Friday, September 21, 2007
by: Jill Matthews

Seton Hall University announces the opening of its $35 million, state-of-the-art Science and Technology Center with a convocation ceremony featuring keynote speaker William N. Hait, Senior Vice President and Worldwide Head of Hematology and Oncology for Johnson & Johnson, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 27. Hait, invited to give the keynote address by the University’s College of Arts & Sciences, will discuss “Careers in Biomedical Research.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow at 5:30 p.m. To attend either event, you must RSVP to (973) 378-2658.

The new Center integrates cutting-edge technology into the students learning experience and reinforces Seton Hall’s commitment to science and technology research in addition to collaboration with private enterprises.

“As a leading Catholic university, Seton Hall plays a crucial role in forming today’s graduates whose values and education equip them to shape future scientific achievements,” said Monsignor Robert Sheeran, University President. “Seton Hall’s teaching approach lies at the nexus of faith and reason – and the new Science and Technology Center, combined with our values-based instruction, supports creative and cutting-edge scientific inquiry.”

The opening of the new Center provides a unique learning opportunity for undergraduates to participate in graduate-level research initiatives, working side-by-side with faculty researchers, Ph.D. candidates and other graduate science students who possess significant industry experience. The Center also provides science education and research opportunities to meet current and future needs for students seeking Ph.D. degrees, master’s degrees, and continuing education in the sciences.

In opening the Science and Technology Center, Seton Hall offers and seeks substantive research partnerships and collaboration with international leaders in the fields. Seton Hall’s proximity to the global leaders in science and technology, such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Exxon-Mobil, positions the University as a great industry resource and allows students and graduates to gain hands-on, real world experience.

About William N. Hait

William N. Hait was appointed Senior Vice President, Worldwide Head of Hematology and Oncology for Johnson & Johnson in March 2007.

Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Hait was the founding Director of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and Associate Dean for Oncology Programs at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School from January 1993 to March 2007. Under Dr. Hait’s leadership, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey was successful in obtaining cancer center designation from the National Cancer Institute in 1996 and received the National Cancer Institute’s highest designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2002.

Dr. Hait served as President of the American Cancer Society, Middlesex Unit in 1998 and is currently a member of their Board. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board of both the New Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition and Susan G. Komen Foundation and is an active member on Scientific Advisory Boards of several universities. He served on various committees for the American Association for Cancer Research (Chair, Clinical Cancer Research Committee), American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Association of American Cancer Institutes (Board of Directors), and the National Cancer Institute Board of Scientific Advisors. Dr. Hait has been elected president (2007-2008) of the American Association for Cancer Research.

For more information please contact:
University Advancement
(973) 378-2658
mattheji@shu.edu