Ciao from Bologna, Italy! See more photos of William Paterson’s student-run station, Brave New Radio, broadcasting live from Guglielmo Marconi Museum, the birthplace of wireless communication: http://bit.ly/39LMEzV

Lisbeth Ortega ‘20

“It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wings can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world – chaos theory. The butterfly effect is the idea that a single flap of a butterfly’s wings at any given location can start a hurricane on the other side of the globe. Although this theory may sound impossible to others, my curiosity led me to wonder if the butterfly effect can apply to an act of success.

I grew up in a Latino home where I was reared to believe a woman had fewer expectations, meaning a more traditional family role. My tasks were to cook, clean and earn good grades, but it was never expected that I would pursue a degree in college. At age 5, I walked into a classroom with no knowledge of the challenge that would be learning the English language. It was difficult, but I pushed myself and began to reevaluate my thoughts about my purpose in life.

In 2016 I was homeless and forced to transition into adult responsibilities to support my family. Although this impacted me greatly, I still managed to graduate as valedictorian of my high school. As a result, I made the choice of furthering my education at William Paterson University. When I first walked into campus I fell in love with the environment, students, and supportive faculty. It soon became a place for me to call home when I didn’t have one. 

When I hear people say that the heart of William Paterson is “Will. Power.” I couldn’t agree more. I strongly believe that William Paterson gave me the power to keep dreaming, loving, and inspiring. Although my life has never been easy, I’ve never stopped working towards my education. I’ve experienced many negative people who disagree with my choices of attending college during an economic crisis. However, I strongly believe that education doesn’t have a time – education should happen every day. Education is power and it takes Will. Power. to always keep striving for success. While attending William Paterson University, I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Elementary Education. As a first-generation student, I never imagined myself in a college environment. I’m truly thankful for William Paterson for giving me the Will. Power. and knowledge to overcome my obstacles. Just like a butterfly, I wish to flutter my wings and inspire others through my story. I believe anything is possible if you just keep flying.”

“Every life that is saved makes this fight all worth it.”

We are so proud of Xanilyn Red ‘17 who is working alongside her father, Valentine, as an ICU nurse in the fight against COVID-19. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2VL64Rh

Senior financial planning majors Michele Boyle and Morgan Nover were each awarded the Diahann W. Lassus Scholarship which allowed them to attend the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) fall conference in Chicago. Learn more about their experience: wpunj.us/xFdSkC #WeAreWillPower

Shaydaih Williams ‘20

“Growing up, I was raised by a single mother, and seeing her work so hard has always motivated me to want to do more. I transferred to William Paterson University in the second semester of my freshman year and looking back, I never could have imagined how involved I would become. When I arrived on campus, I was welcomed into a community of people who were transfer students like me. My friend introduced me to the student organization S.A.B.L.E. (Sisters for Awareness Black Leadership and Equality) and from there I bloomed! I met so many different people and learned about different cultures all while creating a sisterhood. I soon joined other clubs and organizations found activities that I would have never thought to participate in before, including the Black Student Union and E.B.O.N.E.E (Encouraging the Black Open Minded to Notice Exceptional Experiences.) I also held the e-board position of vice president for students of service. I have always had a passion for giving back to my community. While I have always been civically engaged, William Paterson helped me to fully understand my purpose in life: to be a blessing to others and give back to those around me. I never could have imagined that a shy girl like me from Newark would be able to have the opportunities that I’ve had to help so many people. Not everyone has access to education, healthcare, food, employment, or a healthy living environment, so I try my best to give as much as I can. When I received the Campus Compact award, I knew that I had made an impact. This award motivated me to plan and do even more civic engagement activities for my city. As a public health major, I hope to inspire the people around me to also make the necessary changes to help the community. As a pioneer, I feel confident that I have inspired my peers to leave their footprints, just as I will when I graduate in May.”

Three WP financial planning students were selected to participate in the Charles Schwab IMPACT conference in San Diego, California where they networked, participated in panels and attended learning sessions: http://wpunj.us/yn1MJW

WP Rugby captured back-to-back Tri-State Conference championships with a 34 to 19 come-from-behind victory against RPI. Well done, Pioneers! 

WP Field Hockey finished second nationally with a 3.75 team grade-point average to earn its eighth straight Zag Field Hockey/NHFCA Division III National Academic Team Award: http://bit.ly/2TJ2wwz

“This is my best birthday gift that I made for myself 👩🏻‍🎓💜 it was not easy but I did it 🥰 I’m so thankful for everything that I’ve done and for the new goals that I have in my mind. I know that my family in Perú is so proud of me and happy to see me where I am now. Being in a different country and still achieving what you want or desire is priceless. It never is too late to start over and pursue your goals 🙏🏻 Finally I got my bachelor’s degree 📜 Bs. in Spanish, minor in psychology!!!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳”

Shared by @aliaanna on Instagram

We are so proud of the members of our WP family who have been stepping up and carrying out our core value of civic engagement amid the COVID19 pandemic. Learn how Pioneers are making the world a safer and better place: https://bit.ly/2w4fo8C #DoGoodWP

“Through the William Paterson University Honors College, I had the wonderful opportunity today to be a volunteer reader at Elementary School #12 in Paterson as a member of their “Cool Men Read” Program! This program is in honor of Dr.Seuss’ Birthday and engages classrooms as part of Read Across America Week.”

Shared by Craig Jackowski Jr. ‘21 on LinkedIn.

One month before he’s set to graduate and enter the “real world” of jazz, Wes Whitelock ‘20 just notched a huge professional accomplishment: Performing in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2020 virtual gala. Learn more and check out his performance: https://bit.ly/3cSMokb

According to public health professor and former department chair William Kernan, nearly every county health department in NJ employs one or more William Paterson graduates. Learn how the program is preparing students for careers in the growing industry: http://wpunj.us/26CwRc

It’s National Library Week and #WPUNJ’s David and Lorraine Cheng Library is celebrating with their very own virtual escape room! Can you solve it? https://tinyurl.com/chengvirtualescape

Yousef Chaudhary ‘20

“My experience as a student veteran at William Paterson University has been great thanks to the resources and offices that have helped me throughout my time on campus. The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs helped me connect with other veterans, allowing me to find the same camaraderie I experienced in the military. They have also helped me understand how to claim and get the most out of my military benefits. Organizations like the Student Veterans Organization, Greek Senate and my fraternity, Omega Delta Sigma, have helped me become a leader on the civilian side and have reenforced the same principles and core values I gained in the marine corps. Upon graduation, I am hoping to go into law enforcement or work in a municipality as a service clerk. The criminal justice professors I’ve have been very insightful and knowledgeable about guiding me into the industry. William Paterson has shown me the glory and pride of being a Pioneer and I am so glad I chose WP.”

They may not be able to meet in person, but nothing can stop the WP music department! Check out this great video created by percussion students and faculty: https://youtu.be/uPaOBoKr1Hg