College and Center Happenings February 2026

Henry P. Becton College of Nursing and Allied Health

Information sessions on a variety of nursing and allied health programs will be held via Zoom this spring.

• Undergraduate/Entry-level Nursing (BSN, Accelerated BSN) — noon–1 p.m. EST: select Thursdays (March 5, April 2 and May 7)
• Allied Health (Including Respiratory Therapy), Health Studies and Phlebotomy — 1–2 p.m. EST: select Thursdays (March 5, April 2 and May 7)
• Graduate Nursing (Nurse Practitioner MSN and Postgraduate Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice [DNP])— noon–1 p.m. EST: select Tuesdays (February 24, March 24, April 28 and May 26)
• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) — noon–1 p.m. EST: select Tuesdays (February 24, March 24, April 28 and May 26)
• MSN Entry-to-RN Practice — noon–1 p.m. EST: select Wednesdays (February 18, March 18, April 15 and May 20)

For inquiries email CONAH@fdu.edu.

Maxwell Becton College of Liberal Arts and Education

Black History Month 

The Maxwell Becton College of Liberal Arts and Education, in partnership with the FDU libraries, is cosponsoring a variety of free events in honor of Black History Month.

Michael Cotto, humanities (Metro), will be moderating the following virtual and in-person events. Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom links.

• Presentation, “Empathy and Education: Affirmative Action, DEI and Immigration Talk”
  Thursday, February 19
  Via Zoom, 6–7:30 p.m.
  Examines how issues such as affirmative action, DEI and immigration become sites of resistance and misunderstanding when empathy gives way to fear, abstraction or political rhetoric. Guest speaker Terza Lim-Neves, political science and chair, social sciences/interdisciplinary studies, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N.C.; editor, Cabo Verdeans in the United States: 21st Century Critical Perspectives; principal editor, Cabo Verdean Women Writing Remembrance, Resilience, and Revolution: Kriolas Poderozas; and cofounder, Poderoza: International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women

• “A Discussion on Black Liberation Today”
  Tuesday, February 24
  Hartman Lounge, Hennessy Hall, and via Zoom; 2:30–4:30 p.m.
  Frederick Engram, Jr., higher education (Metro), will be interviewed about his book, Black Liberation Through Action and Resistance: MOVE; conversation will explore how traditions of Black resistance inform contemporary debates around affirmative action, DEI, immigration, and reparations, while also considering the role institutions such as Fairleigh Dickinson University can play in advancing justice, equity, and social responsibility.

For information on upcoming events contact Tanama Cruz, technical services and outreach associate, Monninger Center f0r Learning and Research (Flor), at tcruz01@fdu.edu.

The FDU library at the Florham Campus is holding a Black History Month exhibit — “Black History 2026: A Century of Black History Commemorations” — of books showcasing sampling of events and heroes of note in Black American history. The display at the Reference Room of the Monninger Center will run until Saturday, February 28. Exhibit hours are from Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–11 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Sunday, 2–10 p.m. It may also be viewed online at FDU Libraries Book Exhibits. For information about the exhibit email Eleanor Friedl, research and instruction librarian, Monninger Center (Flor), at friedl@fdu.edu.

Go to Black History Month 2026 for other events.

Other events held earlier in February included a screening of documentary clips on “The 1960s Civil Rights Movement” and a panel discussion on “What Happened to DEI?” featuring faculty members Vaniah Howell, animation (Flor); Marion McClary, biological sciences and chair, biological sciences (Metro); and Adam Rudder, humanities and program coordinator, BA in individualized studies (Van).

Upcoming Book Presentation, Talk

The social sciences, history and criminal justice department is hosting two free events in February:

Jude Pfister, chief of cultural resources, Morristown (N.J.) National Historical Park, and author, will speak about his book, Slavery and the American Founding: Hope and Hypocrisy in the Age of Enlightenment, on Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m., in Hartman Lounge, Hennessy Hall, at the Florham Campus. 

On Thursday, February 26, Benjamin Rifkin, humanities (Metro) and University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will speak about “Historical Context for Russia’s War Against Ukraine: An Update.” The event, which is Cosponsored by Fairleigh Institute for Lifelong Learning, will be held in person at the Hassan Orangerie, Monninger Center for Learning and Research, Florham Campus, and via Zoom, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Registration is necessary.

