Success Was His Tradition - Alumni Home

Transcription

Statement
Spring 2012
The Magazine for SUNY Fredonia Alumni and Friends
Success Was
His Tradition
The campus prepares to say goodbye to
the man who has led it since 1996 – and
taken SUNY Fredonia to a new level of
distinction in the process.
Pardon Our Progress
Capital Ideas
Global Power
Five major construction projects are in
varying stages of completion, all of which
will improve the quality of student life
for generations to come.
The Doors to Success Capital Campaign
surpassed its $15 million goal – by more
than $1 million – ensuring the future success
of countless students.
Geosciences Professor Gary Lash is
named by Foreign Policy magazine as
one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers in 2011,
for “upending the geopolitics of energy.”
Statement
Spring 2012
COLLEGE BEATS
16 College of Arts and Sciences 19 School of Business
Professor Gary Lash is named to
Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global
Thinkers of 2011.
16
18 College of Education
A unique student teaching experience
is growing in popularity, thanks to a
successful partnership with New York
City public schools.
10 Pardon Our Progress
Dr. Paul Holmes’ research is
gaining fans among various
national sports writers.
20 Youth is Served
At just 27, Ashley Nosek, ’05,
designed the New Era caps
worn by the Stanley Cup and
World Series Champions.
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21 Stellar Students
Junior Meagan Allers has made a difference
in the lives of children suffering from cancer –
and benefited her campus in the process.
22 From Worst to First
Reilly Condidorio overcame a devastating knee injury
to become Fredonia’s first All-American in women’s
soccer and the Blue Devils’ all-time leading scorer –
and she still has one year left to play.
From academic buildings to student life
amenities, the campus will soon offer
students more benefits than ever.
14 Capital Ideas
24 25 More than 90 South Korean students are
joining campus this spring.
As the Doors to Success campaign
comes to a close, we hear from two of its
leaders as to how their team was able to
exceed its goal – by more than $1 million.
Distinguished Washington, D.C. attorney and
alumnus Dale Cooter, ’70, will serve as 2012’s
Commencement speaker.
26 Fall Wrap Up: Visits from “Guitar Hero”developer
Karthik Bala, polling expert John Zogby and
world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma (left, leading
a Master Class) were among the highlights.
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4
26
Success Was His Tradition
A look back at the career of SUNY
Fredonia President Dennis Hefner
as he prepares to retire.
Children and Grandchildren of Alumni Scholarships
10
Alumni and Campus Events Calendar
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
First Day of Classes
Alumni Board Meeting
Monday, Jan. 23
Campus
Diversity Summit
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.
King Concert Hall
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Maura Cullen
Pink the Rink
Friday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m.
Steele Hall
$5/adults; $2/non-Fredonia
students; Free for Fredonia
students with student ID
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 3:15 p.m.
Alumni House
286 Central Ave.
Sarasota, Fla.
Luncheon Boat Cruise
Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m.
Marina Jacks II, 2 Marina Plaza
Sarasota, FL 34236
$30/person
San Diego, Calif.
Alumni Breakfast
Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m.
Atoll Restaurant,
Catamaran Resort and Spa
3999 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109
$15/person
28 Class Notes
33 Career Corner
West Hollywood, Calif.
Alumni Breakfast
Sunday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m.
Andaz West Hollywood
RH Restaurant
8401 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
$25/person
Delray Beach, Fla.
Brunch Boat Cruise
Sunday, Feb. 19,
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lady Atlantic
801 E. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33483
$25/person
Several $1,000 Children and Grandchildren of Alumni Scholarships are available for the 2012-13 academic year. Criteria and applications may be
obtained at www.fredonia.edu/alumni, under “Scholarships” in the right-hand column. Please mail a completed, typed application along with all
reference letters to: Office of Alumni Affairs, 286 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY 14063 no later than April 1.
Admissions Events
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
Monday, Feb. 20
New York City
Alumni Reception
Chicago, Ill.
Alumni Reception
School of Music
Convocation
Class of 1962 Reunion
Homecoming Weekend
Freedonia Marxonia
Festival
Presidents’ Day Open House
Fredonia Chamber Choir
to perform.
Thursday, March 8, 5-8 p.m.
(Cash Bar)
Torch Club of NYU
18 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10003
$20/person
Thursday, April 12, 5-7 p.m.
Midwest Young Artists
878 Lyster Road
Highwood, IL 60040
Lancaster, Pa.
Alumni Reception
Held in conjunction with
Pennsylvania Music Educators
Association Conference
Friday, April 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Lancaster Co. Convention Center
3 E. Vine St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
Annual Concerto
Competition
Sunday, April 29, 1 p.m.
King Concert Hall
Friday, May 4, 3 p.m.
Rosch Recital Hall
Wednesday, May 9, 3:15 p.m.
Alumni House
286 Central Ave.
Commencement
Saturday, May 12
10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Steele Hall
Dale Cooter, ‘70, Speaker
(See page 25)
Saturday, June 9
Campus
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 28-30
Campus
JULY
OCTOBER
FSU Alumni
Golf Tournament
Family Weekend
Monday, July 30
Shorewood Country Club
Dunkirk, NY 14048
AUGUST
Wednesday, Aug. 8, 3:15 p.m.
Alumni House,
286 Central Ave.
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 26-28
Campus
Scholars Breakfast
Saturday, Oct. 27
Campus
By invitation only
Saturday, Nov. 3
Campus
Saturday, March 3
1980s Jazz Concert –
Syracuse Reunion
Saturday, March 31
Saturday Visit
Saturday, Nov.10
Location and Time TBD
Admitted Student Reception
Alumni Board
Annual Meeting
Saturday Visit
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 3:15 p.m.
Alumni House
286 Central Ave.
Please check the Alumni Portal as details are confirmed, http://alumni.fredonia.edu
Saturday, April 21
Saturday, June 16
June Preview Day
To learn more, visit:
fredonia.edu/admissions/
visiting.asp or call
1-800-252-1212.
Statement
Alumni and friends invited to special
New York City gathering
Volume 40, No. 2, Spring 2012
Fredonia Chamber Choir to perform; part of new School of Music touring initiative
Editor
Michael Barone
Assistant Editor
Lisa Eikenburg, APR
Designer
Patty Herkey
Photographers
Roger Coda, Lori Deemer
Contributing Writers
Emily Bird, Roger Coda, Tracy Collingwood,
Christine Davis Mantai, Patricia Feraldi, Raul Lopez,
Audrey Procopio and Jerry Reilly
Production Manager
Paula Warren
CLASS NOTES
The Fredonia Alumni Association will host a gathering for alumni
and friends in New York City on Thursday, March 8, at New York
University’s famed Torch Club.
Through the assistance of Judy Cope, executive director of the
Sorel Organization, and Wende Persons, ’74, program director of
Artists to Watch in New York, SUNY Fredonia alumni and guests
will be welcomed by the exclusive Torch Club for a memorable
evening reception.
The Fredonia Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gerald Gray,
will perform at the alumni gathering as part of a new School of Music
touring initiative. Following the performance, the choir will enjoy the
Voices of Ascension Concert at the Church of the Ascension on 5th
and Bethlehem (all near Albany). Similarly, Fredonia’s Percussion
Ensemble will perform at St. Edmunds Academy, as well as at high
schools in Norwin and Bethel Park, Pa., near Pittsburgh.
“In March 2013, other groups will tour, and they will rotate such
that each zone gets a very different experience,” explained School of
Music Director Karl Boelter.
Separate from this initiative, the Fredonia Guitar Quartet will
tour Germany and France over Spring Break (March 9 to 15).
They will perform in Nuremberg, Colmar, Nancy and Ludres,
before ending in Paris. The touring concept provides numerous benefits for the university,
as it not only enhances the School of Music’s reputation and strengthens
Avenue and 10th Street. Tickets for this event were purchased for the
students by the Alumni Association.
Borne of a suggestion raised during the School of Music’s Alumni
Leadership Conference in the summer of 2010, the School of Music
has designed a three-prong travel path for its student ensembles during
the Spring 2012 semester to tour high schools and other venues. Thus,
in addition to the New York University performance, the choir will
also showcase its talents on Long Island at Freeport High School,
and at Liberty High School northwest of the city, during the week
of March 5. They will also see a performance of New York’s famed
Metropolitan Opera.
Meanwhile, Fredonia’s Brass Ensemble will visit high schools in
Irondequoit (near Rochester), as well as Schenectady, Guilderland
its alumni relations, but it also provides an excellent recruiting
opportunity for students considering all types of majors.
“We also want to make sure that our students get a great experience
out of this,” Dr. Boelter added. “They seem very excited about these
new opportunities.”
The Fredonia College Foundation established and maintains the
Ensemble Tour Fund, which will help ensure that future generations
of students have similar life-changing opportunities. If you would
like to consider a gift to this fund, please contact June Miller-Spann,
’94, ’02, the Fredonia College Foundation’s liaison to the School of
Music, at (716) 673-3321. You can also give online at www.fredonia.
edu/giveonline/ensembletour.
Donna Venn
College Council
Frank Pagano (Chair), Cynthia Ahlstrom, Angelo Bennice,
Michael Cerrie, Russell Diethrick Jr., Dr. Robert Heichberger,
Jordan Nicholson (student member), JoAnn Niebel and
Carla Westerlund
Fredonia College Foundation
Board of Directors
Debra Horn Stachura (Chair), Meagan Allers (student member),
Phillip Belena, Carol Boltz, David Carnahan, Terry Clifton,
Robert Coon, Dennis Costello, Jeffrey Fancher, Carla Giambrone,
Dr. Greg Gibbs, Amos Goodwine Jr., Betty Catania Gossett,
Walter Gotowka, Dr. Dennis Hefner, Richard Johnson, CPA;
Deborah Kathman, Dr. Jeffery Kelly, Jean Malinoski, David
Mancuso, Cathy Marion, Dr. Michael Marletta, Kurt Maytum,
Judy Metzger, Michael Petsky, Daniel Reininga, Dr. Susan Schall,
Michael Schiavone, James Stroud, Dr. David Tiffany, Carol Ward
and Thomas Waring Jr. Honorary Members: Dr. Rocco Doino,
Gileen French, Dr. Richard Gilman, Stan Lundine, Douglas
Manly, Robert Maytum, James Mintun Jr., Dr. J. Brien Murphy,
Edward Steele, Kenneth Strickler and Nancy Yocum.
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Dr. Greg Gibbs (President), Eileen Star Batrouny, Diane
Rzepkowski Chodan, April Diodato, Betsy Dixon-Lang, Dr. David
Fountaine, Dr. Dennis Hefner, Emma Sharp McFayden, Dennis
McGrath, Esq.; Darrin Paschke, Patrick Newell, Daniel Parker,
Kevin Porteus, Tammy Wilson Pryor, Christopher P. Reybrouck,
Robert J. Smith, Carol A.J. Stanley, James Sturm, Dr. David Tiffany,
Clifton Turner, Dr. Sherryl Weems and Laura Bonomo Wrubel.
Published biannually by the Office of Public Relations at the State
University of New York at Fredonia, 272 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY
14063, (716) 673-3323. Periodical postage paid at Fredonia, NY and
at additional mailing offices. The Statement is mailed to alumni,
parents, graduate students, faculty and staff, and friends of the university.
Articles may be reprinted without permission.
Dear Alumni and Friends,
For the last few years, President Dennis Hefner and I have shared the authorship of
this letter. However in this, his final issue at the helm, I thought it would be appropriate
to be the sole author, and share the alumni association’s perspective as to what he has
meant to SUNY Fredonia and its graduates.
Dennis Hefner has been a regular attendee of our Alumni Board meetings. He has
shared with us his vision and thoughts on the university. He’s led in such a way that we
all wanted to embrace his vision of Fredonia and become an active part of that journey.
Regardless of what year each of us graduated, he has helped us all feel like an active part
of the campus ethos that is fresh and alive today.
Dr. Hefner was responsible for securing both the Alumni House and the Foundation
House as operations bases, and has further helped them become campus landmarks over
the years and gathering places for generations of graduates.
The Alumni Association has enjoyed a long and personal connection with President
Hefner. He has helped us grow and remain a vital part of the university’s connection
from its past to its future. He was a mainstay at every Homecoming Weekend, and made
numerous trips to alumni reunions across the world. We have all felt a kinship with
Dennis, and that has made us united in our hopes and dreams for SUNY Fredonia.
So many campus projects have been accomplished in the Hefner years: the CranstonMarché, the revitalization of the Williams Center, the new Science Center, University
Stadium, the Campus and Community Children’s Center, the new Robert and Marilyn
Maytum Music Rehearsal Halls, the renovation of Maytum Hall, the natatorium and
additions to Dods Hall, the Technology Incubator in downtown Dunkirk – all are
lasting monuments to President Dennis Hefner’s vision for the campus, and his ability
to persuade and be a successful financier of these projects in tough economic times.
On behalf of all alumni, I would like to wish him and his wife, Jan, the very best as
they begin the new chapter in their lives that they have so deservedly earned, and we send
along a heartfelt “thank you” for helping SUNY Fredonia become the prestigious university
that it is today.
Sincerely,
Where Success is a Tradition
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Statement | Spring 2012
Greg K. Gibbs, Ph.D.
President, Fredonia Alumni Association
alumni.fredonia.edu
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Cover Story
Success was his tradition
The campus prepares to say goodbye to the man
who gave Fredonia everything he had – to make
Fredonia everything it is.
A tall, thin man with a grey beard walks hurriedly to his next
meeting, briefing a new hire about student recruitment strategies
and Albany politics.
Suddenly, the man stops and begins walking through some fresh
mulch outside of Thompson Hall – even though it has just rained,
and he’s wearing a suit and dress shoes. None of that matters as
much as removing the bit of garbage that has blown into the freshly
planted flowers.
Talk about leading by example.
At the end of the spring semester, SUNY Fredonia will be faced
with the departure of Dr. Dennis Hefner, its campus leader since 1996.
At nearly 66, he is the longest-serving President in the history of the
modern Fredonia campus, and the second-longest active President
among the four-year SUNY campuses.
While his longevity is impressive, it pales in comparison to his
accomplishments.
President Hefner directed a period of tremendous growth on campus,
highlighted by undergraduate enrollment growth of more than 1,000
students – a 25 percent jump that improved SUNY Fredonia’s rank
to third among four-year colleges in Western New York. Graduate
enrollment has doubled, minority students have quadrupled, and
international students have leaped by a magnitude of 10.
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alumni.fredonia.edu
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Cover Story
Cover Story
“He helped us envision what we
could become, and then led us there.
He showed such genuine excitement
at the potential he saw in this campus.”
Karen West ,
Senior Director of Development
Just as importantly, Dr. Hefner – who himself is a product of two
state universities (California State University-Chico, and Washington
State University) – recognized the influence a public university has
over a region. He took a leadership role at both the county and state
levels, which helped bring about meaningful growth and change. In
many ways, he helped improve the way the region is perceived across
the state – and even how the area’s residents think about themselves.
But when asked about what he is most proud of, statistics are not
the first thing to come to mind for SUNY Fredonia’s top economist.
“I’m very proud of the way our faculty and staff have come together
to act as a unified team. One of my and Jan’s key goals has been to let
every employee know they are valued, through activities such as the
all-campus party and the inclusive approach used at the all-campus
general meetings. Because of this team approach, our faculty and staff
have responded positively to our ever-changing economic environment,”
says Dr. Hefner, who is quick to add that he was forced to cut the campus
budget in all but two of his 16 academic years. “We’ve had some tough
times, but we always managed to keep our students’ interests front
and center. We couldn’t throw money at our problems, so we needed
a collaborative effort to generate creative solutions. Jan and I worked
hard at that, and we’ve seen this campus come together in ways that
I could only have dreamed. I hope that level of inclusiveness and
collaboration will be seen as a lasting legacy.”
That’s a sentiment with which thousands across campus agree,
including Senior Director of Development Karen West, whose tenure
at Fredonia spans multiple capacities with multiple presidents. The
one-time director of college relations-turned-fundraiser assisted the
search committee which selected President Hefner by giving his wife,
Jan, her first tour of the campus and community.
“Dennis brought a can-do attitude,” she explains. “He helped us
envision what we could become, and then led us there. He showed such
genuine excitement at the potential he saw in this campus. His grasp of
the budgeting process and his ability to create a positive atmosphere
are the hallmarks of his career. He didn’t just understand it. He was
able to make it work.”
President Hefner is, of course, pleased with the enrollment growth,
6
as well as the building programs, which he recognizes as “a major
point of pride for people on this campus.” These structures spanned
academic and student life, and included the Natatorium, University
Commons, Rosch Recital Hall, University Stadium, the Sound
Recording Studio, the Campus and Community Children’s Center,
the Technology Incubator, the Robert and Marilyn Maytum Music
Rehearsal Halls, and the new $60 million Science Center, set to open
in 2014. In addition, he led major renovations of the iconic I.M. Pei
buildings, including Maytum Hall and the Williams Center, as well
as a planned $40 million expansion of the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts
Center. All totaled, he secured approximately $360 million in capital
construction funding for the campus during his tenure.
More than this, however, most people associate President Hefner as
being the face of SUNY Fredonia, a reputation earned largely because
of his physical presence at so many on- and off-campus events.
“I’ve never seen anyone be more places at once than Dennis,” jokes
Frank Pagano, who served as mayor of the village of Fredonia when
Dr. Hefner arrived and now serves as Chair of the Fredonia College
Council. “We formed a close bond between the college and village,
and always cooperated. We completed a number of initiatives that
were beneficial to both entities. His leadership has brought the college
and community closer together, and those are qualities I will miss.”
