Class Notes, Winter 2026

Lou Piccininno, MA ’65, and Paulette Piccininno ’63 met in the fencing room on campus and recently celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Lou is a retired college professor, and Paulette is a retired fencing coach.

After graduating from William Paterson with a degree in in social studies/secondary education, Thomas Sachse married and moved to Utah where he spent 44 years in public education as a classroom teacher, school counselor, Salt Lake City District school counseling specialist, and the Utah State Office of Education school counseling specialist. As the state school counseling specialist, Sachse covered the public schools in the state of Utah from the Idaho border in the north; to the Arizona border in the south, including Monument Valley and part of the Navajo Nation; to Nevada on the west; and Colorado to the east. After retiring from education in 2016, He became a tour guide in Zion, Grand Canyon, and Bryce national parks, as well as the surrounding area.

George (Zachary) Sahker is now retired after a career in higher education as a university professor, health care entrepreneur, Colorado Commissioner on Aging, and solar energy business owner.

Kathy (Kip) Verduin, who earned a degree in speech communications and theatre, has developed a career narrating audiobooks after she retired. She has finished several literary classics that are available on Audible.com, and most recently was invited to narrate a series of three audiobooks about a vampire that wants to get his soul back because he has fallen in love with a mortal woman. These audiobooks will have a cast of narrators, and music added to heighten the mysteriously written narration, with the first scheduled for possible release in late 2026 or early 2027.

Victor Norulak has retired from New Jersey Transit and is now getting ready to retire from Fairleigh Dickenson University’s Department of Public Safety. Norulak will be going to the Philippines in May 2026.

Jean Blancato owns Macopin Farm in West Milford, NJ. She is an approved Prevocational Training Provider through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities at Macopin Farm for adults with developmental disabilities. The farm offers a program for such adults age 21 years or older who love animals and want a hands-on farm experience. Anyone interested in learning more can email her at macopinfarm@gmail.com, with “Prevocational Training” or check the Facebook page for Macopin Farm to see what goes on at the farm.

Betsy O’Rourke Fox recently retired after an 45-year career in education. After beginning as a classroom teacher and serving as a school principal for more than a decade, she spent the past 20 years returning to her WP undergraduate roots by championing high-quality early childhood education, particularly within public school systems. Fox's work focused on strengthening teachers and programs by building the knowledge and leadership capacity of school and district leaders across the United States, and also took her abroad to lecture internationally, most notably in rural China. She currently resides half of each year in Mexico, where she is board chair for a free children's arts program.

Kathleen Fernandez celebrated her five-year anniversary as executive director of NJTESOL/NJBE, the professional organization of ESL and bilingual educators in New Jersey.

Jennifer Ranu, a native of Paterson, began her freshman year at Paterson State Teacher's College in 1965. She dropped out of college after one year to work full time at a factory making nail polish and paint for cars. She continued to attend Paterson State College in the evening and during summer sessions, and after earning two years of college credits, became a grade 4 teacher at Saint John's School and Saint Gerard Majella School in Paterson. After 19 years attending college, Ranu earned a bachelor of arts degree and elementary education teacher certification at William Paterson in 1984 and became the grade 8 teacher at School No. 27 in Paterson. She was greatly inspired by Dr. Kenneth Job to do a research project on sculptor Gaetano Federici's Paterson when she was his student at William Paterson. As an educator, Ranu received three grants from the Paterson Education Foundation to have her students at School No. 27 research history and do a public presentation on Paterson's parks, Discover Me, A Young People's Tour of Paterson, and Paterson's mayors. She returned to WP at night and became certified to teach science; in the 1990s, she became a physics teacher and the first athletic academic advisor at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson. After earning a master’s degree in education from Montclair State University in 2002, she became a science supervisor in Elmwood Park; she was also a science teacher at Passaic Valley High School and Paramus High School. Following her retirement from full-time employment in education, Ranu was an adjunct professor of education for two years at Montclair State. She is the author of three books, including Colorful Journey (2020), which focuses on historical locations in Paterson. “I have one son, and two teenage granddaughters. Both of my granddaughters are co-authors of Colorful Journey. All three of my books have been included in schools, and I have made presentations in many schools and for seniors who like to reminisce about the history represented in my books.” The illustrations in the Colorful Journey are by Caleigh Snyder ’23. This March, Ranu, who just turned 78, begins her tenth year as a VIP/Volunteer in Park at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. As the storyteller on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., she meets people from all over this country and the world and talks about the historic district. “I also share some history that is not found in in history books because I was born the daughter of Italian immigrants who came here to help build what we inherited and I grew up in this neighborhood,” she says.

