TCNJ

47 Class Notes FALL 2023 Norman Asper Professor of engineering emeritus Ruth Hall Professor of psychology emerita Penelope Webb '74 Barbara Ackerman '75 Thomas N. Farrell '75 Fred Thiel '75 Carolyn Britton '77 Dorothy Dietz '77 Doris Kiney '77 Carol Rowe '77 Edward Ciempola '78 John Mitchell '78 Jaine Williams '79 Laurence Van Winkle '79 '80s Suzanne R. Ferguson '81 Thomas Isaac '81 Craig E. Widmaier '81 Martin M. Burke '84 Cara Schoenmeier '86 George H. Mecleary '88 '90s Bernadette Balkum '90 Karen Beall '92 John F. McBride '92 Philip Young '93 Dawn Medici '95 '00s Suni Reed '06 '10s Kevin C. Pineda '14 Faculty and staff Stanley Aagaard '62, professor of biology emeritus Wayne Allen, professor of history emeritus Edward Brink, professor of health and physical education emeritus Elsie Collins, professor of education emerita Joseph Shannon, professor of art emeritus Ruth Hall was a shining star when I arrived at TCNJ in 1997. Her work and leadership in clinical and sports psychology focused on Black feminism, Black lesbians and social class, and women of color in sport. Ruth's approach to her work went beyond data and theory, always reminding us that at the core of our field is an individual with a unique narrative and identity that are influenced by intersectionality. Ruth demonstrated exceptional commitment to nurturing the minds of students and scholars, driving them to probe deeper, think critically, and break boundaries. Ruth never let her status overshadow her humility and generosity. She was always the first to credit her peers, to support faculty (she coached me through my first marathon!), and to share her wisdom without hesitation. Her characteristic laugh, empathetic listening, and stern yet encouraging nudges will be sorely missed. I will remember her vibrant spirit, her sense of humor, her dedication to service, and her "tell it like it is" conversational style. She had a remarkable ability to lighten any room with her presence, to turn an intellectual debate into an engaging conversation, and to make everyone feel valued and heard. Farewell, my dear friend. Your light continues to guide us. — James A. Graham, professor of psychology A master teacher and an all- around mentor, Norm certainly made a difference and influenced the strategic direction of the School of Engineering. His contributions to senior design projects, in particular, are immeasurable: He served as advisor on more than 50 projects; it was his vision that the design of the STEM Complex should allow for interaction between the manufacturing, digital design, prototyping, assembly, and testing spaces; and he created the Norman L. Asper Fund to the Senior Design Projects. Each year, his teams of engineering students would bring back first, second, or third place finishes from their competitions. In a field that is predominately male, Norm strongly believed that female engineering students could perform just as well as (if not outperform) the male students, and he advocated for the promotion and inclusion of our female students. Although he officially retired in 2007, Norm continued with his services to TCNJ up to the last day of his life. He often joked, "Now I can focus on what I really like to do." Rest in peace, our beloved friend, mentor, and a true gentle giant. — Bijan Sepahpour '83, professor of engineering

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