Spotlight — Scotti, Penrice, Barker, Abt
Dennis Scotti
Alfred E. Driscoll Professor of Health Care and Life Sciences Management
Metropolitan Campus
How long have you been at FDU?
I recently celebrated my 25th anniversary at FDU. Wow, a quarter of a century!
If you could meet anyone in the world, whom would you pick? Why?
Tough question. I can’t really think of any living souls that I have a burning desire to meet (with the possible exception of Paul McCartney). Of those who have passed into the spiritual world, I would probably pick Werner Heisenberg (the chief architect of quantum mechanics). I’ve always admired people who have the brains and fortitude to challenge the status quo, particularly those who have pioneered scientific revolutions. During dinner, I would ask Werner what it was like to challenge Isaac Newton’s principles of physics and arouse the consternation of Albert Einstein. After dinner, I would invite Isaac and Albert to join us for coffee. I’m sure it would spark a heated debate!
What book or film did you recently enjoy? Why would you recommend it?
While visiting a friend, I spotted a book called The Celestine Prophecy, originally published in 1993. The title intrigued me, so I began perusing it. I quickly found myself immersed in the manuscript. I won’t divulge the plot, but the book is a wonderful blend of history, science, metaphysics and adventure woven into a quasi-fictional story. A true delight for eclectic thinkers with a zest for spirituality. It was a welcomed respite from the scholarly journals that typically dominate my reading agenda.
Something I’ve always wanted to learn is ...
… mind reading!
My first job was ...
My first part-time job was evening manager of the music department at Alexander’s department store on Long Island, N.Y. My first full-time job was as an assistant professor at Rutgers University.
One of the things I have in my refrigerator all the time is …
… lots of space.
Complete the phrase: People would be surprised to know that I ...
… play the guitar and love rock music (the harder the better).
My biggest challenge is …
… saying “no,” but I’m working on it.
What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt, and what profession would you want nothing to do with?
I’ve often thought it would be fun to be an artist or a musician. Either of these would allow me to express my creative side through a nonverbal medium. I would want nothing to do with a career in sales. In the classroom, I have a lot to say and am passionate about what I teach. Outside of the classroom, I am somewhat of an introvert and have little tolerance for small talk. I’m not a very good “schmoozer” (so please don’t ask any more questions … LOL).
Parwin Penrice
Lecturer in Mathematics
College at Florham
How long have you been at FDU?
Since 2003. I also taught part-time from 1989 to 1995.
If you could meet anyone in the world, whom would you pick? Why?
I would’ve liked to meet Art Carney because he was quite funny.
What book or film did you recently enjoy? Why would you recommend it?
I read The Kite Runner for the second time.
Something I’ve always wanted to learn is ...
… how to play an Uzbek musical instrument, which is like a guitar, but with only two strings.
My first job was ...
… teaching high school in Afghanistan.
One of the things I have in my refrigerator all the time is …
… cheese.
Complete the phrase: People would be surprised to know that I ...
… used to model clothes.
My biggest challenge is …
… sitting still. I rarely watch a movie from start to finish.
What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt, and what profession would you want nothing to do with?
I would like to try clothing design. I don’t want to have anything to do with politics. But what I would really like the most to do is spend time with my eight-year-old daughter.
Robert Barker
Graphic Artist and Coordinator, CopiesPlus
College at Florham
How long have you been at FDU?
One year and two weeks.
If you could meet anyone in the world, whom would you pick? Why?
All the people I really want to meet have died, but if I could, I would love to sit with George Herriman for a day. Herriman is the creator of the comic strip “Krazy Kat.” I love his style. Bernard “Hap” Kliban is another cartoonist I connect with both in humor and technique. If these two great artists were alive today, I would have a sketchbook in hand and be ready for an incredible lesson in cartooning. But the one live person that comes to mind would be [fantasy and science fiction artist] Frank Frazetta. I have admired his artwork since I was 13 years old. It is the style I most connect with and would like to emulate.
What book or film did you recently enjoy? Why would you recommend it?
Kull: Exile of Atlantis by Robert E. Howard. His writings are a must read for anybody who loves Lord of the Rings or anything related to it. Howard is recognized as the creator of the sword-and-sorcery genre. You will be amazed at his storytelling, which dates as far back as 1932, for its groundbreaking approach.
Something I’ve always wanted to learn is ...
… how to play the piano.
My first job was …
… working in a deli.
One of the things I have in my refrigerator all the time is …
… butter. It goes with everything.
Complete the phrase: People would be surprised to know that I ...
… shave my head to appear balding so I don’t have to deal with girls flirting with me.
My biggest challenge is ...
… balancing my personal art studies, perfecting my guitar playing, reading and spending time with my daughter and my wife.
What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt, and what profession would you want nothing to do with?
I would like to be a musician and play in a great bar band or be involved in forensic science. I would not want to be the guy carrying the shovel behind the elephants at the circus.
Irene Abt
Secretary, School of Art and Media Studies
Metropolitan Campus
How long have you been at FDU?
I’ve been here a little more than eight years.
If you could meet anyone in the world, whom would you pick? Why?
Anne Boleyn is at the top of my “to meet” list. I’ve read quite a bit about her over the years, and she still intrigues me.
What book or film did you recently enjoy? Why would you recommend it?
I recently saw “Last Chance Harry,” with Dustin Hoffman. A nice little love story, and the London scenery was great!
Something I’ve always wanted to learn is ...
… how to swim.
My first job was ...
… an accounting clerk.
One of the things I have in my refrigerator all the time is …
… cheese.
Complete the phrase: People would be surprised to know that I ...
… am quite shy.
My biggest challenge is …
… driving to new places. I have NO sense of direction.
What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt, and what profession would you want nothing to do with?
Photography is one profession that I would have liked to try, and being a maid is something I would want nothing to do with.
