Nicole Cooke named a "Mover and Shaker of 2007"
by Library Journal

Nicole Cooke, of the Sprague Library, was recently named a "Mover and Shaker of 2007" by the Library Journal for her co-development of New Jersey's chapter of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

The chapter, which serves as an advocate for the development, promotion and improvement of library services and resources to the state's African-American community, was launched in January 2006. The organization has nearly 100 members and last year awarded its first scholarship. It has also co-sponsored a series of events including the "One Book New Jersey Program," which encourages people to read the same book and participate in discussions and events centered on the book.   

"I'm honored to have received such a prestigious award," said Cooke, who is president of the Chapter. "It's nice to know that my hard work is helping to make a difference in people's lives."

Senior Brian Yankouski receives prestigious scholarship

Brian Yankouski, a senior, was recently honored with the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Scholarship for his academic and extracurricular achievements.

The scholarship recognizes college students who have demonstrated an interest in human rights, social justice, labor and world peace, and who intend to pursue these causes as future leaders.

Yankouski was honored for his participation in campus organizations including serving as a peer advocate/peer health educator for the Center for Non-Violence and Prevention Programs. He is also vice president of Students Against Violence, a student government organization, and serves on a committee with faculty members who are looking to institute a minor in Peace Studies into the University's curriculum.

Yankouski said he is proud to have received the scholarship and finds his work on campus fulfilling. "I really enjoy meeting with students," he said. "I hope that I can empower them to create some sort of meaningful change."  

Communication Studies Chair Wayne Bond
Retires after 37 Years of Service

Wayne Bond, a professor and chair of the University's Department of Communication Studies, retires in September after working at Montclair State for the past 37 years.

Bond, who started out as an assistant professor of communication at Montclair State, was chair of the former Department of Broadcasting, Communication, Dance and Theatre for six years. He is also the author of two college textbooks, Make Yourself Clear and Easily Understood.  

In addition to his work within the Department of Communications Studies, Bond has worked with a variety of organizations on campus. He is a past president of the University Senate and has remained actively involved with the organization. For the past two years, Bond has also chaired the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, which makes curriculum decisions for the University's undergraduate departments.

Throughout his tenure, Bond has particularly enjoyed working with the students at Montclair State. He appreciates their diligent work ethic and dedication to their studies. "I also value the extensive outreach that the University makes to its students and their families," he said.

Montclair State's close proximity to New York City also appealed to Bond, who believes that this affords both faculty and students a multitude of opportunities within the communication field.

Bond is looking forward to retirement but will return to the University this Fall as a visiting specialist in the Department of Communications Studies.