“When I think of President Hefner and all of his accomplishments
and contributions to the community during his 16-year tenure with
the college, his boundless enthusiasm, genuine compassion, and tireless
work ethic shine through,” says New York State Senator Catharine
Young, who has been a strong partner and advocate for the college,
serving as its Commencement speaker in 2009. “That’s why he has
become one of the most transformative presidents, not just at Fredonia,
but within the entire SUNY system’s history.”
Indeed, President Hefner understood that the community was
critical to the success of the college, and vice versa. This was clearly
exhibited when he served on the board of the former Northern
Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce and helped its leaders embrace
the idea of moving to a singular, county-wide chamber.
“He helped this county embrace the idea that we are one community,”
downstate politicians who, during election years, would proudly
Ms. West adds. “A local graduate from the 1950s came up to me
announce that they voted, “no,” to proposed tuition increases.
recently and said that the ‘town-gown’ relationship has never been
Ironically, it was the campus president located the furthest from
stronger, and that is directly attributable to Dennis Hefner.”
Albany who provided one of the strongest and most tireless voices
Those sentiments are echoed by Doug Manly, the retired chief
against those practices. Dr. Hefner argued that SUNY was one of the
executive officer of Fredonia’s Red Wing Co., and a former and now
best solutions to the state’s economic problems – provided that it was
honorary member of the Fredonia College Foundation Board of
funded properly. It took 15 years, but New York State finally voted
Directors who, together with his late wife, Ann, has been one of the
a five-year rational tuition policy into law in 2011, with the support
campus’ staunchest supporters.
of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Today, the campus has much greater
“I have lived in Fredonia for 54 years and have been closely interested
financial stability than it has had for a long time.
in SUNY Fredonia during all of that period,” Mr. Manly says. “Since
“Dennis Hefner will leave Fredonia, and the SUNY system as a
Dennis has been president, he has developed a closer communication
whole, much better than he found it,” says SUNY Chancellor Nancy
between the university and business leaders at many levels.”
L. Zimpher. “He can be proud, as we are, of his staunch advocacy over
As important as these paradigm shifts were, his biggest contribution
the years for a rational tuition policy, his emphasis on blending the
to the community is likely the Technology Incubator, which he
lines between research and teaching, and his dynamic ability to bring
concepted and made a reality in late 2009. Despite having a nearly
the local community together with the campus.
250-acre campus to work with, Dr. Hefner saw the importance of putting
“He has transformed the college into an economic powerhouse for
this new facility in an area where it could do the most good for the most
the region and an academic jewel for the state,” Dr. Zimpher adds.
people. He worked for years with lawmakers and other leaders at the
“When President Hefner steps down, SUNY will lose a great leader,
local, county, state and federal levels to make the project a reality. As a
but keep a valuable advocate and great friend.”
result, just two years after its doors opened, the new downtown Dunkirk
His lobbying efforts were valued on campus as well, as he formed
facility is operating several years ahead of its initial projections, with 16
advocacy groups consisting of faculty, staff, students, union represenstart-up companies occupying nearly two-thirds of its space. It has
tatives, area business leaders and elected officials. He organized letter
already produced several “graduate” companies that are now operating
writing campaigns and encouraged organizations to adopt resolutions
on their own in the community, and recently passed the 50 “newly
created jobs” threshold. It has become a fountain
of real-world experience for dozens of interns
representing numerous disciplines every semester.
“He is a fierce advocate for SUNY Fredonia, the
Best of all, it is the cornerstone of the economic
revitalization efforts in downtown Dunkirk.
students’ greatest promoter and supporter, and
“President Hefner’s work and legacy are not
a tireless advocate for making higher education just visible within the confines of the campus, but
extend well into the entire community and region,”
attainable and worthwhile for every student.”
adds Senator Young. “Since opening its doors
over two years ago, the Technology Incubator
Patrick Newell,
President, Class of 2008 and member, Fredonia Alumni Association Board of Directors
already has proven to be a major force in economic
development in our region. I worked closely with
in support of SUNY’s importance to the region, which were sent to
President Hefner to make this resource a reality, and already 16 start-up
lawmakers. He appealed to influential alumni from all across the state
companies are adding innovation, economic growth and jobs.”
to voice their approval, and helped clear up misconceptions associated
“The final result of his work has been the establishment of the new
with financial aid implications.
incubator and the movement to establish a School of Business,” says
“I had long known that President Hefner had a sure hand for managing
Manly, whose wife served on Dr. Hefner’s search committee and
campus resources, a sensitive ear for picking up rumblings from Albany,
often said her greatest contribution was as a member of the Fredonia
and a keen eye for seeing changes coming on the horizon,” says Dr.
College Council. “He leaves behind a legacy of work well done.”
Bruce Simon, a professor of English who served as both chair and
That legacy extends to the opposite end of the state, where Dr. Hefner
vice chair of Fredonia’s University Senate during this advocacy, and
was known throughout the hallways of SUNY headquarters and the
supported Dr. Hefner in several rational tuition concepts. “However,
State Legislature in Albany. While many looked forward to visits from,
it wasn’t until I saw firsthand how Dennis guided us through the worst
“The Candy Man,” as he was dubbed for the homemade caramels and
fiscal storm since the 1970s that I truly appreciated what his resolute
fudge he would bring, they valued his efforts in the push for tuition
leadership and vast experience have meant to SUNY Fredonia.”
reform legislation even more – although things didn’t start out that way.
Dr. Hefner’s influence on alumni has also been substantial. Not
“I began pushing for rational tuition during my first year here,”
only does he make an appearance at virtually every one of the scores
Dr. Hefner says of the concept of setting a series of small, manageable,
of Homecoming events each year, he’s often seen at alumni gatherings
predictable increases to tuition. This policy, he argued, would allow
across the country, and has played a major role in the development
SUNY campuses to better forecast their revenue, improve their ability
efforts of the Fredonia College Foundation.
to provide students with classes, and compete more effectively.
“The most recognizable figure, both on our campus and off, is
“When I met with the Buffalo News in February of 1997 and asked
President Dennis Hefner,” agrees Director of Alumni Affairs Patty
them to write that first editorial in favor of a rational tuition plan, it
Feraldi. “During the last 16 years, any person – current student or
actually caused great consternation within SUNY, which was totally
graduate – who has had any connection with the university, has had
opposed to anything like that at the time.”
an opportunity to meet him. He has attended numerous alumni
As the years went on, he had many converts. SUNY was repeatedly
events all over the globe and established wonderful relationships with
dealt funding cuts by the state legislature, which used tuition as a
our alumni. No matter what year you graduated, he has been a familiar
political football – and used SUNY as a piggy bank to solve funding
and welcoming presence to all. He will be missed.”
riddles for other state business. This was most often seen among
alumni.fredonia.edu
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Cover Story
President Hefner was part of the move-in crew in 1997, his first fall
on campus, to help new and returning students unload their cars and
get settled in their rooms.
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Vietnam War survivor and author Kim Phuc
inscribes a book for Dr. Hefner following her 2001 Maytum Convocation Lecture.
She was immortalized as a child via an iconic Associated Press photo, which
was taken as she ran, naked and terrified, from her village during an attack.
The Hefners were all smiles during the 2008 Pink the Rink game, the men’s
hockey team’s innovative American Cancer Society fundraiser. The event
resulted in international coverage for SUNY Fredonia, including stories
from CNN, the Associated Press, “Good Morning America” and ESPN.
The president enjoys a laugh with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma
during a reception following an unforgettable performance in
King Concert Hall with the College Symphony in December 2011.
He has also supported the growth of the Career Development Office
which, in addition to helping students find internships and jobs, also
assists Fredonia graduates with job search and career advancement
advice at any stage of their career, and aids alumni seeking wellqualified employee and intern candidates.
Dr. Hefner has also overseen a steady stream of famous guests,
be they accomplished performers, political leaders, famous authors,
captains of industry and the academic elite. Names such as Robert
F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Maya Angelou and Ralph Nader were common
during his tenure, and consistently reminded internal and external
audiences of the steady climb SUNY Fredonia was making in terms
of its overall excellence as an institutional of higher learning.
“I started with Isaac Stern and ended with Yo-Yo Ma,” he laughs,
referring to two of the most gifted classical musicians the world has
ever known who visited campus in 1997 and 2011, respectively, and
served as bookends to his tenure. “That’s pretty good.”
For all of his accomplishments, President Hefner says there are some
things that have not yet been addressed to his standards, including
ensuring that retention and graduation rates are more consistent across
all ethnic groups, and improving the retention rates of newly hired faculty.
Also, despite the $360 million in construction funds he secured during
what many have come to refer to as a “second building renaissance”
in the campus’ history, he wishes he could have obtained more.
“We’re still two major buildings behind where I think we need
to be,” he says.
He also knows there are still many opportunities for future growth
and areas of distinction for the next president to focus on.
“My philosophy has always been to build on your strengths, and
that’s why we have expanded music, education, the sciences and
communication,” says Dr. Hefner. “As we move forward and receive
accreditation [from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business] – and we’re well along that path – and as our incubator keeps
bringing us greater recognition for our accomplishments in economic
development, I think that the School of Business will be seen as another
strength of the campus. We will continue to be strong in multiple areas –
and that, of course, is what any campus wants. You don’t want to be
known for just one program; you want to be known for many.”
Some have wondered what made him choose to retire now. As 2011
progressed, he explains, he recognized that this was the perfect time,
because SUNY Fredonia was very well positioned to attract a successful
pool of candidates to succeed him. The rational tuition plan he
fought so hard to obtain was being enacted into law. The university
was nearing the end of its five-year strategic and capital construction
plans, with funding secured for several highly anticipated new buildings.
Plus, Fredonia’s enrollment is as strong as it has ever been, both in
terms of the quantity and quality of its students.
“I’ve always felt that campuses deserve to have change. Change is
good for universities,” Dr. Hefner insists. “Plus we had everything in
place to position Fredonia as strongly as it has ever been. This is a
terrific opportunity for someone – and for the campus as well.”
That opportunity is starting to take shape quickly, as more than 50
applications were received for the open presidency as of mid December.
If all goes as planned, a group of finalists will be selected in January,
with on-campus interviews to follow and a recommendation made to
Chancellor Zimpher by mid-February. If approved, the new president
would transition over the summer.
Until then, however, it is business as usual for President Hefner.
He is still going to every student event he can possibly squeeze into
a day: sporting events, concerts, plays, musicals, recitals, presentations,
and career fairs. He attends a variety of economic development
functions at the local and county levels. He travels to Albany and
to alumni gatherings across the country as needed. In other words,
he’s doing everything he has for the last 16 years.
“He’s always been immersed in this campus and our student
activities,” West confirms. “I have seen him go to events from 8 a.m.
straight through to 11 p.m., smiling the whole time. Students know
that he’s there for them.”
Those sentiments are echoed by students today, and were shared by
many who came before them, including Patrick Newell, who served
as President of the Class of 2008 and now serves on the Fredonia
Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
“The man you see on stage and shaking hands at every campus
event is the man you meet with in private,” explains Mr. Newell.
“He is a fierce advocate for SUNY Fredonia, the students’ greatest
promoter and supporter, and a tireless advocate for making higher
education attainable and worthwhile for every student. He is as much
a part of SUNY Fredonia as the buildings that he helped construct.”
There have been many memorable highlights for President Hefner,
far too many to list. He does, however, count one day as extra special:
Sept. 12, 2001, the day after the infamous terrorist attacks.
“We held a program to bring the campus together to talk about what
had happened the day before, and at the end of the program, there was an
opportunity for students to come forward and talk about their feelings,”
he recalls. “More than 40 students came forward to speak about relatives
and friends that they hadn’t heard from and were concerned about.”
On that day, he says, he learned as much as anybody. He was
impressed by the “Peace Pole” outside of Mason Hall, around which
people spontaneously placed letters, poems, pottery and other creations.
“Listening to those students was one of the most moving experiences
I’ve ever had in my entire life,” he says.
Students have always been his paramount focus, and that will
continue well after he has retired. He and Jan have set up the Hefner
Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, designed to provide a
substantial annual scholarship for low-income, academically highperforming students. The initial award, which is expected to be
among the most prestigious on campus, will be made to a freshman
and renewable up to three years. (See sidebar for more details.)
The Hefners, however, will be monitoring their scholarship from a
distance – from Cary, North Carolina, to be exact, the site of the new
home they purchased during the January break. They understand the
need to allow the new president to get established without having a
predeccesor looking over his or her shoulder.
“I’m hoping to provide for a very smooth transition,” he assures.
“The best advice I can give the new president is: Come in and spend
the first few months listening carefully. The people on this campus
and in the community care deeply about this institution. They have
great ideas – and an impressive record of turning those into reality.”
That seems only fair, because it’s clear that his legacy will be a lasting
one. Upon hearing news of his retirement, the most commonly heard
phrase was what “a tough act” he will be to follow.
“At Commencement, President Hefner described the past presidents
as the architects of the modern campus,” Mr. Newell recalled of the day
he shared the dais with him. “What past presidents did for [Fredonia]
today, Dennis Hefner did for our beloved university’s future. His positive
demeanor, his leadership, and his activism will be greatly missed.”
After he takes off his cap and gown in Steele Hall this May after
Commencement for the final time, he will have earned the chance to
focus on himself a little more. Dr. Hefner and Jan have already made a
long list of travel destinations which they’d like to begin checking off.
And of course, there will be more visits to their grandkids in Texas
so that he can take them on roller coasters – a passion he’s had since
his own childhood in California, and one that he has no intention of
giving up anytime soon.
Most of all, he says, he’s looking forward to something very simple.
“I’m really excited about getting up in the morning and having
control over my calendar,” he says with a smile. “That hasn’t happened
for me in over four decades.”
Knowing Dennis Hefner, while he may very well control it, that
calendar will be far from blank.
You’re invited to say, “Farewell!”
8
SUNY Fredonia is proud to offer two different events to
celebrate the career of President Dennis Hefner, and to
congratulate and say, “thank you” to him and his wife, Jan,
for their 16 years of dedication to our campus and community.
On Thursday, May 3, all are invited to the Rockefeller Arts
Center’s Outdoor Arcade for a free reception in honor of the
Hefners from 2 to 5 p.m.
Then, join us the following evening – Friday, May 4 – for a
night to remember, as we host a dinner gala and fundraiser in
their honor as well. The evening will be highlighted by student
performances of all kinds as well as some brief remarks.
Tickets are $50 per person, with all net proceeds going to
the new Hefner Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund,
destined to become one of the most prestigious scholarships
awarded on campus.
The gala will be held in the beautiful new Robert and
Marilyn Maytum Music Rehearsal Halls, at the north end
of Mason Hall. Capacity is limited for this memorable event,
so make sure you don’t miss out! Call the Fredonia College
Foundation at (716) 673-3321 or email University. Advancement
@fredonia.edu to make your reservations today. You can also
make them at: www.fredonia.edu/giveonline/hefnerretirement.
All reservations must be received by Thursday, April 12.
If you can’t join us for this event but would still like to show
your appreciation for President Hefner’s many accomplishments,
we invite you to contribute to the new Hefner Presidential
Scholarship at www.fredonia.edu/giveonline/hefnerfund or
by check to the Fredonia College Foundation, 272 Central Ave.,
Fredonia, NY 14063. Additional gifts from event attendees may
also be made via either of these methods. The Hefners will be
notified of each and every donation to their fund.
alumni.fredonia.edu
9
Science Center
Pardon our
Progress
10
By the armful, signs have sprung up
on campus this past year, and many
more will soon follow to signal the start
of construction projects that promise to
enhance nearly every aspect of student life.
Not since the I.M. Pei-designed centerpiece of the “modern” campus
(Maytum Hall, Daniel Reed Library, McEwen Hall and Michael C.
Rockefeller Arts Center) took shape in the late 1960s has there been such
a wide range of construction and design activity going on at once.
Campus officials broke ground last summer on the new, $60 million
Science Center, the largest capital project in Fredonia’s history. When
combined with the renovation of Houghton Hall, the complex will house
all of the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math)
and herald a new era in science education at Fredonia.
Also underway is a $10.3 million Williams Center renovation.
The student union will soon be more user friendly by reconfiguring
offices, meeting rooms and interior walls, upgrading technology and
other amenities, and improving sight lines at entrances.
Spring will see the start of two other exciting projects: the $3 million
Dods Hall Fitness Center and a $23 million townhouse-style residence
complex. Meanwhile, design work continues for a projected $36 million
Rockefeller Arts Center addition, envisioned to feature new classrooms,
studio spaces and a welcome connection to neighboring Mason Hall, as
collaboration among the performing arts programs grows ever stronger.
The goal of this state-of-the-art facility is to improve the educational
experiences of science majors and science education students and enhance
student/faculty research. By placing chemistry, biology and other
departments – currently taught in four separate buildings – in one
facility, students will have the opportunity to work in a truly
collaborative environment.
“Uniting all of the STEM disciplines is really, really important for the
growth of all of our STEM programs,” said Dr. Holly Lawson, project
shepherd. Her Herculean task is to represent future users of the building
and insure that it’s built to facilitate learning, inspire students and faculty,
and enable “intellectual collisions” between the different disciplines.
“The building has been carefully designed to provide flexible spaces
that will support all types of learning,” Lawson added. “We also made a
special effort to not hide the scientists or their science; the spaces will be
as open as possible so that anyone walking by can view what’s going on
inside. We want to put our science on display.”
Campus leaders were quick to recognize the expertise they could tap
across the country to help design the facility. Twelve STEM alumni who
have achieved great success formed a new Natural Sciences Advisory
Council to provide valuable guidance and insight. They also gleaned
ideas during tours of other university science buildings in five states.