Both events are open to the public. For information email Christina Sobczak, administrative assistant, social sciences/history/criminal justice (Flor), at c.sobczak@fdu.edu.

AAQEP Accreditation Earned

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full seven-year accreditation to the educator preparation programs at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

These educator preparation programs include:

Initial Teacher Certification Program — Master of Arts in Teaching:

• QUEST, Post-Baccalaureate Traditional Route and Post- Baccalaureate Alternate Route Programs leading to licensure in Early Childhood P–3, Elementary K–6, English as a Second Language (ESL), English, Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Math, Art, Physical Science, Physics and World Language

Advanced Credential Program:

• Teacher of Students with Disabilities
• Early Childhood P–3
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Bilingual
• Reading Specialist
• Early Literacy Specialist
• Educational Leadership (including Supervisor, Principal and School Administrator – Superintendent)
• Bilingual Paraprofessional
• Middle School Endorsement (including English, Math, Science and Social Studies)

After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. According to the Commission, “the program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally. Fairleigh Dickinson University demonstrates its ongoing commitment to candidate success and program quality through its purposeful selection of measures, analysis of evidence of its effectiveness, and ongoing reflection and revision. It engages with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P–20 education system. The Commission reviewed the provider’s plans for ongoing growth and improvement, based on the findings of the self-study, and affirms the intentions presented.”

“The Sammartino School of Education at FDU is proud to have its educator preparation programs accredited by AAQEP,” said Kate Spence, education and director, Peter Sammartino School of Education (Metro). “This rigorous, collaborative process affirms our commitment to continuous improvement and strengthens our ability to prepare highly effective, well-qualified educators for today’s classrooms.” Spence and Melissa Smith, education and director, QUEST and MAT program (Metro), led the self-study project and the entire accreditation process.

To read more go to “FDU Earns National AAQEP Accreditation of Educator Preparation Programs.”

‘Ancient American Sculptures and Carvings’

An exhibit on “Ancient American Sculptures and Carvings” featuring works by FDU students as well as those of local artists Natalia Tous, Claudia Dominguez and Sandra Martinez is on display until the end of April at the Hispanic Center and Center for Student Success, Fourth Floor, Robison Hall, Metropolitan Campus. It is cosponsored by the Hispanic Center and Center for Student Success and art, communication, and media.

According to Irene Oujo, executive director, Hispanic Center and Center for Student Success (Metro), “The exhibit celebrates the ancient art of Mesoamerica and showcases works by FDU students who created their own art inspired by research on this topic.”

The exhibit was curated by Yelena Aronson, computer graphics (Metro), who also photographed, printed and mounted the students’ artwork.

Regular exhibit hours are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information email Irene Oujo at oujo@fdu.edu.

Literacy Summit 2026

A Parent Literacy Summit, cosponsored by FDU, the International Dyslexia Association New Jersey Branch (NJIDA) and Decoding Dyslexia, will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., in Hennessy Hall, at the Florham Campus.

Brett Tingley, founder and president, Parents for Reading Justice, will be the keynote speaker.

Attendees will learn about practical tools and language for Individualized Education Program, 504 Plan, New Jersey Tiered System of Supports and parent-teacher meetings so they can better advocate for appropriate instruction and meaningful progress.

The summit will feature a panel of literacy experts and experienced attorneys who work with families and school districts to explain how literacy laws, special education law and students’ rights to appropriate instruction fit together in New Jersey public schools.

Among the presenters is Dawn Dennis, campus director, Regional Center for Learning Disabilities (Metro), who will be speaking on the topic of transitioning to college and answering questions related to services and programs available to college students with disabilities. Dennis is past president of the NJDIA. Patrica Barden, current NJIDA president, is an adjunct faculty member in the Peter Sammartino School of Education where she teaches in the Structured Literacy Orton-Gillingham graduate program. She is also a learning specialist at the Regional Center for Learning Disabilities on the Metropolitan Campus.

Admission is $30 per person. Registration is necessary. For information go to Parent Literacy Summit or email njida@msn.com.

