TCNJ

2 The College of New Jersey Magazine SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME I enjoyed the "Mighty dreams, fab futures" feature (spring 2025). It's inspiring to see these young people embarking on such exciting careers — not only impacting their own lives but making a difference in society as well. From medicine and science to politics, the arts, and education, their journeys make me feel hopeful for our future. Thank you for an engaging issue and for keeping us "older" grads connected to this great school. LINDA TESAURO '78 THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT Thank you for sharing your wonderful bucket list monarch migration experience ("It was like I walked to the edge of a miracle," spring 2025). My wife and I started a monarch butterfly garden three years ago. Last year, we raised 20 butterflies in a safe enclosure and released them as adults. Our garden then produced another 30 butterflies. WILLIAM WAENKE '87 " TSC/TCNJ WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND PROVIDED A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR MY CAREER. " — AL ROTTKAMP '78 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED I just finished reading TCNJ Magazine cover to cover, and you all are doing a great job. KEVIN ZISH '11 MENTOR MEMORIES I was saddened to read of the passing of education professor Phyllis Weisberg (In Memoriam, spring 2025). I had the opportunity to take three of her classes, and each one informed the way I view and support children with special needs today. She carried herself with an intensity that could be intimidating, but beneath her commanding presence was a deeply compassionate and engaging educator. She was more than just a teacher. She was a mentor, a role model, and an unshakable advocate for students. Her lectures were thoughtful, and deeply rooted in theory and heart. She challenged us to think critically, to confront our biases, and to raise our standards in order to become the educators that our future students would deserve. Her loss is not only a personal one, but a professional one for the field of special education. I will always be grateful for the lessons that she taught, the confidence she helped build, and the unwavering passion she inspired in me and so many others. J. TODD FENWICK '94 "As good as gold" (spring 2025) was a great article. Viraj Mane's mention of his mentor, biology professor Steve Klug, reminded me of my own mentors. Professors Klug, Gary Lipton, and Dennis Shevlin inspired me to be a biology teacher and research director. They encouraged students and had time to speak with them. I received an excellent education from Trenton State College. CHRISTINE GIRTAIN '94 TALK UP S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 TCNJ MAGAZINE "He's a great leader. give tHis guy a gOOd lOOk." — Senator Cory Booker Makes us PrOud VOICES OF THE GAME THE NEED FOR MILKWEED STUDENTS WATCH THE TICKER inside "i dON't take NO FOr aN aNsWer very Well." page 24 "i've develOPed a very straNge resuMe." page 26 "i dON't alWays FOllOW tHe exPected rOute, But i MOve WitH iNteNtiON." page 21 "i Have MaNy layers tO WHO i aM aNd WHat i lOve." page 25 "i've alWays WaNted tO sit iN ON tHOse Big MeetiNgs aNd Make Big decisiONs." page 27 WHy tHe class OF WE WANT TO HIGHLIGHT OUR ALUMNI TEACHERS. Do you know an educator who really stands out and who has made a big impact on their students? Please write to us at magazine@tcnj.edu.

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