Actor, filmmaker and philanthropists
to receive honorary degrees
Actor Alec Baldwin, filmmaker Kevin Smith, and Joseph and Elda Coccia,
founders of the Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience
in America, will receive honorary degrees from the University. The recipients
were approved by the Board of Trustees at its April 8 meeting.
Baldwin's work has been recognized by an Obie Award and nominations for
Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe awards. "Alec Baldwin is a versatile
and highly regarded actor who is equally accomplished in major roles on
film, on television and in the theater," the resolution reads. A
graduate of New York University, Baldwin "appreciates the education
that prepared him to pursue with success a career in the arts and to exercise
the responsibilities of citizenship as a spokesperson for numerous social,
political and humanitarian causes."
Baldwin will receive the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, at the commencement ceremony on May 21.
Smith is a successful filmmaker whose first work, "Clerks," was highly acclaimed at the Sundance Film Festival and was followed by two additional films that constituted his "New Jersey Trilogy." He continues to produce important films that address significant social issues.
"Mr. Smith has contributed to the artistic legacy of New Jersey and has demonstrated the value of hard work combined with an independent spirit in attaining success in an exceptionally competitive field," the resolution reads.
Smith will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, at the School of the Arts Graduation Convocation on May 14.
Joseph and Elda Coccia founded and endowed Montclair State's Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America. The Institute's mission includes both academic and public outreach with a focus on the historical and contemporary interplay of Italian and American culture and society, working in collaboration with other regional and national associations.
"Joseph and Elda Coccia have set the highest example of dedication to education and community involvement through thier participation and leadership in numerous philanthropic and educational organizations," the resolution reads. The Coccias have been supporters of UNICO National, Boys Town, Boys Club, Catholic Community Services and West Hudson Hospital, among others, while building successful real estate and insurance businesses. (Click here to read about an upcoming conference sponsored by the Coccia Institute and the School of Business.)
The Coccias will recieve the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduation Convocation on May 15.
In other Board news, the following personnel actions were approved: nine faculty appointments, 15 professional/managerial staff appointments, 20 professional staff reappointments, two leaves of absence without pay and professor emeritus status for Leo McMenimen of Accounting, Law and Taxation.
The Board also took action on room and meal plan rates for fall 2004 and spring 2005, the appointment of an external auditing firm and contract award authorization.
Lacrosse player featured in Sports Illustrated
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Senior women's lacrosse standout
Cathy Homiek is among the "Faces in the Crowd" in the April
12 issue of Sports Illustrated, which features University of Connecticut
star Emeka Okafor on the cover.
Homiek earned the honor after establishing a new National Collegiate Athletic
Association All-Divisions record for assists March 22 in the Red Hawks'
18-1 victory over Wilkes University at Sprague Field. Homiek became the
new record holder with 25:38 left in the game as she fed Nicole LaRocca
for the goal. The assist was the 184th for Homiek, who broke the previous
mark of 183 set by Maggie Murphy of Frostburg State (1989-92).
The current Division III points and assists leader, Homiek has 54 assists
in 2004 to bring her career total to 213. She also became the 29th player
in Division III history to surpass the 300-point plateau as she had nine
points against Elizabethtown on April 9 in a 12-5 victory. In that game,
Homiek also scored her 100th career goal.
Homiek is the fourth Red Hawk athlete to be among "Faces" in
the past 16 months. She joins women's soccer star Stephanie Romanko (December,
2002), wrestling national champion Rami Ratel (April, 2003) and field
hockey senior Sarah Levine (October, 2003).
Auditions for National Anthem performers, 4/24
The New Jersey Jackals, which play at Yogi Berra Stadium on campus, will
hold auditions for singers and musicians for the 2004 baseball season
on Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m.-noon at the stadium.
Auditions can be arranged by calling 973-655-8009. Others coming to the
stadium will be heard on a first-come basis.
Applicants must be prepared to perform the entire Star Spangled Banner.
Additionally the Jackals are looking for people to perform the Canadian
National Anthem. The list of those selected to perform will be posed on
the Jackals Web site one week after auditions. Singer/musicians will receive
four tickets to the game of their performance.
Anyone unable to attend can send a CD or tape with a resume to the New Jersey Jackals, Attn: National Anthem, One Hall Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424.