SUNY Fredonia unveils $15 million “Doors to

July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
State University of New York at Fredonia
SUNY Fredonia unveils $15 million
“Doors to Success” capital campaign
I
n early May, SUNY Fredonia and the Fredonia College Foundation
announced the public phase of a new, five-year, $15 million capital
campaign — its longest and largest capital campaign.
The dollars generated during the campaign, entitled, “Doors to Success:
the Campaign for Fredonia,” will be used primarily to fund scholarships,
educational enrichment, academic program enhancement and cultural
programming.
To help kickoff the campaign, President Dennis L. Hefner officially dedicated the new Carnahan-Jackson Center for Learning and Scholarship,
an addition to Reed Library on the Fredonia campus. The dedication signifies and honors the long-standing financial and volunteer support given
by the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation to the SUNY Fredonia community
over the years, as well as the personal philanthropy and leadership provided by its board chairman, David H. Carnahan.
“David Carnahan and the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation have long been
part of the fabric of SUNY Fredonia, and part of our family,” President
Hefner said. “He is one of our strongest advocates, and has served on
the Fredonia College Foundation Board of Directors for the past nine
years. It is an honor to dedicate this building to his foundation, and a
true pleasure to see the Carnahan-Jackson name as a permanent fixture
among the SUNY Fredonia landscape.”
The Carnahan-Jackson Foundation has provided the lead gift in each of
the last three campaigns, dating back to 1995. Its total gifts and pledges
during this span have exceeded $1.5 million. In addition to serving on the
Fredonia College Foundation board,
Mr. Carnahan is serving as Chairman
of the Doors to Success campaign.
“This is a true honor for all of us at
the Carnahan-Jackson Board,” Mr.
Carnahan stated. “The work we’re
doing here today — and every day
— is as important as anything we
could choose to do. And it is so very
personally gratifying to know that our
efforts have a direct and profound impact not only on today’s students —
but perhaps more importantly, on those who are still to come.”
President Dennis Hefner joins David Carnahan as the new signage is unveiled at
the dedication of the “Carnahan-Jackson Center for Learning and Scholarship.”
2003. Through June 30, 2008 and including the campaign’s silent phase,
nearly $5.7 million has been raised.
“This is a very exciting and especially meaningful time for all of us on the
Fredonia College Foundation board,” said board chairman Kurt W. Maytum, president and chief technology officer of DFT Communications.
“We are seeing the fruits of our efforts
through the unwavering support of our
donors, and their belief in the importance
of higher education. They also believe that
we can always find ways to make SUNY
Fredonia even better. And they believe this
so strongly that they are willing to give substantially of themselves through financial
and volunteer support.”
If you would like to help the foundation reach its goal, please contact the
Office of University Advancement at (716) 673-3321, or visit us online at
www.fredonia.edu/foundation/contact_us.asp.
The current $15 million goal represents a nearly 42 percent increase
from the $10.6 million generated at the close of the previous campaign in
Fredonia generates record number of applicants
S
UNY Fredonia has received a record
6,500 applications from high school
seniors for the Fall 2008 term — up more
than 600 from a year ago. These, in turn,
have to date yielded 1,200 deposits from
students who will become members of the
Class of 2012.
“The applications that we received were
an all-time high for our institution,” said
Chris Dearth, director of Admissions, and
represent a 10 percent increase in applications over Fall 2007. The number of freshman
applications had been fairly consistent —
between 5,804 and 5,871 — in the last three
years. This growth has occurred across the
board, encompassing virtually all departments and areas of study.
Fredonia met its goal of 1,100 freshman
deposits by May 2, two weeks prior to
Commencement. And more are expected
as students finalize their college selections.
Similarly, applications by potential transfer
students grew by 300, reflecting an 27 percent jump to 1,400. Those applications have
led to another 450 deposits.
“Our entire team is thrilled about exceeding
our targets for 2008,” said Daniel Tramuta,
associate vice president for Enrollment
(continued, see Applicants on page 2)
Students and faculty enjoy a beautiful spring afternoon
outside the University Commons. This photo is featured
on the cover of one of several new Admissions materials
being created for the 2008-09 recruiting cycle.
Applicants, continued from page 1
Services. “This has truly been a strategic,
campus-wide effort.”
Mr. Dearth credits Fredonia’s core strengths
— its academic reputation, value, small class
sizes and safe campus — as well as new marketing strategies (such as more targeted print
ads, a new television ad, and direct mail) for
this recruitment success. His eight admissions
counselors also attended more college fairs
and visited more high schools than ever before.
“We reached out to more prospective students than we have in the past,” Mr. Dearth
explained. “We also encouraged more students
to come to campus to experience Fredonia
first-hand,” he added.
Individual attention is another strong factor for
many prospective students, he added. “I think
they liked the personal attention we gave them
throughout the process. Over 85 percent of our
new students attended at least one on-campus
event during this recruitment cycle.”
Fredonia hosted nearly 10,000 visitors this
year, including students and parents, at open
houses, Saturday visits and daily information
sessions.
The incoming freshman class reflects the university’s traditional 55:45 female-to-male ratio,
while minorities constitute nearly 12 percent of
new students. Education, music, communication, psychology, business, and biology remain
popular fields of study.
A majority of students continue to be drawn
from Western New York, with the largest
representation coming from Erie County (N.Y.),
followed by Monroe, Chautauqua and Suffolk
counties. “We’re also making strides in out-ofstate recruitment,” Mr. Dearth added. Fredonia
attracts many students from Pennsylvania,
Ohio, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
The university is taking steps to further expand
its pool of prospective applicants. Fredonia
was recently accepted into The Common Application, a non-profit service that streamlines
the application process by enabling students
to apply to multiple institutions at a single
time. Fredonia is one of only 25 public institutions among the 340 select institutions that are
Common Application members. “It expands
our reach and gets our name in front of more
students,” Mr. Dearth said.
“We’re very excited about the growth across
the board in all majors,” Mr. Tramuta added.
“With proposals under review in Albany for new
majors in both Journalism and Sports Management, we’re looking forward to building on this
momentum next year and beyond.”
Celebrating 1,300 grads and achievements
A
pproximately 1,300 students crossed the stage in Steele Hall
on Saturday, May 17, as President Dennis L. Hefner conferred
degrees on SUNY Fredonia’s 2008 undergraduate and graduate candidates amid cheers of celebration and accomplishment.
The Commencement ceremonies consisted of two nearly identical events
at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to accommodate the large number of students and
their families and friends, many of whom traveled great distances to join
them for this memorable occasion.
Both ceremonies featured speeches from President Hefner, Fredonia
College Council Chair JoAnn Niebel, guest speaker and best-selling
author Wendy Corsi Staub, ’86, and Senior Class President Patrick
Newell, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree, Cum Laude, in Social
Studies/Adolescence Education.
President Hefner welcomed all those in attendance by stating, “Today
is indeed a special day. For most graduates and their families, today’s
Commencement represents the culmination of many years of diligence
and effort. It is truly a once-in-a lifetime event, long to be remembered.”
Student performances were given by Fredonia’s Women’s Choir and
Concert Band, as well as its Wind Ensemble, which embarked upon a
10-day performance tour of China immediately following the ceremonies.
In addition, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by senior vocalist Victoria Vargas, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music
Performance, Magna Cum Laude.
The 2008 Commencement guest speaker was Ms. Corsi Staub, a SUNY
Fredonia alumna and Dunkirk, N.Y., native, and the author of more than
70 published novels. She is a regular among such bestseller lists as The
New York Times, USA Today, and Barnes & Noble’s Top Ten.
President Hefner introduced her by saying, “As the result of years of hard
work and determination, Wendy has lived her dream as a writer, going
from a small-town girl to an internationally-known author. We are proud
to call her one of our own.”
Class President Patrick Newell presents President Dennis Hefner with a plaque
for the new sign marking the campus’ Temple Street entrance, funded in part by
the Class of 2008’s Senior Challenge gift.
She addressed students with a light-hearted approach filled with sound
advice that, appropriately, featured analogies about life as it relates to the
challenges every author faces. “This is your story,” she said. “You’ll probably always second-guess the choices you make along the way — but
you can’t get anywhere without making them.”
She concluded by joking, “I’ve always been a sucker for a happy ending.
And a promising beginning. And this moment, for all of you, is both. Now
go ahead. Start writing the next chapter.”
Senior Class President Newell noted, “Our class solidified its place
in Fredonia history as one of the most unified and generous in recent
memory. In times of triumph and times of tragedy, our class has always
come together, united by our love for this school and our determination
to make it an even better place.”
Mr. Newell also presented President Hefner with a plaque, now affixed
to the new campus sign at the Temple Street entrance to the university,
which was funded in part by the Class of 2008’s Senior Challenge gift.
At the morning ceremony, President Hefner presented the Lanford Presidential Prize, established through the Fredonia College Foundation by
Dr. and Mrs. Oscar Lanford. The late Dr. Lanford served as Fredonia’s
ninth president from 1961 to 1971, and was essentially the builder, both
physically and intellectually, of the modern Fredonia campus. This annual
prize is presented to a graduating senior who shows balanced achievement both on- and off-campus, and who exemplifies Fredonia’s ideals,
while maintaining a strong grade point average. This year’s recipient was
Christopher P. Reybrouck, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English/
Adolescence Education, with a minor in Leadership Studies.
Fredonia College Council Chair JoAnn Niebel lends a hand to bestselling author and guest speaker Wendy Corsi Staub, ’86, as she adjusts
her graduation mortarboard prior to the ceremony.
Page 2
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Wind Ensemble tours China — with 25 high schools in tow
A
fter the School of Music’s Wind Ensemble
performed at Fredonia’s Commencement
ceremonies on May 17, they had to travel quite
a distance before reaching their next “gig.”
Just hours after their Steele Hall appearance,
the 40-student ensemble embarked upon an
ambitious 10-day tour of China, where they
performed alongside Chinese student musicians and learned about that country’s music
and culture.
“This was an excellent opportunity to showcase
the extraordinary talent in Fredonia’s School
of Music,” said Paula Holcomb, professor of
music and Wind Ensemble director. “Our students sat side-by-side with other university conservatory students and high school students,
playing for them and making music with them.
They also had time to sit down and really talk to
each other. That’s one of the best ways to learn
about a country.”
But Chinese students weren’t the only people
with whom the Wind Ensemble conversed. During their travels, Fredonia’s students maintained
a blog and communicated with high school
students here in the U.S. — specifically, current
high school band members from each Fredonia student’s hometown, amounting to roughly
25 that stretched across New York State, in
addition to three Pennsylvania cities. The high
school musicians were able to track the progress of their collegiate counterparts, read about
their experiences, and ask them questions
about virtually anything.
And as successful as the trip was for the Wind
Ensemble, the blog and its concept generated
considerable buzz as well, generating 8,500
page views over a four-week span from viewers all across New York State, as well as select
regions of Pennsylvania and China. In addition,
stories on the project appeared in The Buffalo
News and WGRZ-TV, Buffalo’s NBC affiliate.
“As excited as we were to have such a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was just
as exciting to be able to share that experience
with people ‘back home,’” said Nick DelBello, a
senior trumpet player at Fredonia who hails from
John F. Kennedy High School in Cheektowaga,
N.Y. “It’s great to be able to reach out to these
high school students, and show them the kinds
of opportunities that are available to them here
at Fredonia.”
