From Halfball to Headlines Dick Sheeran ’91 · MBA Prep Program is Gateway to MBA Program ... The...

INSIDE:> ASSISTANT DEAN NAMED AS ABET COMMISSIONER

> MBA PREP PROGRAM IS GATEWAY TO MBA PROGRAM

> THE NEXT GENERATION FOR GENERAL EDUCATION

> COLLEGE NAMES NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL DEAN

> COLLEGE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE

> OTOK BEN-HVAR BA ’08

From Halfball to Headlines Dick Sheeran ’91

Invention is published quarterlyand is produced by the Office ofCommunications and the Officeof Institutional Marketing andPublications at Thomas Edison

State College.

DR. GEORGE A. PRUITTPresident

JOE GUZZARDOEditor

KAREN HUMEChief Marketing Officer

CHRIS MILLERArt Director

MEG FRANTZAssistant Director of Publications

KELLY SACCOMANNOLINDA SOLTIS

Contributing Editors

SUMMER 2013What’s Inside

1 Message from the President

College News:2 � Assistant Dean Named as ABET Commissioner

� MBA Prep Program is Gateway to MBA Program

3 � The Next Generation for General Education

4 � College Names New Business School Dean� Streckewald Golf Classic Raises More Than $70,000

5 � New Options for Earning Credit via Prior Learning Assessment

6 � College Celebrates 25th Anniversary of National Institute

8 Cover Story� Dick Sheeran ’91: News Hound

12 Alumni Profile� Otok Ben-Hvar BA ’08

16 Class Notes� Alumni News

Cover Story: 8Dick Sheeran: From Halfball to Headlines

6

34

46 12

M E S S A G E F R O M T H EP R E S I D E N T

INVENTION | SUMMER 2013 1

Sincerely,

Dr. George A. PruittPresident

Dear Alumni, Students and Friends,Thomas Jefferson said, “The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mindof man, and improving him as a rational, moral and social being.”

This issue of Invention celebrates a man who dedicated his career to reporting thenews in one of our country’s largest and most historic cities and who leveragedhis Thomas Edison State College education to help prepare a new generation ofreporters, editors and producers who bring us the news.

We are excited to bring you the story of Dick Sheeran ’91, who reported some ofthe biggest stories of the 20th century during his career as a reporter and anchorin Philadelphia that spanned more than 40 years. Sheeran recalls growing up inSouth Philly and what it was like joining the staff of one of the first all-news radiostations in the country. He also shares his inspiration for completing his degree atThomas Edison State College.

Also in this issue, we meet Otok Ben-Hvar ‘08, who shares his story of overcomingadversity to eventually study classical ballet at The Juilliard School and become apilot and a paratrooper with the U.S. Army’s famed 82nd Airborne Division. Even though he has achieved an impressive list of accomplishments, Ben-Hvarexplains how earning his degree at Thomas Edison State College helped enhancehis self-esteem.

We also share photos from the 25th National Institute on the Assessment of AdultLearning, which provides an intensive learning experience on the best practices inprior learning assessment for professionals in education. This year’s event, whichwas held in at the Revel resort in Atlantic City in June, was our largest Institute ever.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Invention.

C O L L E G EN E W S

2 INVENTION | SUMMER 2013

The ABET Board of Directors ExecutiveCommittee has appointed Richard P.Coe, PhD, assistant dean in the Schoolof Applied Science and Technology atThomas Edison State College, as anABET Applied Science AccreditationCommissioner.

“The College is extraordinarily fortunateto have Dr. Coe as a member of its community,” said William J. Seaton, vicepresident and provost at Thomas EdisonState College. “Dr. Coe lead the team inthe promotion and advancement of theCollege’s Nuclear Energy EngineeringTechnology program and that pro-gram’s successful ABET accreditation.”

Founded in 1932, ABET is a nonprofit,nongovernmental organization whoseaccreditation provides assurance that acollege or university program meets thequality standards established by the profession. ABET accreditation isconsidered a global benchmark in the

disciplines of applied science, comput-ing, engineering and engineering technology in higher education.

As an ABET commissioner, Coe will serveas an Applied Science Accreditation teamchair for the organization’s higher educa-tion site visits during the organization’s2013-2014 cycle and attend 2013 and2014 Summer Commission meetings.

Prior to joining the College in 2010, Coespent 20 years in line management andsenior consulting in the domestic andinternational nuclear power industriesand 15 years in higher education, mostrecently as associate vice president forAcademic Affairs at South CarolinaState University.

“Dr. Coe’s appointment recognizes hisoutstanding contributions to theprofession and elevates the Collegeand its applied science and technologyprograms nationally,” said Seaton.