Theater in Spring

This spring, art, communication, and media will be staging “Urinetown: The Musical,” based on the book by Greg Kotis and music by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis, in Dreyfuss Theater, Dreyfuss Building, on the Florham Campus, from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday: and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

In “Urinetown,” a water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, leads to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by the malevolent Urine Good Company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. The musical is a modern musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics and musical theater itself — and is as relevant (and funny) in 2025 as when it debuted on Broadway at the start of this century.

Patrick Polsin, theater, will direct the production, with musical direction by Allen Cohen, music; choreography by Christina Cruz, Becton College; set design by John Ehrenberg, theater production manager; and costume design by Susanne Houstle, Becton College (all Flor).

Ticket prices are $15 for the general public, $10 senior citizens 65+ and $5 FDU community and students. It is highly recommended that tickets be purchased online in advance because performances sell out quickly. When available, a limited number of tickets may be sold at the door. For information go to FDU Theater Season.

Writing Workshops 

The Metro Writing Studio is holding virtual workshops on a variety of topics this semester. Upcoming Zoom workshops to be led by faculty/staff members (all Metro), will include:

• Academic Writing and the Annotated Bibliography
  Paul Caruso, professional tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Tuesday, February 17, 6:30–8 p.m.
• Recognizing and Avoiding Plagiarism
  Yelena Shekhtman, Becton College, and tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Thursday, February 26, 1–2:30 p.m.
• ESL Casual Conversations in English
  Rochelle Moskowitz, Becton College
  Friday, February 27, 2–3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, April 14, 1–2:30 p.m.
• Introduction to APA Format
  Danielle DesFosses, associate director, Programs in English for Academic and Professional Success, and tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Wednesday, March 4, 5–6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, April 8, 5–6:30 p.m.
• Advanced APA Format
  Helen Kuttner, Becton College, and tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Thursday, March 5, 4–5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, April 14, 4–5:30 p.m.
• Essential Spoken English for International Students
  Paul Caruso, professional tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Tuesday, March 10, 7–8:30 p.m.
• What Is Critical Writing?
  Danielle DesFosses, associate director, Programs in English for Academic and Professional Success, and tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Wednesday, March 25, 5–6:30 p.m.
• Undergraduate Academic Essay and Research
  Paul Caruso, professional tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Thursday, March 26, 5:30–7 p.m.
• Basic Grammar
  Rochelle Moskowitz, Becton College
  Monday, April 6, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Wednesday, April 8, 2:30–4 p.m.
• Common Essay Patterns
  Helen Kuttner, Becton College, and tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Thursday, April 16, 4–5:30 p.m.
• Creating the Works-cited List
  Yelena Shekhtman, Becton College, and tutor, Metro Writing Studio
  Tuesday, April 21, 1–2:30 p.m.

Participants should log on to the Zoom meeting 10 minutes before the presentation times.

For information and Zoom links go to Metro Writing Studio, call 201-692-2166 or email Julia Wagner, rhetoric/composition, and director, Metro Writing Studio (Metro), at jawagner@fdu.edu.

Gregory H. Olsen College of Engineering and Science

The department of biological sciences will host free seminars on select Thursdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in Room 1144, Dickinson Hall, Metropolitan Campus.

• February 19 — “The Secret Life of Eels and the Stories They Tell About Our Environment”
  Curt Collier, Becton College (Metro), and leader, Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Teaneck, N.J., and New York Society for Ethical Culture, N.Y.C.
• March 12 — “Improving Student Grades in the STEM Fields”
  James Micik, adjunct faculty member, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, N.J.; Iona University, New Rochelle, N.Y.; and Westchester Community College, State University of New York, Valhalla, N.Y.

For information call 201-692-2330.

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Virtual Graduate Open Houses, Information Session

Virtual open houses for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and a virtual information session for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program will be held this spring. The events will include program overviews and Q&A sessions with faculty.

• MPH Virtual Open Houses will be held at 7 p.m. EST on the first Wednesday of every month: March 4 and April 1.
• MSW Virtual Information Sessions will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 12, and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, March 24.

Registration is necessary. For information contact Tracy Templin, executive director for admissions/enrollment operations, pharmacy/health sciences (Flor), at tracyt@fdu.edu.

