Georgian Court University Magazine

Bringing the Benefits Home
Natalie Hernandez was simply looking for an interesting
summer job when a friend’s introduction helped her land
an internship that would lead to a goal-affirming experience.
The 21-year-old spent the summer of 2009 with the
Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (LLANJ) in New
Brunswick. The statewide group, which was founded 10 years
ago at Rutgers University, is comprised of more than 400 Latino
leaders who work toward political, social, and economic equity
for Latinos in New Jersey. The organization has also spearheaded
successful health and education initiatives, such as vaccination
education, and many others. Seeing its impact, especially in
urban areas, is an inspiration, says Natalie.
“I chose to intern with them because they are very involved
with the Latino community and that is important to me,” she
says. “But they don’t leave anyone else out, either. They are
very committed to improving conditions for all people.”
Natalie, a senior sociology major, is the daughter of
immigrants from the Dominican Republic. She grew up in
Perth Amboy and attended a high school where students—
most of them black and Latino—were not encouraged to
pursue collegiate goals beyond attending two-year schools.
“They didn’t say ‘pursue your dream.’ They weren’t
pushing students,” she recalls. “They were basically telling
kids to live up to a stereotype.”
But there’s nothing stereotypical about Natalie.
She’s busy enough with her major classes, and her minor
in political science. And then there’s the time she puts in as
Student Government Association secretary for the Class
of 2010, and as a member of Women in Leadership
Development (WILD) and the Latin American Student
Organization (LASO).
After graduation, she intends to pursue her master’s degree
in urban policy and ultimately, return to Perth Amboy to work
with urban residents and inspire others to get active in politics,
schools, and their own well-being. It’s a plan that allows her to
use her Georgian Court education and experiences—personal
and professional—to help the next generation of high school
students achieve great things.
Irish Afternoon a Success
Dr. Ronan Tynan
D
octor-turned-tenor Ronan Tynan was a hit with guests
at Georgian Court’s 28 th Annual Irish Afternoon,
the popular GCU event that celebrates all things Irish.
Dr. Tynan sang familiar Broadway songs, Irish classics,
and few contemporary pieces, and bringing in the worldfamous
singer, who was a member of the famed Irish
Tenors before going solo in 2004, made for another
successful year, says Mary Cranwell ’82, ’97, GCU director
of conferences and special events.
The popular performer and multiple gold-medal
Paralympics athlete (he lost both legs in a car accident
in his 20s) grew up singing in his native Dublin, and in
college, sang for free beer in local pubs. He didn’t begin
formal voice studies until he was in his 30s and starting
a career in orthopedic sports medicine.
Since then, he has performed for audiences around
the world, and at several White House events. He also is
a favorite on the sports circuit, and has performed for the
New York Yankees, Buffalo Sabres, and at the Belmont
Stakes. The celebrated singer is known for his ability to reach
listeners across diverse genres, including opera, classical
crossover, contemporary Christian, and world music.
“He has quite a following, and he had never been
in this area before,” says Ms. Cranwell, who estimates
the performance drew about 500 fans at the March 28
performance in the Strand Theater. Plans are underway for
the 2010 Irish Afternoon, which should be just as interesting.
“When the Sisters of Mercy—who were established
in Dublin, Ireland—came to New Jersey, there was a large
Irish-American community here,” says Ms. Cranwell.
“That’s a draw that makes this annual event a success.
We like to connect with the Irish-American community
at that special time of year, and, of course, everyone is
Irish on St. Patrick's Day.”
Natalie Hernandez
GEORGIAN COURT UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE | 27