More stories from the Asbury Park Press

OCC student journalists snubbed, then assailed at trustees meeting

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 05/3/06

BY ELIZABETH C. MITCHELL
An astonishing and disheartening sequence of omissions and insults occurred at the Ocean County College Board of Trustees meeting April 26.

First, the omission: The board ignored the eight prestigious state awards the student journalists of the Viking News recently received. Furthermore, the Society for Collegiate Journalists, in a national competition with four-year colleges, gave Scott Coppola, the Viking News editor, first place for the editorial page. Three other student journalists also received national awards. Their reward from OCC? No recognition at the board meeting, although other student groups were recognized, then and in past meetings...

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My stars! Donor saves planetarium

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 05/6/06

BY JOSEPH PICARD
TOMS RIVER BUREAU
DOVER TOWNSHIP — The lights will not go out at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, except to prepare for the next show.

Ocean County College announced Friday that an anonymous donor has agreed to give more than $1 million to keep the school's threatened planetarium open and operating.

Calling the donor an "angel," college spokeswoman Tara Kelly said the gift is the largest ever received by the 40-year-old institution.

"I have just breathed a very big sigh of relief," said Gloria Villalobos, planetarium director. "We are thankful to whoever has stepped forward to save us."

All that college officials would reveal about the donor's identity is that he or she is an Ocean County resident and not an alumnus of OCC...

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