The new, three-story structure, the initial planning for which began
in 2006, will house chemistry, biology and science education classes,
labs and offices, and also provide support for environmental science.
At over 92,000 square feet, the building will be longer than a football
field, though not quite as wide.
Among its impressive features are a 120-seat auditorium that will
accommodate traditional and group learning activities; two “smart”
classrooms suitable for all learning styles; an atrium featuring a café,
displays and open seating; a roof-top observatory; an attached
greenhouse; and several student reading and conference rooms.
Faculty offices, situated in pairs, will be placed between teaching
and research laboratories and also include informal teaching spaces
composed of write-on glass walls and seating.
Its many architectural highlights include a science balcony with a
vaulted roof and views into a courtyard that will contain native plants
and local geologic features. Visitors will be able to view first-floor
laboratories from corridors and windows from the courtyard.
The center was designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, a New York
City-based firm with a global reputation for excellence in the design of
academic and scientific research facilities. Its portfolio includes projects
at Cornell University, New York University and the University of Buffalo.
Rochester, N.Y.-based Pike Company, the lead contractor, has built
facilities at Cornell and the University of Rochester, and also directed
the recent renovation of Fredonia’s Nixon Hall.
Following its own renovation, Houghton will house the physics,
geosciences, mathematical sciences, and computer and information
sciences departments. The two buildings will be physically connected
in a way that retains the I.M. Pei design that integrates support
columns into facades.
The unified facility will house 24 academic programs and boast
slightly more than 180,000 square feet of space. Renovation of Houghton
will commence after the Science Center is completed in January 2014.
alumni.fredonia.edu
11
Future of Fredonia
Future of Fredonia
“For a campus our size, (the Dods Fitness
Center) will be a first-class facility,”
David Herman, Vice President for Student Affairs
“President Hefner has made terrific improvements to the physical
plant of Fredonia State and in athletics, and students have been the
beneficiaries of his vision,” added Prechtl. The Natatorium, University
Stadium, and outdoor basketball and tennis courts were built, and
softball and baseball fields upgraded, during the Hefner era. “He and
Dr. Herman have been very supportive of our athletic and recreational
programs,” Prechtl said.
JCJ Architecture of Hartford, Conn., has designed the facility.
Construction will start in May, with a January 2013 opening anticipated.
“I think it’s really something we’ve needed for a long time. It will
improve the quality of life for all students on campus,” Prechtl said.
“Athletes are big users of the center, but its primary mission is to serve
the general student population.”
theatre and technical director. Meetings have been held with various
user groups to determine their needs and how appropriate resources
and facilities can be incorporated into floor plans.
“It’s exciting and a little bit frightening because you want to be able to
solve existing problems and you have to anticipate that the solutions you
come up with are going to have to last 50 years,” Rees said.
Some rehab work has been done over the years, and the art gallery was
recently remodeled and named in honor of Cathy, ‘79, and Jesse Marion.
“This addition far surpasses, by several orders of magnitude, all
previous rehab jobs combined and is the first one to actually add to
our total usable square footage of space,” added Westwood, who has
supervised the center for the last 30 years.
Like the Science Center, this addition will honor the I.M. Pei design
by continuing many architectural features found in Rockefeller and
other campus buildings, Rees said. Construction is expected to start
in the summer of 2013 and be completed by the fall of 2015.
Townhouses
Williams Center
Rockefeller Arts Center Addition
The first and second floor interiors of this circular campus icon have
been closed since last May so they can be updated and reconfigured to
make the facility more appealing and inviting.
New glass walls around the Multipurpose Room, combined with
reviving the building’s signature skylights, will create an open
atmosphere. Major entrances are being modified to improve accessibility
and traffic flow inside the building; the loading dock is being
reworked to create better sight lines that enhance pedestrian and
vehicle safety.
The two dated, wooden-barrel-styled wall protrusions inside the
Multipurpose Room are being replaced with balconies positioned to
accommodate small musical ensembles. New windows will also be
installed throughout the facility and recessed display cases placed in
high-traffic areas.
Below-the-surface upgrades include new wiring, heating, ventilation
and air conditioning systems, new audio/visual equipment in classrooms
and conference areas, and an updated sprinkler system. The building will
also have enhanced acoustics throughout.
The basement, which houses the Centre Point Food Court, Trendz
Café and Horizon Room, was upgraded two years ago and has remained
open during the renovation. In addition to the Multipurpose Room, the
Williams Center also housed Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Lifelong
Learning and Special Programs, the Student Association, Campus Life,
the ticket office, The Leader, and the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit
Union, which have all been relocated.
Manning Squires Hennig Co., of Batavia, N.Y., is the general
contractor for this project that’s included in the five-year capital plan
launched in 2008. The first and second floors, which contain over
60,000 square feet, are expected to re-open this fall.
Projected at 40,000 square feet, this long-sought, two-story addition
will be the fine arts center’s first expansion. The project, targeted to
go out to bid in December, will accommodate relatively new programs
that were not offered when the center opened 42 years ago, and also
consolidate other curriculum offerings under one roof. For example,
Dance and the Media Arts programs – now tucked away in Dods
Hall and McEwen Hall, respectively – will be relocated to Rockefeller.
Ceramics and sculpture studios will vacate their second floor space
in favor of more practical first floor spaces.
“Every one of the spaces (studios, classrooms, computer labs and
theatre support facilities) is operating at maximum capacity,” said
Project Shepherd Stephen Rees. “No existing program can continue
to grow in the current facility.”
According to Jefferson Westwood, the center’s longtime director, key
features of the addition will include a multipurpose room to host an assortment of events, such as pre-concert lectures, post-performance discussions,
film and video showings, and small receptions. It will also result in three
new dance studios, including one with flexible, tiered seating that can
double as a performance space; a new, attractive public entrance; and a café.
Several spaces “commandeered” from their original purpose, such as
the Green Room that now doubles as storage and dressing rooms converted
into offices, will return to their intended function, Westwood added.
A planned connector between Mason Hall and Rockefeller will enable
performers and sensitive musical instruments to travel between the
two buildings without being exposed to weather. Two new elevators for
freight and passengers are also in the works.
The project, which advanced from the concept to design phase in 2011,
is expected to reach the schematic phase (when walls will be placed and
square-footage allotted) in January. Rockefeller is a complex building
with users who have diverse needs, said Rees, an emeritus professor of
12
Dods Hall Fitness Center
Students can look forward to benefits of a state-of-the-art fitness
center in the former pool area in Dods Hall. Its 7,000 square feet – more
than double the size of the current fitness center – will offer new cardio
and circuit machines, free weights, a modern sound system, lots of
televisions and a designated stretching area. A 20-foot climbing wall
will also be part of the air conditioned facility.
“It will be a very attractive space,” said Athletic Director Greg Prechtl.
“The architect has done a great job opening up the east wall of the
building and putting floor-to-ceiling windows so natural light comes
in. The wood and earth tones make it a very attractive space. It’s going
to be an overwhelming improvement over what we have.”
The current fitness center located in the basement of Dods – the site
of a former bowling alley – is packed with aging exercise equipment.
“For a campus our size, it will be a first-class facility,” said Vice President
for Student Affairs David Herman of the new planned amenity.
Enrollment had yet to reach 2,000 students when Dods opened in 1963;
today it is approximately 5,700.
Apartment-style living, a growing trend in collegiate housing, will
make its SUNY Fredonia debut in August 2013 with the opening of the
new townhouse village adjacent to Ring Road.
Nestled between the softball and baseball fields, this townhouse
cluster will convey a neighborhood atmosphere with front porches,
balconies, a separate community building, common green space,
walkways and parking. There will be five different apartment layouts,
each consisting of four single bedrooms, two baths, a fully-equipped
kitchen and living/dining area.
Buildings will range from one to
three stories and contain a total
of 196 beds.
“It’s going to be another housing
option for students,” explained
Residence Life Director Gary Bice,
“while also providing greater
flexibility to accommodate upperclass students.” The townhouses
will also enable SUNY Fredonia
to expand its international student
population that typically needs
year-round accommodations.
On-campus housing will remain
tight for another two years, Dr.
Herman explained, until the
townhouses are completed.
They will represent the first
new campus housing since
University Commons opened
in 2006. Construction is slated
to begin this summer.
“We are very excited about
these new construction projects,
and we believe they will make
a significant improvement in
the quality of life on campus,”
Herman said. “We only wish
they could open this spring.
Students are going to be very
excited over the next two
years as these new facilities
become reality.”
alumni.fredonia.edu
13
Capital campaign | Wrap Up
Capital campaign | Wrap Up
Capital ideas
What surprised you as the campaign rolled on?
Did certain individuals or groups “step up?”
On Dec. 31, 2011, SUNY Fredonia and the
Fredonia College Foundation wrapped up
the largest and longest capital campaign in
the college’s history: the six-year, $15 million
Doors to Success Campaign. Together, the
foundation board and the
University Advancement
team exceeded this goal –
by more than $1 million!
In doing so, they positioned
the foundation and the
college for unprecedented
growth and development.
DC: The depth of loyalty to Fredonia shown by the alumni, as well as
the staff and faculty, was outstanding. And when time came to do
something, they did. They gave, they opened doors, they helped in
any way that they could. We had some sizable gifts from people who
really had no connection to Fredonia. I think one of the reasons is that
Fredonia has, for a number of years, had very good management and a
great staff. They’ve shown that they have been ready for whatever was
coming down the road.
The unrestricted money, which is usually difficult to raise, has been
obtained, and that was refreshing. Scholarships too. I think people
have been a little nervous about the economy and careful about their
giving, but if you have a case statement as good as Fredonia has, it
makes a huge difference. We’re not going after frills here. These are
very basic needs, and that was clearly stated, and people responded
accordingly. Even when we had a couple of years that were pretty bad
(economically), people continued to work and the donors continued to
give. It’s going to help us for many, many years: students, faculty, staff,
board members – everybody.
Mr. David H. Carnahan, Chairman, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation
As 2011 came to a close, David Carnahan,
chairman of both the campaign and the
Jamestown-based Carnahan-Jackson
Foundation, and Dr. David Tiffany, Vice
President for University Advancement and
executive director of the Fredonia College
Foundation, shared their thoughts on the
importance of this campaign to the future
of the college and its students.
Mr. Carnahan, your foundation presented the lead
gift to this as well as the last two campaigns, dating
back to 1995. What about SUNY Fredonia has made
you commit so much of your time and philanthropy
to this institution?
David Carnahan (DC): My mother, who started the Carnahan-Jackson
Foundation, was very interested in education. In fact, there are only two
areas that she specifically stated as things we should look at carefully:
scholarships and libraries. That’s one of the reasons we can deal so easily
with Fredonia. All the qualifications are here to fit what we want to do.
I’m also inspired by the people that I work with here – the staff, and the
planned giving and joint committees. They are dedicated and willing
to go above and beyond to meet our goals. From President Hefner on
down, everybody was committed to this. That makes a huge difference.
Were you both given the resources and energy you
needed by the university and its key constituents?
Dr. David M. Tiffany, Vice President for University Advancement;
Executive Director, Fredonia College Foundation
When you meet a student who has been helped
by the foundation, what goes through your mind?
DT: That’s why we all do what we do, so those moments when you
get to see the results of all of that hard work are really very special.
When you see a student graduate, land that first job, or get into a top
graduate program…and you know that, if it wasn’t for the scholarship
and guidance that we all shared with that individual, things probably
wouldn’t have turned out this way…it really puts a smile on your face.
DC: For me, it really comes down to being there for the students.
I’ve met a number of them – interns and students in general – and
the quality of SUNY Fredonia’s students is great. They are enthusiastic
about their work and about this college. They’re appreciative of what
they’ve received, and appreciative of the college. This is a tough
economy our students are facing, and for us to continue to attract the
caliber of students we have, it just shows you the kind of reputation
this college has developed.
How important was the role of
President Dennis Hefner?
DC: I marvel at Dennis. I’ve never known anybody who can be so many
places at the same time. It’s amazing. In a campaign, when the head of
the institution is as actively involved as he has been, it makes a huge
difference. He understood this and was enthusiastic about it.
DT: Dennis’ support has been critical. He has traveled to many states
over the last few years to attend alumni gatherings, meet with prospective
donors and assure them of the focus, ethics and goals this university
has. That’s the kind of peace of mind people are looking for when they
are considering making a substantial gift. They need to know that there
are good people, good stewards in place, so that the impact of their
generosity will be maximized.
What do you see as the next big benchmark
for the university to reach/surpass?
DC: To continue to strengthen our financial condition. The college is
going to be in a campaign essentially forever. That’s the way that we’ll
survive, and building this endowment is a huge step toward that. This
is not just for present needs – it’s building a foundation for the future.
DT: We’ve made so much progress over the last several years. The
DC: We got all kinds of support. The staff, administration…I got a
foundation board has grown not only in numbers but also in professional
breadth and geographic scope. That gives us greater expertise and
diversity across the board, as well as more connections and a stronger
network of influencers.
chance to talk to a lot of faculty over the years, and everyone was very
positive. That’s a nice way to work when you’ve got so many people
behind the project.
David Tiffany (DT): We had across-the-board participation, from
the foundation board, the administration, the faculty and staff, and the
community. We were able to reach out to key graduates, companies and
organizations, some of whom we hadn’t worked with previously. We
explained to them the opportunities that are available here at Fredonia,
and the kind of impact they can have on our students and, through them,
the world at large. We were really able to advance the way Fredonia is
positioned in a lot of people’s minds.
14
“The next challenge is to capitalize on these strengths. Our institution is now of a size where
we should start to see different kinds of giving. Larger gifts, such as those associated with the
naming of a building or an endowed chair, are now clearly on the radar and very attainable.”
Dr. David Tiffany
alumni.fredonia.edu
15
Spring Preview | Events and Performances
COLLEGE BEATS | College of Arts and Sciences
SUNY
Fredonia’s
Gary Lash
named to
Foreign
Policy’s Top
100 Global
Thinkers
16
Pioneering research by Dr. Gary Lash into the sedimentary rock formation known as Marcellus black shale,
which is believed to contain vast reserves of natural gas and oil, has placed the longtime SUNY Fredonia
geosciences professor into an ultra-selective fraternity that spans the globe.
Dr. Lash has been named by Foreign Policy magazine to its “Top 100 Global Thinkers” list for 2011.
How prestigious is this list? Included in the top 20 among the 2011 roster are such names as President
Barack Obama, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg and
Microsoft Founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda.
Lash, together with Penn State colleague Dr. Terry Engelder and Texas oilman George P. Mitchell, can
be found at number 36.
Published by the Slate Group, a division of the Washington Post Company, Foreign Policy is a global
publication devoted to economics, politics and ideas.
Lash and his co-honorees were designated top global thinkers for “upending the geopolitics of energy.”
According to the publication, their ground-breaking research and the subsequent attention they attracted to
the tremendous reserves of tightly packed natural gas and oil within the Appalachian basin (which stretches
from southwestern New York through much of Pennsylvania and into West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio)
has the potential to fundamentally reorder “the global balance of energy and the political power that comes
with it.” Their big number – 1,400 trillion cubic feet – brought the matter to a wide audience, transforming
shale gas into a global issue in the development of greener energy.
“That’s what started it,” Lash said of the volume that could equate to perhaps 70 years’ worth of cleaner
burning hydrocarbon.
Gas shale deposits are now gaining attention globally. New deposits are under examination in more
than 35 nations, including Israel, Poland, Ireland, Argentina, Canada, Australia and Mexico.
“I suspect that this may be the principal reason for our recognition,” Lash said. “We advanced the
discussion regarding the abundance of gas held by these deposits.”
Lash, a structural geologist and stratigrapher/sedimentologist with a doctoral degree in geology from
Lehigh University, began investigating exposed shale formations along the Lake Erie shoreline some 15
years ago. He helped to establish the SUNY Fredonia Shale Research Institute as a means of coordinating
industry interest in organic-rich shale with academic research efforts. Lash has been interviewed by CNN
Money and was a keynote scientist on “Crude,” a documentary presented on the History Channel.
Marcellus gas deposits have become accessible through the application of new drilling techniques and
hydraulic fracturing – commonly referred to as “fracking” – which involves the use of water and small
amounts of chemicals pumped into wells at high pressure to release gas and oil deposits.
Now in his 31st year at SUNY Fredonia, Lash received a more than $130,000 grant from the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority in 2007 to fund research to facilitate oil and gas exploration by
improving analytical techniques that assess rock formations. More recently, his research has been supported
by Chesapeake Energy, EQT, Shell, Seneca Resources, Chief Oil and Gas, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Lash’s current research focuses on the inorganic geochemistry of the
Marcellus and other shales using highly sophisticated equipment that
analyzes shale formations for trace elements and metals. Resulting data
can be used to deduce the chemical conditions under which the shale
accumulated, assess the potential that a rock will respond favorably
to fracking, and even gain insight regarding the Earth’s climate at the
time the shale was deposited.
Despite a relatively low price for natural gas, drilling is booming in
Pennsylvania, Lash reported, and New York could become active in
select areas in 2012 upon lifting of a drilling moratorium. A major issue
that must be resolved, he explained, is the proper disposal of water
produced during drilling operations, which includes water used in
fracking as well as the highly saline water naturally held in the rock.
It seems appropriate that SUNY Fredonia figures prominently in
natural gas exploration in the 21st century. The first commercial well
in Devonian black shale was drilled in downtown Fredonia in 1825,
and the first natural gas company in the U.S. was incorporated here
as well. Indeed, the first fracked well was completed in Fredonia in
1858 by Preston Barmore, a graduate of the Fredonia Academy, a
forerunner of SUNY Fredonia. Today, Chautauqua County is the most
heavily drilled county in the state.
