William Paterson Staff and Family Receive Degrees William Paterson's Class of 2014 included many happy faculty, staff and family members As part of our annual commencement report, we are continuing our tradition of featuring faculty and staff and their families who have earned their degrees from William Paterson University. Sherry Capers-Dock, a secretarial assistant in Africana World Studies for the past seven years, has earned a master’s degree in professional counseling. This is the third degree she received from the University. The first was a theater degree in 2000, followed by a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2003. She has spread her love of learning to her extended family—three of whom also received degrees on May 14. Her daughter, Stephanie Capers graduated with a degree in Africana World Studies, her brother, Anthony Capers, earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, and her cousin Jamel Capers also earned a degree in Africana World Studies. Stephanie Chavez, the daughter of Claudia Chavez, assistant to the provost, graduated with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with K-6 certification and endorsement in interpersonal communication where she earned honors. Brian Fanning, on staff for more than seventeen years, is associate director of information systems. He received a master’s degree in professional communication which he chose because of its mix of organizational communication, critical thinking, and digital media, all of which help him manage his campus responsibilities. Fanning is the son of retired administrator Tim Fanning. Paysha Green, the daughter of Rose Green, senior clerk typist in the Health and Wellness Center, received a degree in elementary education with endorsement in English. She did her student teaching in the Passaic School District and is graduating with honors in English. Gus Gonzales, a member of the University’s adjunct nursing faculty, has earned a doctor of nursing degree, and was the first member of the DNP group to finish the degree. He runs a health and wellness clinic in Dover that cares for a largely Hispanic community. He plans to use his degree to work on setting new healthcare policy. Jill Guzman, director, Health and Wellness Center, has earned a doctor of nursing practice degree. Already a nurse practitioner, she decided to pursue the DNP to increase her leadership skills to better serve the campus. Rachel Koshy, a member of the University’s nursing faculty, has earned a doctor of nursing practice degree. On staff since 2008, she pursued the degree in order to be a better teacher to nursing students. She believes that more education yields a better patient outcome. Robert Mattei, the son of Kathy Mattei, a program assistant in Hospitality Services for eight years, has earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Future plans include pursuing a degree in mathematics. Kelly McNerney, the daughter of Donna McNerney, a program assistant in business services, has earned a degree in financial planning. She is employed by FJY Finance. Future plans include pursuing a master’s degree. Renee Ojo-Ohikuare, assistant registrar since 2009, has earned a master of business administration degree, capping the bachelor’s degree in communication she received in 2008. She plans to be involved in education in the future by teaching first-year seminar classes and in the University’s summer youth program. Jean Strone, principal clerk typist in the office of the dean of the College of the Arts and Communication, has graduated magna cum laude in English. She pursued the degree for seven years, and during that time her three children all earned degrees from the University. Jarius Thompson, a counselor in the University’s undergraduate admission’s office, has earned a master’s degree in professional counseling. He also earned a degree in secondary education in 2006, and is the first person in his family to go to college, a personal goal. Vivek Agnihotri, a member of the University’s adjunct nursing faculty, has earned a doctor of nursing degree.