Highlights of the May 18 to 27 journey included
performances at XingHai Music Conservatory, the only music conservatory in GuangDon
Province, as well as at HuaLuen University and
HauDu PuiChing College.
At one concert, Fredonia students joined Chinese students in a “read through” of music by
Quan Chou, a major composer in China and
composer emeritus at Columbia University, who
observed the session. Fredonia students also
performed in a concert featuring five university
bands.
“We really got to know their composers and
music,” Dr. Holcomb added, “but we were also
able to bring music from our culture to share
with them.”
Dr. Holcomb said her students spent a great
deal of time learning about the country and its
culture before embarking on this adventure.
“China is such an enormous and rapidly growing country, and there’s so much that is so very
different from the way we live here in the U.S.,”
Mr. DelBello added.
The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Paula
Holcomb, conductor (front, sixth from right), and
Roderick MacDonald, associate professor of trumpet (front, sixth from left), stands outside the more
than 100-year-old Guangzhou Theater in Guangzhou,
China — one of many places they reported on via a
custom-built blog during their 10-day journey.
Dr. Holcomb hopes the trip will lead to more
exchanges between SUNY Fredonia and China.
She knows her students represent not only the
Wind Ensemble, but also the School of Music
and all of SUNY Fredonia. She explained, “We
hope to build a foundation for future study, be it
in music or other areas, for the whole university,
and to possibly help our students study in China
if they wish, and encourage Chinese students to
study at Fredonia as well.”
The Wind Ensemble members, primarily juniors,
seniors and a handful of graduate students,
are the most outstanding wind and percussion
musicians in the School of Music. And as Dr.
Holcomb noted, “They’re also among SUNY
Fredonia’s best ambassadors.”
Ralph Nader visit highlights inaugural Earth Week celebration
S
UNY Fredonia hosted an address by
internationally known environmental and
consumer advocate Ralph Nader on April 25,
serving as the headline event in the campus’
first-ever “Earth Week” celebration, sponsored by Fredonia’s Sustainability Committee.
A self-described “public citizen,” Mr. Nader
has achieved a phenomenal level of national
prominence. Honored by Time magazine as
“One of the 100 Most Influential Americans
of the Twentieth Century,” he has devoted his
life to giving ordinary people the tools they
need to defend themselves against corporate
negligence and government indifference.
The five-time Presidential candidate gave a
speech in King Concert Hall entitled, “Who
is eclipsing solar energy and energy efficient
technologies, and what can we do about it?”
Earlier, he led a town-hall-style discussion
at which only SUNY Fredonia students were
allowed.
“We were delighted to bring a speaker of such
national importance to our campus, especially
for the benefit of our students,” said Tracy S.
Bennett, SUNY Fredonia’s vice president for
Administration and chair of the Sustainability
Committee. “His appearance underscores
the commitment our university has to sustainability, and highlights the tremendous strides
we believe we have made campus-wide in
supporting and encouraging environmentally
friendly behaviors by students, faculty and
administrators alike.”
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Mr. Nader’s appearance was one of more
than a dozen events during Earth Week, April
19 to 26, whose itinerary included appearances by U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins,
and Walter Simpson, the University at Buffalo’s director of “U.B. Green.” Other events
included a food tasting event at which local
restaurants featured organic foods and other
sustainable efforts, a native plant garden
unveiling, discussions on water, politics,
population, and the future of food, and an
electronics recycling day that was open to
all area residents. The week-long series was
coordinated by Earth Week chair and chemistry professor, Dr. Sherri Mason.
First and foremost an advocate, Mr. Nader
began his extraordinary 30-year legacy with
a battle against the auto industry, through a
book entitled, “Unsafe at Any Speed,” which
resulted in life-saving legislation.
Later, he helped create the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many
of his most significant triumphs — consumer
rights, open government, and more humane
business practices — are now fully integrated
into our lives. Among his victories are ideas
we now take for granted: seat belts, air bags,
crash-worthy cars, better labeling on food,
lower levels of lead in the environment, smoking awareness, and healthier eating habits.
Ralph Nader leads a question-and-answer session
offered exclusively to Fredonia students in the Williams
Center, prior to his main address on April 25.
Page 3
SUNY Fredonia’s University Advancement team hosted an alumni reception in
New York City at the Heartland Brewery Complex on June 12. More than two
dozen alumni spent a wonderful evening rekindling memories, making new connections, and enjoying each other’s company. At far left, Fredonia Director of
Development Betty C. Gossett, ’76, poses with the group.
Statement
class notes
Class Notes are also posted on the
Fredonia Statement website at www.
fredonia.edu/news/
(Select Statement issue from the menu)
1947
Walter Reitz, ’47, (music ed.) was
honored in May by the Amherst
(N.Y.) Male Glee Club at its annual
awards banquet for his direction of
the club for the past 60 years.
1952
L. Ann (Brown) Rossi, ’52, (music
ed) see 1991.
1954
Valera (Morton) D’Esopo, ’54,
(music ed.) of Pittsford, N.Y., traveled
in 2007 with her two daughters and
a granddaughter on a genealogy trip
to Germany, visiting cousins they had
never met. She is also enjoying tennis
and taking courses at a local senior
center.
1958
Dr. Ross Shickler, ’58, (elem.
ed.) wrote a feature article for the
Dunkirk Observer on his experiences
as a member of the SUNY Fredonia
baseball team from 1956 to 1958.
1961
Margaret (Stosser) Biehler, ’61,
(elem. ed.) retired in June 2004 from
the Olean (N.Y.) school system where
she had been a kindergarten teacher
for 19 years. After being widowed in
2007, Margaret moved to Fairport,
N.Y., where she spends seven months
of the year, and then goes to Wilmington, N.C. for the five months of
winter. She is enjoying her retirement
and having time with grandchildren
in both places.
Page 4
1962
1968
1971
Donald Nyquist, ’62, ’67, (music ed.)
reports that he recently completed
10 years of full-time caregiving for
his wife, Carol, who recently passed
away. He has increased his activities,
including music, in retirement on the
Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
Martha Jane (Hurlburt) Salter,
’68, (biology/sec. ed.) who lives in
England, is retired from years in
thoroughbred horse breeding. She
keeps busy doing odd jobs and enjoys
gardening, racing pigeons, and her
neighbors.
Gary Geitter, ’71, (elem. ed./social
studies) of Lancaster, N.Y., was
named Tops Markets’ director of
Asset Protection. He has been with
Tops for 35 years, joining the company in 1972 as Polygraph examiner.
His new responsibilities include oversight of the protection of all corporate and store assets. Gary is also an
associate member of the Erie County
Judges and Police Chiefs organization, a member of the executive board
of directors of the Greater Buffalo
Metropolitan Crimestoppers, and a
member of the NYFIA Loss Prevention Committee.
Frederick Renz, ’62, (music ed.)
directed the program, “Printemps à
Paris,” with Early Music New York at
St. James Church in New York City.
Early Music New York’s 34th season
will be celebrated in 2008-09 under
Fred as its director and founder.
1963
Mary Anne Harp, ’63, (music ed.)
was honored by the Arts Council for
Chautauqua County in April for her
work with many arts organizations as
a music director, conductor, trumpet
player and event organizer.
Doug Hawkins, ’63, (music ed.)
joined the Charlottesville, Va., Oratorio Society in January of this year.
On March 9, the 90-member choir
presented Ralph Vaughn Williams’,
“Sea Symphony,” complete with two
soloists and a full orchestra. The
symphony is based on a Walt Whitman poem, done in four movements;
the choir sings in all four movements.
The difficulty of the symphony was
described by the conductor, Thomas
Vining, as making Beethoven’s Ninth
look like child’s play. The concert
played to a full house.
1967
Christine (Feinburg) Logue, ’67, ’71,
(biology) of Tampa, Fla., is a marketing professional at Tech Data Corp.
in Clearwater. She attended the 2007
30th class reunion at SUNY Fredonia
and “…enjoyed seeing the campus
upgrades.” Classmates can reach her
by e-mail at [email protected].
1969
Brian Bogey, ’69, (music ed.) was
honored by the Arts Council for
Chautauqua County in April for his
work as an arts educator in southern
Chautauqua County.
1970
Ann Dingledy, ’70, (art) exhibited
her prints and ceramics in April at
Diva Gallery in Eugene, Ore.
Nina (Russo) Karbacka, ’70, (music
ed.) was named by the Western
New York Chamber Orchestra as
the recipient of its 2008 Outstanding Music Educator Award. She has
taught music for the Jamestown (N.Y.)
Public Schools for 36 years. She
began the Suzuki Strings program
in the Jamestown Public Schools 32
years ago and was the founder of the
Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony in 1986.
Dr. Daniel P. Larson, ’70, see 1984.
Christopher Pendergast, ’70, (social
studies/sec. ed.) received the New
York State United Teachers Exemplary Service Award. A 15-year
survivor of Lou Gehrig’s disease, he
has raised research funds through
Ride for Life, Inc., and was featured
in the May/June issue of the United
University Profession’s publication,
“The Voice.”
Gary Geitter, ’71
Onaje Allan Gumbs, ’71, (music
ed.) and his quartet, with special
guest vocalist/performance artist
M. Nahadr, appeared April 5 at the
Cachaca Jazz & Samba Club in New
York City.
Perla Manapol, ’71, (history)
reported in from the Philippines.
After completing a master’s degree
in Education at Harvard University
she spent 15 years in the U.S. Foreign
Service. This work led to consulting
on an international basis and to her
current “labor of love,” international
community development focusing on
livelihood-generation in rural farming communities. Since 2001 she has
served as president (pro bono) of a
Philippine non-government organization, Sustainable Rural Enterprise,
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
On April 11 the School of Music, together with Associate Director of Development June
Miller-Spann, ’94, ’02, welcomed Helen Tinch Williams, ’60, back to campus. A recently
retired professor at Manhattanville College, Ms. Williams came to Fredonia as a freshman
at just 16 years of age. This former president of the Fredonia College Choir went on to
marry her college sweetheart, Milton Williams, ’57, and together they raised two children
who went on to have a fair amount of their own success — comedian and actor Chris Williams, and singer, songwriter and actress Vanessa Williams, who was also the first African
American woman to be crowned Miss America. Here, Ms. Williams enjoys a saxophone
quartet rehearsal.
which operates and manages a coconut processing operation. Her present
involvement is in a U.S.A.I.D.-funded
project that, among others, replicates
the Philippines’ coconut-based activities in Liberia. She also reports being
a “doting grandmother of three!”
Dare I Dream?
By Dianne M. Kricheldorf, ’ 54
Exactly two years ago, I sent out an appeal for contributions and memorabilia for the Dr.
Georgiana von Tornow Scholarship Fund which appeared in the Statement. Encouraged to
continue in the fundraising, I collaborated with the Department of Theatre and Dance in their
efforts to secure a matching grant from the Wendt Foundation of Buffalo. The von Tornow
scholarship fund grew significantly because of the success of the grant and the continued
contributions from alumni who were students of Dr. von Tornow.
Perla Manapol, ’71, (sixth from the
right in flowered blouse) with friends
in Liberia.
Elenora J. Seib, ’71, (music ed.)
accompanied singers during the
Lewiston Council on the Arts’
“Friday Night at the Opera,” event in
April.
1972
Ray Fashano, ’72, ’81, ’83, (biology/
sec. ed., school admin. and super.)
retired as superintendent of the
Jamestown (N.Y.) School District
at the end of June. In recognition of
his foresight in recommending that
the former administration building
be transformed into a tech center,
the new center will be named the
Raymond J. Fashano Technology
Academy in his honor.
