Volume 4 | Issue 2
Staff Spotlight Karen Walters • • • • • •
Did You Know? RBS Staff News RBS Staff Event Chicken Stew Recipe September National Yoga Month October National Breast Cancer Month
| Sept./Oct. 2023
RBS Staff Newsletter Table of Contents 03
03
A Message from Dean Lei Newsletter Committee Updates
04 Staff Spotlights Karen Walters 05 & 06 Did You Know? 07 Accolades Dean Lei Named NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business
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04
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08 HR News Staff Hires, Separations, Staff Changes & Job Opportunities 09 & 10 Community News New Brunswick & Newark 11 Finance/Procurement Updates 12-13 Staff News 14 Staff Shared Recipe 15-16 September is National Yoga Month October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Volume 4 | Issue 3 | Sept./Oct. 2023
A Message from Dean Lei Welcome to the fall semester! This season promises to be busy and exciting as we
continue to support the success of our students, faculty, and fellow staff members, and prepare for the upcoming AACSB reaccreditation review. Rutgers Business
School continues to be a leader at Rutgers University in offering innovative programs which help our students to become more equipped to adapt in an ev-
er-changing, fast-paced business environment. Each of us shares in the success of our students, and I thank you for helping to create an environment in which our
students can thrive. I look forward to seeing you at various fall events throughout the semester, and I hope you all enjoy this season. Go RBS! Lei
Newsletter Committee Updates Inside RBS is seeking guest contributors to share their department news & events, and family milestones with us. Can you recommend a favorite day trip destination, did you go on a recent dream vacation? Have you discovered a new restaurant, or a good book to read? We want to hear from you!
Please help us keep the RBS Staff Newsletter interesting, current, and collaborative and send your photos, articles, and suggestions to RBSstaffnews@business.rutgers.edu.
We are looking for new members with a fresh perspective and new ideas for the newsletter. Please email us to let us know you are interested in joining the team! This issue’s contributors: Brenda Anderson, Alyssa Clauhs, Karin Crimmins, Dana Green Harris, and Melissa Rivera.
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Staff Spotlights Karen Walters
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR RBS-MANAGEMENT & GLOBAL BUSINESS
Q. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? A. I could see myself as a five-star hotel travel critic.
Q. What are the three words that best describe you? A. Ambitious, Motivated and Genuine
Q. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
A. I would first go on a nice long vacation, somewhere with lots
of sun and sand! Then when I get back, I’d buy a huge farmhouse with acres of property.
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Did You Know? RBS Grad Makes his Moonshot
Rahul Rana began getting texts from friends last summer about his larger-than-life face on a New Jersey Turnpike billboard advertising Rutgers Business School - Newark and New Brunswick (RBS). Rana,a member of the Class of 2023, drove toward Newark Liberty International Airport to see for himself. “I was mind-blown! It did not seem real,” he said.
Within a year, Rana published Making Moonshots, a book on developing impactful, science-driven startups. He has since completed prized internships with big-name venture capital firms. Following commencement, the 22-year-old finance major will become an associate at SALT Fund, a $200 million tech venture capital firm, as well as chief of staff to one of the managing partners.
“He’s connecting the dots, leveraging and stacking these opportunities to create meaningful, experiential learning,” RBS Assistant Professor Mukesh Patel said. “I tell students you need to figure out how to stand out and take risks. Rahul really took that to heart: he has catapulted to the highest performance level.” His mother strongly influenced his desire to tackle big-world problems. She escaped the north tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11, an experience that inspired her – and Rana – to become active in politics and community causes, he said. At RBS, he was accepted into Road to Wall Street, a select preparation program for students pursuing traditional careers in finance. Then he discovered venture capital, which involves identifying and investing in innovative startups and high-growth companies that have the potential to generate significant financial returns.
In December of his freshman year, he began researching Making Moonshots, using LinkedIn to connect with more than 100 scientists and venture capitalists.
