News for the Rutgers IT community—December 12, 2023

Enjoy winter and holiday-themed Q&A from various Rutgers IT staff members, highlights from the Rutgers IT 2022-2023 annual review, and online holiday shopping tips.

Photo courtesy of Keith Burkert, Unit Computing Manager, Institutional Planning and Operations

My yearly trip into New York City for the holidays with my sister. We have been making this trip for 38 years. We take the train into the city and then go to Macy’s to see the real Santa—because as everyone knows from “Miracle on 34^th Street,” the real Santa is at Macy’s. We then go up Fifth Avenue and see all the store windows. We head to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and have lunch. After lunch, we stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and light candles for those in our family who have passed. Then, we head back down the other side of Fifth Avenue to see the windows on that side; a quick detour to Times Square to see the New Year’s Eve ball, and finally we end the trip taking the train home to get dinner. It’s a cherished family tradition.

Keith Burkert, Unit Computing Manager, Institutional Planning and Operations

Go to New York City to see shows.

Liyaa Chen, IST Analyst, Office of Information Technology

Every year, my wife and I drive around aimlessly, just to observe the Christmas light decorations that various homes around the neighborhood took the time to put up. This year, there is a “best of lights” page on Facebook which gives addresses in various towns, of homeowners who want their light displays advertised. We will also drive to Skylands Stadium in Augusta and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel to participate in their “drive through” light shows.

Louis Lokuta, Unit Computing Manager, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers–New Brunswick

My favorite tradition spans several generations—watching and awaiting with anticipation of the arrival of Santa at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! It’s my favorite memory as a child, then as a parent with my children, and now as a grandparent to my grandbabies! Watching their faces light up melts my heart! 

Joni Loftus-Squillaro, Director, Enterprise Infrastructure, Office of Information Technology

Setting up the outdoor decorations with lights and inflatables that bring smiles to everyone.

Nirmal Sadarangani, Unit Computing Manager, Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology

Ice skating on our lake.

Eric Olstad, Systems Programmer, Enterprise Service Delivery, Office of Information Technology

Going in search of and mapping out houses and yards that are decorated with lights, ornaments, scenes, or music by a radio station for the end of year holidays (Diwali, Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa…). Always in awe of the efforts put out by folks to celebrate with light at this time of year!

Susan Oldenburg, Senior Research Specialist, Office of Advanced Research Computing

Photo courtesy of Allan Hoffman, Director of IT Communications and Marketing, Office of Information Technology

I’m really into making (and eating) potato latkes!

Allan Hoffman, Director of IT Communications and Marketing, Office of Information Technology

Prime rib roast and sweet potatoes.

Michael DePasquale, IT Manager, Enterprise Service Delivery, Office of Information Technology

Sweet potato pie with whipped cream, and eggnog on the side.

Vern Chhibber, Director of Technology Services, Rutgers School of Health Professions

My Nana's Shoo-Fly Pie. It's simple, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch (German/Swiss) recipe made with molasses, butter, and flour, baked in a pie crust and lovely with ice cream.

Catharine Tarquinio, Information Security Awareness and Training Analyst, Information Security Office, Office of Information Technology

Not a meal, but always love pecan pie on Thanksgiving Day.

Raj Thannir, IT Manager, Office of Institutional Research

Green bean casserole that my wife makes.

Avram Paris, IT Manager, Enterprise Infrastructure, Office of Information Technology

I smoke two turkeys using different flavor brines. There are never any leftovers because everyone goes back for thirds.

Michael Radano, Telecommunications Analyst, Enterprise Infrastructure, Office of Information Technology

Just in time for the holidays, the Rutgers IT 2022-2023 annual review is available. Check out record-breaking data and a wide variety of IT projects and initiatives that continue to advance the university’s missions of teaching, research, service, and healthcare.

Don't forget to share the annual review with faculty and staff in your departments and units this holiday season! It's the gift that keeps on giving.

Don't fall for fake offers or traps from cyber "Grinches" this holiday season. Instead, follow these five online shopping tips to help ensure a safe experience when stocking up for your loved ones this year. Make sure to spread the word about cybersecurity as you're spreading holiday cheer.