1973
Holly Hewitt, ’73, (English) is a specialist in the Jamestown (N.Y.) Community College Workforce Development Department. She was recertified
as a Workforce Development Professional by the National Association of
Workforce Development Professionals. Holly is JCC’s higher education
representative at Chautauqua Works,
the county’s “career 1-stop” in Jamestown and Dunkirk, N.Y., and works
to promote JCC programming to the
community.
Orrie Kopystanski, ’73, (econ.)
reports his son, Daniel, will be
attending SUNY Fredonia this fall as
a theatre major.
Fifty years ago this coming Aug. 8, Dr. von Tornow died of cancer. Her health problems were
known to only a few and her death at age 53 shocked many. Because of a recent gift from an
alumnus, who wishes to remain anonymous, I am encouraged to activate just one more goal
for von Tornow fundraising. There are those who may say it can’t be done, but I have much
faith in Fredonia Alumni!
What makes this new goal so important is that the fund has almost reached the amount
required by SUNY for the opportunity to officially name the Marvel Theatre lobby the
Dr. Georgiana von Tornow Lobby.
Her memory will thus be perpetuated by both a scholarship and an on-campus facility in her
name. I am very excited about the possibility of this happening, but I need your help. President
Hefner, recognizing that we are so very close, has agreed to the naming of the lobby at Homecoming this year. You will find the ceremony listed in the Homecoming schedule. However, we
must honor our commitment to fulfill the amount needed for the naming rights!
I need you to send your gift or pledge by Sept. 15. What a fitting memorial this will be for
someone who gave of herself to help SUNY Fredonia to widen its horizons. Let’s meet the
challenge together!
This appeal is made to all of Dr. von Tornow’s former students, colleagues, and friends. For
the first time, I am also asking those who have followed in her footsteps and helped to realize
her dreams. Her dreams have resulted in the Department of Theatre and Dance as it is known
today. If you are a graduate of the Department of Theatre and Dance or a faculty member of
the department – I ask you to help us memorialize Dr. von Tornow – whose efforts were critical
to the development of the department in the first place.
Dr. von Tornow, as an early member of the Speech and Communication department, was also
one of the first advisors for the campus radio station, so I urge alumni who have benefited over
the years from their experiences with the radio station to give in honor of her work that helped
establish this vital campus learning resource.
Please send your contribution to the Fredonia College Foundation, attention: Von Tornow
Endowment. You’ll feel good for doing so. If you have given to this fund before – please give
again! Let’s make this happen!
Many thanks for your letters, phone calls, and messages which have provided the incentive to
continue. When this fund reaches, or exceeds its goal, we can all sit back with the satisfying
knowledge that we will be assisting deserving and talented students for generations to come,
while realizing we have managed to establish permanent recognition for someone who almost
faded from SUNY Fredonia memory. That would have been the real tragedy.
Please send your gift today!
Thank you.
1974
Joseph C. Falcone, ’74, (biology) of
Silver Creek, N.Y., was named president of the National Grape Cooperative Association, and chairman of
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Page 5
SUNY Fredonia alumni and faculty gathered for the Inaugural East Aurora Professionals
Luncheon at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora, N.Y.
Pictured Left to Right Ed Strebel, ’73, senior forecasting analyst, Fisher-Price Mattel; Steve
Bligh, ’85, manager business analysis, Fisher-Price Mattel; Joe Straight, ’73, professor,
Department of Mathematical Sciences, SUNY Fredonia; Jim Powell, ’85, lead systems
development, Fisher-Price Mattel; Jim Bodziak, ’73, superintendent of schools, East
Aurora; (missing from photo: Dave Hauser, ’73, director of business intelligence, FisherPrice Mattel). If you would like more information about attending this event next year or
holding a SUNY Fredonia Alumni Professionals Luncheon in your area, contact Heather
McKeever, associate director of development, at (716) 673-3321.
Welch Foods, Inc.’s board of directors. He is also president of Falcone
Farms, Inc.
Donald Keddie, ’74, ’98, (music ed.)
was honored as a guest conductor at
the Chautauqua All-County Music
Festival held at Chautauqua Institution. He recently retired as a music
teacher at Fredonia Central School.
Cheryl Ritch, ’74, (elem. ed.) see
Emeritus Notes.
Reginal “Reggie” Spiller, ’74, (special studies) began as a music major at
Fredonia but finished with a Special
Studies degree combining geology
and economics. He is a petroleum
geologist working in Houston, Texas,
for an oil and gas company that he
founded in 1996 with partners, Frontera Resources, and travels worldwide
in his business endeavors.
Reginal “Reggie” Spiller, ’74
Jim Wasson, ’74, (math./sec. ed.) is
the Business Management director
of IMMC at the U.S. Army Aviation
and Missile Command in Huntsville,
Ala. He won first place in his age
group (60-64) in 18 of 25 running
road races of 5K to 15K since turning
60 in 2007. Jim reports he runs a
6:50-7:30 pace.
1975
Terry (Kubit) Howe, ’75, (biology)
a technical product representative
for the Ball Horticultural Company
in Palmetto, Fla., was recognized in
June as the Florida Nursery, Growers
& Landscape Association’s Industry
Awards Program Outstanding Floriculture Division Member.
Ann Kennedy, ’75, (applied music)
will perform at the 1891 Fredonia
Opera House with John and Stephanie Sikora on Feb. 21, 2009, as part
of the 2008-2009 DFT Communications Spotlight Series.
James C. Pace, ’75, (music ed.) is
retiring after 32 years of teaching
instrumental music and 10 years as
department chair in the Lake Shore
Central School District. He plans to
continue to perform cello and tuba
professionally in the Western New
York area with bands and ensembles.
Jane (Epner) Weisfelner, ’75, (psych.)
worked on Wall Street after graduating, earned her M.S. in Counseling
from Long Island University, and
recently earned tenure at Tenafly
(N.J.) High School, where she reports
living her dream as a high school
guidance counselor. Her home,
where she lives with her husband of
12 years, Michael, borders a wooded
state park in Blauvelt, N.Y. They have
four grown children. She would love
to hear from old college friends at
[email protected].
Gene Willhoft, ’76, (English) has
begun his 14th year as president of
Absolute Media, Inc., of Stanford,
Conn., adding, “I think often of my
years at Fredonia, and would love
to hear from any of my friends from
Schultz or Gregory Hall,” via e-mail
at [email protected].
1977
Christina Rausa, ’77, (theatre)
starred in the one-woman show,
“Golda’s Balcony,” at MusicalFare
Theatre in Amherst, N.Y., produced
in June by the Jewish Repertory Theatre and based on the work and life of
Golda Meir.
Christina Rausa, ’77
U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Garry R.
White, ’77, (biology) currently serves
on the Staff of the Chief of Naval
Operations as the director of the Total
Force Requirements Division, after a
30-year career as an aviator, instructor, and commander. He participated
in Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Training in 1976, received his
Marriages
Allan Wilson, ’75, (music perf.)
reports from England that he works
about once a month in Bratislava
(Slovenia), recording for film/video
games/television/CDs. He works
mainly at home, orchestrating and
arranging. He has also recorded
in London with the Philharmonia
Orchestra at Abbey Road and Air
studios, and is “looking forward to
visiting Fredonia again soon.”
Andre Nacmanie, ’79, (special studies) of Lake Katrine, N.Y., to
Donna Kilfoyle.
1976
Births
Dr. Deborah (Anders) Silverman,
APR, ’76, ’79, (music ed., English)
former director of communications
in the Office of College Relations at
SUNY Fredonia and now an assistant
professor of communication at Buffalo
State College, was the recipient of the
2008 May C. Randazzo Outstanding
Practitioner award presented in June
by the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the
Public Relations Society of America.
Jacqueline Klein, ’99, (psych.) to Edward McElvain.
Megan Ferington, ’02, (commun./comm. studies) to David
Pruce.
Jillian Sarkovics, ’02, (elem. ed./English) to Michael Giglio.
Melissa Despagni, ’05, (music ed.) to David Wozniak, ’05,
(music perf.).
A daughter, Maggie Katherine, to Brigid and Sean Deegan, ’87,
(bus. admin.) of Centerport, N.Y.
A son, Joseph Robert, to Julie and Harry Frank, ’95, (sound
rec. technology) of Detroit, Mich.
Triplets – Brody, Melanie and Cameron – born to Dana and Eric
Edwards, ’97 (bus. admin.).
A daughter, Kayleigh Elizabeth, to Nate and Beth (Sledzianowski) Marsh, ’97, ’98 (speech. and hear. hand., speech
path.).
Twin sons, Ryker Thomas and Jayden Michael, to Jennifer and
Chad Bradt, ’98, (art/graphic design) of Schenectady, N.Y.
A daughter, Abigail Brooke, to Craig, ’98, (commun.) and
Denise (Stoddard) Harris, ’01, (commun.).
A daughter, Molly Eleanor, to Audrey (Lawrence), ’98, (elem.
ed./gen. sci.) and Eric Smith, ’98, (chem.) of Greenville, S.C.
Terry (Kubit) Howe, ’75
Page 6
Dr. Deborah (Anders) Silverman,
APR, ’76, ’79, with May C. Randazzo
Outstanding Practitioner Award
A daughter, MacKenzie Rae, to Michael and Kimberlie (Fergen)
Ball, ’99, (commun.).
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
commission in 1978, and after flight
training, his “Wings of Gold” in
1979. He served as an aide to CINCSOUTH/CINCUSNAVEUR at
NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy,
and the U.S. Navy Headquarters in
London, England; as executive officer
of the USS George Washington; as
commanding officer of the USS Artic,
which was the first warship on station
in the Northern Indian Ocean on
Sept. 11, 2001, and part of the initial
response to the terrorist attack and
Operation Enduring Freedom; as
chief of staff, Commander, Second
Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic; and
took Command of the USS George
Washington from September 2004
until December 2006.
U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Garry R.
White, ’77
Vinny Saeva, ’80, (social studies/sec.
ed.) of Chili, N.Y., is the local sales
representative for School Specialty, a
national educational supply company.
He and his wife, Anne (Maliwauki),
’01, (see below) report their daughter,
Elizabeth, will be attending SUNY
Fredonia this fall.
Carl Vahl, ’80, (pol. sci.) traveled to
Niger as president of the Olean (N.Y.)
Rotary Club to see three water wells
sponsored by Rotary and Rotaract
drilled in the sub-Saharan bush
country, including one in the town of
Balliyera. The Olean club also raised
funds to buy medical supplies for a
clinic in the bush village of Kobaye
and are working to obtain supplies for
schools in the village of Libore.
Carl Vahl, ’80, pumping water with
Rotaract members in Niger.
1979
1981
Michael Bobseine, ’79, (pol. sci.)
of Fredonia, N.Y., ran the Boston
Marathon in April to benefit Piper
Walnicki, a one-year-old with a lifethreatening illness.
Philip J. Antz, L.C.S.W., ’81, (sociology) reports his daughter, Hope,
will be a freshman at SUNY Fredonia
this fall as a Communication major.
He lives on Eastern Long Island and
has a full-time private practice in
clinical social work. Philip also has a
home in Cortland, N.Y., and would
love to hear from Fredonia friends at
[email protected].