At RBS, Rana became a founding member of Road to Silicon V/Alley (RSVP), an organization for aspiring entrepreneurs. Patel, the director of RSVP, said Rana and the other core members had responsibility for recruiting members and creating the system for evaluating them. The organization, now 170 members strong, has built a robust alumni mentorship program, he said. Rana completed his finance major and a minor in astronomy in 3½ years at Rutgers–New Brunswick. Since last summer, he has written about deep-tech and venture capital for Not Boring, a business newsletter with nearly 200,000 subscribers.
Rana attributes his success to a “just say yes” attitude. “When opportunities present themselves, I take advantage of them,” said Rana, calling his approach “maximizing serendipity.” Not all work out, but Rana said he gains knowledge either way. “That’s how I live my life.”
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Did You Know? Flu Season
As flu season approaches early this year, we are happy to share that getting your flu shot is easy, safe, and most importantly, will protect you from severe illness. In fact, these flu vaccine regimens have been used safely for decades.
As many of you know, flu vaccines are the most effective way to prevent the flu, lessen its symptoms, and reduce its spread. Flu vaccination not only helps us individually stay well, but also protects the most vulnerable in our communities. Research has proven that the flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness or make you sick, and the CDC recommends that almost everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine every year. Because of these facts, we urge all of you to take advantage of the many opportunities to get your flu shot.
Flu shots are already available at local pharmacies and through your primary care provider. You can drop by or schedule a pharmacy visit. In addition, Occupational Health will offer free flu vaccines to faculty and staff with a valid RU ID. Visit the Occupational Health Flu Immunization webpage to review vaccine availability and clinic dates and locations.
Let’s continue to work together to keep our Rutgers University campuses safe, healthy, and vibrant by getting your flu shot.
Rutgers R Marks The graphic files for the main Rutgers R marks can now be downloaded after you log in to the signature generator. The zip files include the color options for these marks: • • • • • • • •
Rutgers Rutgers University Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Rutgers Foundation Rutgers–New Brunswick Rutgers Health Rutgers–Newark Rutgers–Camden
These logos have also been added to the logo library on swag.rutgers.edu and can be applied to your orders for giveaways and promotional items.
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Accolades Dean Lei Named One of the 2023 NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business Forbes named Rutgers a top employer in New Jersey – alongside Apple, Johnson & Johnson, Wegmans, H&R Block, Princeton University and other major organizations operating in the Garden State – on its latest list of America’s Best Employers by State.
As one of New Jersey’s largest employers, Rutgers boasts a workforce of over 22,000 professionals. Rutgers employees work in nearly every area of expertise, from research and faculty scholarship to accounting, facilities management, marketing, dining services, event management, transportation and much more. Nationwide, Rutgers is also ranked #64 of 500 employers on Forbes’ 2023 list of America’s Best Large Employers.
“We are proud to once again be recognized by Forbes as one of New Jersey’s – and the country’s – premier employers,” said Vivian Fernandez, the university’s senior vice president for human resources. “Rutgers continues to be dedicated to workplace excellence. We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce that is committed to delivering on the promise of academic excellence, an outstanding student experience, and the highest quality of patient care to the communities we serve.” Fernandez noted the university continues to offer flexible work arrangements, competitive compensation, a rich benefits package, and many opportunities for career growth and development.
“We strive to make Rutgers a welcoming, inclusive and rewarding place to work by engaging and listening to our employees. We look forward to continuing our efforts to make Rutgers a top choice for existing and prospective employees.” To compile the list of the Best Employers by State 2023, Forbes and its partners surveyed full- or parttime employees in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia who work at companies with more than 500 workers nationwide. The survey asked participants whether they would recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their employer on criteria including working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development and company image. The final list ranks nearly 1,400 employers that received the most recommendations from the survey.
