News for the Rutgers IT community—December 16, 2022

As 2022 comes to a close and we engage in this joyous holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our Rutgers IT team.

I hope that during this well-deserved holiday break, you take some time to refresh, recharge, and reflect on the great things that you do, and the positive impact Rutgers IT has on the university.

We wanted to spread a little holiday cheer with you as well, so below please find a holiday-themed Q&A featuring some fun responses from your IT colleagues. Have a safe and joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.



Thank you,

Michele Norin

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Night vision goggles! I’d sit for hours as a kid staring out my bedroom window, watching for “intruders.” In reality, it was mostly squirrels, deer, and the occasional fox. Although, the following Christmas, I swore I spotted Santa across the street.

Charlie Collick, director of IT accessibility and instructional technology, OIT

My first smartphone, the iPhone 4. The concept of being able to access even GPS on my phone was mind-blowing at the time.

Katarina Kawash, department administrator, Rutgers University–Camden IT

A Raspberry Pi W, which was a total surprise delivery by Amazon as a gift.

Brian Boccardi, telecommunications analyst, OIT

My Sony a6000 camera. It’s a great beginner camera, and I take it on every trip I go on!

April Rastaetter, user support specialist/help desk supervisor, OIT

I was gifted a DJI drone.

Robert Medaska Jr., instructional design/technology specialist, Rutgers University–Newark



A Meta Quest 2 VR headset.

Susan Schwerdt, software licensing manager, OIT

I find the Oura ring very interesting as a health tracker. Also, a good gift idea for younger school-aged kids is a Gabb Watch or Gabb phone since they do not offer access to social media but allow for contact between family members and provide GPS tracking.

Anna Witek, web designer, Honors College, Rutgers University–New Brunswick

The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2. The 10 oz. Rose Gold one is a great gift option.

Susan Schwerdt, software licensing manager, OIT

UVBrite. It’s a self-cleaning water bottle that uses UV-C light to quickly purify your water on the go.

Brian Boccardi, telecommunications analyst, OIT

I think everyone should have a pair of AirPods Pro. They turned out to be one of the most life changing devices I have ever purchased.

Shane Whilden, associate director of computer services, Mason Gross School of Arts

I recommend an AirTag for all Apple users. You can’t go wrong with this gift. They’re great stocking stuffers and can be clipped on to or left inside of purses, wallets, keys, etc. You can even put them in a collar for your pet!

April Rastaetter, user support specialist/help desk supervisor, OIT

Smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, are a great tool for improving your overall health as it increases awareness of your biometrics; tracks your sleep, steps, and hydration; and serves as an activity journal.

Charlie Collick, director of IT accessibility and instructional technology, OIT



I recommend headphones. Bose, Beats, JBL, and Sony brand headphones are all great options.

Frances Ruff, secretarial assistant, Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

That’s a tough one for me because I love snowshoeing and skiing. I’ll go with snowshoeing. South Mountain Reservation is ten minutes from my house, and I can just toss the snowshoes in the car and be out there for an hour or so for an amazing workout.

Allan Hoffman, director of IT communications and marketing, OIT

My favorite outdoor winter activity is hiking. Yes, it’s cold, but not if you dress properly. I almost like it better than hiking in the summer—no bugs, fewer people, you don’t get sweaty, and without leaves on the trees, you get much better views. And if there’s snow on the ground, it’s even better! It is so peaceful in the woods after a snowfall.

Phil Wisneski, web developer, Office of Communications and Marketing in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences/New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

Riding my mountain bike in a field right after a snowfall.

Walter Morris, unit computing manager, Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science

Gathering firewood and having a roaring fire.

Adrienne Maltese, assistant telecommunications director, OIT

I enjoy hiking or exploring cities, especially with my AirPods Pro.

Shane Whilden, associate director of computer services, Mason Gross School of Arts

Ice skating, snow tubing, looking for the best holiday light displays, and having a mulled wine (Gluhwein) at the Philadelphia Christmas Village.

Ana Witek, web designer, Honors College, Rutgers University–New Brunswick

As a winter tradition, we visit Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania for their holiday special. They decorate beautifully with lights, and on a cold night, you can get some hot chocolate or hot apple cider as you walk the gardens!

April Rastaetter, user support specialist/help desk supervisor, OIT

Tobogganing is my favorite.

Robert Medaska Jr., instructional design/technology specialist, Rutgers University—Newark

I enjoy walking in the snow when it is falling at night. It’s very peaceful.

Deborah Smith, consulting application developer, OIT

Hiking right after a snowfall.

Katarina Kawash, department administrator, Rutgers University–Camden IT

Building igloos, snow forts, and tunnels! We rarely get enough snow for it these days, but when we do, I love to get out and play. It may seem odd, but I really love shoveling and snowplowing. It’s a great way to get out of the house when feeling cooped up and I feel like I’ve earned all the delicious snow day treats afterward. I’ll even stay out and help my neighbors once my house is finished. Any excuse to stay out in the snow!

Charlie Collick, director of IT accessibility and instructional technology, OIT



I enjoy going for walks. Usually, my husband and I walk around our neighborhood, Johnson Park in Piscataway, or our local mall to get our steps in.

Frances Ruff, secretarial assistant, Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps

I enjoy hiking in northwestern New Jersey, especially in the winter. There are no insects, few people, and bears are (hopefully) sleeping. I’m a member of the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference and use their trail maps to plan routes and review elevations in advance. One of my favorite hikes is the Coppermine Trail, a segment of the Appalachian Trail north of the Delaware Water Gap. It’s a steep climb, but then the trail becomes level as we walk across the top of the mountains.

Karen De Chino, IST Analyst, School of Dental Medicine