Dr. Richard P. Coe

Dr. Coe’s appointment recognizes his outstanding contributions to the profession

and elevates the College and its applied science and technology programs nationally.

> William J. Seaton, vice president and provost at Thomas Edison State College

Assistant Dean Named as ABET Commissioner

MBA Prep Program is Gateway to MBA ProgramInterested in earning a Master ofBusiness Administration (MBA) degreebut still need to satisfy the program’sprerequisites? If so, the School ofBusiness and Management’s new MBAPreparatory Program is for you.

The three-course, noncredit programprepares adults who already possess anonbusiness undergraduate degree foradmission to Thomas Edison StateCollege’s MBA degree program. Theonline MBA Preparatory Program,guided by a course mentor, follows

a customized curriculum in the following areas:

> Principles of Economics (four-week course)> Principles of Financial Accounting (four-week course)> Principles of Statistics (eight-week course)

Students need only to take the courses they need.

For more information, contact Dr. Michael Williams, dean of the School of Businessand Management, at (609) 984-1130, ext. 3202, or [email protected] or visitwww.tesc.edu/business/MBA-Prep-Program.cfm.

First Four Weeks�Principles of

Financial Accounting�Principles of Economics

(Microeconomics)

MBA Preparatory Program First MBA Courses

Next Eight Weeks�Principles of Statistics

Eight Weeks�Management

Communications (MCO-740)

�Ethics For Managers (ETH-750)

Prepares Studentsfor…

N E W SC O L L E G E

For the first time in its 40-year history,Thomas Edison State College is imple-menting a new general education curriculum for undergraduate programs.

Courses in the College’s revampedcurriculum, which became effective onJuly 1, contemporize the traditionalmodel and connect more to themeaningful, real-world objectives oftoday’s adult learners.

“Our revised general educationcurriculum is much more in tune withwhat our students need as adult

learners working and competing in the21st century economy,” said William J.Seaton, vice president and provost atThomas Edison State College. “It’s aboutquality and developing a foundation ofknowledge that can be applied to whatour students do in the world, both intheir professions and in their lives.”

The common core of most accreditedbachelor’s degree programs, generaleducation requirements typicallyencompass half of the credits studentsmust fulfill in order to graduate. TheCollege’s new curriculum integratescontemporary subject offerings ondiversity, global literacy, ethicalleadership and social responsibility.Credit distribution includes:

INTELLECTUAL AND PRACTICALSKILLS (15 CREDITS)> Includes course work incommunication, information literacy,quantitative literacy and technologicalcompetency.

HUMAN CULTURES AND THEPHYSICAL AND NATURAL WORLD(18 CREDITS) > Includes course work in the sciences,mathematics, social sciences and thehumanities, including interdisciplinarycourses.

PERSONAL AND SOCIALRESPONSIBILITY (9 CREDITS)> Requirements encompassdiversity/global literacy, responsibleglobal leadership and lifelong learningcourse work.

INTEGRATIVE AND APPLIEDLEARNING (18 CREDITS)> Includes course work in criticalanalysis and reasoning.

The revised general educationrequirements will not apply to studentswho enrolled at the College prior to July 1, 2013, though all students have theoption to complete their course workunder the new curriculum standards.

The College’s new general educationrequirements are aligned with a nationalmodel and mapped to the Associationof American Colleges and Universities’(AACU) “Essential Learning Outcomes.”All Thomas Edison State Collegestudents satisfying bachelor’s degreeprograms at the College will complete60 credits of general educationrequirements by demonstratingcompetency in general educationelectives as outlined by the AACU in thebenchmark Liberal Education andAmerica’s Promise (LEAP) outcomes.

“We have created an innovative generaleducation model that is outcomes-based and integrative, rather thandistributive,” said Seaton. “Our generaleducation requirements will bethreaded throughout the curriculumand across all undergraduate programs.We think this is an exciting developmentthat will better serve our students.”

The Next Generation for General Education

William J. Seaton

Our general education requirements will be threaded throughout the curriculum and across all

undergraduate programs. We think this is an excitingdevelopment that will better serve our students.

> William J. Seaton, vice president and provost at Thomas Edison State College


Dr. Michael Williams, of Short Hills, N.J.,has recently been appointed as dean ofthe School of Business and Manage-ment at Thomas Edison State College.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Williams hasaccepted the position of dean in theCollege and look forward to beginninga new era for our business andmanagement school,” said William J.Seaton, vice president and provost. “Hebrings a tremendous track record ofgrowing enrollments and developingeffective academic programs, and willplay a critical role in helping us achieveour strategic goals and serving adultlearners interested in businessprograms at the undergraduate andgraduate level.”