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HRNews
Volume 4 | Issue 3 | Sept./Oct. 2023
Staff Hires, Separations, Staff Changes & Job Opportunities
New Employees:
NAME: Andrea Acosta TITLE: Administrative Assistant DEPT: MSIS
NAME: Miyokee Saint-Florant TITLE: Senior Program Coordinator DEPT: RBS I.D.E.A. NAME: Susan Adler TITLE: Admissions Officer DEPT: MBA Student Services NAME: Robert Anderson III TITLE: Business Asst II DEPT: SBDC
NAME: Ashley Hull TITLE: Program Coordinator DEPT: S.E.A.L.
NAME: Jose Perez TITLE: Administrative Assistant DEPT: SBDC NAME: Tamisha Hopkins TITLE: Administrative Assistant DEPT: RBS I.D.E.A.
Current RBS Job Opportunities Stay tuned for future postings.
NAME: Lindsey West TITLE: Program Coordinator DEPT: Academic Programs and Learning Assurance Department NAME: John Schwartz TITLE: Career Counseling Officer DEPT: Graduate Career Management Office NAME: “Stacy” Shoista Israil TITLE: Administrative Assistant DEPT: MGB NAME: Maria Bonilla Ventura TITLE: Administrative Assistant DEPT: F&E NAME: Sherylyn Tucker TITLE: Dept Administrator Spvr DEPT: F&E
Retirement(s): Jane Foss - F&E Andrea Cunnell - Alumni Relations
Resignations: Kathryn Yannes - Facilities & Events Geraldine Medrano - F&E Quinton Mitchell & Connie Sullivan - OTIS
Staff Changes
Stay tuned for more updates!
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RBS Staff Newsletter Community News - New Brunswick
Get ready for some fantastic culture and live music as Hub City Sounds returns to the city of New Brunswick and greater New Brunswick area. Events include live music and dance performances, live cooking demonstrations, spoken word performances, craft making, and more. All the festivals are free, family-friendly, and for all ages and tastes. Coming soon to the Rutgers Cinema, Killers of the Flower Moon, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Five Nights at Freddy’s (October 27). Join us on Wednesdays for free slushies! Free parking is available in Lot 112A only while at the Cinema. Every Wednesday through mid-November, from 2 to 5 pm, resident DJ Cory Giles will be back on the plaza. Relax and grab a bite from Hoja Asian Fusion, Kilmer’s Market, or Qdoba while you enjoy the music. How about a Starbucks or a frozen yogurt from 16 Handles? Come join the fun. Join The Thing at Raritan Landing, an immersive theatrical haunt, at East Jersey Old Town Village October 26-29. Become a part of the cast and join forces with Puritan villagers as they track an outer space invader. Tickets are free but limited. Crossroads Theatre Company presents Homecoming: Celebrating 45 Years of Crossroads October 21. Homecoming is when the Crossroads family, including audiences, talented actors, directors, singers, dancers, and musicians, all gather for an unforgettable evening filled with joy and entertainment. The Rutgers Jewish Film Festival features award-winning international films and engaging discussions with filmmakers and special guests. This year’s festival will feature in-person screenings beginning October 26, as well as virtual screenings in November. DerpyCon, New Jersey’s anime, gaming, sci-fi, and comic convention, returns October 27-29. Join the fun with panels, concerts, video gaming, cosplay, vendors, dances, LARPs, artists, and more, at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick. Attend the ultimate audience participation film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at the State Theatre New Jersey on October 28. Receive a free goodie bag of props (while supplies last), sing along to the songs, and dress up for the Time Warp Costume Contest. Come early and enjoy live music by The Generation Gap Band. New Brunswick City Hall-o-Ween Sunday, October 29 1-3 p.m. – 78 Bayard St, New Brunswick Pics with Marvel-inspired superheroes, fun DIY activities, pumpkin decorating contests, free giveaways and more. Día de Muertos Wednesday, November 1 1-6 p.m. – New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Ave An interactive community altar creation and installation, paying homage to loved ones who died. For more information on the Hub City Sounds events, call 908-917-2862 or visit www.NewBrunswickArts.org
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RBS Staff Newsletter Community News - Newark
Now that fall has arrived, we have compiled a list of upcoming local activities and opportunities to get involved in the Rutgers community and beyond. Explore Schools Family Fall Festival Sat, Oct 28 at 12:00 PM Remsen Playground Free 3RD ANNUAL NDD FALL FESTIVAL Oct 28, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Add to my Google Calendar Military Park 51 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102 Registration for the Rutgers–New Brunswick 2024 Winter Session is now open. Winter Session is the perfect opportunity to take a course and earn degree credits while saving money with in-state tuition. Keep our community healthy! COVID-19 testing and vaccines are available in various locations throughout New Brunswick. Free.
