John Jay College Alumni News

Download the App
The Office of Continuing and Professional StudiesJohn Jay Alumni GivingJohn Jay Alumni BenefitsJohn Jay College Alumni HomepageJohn Jay College Home Page
Interim Executive Board

Michael F. McCann
BS'74, JD
President

Richard Gallo
BS'79, MPA'82, MA '85,
First Vice President,

Teresa Coaxum
BA'93, MPA'08
Second Vice President

Larry Cunningham
BS'97, JD
Third Vice President

Thomas Belfiore
BA'79, MA'96
Treasurer

Suzanne Chiofolo
BA'00
Secretary & Long Island Coordinator

Honorary Members

James Brito
BS'05
Staten Island Coordinator

Daniel Cabrera, Jr.
BS '87, MPA '93, Washington, D.C.
Coordinator

Ronald Spadafora
BS '86
FDNY Coordinator


College News

Support John Jay College - Buy a Brick
Leave Your Personal Mark on the College
When the College's new building opens on 11th Avenue and 58th Street, a 60,000 square foot open outdoor space will be created -- the Jay Walk. The Jay Walk is a perfect way to honor and remember alumni, graduating students, faculty and friends. You can purchase one of the many bricks that will traverse the entire Jay Walk ($250 or $500), or add a commemorative plaque to an outdoor bench ($5,000) or one of the many trees ($1,000) that will serve to beautify this unique urban campus. 100% of the profits from your tax-deductible donation will go directly to support scholarships for deserving John Jay students. Become a tangible part of John Jay's history while supporting its future. For more information about the Jay Walk Campaign, call 212.237.8688 or click here.


Reaching a Milestone in the College's History

Reaching a Milestone in the College's History
This fall, the College welcomed an estimated 2000 freshmen, and for the first time in the College's history, all are baccalaureate students. According to President Jeremy Travis, "We have now completed the College's plan to phase out admissions to our associate degree programs." To provide an academic pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree, the College has created the CUNY Justice Academy. This initiative offers joint degree programs in criminal justice, forensic science and forensic financial analysis with the six CUNY community colleges where over 4000 students have already enrolled. "We have other reasons to celebrate the launch of this academic year," Travis noted. "Even in times of financial constraints...we welcomed 20 stellar new full-time faculty to our College." The College also has launched a new Honors Program designed to nurture academic excellence and leadership potential. These honors students will work closely with faculty and peers to explore the idea of the "Common Good" through a series of enriched interdisciplinary courses that use New York City as a laboratory. In addition to more than two dozen new courses, and a dramatic increase in external funding to the tune of almost $21 million, Travis emphasized that "the most exciting development of all is the progress on our new building, rising majestically off Eleventh Avenue." To find out more about the initiatives underway for the 2010-2011 academic year,
click here.

Terrorism Studies Graduate Scholarship Award for 2010-2011
The John Jay College Alumni Board and the Center on Terrorism is seeking applications for a special Terrorism Studies Graduate Scholarship in honor of the many John Jay alumni who died on September 11, 2001. The scholarship memorializes victims from our community and supports advanced academic studies to promote a better understanding of terrorism, strategies for countering it, and policies for prevention. The scholarship provides $2,000 to a John Jay graduate student ($1,000 per semester). The application deadline is October 12. For more information and eligibility requirements,
click here.


First-ever Crime Summit Brings Together Broad Coalition

First-ever Crime Summit Brings Together Broad Coalition
"Communities & Justice: Partnerships & Challenges for the 21st Century," sponsored by the College, the Manhattan District Attorney and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President, brought together prosecutors, judges, police executives, and community representatives from around the country to collectively address national trends in prosecution, crime prevention, and criminal justice strategies. Among the issues examined were: conviction integrity, restorative justice, problem-solving courts, immigration, education and gang alternatives for youth, new crime prevention strategies, community prosecution and prisoner reentry. The two-day conference held at the College in July featured Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, and Newark Police Director Garry F. McCarthy. (From left to right: President Jeremy Travis, District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Borough President alumnus Scott Stringer BA'86, and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg)

Weaving the War: 40 Years of Afghan War Rugs
On display until October 17 in the 6th Floor Gallery of Haaren Hall, "Weaving the War: 40 Years of Afghan War Rugs" presents a brief yet important segment of Afghan rug making - one of the most prolific and well developed rug traditions in the world. Since the Soviet-Afghan war, the imagery used in these rugs has evolved to reflect the subsequent rise of the Taliban, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the current U.S. led engagement in the region. Images of tanks, helicopters, fighter jets, soldiers and even the Twin Towers have been incorporated into traditional rug patterns creating a time line of events. This exhibition has been generously loaned by Kevin Sudeith, an avid collector and scholar of Afghani rugs. For more information, contact Professor Roberto Visani of the Department of Art and Music at 212.237.8384 or rvisani@jjay.cuny.edu.


Walk On!

Walk On!
With an altruistic spirit and despite cloudy skies, the JOHN JAY JAYWALKERS came out in force for the seventeenth year in row to combat breast cancer. They joined the more than 25,000 who took part in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Central Park on September 12.