Prior to his appointment as dean,Williams served as associate dean ofthe MBA Program at Thomas EdisonState College. Previously, Williams

served as dean of the Graduate Schoolof Business and professor of BusinessManagement at Touro College inBrooklyn, N.Y. He also served as facultychair for graduate programs in humanresource management, leadership andorganizational development inGraduate School of Business andTechnology at Capella University.

Williams earned a PhD in educationalleadership and an MS in Human Resources Management from the Ford-ham University Graduate School of Education, an MS in Labor and Employ-ment Relations from the Rutgers University School of Management andLabor Relations, and an MBA from theDeVry University Keller School of Management.

“This appointment as the dean of theSchool of Business and Management isa wonderful opportunity to shape the

direction of the school, enabling it to become a premier provider of practi-tioner-focused business education foradult learners,” said Williams. “We providestudents with valuable skills and credentials similar to those at other institutions, but can do so in a way thatcomplements today’s demandinglifestyles.”

College Names New Business School Dean

N E W SC O L L E G E & F O u N D AT I O N

Dr. Michael Williams

Rain seemed to follow the Thomas Edison State CollegeFoundation this year, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of thegolfers and sponsors who bring the Thomas C. StreckewaldGolf Classic to life each year.

Despite a postponement due to rain, the 19th annual golftournament raised more than $70,000 for the Thomas EdisonState College Foundation. More than 125 golfers braved therain on the event’s make-up date, July 1, to hit the links at TPCJasna Polana in Princeton, N.J.

Tournament sponsors included:

Bank of America, Merrill Lynch (Eagle sponsor); ClaremontConstruction Group, Inc. (Golf Cart sponsor); UBS (Flagsponsor); Children’s Specialized Hospital, NJM Insurance Group,TD Bank, Stark and Stark, PSEG, and Lear and Pannepacker, LLP(Corporate sponsors); Bunker Hill Consultation Center (BoxedLunch sponsor); Nexus Properties, Inc. (Hole in One sponsor);PNC Bank (Reception sponsor); Roma Bank, St. Francis MedicalCenter, Spencer Ryan, LLC and Burlington County College(Deuce sponsors); Capital Health, Clarke Caton Hintz, DigitalDog Direct, Hoisington Engineers, IBEW Local 269, KPMG,Mercer County Community College, NK Architects, OfficeFurniture Partnership, Princeton Packet, Inc., Robert WoodJohnson University Hospital at Hamilton, SimpsonScarborough, Workforce and Economic Strategies and ZeldisResearch Associates (Tee sponsors).

Streckewald Golf Classic Raises More Than $70,000



Thomas Edison State College hasrecently created new options forearning credit via prior learningassessment (PLA). Two new courses aredesigned to provide students with an

overview of how to earn credit throughthe assessment of prior learning andhow to develop a portfolio to documentcollege-level knowledge acquiredoutside the classroom.

The courses build on the College’sflexible methods of earning credits forcollege-level knowledge and aredesigned to help students maximize thenumber of credits they can earnthrough PLA.

“Many adult learners acquire college-level knowledge. They gain it throughtheir careers, technical training, militarytraining, hobbies or volunteer activities,and can apply that knowledge towardtheir degree program,” said Marc Singer,vice provost of the Center for theAssessment of Learning at the College.“Our new process does a better job ofeducating students about prior learningassessment as a credit earning optionand how it can save them time and,potentially, tuition.”

The first step in the new process istaking Introduction to Prior LearningAssessment (PLA-100), a four-week, 1-credit introductory course thatexamines the various methods of PLAoffered by the College, includingportfolio development, credit byexamination (testing), academicprogram review, American Council of

Education (ACE) evaluations for collegecredit and more.

After students complete PLA-100, theywill have two options.

First, they can take Introduction toPortfolio Development (PLA-200), aneight-week, 2-credit course that teachesstudents how to develop a PLA portfoliocovering multiple subject areas wherethe student may be able to earn credit

for prior learning. The PLA portfoliodocuments a student’s prior learningand provides evidence proving astudent’s mastery of the subject.

“The PLA program gave me the ability toearn credit for seven courses required inmy degree program within six months,”said Robert N. Phipps ‘13, a motoroperated valve coordinator at Watts BarNuclear Plant in Tennessee. “The PLA-100 and PLA-200 courses help you toorganize your experiences and address

the course objectives. The courses Ireceived credit for were technicalcourses I could not have earned creditfor via CLEP or DANTES.”

The cost for evaluation of the first 12credits of a portfolio is $350, with a $200fee for each additional 6 credits.

A second option after completing PLA-100 includes the College’s TECEP® examprogram or other credit-by-examprograms, or to earn credit through theCollege’s evaluation of licenses,

certifications or professional training.Students may also pursue a Single-Course Portfolio Assessment, whichallows students to earn college credit viaportfolio assessment on a course-by-course basis.

