Raritan Valley Community College

February 2008

P.O. Box 3300
Somerville, NJ 08876
transitions@raritanval.edu



Welcome to Transitions—a monthly electronic newsletter for high school counselors, administrators, faculty, students and parents. Every month, we keep you informed about the latest developments at Raritan Valley Community College. Please forward this newsletter to your colleagues and fellow students. Contact us at transitions@raritanval.edu with any questions, comments or if you would like to change your subscription or add e-mail addresses.

RVCC Events

RVCC Events


RVCC News

 

 

Nominations Sought for Robeson Youth Achievement Awards

 

March 3 is the deadline of teachers, administrators and counselors to nominate students for the 18th Annual Paul Robeson Youth Achievement Awards, sponsored by the Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Social Justice at RVCC. The winners will be announced at a reception at RVCC’s North Branch Campus on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m.  The event will feature Dr. Randal D. Pinkett, winner of NBC’s The Apprentice: Season 4.

 

Middle school and high school students may be nominated for awards in the following categories: scholarship, the arts, community service and athletics. In addition, special “Renaissance Scholars” awards are given to students who excel in a number of disciplines. Each student should be nominated in only one category.

 

Information about criteria for nominees and to receive a nomination form:

908-526-1200, ext. 8524

pmargoli@raritanval.edu

 

 
 


RVCC Celebrates Black History Month

 

The public is invited to attend RVCC’s celebration of Black History Month throughout February. This year’s theme is “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.” 

 

For a list of events and more information: RVCC to Celebrate Black History Month in February.

 

 


RVCC Sets International Art Show

 

RVCC’s Visual and Performing Arts Department will present The Foreign Element: Three Painters Living and Working in Berlin, February 15-March 13, in the Art Gallery at the College’s North Branch Campus.

 

The three artists—Tom Drake Bennett, Marilyn Green and Susan McKinley—met as students at The Berlin Academy of Art in the 1980s. An Artists’ Talk will be held Friday, February 15, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by a reception.

 

Information and gallery hours:

RVCC to Present International Exhibition of Paintings

 

 
 

 

 Attend an

 
 

Find out about all RVCC has to offer at an Open House for prospective students on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will be held in The Conference Center at the College’s North Branch Campus.

 

Meet with members of the RVCC faculty and talk to counselors about academic programs. Workshops on the admissions process, financial aid and transfer opportunities will be offered. Campus tours will be included.

 

To register:

www.raritanval.edu and click on “Prospective Students”

 

Need more information?

908-253-6688

recruitment@raritanval.edu

 


 

High school juniors and seniors can jump start their college education by taking courses at RVCC. Register now for the Summer 2008 sessions. Students enrolled in RVCC’s Early Credits program pay only $150 for the first course.

 

Click here for a complete listing of courses

 

Visit onlne for registration hours

 

Need more information?

Contact an academic recruiter:

908-253-6688

recruitment@raritanval.edu

www.raritanval.edu
 


 

Video Game Career Program Set

 

RVCC’s Career Services department will hold a Video Game Development Career Seminar Wednesday, February 27, from 6-7:30 p.m., in The Conference Center at the College’s North Branch Campus. Learn about careers in this new and exciting field that combines strong math and creative art skills.

 

To register:

908-526-1200, ext. 8934

 

Planetarium

Planetarium School Shows

 

Consider the Planetarium at RVCC for school trips for your high schools students. Shows include Life Beyond Earth, It's Not Your Parents' Solar System and seasonal star shows.

 

Need more information?

www.raritanval.edu/planetarium

Planetarium Public Shows

 

Spend your weekends at the RVCC Planetarium. The Planetarium will present a variety of star shows and laser concerts this winter for audiences of all ages.

 

List of shows and more information:

RVCC Planetarium Sets Star Shows, Laser Concerts


 

 


Lunar Eclipse Program Scheduled

 

The Planetarium at RVCC will present a special program to celebrate the Moon passing through the Earth’s shadow in a total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, February 20.

 

The Planetarium will offer the public free telescope viewings of the eclipse from 8:30-10 p.m. In addition, the Planetarium will present a lecture about lunar eclipses at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m.

 


 

The telescope viewings are free of charge. Cost for the lecture is $3 per person.

 

Need more information?

908-231-8805

www.raritanval.edu/planetarium 

Theatre at RVCC
  The Theatre at RVCC offers a variety of performances appropriate for teens—from acrobatics and comedy to musical theatre and magic. Professional educators, with school ID, can receive a 50 percent educator discount on up to four tickets per show.  

 

For information about the current season:

www.rvccArts.org

 

Parsons Dance Company


 

 

Focus on Faculty

 

Brian Zaleski: Instructor of English, since September 2007

 
 


Educational Philosophy

“By sharing my knowledge of culture and how I read it with the students, as well as taking an interest in their perspectives on culture, I have consistently found a common ground with my students. This practice also keeps me enthusiastic about teaching because as culture changes on a daily basis I am never at a loss for new material.”

Education
PhD, Composition and Rhetoric, Lehigh University
MA, English, Seton Hall University
BA, English, Monmouth University

 

Additional Professional Experience
2006-2007: Assistant Writing Center Director, Lehigh University
2000-2007: Professional Tutor, Mentor
2003-2006: Teaching Fellow, Lehigh University
2001-2006: Part-Time Faculty, Seton Hall University
2000-2003: Adjunct Professor, Monmouth University
2000-2001: Adjunct Professor, Seton Hall University
1999-2000: Teaching Assistant, Seton Hall University

Awards/Honors
2006: Dissertation Fellowship, Lehigh University
2005: Global Citizenship Award, Lehigh University
1998: Sigma Tau Delta Chapter Student of the Year
1998: Academic Student of the Year in English, Monmouth University
1998: Departmental Honors in English, Monmouth University
1995: Good Citizen Scholarship, Monmouth University

Major Conference Presentations

High School Reading Motivation and the Basic Writer,” Conference on College Composition and Communication, New York; March 2007.      

 

The Lehigh University First-Year Writing Program: Conceived in Cultural Studies; Shaped by Personal Writing,” Conference on College Composition and Communication, Chicago; March 2006.

 

 
 

 


www.raritanval.edu