Considering The Human Question The

Transcription

Considering The Human Question The
The
Fall 2011
The Magazine of Hartwick College
Considering The Human Question
Faculty / Student / Alumni Perspectives
Philanthropy for Community
Coming Home to Hartwick
Living the Mission
“I support Hartwick College
because it supported me.”
“In those very important four years, I amazingly rediscovered who
I am through the relationships I made and then discovered my
passions in life. The undergraduate education I received was exactly
what I needed! The dedication of the professors to the development
of a single student such as me is a remarkable and powerful
Hartwick priority.
“Now, I hope to return a few favors by supporting the school and
becoming more involved. I am a Trustee who knows firsthand how
Hartwick can change lives. Hartwick College is a priority for me.”
Sarah “Sally” Griffiths Herbert ’88 | Hartwick College Trustee
Sally Griffiths Herbert ’88 and her husband, Tim.
To talk about how you can get more involved at Hartwick, please
contact Vice President for College Advancement Jim Broschart
at 607-431-4026 or [email protected].
Hartwick College
Board of Trustees
2011-12
James J. Elting, MD | Chair
Diane Hettinger ’77 | Vice Chair
Betsy Tanner Wright ’79 | Secretary
John K. Milne ’76 | Treasurer
Margaret L. Drugovich, DM
President | ex officio
A. Bruce Anderson ’63
John Bertuzzi
Carol Ann Hamilton Coughlin ’86
Jeanette S. Cureton
Elaine A. DiBrita ’61
Edward B. Droesch ’82
Arnold M. Drogen
Virginia Elwell ’77
Debra Fischer French ’80
Thomas N. Gerhardt ’84
Robert Hanft ’69
Sarah Griffiths Herbert ’88
Kathi Hochberg ’73
Halford Johnson P’86
Paul R. Johnson ’67
William J. Kitson ’86
Francis D. Landrey P’06
Ronald P. Lynch ’87
Erna McReynolds
Nancy M. Morris ’74, H’06
John W. Nachbur ’85
Rory Read ’83
Lisa Schulmeister ’78
Robert Spadaccia ’70
The
Fall 2011 | Volume LIV: No. 2
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
David Conway
In this issue:
MANAGING EDITOR
James Jolly
Engage and Entangle
FEATURE EDITOR AND WRITER
Elizabeth Steele
16 | Students and Faculty Live the Mission, Express the Vision
14 | Philosopher and Artist Stephanie Rocknak on Conflict and Empathy
22 | Joe Von Stengel at the Crossroads of Culture, Art, and Technology
ART DIRECTOR
Jennifer Nichols-Stewart
COPY EDITOR
Jennifer Moritz
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christopher Lott, Alyssa Militello
WICK ONLINE
Stephanie Brunetta
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gerry Raymonda, Jamey Novick, Elizabeth Steele, James
Jolly, Duncan Macdonald ’78, Victoria R. Halsted ’13
EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD
Dr. Margaret L. Drugovich, President
Jim Broschart, VP for College Advancement
David Conway, VP for Enrollment Management and Marketing
Dr. Meg Nowak, VP for Student Life
Dr. Michael G. Tannenbaum, Provost
Alicia Fish ‘91, Senior Director of Donor and Alumni Relations
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Shineman Chapel House, Hartwick College,
Oneonta, NY 13820
Tel: 607-431-4038, Fax: 607-431-4025
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.hartwick.edu
We welcome comments on anything published in
The Wick.
Send letters to The Wick, Hartwick College,
PO Box 4020, Oneonta, NY 13820-4018 or
[email protected].
The Wick is published by Hartwick College, P.O. Box 4020,
Oneonta, NY 13820-4018. Diverse views are presented and
do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors or official
policies of Hartwick College.
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Lessons Learned
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Campus Considers The Human Question
The Personal Side of 9/11
The Slave Trade, Abolition, and Hartwick
Sabbaticals: New Experiences, New Knowledge
Generosity Personified
24 | Brian Wright H’03 PM’11 Represents Generations
49 | Don and Diane Brown—50 Years and Counting
Leadership Positions
3 | New Trustees add Breadth to Board
4 | John Christopher Hartwick Alumni in Law
Coming Home Again
28 | Back on the Hill
36 | Honoring Alumni and Friends
48 | Flashback to the ’80s
Good Sports
32 | Soccer ’77 Dominates Again
34 | Coach Anna Meyer, On and Off the Field
35 | The Season in Pictures
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41
46
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Alumni News
Class Notes
Great Gifts
In Memorium
On the Cover: Artist Statement
When I started creating the cover for this Wick, I knew the issue would focus on the ideas
“Engage” and “Entangle.” My line of thought played upon the nature of the medium (a magazine)
and led me to think about how words themselves relate to print. It isn’t possible to consider the
history of print without giving a nod to the letterpress.
I wanted to create an image using the keywords in the style of a poster from the 1800s. I could
have created the image in Photoshop, but I knew it would not have the aesthetic that I imagined.