Andre Nacmanie, ’79, (special studies) see note under “Marriages.”
1980
Ralph Jeswald, ’80, (psych.) a partner
with Dopkins & Company, LLP,
and chair of the SUNY Fredonia
School of Business Advisory Council,
presented the program, “Strategic
Financial Management (Data…
Information…Knowledge): ‘Connecting the Dots’ Between Finance and
Management,” as a guest on campus
in April as part of the school’s distinguished speaker series.
William Mulligan, ’81, (English) of
Babylon, N.Y., served as best man for
the wedding of Andre Nacmanie,
’79, in June.
Anne (Maliwauki) Saeva, ’81, (bus.
admin.) is a special education teaching assistant at Churchville Chili
(N.Y.) Central School District.
Ed Siegel, ’81, (theatre) celebrated his
25th wedding anniversary in June to
Elizabeth (Geske), ’83, (see below).
After almost 10 years as business
information manager for Ampacet
Corp., Ed left the company to
become the director of Marketing for
SuperOffice CRM.
1982
Ralph Jeswald, ’80
James Knapp, ’80, (music ed.)
is artistic director of Bayou City
Performing Arts in Houston, Texas,
a choral organization of 160 singers
including the Gay Men’s Chorus of
Houston, the Bayou City Women’s
Chorus and Bayou City Chorale.
Brenda (Geloff) McGuinness, ’80,
(pol. sci.) a physician assistant in Syracuse, N.Y., will be participating in a
100-mile bicycle fund raiser along the
Maine and New Hampshire sea coast
to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information,
visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/
cny/tristate08/bgeloff.
Lee Ann (Fellendorf) Cocco, ’82,
(English) earned her M.S. degree in
Mental Health Counseling in 2007.
She is a practicing counselor and
lifelong poetry lover.
1983
Diane (Whiting) Lowe, ’83, (bus.
admin.) from Greensboro, N.C.,
represented SUNY Fredonia on April
25 at the inauguration of Dr. Stanley
Battle as president of North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State
University.
Elizabeth (Geske) Siegel, ’83, (English/sec. ed.) is a clerk at the Grinnell
Library in Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
She and Ed, ’81, (see above) have two
college-aged sons, Richard and Louis.
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Homecoming ’08
Highlights
T
he Homecoming ’08 weekend promises to be the best
yet! It will mark the 50th anniversary of Men’s Soccer at
FSU, the dedication and naming of the Dr. Georgiana von
Tornow Lobby in Robert Marvel Theatre, the 25th anniversary of our Sound Recording Technology program, the
second annual Frederick Ruterbusch Memorial Run, and a
host of other special events. Two alumni will be recognized
for outstanding achievement in their respective fields: at
10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 18, John Poppo ’84, (Sound
Recording Technology) will be honored at the Sound Recording Anniversary celebration in Mason Hall. Michael Petsky
’85, (Business Administration) will be recognized at an Alumni
Award Luncheon, at noon, in the Cranston Marché dining
area, on the second floor of University Commons (formerly
known as Cranston Hall). The luncheon will also include a special recognition of all of our “Golden Grads” (from the Class of
1958 and before) and all honored classes. Popular Department
of English author and Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus Mac Nelson will sign copies of his latest book, “Twenty
West,” in the University Commons Bookstore at 2 p.m.
Also on Saturday, the Second Annual College of Education
Friends Gathering and Reception will be held from 10:30
a.m. to noon in the Pucci Room, on the second floor of the
Williams Center. Catch up with old friends, faculty and emeriti
while enjoying some light refreshments. All alumni, friends and
faculty are invited. For more information contact Heather McKeever at (716) 673-3321.
There will be several free musical performances to enjoy as
well. The Fredonia Reunion Jazz Ensemble will once again
perform on Friday at 8 p.m. in Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall.
On Saturday the Choral Concert will showcase the talented
Women’s Choir, Fredonia Chamber Singers, and Fredonia
College Choir, at 3 p.m. in King Concert Hall. Then at 8 p.m.,
again in King Concert Hall, our own College Symphony, featuring viola faculty member David Rose, will give what promises to be an outstanding performance.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
will also be held on Saturday at 6 p.m. (cash bar reception,
dinner at 7 p.m.), in the Cranston Marché. This year’s honorees
include Melanie Yaskulski Deemer (Softball); Robert Healy
(Track); Chris Hughey (Basketball); Chris Whitmore (Soccer),
and Bud Carpenter (Honorary) – former staff member/current
Head Trainer with the Buffalo Bills.
The Sunday afternoon jazz concert, “Bird with Strings: A
Tribute to Charlie Parker” (see page 8) will feature a pre-concert talk in Rosch Recital Hall at 12:30 p.m., with the concert to
follow at 1 p.m. Don’t miss this rare tribute featuring Canadian
saxophonist Darcy Hepner, pianist and Fredonia alumnus
Tony Caramia, ’73, and the Fredonia Chamber Jazz Ensemble. Under the direction of Bruce Johnstone, audiences will
experience the beauty and warmth of this timeless and engaging music. Tickets are required and can be ordered by calling
our ticket office at (716) 673-3501.
The Classes of 1968, ’83, and ’98 will all celebrate anniversaries with special events. All of the other honored classes
– ’63, ’73, ’78, ’88, and ’03, will be recognized at the Award
Luncheon on Saturday. Select downtown establishments will
be designated for further opportunities to gather later that
evening. Look for the location assignments at the Homecoming
Registration Table.
Plan now to celebrate the memories at Homecoming ’08.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Page 7
Homecoming 2008 Schedule
Ruterbusch Run
Reception
Class of 1983 Reception
and Dinner
2-4 p.m. Clarion Hotel, 30 Lake
Shore Drive East, Dunkirk.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres
and cash bar.
6 p.m. Alumni House, 286 Central Ave. Cash bar reception at 6
p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
Octoberfest Picnic
2-4 p.m. Dods Grove.
Friday, October 17
Registration and Ticket
Pick Up
1-8 p.m. Alumni House, 286
Central Ave. Please park at twotiered lot to the right of the stop
sign.
Bookstore is Open
5-8 p.m. University Commons.
Pep Rally
5 p.m. Williams Center. Theme,
“Superheroes.” Crowning of
Homecoming King and Queen.
Men’s Soccer Game
Campus Tours
10 a.m. Meet at Williams Center.
Second Annual College
of Education Friends
Gathering and Reception
10:30 a.m.-Noon. Pucci Room,
second floor, Williams Center.
Catch up with old friends, faculty
and emeriti while enjoying some
light refreshments. All alumni,
friends and faculty are invited. For
more information, contact Heather
McKeever at (716) 673-3321.
25th Anniversary
Celebration of Sound
Recording Technology
Program
6 p.m. University Stadium.
FSU vs. Plattsburgh
10:30 a.m.-Noon. Juliet J. Rosch
Recital Hall Lobby, Mason Hall.
Student Barbecue
Outstanding Achievement Award
Recipient - John Poppo, ’84.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Picnic Tent,
featuring “Much More Chill” and
“Some like It Hot”
Reunion Jazz Ensemble
Concert
8 p.m. Juliet J. Rosch Recital
Hall. Fredonia Jazz Ensemble
members from the 1970s. Free.
Soccer Alumni Reception
9 p.m. Location to be
announced.
Comedy Show with
Fredonia State Improv
Society
9 p.m. Williams Center. Free.
All Alumni Reception
9 p.m.-Midnight. White Inn,
52 E. Main St., Fredonia.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres
and cash bar.
Tours of recording studio will be
conducted.
Alumni Soccer Game
11 a.m. University Stadium.
WNYF Television Station
Alumni Reception
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hendrix Hall.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. University
Commons.
Alumni Award Luncheon
Noon. Cranston Marché, 2nd
Floor, University Commons.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Recipient - Michael Petsky, ’85,
(Business Administration). Special
Recognition of Golden Grads and
Honored Classes
Price $15/person. Reservations
recommended.
Alumni Baseball Game
Registration and Ticket
Pick Up
Noon. Ludwig Field.
A FREE shuttle bus will continuously circulate the parking lots
and campus for your convenience.
Ruterbusch Memorial
Run
10 a.m. Meet at Steele Hall
Indoor Track.
Page 8
2-4 p.m. Bookstore,
University Commons.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Dinner and Induction
Ceremony
6 p.m. Cranston Marché, 2nd
Floor, University Commons.
Cash bar reception at 6 p.m.,
dinner at 7 p.m.
Price: $20/person
Choral Concert
3 p.m. King Concert Hall.
Concert will showcase all college
choirs. Free.
Department of
Communication Alumni
Reception
3 p.m. Heenan’s Pub,
39 E. Main St., Fredonia.
Sponsored by ACA, WCVF, WNYF.
Leadership Program
Alumni Reception
4-6 p.m. Room S120, Williams
Center. For all alumni who have
taken the Leadership Development classes.
Class of 1968 Reception
and Dinner
6 p.m. White Inn, 52 E. Main St.,
Fredonia. Cash bar reception at 6
p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. $25/person.
Reservations recommended.
Celebrating 50 Years of Men’s
Soccer at FSU. Honored this year
will be Melanie Yaskulski Deemer
(Softball); Robert Healy (Track);
Chris Hughey (Basketball); Chris
Whitmore (Soccer); Bud Carpenter
(Honorary) – former staff member/
current Head Trainer with the
Buffalo Bills.
Class of 1998 Reunion
Get Together
7 p.m. Old Main Inn, 34 Water
Street, Fredonia. Complimentary
refreshments, cash bar.
College Symphony
8 p.m. King Concert Hall.
Free.
Student Concert –
featuring “LIGHTS”
8 p.m. Williams Center. Free to
all students. Sponsored by Spectrum Entertainment.
Bookstore is Open
Saturday, October 18
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Williams Center.
Parking available in Nixon, Fenton,
and Thompson Hall lots.
Book Signing by Author
and Department of
English Distinguished
Teaching Professor
Emeritus Mac Nelson
Price: $25/person. Reservations
recommended.
Men’s/Women’s Swim
Meet
1 p.m. Natatorium, Steele Hall.
FSU vs. Niagara University
Dedication and Naming
of Dr. Georgiana von
Tornow Lobby
1:30 p.m. Marvel Theatre.
Men’s Soccer Game
2 p.m. University Stadium.
FSU vs. Potsdam
“Bird with Strings: A Tribute
to Charlie Parker”
I
n 1950, Clef records issued the landmark recording, “Charlie
Parker with Strings,” that was to become one of his bestselling recordings and one that he himself considered to be one
of his best. With the discovery of the original parts, this concert
is a reconstruction of these great performances, performed
with insight and expertise. Don’t miss this rare tribute featuring
Canadian saxophonist Darcy Hepner, pianist and Fredonia alumnus
Tony Caramia, ’73, and the Fredonia
Chamber Jazz Ensemble. Under the
direction of Bruce Johnstone, audiences will experience the beauty and
warmth of this timeless and engaging
music… Bird Lives!
Bruce Johnstone, Musical Director
Sunday, October 19, 2008
1:00 p.m. concert
(12:30 p.m. pre-concert talk)
Rosch Recital Hall
Ticket prices:
$20 general
$15 for all SUNY Fredonia alumni,
faculty and staff
$10 SUNY Fredonia students
Call (716) 673-3501 or visit:
www.fredonia.edu/tickets
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Downtown Get-togethers
Reservation Form
9 p.m. Look for location
assignments at Homecoming
Registration Table.