Lash attended a Dec. 1 reception that recognized the new crop
of “Global Thinkers” at the Meridian International Center in
Washington, D.C.
To purchase tickets for
all events, contact the
SUNY Fredonia Ticket
Office at (716) 673-3501
(1-866-441-4928), www.
fredonia.edu/tickets, or
in person. For a full list
of all campus events, visit
department websites at
www.fredonia.edu.
Stage Door
Sunday, Jan. 29, Noon
Friday, March 30
April 20-21, 26-28, 8 p.m.;
April 22, 2 p.m.
Marvel Theatre
Guest Artist: Dr. Deborah Andrus,
clarinet
Faculty Recital: Lynne McMurtry, voice;
and Alex Hurd, voice
Sunday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 5, 6 p.m.
Faculty Recital: ANA (Drs. Angela
Haas, soprano; Natasha Farny, cello;
and Anne Kissel, piano)
Faculty Recital: Maureen Yuen, violin;
and Adrienne Elisha, viola
Monday, Jan. 30
Faculty Recital: Drs. David Colwell,
violin; and Michael Mizrahi, piano
ROCKEFELLER ARTS
CENTER / THEATRE
AND DANCE EVENTS
April 26-28, 8 p.m.
Bartlett Theatre,
Tickets: $6 (SUNY Students $3)
Red Grammer Family Concert
with the Chautauqua
Children’s Chorale
Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
Marvel Theatre
A Kaleidoscope Family Series Event
“The Great Rocky Mountain RV
Adventure” with John Holod
Saturday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.
King Concert Hall
A World Travel Series Event.
High Plains Fandango
Feb. 24-25 and March 1-3, 8 p.m.;
Feb. 26, 2 p.m.
Bartlett Theatre
A Walter Gloor Mainstage Series
Event. Residents of a small town
in Nebraska struggle to survive
amidst a plot to buy up all the
town’s water rights in the world
premiere performance of this
play by Red Shuttleworth.
A Walter Gloor Mainstage Series
Event. A group of aspiring actresses
share a boarding house and dreams
of stardom in 1930s New York.
[Title of the Show]
by the Perfoming Arts
Company/Experimental
Guest Artist: Flute Force, flute quartet
Saturday, Feb. 4
Ethos NewSound Festival:
Dr. Cornelius Dufallo, violin; and
Paola Prestini, composer
Saturday, April 28
Ensemble Concerts
Free, open to the public, and all
at 8 p.m. unless noted.
This new musical is a story telling
of the creation of a musical.
Tickets: $2 Students, $5 General
Guys and Dolls in Concert
Commencement Eve Pops
Maureen Yuen, violin
Wednesday, Feb. 22 and April 11
Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 23 and April 12
Friday, May 11, 8 p.m.
King Concert Hall A DFT Communication Pops Series
event. A concert version of this
oddball romantic comedy.
Art Exhibits
Cathy and Jesse Marion Art
Gallery, Rockefeller Arts Center
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and
Sunday, 2-6 p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 2-8 p.m.
Closed March 10-19. Free.
Fredonia Showcase
Feb. 3-26; Opening reception:
Friday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 6
Guest Artist: Susanne Mentzer,
mezzo-soprano
Saturday, Feb. 11
Chiara String Quartet
Tickets: $2 Students, $5 General
King Concert Hall
Concert Band
Wind Symphony
Saturday, Feb. 25 and April 14
Wind Ensemble
Wednesday, Feb. 29 and April 18
All College Band
Sunday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 3 and April 21
Faculty Recital: Retro Ensemble
College Symphony Orchestra
Friday, Feb. 17
Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m.
Evelyn and Dr. Natasha Farny, cello;
with Eric Huebner, piano
New Horizons Band
Saturday, Feb. 18
Monday, April 23
University Chorus
Student works selected by faculty.
Jutta Puchhammer, viola
Rosch Recital Hall
Mark II/2011
Sunday, Feb. 19
Saturday, March 31, 4 p.m.
March 2-April 1; Opening
reception: Friday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Faculty Recital: Drs. David Colwell,
violin, with Timothy Hoft, piano
Choral Festival Concert
March 23-24, 8 p.m.;
March 25 at 2 p.m.
Marvel Theatre
Work of artists who were selected
to participate in the New York
Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
Mark Program in 2011.
Monday, Feb. 20
Woodwind Chamber Ensembles
Faculty Showcase
Monday, April 2
Thursday, Feb. 23
Latin Jazz Ensemble
A Walter Gloor Mainstage
Series Event.
Senior Show I, April 13-19;
Senior Show II, April 27-May 3
Guest Artist: Ronaldo Rolim, piano
Wednesday, April 4
Friday, Feb. 24
Percussion Ensemble
“Around the World - One Man’s
Journey” with Doug Jones
Opening receptions on
April 13 and 27, 7 p.m.
Guest Presentation:
Dr. Judah Adashi, composer
Friday, April 13
Features the works of graduating
students.
Monday, Feb. 27
The Fredonia Dance Ensemble
in Concert
Saturday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
King Concert Hall
A World Travel Series Event.
Western New York
Chamber Orchestra
“A Night at the Opera”
Sunday, March 25, 4 p.m.
King Concert Hall
World renowned Chinese soprano
Ying Huang performs works by
W.A. Mozart and his operatic
contemporaries.
Orchesis Dance Company
March 30-31, 8 p.m.
King Concert Hall,
Tickets: $7 (Students $4)
The Little Dog Laughed by
the Performing Arts Company
March 30-31, 8 p.m.; April 1, 2 p.m.
Bartlett Theatre, Tickets: $6
(SUNY Students $3)
An actor struggles to keep his
personal life from destroying his
budding career.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
To learn more, visit
www.fredonia.edu/music
Guest Artist: Kathleen Kemp, cello;
and Dr. David Abbott, piano
Friday, March 2
Sunday, April 1, 4 p.m.
College Choir and Women’s Choir
Saturday, April 14, 4 p.m.
Chamber Choir
Monday, April 16
Faculty Recital: Matt Wilson, percussion
Curricular Jazz Ensemble
Monday, March 5
Tuesday, April 17
Faculty/Guest Artists
Faculty Recital: Maureen Yuen and Dr.
Lin He, violin; and Sean Duggan, piano
Guitar Ensemble and Quartets
Rosch Recital Hall
Thursday, April 19
Tuesday, March 6
FREE unless noted and open
to the public. All at 8 p.m.
unless noted.
Chamber Made Guitar
Guest Artist: Color Field Ensemble
Friday, April 20
Wednesday, Jan. 25
Guest Artist/Faculty: Janet Sung,
violin; and Sean Duggan, piano
Guest/Faculty Artists: Anastasia
Petanova, flute; and Dr. Timothy
Hoft, piano
Friday, Jan. 27
Ethos NewSound Festival
Wednesday, March 7;
Thursday, March 8
Monday, March 19
Guest Artist: “Ancient Sounds,
Contemporary Hands.”
Saxophone Ensemble
Friday, April 27
World Mallet Ensemble
Diers Recital Hall
Wednesday, April 18, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 27
African Drumming Ensemble
Faculty Recital: Dr. Timothy Hoft, piano
Wednesday, April 25
Curricular Jazz Ensemble
alumni.fredonia.edu
17
COLLEGE BEATS | College of Education
Students developing a taste for Big Apple
COLLEGE BEATS | School of Business
By Emily R. Bird, ’12
have opportunities to hear every genre of
New York City is a cultural melting pot
music in a wide variety of venues during
that provides many opportunities for those
their free time.”
who are adventurous and ambitious.
Lukas credits Ann Marie Loughlin, SUNY
Even though Fredonia is located eight
Fredonia’s director of Field Experiences,
hours away, students from the College
for working with SUTEC to develop a
of Education are finding a way to span
model that allows student teachers to spend
that distance and add their energy to the
their time between traditional public and
City That Never Sleeps.
charter schools. This is important because
SUNY Fredonia education majors are
charter schools represent tremendous
required to complete two student teaching
growth and employment opportunities
experiences, and for those seeking a far
for new teachers.
different field placement than those
SUNY Fredonia’s Fall 2011 SUTEC Teacher Candidates
(from left) were Erin O’Brien-Mazza, Clarissa Belile,
“Student teachers have found this
available in Western New York, the SUNY
Oriel Romano, Chris Piro and Emily Entress
opportunity to be both rewarding and
Urban Teacher Education Center (SUTEC)
challenging, as they have become personally acquainted with this
offers preparation programs in the New York City public schools.
magnificent city and the backgrounds and cultures of their students,”
These experiences train prospective educators to become competent,
said Loughlin. “No student has ever regretted going.”
confident professionals in urban, multicultural environments. This
Katie Moran, ’11, who graduated with an early childhood education
comes not only from the challenges of teaching in an urban classroom,
major and a minor in Spanish, couldn’t agree more. She participated
but also from the life experiences outside of the classroom which the
in the SUTEC program last spring and is now employed as a pre-school
program offers. For example, SUTEC teacher candidates are often
teacher at a child care center in the Albany region.
surprised during their first student birthday party as they hear “Happy
“The SUTEC experience helped me to achieve this goal because it
Birthday” sung in English – and five other languages as well! In addition,
provided me with an opportunity to teach and work with people of a
the majority of SUTEC student teachers live in the Parkchester Apartments
different culture, which made me more open-minded and aware of issues
in the Bronx, which immerses them in the region’s culture by having them
in our country,” said Moran. “I am most thankful for the cooperating
live among the city’s residents instead of with other college students.
teacher and school I worked with in Harlem. They gave me the chance to
The New York City public school district is huge and needs to
teach everything from reading to science, and allowed me to make my
steadily recruit certified teachers. The SUTEC was launched in the
own mistakes so that I could learn and grow from them.” Moran also
fall of 2001 with the enthusiastic endorsement of both the SUNY and
made a professional connection that she plans to keep throughout her
New York City school chancellors. Today, SUTEC assists all 17 SUNY
career. She has kept in touch with her SUTEC school, and has already
campuses that offer teacher preparation programs, securing student
been back to visit her Harlem site supervisor and students.
teaching placements for more than 100 students annually.
Current senior Emily Entress had a similarly wonderful experience.
Natalie Lukas is the SUTEC director. Through her personal approach
“Student teaching in New York City is an experience that puts you
to securing placements, the program has grown in quality and quantity.
out of your comfort zone in the best ways imaginable,” she explained.
Not only is it committed to helping schools in need, but student teachers
“You are forced to learn, adapt, and grow as you interact with highcan expect excellent placements in schools that have been a part of the
need students in diverse schools. Pair this with the chance to live in
program for years. Lukas believes that SUTEC and SUNY Fredonia will
such a vibrant city, and you have an incredibly worthwhile program.”
continue to build upon their relationship because of the trends she is seeing.
SUNY Fredonia is scheduled to send 12 new student teachers to New
“New York City has become a magnet for many of the (Fredonia)
York City this spring, and with the results the program has generated
music students who are anxious to not only student teach, but share in
thus far, organizers expect to see SUNY Fredonia sweatshirts roaming
the rich musical world that is represented by the region,” said Lukas.
around the Parkchester Apartments for years to come.
“They experience music education in some of the finest schools and
Grant received to enhance teacher education
“Math and science for ALL students” is how Cynthia Jonsson describes the primary goal of a newly funded five-year
$2 million project award to SUNY Fredonia. Project MAST 2ER (Mathematics And Science Teacher Training in Educational
Resources) was one of 42 U.S. Department of Education grants funded recently through the Office of English Language
Acquisition (OELA).
MAST 2ER is a collaborative effort between SUNY Fredonia and the Dunkirk and Jamestown city school districts. Project
Director Jonsson will oversee implementation of grant activities that work at removing the barriers to instructional success
for newly qualified mathematics and science teachers.
The project funds will be utilized to strengthen mathematics and science teacher education programs on the SUNY
Fredonia campus through infusing evidence-based practices and data-based decision making that informs instruction,
particularly instruction of English learners (ELs). Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) will serve as
the core of all teacher candidate training. Dr. Barbara Mallette authored Project MAST 2ER; she shares leadership of
Project MAST 2ER with Science Education Partnership Director Holly Lawson. Alumni Jean Michielli-Pendl will serve
as implementation coach and Douglas Pendl is the project’s technology coordinator. Dr. Keary Howard and Dr. Kathleen
Lesniak are involved as curriculum consultants for mathematics education and science education.
18
School of Business’ Holmes
scores big with sports statistics
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In 2009
There’s more to sports than
and again in 2011, Holmes, who
quarterback efficiency ratings, onearned his doctoral degree in
base percentages, and Xs and Os.
Economics and master’s degrees
A different type of insight into
in Economics and Statistics at the
college and professional sports
University of Illinois, was a prime
can be gained through statistical
source for hard data and comment
analyses, which is what Assistant
relating to Fighting Illini Head
Professor of Economics Paul
Football Coach Ron Zook and
Holmes has delivered in a series
whether he would be fired by the
of essays. Of course, most fans
Big 10 school.
won’t see them in the academic
Holmes suggested in 2009 that
quarterlies in which they have
“Zook would be a good candidate
been published, but they are
for being fired, except for his
reading about his perspectives
(2007) contract extension;” and
on their local sports pages.
indeed, at that time, he was not
Drawing upon his lifelong
fired. For all his accolades of
enjoyment of sports – as a spec2007 – taking his team to the
tator and player of soccer, cricket,
Rose Bowl and being named
tennis and touch rugby in his
“Big Ten Coach of the Year”–
native New Zealand – and his
Zook had only one more winning
study of economics, math and
season and was fired this past
statistics in the United States,
December after his team’s midDr. Holmes has written articles
season collapse.
examining segments of college
In his Major League Baseball
football, Major League Baseball
essay, Holmes concluded there
and the National Basketball
is a small degree of salary
Association. All three papers were
discrimination against black
part of his dissertation at the
players in the lower half of the
University of Illinois, Urbanasalary distribution. “New Evidence
Champaign, and two have been
of Racial Discrimination in Major
published in scholarly journals.
League Baseball” was published
His, “Win or Go Home: Why
in Labour Economics. His “Day
College Football Coaches Get
to Day with the NBA Superstars”
Fired,” published in the April
Economics Assistant Professor Paul Holmes displays the framed jersey
essay examined the impact of star
2011 issue of the Journal of Sports
from New Zealand’s national cricket team. His sister, Anna, who works
players on road game attendance.
Economics, explored the complex
in marketing for the team, gave it to him for his birthday in 2007. It was
A pure love of research and
signed by all members of the team.
effects of tenure and organizause of relatively new statistics
tional expectations on probability
methods energized Holmes. “I realized that I could combine my
of coach dismissal in high-profile NCAA Division I football.
background in statistics and economics with my passion for sport and
By examining discharges of head football coaches from 1983 through
produce something that would lead to me having a career,” said Holmes.
2006, Dr. Holmes concluded that while performance, as measured by
Holmes can trace his fascination with statistics to his childhood,
win percentage, is an important determining factor, there is strong
when his most prized possession was a copy of Who’s Who in New
evidence that the effect of performance is mitigated by other factors
Zealand Cricket, which was crammed with biographies and statistics.
such as organizational expectations, the values and allegiances of the
He arrived in the U.S. in 2001, initially enrolling at Purdue University
organization, and the power of the head coach as demonstrated by
before transferring to Illinois. In 2009 he joined SUNY Fredonia’s
tenure. A stronger recent performance bodes well for a coach, but a
School of Business, which recently began a new Sport Management
stronger historic performance increases the odds for dismissal.
major and is pursuing accreditation by the Association to Advance
Evidence shows that alumni head coaches have a much lower rate of
Collegiate Schools of Business, a global accrediting body for business
dismissal for both short and long tenures, and black head coaches with
schools in over 80 countries.
fewer than four years of service are more likely to be discharged than
Holmes uses examples from sports economics in his upper-level
equally qualified non-black counterparts.
courses which address labor and employment, public sector economics
Despite the journal’s niche readership, Holmes’ essay didn’t go
and strategic interaction.
unnoticed by the University of Illinois sports beat writer for the
alumni.fredonia.edu
19
Stellar Students
graduate, but Nosek has climbed
the ladder of success quite quickly.
While working for another apparel
company in Buffalo after college, she
was recruited by New Era and soon
moved to its kids’ department, then
to its fashion headwear ‘EK’ line, and
later promoted to Assistant Designer
in the Ultimate Fan department. In
addition to her work with professional
sports leagues, she has designed hats for
Disney, Victoria’s Secret, and individual
Buffalo Bills who were raising money
for charities. She was also a part
of, “New Era New Hope,” through
which Roswell Park Cancer Institute
patients designed their own hats.
“I guess I’ve tried to really
understand our clients’ goals and
expectations,” says Nosek in explaining
how she has found herself involved
in so many high-profile projects.
A Fredonia native whose mother,
Ruby, is a longtime administrative
assistant on campus, Ashley wanted to
have the full college experience yet still
be close to home. She lived on campus,
was a member of the diving team, and
graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts
in Graphic Design. When she started
college, she knew that she wanted to
work with prints and graphics, but this
self-described teen “girlie girl” didn’t
foresee a career in sports apparel.
“I would always throw on a ball cap and go to sporting events with
my dad (Jim),” she says, “but it’s not like I was a tomboy. Now, while
I may not know all of the players on a team, I can definitely tell you
that team’s colors, logo and mascot!”
She’s also a big Buffalo Bills fan, and enjoys going to see them play,
despite any weather. (“Are you kidding? The cold games are the best!”).
That makes her especially excited that New Era has been named the
official headwear provider to the National Football League beginning
in 2012.