For more information, visitwww.tesc.edu/pla or contact the Office ofPortfolio Assessment at [email protected].

New Options for Earning Creditvia Prior Learning Assessment


Marc P. Singer, vice provost of theCenter for the Assessment of Learning

PLA-100:Intro to Prior Learning Assessment 1 credit

FIRST COURSE - 4 weeks

IF STUDENT WANTS TO EARN MULTIPLE CREDITS FOR MANY AREAS

OF PRIOR LEARNINGeight-week course + portfolio development

> Student registers for TECEP® testOR > Single-Course Portfolio Assessment

Usually 3 credits each

IF STUDENT WANTS TO EARN PLA CREDITONLY THROUGH TECEP® TESTING

ORIF STUDENT WANTS TO EARN

CREDIT FOR ONLY ONE SINGLE COURSE THROUGH PLA

STUDENT THEN CHOOSES

OR

PLA-200:Intro to Portfolio Development 2 credits

> Student develops portfolio for multiplecourses over a 12-week term

> Upon completion of process: Portfolio is assessed for multiple credits

Our new process does a better job of educating studentsabout prior learning assessment as a credit earning optionand how it can save them time and, potentially, tuition.

> Marc P. Singer, vice provost of the Center for the Assessment of Learning

C O L L E G EN E W S

In June, more than 130 educators fromaround the world attended the 25thNational Institute on the Assessment ofAdult Learning, an event established byThomas Edison State College toprovide an intensive learningexperience on the best practices inprior learning assessment (PLA) forprofessionals in education.

This year’s event, held at the Revelresort in Atlantic City, N.J., marked the25th anniversary of National Institute.In honor of this milestone, the theme of

the Institute was “Looking Back.Moving Forward.”

What has remained consistent over theyears is the Institute’s focus on qualityassurance and the future of thepractice, according to Marc P. Singer,vice provost of the Center for theAssessment of Learning at ThomasEdison State College.

“People who work with adult studentsare very concerned that the quality ofeducation and the value of thecredentials they provide are equivalent

to, or better than, what traditionalcolleges offer traditional students,” saidSinger, who coordinates thedevelopment of the Institute’s annualprogram. “Institutions continue to sendadministrators and faculty to learn howThomas Edison State College and itssister institutions do PLA. They want toknow everything from theory to policyto daily practice. After 25 years, thishasn’t changed.”

Prior learning assessment was initiallydeveloped in the early 1970s by the

Cooperative Assessment of ExperientialLearning, a project made up of a smallgroup of colleges and universities,including Thomas Edison State College.Prior learning assessment is a processwhere students demonstrate that theypossess college-level knowledge of asubject that has been acquired outsideof a traditional classroom setting, suchas at work or through volunteer service.It is a core competency of ThomasEdison State College and one of itsunique programs.

In 1989, Thomas Edison State Collegeorganized and sponsored the firstNational Institute in conjunction withthe Council for Adult and ExperientialLearning, the organization thatultimately grew out of the CooperativeAssessment of Experiential Learningproject in the early 1970s.

At this year’s event, Thomas EdisonState College honored Dr. Debra A.Dagavarian, associate provost atRichard Stockton College of NewJersey, and Dr. Alan Mandell, professorof Adult Learning and Mentoring atSUNY-Empire State College, for theircontributions to the event. Dagavarianserved as director of the Institute from1989 to 2002 and Mandell has servedas an Institute faculty member sincethe event’s inception.

College Celebrates 25th Anniversary of National Institute


(from left) National Institute presenters Dr. Alan Mandell and Dr. Debra A. Dagavarian join Todd Siben,assistant director of Portfolio/Prior Learning Assessment at Thomas Edison State College and William J. Seaton,vice president and provost of Thomas Edison State College, in a panel discussion looking back at 25 years of theNational Institute and looking ahead.

Dr. Elena Silva, senior associate, The CarnegieFoundation for the Advancement of Teaching andLearning, was the keynote speaker.


Following a brief presentation,Dagavarian and Mandell joined Singer,Todd Siben, assistant director ofPortfolio/Prior Learning Assessment atThomas Edison State College, andWilliam J. Seaton, vice president andprovost of Thomas Edison State College,in a panel discussion looking back at 25years of the National Institute andlooking ahead.

“The panel focused not only onwhat has stayed constant in PLA,but also some of the newerdevelopments at the NationalInstitute, such as competency-based learning and how college-level learning is starting to breakfree of the restrictions of thecredit hour,” said Singer. “There isalso a new emphasis onaccountability as tuition costshave escalated, and a focus ondegree completion.”