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Finance-Pro Updated Procurement Policy and Procedure As communicated earlier, the Board of Governors approved amendments to the university’s Procurement and Payment Policy 20.1.11, which become effective on August 1, 2023. The policy changes were driven by a recent increase in purchasing thresholds in Uniform Guidance (UG), a government-wide framework for grants management that provides specific rules and requirements for federal awards. University Procurement Services has revised the Procedures Manual to reflect the changes made by this policy update.
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Staff News
Celebrating Milestones! Dana Harris’ son Justin C. Harris 2023 Rutgers University Graduate in Psychology (Top Right)
Brenda Anderson’s Nephew Jalen Hines (Right) 2023 Rahway High School Graduate Attending Kean University in the Fall Kaylen & Zariah Anderson (Left) Enjoying the 2023 Rahway High School Commencement Brenda Anderson’s Niece Annia Anderson (Right) 2023 Rahway High School Graduate Attending Kean University in the Fall Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Joe Bassano and Mr. & Mrs. Max Biles! Congratualtions to the happy couples!
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RBS Staff Newsletter
Staff News
Staff Highlights
On June 7th the RBS Social Events Committee held its annual RBS Staff Retreat. This event acknowledges staff members for their Years of Service and acknowledgement of staff members who transitioned during the year. Throughout, there are staff members who go above and beyond their responsibilities. Throughout the year they have demonstrated their commitment to support students, staff members and the RBS. The winners who were nominate below categories, by their peers, categories listed below: Staff Excellence Award
o Cyndi Geborde o Charlotte Barcas o Charles Brown o Monica Giron o Patricia Guillaume o Audrey Louis o Nicole McCray o Lisa Rossini o Shari Rynar o Abigail Sheehan
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Staff Spirit Award - Lucille Foster UG NK Matthew Peyrek - S.E.A.L Rising Star Award –Alyson Souhlakis Nikolaides MGB Enhancing the Student Experience Award – Valbona Koxha - OCM Enhancing the Faculty/Staff Experience Award - Marc Limata – MBA Shari Rynar – RBS Human Resources
Staff Shared Recipes
Volume 4 | Issue 3 | Sept./Oct. 2023
Chicken Stew
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch chunks 2 Tbsp. avocado oil, divided 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/2inch pieces 1 medium sweet onion, cut into 12 wedges 6 garlic cloves, chopped 5 cups chicken broth or stock, divided 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 dried bay leaf 12 oz. baby white potatoes, scrubbed and quartered 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions Pat dry the chicken with a few sheets of paper towel and season thoroughly with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottom dutch oven or a soup pot over high heat. When oil is hot, add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. The goal here is to simply brown the chicken on the outside and extract some of its flavor. Make sure to use high heat, otherwise, the chicken will steam out and not brown. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to a medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add carrots and onions. Cook, stirring often until onions begin to soften and tips turn golden, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, while stirring nonstop. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth while stirring and scraping to loosen browned bits from the bottom of the dutch oven. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup broth; add to the dutch oven. Stir in chicken and remaining 4 cups of chicken broth. Add bay leaf and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25 minutes, partially covered. Add potatoes and cook uncovered until potatoes are tender, about 18-20 minutes. If needed, increase the heat so the stew is at a gentle simmer. Also taste the broth for salt and pepper and add more if needed. Stir in parsley and discard bay leaf before serving