Having worked for New Era for six years, today Ashley is a lead Product
Designer, handling primarily its women’s and kids’ lines. In addition,
she is part of its global trend team, which projects future designs. It may
not be obvious, but much goes into the process of making each hat.
“We have to worry about things like cost, embroidery or screen prints,
and staying on top of trends,” she explains. “Sometimes we want our
hats to match other companies’ apparel.”
As a young alumna, Nosek easily recalls her influences at Fredonia.
The department’s small class sizes allowed its professors to have more
“one-on-one” time with students, and she cites that as an important
factor throughout her education. She was also surprised to find that
her first graphic design classes at Fredonia didn’t use a computer, but
instead focused on the fundamentals of graphic design by teaching
her to draw by hand.
“Even as we continued through the courses, we always started with
sketches first,” she said. “That is something I still use today. The best
designs are ones that are reworked, have every detail looked at, and
evolve over a few revisions.”
Funny…that’s how the best students develop too.
Young designer
earns tip of the hat –
repeatedly
Ashley Nosek, ’05
In 2010, Buffalo native Patrick Kane scored the winning goal to earn the
Chicago Blackhawks the Stanley Cup. However, he wasn’t the only Western
New Yorker whose talents were on display for the world to see that night.
Within seconds, Kane and his teammates were celebrating, donning
freshly made caps that anointed them National Hockey League (NHL)
Champions – caps designed by a 27-year-old SUNY Fredonia graduate.
Ashley Nosek, ’05, is a product designer for New Era Cap Co., the
Buffalo-based apparel manufacturer known throughout the sports
and fashion worlds for its high quality headwear, and for being the
official on-field headwear provider to Major League Baseball (MLB).
And in 2010, as the players gathered at center ice for their traditional
Stanley Cup team photo, Ms. Nosek sat in her Buffalo home, with
a quiet smile on her face, as she saw something she had created put
suddenly on display for the whole world to see.
“It’s a huge feeling,” said Nosek. “I mean, they go rushing onto the ice,
and it’s the first thing they put on.”
Nosek’s design was chosen by the NHL among dozens submitted
by the company. She learned that it was selected several weeks earlier
(not knowing which team would eventually be embroidered in the
center), when New Era management called all of the designers in the
room and asked, “Who designed this one?” Nosek’s hand cautiously
rose, and she was congratulated by her whole team.
Having that experience just once would be amazing enough, but Nosek
lived it four times in a two-year span, as her design was also selected for
the San Francisco Giants’ 2010 MLB World Series Champions hat, and
the 2011 NHL Eastern and Western Conference Champions hats worn
by the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks, respectively.
Accomplishments of this magnitude would seem distant for a recent
20
– By Audrey Procopio, ’12
Allers takes an active interest
By Raul Lopez, ’12
Three years ago, Meagan Allers wasn’t involved in many extracurricular activities. Today, this member
of the Class of 2013 has become one of the most active student leaders on campus.
As she prepared for college, she realized that she wanted the next chapter in her life to be a little more
fulfilling than high school. As she travelled down I-90 on Move-in Day from her Buffalo suburb of Amherst,
N.Y., she decided that Fredonia was a blank canvas, waiting for her to begin painting a “stellar” masterpiece.
“When I came to college, I knew that I wanted to get involved – not be just another number, but be known
for something,” Ms. Allers, a junior early childhood education major, recalled. “I knew that college is the place
where you have the opportunity to grow as an individual, and make strides to prepare for the real world.”
She wasted little time.
In just her first two years on campus, this Williamsville East High School graduate served as president of
the sophomore class and the Alma Mater Society, a member of the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society,
and on the board of the Faculty Student Association. She has also been selected as the student representative
to the Fredonia College Foundation Board of Directors for the 2011-12 academic year.
However, most people across campus know Meagan as the vibrant president of the Fredonia for St. Jude
chapter, an organization dedicated to raising money for the world-renowned St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, in Memphis, Tenn., dedicated to children’s cancer research.
Allers’ transition from “watcher” to “doer” began with mustering up the poise to approach Vice President
for Academic Affairs Virginia Horvath for a bit of advice.
“She took the initiative to come to my office to ask me about leadership opportunities, as well as ways to
develop her own potential,” Dr. Horvath explained. “I was impressed by her confidence, her curiosity and
her eagerness to be involved and do a good job.”
In leading Fredonia for St. Jude, she and her fellow students have helped the group attain much greater
visibility across campus, including developing a pro-active relationship with Fredonia’s student-run media
as well as the Office of Public Relations. All of this has led to over 40 new members since her freshman year.
She’s also made a point to ensure that people enjoy the time they spend volunteering with the group.
“We make sure to include ‘fun’ in our fundraising activities,” said Allers. “Through our continued enthusiasm,
we have been able to raise $25,000 in the past two years, which is more than I had ever hoped for.”
During the group’s primary fall fundraiser,
Up ’Til Dawn, students are asked to complete
pre-written donation letters from the research
hospital, addressing them to family and
friends. “We had over 250 students come and
write more than 5,500 letters this year,” said
Allers. In addition, Fredonia for St. Jude
welcomed Ashley Bedard, a college student
who is currently being treated at St. Jude,
as its keynote speaker.
Meagan credits her parents, Tom and Laurie –
both of whom have been involved with various
not-for-profit boards during their careers – for
leading by example and creating an environment
of community service for her as she grew up.
“Being in this atmosphere at home, I feel I’ve
learned how to have the best chance of helping
others,” said Allers.
This knowledge paid dividends campuswide this past year, as Fredonia for St. Jude took first place in a national video competition via Facebook
by showcasing its fundraising efforts. Their hard work benefitted everyone, as Fredonia for St. Jude was
awarded 10 new Apple iMac computers, which have since been installed in Reed Library for all students to
use. The group was also asked for the second straight year to send a representative to St. Jude’s Collegiate
Leadership Seminar in Memphis, which Allers attended in the summer of 2010.
Her hard work with St. Jude’s has helped her financially too. This past fall she was recognized by the
Buffalo Chapter of the American Association of University Women as the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship
in the name of Jacquie Walker, a long-respected news anchor with Buffalo’s WIVB-TV.
However, above all, Meagan is gaining an education that far exceeds the boundaries of a classroom, and
that, she insists, is worth more than everything else, because it has reaffirmed the path she is pursuing.
“I grew up a ‘people person,’ and being an education major has helped me realize that I want to choose
a career that allows me to help people, just as my parents have shown me.”
“Through our continued
enthusiasm, we have
been able to raise
$25,000 in the past
two years, which
is more than I had
ever hoped for.”
Meagan Allers, ’13
Meagan Allers is joined by
Apple, Inc. and SUNY Fredonia
officials to celebrate the
addition of several new iMacs
in Reed Library this past fall.
alumni.fredonia.edu
21
Athletics
Athletics
When it was her turn for her 2011 women’s soccer portrait,
Reilly Condidorio had reason to be happy.
A native of LeRoy, N.Y., she was in the midst of grueling pre-season
drills – and was enjoying every minute of them. She was reveling in
the two-a-day practices in the mid-August heat and humidity.
“It’s good to have you back,” the photographer told her as she sat
down inside the Fenton Hall studio. “How does the knee feel?”
“It feels fine,” she said with a smile.
Just then, the photographer snapped the shutter release.
As soon as she saw the photo, Condidorio wanted a re-take. While
she was thrilled to be back out on the field with her teammates, she
wanted her opponents to see only her “game face.”
“I want to look tough,” said the senior forward, who is listed at all of 5', 1."
Had she known how 2011 would turn out, she might have opted for the
smile. She set Blue Devil career records for most goals (34) and most
points (82) – despite having played just three seasons. She also set singleseason records (14 goals, 32 points) for her team in both categories, and
was named to the NCAA’s Division III All-American Second Team –
becoming Fredonia State’s first All-American in the sport.
“It’s really cool,” said Condidorio, who was also selected First Team
All-SUNYAC, of this unprecedented honor. “Actually, it’s sort of
surreal to me. I watch the national tournament every year. It’s hard
for me to think of being as good as those players.”
It’s harder still, considering where she was just one year earlier.
From worst to first
– By Jerry Reilly, Sports Information Director
Reilly Condidorio stands alone atop
Fredonia State’s scoring records.
She got there despite starting 2010
at the low point of her career.
In June 2010, she was playing with her summer team, Chili (N.Y.)
United. She had just chased down a ball in the corner and had angled
sharply toward the net. The opposing goalkeeper came out to stop her,
and Reilly went down in a heap.
“She came far out of the net from my left,” Condidorio recalled.
“I don’t remember much else.”
She knew she had hurt her knee, but the initial diagnosis was
promising. “The doctor told me it looked like I had torn my MCL,”
she said, “but that there was no damage to the ACL.”
A tear to the MCL (medial collateral ligament) normally heals
on its own, whereas a tear to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
requires surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Condidorio started doing the math in her head. While her summer
season was definitely over, the MCL would heal by early August. She
figured she’d be able to report for pre-season drills on time.
That all changed a few days later, when an MRI revealed a tear to
her ACL too. Just like that, her junior season was kaput.
“I remember the doctor leaving the room,” Condidorio said, “and
my mom reaching over to rub my back. I started crying, and she
started crying. It was heartbreaking because I had never had a serious
injury before.”
To appreciate that last statement, you need to know a little bit about
Reilly’s upbringing. Her parents, Joe and Cris, raised three children in
an environment that was literally rough-and-tumble. Joe was a youth
wrestling coach and kept a regulation mat in their basement.
Both boys earned numerous wrestling accolades. Zac, the oldest,
finished second in his weight class at the state tournament. Chad, the
middle child, finished third.
Reilly wrestled, too. She also played football, even though she was
always the smallest on the team.
Fredonia State Head Coach Chris Case remembers a visit to the
Condidorio home after a game in Rochester a couple of years ago.
Someone popped in a video of Reilly wrestling as a youngster. “She
ended up beating the kid,” Case said. “They told me that boy ended
up winning a state championship in high school.”
In football, Reilly was an undersized halfback and safety.
“I was the best player on my team, if I say so myself,” she said. “I was glad
my parents let me do what I wanted, not like some parents who won’t let
their daughters play certain sports. I think that helped make me tougher.”
While her nurturing made her tough physically, Condidorio was
unprepared for the emotional pain of having to sit out the entire 2010
season. She found it hard to be around her teammates, especially if they
complained about difficult practices.
Going to class was that much harder too for the early childhood
education major. Melinda Wendell, an instructor in the English
department, had Reilly in several classes. Wendell remembers seeing
Condidorio come out of her funk as time wore on.
“I remember Reilly sitting in the chair by the door with her leg in
a brace and maybe just a bit of a scowl on her face at the beginning of
the semester,” Wendell said. “But I watched her come around, and she
quickly became an active, engaged student who was a leader in small
groups and a positive presence in the classroom.”
David Anderson, an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and
Instruction, saw the same qualities emerge. “Reilly led by example,”
he said. “She would volunteer when everyone else hesitated to go first
with all that we do that is performance-based. That’s real leadership.”
Condidorio also met nearly every day with Assistant Athletic Trainer
Alicia Simmonds. Each rehab session lasted about two hours. Reilly
lifted ankle weights and rode the bike. She did knee bends, balancing
exercises and step work. Simmonds also added gluteus and core muscle
strengthening exercises. The goal was to make Reilly stronger than
she was before she got hurt.
“She came in every day, no complaints,” Simmonds said, who was
impressed by how hard Condidorio worked to get back into shape.
“When she went home for the weekend, she’d see a physical therapist.
She was pushing herself to come back. There were times I had to slow
her down so she wouldn’t hurt herself more.”
Her physical progress was steady and quick. By the 2010 Christmas
break, Condidorio was straight-line running again. A few weeks later,
she was making cuts. By February, doctors cleared her to resume all
normal physical activity – just six months after surgery.
She participated in the Blue Devils’ spring game – her first competition
since her injury – and came through unscathed except for feeling
tired. “I had a hard time catching my breath,” she remembered. She also
returned to play for her summer team, with the blessings of Coach Case.
When it was time to return to Fredonia last August, she couldn’t
get to campus fast enough – even if it meant having to feign a stoic
expression at picture time.
“Everyone dreads pre-season, but I was looking forward to the whole
thing,” said Reilly, who will return next fall to complete her final year of
eligibility, with the goal of doing another first: helping her team win its
first conference title. “This year, I loved every minute of it. I didn’t take
anything for granted.”
She did more than that. She made the most of it.
Spring Lineup
BASEBALL – Head
coach Matt Palisin
returns for his 10th season
and again will take his team to
the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers,
Fla., to open the season with a three-game
set vs. Plattsburgh on March 14-15. The home
schedule opens with a three-game set March 24-25
vs. Oneonta. Other home dates are April 1 vs. Hilbert
(doubleheader), April 5 vs. Penn State Behrend, April 17
vs. Brockport (doubleheader), April 19 vs. Pitt-Bradford,
and a three-game set April 27-28 vs. Oswego.
BASKETBALL, WOMEN and MEN – The women began
their season with a 5-5 record, while the men posted a 6-4
mark during the fall semester. Both have only SUNYAC
doubleheaders left on their schedules. Remaining home
games are Jan. 20 vs. Plattsburgh, Jan. 21 vs. Potsdam,
Jan. 27 vs. Oneonta, Jan. 28 vs. New Paltz, Feb. 10 vs.
Brockport, Feb. 11 vs. Geneseo and Feb. 14 vs. Buffalo
State. Alumni games are scheduled for Jan. 28 (women)
and Feb. 11 (men). Contact Women’s Head Coach Donna
Wise, at (716) 673-3120, or Men’s Head Coach Kevin
Moore, at (716) 673-3108, to register.
MEN’S HOCKEY – The team earned a 6-5-3 record during
the fall semester, and is gearing up to welcome fans
back to campus with its annual “Pink the Rink” American
Cancer Society fundraiser game on Jan. 27 – the first
weekend after classes start. The Blue Devils will face
22
Fall Results
Morrisville at Steele Hall Ice Arena that night, one of
seven home games on the spring schedule. The others
include Jan. 10 vs. Elmira, Jan. 13 and Jan. 14 vs.
Neumann, Jan. 20 vs. Brockport, Jan. 21 vs. Geneseo
and Feb. 17 vs. Buffalo State.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE – Head Coach Chris Case
welcomes back senior attacker Amy Simon (Amherst,
N.Y.), who enters the 2012 season as the top scorer in
team history, a distinction she earned in 2011 when she
was named to the First Team All-SUNYAC squad, along
with senior defender Megan Mietelski (Fairport, N.Y.).
Things get underway on March 1 with a home game vs.
Allegheny, followed by a trip to West Palm Beach, Fla.,
for the Spring Fling tournament. Other home games are
March 17 vs. Rochester Institute of Technology, April 7
vs. Oneonta, April 17 vs. Brockport, April 21 vs. Cortland,
April 25 vs. Elmira, and April 28 vs. Oswego.
SOFTBALL – First-year head coach Nicole Loudin inherits
a veteran team from 2011 SUNYAC Coach of the Year
Lorrie Corsi. The roster includes seven seniors and
seven juniors, including All-SUNYAC players Lauren
Larson (senior, Lakewood, N.Y.), Katie Bartkowiak (junior,
Fredonia, N.Y.), Tina Schwartzmeyer (junior, West
Seneca, N.Y.), and Alyssa Brognano (junior, New Paltz,
N.Y.), who was the 2011 SUNYAC Rookie of the Year as
a sophomore. The season begins March 10 against the
University of Rochester, the first of 12 scheduled games
in Clermont, Fla. The home opener is a doubleheader
March 28 vs. Allegheny. Other home doubleheaders
include March 30 vs. Potsdam, March 31 vs. Plattsburgh,
April 6 vs. Cortland and April 7 vs. Oswego.
SWIMMING and DIVING – The women finished the
fall term with a 4-4 mark while the men struggled at
1-7. Three home meets are scheduled for the second
semester: Jan. 14 vs. Ithaca and Nazareth, Jan. 20
vs. Edinboro and Jan. 28 vs. Cortland. The SUNYAC
championship meet runs Feb. 8-11 at the Flickinger
Center in Buffalo.
TRACK and FIELD – Interim Head Coach Tom Wilson is
back for his second season, following his selection as
2011 Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year, after overseeing
now-graduated Nick Guarino’s final three of five NCAA
titles. Pole vaulter Broncho Rollins (senior, Ithaca, N.Y.)
and sprinter Webster Thomas (senior, Windsor, Conn.)
are All-SUNYAC returners on the men’s side. Junior
college transfer Peter Francia (junior, Rochester, N.Y.)
joins the team off a trip to cross country nationals.
Multi-eventer Spencer Lefort (junior, Java Center,
N.Y.) nearly qualified for nationals in 2011, and then
won the SUNYAC Chancellor’s Award for academic
excellence. On the women’s side, top returners include
multi-eventer Erin Parker (sophomore, Derby, N.Y.),
pole vaulter Kelci Yousett (sophomore, Lockport, N.Y.),
and middle-distance runner Kateri Walsh (junior, West
Seneca, N.Y.). The SUNYAC championship meets are
Feb. 26 at Geneva, N.Y. and May 5-6 at Oneonta.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY – Junior Peter Francia (Rochester,
N.Y.) took advantage of a dry, flat course to run his
fastest lifetime 8,000-meter time at the NCAA Division III
championship race Nov. 19 at Winneconne, Wis. His 25:41
clocking was a 17-second improvement over his previous
best. He also made the All-SUNYAC Team by finishing
12th at the conference championships Oct. 29, and led the
Blue Devils to a 10th place finish Nov. 12 at the Atlantic
Regional among 40 teams. It represented a big jump for
the team, which was regionally unranked throughout the
fall. All seven Blue Devils in the race – four freshmen and
three juniors – have collegiate eligibility remaining.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY – Amanda Solly (West
Seneca, N.Y.) completed her collegiate cross country
career with a lifetime-best 23:45 at the 6,000-meter
NCAA Atlantic Regional. She was the lone Blue Devil
senior in the race as Head Coach Tom Wilson also sent
out two juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen.