Events

Graduate Open House
Monday, October 4, 2010                              3:00 PM

Meet specialists in the fields of forensics, criminal justice, public administration and protection management. Learn about admissions requirements, student financial services, scholarships, careers in public service, internships, careers in public service, internships and student life.

For more information and to RSVP, click here or call 212.237.8863.

John Jay College
Gerald W. Lynch Theater
899 Tenth Avenue
New York City

The Center for Cybercrime Studies
Wednesday, October 6, 2010                         2:00 PM

John Jay's Center for Cybercrime Studies, which sponsors programs and activities that bring together both scholars and practitioners to support the fight against cybercrime, is pleased to present David Nelson of the Cyber Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, Division of Supervision and Compliance, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

For more information, contact Professor Douglas Salane at dsalane@jjay.cuny.edu or 212.237.8836.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 630T
New York City

Italian Culture & Heritage Month Lecture
A Tribute to Dr. Maria Montessori: Ahead of Her Time
Thursday, October 7, 2010                         2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Office of Finance and Administration and The John D. Calandra Institute cordially invite you to recognize and celebrate Italian Heritage Month. This tribute to Dr. Maria Montessori, an internationally renowned educator and physician, will be presented by Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone, President of the Salvadori Center.

For more information, contact Janet Rubel at jrubel@jjay.cuny.edu or 212.237.8612.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue - Theater Lobby
New York City

Occasional Series on Reentry Research
Do Reentry Courts Reduce Recidivism? Results from the Harlem Parole Reentry Court
Friday, October 15, 2010                         9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

The Prisoner Reentry Institute cordially invites you to "Do Reentry Courts Reduce Recidivism? Results from the Harlem Parole Reentry Court" presented by Zachary Hamilton, Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice Program, Washington State University.

RSVP to Amelia Thompson at 212.484.1399 or amthompson@jjay.cuny.edu.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 630T
New York City

Connect & Reconnect @ John Jay
Fall 2010 Alumni Open House
Washington, DC
Monday, October 18, 2010                         6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Alumni Association President Michael F. McCann (BS '74, JD), Washington, DC Coordinator Daniel Cabrera, Jr. (BS '88, MPA '93), and the Alumni Board cordially invite John Jay alumni and students in the Washington, DC area to an alumni reception. Light refreshments will be served. Please bring business cards. Although there is no admission fee for alumni or students, donations to the College are greatly appreciated.

Please RSVP to 212.237.8547 or jkemp@jjay.cuny.edu. Please include your full name, email address, degree and graduation year in your response.

Local 16 Restaurant
1602 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

The Center for Cybercrime Studies
Monday, October 18, 2010                           11:00 AM

John Jay's Center for Cybercrime Studies, which sponsors programs and activities that bring together both scholars and practitioners to support the fight against cybercrime, is pleased to present Penelope Lerner, Senior Consumer Frauds Representative, Office of the New York Attorney General.

For more information, contact Professor Douglas Salane at dsalane@jjay.cuny.edu or 212.237.8836.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 630T
New York City

Skrip Orkestra
Friday, October 22, 2010 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 23, 2010 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010 7:30 PM

Slovenia's GLEJ Theatre presents the U.S. premier of Skrip Orkestra, where pop rock meets kitch-noir meets performance art. Seven women from all over the former Yugoslavia share stories of war-torn childhoods, drawing inspiration from folk songs, fairy tales and uncompromising punk.

Tickets are $20. For more information call 212.237.8005.

John Jay College
Gerald W. Lynch Theater
899 Tenth Avenue
New York City

Book & Author Series
Tuesday, October 26, 2010                          4:00 PM

The John Jay Book & Author is pleased to present Talking to the Enemy: Faith, Brotherhood, and the (Un)Making of Terrorists by Presidential Scholar Professor Scott Atran of the Department of Sociology. Dr. Atran's work on the religious roots of suicide terrorism has been widely featured in numerous news media around the world.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 630T
New York City

Reckoning with Torture
Thursday, October 28, 2010                          7:00 PM

Reckoning with Torture is an evening of readings from the "The Torture Memos" compiled by the ACLU and the PEN American Center. The program will include imagery incorporating U.S. government documents by acclaimed American artist Jenny Holzer.

Admission is free. For more information, call 212.237.8005.

John Jay College
Gerald W. Lynch Theater
899 Tenth Avenue
New York City

The Center for Cybercrime Studies
Monday, November 8, 2010                          12:30 PM

John Jay's Center for Cybercrime Studies, which sponsors programs and activities that bring together both scholars and practitioners to support the fight against cybercrime, is pleased to present Gregory Conti, Director, Cyber Security Center, U.S. Military Academy, West Point.

For more information, contact Professor Douglas Salane at dsalane@jjay.cuny.edu or 212.237.8836.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 630T
New York City

Patrick V. Murphy Lecture
Tuesday, November 9, 2010                          6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

President Jeremy Travis invites you to the Patrick V. Murphy Lecture that will feature Garry McCarthy, Police Director of the Newark Police Department. McCarthy began his policing career in 1981 with the NYPD where he rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Commissioner of Operations. In September 2006, after a national search, he was selected to lead the Newark Police Department. Under his direction, the department has significantly reduced crime and increased its productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. A reception will follow.