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RBS Staff Newsletter September is National Yoga Month National Yoga Awareness Month is celebrated in September every year in the United States. It was created to raise awareness of the benefits of practicing yoga among people all over the world. Yoga is a physical activity that consists of maintaining isometric postures, followed by deep breathing and meditation. It is beneficial for people of all ages. Some yoga exercises are easy to perform and not hard on the body, and hence, they can be done by the elderly too. The origins of yoga can be traced back to 2700 B.C. during the period of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization. The person who practices yoga is known as a yogi and Lord Shiva is said to be the first yogi or ‘Adiyogi.’ Shiva then transferred all the yogic knowledge to the Saptarishis — the seven sages. The sages then spread this knowledge to the people in different parts of the world. National Yoga Awareness Month was created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.) along with the Office of Research Services (O.R.S.) to raise awareness of the benefits of practicing yoga, including improved mental and physical well-being, less stress, and increased longevity of life. There are many different types of yoga, each with its own unique focus and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of yoga: 1. Hatha Yoga: This is a gentle form of yoga that is great for beginners. It focuses on basic poses and breathing techniques. 2. Vinyasa Yoga: This type of yoga is more fast-paced and involves flowing from one pose to another in a sequence. It is great for building strength and flexibility. 3. Ashtanga Yoga: This is a more intense form of yoga that involves a set sequence of poses that are performed in the same order every time. It is great for building strength and endurance. 4. Bikram Yoga: Also known as “hot yoga,” this type of yoga is performed in a room that is heated to 105°F with a humidity of 40%. It involves a set sequence of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. 5. Iyengar Yoga: This type of yoga focuses on proper alignment and uses props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help students achieve the correct alignment in each pose. 6. Kundalini Yoga: This type of yoga focuses on the energy at the base of the spine and aims to release it through breathing exercises, chanting, and meditation. 7. Restorative Yoga: This is a gentle form of yoga that involves holding poses for an extended period of time with the help of props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks. 8. Yin Yoga: This type of yoga involves holding poses for an extended period of time (usually 3-5 minutes) to stretch the connective tissues in the body.
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Volume 4 | Issue 3 | Sept./Oct. 2023
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October every year in the United States. It is a month-long campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and to encourage women to get screened for the disease. The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society and has since grown into a month-long event that is recognized worldwide. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, various organizations and charities work together to raise awareness about breast cancer and to promote early detection through mammography screenings. The goal is to encourage women to take charge of their health and to get screened for breast cancer regularly. Early detection is key to successful treatment of the disease. Many events are held during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including walks, runs, and other fundraising events. These events help raise money for breast cancer research and support services for those affected by the disease. There are many ways to get involved in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some ideas: 1. Donate to a breast cancer charity: There are many organizations that work to support breast cancer patients and fund research into the disease. Consider donating to one of these organizations to help support their work. 2. Participate in a fundraising event: Many organizations hold fundraising events during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, such as walks, runs, and bike rides. Participating in one of these events is a great way to show your support for breast cancer awareness and raise money for a good cause. 3. Spread awareness on social media: Share information about breast cancer and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on your social media accounts to help raise awareness about the disease. 4. Get screened for breast cancer: If you are a woman over the age of 40, it is recommended that you get a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer. Getting screened regularly can help detect the disease early when it is most treatable. 5. Volunteer your time: Many organizations that work on breast cancer awareness and research rely on volunteers to help with their programs and events. Consider volunteering your time to help support these organizations. 6. Educate yourself and others: Learn more about breast cancer and share your knowledge with others. The more people know about the disease, the better equipped they will be to prevent it and detect it early.
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