A Chef`s Legacy - Monroe College

O C TO B E R , 2015
Inside
Observer
M O N T H L Y
Homecoming 2015
2
Professor Rosa has Street
Named After Her
2
It’s My Money and My Life
3
Mustangs Roundup 4
“What you need to know…at Monroe”
A Chef’s Legacy
M
onroe College’s School of Hospitality Management
and the Culinary Arts, in conjunction with the Monroe
Foundation, hosted the annual “Chef’s Legacy” event
on September 21. The event, which each year raises scholarship
funds for culinary students participating in the College’s study
abroad program in Italy, was held at Monroe’s Culinary Arts Center
at 434 Main Street in New Rochelle.
The annual Chef’s Legacy fundraiser honors the memory of
the first director of the College’s Culinary Arts Program, Chef Craig
Rutman, who unexpectedly passed away shortly after launching
the culinary study abroad program in 2005. Donations made to
the Monroe Foundation that evening go to the Rutman Memorial
Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to Monroe
College culinary and hospitality students selected to study in
Italy for a semester. More than $70,000 was raised at last year’s
event.
The evening cocktail reception showcased local, seasonal
ingredients in representative selections from the fall menu for The
Dining Lab, Monroe’s student-run gourmet restaurant, that last
year received accolades from the New York Times’ dining critic.
Chef Frank Costantino, Dean of Monroe’s School of Hospitality
Management and the Culinary Arts, led students from the culinary
arts program in preparing the dishes.
“Chef Craig Rutman was a world-class chef and a passionate
educator, and our annual Chef’s Legacy event honors him
by supporting his dream to help deserving culinary students
participate in the study abroad program he created and cared
for so deeply,” said Stephen Jerome, president of Monroe
College. “Studying in Italy is an opportunity of a lifetime for
chefs in training, and the Rutman Memorial Scholarship Fund is
what makes the dream a reality for so many of these talented
students.”
Prior to joining Monroe in 2003, Chef Craig Rutman taught
baking courses at the New York City Technical College in Brooklyn.
In 1997, he opened his own restaurant, Bissaleh, a Mediterranean
eatery in Brooklyn. Previously, he worked as a pastry chef at An
American Place, as well as NYC’s renowned Sarabeth’s restaurant.
He began his career as a line cook at the River Café in Brooklyn,
where he was soon promoted to pastry chef. He studied culinary
arts at Sullivan County Community College in New York.
New Students Welcomed to Monroe
A
pproximately 250 first-year students from 16 different states, including
Arizona, North Carolina, and Texas, arrived at Monroe College this fall to
begin their college years. Student athletes from Monroe College’s various
teams were on hand to help families unload cars and bring the new students’
belongings to their dorm rooms.
Approximately 75 international students also arrived from 25 different countries,
including Ireland, China, Venezuela, Bahamas, and Norway. Among them is a
group of business students from a brand new student exchange program initiated
with a university in Belgium. This semester marks the inaugural student exchange
between the two colleges. In all, the freshmen entering Monroe this academic
year continue the trend towards greater diversity.
© Monroe College 2015
Observer
M O N T H L Y
Professor Rosa Has a Street Named After Her
P
rofessor Carmen
Rosa, a longtime
and well respected
member of the Monroe
College faculty who was
also District Manager of
Bronx Community Board
12 has been honored with
a street sign. Carmen Rosa
passed away in March after a
lengthy battle with cancer.
Mayor Bill De Blasio signed legislation approved by the City Council renaming East
229th Street at White Plains Road “Carmen Rosa Way.” The sign bearing Professor Rosa’s
name is in front of the Community Board 12 office where she worked for so long.
The City Council legislation said, “Carmen Rosa was a district manager of Community
Board 12 in the Bronx. She worked for the Bronx Overall Economic Development
Corporation, and for more than 20 years she was an adjunct professor at Monroe College.
Her accomplishments while serving on the Board include ensuring the toxic site known
as Hexagon Labs was cleaned by the Federal and State Department of Environmental
Protection so that the contaminates at the site would no longer endanger the residents
of the Bronx. She also submitted a proposal identifying two sites for an all-inclusive
recreational facility to service adequately the needs of the community. In addition, she
worked with Senator Jeff Klein to secure increased police for the 47th Precinct and to
meet the transportation needs of seniors. Her advocacy work with the Department of
Aging and the Human Resources Administration led to a satellite office in the district and
as a result, representatives are available to meet with residents in the district office two
days per week.”
Student Activities Office Hosts Guest
Speaker – Carla Harris
O
n Monday, September 28, the Student Activities Office was honored to
have a phenomenal guest speaker on campus. Over 200 students had the
opportunity to listen to the dynamic and powerful Carla Harris who wears
many hats. She is a Wall Street banker, motivational speaker, gospel singer, and
author of the book Strategize to Win. In August 2013, President Obama appointed
Ms. Harris as the chairperson of the National Women’s Business Council. Additionally,
she displayed her impeccable singing talent for Pope Francis’ recent visit, and she
displayed her speaking talents with Monroe College students by sharing her “pearls’’.
