"I love being part of this special College Community and being able to work directly with students. There hasn’t been one day that is routine for me. Every day is different and I love that." Marie Rofhok Director Mooney Center/Media Services The College of New Rochelle

Marie, tell us how you’re connected to The College of New Rochelle.

I’ve had the pleasure of being at CNR for over twenty-six years. I graduated from the School of New Resources. I also have two master’s degrees from the Graduate School, one in Communication Arts and another in Studio Art.

Both of my sons have been involved with the College. Craig is a graduate of the School of New Resources. He owns his own business now and lives in California. Darrow Ian, my oldest, did not attend CNR, but he worked part-time in the Castle Gallery during his high school years. Also, my three sisters all graduated from the College. One sister, Zina, also went to the Graduate School.

As the Director of the Mooney Center what are your responsibilities?

I wear many hats as the Director of the Mooney Center.  My first responsibility is to see that the building is kept in good condition. I also schedule the various spaces in the building, Romita Auditorium and the Mooney Center Gallery, being the two key spaces.

Media Services is also my responsibility. I have an Assistant Director, Connie Mullen, who oversees the media services with me, along with many work study students.

What does Media Services do for the students and faculty?

We service most of the audio/visual needs for the faculty, students and staff on campus. We have forms with a list of equipment that our faculty fill out either for a full semester or one time use, and our work study students deliver the equipment to the classrooms.

The TV studio and photo lab are other areas we are responsible for. We do satellite events in Romita Auditorium, working with the faculty, students and administration. We also service many of the outside groups that come to the College.

We work closely with the Calendar Office, Special Events, CNR Drama, Academic Computing, External Relations and all the Housekeeping and Maintenance staffs. Also, I am a Senator on the College Senate and on several other college committees.

What are some of the new developments that the Mooney Center will soon have for students and faculty?

We continue to update and upgrade our classrooms with smartboards and DVD’s, CD’s, digital cameras and digital palmcorders. We work hand and hand with the College’s Academic Computing to keep up with the latest technology. Recently, for example, we completed a new Language Technology Center with the latest equipment that is available for all our students.

You also teach in the School of New Resources, Marie?

That’s right. I teach a variety of courses in both the undergraduate and graduate schools. My courses are usually focused in art and film and Introduction to Communications.

In your various roles here at The College of New Rochelle what gives you the most satisfaction?

What do you think makes the School of New Resources a special place for adult students?

From your experience teaching in SNR what sort of student does best at The College of New Rochelle?

Most students do well because they are determined to make changes in their lives. The students who come to the School of New Resources come with an agenda and a set of goals and work hard to achieve their dreams. All of these students are unique and bring with them different experiences and this meshing of experiences works well in the adult classes of SNR.