All of the honored classes (1963,
1973, 1978, 1993, 1998, 2003) will
have opportunities to convene
at designated establishments
downtown.
Tickets will be mailed for reservations received prior to October 10, 2008. After this date, tickets may
be picked up at Alumni House, 286 Central Ave., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, or at Saturday’s
registration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Williams Center. A limited number of Alumni Award Luncheon tickets will
be available for purchase during the registration times.
Reservation Deadline:
Sunday, October 19
October 10, 2008
Check here if this is a new address.
Name ______________________________________________________________________________________
Travelers Brunch
First
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Erie Dining Hall.
Pay at door. $9.20/person (tax
included)
Maiden
Last
Address ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Class Year ____________________
Pre-concert Talk
Phone ________________________
E-mail Address _________________________________________________
12:30 p.m. Juliet J. Rosch
Recital Hall. (See Concert Information below.)
Guest’s Name __________________________________________________
Cost
(All prices are per person.)
“Bird with Strings: A
Tribute to Charlie Parker,”
featuring Darcy Hepner
(saxophone) and Tony
Caramia (piano, ’73)
Class of 1983 Dinner
No. Attending
__________ @ $25.00
$ ___________
Class of 1983 Photograph
__________
@ $12.00
$ ___________
Class of 1968 Dinner
__________
@ $25.00
$ ___________
Class of 1968 Photograph
__________
@ $12.00
$ ___________
1 p.m. Juliet J. Rosch Recital
Hall. Bruce Johnstone, Musical
Director.
Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner
__________
@ $20.00
$ ___________
Alumni Award Buffet Luncheon
__________
@ $15.00
$ ___________
Sunday Concert in Rosch
__________
@ $15.00
$ ___________
Total
$ ________
Tickets:
• $20 general
• $15 for all SUNY Fredonia
alumni, faculty and staff
• $10 SUNY Fredonia students
Method of Payment
Payment Enclosed
Please make checks payable to: Fredonia Alumni Association and mail to:
Homecoming – Alumni House, 286 Central Ave., SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NY 14063.
Call (716) 673-3501 or visit:
www.fredonia.edu/tickets
Bill my credit card. Indicate card number and expiration date below.
Event Information
VISA
Credit Card # __________________________________________________
Note: A FREE shuttle bus service will be available ON SATURDAY EVENING ONLY from the
following area hotels/motels to
downtown Fredonia (in front of the
police station on Temple St.) and
back from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.: Days
Inn, Comfort Inn, Best Western,
Dunkirk Motel, Clarion and campus. Bus schedules will be available at respective lodgings.
Locations and times may
be subject to change.
Changes will be posted at the
Alumni House and Williams Center
throughout the weekend and at
www.fredonia.edu/alumni/calendar.asp
Win Fredonia Gear
Bring or send your business card
to the Alumni House by Oct. 17
to win Fredonia memorabilia in
periodic drawings throughout
Saturday, Oct. 18.
Attention Alumni
Athletes!
If you’re interested in participating
in the following contests, please
notify the Athletics Office in Dods
Hall at (716) 673-3101:
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Alumni Soccer Game, 11 a.m.
Alumni Baseball Game, Noon.
MasterCard
Print name as it appears on your credit card: Exp. Date __________ /_______
Month
Year
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please note: There will NOT be child care services provided this year. If you think you may need the services of a sitter on Saturday evening, the Alumni Office will recommend a student that you may hire.
Hope to see everyone on October 17–19, 2008!
Accommodations
Best Western
3912 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk
(716) 366-7100
Brick House Bed and Breakfast
7573 East Main Rd., Westfield
(716) 326-6262
Brookside Manor Bed and
Breakfast
3728 Rt. 83, Fredonia
(716) 672-7721
Candlelight Lodge Bed and
Breakfast
143 East Main Street, Westfield
(716) 326-2830
Chautauqua Suites
215 West Lake Rd., Mayville
(716) 269-7829
Clarion Hotel
30 Lake Shore Dr E., Dunkirk
(716) 366-8350
College Lodge
RV Parking/Rooms
Rt. 380, Brocton
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Call FSA at (716) 673-3417,
ext. 6227
Comfort Inn
Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk
(716) 672-4450
Rts. 17 and 60, Jamestown
(716) 664-5920
Days Inn
10455 Bennett Rd. (Rt. 60),
Fredonia
(716) 673-1351
Dunkirk Motel
310 Lake Shore Dr. W., Dunkirk
(716) 366-2200
Holiday Motel
Thruway Exit 60, Westfield
(716) 326-3741
KOA Campground
E. Lake Rd. (Rt. 5), Westfield
(716) 326-3573
Pinewoods Cottage Bed and
Breakfast
11634 York Rd., Silver Creek
(716) 934-4173
South Shore Motor Lodge
W. Lake Rd., Dunkirk
(716) 366-2822
The Spencer Hotel
25 Palestine Ave.,
Chautauqua Institution
(716) 357-3785 or 1-800-398-1306
White Inn
52 E. Main St., Fredonia
(716) 672-2103
Webb’s Year Round Resort
Rt. 394, Mayville
(716) 753-2161
William Seward Inn
Rt. 394, Westfield
(716) 326-4151
Woodside Campground
Griswold Rd., Cassadaga
(716) 672-4408
YWCA
58 South Portage St., Westfield
(716) 326-2011
Page 9
Fredonia faculty supports, then joins, student TV host
M
ost students come to Fredonia to learn about what they want to
do when they grow up. But Molly McKinney, who graduated this
spring with a degree in Communication, learned how to get even better
at something she’s been doing since she was a kid.
Ms. McKinney is the host of a TV show called “Aqua Kids,” seen in 85
percent of markets across the U.S. and dedicated to educating children
about the conservation of marine environments and the animals that
inhabit them. Since age 13, she has traveled throughout the U.S., Central
America and the Caribbean on filming excursions, doing everything from
diving among reef sharks to swimming alongside wild spotted dolphins.
Since coming to Fredonia, this Television/Digital Film major has worked
with her own communication department, as well as biology and fine arts
faculty, to not only continue her work on Aqua Kids, but also generate
ideas for future research projects and episodes.
Four years later, to show her appreciation for all of the support and flexibility she received from her professors and the Fredonia community
throughout her time on campus, she decided to end her undergraduate
career by bringing her show here — twice!
“All of my professors have been so helpful and encouraging, especially
when it’s come to my travel schedule,” Ms. McKinney said. “They always
allowed me to make-up a test or gave me an extension, and that level of
understanding has meant so much to me personally that I needed find a
way to say, ‘thanks!’”
In late April she brought her whole Aqua Kids team, which included her
producer, two production assistants, and three younger child co-hosts,
to Western New York for an episode that will feature two Lake Erie tributaries as well as the Buffalo Zoo’s river otter exhibit.
The first segment featured Timothy Strakosh, assistant professor of
biology, and focused on two tributaries that make significant contributions to the Lake Erie ecosystem. Together they explored the aquatic
diversity of an urban stream, checked for native and exotic fish species,
and used a safe electric device to temporarily stun fish in a stream so
they could be easily gathered and inspected. Then, they engaged in a
“beach seine,” stretching a 150-foot net across a creek mouth to collect
larger fish. DNA samples were extracted from nearly a dozen “quillback”
fish for genetic analysis within Fredonia’s biology laboratories.
However, it was their Buffalo Zoo visit that really caught the interest of
the region. Numerous media attended the open filming session, interviewing Ms. McKinney along with the zoo’s curator of education, Tiffany
Vanderwerf. By day’s end, Molly was the subject of news stories in Buf-
Distinguished Professor Alberto Rey (third from left) joins Molly McKinney (on
his left) and the Aqua Kids team as they film the release of 200 brook trout into
Chautauqua County’s Canadaway Creek.
falo’s major daily and weekly business newspapers, two of its major TV
network affiliates, and two major radio stations, among others.
“She created quite a buzz around town,” said one reporter after the fact.
“You can’t help but wonder if you’re looking at the next Jack Hanna or
Steve Irwin,” referring to two of the world’s best-known TV-star conservationists and animal lovers.
The zoo segment featured its river otters, not only because of their playful nature, but also because of their relevance to Western New York as a
conservation success story.
“River otters were once native to the region, before vanishing due to
increased pollution levels and other environmental changes,” Ms. McKinney explained. “However, groups like the Buffalo Zoo have led the charge
to successfully reintroduce them here over the past few years.”
For an encore performance, Aqua Kids returned to Fredonia in late June
to team up once again with Dr. Strakosh as well as Distinguished Professor Alberto Rey, an avid fly fisherman. Together, they filmed a second
episode, this time working with a local youth fly-fishing program to plant
150 willow trees along Canadaway Creek, followed by the release of 200
brook trout.
Like the river otters, brook trout had also been extinct in this region for
over 100 years until a successful reintroduction effort just last year. “The
trees are needed to provide shade for the trout to survive,” Ms. McKinney
explained. “Without them, the water temperature becomes too hot for the
fish, which happened here as pollution and human settlement destroyed
this vegetation and led to their disappearance.”
The Fredonia segments are scheduled to be broadcast during the
upcoming season of Aqua Kids, which begins in September on 182
stations across the country.
Biology Assistant Professor Timothy Strakosh (third from left) and recent
graduate Molly McKinney, ’08 (on his left), lead the on-air cast of “Aqua Kids”
in exploring the Dunkirk Harbor. Nearly a dozen quillback fish were examined,
with DNA samples extracted and analyzed in Fredonia’s biology laboratories.
1984
Linda (Carter) Galbato, ’84, (psych.)
from Auburn, N.Y., represented
SUNY Fredonia at the April 25 inauguration of Dr. Daniel P. Larson,
’70, as president of Cayuga Community College.
Scott Martelle, ’84, (pol. sci.) has a
new project in the works about the
1949 trial in New York City of the
leaders of the American Communist
Party, who were convicted of advocat-
Page 10
ing to overthrow the U.S. government. He hopes to have a manuscript
completed by the end of 2009. On
April 26 he was part of a Los Angeles
Times’ Festival of Books panel relating
to his book on the Ludlow Massacre.
Kim Wilkens, ’84, (bus. admin.) was
named a case manager in the Jamestown, N.Y., office of the Center for
Resolution and Justice, a program of
Child & Family Services. She holds a
Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Now that she has graduated, Molly is hoping to pursue a master’s degree
while continuing her hosting duties. However, she has some other goals
as well, including co-authoring a book and gaining her pilot’s license.
Despite her many interests, her ultimate career goal remains the same
one she had at age 13: filming animal documentaries and serving as an
on-air host. And while she knows she can’t host Aqua Kids forever, there
are seemingly endless opportunities in front of this amazing young talent
who is as knowledgeable as she is passionate. And it’s awfully nice to
know that Fredonia played a key role in developing the talents that she
walked through our doors with just four years ago.
1987
Sean Deegan, ’87, (bus. admin.) see
note under “Births.”
1988
David W. DePonceau, CPA, EA,
’88, (account.) opened his own
accounting practice, DePonceau &
Associates, in San Ramon, Calif.,
where he lives with his wife, Deanna,
and two sons, Ben and Sam. He
earned his master’s degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University
and spent many years as a controller
or CFO of real estate development,
leasing and management companies
in the San Francisco Bay area.
1989
Lori (Palka) Zapf, ’89, (commun.)
from Doylestown, Pa., represented
SUNY Fredonia at the May 9 inauguration of Dr. Joseph Brosnan as
president of Delaware Valley College.
