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Contact:
Andrew Cusumano /Eric Schauer
Stern Associates
(908) 276-4344
andrew@sternassociates.com
eric@sternassociates.com

Montclair, NJ: Today at Montclair State University, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, officials from Montclair State University and members of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) officially opened University Hall, one of New Jersey's most technologically advanced classroom facilities and the new home of the University's nationally recognized College of Education & Human Services. The first-ever winner of the Educator Medal of Honor, an award recognizing dedication and extraordinary achievement in public education, was also presented.

"This state-of-the-art facility takes teaching and its tools a generational leap forward as it meets society's increasing demands for technological expertise," said Dr. Susan A. Cole, president, Montclair State University. "University Hall continues Montclair State University's proud history of embracing institutional change and renewal in anticipation of the changing needs of society."

University Hall Facility Inspires Education

Built in the campus' distinct Spanish mission style and with more than 270,000 square feet, University Hall provides a distinct counterpart to the University's first building, College Hall, which is still in use. It houses 52 state-of-the-art, technologically advanced classrooms; lecture halls; student study rooms and lounges; conference rooms; offices for faculty and staff; and dynamic educational programs and resources, including:

• The ADP Center for Teacher Preparation and Learning Technologies
• The Center of Pedagogy, the nation's first resource in higher education devoted to initiating and coordinating all aspects of teacher education
• The Literacy Enrichment Program
• The Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children
• Early childhood and elementary teaching labs
• Specialized teaching and research labs for exercise science and physical education

"Within the period of 100 years, Montclair State has transformed from a small school devoted to the preparation of teachers to a comprehensive university with large, strong undergraduate and graduate programs in science, business, humanities, social science, the arts and education," said Dr. Cole. "University Hall will be the iconic building for the University's second century, just as College Hall was for its first century."

In addition, two floors of the facility serve as the new home of the University's Information Technology Division and house the Information Commons and Technology Solutions Center for students, faculty and staff. Located on the top floor of University Hall is the region's newest and most sophisticated conference center, complete with meeting, conference and event space for groups of up to 500 people.  

"University Hall allows the community to realize the extraordinary potential of New Jersey's second largest university and provides our diverse, ambitious and talented 16,000 students with the quality of learning resources they deserve," continued Dr. Cole.

"With the resources now abundantly available, there's no doubt that University Hall will help us do an even better job of preparing new teachers for the state's public schools - while also enhancing our ability to reach thousands of teachers and students who are already working in classrooms," said Dr. Ada Beth Cutler, dean, College of Education & Human Services, Montclair State University. "These resources will provide students with the opportunities and tools necessary to bring best educational practices into the state's classrooms."

Medal of Honor Awarded To N.J. Public School Teacher

In addition to Governor Corzine's grand opening declaration of University Hall, Montclair State University and NJEA officials also announced the first annual Educator Medal of Honor winner. The award, an initiative co-sponsored by the College of Education & Human Services and the NJEA, recognizes a New Jersey public school educator who has made significant progress and contributions toward improving education for students and schools.

"This award was created to honor those educators who have made a positive difference in public education through spending extra time and effort with students and developing strategic programs for colleagues to eliminate the achievement gap in New Jersey's schools," said Joyce Powell, president, NJEA. "It is important to recognize this dedication, and share the valuable lessons and programs created with teachers throughout New Jersey."

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) is the state's largest association of education professionals, representing 192,000 elementary and secondary teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Montclair State is New Jersey's second largest and fastest growing university. It offers the advantages of a large university - a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum with a global focus, a broad variety of superior graduate programs through the doctoral level, and a diverse faculty and student body - combined with a small college's attention to students.   More information on the University is available on its website: www.montclair.edu .

(Media Note: If you are interested in scheduling a tour of University Hall or interviews with officials from Montclair State University or the NJEA, or need additional information, please contact Andrew Cusumano or Eric Schauer at (908) 276-4344 or at andrew@sternassociates.com or eric@sternassociates.com ).

March 27, 2006