WOMEN’S SOCCER (12-8 OVERALL/6-3 SUNYAC) – The
team tied the 1994 Blue Devils for most wins in a season
and reached the SUNYAC semifinals after defeating
Brockport in the first-round. In addition to several scoring
records set by Reilly Condidorio (LeRoy, N.Y., see story
above), three other Blue Devils received all-conference
honors. Senior defender Lyz Dembrow (Lockport, N.Y.)
and sophomore forward Katie Kleine (Cazenovia, N.Y.)
were Second Team choices. Junior defender Maddie
Brown (Wheatfield, N.Y.) made the Third Team.
MEN’S SOCCER (11-8 OVERALL/4-5 SUNYAC) – Three
players were chosen All-SUNYAC. Junior midfielder
Ryan Smith (Fairport, N.Y.) and sophomore midfielder/
forward Luke Tylutki (Pittsford, N.Y.) made the Second
Team. Junior forward Tyler Williams (Orchard Park,
N.Y.) was a Third Team choice. It was the third SUNYAC
post-season award for Smith, who was the 2009
SUNYAC Rookie of the Year and made the 2010 SUNYAC
All-Tournament Team. Head Coach P.J. Gondek set a
program record for most wins as he surpassed Dr. Tom
Prevet, who won 132 games over 15 seasons. Gondek’s
career record is 137-80-20 over 12 seasons.
WOMEN’S TENNIS (4-8 OVERALL/1-3 SUNYAC) – The
Blue Devils closed out their season with a victory over
Oswego in the SUNYAC championships, which went to a
team tournament format for the first time. The individual
and doubles play of freshmen Sara DiFulvio (Rochester,
N.Y.) and Stephanie Thompson (Verona, N.Y.) provided
early-season luster.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL (26-11 OVERALL/7-1 SUNYAC
WEST) – The Blue Devils avenged a previous loss to
Buffalo State and earned SUNYAC West’s No. 1 seed
for the fifth-straight season. They fell to New Paltz in
the semifinals of the SUNYAC Tournament in a thrilling
seesaw match at Cortland. Senior libero Sarah Zureck
(Lancaster, N.Y.) set two career school records: 2,113 digs
and 238 service aces over four seasons. She received her
first-ever All-SUNYAC honor in 2011, despite having been
named all-region twice prior to the season by the American
Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). She added her
third all-region award, while senior opposite Jennifer
Newhouse (Amherst, N.Y.) received her first AVCA regional
award. Newhouse’s 82 block assists are second-most in
program history. Senior setter Brittany Lis (Lancaster,
N.Y.) was SUNYAC West Player of the Year, and earned
First Team All-SUNYAC designation for the third time.
She ranks third in assists for a single season (1,235 in
2011) and a career (2,969) at Fredonia. Defensively, she
had 1,200 digs over four seasons, the sixth-best total by a
Blue Devil. Junior outside hitter Lindsey Olson (Portville,
N.Y.) was First Team All-SUNYAC. Olson recorded 394
kills, the third-best single-season total at Fredonia State.
She had 23 kills vs. Geneseo – a school record for a fourset match, and tied for fourth-most in any match. She
also tied the school record (also held by Zureck) with 10
service aces in a single match.
alumni.fredonia.edu
23
Spring 2012 Preview
Spring 2012 Preview
SUNY Fredonia welcomes first Korean contingent this spring
More than 90 students from South Korea will officially become part
of the SUNY Fredonia family at the start of the spring semester through
a new 1+3 program with Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS)
in Seoul, Korea.
The initiative, which doubles SUNY Fredonia’s current international
enrollment, will be marked with a welcome ceremony for the Korean
students on Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Rosch Recital Hall. Several highranking officials from Hankuk University are scheduled to participate.
Upon completing one year of study at HUFS and three years at SUNY
Fredonia, the students will be awarded SUNY Fredonia undergraduate
degrees. Eventually, Fredonia anticipates admitting 120 to 160 South
Korean students to campus.
“Every service and academic office at Fredonia has been preparing for
more than a year since we admitted the 1+3 students,” said Fredonia’s
International Education Director Mary Sasso. “The extra effort put
forth by the staff and faculty has demonstrated to HUFS that global
education and international student mobility is of great importance,
university-wide, to us. These students are a welcome addition to our
current international student population and will be greeted by teams
of International Student Ambassadors who have undergone training
to better serve them. We are ready for them and plan to show them
how good student life is in Fredonia.”
The 1+3 program, which HUFS operates in partnership with
approximately 20 universities across the United States, is designed to
improve opportunities for qualified Korean students in a variety of
majors to study general education courses and improve their English.
Before traveling to Fredonia, the students spent a year preparing at
their home campus, by taking general education courses pre-selected
by HUFS and Fredonia, along with intensive studies in English reading,
speaking, listening and writing.
Their transition to SUNY Fredonia will be made easier by a host
of services provided by Fredonia’s International Education Center.
Julee Strek of the SUNY Fredonia English Language Immersion
Academy will teach several sections of English language courses,
using a curriculum developed in collaboration with Kate Mahoney of
the Department of Language, Learning and Leadership. In addition,
Andrew Platt was hired as an international student advisor specifically
to assist these students and help SUNY Fredonia meet the needs of a
growing international student enrollment. Additional services will be
provided by the Learning Center and Henry C. Youngerman Center.
SUNY Fredonia alumnus and attorney
is 2012 Commencement keynote speaker
SUNY Fredonia’s Commencement keynote speaker will be alumnus
and attorney Dale A. Cooter of Washington, D.C. Ceremonies are
slated for Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Steele Hall
Arena on campus.
Fredonia President Dennis Hefner noted, “Dale Cooter is one of
SUNY Fredonia’s most accomplished and loyal alumni. His distinguished
law career has made him one of the most respected litigators in
Washington, D.C. Also, he has shown support by regularly attending
alumni gatherings held in our nation’s capital and creating an endowment
to support students. We are very excited to have him join us at
Commencement and look forward to hearing the message he will
share with our graduates.”
A New York State Regents Scholarship recipient and a native of
Syracuse, N.Y., Mr. Cooter earned his bachelor’s degree in political
science, cum laude, from SUNY Fredonia in 1970. He moved to
Washington, D.C., to attend Georgetown University Law Center,
and served as an editor on the Georgetown University Law Journal.
He graduated from Georgetown in 1975 and, desiring “hands-on”
courtroom experience, opened his first law firm in Washington. After
the firm grew to over 30 lawyers and Mr. Cooter decided his preference
was to practice law with a small group dedicated to litigation, the larger
firm was disbanded, and Mr. Cooter with a core group of lawyers
formed Cooter, Mangold, Deckelbaum & Karas, L.L.P.
Mr. Cooter is an experienced trial lawyer, specializing in complex litigation, representing both plaintiffs
and defendants. On behalf of plaintiff clients, he has achieved numerous multi-million dollar recoveries
against major national and international corporations. He is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and the District
of Columbia, and is admitted to the bars of the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Second,
Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, Eleventh, District of Columbia and Federal Circuits, as well as the U.S.
Court of Claims and the federal district courts in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center from 1985
through 1993, teaching courses in Commercial Law and Evidence, and served as a master of the Charles
Fahey American Inns of Court in Washington, D.C., for several years in the early 1990s.
Mr. Cooter’s Fredonia special memories include an American Government class his freshman year with
the late Dr. Murdoch Dawley, political science classes with the late Dr. Jack Everett, and watching the 1968
presidential elections with Professor Emeritus William Muller.
Mr. Cooter and his wife, Mary, who live in Washington, have two grown children: Jack, an IT systems
administrator at Cooter Mangold, and Jessica, a junior at American University in Washington.
For more information about Commencement, visit www.fredonia.edu/commencement.
Mr. Cooter is
an experienced
trial lawyer,
specializing in
complex litigation,
representing both
plaintiffs and
defendants.
Day of Poetry and Prose set for April 12
President Dennis Hefner poses with President Park Chul of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, in Seoul, Korea, at a ceremony in 2010 that officially
recognized the partnership between the two campuses. As a result, more than 90 new Korean students will begin to study and live on the Fredonia campus
this semester, a number which could grow to as many as 160 per year in the near future.
24
The fourth annual Albert Dunn Day of Poetry and Prose is taking a “step up” this year – onto the stage of the Alice E. Bartlett
Theater in the Rockefeller Arts Center. On Thursday, April 12, from noon to 3:30 p.m., this fun and growing event – which boasted
50 readings last year – will celebrate the literature taught and loved for 35 years at SUNY Fredonia by the late Dr. Dunn. The event
is held each year during National Poetry Month and promotes the art of reading aloud.
Faculty, students, alumni and community members may participate as sponsors, readers or listeners. There is no charge to
attend as an audience member and, due to its length, is operated in a come-and-go-as-needed format. Faculty are encouraged to
bring entire classes if they wish, as some have done in the past. Refreshments will be served throughout the day.
For readers, participation forms will be available beginning in February through the Fredonia College Foundation. The cost
per reading is $5 for students and $25 for alumni/community members (or to sponsor a student). Reading fees are submitted
prior to the event and benefit the Albert A. Dunn Memorial Scholarship Endowment and Book Grants, which are awarded annually
to select English majors. This year’s winners will be announced at the April 12 event.
This program is sponsored by the Division of University Advancement, with cooperation from the Department of English, the
Department of Theatre and Dance, and the Rockefeller Arts Center.
alumni.fredonia.edu
25
Fall Wrap Up
Homecoming Highlights
On Sept. 22, Political Science Department Chair David Rankin (right)
welcomed John Zogby, founder of the global polling and market research
firm Zogby International, as the keynote speaker for Constitution Week.
Mr. Zogby is one of the foremost authorities on polling and has been
praised on network television broadcasts, in major daily newspapers
and beyond for his accuracy and groundbreaking techniques.
Dr. Robert Wurtz, ’41, who traveled to
SUNY Fredonia from Ann Arbor, Mich.,
to celebrate Homecoming, was recognized
at the Alumni Awards Brunch by President
Dennis Hefner.
For its 2011 Maytum Convocation
series, SUNY Fredonia welcomed
Karthik Bala (right, third from left),
founder of Vicarious Visions, which
developed the industry-redefining
video game series, “Guitar Hero.”
The campus also held a “Fredonia
Hero” contest, with students
competing for prizes before a
celebrity panel that included
Mr. Bala, Distinguished Professor
of Guitar Jim Piorkowski, and
President Dennis Hefner.
World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma leads a rehearsal with dozens of
students in the Fredonia College Symphony on Dec. 7, and joined those
same students the following evening for an unforgettable performance
in King Concert Hall.
Over 1,000 students and donors gathered on Oct. 1 for the annual Scholars
Breakfast in Steele Hall. The event, which celebrates the more than $1 million
of scholarships awarded annually by the Fredonia College Foundation, is a
chance for students to thank their donors, and hopefully become inspired as
well so that one day they might support future students in a similar fashion.
(Left) Kathleen Grace Fiori, a senior musical theatre major, served as this
year’s keynote student speaker at the Scholars Breakfast; (right) Senior
Heather L. Smith, an adolescent education—earth science major (left),
is joined by Florence M. Eikenburg as the recipient of the Geosciences
Scholarship established in Mrs. Eikenburg’s name.
26
Dianne Kricheldorf, ’54, and Bob Wolfe,’56, enjoy
looking at a scrapbook at the Alumni Awards Brunch.
Dianne compiled the scrapbooks of memories of
theatre faculty member Dr. Georgiana von Tornow
and led the effort to establish a scholarship
endowment in Dr. von Tornow’s memory.
Cathy (Calannio), ’79, and Jesse Marion at the
official dedication of the art gallery named in their
honor in the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center.
In addition to outstanding support of SUNY
Fredonia, the couple’s philanthropy has benefited
organizations around the world.
Lots of fun with the Class of 1951! Members of the
class attending the Alumni Awards Brunch included
(left to right): Joanna (Hasse) Banach, Marilyn
(Anderson) Barresi, Barbara (Buczkowski) Polasik,
Marjorie (Pangborn) Brauer and Jean (Benson) Rowe.
Fun at the Alumni Picnic with a great group of friends!
(left to right): Christine (Brassett) Hetzel, Melody Dichiara,
Melissa Nuwer, Jennifer Herrmann, Andrea Norcross,
Karen Davis, Bonnie Zelazny and Theresa Leach.
Members of the Envied Xpression hip hop team perform at the
Homecoming 2011 pep rally, which was held in Steele Hall this
year due to the Williams Center renovation project. The rally’s
theme was, “Under the Big Top,” and featured performances by
several student groups.
From right, Fredonia Alumni Outstanding Achievement Awardee Kirk Krull, ’78; his wife, Elaine; and
parents, Chuck and Barbara Krull. Kirk paid tribute
during his acceptance speech to emeritus faculty
member Dr. Richard Lundquist, whose lessons in
marketing were invaluable in growing Kirk’s career.
Jane (Schuster) and Joseph Falcone, ’74, (center) recipients of
the Fredonia Alumni Association’s Outstanding Achievement
Award, were joined by family members including (left to right):
son, Stephen; Joe’s mother, Rose Falcone; and son (holding
granddaughter Gianna) and daughter-in-law, Drs. John and
Trasey Falcone.
Homecoming King Anthony Colon,
a theatre arts major from the
Bronx, and Queen Jordan Manley,
a biology major from Lancaster,
N.Y., following their crowning at
the pep rally.
alumni.fredonia.edu
27
Class Notes
1930s
Phyllis (Ellis) Krantz Willson, ’39,
(elem. ed.) was honored Dec. 17 at the
official dedication ceremony for the
new Brant Town Hall (the former Brant
Elementary School) where she taught
kindergarten until 1981.
1950s
Harold Ressel, ’51, (music ed.) has been
married for 60 years, and has three
children and four grandchildren. He
plays chamber music at various times
on the violin, viola, or cello, and taught
instrumental music for 38 years.
Gloria (Cuccia) Lang, ’53, (elem. ed.)
celebrated 20 years as a volunteer for
Colonial Williamsburg.
Martha (Carlson) Harrington, ’56,
(elem. ed.) reports that her granddaughters, Meghan Harrington, ’10,
(child. ed./soc. studies 7-9 ext.) is doing
graduate work, and Emma M. Steever
is a music education/piano major.
Class Notes
from Franklinville Central School after
teaching fourth grade for 25 years.
Peter Goetz, ’65, (speech drama)
performed the roles of Dogberry in
Shakespeare’s, “Much Ado About
Nothing,” and Major Paul Petkoff in
Shaw’s, “Arms and the Man,” at the
Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minn.
Martin Zavadil, ’65, (music ed.)
continues to stay active as a conductor,
performer and adjudicator.
Elaine (Zielinski) Zielin, ’66, (music
ed.) has been working as a letter carrier
for the U.S.P.S. for 24 years. Also, she
recently spent two years (on days off)
singing standards with jazz piano at
nursing and retirement homes and
learning to play the harmonica.
Victoria (Ferraro) Dutton, ’67, (psych.)
is retired and plans to travel, relax, and
have fun with her five grandchildren.
Jayna (Fleishman) Monroe’s, ’67,
(speech drama) company, J MONROE
1970s
Thomas, ’70, (art) and Andrea (Beatty)
Gestwicki, ’74, (elem. ed.) played
with the Svenska Spelman band at a
luncheon in Jamestown celebrating the
Norden Club’s 100th anniversary, with
special guests King Carl XVI Gustaf
and Queen Silvia of Sweden.
Deborah (Eckstrom) Barron, ’72
(elem. ed.); ’89 (reading); ’00, (school
admin.) retired from Jamestown
Public Schools as a reading specialist.
She is looking forward to becoming
a snowbird in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Suzanne (Desantis) Boland, ’72, (elem.
ed.) retired in June from Jamestown
Public Schools as a reading specialist.
Gerald Grahame, ’72, (music ed.)
was recently promoted to Associate
Professor of music at Broome
Community College. He directs College
Choir, BCC Chamber Singers and
teaches other vocal music courses.
Members of the Class of
1971 and Alpha Sigma
Chi Fraternity gathered at
Homecoming, including
(seated, left to right)
Cheryl Golden, Kathleen
Piersons and William
Marks; (standing, left to
right) Robert Dando, Fred
Guerriero, Robert Smith,
Michael Wilson and
William Pendziwiatr.
Shirley (Miller) Erbsmehl, ’58, (elem.
ed.) cooked all 443 recipes from the
Fredonia First United Methodist
Church’s cookbook in just over a
year, inspired by the popular film,
“Julie & Julia.”
Robert Willover, ’58, (music ed.) recently
performed an original program of the
most loved music of Edison and Ford at
a yacht club in Fort Myers, Fla.,
for Edison and Ford Winter Estates
volunteers. Robert is Sanibel church
organist at the First Church of Christ
Scientist and a docent at the estates.
1960s
Dr. Bob Quatroche, ’63, (speech
drama) is serving as Interim CEO/
President for the Terre Haute (Ind.)
Chamber of Commerce.
Marjorie (Karl) Geise, ’65, (elem. ed.)
is traveling, busy with eight grandchildren, serving as a Meals on Wheels
volunteer, and enjoying retirement
28
2 8
Statement
Spring
2012
Statement | Fall
2010
DESIGNS, recently won an Esprit
Award from the International Special
Events Society.