Charles Bruns, MA, has published his third book, Shorts: Poems and Short Stories, covering a wide range of topics, many based on observations, others purely imaginary, and some a creative mix of the real and unreal. The new book includes his poem on the colorful history of Long Branch, New Jersey, “The Friendly City: No Vacancy,” as well as other works inspired by his years at the Jersey shore and in his hometown of New York City. The book contains 40 original poems and four previously unpublished short stories, and is available from many online retailers. Bruns’ memoir, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, was published in 2021 and is widely available online in print and digital formats. His second book, The Jersey Shore’s First Luxury Condominium: A Hard-to-Believe History of Harbour Mansion, based on a blog series he wrote, was published in 2023 and is available as a free e-book. For more information, visit https://charleslopezbruns.com.

James Matlosz is a filmmaker and screenwriter who was raised in a small farming community in New Jersey. He migrated to Los Angeles after graduating from William Paterson, where he worked with and learned from the best in the business. Starting in VFX, he quickly ascended the ranks to cinematographer, director, and camera operator for commercials, features, TV, and documentaries. His ambitions led him to journalism for various film magazines, which strengthened his commitment to screenwriting, earning accolades and awards along the way. He credits his career choices to his imagination and freedom to dream emboldened by his formative years in college. Matlosz spends time in Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest. He is a published writer and journalist, former chairman of the ICG Emerging Cinematographers Awards from 2007 to 2024, a consultant, mentor, teacher, and father.

Jennifer MacLean is happy to announce the marriage of her daughter Hannah MacLean to Kaeden Contreras. Both Hannah and Kaeden are WP alumni, Class of 2023. Not only did Hannah and Kae meet at WP, but so did Jennifer and her spouse, Scott MacLean ‘89. “WP is our family school...and we are thrilled to share this exciting family milestone.”

Carolyn Baudermann says, “Thank you, WP (WPC when I was a student there)! Who knew my social science degree would evolve into a successful career as a marketing and social media specialist? Not the original plan, but the study of human behavior applies in so many ways in today’s world. Students: keep at it, and keep your mind open to the many places a major can take you.”

After years of training in martial arts, James Franzetti, MBA, placed in the New Paltz invitational Karate Tournament in February 2025 in the over age 44 men’s division for brown belts and above. The event was Kumite (sparring). Franzetti is currently a black belt candidate in the style of Isshin Ryu Karate.

Thomas Brooks was named principal of Collingwood College, Durham University, in the United Kingdom where he is professor of law, ethics, and government. Brooks was previously the longest-serving dean of Durham Law School and the 112^th president of the Society of Legal Scholars, the oldest and largest learned society for legal academics and only the second to hold the role who was not originally British or Irish. Durham University is a collegiate university and the Sunday Times University of the Year in the United Kingdom.

Rosa Diaz, superintendent of schools for Carteret, was awarded National Superintendent of the Year 2025-2026 by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). She was also named Middlesex County Superintendent of the Year 2025-2026. Diaz was elected National President of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (2024-2026) and is a founder of the New Jersey Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NJALAS), which she currently serve as vice president.

Wrathell Demond Gause, a native of Paterson who earned a WP degree in Africana world studies and special education, has built a career in education, teaching across multiple districts, including the Paterson Public Schools, Clayton County (Georgia) Public Schools, Bibb County (Georgia) Public Schools, and Newark Public Schools. Gause has earned graduate degrees from Caldwell University, further solidifying his expertise in educational leadership and special education. Recently, he achieved a noteworthy promotion to supervisor of special education with the Paterson Public Schools, a role that enables him to influence educational practices and support for students with special needs. In addition to his educational roles, Gause has been named chairman of the board of trustees for the InnerFaith Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit organization benefiting the children of Paterson. He also shares his knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor and lecturer at Passaic County Community College and Grand Canyon University.

Erica Cashaw is an educator, executive leader, and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience spanning K–12 education, higher education, workforce development, and community-based services. She began her career in adult and alternative education and later served as associate director of professional certifications and alternate credentials at William Paterson, where she supported career-changers and professionals pursuing nontraditional pathways into education and other in-demand industries. She went on to serve as director of alternative education for the Newark Public Schools, leading curriculum development, instructional coaching, and system-level improvement efforts focused on access, equity, and student reengagement. Cashaw is the founder of Elizabeth Patrice Coaching and Consulting LLC and the CEO of Quality Touch Community Care, a community-based organization providing services and workforce support across New Jersey. She is also a founding member of The House of Faith, where she supports ministry and community leadership initiatives. In 2024, Cashaw was selected as a member of the inaugural LEADS Cohort with the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at William Paterson, chosen from more than 300 applicants, with 30 participants selected statewide. She currently serves as literacy chair for the Passaic County Workforce Development Board and remains actively engaged in statewide and national education and leadership organizations. She was recently recognized through the She Leads initiative for her leadership and community impact.