The longevity of the NationalInstitute and the growingnumber of schools that offerprior learning assessment – from ahandful of schools in the 1970s toapproximately 1,000 institutions today –is a testament to the success of the earlywork of the cooperative project and theInstitute itself, according to Dr. George A.Pruitt, president of Thomas Edison StateCollege.

“It was revolutionary and controversialwhen it was first developed, but hassince become accepted in academia,”he said. “We still have a vestedinterest to ensure practitioners, bothnew and experienced, learn thelatest and best practices as well asquality assurance, accreditationissues and making sure the processis done right.”

Thomas Edison State College established the National Institute on theAssessment of Experiential Learning in 1988 to ensure that prior learningassessment is practiced appropriately and to help educators learn the bestpractices related to the field and understand the importance of quality assuranceand accreditation issues as they pertain to prior learning assessment.

Prior learning assessment was initially called portfolio assessment when it wasdeveloped in the early 1970s by the Cooperative Assessment of ExperientialLearning, a project made up of a small group of colleges and universities,including Thomas Edison State College. The cooperative eventually grew into theCouncil for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). The College began organizing

and sponsoring the event in conjunction with CAEL and heldthe first National Institute in 1989.

Taking a Look Back


Attendees and presenters of the first NationalInstitute event, held in 1989 at the HenryChauncey Conference Center in Princeton, N.J.

(from left) Dr. Harriett Cabell Walker, Dr. George A. Pruitt and Dr. BarrySheckley share a moment at the secondNational Institute in 1990.

Dr. Morris Keeton, who served as CAEL’s firstchief executive officer and who is consideredby many as the “father of prior learningassessment,” presents at the NationalInstitute in 1991.


Dick Sheeran ’91


From Halfball to Headlines

D


During his 43-year career in Philadelphiamedia, Dick Sheeran reported some of thenation’s biggest stories and interviewed a

sitting president at the White House, but it wasseeing his autobiography in the window of a localbookstore that thrilled him the most.

“I learned that an area store was interested in sellingmy book, so I dropped off a few copies and went acouple of blocks or so to have lunch,” said Sheeran.“By the time I headed back past the store, my bookwas in the window. I had been on TV every day for30 years at a major Philadelphia station, but themost exciting thing for me was seeing my book inthat bookstore window. It has been the highlight ofthis whole thing. It’s been fun!”

The book, News Hound: From Halfball in South Phillyto TV News, chronicles Sheeran’s life from hischildhood in South Philadelphia to his career inprint and broadcast journalism in Philadelphia.

Written mostly from memory, the book remembersa simpler time when television was in its infancyand children played in the street while adults sat onthe steps chatting.

“Socially, it was a different time,” recalls Sheeran, 73.“My South Philly neighborhood was made up of firstgeneration immigrants living close together in rowhomes, 40 to a block, built at the turn of the ‘last’century for factory workers, and people talked toone another directly. It was a time when thereweren’t many cars and no air conditioning, so duringthe warm weather people sat on their front steps.People had a greater sense of community then.”

Sheeran explained the book was originally intendedas a memoir for family and friends and a chance toshare his childhood with his seven grandsons.

“I wanted to let them know what it was like growingup back then,” he said. “Families were closer; nowthey are scatter across the country. That was themotivation that grew to ‘maybe I should write aboutmy experience as a newscaster as well.’”

Starting out as a copy boy with the PhiladelphiaDaily News, Sheeran worked his way up to reporterand then rewriter and night city editor before hewas offered the opportunity to join theunprecedented all-news start-up KYW 1060 AM,one of the first in the country to adopt an all-newsformat. Despite skepticism from some of hiscolleagues, he took a chance and it paid off.

Sheeran worked for five years as an on-air reporterwith the successful news radio station, which led toa 30-year career in broadcast news with KYW-TV 3,then the region’s NBC affiliate.

Sheeran covered many of the biggest storiesimpacting the Delaware Valley and the country,including the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island,the canonization of Bishop John Neumann, thefuneral of Princess Grace Kelly, legalized gambling inAtlantic City and several national politicalconventions. He also interviewed President JimmyCarter at the White House as a reporter for KYW-TV3, which became a CBS affiliate in the mid 1990s.

During his career, Sheeran took some collegecourses at Temple University, St. Joseph’s Universityand at other local institutions. When he learnedabout Thomas Edison State College, Sheerandecided to pursue his degree for his own personalsatisfaction.

“Even though it was good for me to get myeducation to help me in my job and with currentevents, the importance of it really hits me now thatI’m retired, because having a BA has enabled me to

teach,” said Sheeran, an adjunct professor at TempleUniversity, where he teaches journalism courses.