OTD Capstone Dissemination

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences held its first-ever Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone Dissemination event in December at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

The inaugural OTD cohort — the class of 2026 — shared their poster presentations to their peers; faculty, staff and administrators; and their families and friends. Ilana Beitscher, occupational therapy and chair/director, OTD program (Flor), delivered the welcome remarks. “You hold a special place in our history as the first graduating class of this OTD program,” she said. “You did not simply complete a curriculum — you helped shape it. You defined the culture of this program through your resilience, your professionalism, and your belief in what this program could become. Because of you, future cohorts will walk a clearer path.”

Members of the class of 2026 — along with the titles of their capstone poster presentations — included Nora Anton (“Exploring Occupational Therapy’s Role in Breast Cancer Recovery”); Karina DiNatale (“Consistency Through Carryover: Caring Beyond the Clinic”); Lindsey Frydman (“The Silent Struggle of Veterans: A Call for Occupational Therapy Intervention Based on the Experiences with Mental Health and Social Participation”); Kerry Halpin (“From Movement to Meaning: How Collaborative Care Supports Children with Motor Delays”); Jessica Jacobi (“A New Leash on Therapy”); Douby Orelien (“Fitness for All Abilities”); Joshua Pascual (“Bridging the Gap: Developing a Culturally Tailored Health Literacy Guide to Improve Healthcare Navigation for Filipino Americans”); and Remonde Sèjour (“Making Meaningful Moments: An OT’s Recipe”).

According to Beitscher, the students’ capstone presentations demonstrated not only their ability to integrate theory and evidence into practice, but also their readiness to lead, advocate, and contribute meaningfully to the occupational therapy profession.”

Annual Pieroni Lecture

The Annual Pieroni Lecture was held on February 2 at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with FDU Trustee Micheline Nader as the featured speaker.

Nader is cofounder, board member and president, Jesra Foundation; founder and CEO, Blue Dolphin Healthcare Group; chair, Silberman College of Business Board of Advisors; and author, LEAP Beyond AI: Reinventing Leadership and Human Intelligence, LEAP Beyond Success: How Leaders Evolve and Dolphin’s Dance: Discover Your True Self Through a Powerful 5 Step Journey Into Conscious Awareness.

Marion Turpan College of Psychology and Counseling

In recognition of a historic $6 million philanthropic commitment from an anonymous donor to support and advance the College of Psychology and Counseling, FDU has formally named the Marion Turpan College of Psychology and Counseling, honoring the legacy of the late FDU alumna Marion Turpan, BS’63, MA’65 (Metro), and her enduring commitment to education. To read more go to “FDU Announces Historic $6 Million Gift to Advance Psychology and Counseling Education.”

Benjamin Freer, psychology (Metro), has been appointed dean of the Turpan College of Psychology and Counseling effective immediately. To read more about his accomplishments go to “FDU Appoints Benjamin Freer Dean of the Marion Turpan College of Psychology and Counseling.”

Silberman College of Business

Faculty Colloquia

The School of Public and Global Affairs is hosting monthly Faculty Colloquia via Zoom — on select Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. EST — on a variety of topics.

Upcoming colloquia are “Mapping Hiring Patterns and Skill Evolution Through LinkedIn Analytics,” with Mohammadreza Khoee, administrative science (Van), on March 18; and “Students Teach the Machine: Training AI Models to Generate Ethical Arguments,” with Louai Rahal, administrative science (Van), on April 8.

The colloquia are free and open to the public. For information contact Peter Woolley, political science (Flor) and chair, public/global affairs, at woolley@fdu.edu.

Save the Date

The Fourth Annual Hospitality Alumni Reception and Celebration will be held at 6 p.m., on Thursday, April 23, at the Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, N.J. The event, which is hosted by the FDU Hospitality and Tourism Alumni Chapter, will celebrate and recognize the distinguished 2026 alumni honorees and provide attendees the opportunity to network with former classmates.

The cost to attend is $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with proceeds supporting scholarships for students of the International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management.

Registration is necessary by Friday, April 17, or until the event is sold out. For information contact Donald Hoover, hospitality/tourism management (Metro), at dhoover@fdu.edu or 609-432-7297 or go to Hospitality Alumni Reception and Celebration.

Sports Study Abroad

This May, undergraduate and graduate sports management students will again travel to the heart of British sport and culture. Sport in Britain, a faculty-led study-abroad component for the sport management courses (SPAD4000 International Sports Administration and MSA6630 Global Sports), will be held from May 19 to 26 in Wroxton College, England.