Marna (Terry) Wolaver, ’67, (history)
was recently honored with a Paul
Harris Fellowship award from the
Mechanicville Rotary Club.
Rebecca (Gifford) Bennett, ’69,
(English) is still loving retirement hiking, biking, traveling, gardening,
and reading whatever she wants
(instead of what she was teaching);
after 10 years, she has no shortage of
wonderful things to do.
Lynn Chapel, ’69, (soc. studies/sec. ed.)
retired as a guidance counselor at
Jamestown High School.
Kevin DiBartolomeo, ’69, (soc. studies/
sec. ed.) retired in 2010 after 41
years of teaching, the last 13 years
as department chair.
John, ’73, (history) and Corrine
(Martinez) Cochol, ’74, (elem. ed.)
are enjoying life one year retired from
careers in education; John as a special
education principal with the WayneFinger Lakes Board of Cooperative
Educational Services (BOCES) and
Corrine as an elementary/reading instructor with the Canandaigua schools.
Karl L. Holz, ’73, (bus. admin.) has
taken an expanded leadership role
with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
As president of Disney Cruise Line
and New Vacation Operations, Karl
now oversees Disney Vacation Club,
the company’s innovative vacation
ownership business, in addition to
maintaining his responsibility for the
company’s cruise business, Adventures
by Disney (the company’s guided tour
business) and Aulani, a Disney Resort
& Spa, Ko Olina (the company’s new
resort in Hawaii). Karl is responsible for
bringing Disney vacation experiences
to new markets and destinations outside
the boundaries of the company’s theme
parks. Karl now reports directly to
Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney
Parks and Resorts.
Tom Rasely, ’73, (music ed.) celebrated
the world premiere of his choral
collection, “The Best of Times,” by the
Greg Kunde Chorale in Pittsford, N.Y.,
on Oct. 30. The piece is seven short
songs for soprano, alto, tenor and bass,
and piano, based on texts from the
writings of Charles Dickens. For more
information, visit www.rasely.com.
David, ’73, (history) and Marjorie
(Pendleton) Switala, ’73, (music ed.)
report that after retiring from
Chautauqua Lake Central School after
32 years of teaching and mentoring
57 SUNY Fredonia student teachers,
Marjorie now teaches in her private
David Bristol, ’75, (math) is a statistical
consultant, serving as President of
Statistical Consulting Services, Inc.
Dr. Lawrence Gwozdz, ’75, (music ed.)
played his saxophone in a concert at
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
and led a master class for students. He
has also performed in major cities in
Asia, Europe and North America.
Debra (Horn) Stachura, ’75, (elem. ed.)
has been named a director of the Greater
East Aurora Chamber of Commerce
and is Chair of the Fredonia College
Foundation Board of Directors.
Dr. Michael Maccalupo, ’76, (English)
published, Where the Road Begins, a
coming of age novel of a boy growing
up in South Buffalo. The setting of the
story covers areas from “Allentown” in
Buffalo to Chautauqua Lake and Zoar
Valley. Michael holds a doctoral degree
in Educational Leadership from East
Carolina University.
Sarie (Naetzker) Mackay, ’77, (English)
returned to SUNY Fredonia to give
a craft talk and read from her works,
followed by a book signing. She is the
author of, Lodestar, and, Fair Game,
the latter named a quarterfinalist in
the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel
Awards Competition.
Alan Siebert, ’77, (music ed.) has
been elected Vice President of the
International Trumpet Guild (ITG)
and will hold the office of President in
2013-2015.
James Spann, ’77, (pol. sci.) was elected
as Town Judge in Westfield.
Cheryl (Mancini) Drake, ’78, (music
ed.) was selected to receive the 2010
Outstanding Music Educator Award
in the Outstanding Band Director
category from the Rochester, (N.Y.)
Philharmonic Orchestra Musician’s
Marcia Drayo, ’71, ’88, spent a week
at the Tuscan Renaissance Center,
a restored 1,000-year-old monastery, in San Fedele, Italy, and while there
ran into another Fredonia graduate,
Michael Ferris, ’86, who works as a
Program Manager/Facilitator for Il
Chiostro, Inc., a company which
designs and hosts workshops in the
arts at different locations in Italy.
Terrie (Benson) Murray, ’76, (pol. sci.)
is a partner at Cohen & Lombardo, a
Buffalo-based law firm, and was honored
with the 2011 Verizon HopeLine
Volunteer Award at a Buffalo Bills game.
Robert Del Zoppo, ’74, (math/sec.
ed.) has been promoted to Assistant
Vice President, Advanced Technology
Programs, for O’Haver Financial in
Jamesville, N.Y.
Elizabeth Petiprin, ’76, (English/sec.
ed.) celebrated her 32nd year of
teaching English at Jamestown
Community College.
David Smith, ’74, (pol. sci.) has been
elected chair of the board of directors
for The Business Council of New York.
Brian Moore, ’80, (pol. sci.) was named
Chairman for the 2011 United Way/
Red Cross Campaign for Summit
County in Akron, Ohio. He is a partner
at Roetzel Law Firm.
Melissa Sorci Taft, ’80, (art) opened
Feather Your Nest, a home decorating
business, in Fredonia.
Mark Balzer, ’81, (history) recently
had his first book published, The
People Principles - Leadership in
the 21st Century. It is available at
Authorhouse.com. He is Vice President
for Learning and Development for
Exel in Westerville, Ohio.
Sean Kirst, ’81, (English) received first
place for his columns in The PostStandard in Syracuse, N.Y., and James
McCoy, ’81, (special stds.) received
first place in the photography category
for sports, in the New York State
of the Australian Intellectual Property
Bulletin (Vol. 24, No. 5). She is a former
bassoon major and a current copyright/
trademark attorney in Madison, Wis.
Pamela (Krna) Barry, ’83, (chem.)
just completed her 28th year in the
pharmaceutical industry, working
for Proctor & Gamble. Currently she
is the senior manager for WWGCP
Compliance Cephalon, Inc.
Chris Demiris, ’83, (med. technology)
is living in Maryland and working at
Becton Dickinson Diagnostics as the
WW Group Marketing Manager for
Molecular Diagnostics.
Dina (Corsetti) Rath, ’83, (theatre)
won Best Screenplay at the 2011 Buffalo
Niagara Film Festival for her featurelength work, Nina. The spec script is
a period romantic drama based on
Chekhov’s, The Seagull. To learn more,
go to www.ninathescreenplay.com.
Several Fredonia alumni members of the American Legion Band of the
Tonawandas, Post 264, performed at Chautauqua Institution on July 2,
including (from left to right): Sara Abrahamian, ’05; Richard Sowinsk, ’65;
Kevin Hauser, ’69; Betsy Geneo, Jill Dueringer, ’00; Mary Anne Harp, ’63;
David Reeves, ’10; Robert DeSantis; Michael Nascimben, ’59; Andrew
Bodemer, ’00; Sheryl Rohr, ’91; Jen Scarum, Jon Steward, Deborah Hogan,
’02; Marcia (Frick) McGlarry, ’60; and John McGlarry, ’60. The photo was
taken by Sylvia (Cowe) Nascimben, ’67.
voice studio. She would love to hear
from her former student teachers at
marjorieswitala@yahoo.com. David is
the owner of Southern Tier Financial
in Falconer.
Mary McDonnell, ’74, (theatre) was
nominated for a Prime Time Emmy
Award in the category of Outstanding
Guest Actress in a drama series for her
appearance as Capt. Sharon Raydor in
TNT’s “The Closer.”
1980s
Dr. Deborah (Anders) Silverman, ’76,
’79, (music ed., English) received tenure
and promotion to Associate Professor
at Buffalo State College, where she
serves as Associate Chair of its
Communication Department.
Dr. Sherryl Weems, ’76, (elem. ed.)
received the Community Service Award
from the Minority Bar Association of
Western New York in September. She is
Executive Director of the Educational
Opportunity Center, affiliated with the
University at Buffalo.
Associated Press Association 2010Educator Awards Committee. She is
an instrumental music teacher in the
2011 competition.
Canandaigua (N.Y.) City School District.
Jane McGrath, ’81, (art) was promoted
Shawn Simon, ’78, (special stds.) was
to Senior Creative and Design Manager
appointed Vice President of Sales for
at AAA of Western and Central
INSYS Therapeutics in Phoenix, Ariz.
New York.
Dr. David Fountaine, ’79, (bus. admin.)
was appointed to the 2011 Board of
Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award. He is President
of the firm, AQUEST Consulting, of
Hamburg, N.Y.
Jerome Moss, ’81, (special stds.) coached
the Dunkirk High School boys’ basketball players to an 18-0 regular season in
2011, reached the B-1 playoffs, and won
the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic
Association Division I regular-season
title, which was the second best record
in Dunkirk school history.
Francis Hornung Jr., ’79, (bus. admin.)
was appointed Vice President and
Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Timothy Niziol, ’82, (account.) was
Service Sales Manager for Five Star Bank. elected to the Texas Court Appointed
Special Advocates (CASA) Board
Lynn Taplin, ’79, (psych.) is retiring
of Directors.
after 25 years of practicing law and
moving with her fiancée to Costa Rica
to live the “pura vida.”
Elizabeth (Koepcke) Russell, ’82,
(special stds.) authored, “U.S. Trademark Practice: A Guide For Australian
Attorneys,” in the September 2011 issue
Scott Martelle’s, ’84, (pol. sci.) book,
Detroit: A Biography, will be released in
April. It is already listed in the Library
of Congress database and is available
for pre-order with online booksellers.
Greg Meadows, ’84, (art) was promoted
to Vice President/Creative Director
for The Martin Group, a Buffaloheadquartered strategic branding
and creative marketing firm. His
photography was featured in the
inaugural Spring 2011 issue of Codex,
a quarterly international magazine
and journal exploring the artistry
and technique of typography.
Dana Brunett, ’85, (econ.) was selected
as Cape Coral City’s (Fla.) new
Economic Development Director.
Muffett (Mauche) George, ’85, (coop.
eng./math) was promoted to Project
Manager at TVGA Consultants in
Elma, N.Y.
alumni.fredonia.edu
alumni.fredonia.edu
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Class Notes
Class Notes
Gerard Picco, ’85, (history) has joined
UGL Services’ Manhattan Office as a
Senior Vice President of brokerage and
client advisory services.
Dr. Bret Apthorpe, ’92, (elem. ed.) was
appointed Assistant Superintendent
for Curriculum and Instruction in the
Fairport (N.Y.) School District.
Scott “Spanky” Prince, ’86, (commun.)
works for ADT Security Services in
Buffalo, N.Y., and is an independent
distributor for the Buffalo News. He
is married to Mary Grace Miller and
has a daughter, Olivia Grace. They live
in West Seneca, N.Y., in Mary Grace’s
childhood home.
Michael Conroy, ’92, (bus. admin.)
was named Vice President of Western
New York Commercial Group Accounts
for HealthNow New York.
Douglas Telban, ’86, (account.)was
appointed Director of Corporate
Compliance and Internal Audit for
Fidelis Care in Amherst, N.Y.
Lavette “Lovey” Johnson-Debrow, ’93,
(speech and hear. hand.) published a
book, Fabric Photo Memories by Lovey,
featuring fabric photo collages of
African American women from
the 1700s through the early 1900s.
For more information, go to: www.
magcloud.com/browse/Issue/165047.
Carol (Stanczyk) Krusemark, ’88,
(applied music) is a Vocal Pathologist/
Singing Voice Specialist at the
Massachusetts General Hospital Center
for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice
Rehabilitation in Boston, Mass.
Terrie (Benson) Murray, ’76
Linda (Grisanti) Marszalek, ’88,
(speech and hearing hand.) was named
Chief Academic Officer at Pinnacle
Charter School in Buffalo, N.Y. She
previously was Dean of Academics and
Chief Information Officer for the Buffalo
Academy of Science Charter School.
Sean Ryan, ’88, (elem. ed.) was elected
New York State Assemblyman for the
144th District, a seat formerly held by
Sam Hoyt, in Buffalo, N.Y.
1990s
Bonnie (Fox) Garrity, ’90, (commun.)
recently completed an M.B.A. at
Canisius College and is an Associate
Professor at D’Youville College in
Buffalo, N.Y.
James Kincaid, ’90, (account.) was
elected Treasurer for the WNY Affiliate
of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. He is
an accountant and partner at Lougen,
Valenti, Bookbinder & Weintraub, LLP.
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Jeanne Gunther, ’93, (elem. ed.) was
hired as an Assistant Professor of
education at Francis Marion University
in Florence, S.C.
Donna Benstead, ’94, (music ed.) was
recently inducted into Cambridge
Timothy Niziol, ’82
Who’s Who as a VIP member of the
year, honored for innovation and
dedication to music education.
Jacqueline Latshaw, ’94, (school
admin.) was appointed District
Superintendent for the Bemus Point
Central School District.
Chris Loss, ’94, (commun.) was
promoted to Vice President of
Promotion for the Valory Music Co.
and relocated from Scottsdale, Ariz.,
to Franklin, Tenn.
Ellen (Parker) Sidey, ’94, (English)
was appointed as Online Curriculum
Coordinator for Medaille College.
Dr. Paul Connelly, ’95, (school admin./
supv.) was named Superintendent of
Springville-Griffith Institute Central
School District.
Chad Danford, ’96, (theatre) was
appointed Multimedia Producer at
MicroMass Communications, Inc., a
leading health care agency in Cary, N.C.
Karla (Palermo) Ess, ’96, (elem. ed.)
was one of 86 teachers to be named a
2011 Georgia Master Teacher. She has
been teaching seventh grade math at
Webb Bridge Middle School in Atlanta
since 2006.
Frank Williams, ’97, (English)
represented SUNY Fredonia at the
inauguration of Daemen College’s fifth
president, Dr. Edwin G. Clausen.
Frank serves as Dean of Admissions
at Daemen.
Shawn Sullivan, ’99, (math) was a
basketball trainer for Attack Athletics
in Chicago and the Detroit Pistons
Will Bynum Point Guard Camp. He
worked with current NBA players,
foreign professionals and college
players. He is a teacher at Webster
Thomas High School in Webster, N.Y.
Dr. Bret Apthorpe, ’92
artifacts to attend to questions of
use, value, and material worth. For
more information, visit the link:
pointofreference.org/objects.htm.
Ron Tongue, ’00, (music ed.) released
his first solo album, “If Only.” For more
information, visit www.rahnmusic.com,
iTunes, Amazon or cdbaby.com.
Jeffrey Bianchi, ’02, (music perf.)
performed in a free public concert at
the courtroom of Lawrence County in
Moulton, Tenn.
Lezlie (Brown) Farrell, ’02, (account.)
was recognized by Business First
magazine of Buffalo as one of the
publication’s 2011 top financial
executives. She is the Chief Financial
Officer of the Genesee County
Economic Development Center.
Tim Geiger, ’02, (sociology) won three
gold, two silver and five bronze medals
at the Empire State Senior Games at
Jennifer (Schaedler) Cinque, ’04, ’06
2000s
Dr. Amanda Emo, ’00, (psych.)
accepted a position with the Federal
Railroad Administration’s Office of
Safety Analysis Risk Reduction
Program. She will head the newly
formed Fatigue Management program
aimed at mitigating fatigue experienced
by railroad employees. Dr. Emo
was also recently named Scientific
Coordinator for the Transportation
Research Board of the National
Academy’s standing committee on
Railroad Operational Safety.
SUNY Cortland. He participated in
horseshoes; the 5K, 10K, 1,500, 800 and
200-meter runs; the 1,500-meter race
walk, indoor badminton and long jump.
Erik Reinhart, ’03, (music ed.)
has taken over choral activities at
Churchville-Chili High School outside
of Rochester, N.Y. Previously he taught
ninth grade choir and guitar classes.
He will also continue to teach high
school guitar classes.
Peter J. Morgante, ’00, (account.) has
joined the accounting firm of Schaffner,
Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C.
Erynn Anderson, ’04, (English) was
appointed by the State University of
New York Institute of Technology as
its inaugual head women’s lacrosse
coach and full-time head women’s cross
country coach.
Paul Nicholson, ’00, (visual arts)
recently had an opening reception of his
art work in Brooklyn, N.Y. He featured
new work that uses appropriation
and distortion of re-created cultural
Jennifer (Schaedler) Cinque, ’04, ’06,
(child. ed., curr. and instruc.) was
appointed Internship Coordinator
and Career Counselor in the Career
Development Office at SUNY Fredonia.
Magdalene Gluszek, ’04, (visual arts)
joined the faculty of Northland Pioneer
College in the art department at its
White Mountain Campus in Show
Low, Ariz.
(sound rec. technology) worked on the
film, “Another Earth,” which won the
Alfred P. Sloan Award and special Jury
Prize at the Sundance Film Festival,
and was purchased by Fox Searchlight.
Rob Hopkins, ’07; (visual arts), Ryan
Brennan, ’05; (bus. admin.), and Chris
Howard, ’06, (bus. admin.) are one
of the founders and co-founders of
FiveNineGroup, a digital Western New
York sports marketing company which
helps professional athletes, particularly
hockey players, create and maintain
their own websites.
Stephanie Sadler, ’06, (English)
launched an e-commerce business,
Made in Mogotes, a platform for
crafters in Columbia to help sell their
work. While living in Columbia, she
discovered the talents of women
making crafts, but that they had no
English language skills or the Internet
access needed to sell their work
beyond the borders of Columbia.
William Doyle, ’05, (math) has been
hired by New Canann (Conn.) schools
as a high school math teacher.