As presented in many of her television and speaking engagements, Carla’s Pearls
has been one of her major pieces. Ms. Harris shared them in an effort to provide
individuals with helpful tools and strategies for career building, which she used
while climbing the ladder of success. Lindsey Pounder, a Computer Information
Systems major in the Bachelors program stated, “Ms. Harris spoke in a manner that
was understandable.” Ms. Harris particularly focused on the power of networking and
shared informative interview tips. She encouraged the students to get a life outside
the classroom by joining clubs and organizations, and by fulfilling various internship
positions. She constantly reminded the students they can be anything they set their
minds to, and no one can get in their way of achieving their goals. Nyreek Tate, a
Business Administration major in the Associate program stated, “I am happy that Carla
shared her pearls with us. I admire that she is so successful. I am definitely going to
use her as a tool for motivation.” The students had the opportunity to engage in a
question and answer segment, where some students asked Ms. Harris for personal
advice. The Office of Student Activities thanks Ms. Harris for sharing her pearls of
wisdom to the Monroe College Community.
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Homecoming 2015
H
omecoming 2015 festivities will be
held October 15–18 at the New
Rochelle campus. Celebrating Our
Students from Around the World is this year’s
homecoming theme, with a special focus on
those from Caribbean island-nations.
A reggaefest will be held October 16 to
celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the
first seven Jamaican students to study at
Monroe’s New Rochelle campus and to
recognize the College’s continued close
relationship with the Caribbean community.
Monroe College has strong ties to the
Caribbean community, with a campus in St.
Lucia that serves approximately 300 students
from the island and its surrounding nations.
Another 400 students from the region attend
the College’s New York campuses each year.
Commencing with a Homecoming Dance
and Masquerade Ball on October 15, the
festivities will feature performances from
special guests that include the hip hop/
reggae fusion of New York’s own Upstate
Cats, soulful St. Lucian singer/songwriter
Chrycee; and headlining act Romain Virgo,
a prominent VP Records reggae artist.
Attendees will also have the opportunity
to enjoy a family-friendly carnival, watch
Monroe’s football team at its homecoming
game, and attend the Broadway show
Finding Neverland with fellow alumni and
Monroe faculty. There will be a charitable
“Monroe Miles” 5 kilometer run/walk through
New Rochelle on the morning of the 17th,
which will be open to the public and in
support of local Boys and Girls Clubs.
“This year’s homecoming events will be
a fun and festive celebration of our many
international students and graduates, and
we are excited to welcome them all to
homecoming weekend,” said Leslie Jerome,
Monroe’s Director of Alumni Relations. “Each
year, students from more than 70 countries
come to study at Monroe College, and this
exciting jam-packed weekend of events is
to honor them and thank them for their
many wonderful contributions to Monroe
and the warm, inclusive, vibrant spirit on our
campuses.”
Some homecoming events require
advance registration or tickets. Monroe
College alumni wishing to learn more
about this year’s homecoming events,
or to register, can do so by contacting
Monroe College’s Office of Alumni Relations
at 914-632-5400 x6550 or
monroealumni@monroecollege.edu.
M ON R OE C OL L E G E
It’s My Money and My Life!
T
he Fall semester kicked off with the School of Business and
Accounting enrolling close to 300 Bronx, New Rochelle,
and online students from different majors into MG105
(Personal Financial Management). Students pursuing this course
are from different majors and are being introduced to the basics
of financial management. They will cover a wide range of topics
including managing credit, buying a car, getting insurance,
mortgages, investments, and planning for retirement.
Joyce Lewis, a current Baking and Pastry Arts student taking
Professor Rahul Ray’s Personal Finance class stated, “I am
a transfer student… I feel that this class should have been
mandatory back then…but that is what is driving me to become
a better listener so that I can use this class in my everyday life.
The three weeks that I’ve been in this class have shown me what
I’ve been doing wrong all these years and I’m grateful that it is on
my course outline.”
On September 22 the School
of Business and Accounting
along with the Office of Career
Services hosted a Certification
Panel Discussion on the Bronx
Campus to discuss different
types of certifications students
could obtain while in school.
Professor Ray talked about
finance certification types,
requirements, and value. Many
students who attended the
panel discussion expressed
interest in becoming certified financial advisors and were eager
to ask Professor Ray about the certification process.
On September 24, the Student Activities Office held its
fall 2015 Club Fair in the Mintz Auditorium. Among the 25
showcased clubs was a display for DREAM (Debt Reduction,
Education, Assessment and Management) which was introduced
to students by Roxanne Allen, Coordinator of Academic
Programs and Services. Roxanne informed students that they
have a DREAM Team here at the College. This DREAM Team is
comprised of school deans, student services counselors, career
services advisors, financial aid counselors, and loan management
advisors. The DREAM initiative seeks to educate students on the
best financial practices to employ while in school, so that they
will be able to realize their educational and professional goals.
Additionally, Dr. Eshra, Interim Dean for the School of
Business and Accounting, visited several classes to introduce
financial literacy to large groups
of students. Among these was
a group of enthusiastic students
in the School of Nursing where
he discussed investing and
retirement planning. Many of
the students in attendance had
questions about how to plan for
retirement as early as possible
and were excited about the
prospect of ‘retiring in style’ as
part of their overall financial
plan for the future.