The group, led by Jong-Chae (J.C.) Kim, chair, International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management (Metro), will visit a variety of sites such as the University of Cambridge, Twickenham Stadium; Tottenham Hotspur Football Club; Arsenal Football Club; the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum; and landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.

Wroxton College

Spring Immersive Programs

This spring, Wroxton College will be hosting three immersive programs that will give participants the opportunity to spend one or two weeks at the Abbey while enjoying thoughtful exploration, intellectual exchange and cultural discovery.

Program costs include all meals at the Abbey but the cost of airfare is not included.

• Country Houses and Gardens: Prestige, Aesthetics and Landscape in English History

  April 9–22
  Program cost: $3,953
  Registration may be closed but for inquiries email admin@wroxton-college.ac.uk.
  Explore England’s most iconic country houses and gardens by day and return each evening to the comfort and charm of the Abbey. Highlights include guided visits to renowned sites such as Blenheim Palace, Stowe Gardens, Waddesdon Manor, Upton House and Gardens, Broughton Castle and Kew Gardens; lectures and seminars; and guided walks, conversation and reflection.

• Step Into Jane Austen’s World: Literature, History and Place

  April 26–May 2
  Program Cost: $2,399
  Apply before Thursday, February 19
  Step into her world. Walk the streets she walked and explore landscapes that shaped her novels. Highlights include guided excursions to Bath and its Georgian crescents, Lacock Abbey and the Jane Austen House Museum; themed afternoon tea; Georgian-era dance workshops by candlelight; and lectures, readings and evening discussions that bring Austen’s literary world into focus and deepen understanding of her themes.

• Lord North, the American Revolution and Wroxton Abbey

  June 21–26
  Program Cost: $2,239
  Apply before Thursday, April 2
  Explore the political and personal dimensions of the era, including George III and Parliament; Washington, Benedict Arnold and the military struggle; and the long arc of Anglo-American relations. Participants also have the opportunity key historical sites such as Sulgrave Manor, George Washington’s ancestral home; the Houses of Parliament and the Foreign Office; Benjamin Franklin House in London; enjoy a film viewing and discussion of “The Madness of King George”; and have dinner and drinks at a historic London pub.

For more information about these programs email admin@wroxton-college.ac.uk.

Summer Getaway

The Wroxton College Summer Getaway for FDU alumni and friends will be held from Thursday, July 16, to Thursday, July 23.

To reserve a spot on the trip, a nonrefundable $350 deposit (per person) is due upon registration. Registration is open until May 1 or until the trip is full Final payment (trip balance) is due by May 15. Please note that a minimum of 35 participants is required to make this trip possible. If the minimum is not met by May 1, the trip will not proceed and deposits will be refunded.

Guests will visit iconic sites, cultural and intellectual centers, explore the Abbey and the grounds of Wroxton College, attend lectures by Wroxton faculty and relax in the college’s Buttery pub. ]

The cost of $1,750 per person includes the room, some meals as well as transportation and tickets to attractions in the itinerary. Airfare is not included.

Register online at Wroxton Summer Getaway. For information call the Office of Alumni Relations at 201-692-7017 or email Jennifer Szeinberg, associate director of alumni relations (Metro), at jtroxell@fdu.edu.  

FDU Center for Artificial Intelligence

The FDU Center for Artificial Intelligence will be hosting a full-day symposium on Wednesday, April 15 on “The Intelligent Future: AI Across the Arts & Sciences.” Sponsored by Pfizer and the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey, it will be held at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 230 Park Avenue, Florham Park, N.J., and via Zoom.

According to Christopher Stubbs, mechanical engineering/mechanical engineering technology and center director (Metro), the event will feature more than 60 talks, including a plenary with presentations from industry partners and/or board members; presentations from FDU’s three campuses and seven different ICUNJ partner institutions; five separate technical tracks — AI in Health, Medicine and Human Well-being; AI in Teaching, Learning and Academic Practice; Technical Foundations and Engineering Applications of AI; Ethics, Society and the Future of AI; and AI in Arts, Humanities and Creative Media; and more than 10 lightning talks.

Registration is necessary. For more information about the symposium go to Center for Artificial Intelligence Events.