After some research, I found and downloaded a program that emulates the process of making
images on a letterpress. Ironically, I used new, virtual technology to create an antique-style
image while behind the wall of my digital lab stands an actual letterpress.
The program was slow and difficult, similar to the process of a real press. I had to create each
layer of the image one inking at a time. Built layer by layer, any mistake would ruin the print. In
the end, it took me three days to create an image that normally would have taken a few hours,
but the result was exactly as I had envisioned.
Joe Von Stengel, Associate Professor of Art in digital art and design (see Commentary, p. 14)
From the President
Engaged and
Entangled.
Personal courage belongs to each of us, uniquely. It does not come
easily, nor is there a formula. It takes root as we rationalize the space we
occupy. Courage grows as we construct our understanding and frame
our competence. It is this courage that we must borrow against when
we move into a space that is wholly unfamiliar, tracing a well-worn,
and comforting path in our minds as we wander through uncharted
territory, mapping a new space, and making it ours.
I have suggested to many of our students that learning happens in that
intellectual space that is just beyond our reach. It takes courage to reach
into the dark haze of uncertainty as we explore and map newness into
something that we can comprehend. And make better.
It takes courage to consider The Human Question. How is it that an
understanding of a thing that is so close and familiar to us—our
collective humanity—remains elusive?
Our struggle to define our humanity stems in part from our diversity,
and also from the truth that every piece of literature that we consider,
every culture that we study or live, every composer whom we attempt
to interpret changes our view of how the world works. Our ability
to ponder meaning both diverts and sharpens our understanding.
Emerging technologies catalyze our rapidly evolving view of our world.
Faced with too much information and too little understanding we can
be thrown back to a place where we feel ever less certain about what it
means to be truly human.
Webextra
| ?
2 | The Wick | Fall 2011
This is the context in which Hartwick students consider The Human
Question. It takes personal courage to remain in this uncertain space
rather than seek the comfort of what is easily known. Our community
is creating perspective. Rather than understanding the context that we
move into, we are changing the context.
In this and the next issue of The Wick, we think together about what
it means to be human. This is the stuff of philosophy, chemistry,
economics, biology, history, art, psychology, education, sociology, and
religion. Whether macro or nano, social or cellular, there is no escaping
the truth that the greatest human tragedies—such as 9/11—and the
greatest triumphs—such as hope—lie in that engaged and entangled
space just beyond our reach. With the personal courage we develop as
Hartwick learners, we wade in.
Best,
Campus News
Leaders Join Board
“The function of a governing board is much more than solely fiduciary.
We must work collaboratively with the President to set an appropriate
course for the institution. I am excited that these new Trustees have
volunteered to join us in this endeavor.”
—Dr. James J. Elting, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Halford Johnson P’86 is the father of Janice (Johnson) Stainton
’86 and past chair of the College’s annual parent fund. He is president
and owner of The Johnson Organization, an insurance and financial
consulting company. A national expert on financial estate planning, he
has lobbied at the congressional and executive levels in Washington, D.C.
William Kitson ’86, president and CEO of United Way of Greater
Toledo, has more than 20 years’ experience managing United Way
operations in five states. Hartwick’s 2002 Distinguished Young
Alumnus, he and Diane (Smith) Kitson ’87 have two sons.
Francis Landrey P’06 is the father of Owen Landrey ’06. A litigator
in state and federal courts, he is a senior counsel with the international
law firm Proskauer Rose LLP. His practice includes insurance coverage
disputes, SEC regulatory proceedings, and antitrust litigation.
Nancy Morris ’74, H’06 is executive vice president and chief U.S.
regulatory counsel with Allianz Global Investors of America. A former
editor of the Idaho Law Review, she was the first woman secretary of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (2006-08).
John Nachbur ’85 is group account director with The Integer Group,
Lisa Schulmeister ’78, Halford Johnson P’86, Nancy Morris ’74, H’06,
John Nachbur ’85, William Kitson ’86, and Francis Landrey P’06. Not
pictured: returning trustee Bob Spadaccia ’70.
a world leader in promotional marketing and advertising. He has 22
years of experience in marketing and is the former marketing director for
the MillerCoors Brewing Co.
Lisa Schulmeister ’78 is a member of the American Academy of
Nursing and the American Nurses Association Congress on Practice
and Economics. She is a recipient of the Oncology Nursing Society
Distinguished Service Award.
Robert Spadaccia ’70 is president and CEO of Fairfield County
Bank Insurance Services Corporation LLC. He previously served as
Hartwick Trustee from 2000 to 2009 and chaired the Development
Committee.
In November, a Hartwick symposium addressed “Biotechnology in Practice: Promises and
Perils.” It brought together alumni and parent experts who shared experiences, ideas, and
breakthroughs in this evolving field. The keynote speaker was Kathy Ordoñez ’72 H’00
(pictured), senior vice president of Quest Diagnostics and president of Celera.