King Graduate School Academic and
Entrepreneur Center
M
onroe College’s King Graduate School recently dedicated the grand
opening of its Academic and Entrepreneur Center in the 145 Huguenot
(King Graduate School) building in New Rochelle.
In attendance were faculty, staff, and graduate students who helped to celebrate
this new space, which will allow the College to provide academic support for those
enrolled in all graduate degree programs. In addition, through the Center, Monroe
will continue to offer workshops, seminars, and counseling for small businesses
seeking assistance in
strengthening, enhancing, and
enlarging their enterprises.
Mr. Aruna Jarju,
Coordinator for Academic
and Entrepreneurial Services
at the King Graduate School,
will manage the activities and
services provided at the new
center. Interested students
can call 914-740-6714 to
make appointments for
required services.
Vice President
Karenann Carty
to be Honored
M
eals-on-Wheels of New Rochelle will be
sponsoring its Annual Autumn Gala in
October celebrating 33 years of service
to New Rochelle’s homebound.
Beckwith Pointe will be the setting for this festive
occasion that will take place on Thursday, October
15, 2015. Three civic leaders will be honored
in addition to Dr. Karenann Carty, Monroe’s
Vice President of Academics and Chief Academic
Officer. The other honorees are: Charles Fazzino
(International Artist) and Sebastian Aliberti and
Anthony Russo (Owners, Modern Restaurant &
Lounge).
The Monroe College community is proud that
Dr. Carty has been selected for this well-deserved
honor and recognition.
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Observer
M O N T H L Y
Mustangs Roundup:
Updating the Performances of the
Monroe College Athletic Teams
M ON ROE COLLEGE
Former Monroe
Mustang Signs with
Dallas Mavericks
T
he school year has kicked off and so has the fall sports here at Monroe
College. Leading the way for the Mustangs is the defending national
champions, the women’s soccer program. The team dropped its first match
back in September, but hasn’t lost since, rattling off a string of victories including
a pair of 11–0 shutouts. They are led on offense by a pair of freshmen, Maia
Williams and Aline Delima. A duo of sophomores share the goalkeeping chores
as Tiffany Martinez and Jordan Wainwright share responsibilities. The team has
home contests throughout October. The men’s soccer team is ranked in the top
ten and is currently unbeaten on the season. They have just one draw and the rest
are victories. The team is led by a pair of newcomers, Jordan Kinoshi and Jaime
Hinchliffe.
Football is currently 1–2 on the season. They won the season-opener, 29–20 over
Valley Forge Military Academy. The team is led on offense by Jalen Jones, Donte
Carter and Devanta Barnfield. The key contributors on defense include Sidney
Gopre and Tuzar Skipper. Football will play its homecoming game on Saturday,
October 17 against Lackawanna at City Park. The cross country teams have seen
records shattered early in the year by Kipkoech Collins, Mpho Makafone, Susan
Ejore and Nokuthulu Dlamini. The volleyball team has rattled off 25 straight wins
to start the season. They are undefeated and have dropped just three sets all year.
Barbara Maximiano and Cristen Coryatt are two of the contributors so far.
Finally, a pair of firsts occurred in the athletics department this season, as we
welcomed in the new Monroe College Mighty Mustangs Marching Band, led by
Tyrone Brown. The band includes musicians, cheerleaders and a dance team and
can be seen at most athletic events and other events around campus. Also, Monroe
College has teamed with WVOX radio to bring its sports fans a new weekly radio
show called the Monroe College Mustangs Rally. The show, which focuses solely
on Monroe athletics, airs every Monday at 7 pm on 1460 AM, WVOX. Fans can
also click on the listen live link on the athletics home page. In-studio guests include
current and past players, coaches and administrators. Please tune in.
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T
he entry into the NBA is just the
culmination of a long journey for
Maurice Ndour, who was born
and raised in Senegal, played high school
basketball in Japan, moved on to Monroe
College for two years, completed his
college career at Ohio, played in the NBA
Summer League with the Knicks and
was eventually signed by Dallas. Despite
logging many miles, the 6’ 8” forward was
overjoyed when he signed.
“It is so gratifying to see my hard work
pay off,” Ndour said. “Monroe College was
an important springboard for me. It was my
entrance into America and it allowed me
to showcase my skills. If it wasn’t for my
time in New Rochelle, I don’t know if I’d be
headed to Dallas today.”
The Senegal native was in summer
camp with the Knicks, where he impressed
several teams with his play, including the
Mavericks. Most notable was his defensive
play, which caught the eye of Dallas
Head Coach Rick Carlisle. Coach Carlisle
reflected on the signing, “Maurice is an
exciting young player with a great motor
who has made quantum leaps in recent
weeks. We look forward to him becoming
a Dallas Maverick.” An avant garde off
the court, Ndour is an intellectual who
speaks five languages including French and
Japanese and has a gregarious personality.
He was a member of the Senegal National
Team and will fit right in with Dallas’
unique collection of players.
Ndour reportedly declined a contract
offer from the Knicks, who offered a less
lucrative contract.