Dr. Kristopher Hite, ’05, (chem.)
earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and
molecular biology at Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, Colo. His
scientific writing has apeared in
The Journal of Biological Chemistry,
Dr. Kristopher Hite, ’05
Nicole Szydlo, ’06, (interdisc. stds.)
was appointed Marketing Manager
for SellingHive, a social networking
company in Dunkirk.
Alex Parker, ’07, (interdisc. stds./
sport mgmt.) was appointed Assistant
Coach for the men’s soccer team at
SUNY Potsdam.
Amanda Lohr, ’08, (visual arts) was
hired as a Marketing Coordinator at Bell
& Spina, an architectural and planning
consultants firm in Syracuse, N.Y.
Amanda Ornowski, ’08, (psych.) was
promoted to Senior Accountant at
Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner,
an Amherst (N.Y.) accounting firm.
Benjamin Peters, ’08, (interdisc. stds./
sport mgmt.) graduated from basic
military training at Lackland Air Force
Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Nelson Diaz, ’09, (English/adol. ed.) is
a sixth grade English teacher at Nyack
(N.Y.) Middle School and is enrolled
full-time as a graduate student at
Columbia University’s Teachers’ College.
Stacy Breindel, ’08
Kevin Scully, ’07, (bus admin./
market.) was promoted to Associate
Manager of Recruiting at A|X Armani
Michael Muzza, ’05, (commun./
Exchange corporate, a global retailer
pub. rel.) was appointed Distributor
based in New York City. Kevin is also
Development Manager - Midwest
enrolled at the New York University
Region at Unilever Food Solutions
School of Continuing and Professional
in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Studies, focusing on Human Capital
Dinecia Pierre-Louis, ’05, (French/adol. Management.
ed.) started a new job in Laurel, Md., at Jennifer (Sciurba) Arnold, ’08, (child.
Capitol College as an Assistant Director inclus. ed.) received her Master of
Science in Education degree from
of Advising and Student Success.
Nazareth College of Rochester, N.Y. She
Stephanie Warner, ’05, (child. ed.,
is working in Culpeper, Va., as a middle
music ed.) graduated from Columbia
school special education teacher.
University in 2007 and has been
teaching math and science in Brooklyn, Stacy Breindel, ’08, (child. ed.) was
named Leasing/Marketing Manager
N.Y., for six years.
for The Lofts at 136, a new downtown
Jamel Corbett, ’06, (bus. admin.) is
student housing facility in Buffalo, N.Y.
a business liaison for RJ Reynolds in
Bryan Darrow, ’08, (commun.) has
Albany, N.Y., and a freelance writer.
taken a position with the Rochester
Ryan Price, ’06; Steve Giammaria, ’06; Americans/Buffalo Sabres as a Video
Editor in Rochester, N.Y.
and Sebastian Henshaw-Foley, ’08,
Biochemistry, and The Journal of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
Darren Lillie, ’08, (account.) was
promoted to Senior Accountant at
Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner,
an Amherst (N.Y.) accounting firm.
2010s
Jessica Cantali, ’10, (bus. admin.) was
honored as the 2010 Youth Mentor of the
Year at Compeer Chautauqua’s annual
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
Patrick Capella, ’10, (account.) was
appointed to Staff Accountant in the
tax department at Freed Maxick and
Battaglia Certified Public Accountants.
Asha Glorioso, ’10, (commun./TV
and digital film) is a full-time editor at
TCT Television Network in Orchard
Park, N.Y., editing two children’s shows
(“Capt’n Chuckleberry” and the “Super
Simple Science Show”). She is also
doing freelance producing, filming
and video editing, most recently for
Krav Maga martial arts academy.
Jessica Gostomski, ’10, (interdisc.
stds.) was named Environmental
Technician at TVGA Consultants
in Buffalo, N.Y.
Robert Herrmann, ’10
April Diodato, ’09, (commun.) received
third place in the New York State
Associated Press Association’s 20102011 competition for her feature story,
“Ghost Stories,” in the Dunkirk Observer.
Megan Erbacher, ’09, (commun./TV
and digital film) was promoted from
Assignment Editor to Producer at
WKBW-TV in Buffalo, N.Y.
Kayla Germain, ’09, (commun./pub.
rel.) was hired as a Social Media
Coordinator at The College of Saint
Rose in Albany, N.Y.
Julia (Hopson) Williamson, ’09,
(visual arts/graphic design) has joined
the cross country and track and field
programs at SUNY Fredonia as an
Assistant Coach.
Lester Harbin, ’10, (interdisc. stds.)
was named the Head Women’s
Basketball Coach at Salem International
University in Salem, W. Va. He had
been the Assistant Men’s Basketball
Coach at SUNY Fredonia.
Robert Herrmann, ’10, (bus. admin.)
recently participated in the Pecos
League All Star team while in his
rookie season with the Las Cruces
Vaqueros professional baseball team.
Melissa Lawrence, ’10, (commun./
pub. rel.) is the Sales Assistant and
Event Planner for Vintage Brush Creek
Senior Living in Santa Rosa, Calif.
Rocco Oliverio, ’10, (comp. sci.)
graduated from U.S. Army basic
combat training at Fort Jackson in
Columbia, S.C.
Alex Brown, ’11, (comp. info. sys.)
was hired by SellingHive, a social
networking company in Dunkirk,
as a Technology Project Coordinator.
alumni.fredonia.edu
alumni.fredonia.edu
31
31
Career Corner
Class Notes
Tara Escudero, ’11, (English) was part
of the New England Climate Summer,
an internship program run by the
Better Future Project, a Massachusettsbased nonprofit supporting an end to
the burning of fossil fuels. Traveling
by bike in small teams, interns visited
communities and worked with local
groups supporting sustainability and
energy solutions.
John Grabowski, ’11, (biology) is an
Assistant Coach of men’s soccer at
SUNY Fredonia.
Nicole Hutton, ’11, (visual arts)
was hired as a designer for Crowley
Webb, a Buffalo, N.Y., marketing
communications agency.
Frank Jagoda III, ’11, (social work)
was named Manager of the Allegany
County Nitros of the New York
Collegiate Baseball League.
Faculty
Deaths
Jean A. Clauson, Class of 1970
David Kinkela, (history) published
a book, DDT and the American
Century: Global Health, Environmental
Politics, and the Pesticide That
Changed the World.
Alumni
Mark I. Brookmire, Class of 1978
Distinguished Teaching Professor
Clark Zlotchew (modern languages)
is the author of a new spy thriller,
The Caucasian Menace.
Distinguished Teaching Professor
Raymond Belliotti (philosophy) is
the author of, Dante’s Deadly Sins:
Moral Philosophy in Hell.
Emeritus
Dr. Richard Sheil, (music) received
the award of Esteemed Member from
the 73rd Bomb Wing Association for
assisting the group in creating the
website for the 500th Bomb Group of
the 73rd Bomb Wing, 20th Air Force.
Dennis J. Gaffney, Class of 1975
Rev. Wilma (Chapman) McAllister,
Class of 1932
Rev. Dr. William M. Smith,
Class of 1982
Elsie M. (Chubb) Reitz, Class of 1935
Lisa (Wilhelm) Behn, Class of 1983
LaMar (Johnson) Hickman,
Class of 1936
Douglas McCollum Rawls,
Class of 1991
Violet (ONeill) Patterson, Class of 1936
Pamela Rodriguez, Class of 1991
Philip Skeps, Class of 1936
Pura Maria (Cordero) Wakefield,
Classes of 1994, ’96
James H. Annis, Class of 1938
Sylvia Loveless, Class of 1938
Elsie (Holmes) Warn, Class of 1939
Jessie B. (Borzilleri) Stoberl,
Class of 1941
William McKernan, Class of 1994
Brian K. Ranney, Class of 1997
Renee M. (McIntyre) Birt, Class of 1999
Janine Austin, Class of 2007
Kathryne (Smythe) Hansen,
Class of 1944
Students
Barbara (Luke) Weaver, Class of 1944
Ryan P. Purcell
Carol (Flynn) Wood, Class of 1944
Faculty/Staff
Ruthanne (Dikeman) Morrison,
Class of 1945
Mary J. Campese, Housekeeping,
1973-1989
Graham E. Andrus, ’10
Career Corner
Career Strategies to Success: Being Proactive in Difficult Times
by Tracy Collingwood, ’94, Director of Career Development
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to find success in their careers? Obviously, they did not obtain
success merely through luck or a magical formula. They met with success because they planned an effective
career development strategy, stuck to it and worked their way up. Behind success is always hard work. These
days, one cannot afford to waste valuable time waiting for success to happen. With a proactive career action
plan, you will be able to successfully navigate and manage your career.
To succeed, you need to plan a career strategy and follow some essential guidelines.
The following tips are essential to ensuring and sustaining success:
1
2
5
3
6
Identify your targets. A proactive approach is required
Willetta (Cross) Swanson, ‘46, (center)
was featured as a Distinguished
Honoree by SUNY Fredonia for
her volunteer contributions to the
community and for her support
of SUNY Fredonia at the National
Philanthropy Day luncheon in Buffalo
on Nov. 16. Mrs. Swanson is shown
here with President Dennis Hefner,
Vice President David Tiffany and
representatives of the Association
of Fundraising Professionals,
organizers of the annual event.
Mike Kelley, ’11, (interdisc. stds/sport
mgmt.) is a volunteer track and field
coach at SUNY Fredonia.
Births
Alex Morton, ’11, (sport mgmt.) and
Jordan Oye, ’11, (bus. admin./finance)
have signed with the Laredo Bucks of
the Central Hockey League.
A daughter, Samantha Grace, to Betsy
and Bob Schroeder, ’01 (commun.).
Steve Rizer, ’11, (bus. admin./market.)
was named an Assistant Men’s Hockey
Coach at Western New England
University in Springfield, Mass.
Elizabeth Ruff, ’11, (mus. theatre) has
been named a cast member in a national
tour of Cats, produced by CATS-Eye,
LLC, through June 2012. She has the
role of Jellylorum, and is understudy for
characters Grizabella and Jennyanydots.
Elizabeth performed in the 2011
Commencement Eve Pops and recently
was a cast member in the Westside
Theatre Productions of Rochester, N.Y.’s
production of Little Women.
32
3
2
Statement
Spring
2012
Statement | Fall
2010
A daughter, Emma Ann Rose, to
Allison and Chris Loss, ’94 (commun.).
for career advancement. After you have set your long-term
goals, your next step is to create a strategic plan to achieve
your targets.
Fredonians young and old who now live in the greater Washington, D.C.,
area gathered at the Old Ebbitt Grill on Nov. 2 to network, relive great
memories, and hear about what's new on campus.
Lois (Darbee) Gordon, Class of 1947
Jean (Wells) Kropat, Class of 1950
Irene (Allen) Lamphear, Secretary,
Mathematics, retired 1983
Elizabeth H. (Grzebinski) Zuba,
Class of 1950
Esther S. Mackowiak, Cleaner,
1974-1988
Dale E. Miller, Class of 1951
Gertrude F. (St. George) Pagano,
Faculty Student Association
A son, Joshua Robert, to Carrie and
Jason Fisher, ’03 (commun.).
Julanne (Stephens) Willis,
Class of 1952
A daughter, Lia Jean, to Susan (Porter)
and Robert Richardson, ’03 (commun.).
Willie J. Dorsey, Class of 1954
A son, Owen Holcomb, to Kevin
and Heather (DiPaola) Reed, ’08
(child. ed.).
Marriages
Marcy Baldwin, ’06, (English)
to Keith Dice.
Jennifer Sciurba, ’08, (child. inclus. ed.)
to Ryan Arnold, ’07 (pol. sci.).
Heather DiPaola, ’08, (child. ed.)
to Kevin Reed.
Julia Hopson, ’09, (graphic design)
to Brandon Williamson, ’07 (theatre).
Set your priorities (and realistic expectations). There will
never be enough time to do everything you want to do,
and it is easy to get distracted by urgent but ultimately
unimportant activities. Deadlines come and go, and
important new projects land in your lap constantly. Review
your priority list weekly to reflect the changing demands
on your time and focus on what is important today.
Susan A. (Lederes) Bielawski,
Class of 1958
Florence “Flo” (Fields) Greene,
Class of 1958
Gloria A. (Kubasik) Thiers,
Class of 1959
Mary Ann (Cooley) Buttermore,
Class of 1961
Carol (Dominick) Nelson,
Class of 1961
Joanne M. Nazzaro, Class of 1967
Veronica A. Astrello, Class of 1969
Janet (Gelia) Polvino, Class of 1969
Janice D. Slaton, Esq.; Lecturer,
Department of Sociology,
Anthropology, Social Work and
Criminal Justice, 2008-2011;
Class of 1983
James A. Swierk, Janitor, Rockefeller
Arts Center/ Reed Library, 1991-2011
Emeritus
Dr. Paul Dommermuth, TERC/
Sociology, 1969-1999
SUNY Distinguished Professor
William T. “Tom” Hagan, History,
Academic Affairs, 1969-1989
Marie Dillon LoGuidice,
Assistant Librarian, 1961-1972
Underpromise and overdeliver. Every single interaction is
an opportunity to add value and solidify your professional
reputation. Do what you say you will do and exceed
expectations whenever possible. Go the extra mile –
it’s worth it.
4
Invest in yourself. Keep on learning and growing. In today’s
job market, if you are not improving your knowledge and
skill base, you will be out-of-date in a matter of months.
Once in the job, you must restart the cycle of adapting to
your new environment and continually improving yourself
by adding new skills and qualifications.
Give thanks every day. Nothing says more about you than being
genuine. Make it a point to send a handwritten thank you note
or phone call every day. This is essential for maintaining your
professional network and for acknowledging the people who
have helped you along the way. The more grateful you are for
what you have, the more fans and opportunities you will attract.
Believe in yourself. This is the most essential – and sometime
hardest – element of achieving success. All of those people
who have achieved great success had the courage to believe
in themselves and take calculated risks at some level.
If you have a clear vision of your career goals, and if you focus on these strategies every day, success will come.
The first step can be daunting, but with practice, these strategies will become a way of life. Take action every day,
commit to success and stay persistent. The path to success is full of ups and downs. The key is to keep moving
forward and never give up.
If you need assistance developing your career strategy at any point in your career – whether you’re about to
graduate or a seasoned alum – contact the Career Development Office at (716) 673-3327 or schedule an appointment
online at www.fredonia.edu/cdo/alumniappt.asp. We start with an in-depth conversation with you, either in
person or by phone, arranged by appointment. Our relationship continues as long as you need it – at no cost –
no matter what stage of your career you are in, because you are a Fredonian, for life. Best wishes in 2012!
alumni.fredonia.edu
alumni.fredonia.edu
33
33
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, N.Y.
PERMIT NO. 367
Office of Alumni Affairs
286 Central Avenue
Fredonia, NY 14063
This past September, with the tossing
SUNY Fredonia breaks ground innovation. It also seeks to create an
that enables state-of-the-art
of some ceremonial dirt and a toast
on $60 million Science Center environment
faculty research which facilitates the
from Erlenmeyer flasks destined for new
inclusion of undergraduates, a long-held
chemistry labs, scores of faculty, students,
hallmark of the sciences at Fredonia.
administrators, alumni and guests marked
“One of the ways that you can see our
the beginning of a long-awaited facility
planning as a campus is in how we’re
dedicated exclusively to the sciences.
planning our physical space for the kind
With it, many in attendance agree, comes
of learning we want to have happening
a new era in the campus’ academic evolution,
at Fredonia,” added Vice President for
and in the ways in which prospective students,
Academic Affairs Virginia Horvath.
faculty and others think of SUNY Fredonia.
“We’re not just taking into account
The new, 92,000-square-foot building set
what’s needed inside of a lab or for proper
to open in 2014 is the single largest facility
ventilation; we’re thinking of the ways in
investment in the campus’ history. When
which students can best learn science,
complete, it will house the biology and
and we’re making sure the space we create
chemistry/biochemistry departments, in
is best suited for collaboration across disciplines.”
addition to the environmental science and science education programs.
Chemistry Associate Professor Holly Lawson is the project shepherd.
A renovation of Houghton Hall will follow and eventually house
She has been involved in all aspects of the planning, design and
the departments of physics, geosciences, mathematics, and computer
construction of the new facility, acting as a liaison between the faculty
and information sciences – thereby creating a Fredonia Science
and the design and construction teams.
Complex dedicated to all of the STEM (science, technology, engineering
“This facility will have amazing teaching spaces that will contain
and math) disciplines.
smart technologies coupled with clever designs to support all styles
“For years, SUNY Fredonia has been home to high-quality science
of teaching and learning,” Dr. Lawson explained. “This wonderful
students and faculty, as is evidenced by the many accomplished alumni
facility – filled with light, wood, stone and glass – will showcase
who have played a key role in helping us shape this new vision, many
science by allowing visitors to look into labs, witness scientific
of whom have returned to campus to join us for today’s event,” said
exchanges in the halls and explore science in the numerous displays.”
President Dennis Hefner. “This new facility will serve as a far better
To discover more about the new Science Center, including a
representation of the quality of this campus’ science programs. It will not
computer-generated walkthrough of the completed facility as it’s
only meet the standards our graduates have set, but it will significantly
designed, visit: www.fredonia.edu/sciencecenter. To learn more
increase the potential of both our faculty and our students.”
about this and four other major construction projects happening
The mission of the new building is to provide graduates with a
on campus, see page 10 of this issue.
skill set relevant to a world economy increasingly driven by scientific
3 4
Statement Spring 2010

Success Was His Tradition - Alumni Home

Transcription

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