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
1990
Jennica P. (Wells) Kalbaugh, ’90,
(French) has been hired as a management consultant at Transform, Inc.
Jennica P. (Wells) Kalbaugh, ’90
1991
Robin Lynne (Schubert) Fisher,
’91, ’93, (speech and hear. hand.,
speech path.) shares a story of two
alumni connecting in Florida. She
works in the Pasco County (Fla.)
School System but also at a local
rehabilitation center. Robin reported
meeting fellow Fredonia alumna L.
Ann (Brown) Rossi, ’52, (music ed),
who she describes as “a unique and
outstanding individual.” She added,
“We had such a wonderful morning,
lifting each others’ spirits, reminiscing about the Fredonia campus, the
price of tuition, people we knew, and
singing Fredonia’s alma mater from
start to finish. Forty years apart yet so
connected…it is amazing what a quality education can bring into your life
and that is what Fredonia has done for
both of us.”
Dr. Christopher Leslie, ’91, (English) has received a Fulbright Scholar
grant to lecture at the Universität
Potsdam, Germany, during the
2008-2009 academic year. He is an
instructor of humanities and new
media at Polytechnic University in
Brooklyn, where he also is co-advisor
for Science and Technology Studies,
and cross country and track coach. In
Germany, Chris will teach courses in
American literature, Internet studies,
and science fiction.
Dr. Frank B. Pullano, ’91, (math./
sec. ed.) received a University
Presidential Citation from Winthrop
University in Rock Hill, S.C., for
exemplary leadership in service to the
university community. He has been
on the Winthrop faculty since 1998.
Joseph Yacklon, ’91, (geochem.) of
Westfield, N.Y., received the Uhl T.
Mann Award in February at the 80th
annual meeting of the New York
Water Environment Association in
New York City. The award recognizes
excellence in water treatment plant
operations and maintenance. Since
1998, Joseph has been the water and
wastewater superintendent for the
village of Westfield, and formerly
worked at the Dunkirk Wastewater Treatment Plan Environmental
Laboratory.
1992
Peter Gavin, ’92, (chem.) see 1993.
1993
1998 and was promoted to principal
research scientist and later as head
of late-phase analytical chemistry.
Today, she is head of small molecule
analytical chemistry, and responsible
for Lilly’s Global Industrial Hygiene
Laboratory. Julie lives in Zionsville,
Ind., with her husband, Peter, ’92,
(chem.) and two daughters, Nicole
and Claire.
Amy Vercant, ’93, (English) was
appointed interim executive director
of the Chautauqua County Chamber
of Commerce in March. She had been
director of public relations for the
chamber since 2000. Amy earned her
master’s degree in Public Relations
Management from SUNY College at
Buffalo.
Jeff Ferguson, ’93, (econ.) is business
process analyst for Commercehub. He
lives in Scotia, N.Y., with his wife,
Lori, and two daughters, Mackenzie
and Tess.
Dr. Julie (Giambra) Gavin, ’93,
(chem.) was named as Eli Lilly and
Company’s Six Sigma Sponsor of the
Year for Lilly Research Laboratories.
She joined Eli Lilly and Company in
Amy Vercant, ’93
Roberta Guaspari
honors mentors with
new scholarship
S
UNY Fredonia’s School of Music welcomed home one of its
most successful alumna on May 9 to not only give this year’s
Convocation address to its faculty and students, but also make
a surprise announcement which will positively impact Fredonia’s
students forever.
Roberta Guaspari, ’69, has had a remarkable career which
inspired the film, “Music of the Heart,” featuring an Academy
award-nominated performance by Meryl Streep in her role as
Roberta. In a show of appreciation her alma mater, she unveiled
a new scholarship created to honor two of her mentors, faculty
emeriti Dr. Homer Garretson and Dr. Louis Richardson, for their
tireless dedication to music education.
Initiated by Ms. Guaspari, the scholarship is the result of a letterwriting campaign to former students, faculty and friends who collectively contributed to a fully endowed scholarship which stood at
nearly $14,000 at its unveiling. At least $500 will be given annually
to students within the School of Music’s string instrument areas of
study, although the exact criteria of the award will be established
by Drs. Garretson and Richardson as a part of the honor which was
kept secret from its honorees until the Convocation address.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to help create a lasting legacy to these two deserving men and celebrate the positive impression they left on so many students’ lives,” Ms. Guaspari said. “This
is a wonderful way to thank these individuals who played such an
important role in my life, and helped me recognize the full potential
I could achieve in my career.”
Ms. Guaspari is the founder of what is now known as “Opus
118: Harlem School of Music,” a violin instructional program that
has become one of the greatest sources of pride within the East
Harlem School District. Through her efforts to save the program
from severe budget cuts, she organized a benefit concert at New
York City’s Carnegie Hall, featuring world-renowned violinists. In
the process, she appeared on “The Today Show,” “CBS Sunday
Morning,” “Oprah,” “Letterman” and many other programs, and
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
Roberta Guaspari, ’69, speaks with faculty emeriti Dr. Homer Garretson
(front) and Dr. Louis Richardson at the School of Music’s Convocation in
Rosch Recital Hall.
ultimately raised enough money to not only salvage the program,
but keep it running in perpetuity.
Dr. Garretson was Ms. Guaspari’s teacher and mentor. Although
she never had a private lesson prior to Fredonia, he observed that
she was well coached and well prepared. He served as a professor of violin and music history at the School of Music from 1959
to 1987. Dr. Richardson served as a professor of cello from 1958
to 1987, and the two contemporaries formed a strong and lasting friendship through their combined passions for teaching and
music.
“Roberta Guaspari has given so much of herself to create the
memorable moment we are sharing today,” President Dennis L.
Hefner said following her address. “Her level of public service,
social consciousness, and intense student support has been well
documented. She has achieved a remarkable level of success
since graduating from Fredonia, and continues to generate tremendous energy, kindness and foresight.”
Page 11
The Class of 1958 gathered on June 7 for their 50-year reunion at the White Inn
in downtown Fredonia. Pictured are, from left:
First Row: Eileen (Piat) Haden, Loretta (Galasso) Weisberg, Barbara (Markham)
Weaver, Ralph Rasmusson, Shirley (White) Myrus, Ann (Finney) Gallagher, C.
Myrna (Giambrone) DiBiase, and Mary Ann Frazita.
Second Row: Sallie (Shapley) Pullano, James Young, George Greco, Phyllis
Dorman, (Evelyn Curtis) Aiosa, Sandra (Andresen) Fleischer, Barbara (Rahn)
Krupinski, and Concetta (Saglimben) Polvino.
Third Row: Franz Roehmann, Richard Burgess, Richard Geise, Ross Shickler,
Philip Favata, Claudia (Smith) Kelso, Ruth (Michaels) Sartor, and Sally (Baynes)
Mirth.
Back Row: Nicholas Calanni, Norman Hefke, Richard Miga, J. Richard Foster, J.
Roger Kelso, Judith (Swyers) O’Neill, and Shirley (Miller) Erbsmehl.
Reunions
& Events
Arizona Alumni Reception/Luau
Dr. Harvey ’65 and Joann Stedman have graciously volunteered
to host another reunion at their home. Attendees at their January
party had great time! Joann is a gourmet cook and the guests were
“gourmet eaters” – so it was a perfect match.
Luau-Pool Party at the Stedmans’ Home
1427 West Chilton Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Friday, August 8, 2008
5 p.m.: Drinks and Pool Time (bring your own towel)
6:15 p.m.: Picnic/luau dinner
7:15 p.m.: Campus update and door prize
Adults Only.
To R.S.V.P., contact alumni affairs at [email protected]
or call (716) 673-3553.
Alumni Board Meeting
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Alumni House
First Day of Classes
Monday, Aug. 25
Campus
Buffalo Area Alumni Reunion
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m.
Pearl Street Grill and Brewery,
Buffalo Lighthouse Room (Third Floor)
76 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY 14202
Price: $10/person. For more information, visit
www.fredonia.edu/alumni
Long Island Alumni Reception
Saturday, Sept. 13. 6-9 p.m.
Snapper Inn, 500 Shore Dr., Oakdale, NY
Price: $20/person.
For more information, visit www.fredonia.edu/alumni
Family Weekend
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 26-28
Campus
Homecoming Weekend
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 17-19
Campus
Annual Alumni Board Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Alumni House
1994
1996
Kimberly Seeley, ’94, (commun.)
reports that in addition to her
regular duties as event manager at
the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise,
Fla., she recently completed a stint
as the head of Artist Relations for
Late Night Music at the 6th Annual
Langerado Music Festival in Big
Cypress, Fla., adding, “Lots of hard
work, lots of crazy weather (and
gators), but lots of amazing music!”
After 11 years of working for video
companies in London, England,
and Syracuse, N.Y., Christopher M.
Grosso, ’96, (commun.) has formed
his own HD video production company, Take Two Visual Media. His
clients range from local companies to
worldwide corporations. He is also
working on a documentary, “Seeking
Silence: The Realities of Living with
Tinnitus,” that is taking him across
the country.
John A. Yorio, ’94, (philosophy) of
Philadelphia, Pa., received his Master
of Science in Library Science degree
in May from Clarion University of
Pennsylvania.
Leslie Anne Lewis, ’96, (music ed.)
reports from England that she is a
freelance conductor and teacher working in London.
1995
1997
Dr. Adam Brown, ’95, (phil., psych.)
from Fredonia, N.Y., represented
SUNY Fredonia at the St. Bonaventure University 150th Anniversary
Convocation held March 31 and
April 1.
Eric Edwards, ’97, (bus. admin.) see
note under “Births.”
Harry Frank, ’95, (sound rec. technology) is a freelance motion graphics
designer in Detroit, Mich., working
for various clients in Chicago, Ill., and
Los Angeles, Calif. See note under
“Births.”
Denise Grey, ’95, (commun.) an
instructional web developer/analyst
at Harvard Law School, received the
Dean’s Prize for Outstanding A.L.M.
Thesis in Educational Technologies
awarded by the Harvard Extension
School. Denise’s thesis was entitled,
“A Model for Student Technology
Assistant Program (STAP) in Higher
Education.” Her adviser, Kenneth
Martin, acting director of technology support services at Harvard Law
School, commented, “By examining
the Harvard University Presidential
Instructional Technology Fellows
(PITF) program through an organizational lens, the thesis serves as the
first research-based effort to better
understand the accomplishments of
this successful program. Aside from
providing a theoretical foundation to
the program, Ms. Grey’s research will
assist future development of the PITF
program at FAS.” The thesis’ recommendations have been reviewed and
are currently being implemented by
Harvard’s Instructional Computing
Group.
Dr. Christopher Holland, ’97, ’99,
(English) was awarded his doctoral
degree in higher education administration in May from the University of
Alabama. He resides in Brevard, N.C.
Laura Kidd, ’97, (health serv. admin.)
completed her master’s degree in
Community Health at Long Island
University in May.
Beth (Sledzianowski) Marsh, ’97,
’98, (speech and hear. hand., speech
path.) see note under “Births.”
1998
Chad Bradt, ’98, (art/graphic design)
of Schenectady, N.Y., see note under
“Births.”
Jeff Bucki, ’98, (English) received
Bronze Excalibur awards in the
program and internal communications
categories at a June 19 ceremony of
the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the
Public Relations Society of America.
