Faculty Retirement Group Field Trips
Friday, February 22, 2019, was a very special day for the Seton Hall community. We began with a reception for President-Elect Joseph E. Nyre, who introduced his family and his vision for our university. As to the first, it's wonderful to have a young family within our midst, and of the second, time will provide the details of his work with and for SHU.
From Bethany Hall, a group of us drove to Newark to meet the rest of our FRG entourage. We first visited St. Patrick's Church, the pro-cathedral of Newark before Sacred Heart, where Peter Ahr provided riveting details of its pertinent history, exterior architecture, and interior design. Walking across the street we entered Newark Museum, the creative hub of American and Tibetan art, the latter being the largest in the western hemisphere. Petra Chu once again captivated us with her knowledge of the works of major artists, culminating in the splendor of the authentic Tibetan temple of worship. Passing from there to the Ballantine House, we enjoyed the beauty and affluence of the prominent early 20th century Newark family. Once more, reluctant to leave this treasure trove in our nearby neighbors neighborhood, we walked on to the Newark Public Library, loosely modeled after the 15th-century Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, where we were met by Larry Greene, who shared his knowledge of the library's holdings. Throughout the day, Petra and Peter navigated us through this almost-forgotten world within our midst. We all agreed we would return for the many wonders we had just begun to experience.
Chrys Grieco, FRG Coordinator
View more photos from the faculty retirement group field trip »
On January 26, the Faculty Retirement Group attended "Carved Painted, Stitched," an exhibition currently on view at the Pierro Gallery of South Orange, featuring the private collection of American folk art of Barbara Cate, former professor of Art History at Seton Hall. Dr. Petra ten-Doesschate Chu, Professor of Art History and Museum Studies and editor of Nineteen-Century Worldwide, presented the highlights of Dr. Cate's collection, after which she and husband Fen-Dow hosted the group at their home with dumplings and champagne in a celebration of Chinese New Year.
On May 31, 2018, the Faculty Retirement Group attended a tour of the Liberty State Park. The trip was organized by Dr. Judith Stark, Professor of Philosophy and the Environment, and followed by a lunch at the Liberty House Restaurant.
An enthusiastic group of twenty Faculty Retirement Group members and Seton Hall graduate students from Dr. Maxine Lurie's class spent an informative and interesting day together at the Ford Mansion, Washington's Headquarters and the National Historical Museum! Park Ranger Tom provided a special tour and discussion on Washington's 1779-1780 stay in Morristown, as he and 10,000 men endured the hardships of 20 New Jersey snowstorms and the coldest winter of the Revolution. The interactive aspects of both on the first floor and lower level of the museum offer witness details to enrich one's knowledge. Looking at the provisions in the Ford Mansion illustrates the workload and work area of General Washington. Photographs were taken by Drs. Lurie and Ken Hoffman.