Sheeran, who completed his Bachelor of Artsdegree in journalism in 1991, served as a studenttrustee while pursuing his degree and served as analumni ambassador.

“I used Portfolio Assessment and Guided Study, anda few courses at Burlington County College helpedme fill some of the requirements, all in the midst of

a wonderful career,” he said. “I did it for self-pride. Alot of people are in the same situation, and the factthat you can pick up your education later in life andfinish is unique. I’m always telling people ‘youshould look into Thomas Edison State College.’ It justmade sense to me.”

Sheeran and his wife of 50 years, Katherine, live inAtlantic City, N.J., and are the parents of three grown

children. He was inducted into the BroadcastPioneers of Philadelphia in 2010.

His book is available at a few local bookstores and through publisher ComteQ atwww.comteqpublishing.com.

“I didn’t write it to make money,” said Sheeran. “I’vehad a book signing and sold few copies, and I’vegiven a lot away. It’s just been a lot of fun!”


Dick Sheeran shares a laugh at Philadelphia’s famous 9th Street Italian Market, located near his old neighborhood in South Philadelphia.

I did it (got my degree) for self-pride. A lot of people are in the same situation, and the fact that you can pick up your education later in

life and finish is unique.


Sparking Creativity

Persistence and determination kindles success in art and life


The Jersey City, N.J., native is acreative spirit who likes to push thelimits with his performance works ofart and his life.

Ben-Hvar, who graduated fromThomas Edison State College in 2008

with a Bachelor of Arts degree, hasdriven a lawn mower cross country,lived in a telephone booth for 30days and planted a tree in soilsupplied to him from each governorfrom every U.S. state,commonwealth, territory and the

mayor of Washington, D.C., all in thename of art. Ben-Hvar planted a seedin the combined 56 soils creating (asnoted in the 107th Congress)America’s First National Tree. Over a10-year, 41-day expedition he carriedthe tree more than 100,000 milesback to each place from whence thesoil came. His newest artistic venture,however, is the explosive fulfillmentof a long-held vision — creating artwith firecrackers.

To say Otok Ben-Hvar is an artistmay be an understatement.

Alumni Profile

Otok Ben-Hvar BA ’08

Otok Ben-Hvar paints an original work in his art studio.

Opposite, an example of Ben-Hvar’s firecracker art.

“While a Thomas Edison State Collegestudent, I engaged in art courses andbegan to experiment with my life-long dream of painting withfirecrackers,” he said.

To create his pyrotechnic displays,Ben-Hvar lays small firecrackers on

canvas and covers them with layers ofpaint, leaving only the fuses exposed.Using various fashioned techniquesplus a large contribution ofcreativeness, Ben-Hvar shields himselffrom the firecrackers/pyrotechnicsand lights the fuses. The resulting

explosions on the canvas provide thebasis for supplementary applicationsof paint and color. Due to weatherand gun powder residue, a completedartwork may take a week to complete.

After graduating from Thomas EdisonState College, Ben-Hvar went on toearn a Master of Fine Arts degree fromGoddard College in Plainfield, Vt.

For a man who is now planning topursue a doctoral degree in art, Ben-Hvar’s educational journey was at first arduous and ambiguous.

Born Ben Garcia, the son of a Spanishimmigrant father and Irish mother,Ben-Hvar was the family’s first son andthird of five children. His was not atypical childhood. He was born with acleft-palate, which made it difficult toeat and drink and almost impossibleto speak.

His education began in a school forthe physically handicapped. However,since he was not physicallyhandicapped, just inarticulate, he wassoon transferred to a school withspecial education classes for the blind,deaf and mentally challenged.

Receiving a baccalaureate degree from Thomas Edison State College has not only given me an immense

uplift in self-esteem, it also made profound alterations withmy ongoing efforts to seek out an understanding of the best

of the best in art, literature and spiritual values.

Another example of Ben-Hvar’s firecracker art.

(left) Otok Ben-Hvar before taking off and aftercrashing during the Great Atlantic Air Race in 1969,which ended with his eventual arrival in Europe.


Otok Ben-Hvar

“It was obvious I wasn’t blind ormentally challenged, so I wasassigned to the hearing conservationclass,” explained the 76-year-old Ben-Hvar. “Seventy years ago, specialeducation was in its infancy and Ispent most of my time beingtransported from school to school.After eight years in special education,I graduated and was thrust into anormal high school. Barely able toread and write, I was lost, devastatedand learned the anguish ofoppression, being taunted and notmattering.”

