on October 20, “A World Without Rising Powers: How Population Decline and Economic Stagnation Are Ending an Era of Global Upheaval — and Bringing New Threats,” with Michael Beckley, director of Asia program, Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pa., and political science, Tufts University, Medford, Mass.; on October 27, “Can the Public Rely on Polling to Accurately Predict the Outcomes of the U.S. Elections?,” with Daniel Cassino, government/politics and executive director, FDU Poll (Flor); on November 3, “Death with Dignity: The Status of Medically Assisted Dying in N.J. and Other States,” with Paul Armstrong, retired judge, New Jersey Superior Court, and senior fellow/judge-in-residence, health administration, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.; on November 10, “Issues and Challenges Facing N.J.’s Next Governor,” with Benjamin Dworkin, director, Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship, Rowan University, Glassboro, N.J.; and on November 17, “Advances in Cancer Research: Innovative Cancer Immunotherapies,” with Andrea Schietinger, Catherine and Frederick R. Adler chair for junior faculty, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, N.Y.C.

Subscriptions to the series are available for $120 (for 10 lectures). Those interested should fill out a subscription application form and submit it with the payment electronically or by mail (check [made payable to FDU] to Donna Sadowski, senior coordinator for off-campus credit programs, School of Public and Global Affairs, FDU, 1000 River Road, H-DH2-13, Teaneck, N.J. 07666. Walk-ins may check-in at the Bickford Theatre front desk and be put on the waiting list. A walk-in fee of $20 will be charged. Walk-ins will be admitted 10 minutes before the lecture starts. For information call 201-692-7171, email palsboard2025@gmail.com or go to Public Affairs Lecture Series 2025.

Film Screening and Talkback

A film screening and talkback for “Politics Is a Mother: Raising Hell Is Part of the Job” was held on April 14 at the Metropolitan Campus and via Zoom.

“Politics Is a Mother,” an award-winning film, revolves around State Senator Loretta Weinberg, MPA’79 (Metro), former Senate Majority Leader, who is also known as “Feisty Grandma.” As vice chair of the legislative oversight committee and co-chair of the select legislative committee, she oversaw the investigation of “Bridgegate,” which led to the fall of Governor Chris Christie, and the investigation of sexual harassment and misogyny within the state.

Written, directed and produced by Francine Weinberg Graff, daughter of Senator Weinberg, the film won several awards at the 2024 Teaneck International Film Festival: Audience Awards for Best of Fest and Best Documentary and the Juried Award for Best Documentary.

A talkback with Senator Weinberg and Graff was held after the screening. Peter Woolley, political science (Flor); founding director, public/global affairs; and interim director, International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management, moderated the discussion. Robert Pignatello, senior vice president for strategic initiatives and government/community affairs, did the introduction. Benjamin Rifkin, University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, delivered a few words at the dinner held in honor of Weinberg.

MHA and MPA Open Houses

The school will be holding open houses for the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree, Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with specialization in healthcare management and the Certificate in Health Care Management. They will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, May 13, and Tuesday, June 10 — Cafeteria, The Valley Hospital, 4 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, N.J.;
• Tuesday, May 20, and Tuesday, June 17 — Outside the Cafeteria, The Valley Hospital Dorothy B. Kraft Center, 15 Essex Road, Paramus, N.J.;
• Thursday, May 29, and Thursday, June 26 — Cafeteria, Clara Maass Medical Center, One Clara Maass Drive, Belleville, N.J.; and
• Tuesday, June 24 — Holy Name Hospital Administrative Offices, 3 University Plaza Drive, Hackensack, N.J.

Christina Costa, MHA program manager (Metro), will be at the open houses to answer questions and assist prospective students with their applications.