Author Archives: David Pavlak

10 things you need to know about … our new view of space

10 things you need to know about … our new view of space

It’s likely by now you’ve seen the stunning photos of the universe coming from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The images are bringing new details and clarity to what we know about space. TCNJ grad Knicole Colon ’07, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, explains some of the Webb’s key findings. The first… Continue Reading

Covering the crown

Covering the crown

Stephanie Petit ’13 has a royally cool job at People magazine. On September 8, Stephanie Petit ’13 sat at the desk in her New Jersey home anxiously anticipating the news that was to come from overseas. And as soon as she saw the official tweet from the British royal family announcing Queen Elizabeth II’s death,… Continue Reading

How I Got Here: Michael Bussanich ’25

How I Got Here: Michael Bussanich ’25

Goaltending for a Division I club ice hockey team is a childhood pipe dream come true. My dad took me to see the New York Rangers play the New Jersey Devils when I was 6 years old. Henrik Lundqvist was the Rangers’ goalie. His play was so athletic and he made a lot of flashy… Continue Reading

From TCNJ to the state’s top teacher

Christine Girtain ’94 leads the way in science education. When Christine (Stenzel) Girtain ’94 won the 2022–23 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year she felt it validated the hard work she’s put into her 28-year career as a science teacher in the Toms River Regional School District. In her role as director of authentic… Continue Reading

10 things you need to know about … the clock tower

10 things you need to know about … the clock tower

The clock tower, an iconic TCNJ landmark perched atop Green Hall, underwent a $17,000 revitalization in May to upgrade internal and external components worn out from years of use. Both the clock itself and the carillon, the instrument that sounds the bells, were refurbished. In the interest of time, we’ve summarized the clock’s glow up… Continue Reading

How I Got Here: Addison Savela

How I Got Here: Addison Savela

At the intersection of brains and brawn is TCNJ’s strength and conditioning coach. I am half meathead, half exercise scientist. I like to lift big, but I also want to do it the right way so that I don’t burn myself or my athletes out. I was always a big kid. As a high school… Continue Reading

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