NJIT held its annual black-tie benefit dinner Celebration on Nov. 14, 2008 at Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange. Former New Jersey Governor and President of the New Jersey State Senate, the Hon. Richard J. Codey served as the special guest master of ceremonies. The world-renowned Duprees, who started their 1960s musical careers in Jersey City provided entertainment. >>

Steve Kalafer, chairman of the Flemington Car and Truck Country Family of Dealerships and the Somerset Patriots received NJIT’s highest honor—the President’s Medal at NJIT’s annual black-tie benefit dinner Celebration on Nov. 14, 2008 at Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange.  >>

Edward Cruz, CEO of E.E. Cruz & Company, Inc, Holmdel, received NJIT’s Outstanding Alumnus Award at NJIT’s annual black-tie benefit dinner Celebration on Nov. 14, 2008 at Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange. >>

A structural engineer and world-renowned expert on how structures respond to natural disasters, M. Ala Saadeghvaziri, PhD, a professor at NJIT, has been named a Fellow by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Saadeghvaziri, of Basking Ridge, researches the effect upon buildings and other structures due to time, usage and loadings or the outcome of disasters such as earthquakes or explosions. >>

Eladio Ruiz 3rd '87, director of special events at NJIT, designed custom floral arrangements for the Tony Awards^® ceremony on June 15 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. For the sixth year, Ruiz’s arrangements, complete with top hats, gold stars and ribbons printed with musical staffs, graced the stars’ dressing rooms, talent check-in and other areas. Marking 62 years of excellence on Broadway, the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards are bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement.  Photo: Shevett Studios >>