After the trauma of high school, Ben-Hvar began improving his life byseeking medical help for his speechimpediment and continuing hiseducation. His persistence paid off.Over the years, he, as a dancer,studied classical ballet at The JuilliardSchool, became an accomplished iceskater, a pilot and a paratrooper withthe U.S. Army’s famed 82nd AirborneDivision. He was listed in the GuinnessBook of World Records (LongestLawnmower Ride) for driving thatlawn mower from Maine to LosAngeles; in the name of “Peacethrough Friendship.”

He learned about Thomas EdisonState College from one of hisprofessors.

“Receiving a baccalaureate degreefrom Thomas Edison State College hasnot only given me an immense upliftin self-esteem, it also made profoundalterations with my ongoing efforts toseek out an understanding of the best

of the best in art, literature andspiritual values,” he said.

Today, Ben-Hvar’s firecracker art isdisplayed around the world. His latestworks have been on display in the

Miami and New York ArtExpos.

“Thomas Edison State College was thekey to my being more open andthoughtful,” he said. “Life, for me, in mynewly found art practice became

well-versed, better expressed andmore significantly attested to my ‘cando’ attitude and principles.”

To view his work, visitfirecrackerart.com.

Ben-Hvar traveled more than 100,000 miles with “America's First National Tree.”

Ben-Hvar poses before a flag sculpture made from the branches collected during his ascent up Mt. Washington.

Otok Ben-Hvar at Thomas Edison State College’sCommencement Ceremony in 2008.

Otok Ben-Hvar



C L A S S N O T E S

Keith A. Ambersley BSBA ’95, MSM ’04Keith A. Ambersley authored a book called Autism: Turning onthe Light. This book is a gift of hope and inspiration. It is filledwith lots of real life examples, relevant information and is agreat resource for parents and caregivers raising a childdiagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Luis E. Arrese BA ’08Luis E. Arrese was promoted to Environmental Lab chemistat the San Antonio Water System in San Antonio, Texas, in2012. Arrese noted that his BA degree from Thomas EdisonState College made it possible for him to go on to earn hisMaster of Science in Quality Management from EasternMichigan University in 2013. He also recently became aCertified Quality Engineer by the American Society forQuality.

Ann Reynolds Bergeron AA ’12, BA ’12Ann Reynolds Bergeron has been named the executivedirector for Friends of Dietzel, the campaign organization forPaul Dietzel II, candidate for U.S. Congress in the 6th District ofLouisiana.

Matthew A. Boyles BA ’13Matthew A. Boyles was accepted to the University ofLouisville full-time MBA program starting Aug. 16, 2013.

Huguette Castaneda AA ’91, BA ’92Huguette Castaneda publishedSophie's Gifts from the Fairies. Thebook, inspired by Castaneda’sgranddaughter, is a magical journeyfor the young and the young at heart.Sophie experiences her dream ofseeing fairies, who remind her thatwe are all interwoven in the fabric ofnature; our feelings affect oursurroundings, and joy and harmonyunite all. Proceeds from the book, published by XLibris, go tofund the Weekend Power Pack program of Collier County, Fla.,which provides food that is bagged and placed in children’sbackpacks every weekend; Castaneda is the coordinator.Please view the YouTube video using the search phrase“Sophie’s Gifts.”

Russ Carfagno ASAST ’97Russ Carfagno, after leaving the Naval Submarine Force, wasable to transfer his training from the Navy into credits atThomas Edison State College. Inspired to become a lifelonglearner following his education at the College, Carfagno wasrecently accepted into the PhD program in organizationalleadership at Eastern University. He explained that hecontinues to give back and help others realize the benefitseducation can bring to the lives of students and families byteaching part time at Central Penn College, in Summerdale,Pa. He noted, “The start [I got] at Thomas Edison State Collegemade this all possible. Thank you for the opportunity, I hopeto continue sharing the value of education by telling my storyand helping my students improve their lives.”

Luke Douglas BA ’12Luke Douglas is currently a lawstudent at Liberty UniversitySchool of Law in Lynchburg, Va.Douglas (right) is pictured withthree other Thomas Edison StateCollege graduates, who are alsoattending the university, (from theleft) Jeremy White, Jefferey Sumeyand Benjamin White. Douglas noted, “All of us haveachievements at the law school including Law Review, StudentGovernment/Organizations, internship placements, etc.”

Rivka Edery BA ’06Rivka Edery published Trauma andTransformation: A 12-Step Guide, whichprovides a personal spiritual approachthat can lead a survivor in a new andpowerful direction, perhaps notpreviously considered. In the book,Edery, a clinical social worker,demystifies the misunderstoodresource of spirituality as it applies tohealing from trauma. The book isavailable in paperback through Amazon. “I am deeplyindebted to your wonderful institution, not only for theeducation I received, but for supplying me with a venue towork full time and obtain my education,” Edery noted.