Kareem Wilder worked at Montclair Film, a nonprofit film organization that hosts an annual film festival which just wrapped its 14^th event. Wilder manages the festival’s photo and content teams and also creates content. This year, he interviewed some of the festival’s talent before they took the stage. Wilder also had the honor of closing out the month by photographing former President Barack Obama, along with several other dignitaries.

Anthony Ricci, LSW, was a military veteran student at WP after he separated from the U.S. Navy after six years of active duty. He started classes at night working toward a bachelor's degree in psychology. Upon graduation, Ricci earned a master's degree in social work at Kean University. Since becoming an LSW in 2018, he has worked with individuals in recovery from addiction, at a youth group home, and in outpatient counseling. He plans to be an LCSW this year. Ricci is currently working with Garden State Treatment Center in Sparta as a co-occurring clinician. Ricci began started working with this organization, a partial care program with sober living, in January 2025 because he wanted to return to working with the substance use recovery community. He has 22 years of recovery experience which helps in serving their clientele. “It is a privilege to give people hope every day that they can recover too,” he says. Ricci resides in Rockaway, N.J. with his wife and three boys. “I miss William Paterson University and the professors in the Psychology Deptartment and the opportunity that was provided to me to be the first in my family to get a college degree. Thank you, WP!”

Ilham Alam, MEd, has just completed his first year in a new role as vice principal of Bangladesh International Tutorial, an English medium preK-12 school in Bangladesh that began its journey 44 years ago. “I miss WP and hope to visit someday,” he says.

Christye Candell, MBA ’25, began working as a Spanish interpreter in 2025. Candell currently works in community engagement and administrative leadership, focusing on advocacy, equity, and expanding bilingual access to services. She says is happily married, with two beautiful children, and shares life with a very big dog. “I’m grateful for my WP foundation and welcome opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni,” she adds.

Sydney Lee and Adel Tawadros ‘19 welcomed a baby boy this past year. They both work in the software field. “Thanks WP for introducing us all those years ago, and giving us the education we needed to have successful careers!”

Arnika Laboni, MBA ’26, recently earned her MBA degree. “Not just a degree, but proof that borders don’t limit ambition. I came as an immigrant with a dream, and I graduated with the skills to build it.”

Alyssa Mattia, who graduated with a bachelor of science in marketing/digital marketing and a minor in music and entertainment industries, is celebrating four years working as a content coordinator at Audioboom. She began at Audioboom two months before she graduated thanks to her experience as a music coordinator for WPSC Brave New Radio. Mattia is also getting married and moving in with her fiancé who she met on Bumble during her final semester at WP.

Ambar Inestroza Giron has been an engagement coordinator for assisted living facilities since 2024. “I love my job so much and love the population I work with. In the near future I hope to become an engagement director to continue bringing joy and recreation opportunities for those in their golden years!”

Alexander Felix jumped straight into politics aftere graduation, working on the Mikie Sherrill for Governor campaign, where he was a field organizer in Bergen County through Election Day, helping run volunteer and paid canvasses for GOTV and supporting major rallies and surrogate events. After the campaign, Felix joined the Office of the Governor-Elect in Trenton as a policy program specialist, supporting agency assessments and helping policy teams prepare legislative proposals. Today, he is an aide to the chairman of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, managing scheduling, briefings, communications, and coordination across offices. He is also a co-chair of Latinos for Brendan Gill for Congress.

Claudia Lopez-Cruzado currently serves as the alternate administrator at an outpatient surgical center in Montclair, NJ, where she oversees credentialing, compliance, quality improvement, and daily operations. In addition to working full time, Lopez-Cruzado returned to school and is pursuing her MBA. “As a proud mom of two, balancing career, education, and family has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I’m grateful for the foundation WP provided and the confidence to keep pushing forward.”

Chenoa Matulac-Cunningham has advanced from intern to marketing assistant and now an associate media planner at Mediaplus North America, one of Ad Age’s Top 10 Best Places to Work. “I knew this place was special on the first day of my internship when I met with my CEO. From my amazing team to the office vibes, and even my daily tasks, I love what I do! Media planning was never on my bingo card, but I’m forever grateful for them believing in me and seeing my potential.”