Craig Harris, ’98, (commun.) of Lake
View, N.Y., see note under “Births.”
Audrey (Lawrence) Smith, ’98, of
Greenville, S.C., (elem. ed./gen. sci.)
see note under “Births.”
Eric Smith, ’98, (chem.) of Greenville, S.C., see note under “Births.”
1999
Kimberlie (Fergen) Ball, ’99, (commun.) of Blasdell, N.Y., see note
under “Births.”
Jacqueline (Klein) McElvain, ’99,
(psych.) see note under “Marriages.”
Page 12
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
2000
Justin Azzarella, 2000, (pol sci.)
is planner for the Elmwood Village
Association in Buffalo, N.Y. Following his SUNY Fredonia years, Justin
earned his master’s degree in urban
planning from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. He was profiled
in Buffalo Spree magazine in June by
fellow alum Michelle A. Blackley,
2000, (commun.).
Raina Becker, 2000, (psych.) from
Philadelphia, Pa., represented SUNY
Fredonia at the inauguration of Sean
T. Buffington as president of the
University of the Arts.
Maclain (Nichols) Berhaupt, 2000,
(interdis. studies) has become the
Urban Design Plan director for the
Jamestown (N.Y.) Renaissance Corp.
Amanda K. Emo, 2000, (psych.) was
recently promoted to lead psychologist
for the highway visibility program at
the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety Research and
Development. She is also the lead
psychologist for the Safety R&D
Pedestrian and Bicycle program.
Erica (Morehouse) Foreman, 2000,
(commun.) see 2002.
Marcus Goldhaber, 2000, (mus.
theatre) will perform at the 1891
Fredonia Opera House on April 17,
2009 as part of its 2008-2009 Great
Performers Concert Series.
Michael D. Leach, 2000, (commun.)
is the assistant creative services director for WXII 12 in Winston-Salem,
N.C., a Hearst-Argyle Television Station. He previously served as creative
services producer for WROC and
WUHF in Rochester, N.Y. While
in Rochester, he earned numerous
awards for producing, editing and
shooting, including a New York
State Emmy, an Edward R. Murrow
award and Bronze Telly. He also has
a screenplay in development, “Laying
Foundations…A Young Man’s Story.”
Sarah Smith, 2000, (account.) was
maid of honor at the wedding of Jacqueline (Klein) McElvain, ’99.
2001
Lindsey ‘Z’ Briggs, ’01, (media arts)
see 2003.
Denise (Stoddard) Harris, ’01, (commun.) of Lake View, N.Y., see note
under “Births.”
Mike Johnson, ’01, (commun.) is
director of Industry Development at
Reed Exhibitions, the world’s largest
conference and trade show organizer.
He has worked extensively in this
business in recent years and has been
a guest lecturer in Asia talking about
how meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition programs are
helping to develop tourism in markets
throughout the world.
Geology professor unearths
Appalachian research that’s
good as gold
F
redonia first gained national prominence in 1821
when William Hart dug the first natural gas well
in the U.S. Now, 187 years later, natural gas is once
again bringing fame to Fredonia. But this time a professor — not the region — is the star of the show.
Dr. Gary Lash, a professor within SUNY Fredonia’s
geosciences department since 1981, has collaborated
on a research effort which has unearthed a “super
giant” field of natural
gas within the Marcellus Shale region of the
Appalachian Mountains.
Together with Dr. Terry
Engelder of Penn State
University, they have
produced findings which
suggest that more than
500 trillion cubic feet (tcf)
of natural gas lies within
this shale formation
stretching from New York
through West Virginia as
well as parts of eastern
Ohio.
“The potential here is
tremendous,” Dr. Lash
continued. “The initial
production of an average
well could — in one day
— produce enough gas
to heat my house for five
years.”
The Marcellus region
has been believed to
be a natural gas gold
mine for more than 100
years. However, like most
treasure chests, they’re
only valuable if you can
dig them up—and that’s
been the problem.
To give this figure some
Dr. Gary Lash is interviewed by a “CNN Money” film producperspective, the entire
national output of natural tion crew in his geosciences laboratories in late April. CNN
“This resurgent interest
featured him in a story about his research on the natural
gas is just 30 tcf per
has occurred because of
gas deposits found within the Marcellus Shale region of the
year. Conservatively, if
advances in technology
Appalachian Mountains.
only 10 percent of the
which, when coupled
500 tcf Marcellus find
with the enormous rise
was retrievable annually, it would generate enough
in energy prices recently, now make harvesting this
gas to nearly double the current U.S. production —
energy economically viable,” Dr. Lash explained.
and revolutionize the energy industry worldwide.
Advances in horizontal drilling now allow companies
to penetrate the shale’s natural vertical fractures
Dr. Lash says of the potential economic value, “If we
more quickly, helping the gas rise to the surface. This
assume we can get 50 tcf annually from this area,
technique also allows explorers to reach underground
we’re talking a net worth of about $500 billion dollars.”
formations that were previously inaccessible via vertiRecently, people have started to comprehend what
cal wells due to natural and man-made obstacles.
this means. Lots of them.
Dr. Lash is both excited and humbled by all of the
In New York, particularly along its southern tier,
attention his work has generated.
energy companies have been flocking to the region.
“The work on the Marcellus represents a career
They are literally knocking, door-to-door, on the
moment — when everything comes together,” he said.
homes of rural land owners, contracts in-hand, offer“And it shows people the kind of quality research that
ing deals for mineral (drilling) rights in exchange for
can be accomplished at ‘just’ a four-year college.”
monthly royalties. As a result, the value of this land
has shot up exponentially, going from monthly lease
With the amount of excitement his findings have
rates of around $50 an acre in the Binghamton area
generated, this career “moment” may wind up lasting
this past winter to as high as $3,500 an acre presently.
quite a while longer.
This kind of economic impact has led numerous
individuals to Dr. Lash’s door, including the likes of
SUNY Fredonia alumni and
friends raise funds for
Nabta Fund scholarship
Black Student Union (BSU) alumni and friends met
March 28 in New York City to raise funds for the
Nabta Fund, a scholarship established through the
Fredonia College Foundation to benefit students of
color at SUNY Fredonia.
The gathering was held in midtown Manhattan at the
exclusive Nikki Beach. By the end of the event, over
$2,300 was raised for the endowment.
Mike Johnson, ’01
The New York Times, CNN Money and many others,
reporting on this modern-day gold rush that could
potentially impact thousands of average Americans
across the Northeast. Newspapers and online media
from Buffalo to Santa Fe have interviewed Dr. Lash
for related stories, and landowners are contacting him
almost daily, seeking estimates as to how much gas
their land might hold, as well as advice as to what a
fair lease agreement should contain.
Organizers noted, “Thanks to your (alumni and
friends) efforts, we have raised almost $5,000, and
we are energized about continuing the rest of the
journey…We as BSU alumni understand the impor-
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
tance of a quality education and the financial pitfalls
students of color face (in) trying to achieve that goal.
Any help we can provide to students now will benefit
all of us in the future.”
The scholarship fund, established by BSU alumni, is
designed to provide financial assistance to exceptional students who are active members of the BSU.
The fund is currently very close to reaching the fully
endowed level that will make scholarship awards
possible in perpetuity.
In their invitation letter, committee members cited
the 2007 article written by Dr. Jeanette Eileen Jones
in the Statement: “If the elephant cannot find enough
to eat, the shame belongs to the forest. The alumni
constitute the forest, and the future BSU students
are the majestic elephants.”
To support this worthy scholarship, contact:
[email protected].
Page 13
2002
Cara Cupolo, ’02, (social work) has
changed jobs and is now the outcomes
specialist for the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Greater Washington (D.C.) and
lives in Maryland.
Jillian (Sarkovics) Giglio, ’02, (elem.
ed./English) is a teacher in the West
Seneca (N.Y.) Central School District. See note under “Marriages.”
Nathaniel Grady, ’02, (physics) is in
his sixth year of graduate study in a
Ph.D. program at Rice University’s
Quantum Institute in Houston,
Texas. His research is in the applied
physics field of nanotechnology,
using high-energy lasers to study the
physical effects of light upon gold
nanoshells as a member of Dr. Naomi
Halas’ lab.
Megan (Ferington) Pruce, ’02,
(commun./comm. studies) is media
relations manager for the Cleveland
(Ohio) Clinic, and reports one of her
co-workers in the Public and Media
Relations department, Erica (Morehouse) Foreman, 2000, (commun.) is
also a SUNY Fredonia alumna! See
also note under “Marriages.”
2003
Jason Foster, ’03, (English) was
appointed associate director of
Student Activities at Northeastern
University in Boston, Mass.
Chad Williams, ’03, (media arts)
screened his documentary, “Puppet Rampage,” which was directed
by Lindsey ‘Z’ Briggs, ’01, (media
arts) in April on campus. The piece
follows a variety of New York City
area puppeteers as they prepared to
go to the biannual Puppeteers of
America National Festival. It was
the first public screening of the film.
The university’s Media Arts Club and
Fredonia Gamers Guild sponsored
the event, which also featured a question and answer session with Chad
and Lindsey.
2004
Dr. Kelly M. Roma, ’04, (communication disorders) completed her Au.D.
at the State University at Buffalo and
works at the Better Hearing Center in
Concord, N.Y.
2005
Isaac Gill, ’05, (biology) lives in San
Antonio, Texas, with his family. He
is teaching ninth grade biology in an
inner-city school and working on his
teaching certification.
Deaths
Marie Dinecia Pierre-Louis, ’05,
(French/adol. ed.) is a new counselor
in the Educational Development Program office and pursuing her master’s
degree at SUNY Fredonia.
You make the difference
AmeriCorps service program member
Kyle Henning, ’05, (interdis. studies/music bus.) was profiled in an
msnbc.com article by Mike Stuckey,
“AmeriCorps’ helps river town take
a stand,” about the important role he
and other AmeriCorps workers had
in helping to coordinate volunteer and
liaison efforts during June flooding
in Clarksville, Mo. He is based with
a St. Louis unit that specializes in
disaster response. After his commitment to AmeriCorps ends in August,
Kyle will complete the final stages of
enrolling with the Peace Corps.
Please consider making a gift to benefit SUNY Fredonia.
By accepting private gifts on behalf of the university, the Fredonia
College Foundation offers a distinctive opportunity to individuals,
businesses and foundations who wish to play a vital and continuing role in the bright future of SUNY Fredonia.
SUNY Fredonia depends on private gifts for scholarships, support
for research and teaching, capital projects, and the enhancement
of its academics through speaker series, special events, student
life, and social and cultural programs.
Funding by the State of New York is not enough to maintain the
standard of excellence which is the hallmark of SUNY Fredonia.
We are grateful for your commitment to SUNY Fredonia’s future.
David Wozniak, ’05, (music perf.)
see note under “Marriages.”
Make a gift by mail
Melissa (Despagni) Wozniak, ’05,
(music ed.) see note under “Marriages.”
Send checks, payable to the Fredonia College Foundation, to the
Foundation House, 272 Central Ave.; Fredonia, NY 14063; or by
credit card, by letting us know the type of card, card number and
expiration date.
2006
Drummer, percussionist and composer John Bacon, ’06, (music perf.)
and his ensemble performed in March
at Hallwalls in Buffalo. John is a
lecturer in the Fredonia School of
Music. He also teaches jazz and music
theory at Village Maria College, and
coaches percussionists at St. Joseph’s
Collegiate Institute and Canisius
High School.