Rev. N. Thomas Johnson-Medland BA ’95Rev. N. Thomas Johnson-Medland has been promoted tochief executive officer (CEO) of Lighthouse Hospice, Inc., ofCherry Hill, N.J. Johnson-Medland has been a part of Lighthouse Hospice since 1999, most recently as the chief information officer. He is an ordained clergyman in the Ortho-dox Church, has written 10 books and published more than40 articles as well as spoken nationally on hospice issues and

end-of-life care. He will use his knowledge and experience asboth a member of the clergy and a hospice care professionalto continue to strengthen the end-of-life care services offeredby Lighthouse Hospice.

Tammi M. Joyner AA ’08Tammi Joyner and Marquel Green created an Internet radioshow entitled “Theory of Parenting” on Blogtalkradio.com.The show is dedicated to the communication efforts ofparents and teens, and creates a platform for discussion.

Delia King BA ’10Delia King is leading a mural project, the Shore to Love NewJersey Mural Tour, starting in the town of Seaside Heights,devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The team will build solidconstruction fences and adhere polytech murals designedand painted with the local community in a free, open-to-the-public boardwalk art studio. These murals will tell astory of these displaced people’s enthusiasm for the futureof their town. It will help them regain a sense of place andpride, helping them recover emotionally from all that theyhave lost. Visit www.shore2love.com for all of the detailsabout the artists, processes and funding.

Rose Kurtz BS ’80Rose Kurtz published her book, TheAnswer: The Road to Peace, under thepen name of R.S. Kurtz. The booktells of her childhood attraction tothe tenets of Christianity and fusingher developing faith with the beliefsof her conservative Jewish parents.Her quest set a pattern that she hasfollowed since. “I was very spiritual asa young child,” noted Kurtz, who nowembraces the Baha’i Faith. “In the interim, I’ve raised fourchildren, earned a college degree, had a rewarding career as a social worker and founded a nonprofit housing groupfrom which I retired two years ago. I felt it was the right time to tell my story which extolls joining together forpeace, unity and love.” Kurtz’ book is available in paperbackthrough Amazon.com.

Lena C. Marchetta AA ’12, BA ’13Lena C. Marchetta, director of Guitar Conservatory, has beennamed a Worldwide Who’s Who Professional of the Year inMusic. Marchetta possesses 45 years of professionalexperience in the field, 38 of which she spent as director forthe Guitar Conservatory. Marchetta attributes her success toself-discipline and hard work and said she has studied withtop leaders in the classical guitar industry. According to arelated Worldwide Who’s Who press release, she also receiveda certificate in audio technology from the Institute of Audio

Research. She is a member of the Society for the Preservationof the Classical Guitar, has served as president of LutheranYouths of Zion and has served as a music minister for theZion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Leon W. Mount AA ’80Leon W. Mount’s book Old One TwentyEight: A House of Secrets was releasedfor publication on June 5, 2013. A truestory about a home Mount lived in formore than 20 years and therelationships he and his parents hadwith a female spirit that dwelledwithin its walls; it runs the course fromhappiness through eerie sadness andends in a mystery that even theauthor did not expect to uncover. It is currently available onCreateSpace ebookstore as well as Amazon in the UnitedStates and is also being carried by Amazon in five Europeancountries and Japan.

Richard Oliver BSBA ’89 Richard Oliver is living in Abu Dhabi teaching computerfundamentals to recruits for the United Arab Emiratespalace guard.

Gail Pankey-Albert BSBA ’10Gail Pankey-Albert recently received a Master of Arts withhonors in international relations/conflict resolution from theAmerican Public University. She is currently in a PhD programfor business administration/management.

Aura Rose BA ’12Aura Rose recently started Aura Rose’sTreasures (aka A.R.T.), a cooperativeartisan business venture, that featureswholesale and retail local sustainablefine art, artisanal crafts and customitems, and online shopwww.aurarosestreasures.etsy.com. A.R.T. offers internships to localcommunity college art students andgraduates. Rose married Terry La Sordaon March 28, 2013. She is current working on some books,writing stories and recipes “with a very different format.”

James Wallace BSAST ’04, MSAST ’12James Wallace, ETC (SW/SS) U.S. Navy retired, has beenpromoted from production control engineer to chiefoperating officer at his place of employment, and is pursuinga PhD at Capella University, studying business managementwith a project management specialty.

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Thomas Edison State College Foundation’s22nd Annual Grande Ball> Saturday, November 2 The War Memorial, Trenton, N.J.

september

18 >New Brunswick, N.J.

October

16 >New York, N.Y.

21 > International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pa.

23 > San Francisco, Ca.

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7 >New Jersey Education Association, Atlantic City, N.J.

20 >New Jersey League of Municipalities, Atlantic City, N.J.

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