RSVP to murphylec@jjay.cuny.edu.

John Jay College
899 Tenth Avenue, Room 630T
New York City

Big Band Social at New York City Opera
Sunday, November 14, 2010                        4:30 PM

The John Jay Alumni Association invites you to Lincoln Center for an unforgettable afternoon of food, drinks, live music and dancing. Join other guests and show off your best dance steps on the breathtaking Grand Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater.

The cost is $55 with the John Jay College Alumni Discount which includes a buffet, dessert, and open bar. (This special rate will not be available at the door.) To attend, please make your check payable to the Auxiliary Services Corporation and mail or deliver it by November 4, 2010 to: Sunil Persaud, Alumni Relations Office, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 555 West 57th Street, Suite 608BMW, New York, NY 10019.

For more information, call 212.237.8547 or email jkemp@jjay.cuny.edu.

New York City Opera
South side of Lincoln Center Plaza
(Columbus Avenue and 63rd Street)
New York City

Connect & Reconnect @ John Jay
MPA Extension Program Reunion at West Point
Friday, November 19, 2010                          6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Alumni President Michael F. McCann (BS'74, JD), Robert G. Koval (BS, MPA'86) of the Alumni Leadership Committee, and Professor Warren "Ned" Benton of the Department of Public Management invite you to an Open House for John Jay alumni and students. Light refreshments will be served. Please bring business cards. Although there is no admission fee for alumni or students, donations are greatly appreciated.

Please RSVP to 212.237.8547 or jkemp@jjay.cuny.edu. Please include your full name, email address, degree and graduation year in your response.

West Point Club - Hudson Room
Bldg. 603, Cullum Rd.
West Point, NY

Excerpts from The Mind-Goggling, Tragical-Comical Trial of Mrs. P and Other 4-Legged and Winged Creatures -- An Extravaganza by Susan Yankowitz
Monday, November 29, 2010 7:30 PM
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM

Who knew? In the Middle Ages (and, incredibly, up to this very day), animals were arrested, provided with defense attorneys, and prosecuted in courts of law for theft, murder, bestiality and diverse crimes against humanity. This multi-media drama, based on actual cases, focuses on the spectacular trial of a homicidal sow for the murder of an infant.

Tickets are $10. For more information, call 212.237.8005.

John Jay College
Gerald W. Lynch Theater
899 Tenth Avenue
New York City

Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight

Even as a high school student, Paola Rojas (BS '99) was interested in criminal justice. For the past seven years, she has been working in Arizona for Customs and Border Protection, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. "The reason I picked Customs was because I was interested in protecting the country from drugs and terrorists," she says. For the Bronx native, going from New York City to Arizona was difficult at the beginning -- after all, there are no corner stores you can easily walk to and having a car becomes a necessity. Speaking fluent Spanish certainly made the transition easier. She is currently assigned to the agency's operations center at the Mexican border. She works with the watch commanders conducting surveillance at three ports. "We're the point of contact if anything happens. We're like the eyes in the sky." The most gratifying part of the job, she says, is "stopping drugs and imposters from entering the country." In the course of her work, she has come across those carrying methamphetamine and marijuana; those who are attempting to cross the border to bear children; those trying to reunite with family that has already made it through; and those smuggling children to join parents, or, sadly, for more nefarious reasons. Rojas has very fond memories of the College. She attended John Jay because, she says, "it's the best." "My time at John Jay was one of the best experiences of my life. I made good friends. I had excellent teachers." Rojas notes that Professors Joseph Pollini and Christopher Morse of the Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration left lasting impressions. "The interaction in their classes was awesome." Whenever she comes back to New York, though, she always makes a stop at the Lloyd Sealy Library where she worked while a student. The experience, she says, was particularly rewarding. "I worked with extraordinarily dedicated people and made lasting friendships. I enjoy having people like that in my life."

Student Highlights

Student Highlights

It was through John Jay's Honors Program that sophomore Sarah Guillet, a native of Queens, became an activist who is "passionate" about human rights. Last winter an official from Amnesty International spoke at a colloquium Guillet attended and it sparked her interest in the organization. That activism has come to fruition in the Torture Awareness Campaign that is being held this semester with a number of events taking place throughout the campus. In September, she helped to organize students who dressed in orange jumpsuits to support human rights for the detainees being held in Guantanamo along with a forum that featured Matthew Alexander, a former senior military interrogator. Other events will include readings of plays and poetry. "I want to advocate for justice and working with Amnesty International is the way. We're doing this to bring torture awareness to all the students at John Jay because this is a college of criminal justice and it makes sense to have students advocate for human rights," she says.

Office of Alumni Affairs, 555 West 57th Street, Room 608, NY, NY 10019 ' Phone 212.237.8547, Email: alumni@jjay.cuny.edu, http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/alumninews