Marcy Baldwin, ’06, (English) works
for LSI Astronics in East Aurora, N.Y.
Joseph Flaxman, ’06, (music perf.)
was broadcast on National Public
Radio in May performing selections
from operas including his first performance of “Avant de quitter” from
Gounod’s “Faust,” as a resident artist
at Opera Memphis (Tenn.). He also
completed his master’s degree at the
Manhattan School of Music and will
perform the role of Il Conte in “The
Marriage of Figaro” with the Martina
Arroyo Foundation in July at the Kaye
Playhouse at Hunter College, and
then Wagner in “Faust” and Guglielmo in “Cosi fan Tutte” with Opera
Memphis.
Alissa Stahler, ’06, (music perf.) is
in a master’s degree program at the
Manhattan School of Music, studying
jazz voice with Peter Eldridge of the
Grammy Award-winning New York
Voices. During her first year of study,
she auditioned for and was selected
to perform on the nationally televised
“Showtime at the Apollo” for Amateur Night.
Questions regarding planned giving can be directed to Betty
Catania Gossett, ’76, director of development at (716) 673-3321
or [email protected]
2007
2008
Rachel King, ’07, (commun./pub.
rel., English) was elected as a student
member of the International Leadership Council of the Golden Key
International Honour Society. She is
currently a graduate student at Syracuse University.
Adam C. Roma, ’08, (bus. admin.)
has been hired by Extra Mile Transportation LLC, a strategic partner of
the A.J. Baynes Freight Contractors,
which markets businesses to a variety
of transportation carriers across the
country.
Caitlin Mitchell, ’07, (commun./pub.
rel.) was featured in Forbes Magazine in an article about job searches.
Using an innovative follow-up to her
interview, Caitlin was hired by Cubitt
Jacobs & Prosek Communications of
New York City.
Kevin Scully, ’07, (bus. admin./
market.) moved to New York City
following his graduation in December
2007 and did freelance work for Marc
Jacobs and Estee Lauder’s (Origins)
Global Communications Department. He recently accepted a position
with Gap Inc., as the New York City
regional assistant for the Old Navy
division. During the summer of 2007,
Kevin interned at Gap Inc. corporate
headquarters in San Francisco, Calif.
Dan Berggren (commun.) and Dr.
Richard “Dick” Gilman (geosciences) performed in a folk concert
during Earthfest 2008 in Fredonia
with the Spirit Lake String Band
including Cheryl Ritch, ’74, (elem.
ed.). Dan returned to the 1891 Fredonia Opera House in June, performing
as part of the group, “Jamcrackers,”
with fellow alum Dan Duggan, ’78,
(bus. admin.) and Peggy Lynn.
Alumni
Eldon “Skip” Teetsel, Class of 1971
Grace E. (Becker) Krauth, Class of 1928
Kathleen “Kathy” M. (DeCeilio) Seastedt, Class of
1981
Russell Polito, Class of 1931
Rosari (Foti) Pingatore, Class of 1942
Faculty/Staff
Ann (Eckert) Lane, Class of 1945
Dr. John T. Everett Jr., Founding Chair, Department
of Political Science; 1966-1985
Mary L. (Havens) Perkins, Class of 1951
Mary Joan (Sesnie) Dailey, Class of 1955
Louis J. Gugino, Class of 1962
Joan (Hutcheson) Ohlinger, Class of 1965
Page 14
Emeritus Notes
Dorothy J. Kokocinski, Reed Library and business
office, 1969-1991
James Weidman III, Fredonia College Foundation
Board of Directors, 1985-87; adjunct instructor in
public relations, Department of English.
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
News
blue & white
Story and photos by Jerry Reilly,
Sports Information Director. Additional
photos by Barb Flood and Maggie McEntee.
F
redonia State women’s lacrosse coach Chris
Case kept a secret from his team on April 29.
In the midst of a SUNYAC game vs. Buffalo State,
Case had been made aware of two outcomes
which affected his team’s playoff chances.
Two conference games had played out in the
their favor. Still, Case wanted his team to remain
focused on trying to defeat Buffalo State – which
it nearly did. The Bengals scored in the fourth
overtime to hand the Blue Devils a 10-9 loss.
For all the players knew, the season was over –
although everyone else, including parents in the
stands, knew otherwise.
“I didn’t want them to hear the other scores,”
Case explained, “and then have them hanging
their heads because we were out (of the playoffs).”
Instead, Case waited until after the final whistle.
As they huddled, frowns changed to smiles.
For the first time in 13 varsity seasons, the Blue
Devils had made the SUNYAC tournament. A 16-7
first-round loss to No. 23 Cortland did nothing to
diminish the most successful season in Fredonia
State women’s lacrosse history. The Blue Devils
finished 11-6 overall and 4-4 in the SUNYAC. The
11 wins are a new school record, and the four
SUNYAC wins tie a school record.
SUNYAC coaches voted Case the 2008 Coach of
the Year, sophomore defender Emily Reichert
(Henrietta) Co-Player of the Year, and freshman
midfielder Kelsey Lamb (Niskayuna) Rookie of
the Year. This marks the first time a Fredonia State
coach or player has received an annual women’s
lacrosse award. In addition, Reichert and senior
attacker Christie Zaganiaczyk (Lancaster) made
All SUNYAC First Team, while Lamb and senior
defender Janelle Giehl (Rochester) were Second
Team selections. Reichert was also chosen Second Team All-Empire Region by the Intercollegiate
Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association.
Case is no stranger to post-season awards. He
was 2003 SUNYAC Coach of the Year in women’s
soccer, and the third Fredonia State head coach
to receive a SUNYAC honor during 2007-08. P.J.
Gondek (men’s soccer) and Geoff Braun (women’s volleyball) were named SUNYAC coaches of
the year in their respective sports.
Here is a capsule look at the other spring teams:
BASEBALL -- Like the lady laxers, the baseball
team entered the final days of the regular season
knocking on the SUNYAC playoff door. However,
losses to Cortland and Oneonta on the final
weekend of the regular season ruined the Blue
Devils’ bid. The team finished with a 15-23 wonloss mark, which included a doubleheader sweep
of Brockport on April 7, the start of a stretch of
seven wins in nine games.
Two Blue Devils were named to the All-SUNYAC
team. Junior outfielder Jordan Basile (Jamestown) was a First Team choice after batting .362
in conference games. He finished with 50 hits
overall, second most in program history. Also,
sophomore catcher Rob Hermann (Trumansburg) batted .396 and threw out 8 of 12 would-be
base-stealers in conference play to earn Second
Team distinction. Hermann was selected Second
Statement July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4
From left to right, top row, sophomore
high jumper Jackie Majka qualified for
the NCAA Division III outdoor championships; senior women’s lacrosse
attacker Christie Zaganiaczyk was selected First Team All
SUNYAC and head coach Chris Case was named 2008 SUNYAC
Women’s Lacrosse Coach of the Year; second row: junior track
and field athlete Julia Hopson earned All-American honors in
the women’s hammerthrow while two of Hopson’s teammates,
hurdler Kate Brett and steeplechaser Josh Guarino, had strong
freshmen seasons; third row: sophomore third baseman Don
Kirsch earned a Gold Glove Award and senior outfielder Jordan
Basile (far right) was chosen All SUNYAC; sophomore defender Emily Reichert (middle) was honored at both
levels – All Empire Region and SUNYAC Co-Player of the Year in women’s lacrosse. Her teammate, freshman
midfielder Kelsey Lamb (bottom right), was the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year.
Team All New York Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association, while sophomore third
baseman Don Kirsch (Attica) received an ABCA
Gold Glove Award for making only five errors
while batting .347 in 35 games.
TRACK & FIELD – Julia Hopson (Poughkeepsie)
added to her impressive résumé with her third AllAmerica honor. A junior thrower, Hopson finished
fourth in the women’s hammerthrow May 23 at
the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field
championship meet. The top six finishers at the
national meet receive All-America distinction.
Hopson has also been an All-American in the
women’s 20-pound weight throw the past two
indoor seasons – including a second-place finish
in March. She has also won the last two ECAC
Division III weight-throw titles and the ECAC hammerthrow title this spring for the first time. She is
the SUNYAC record-holder in both events.
Hopson was one of five Blue Devils named to
the 2008 SUNYAC Outdoor Track and Field allconference team. She and freshman hurdler Kate
Brett (Webster) were First Team choices. Sophomore jumper Jackie Majka (Depew), junior middistance runner Geoff Lesch-Wragge (Fredonia),
and freshman steeplechaser Josh Guarino (Bergen) were Second Team choices. Hopson also
was named SUNYAC Women’s Field Athlete of
the Year for the second straight outdoor season.
When it came time to travel to the nationals,
Hopson had company for the first time. Majka
qualified in the women’s high jump, but did not
place in the top six. Her NCAA qualifying jump
came while winning the New York State Collegiate
Track Conference high jump title. Majka also won
the long jump and Hopson the hammerthrow at
the NYSCTC meet.
SOFTBALL – The team’s highlights came at the
Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic during spring
break. The Blue Devils won their first four games
of the season, including an impressive 2-0 victory
March 21 over eventual NCAA tournament participant Rivier. In addition, the Blue Devils dropped
a 1-0 decision March 25 to DePauw – a team that
was ranked No. 1 in the nation for a large part of
the season. In both games, junior Cristina Reale
(Geneva) was the pitcher of record. Over the
course of the season, she posted an 8-11 record
with a 2.97 earned run average.
Another standout was freshman shortstop Kristy
Sheridan (Buffalo). Heading into a season-ending
doubleheader April 27 at Morrisville State, she
was on the brink of becoming only the third Blue
Devil to bat .400 or better in a season. Her first
three at-bats of the day resulted in hits – and a
.400 mark on the nose. She made an out in her
fourth at-bat to drop to .396, and then sat out the
second game of the doubleheader due to injury.
Page 15
Jesse and Cathy Marion,
’79, formally pledged a gift to
name the main art gallery at
the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts
Center during the kickoff of
the Doors to Success Capital
campaign. Cathy was last
year’s recipient of the Alumni
Association’s Outstanding
Achievement Award, which
recognized her philanthropic
work. Here, Jesse and Cathy,
center, pose with President
Dennis and Mrs. Jan Hefner at
the campaign kickoff dinner at
the University Commons.
DOORS TO SUCCESS
Parents: If Statement is addressed to a graduated son or daughter who
no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email us
at [email protected] with their correct address, or call us at
716-673-3553.
The Statement (ISSN #1097-1238) July, 2008, volume 36,
number 4. Published quarterly by the Office of Public Relations at
the State University of New York at Fredonia (272 Central Ave.)
Fredonia, NY 14063. 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.
Editor: Michael R. Barone
Assistant Editor: Lisa G. Eikenburg, APR
Design and Layout: Lori Deemer
Contributing Writer/Photographer: Roger Coda
Production Manager: Paula S. Warren
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Statement, Alumni House, 286 Central Ave.,
SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NY 14063.
State University of New York at Fredonia
SUNY Fredonia and the Fredonia College Foundation announce “Doors to Success: The Campaign for Fredonia.” The new, five-year,
$15 million capital campaign is the largest in Fredonia’s history and began its public phase with a kickoff celebration in May.
The Campaign for Fredonia
Doors to Success
Homecoming 2008
Schedule Inside!
Statement
July 2008—Vol 36, No. 4