“The Future of Biotechnology” panelists were Dr. Louise Hecker ’00, assistant professor
of medicine at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and founder/CEO of Regenerative
Solutions, LLC; Dr. Bob Siegler ’78, senior director of CMC Development for Lantheus
Medical Imaging; and Dr. Gary Vellekamp ’73, fellow of BioProcess Development at Merck
Laboratories. It was moderated by Dr. Burton W. Wilcke Jr. ’69, chair of the Department of
Medical Laboratory and Radiation Services at the University of Vermont.
“The Risks and Ethics of a Rapidly Changing Field” panel featured Dr. James Hayward
P’13 chair/CEO/president of Applied DNA Sciences; Dr. Salvatore Salamone P’12, CEO
of Saladax Biomedical; Dr. Burton W. Wilcke Jr. ’69; and Burton Zweigenhaft P’13, CEO
of OncoMed and BioPharma Partners, co-sponsors of the symposium with the National
Science Foundation. The moderator was Professor Mary Allen, chair of Hartwick’s biology
department.
Look for in-depth stories on biotechnology in the next issue of The Wick.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 3
“The Essence
of Leadership”
Francis ‘Buck’ Rodgers H’82 brought his
insider’s perspective to campus this fall when he
delivered the annual Leslie G. Rude Memorial
Lecture. A two-time bestselling author, Rodgers
is a retired Vice President of Marketing for IBM.
He spoke without notes, deep from his experience,
and fielded far-ranging questions from students,
faculty and staff, and members of the community.
“The Essence of Leadership” became a discussion
of the value of leadership in the current business
and political climate.
Rodgers began his career with IBM in 1950
as a sales trainee. In his 34 years career, he
contributed to making IBM an industry giant. As
a vice president for 10 years, his responsibilities
encompassed domestic divisions and operations in
131 foreign countries and the company’s revenues
increased from $10 billion to nearly $50 billion.
Rodgers is highlighted in The Ten Greatest
Salespersons and The Perfect Sales Presentation
and is quoted extensively in the international
bestseller, In Search of Excellence.
During his campus visit, Rodgers also met
with students in the Theory and Techniques of
Coaching class taught by Ryan Castle, assistant
women’s water polo coach, and discussed ethical
leadership on and off the playing field.
Making Their Mark:
John Christopher Hartwick Alumni in Law,
Politics, and Policy
Thomas Hegeman ’74 (Political Science) > attorney – family court and criminal defense
> Law Office of Thomas Hegeman, Oneonta, NY > J.D., Albany Law School of Union
University
Kathleen L. Carver-Cheney ’74 (Nursing) > attorney – healthcare law, focus on long-term care
and post-acute care > Partner, Duane Merns, LLP, New York, NY > J.D., New York University
School of Law > New York University College of Nursing
Steven R. Suleski ’76 (History) > attorney – corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, business
law > vice president, deputy general counsel, CUNA Mutual Group, Madison, WI > J.D.,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Eric R. Jonsen ’80 (Political Science) > attorney – antitrust and trade regulation, commercial
law, insurance, intellectual property, litigation technology > Jonsen and Ray LLC, Broomfield,
CO > J.D., University of Colorado School of Law
Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey S. Corn ’83 (History, magna cum laude) > professor of law,
South Texas College of Law, Houston, TX > criminal law, military law, national security, public
international law > former special assistant to the judge advocate general for law of war
matters > J.D., George Washington University School of Law
John E. Jones ’84 (Political Science, magna cum laude) > attorney – real estate, energy, and
natural resources > partner – Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Binghamton, NY > New York
Super Attorneys 2010 - Upstate Edition > J.D., Boston College Law School
Robert E. Hess ’86 (Economics) > attorney – real estate, bankruptcy, business litigation,
Sullivan, McBride, Hess & Youngblood, PC, Albany, NY > J.D., Albany Law School
Deborah K. Owlett ’88 (English, History) > support magistrate, New York State Family Court,
Rochester, NY > J.D., State University of New York - Buffalo
Santo Russo ’91 (Political Science, summa cum laude) > attorney, commercial litigation,
antitrust > general counsel, Altria Client Services, Inc., Richmond, WA > J.D., Fordham
University
Tara Lee Stagg ’92 (English) > attorney – intellectual property, commercial liability > James R.
Pieret & Associates, Garden City, NY > J.D., St. John’s University, Jamaica
Stacy Wend Goodman ’96 (Political Science) > senior policy analyst/legislative counsel,
Maryland General Assembly, Annapolis, MD > J.D., Case Western Reserve University School of
Law
Jennifer Stringer Plants ’96 (English, magna cum laude) > litigation attorney, Damon and
Morey, Buffalo, NY > J.D., Valparaiso University Law School, magna cum laude > jurist
scholar, associate editor of the Law Review
Dr. Leslie G. Rude was
an outstanding Hartwick
College professor, dean,
and vice president.
Following his death
in 1998, Professor
Emerita Norma Hutman
and Marion Rude
established the Leslie
G. Rude Memorial
Lecture Series to
reflect his passionate
interest in political science and public speaking,
and his commitment to public life. His scholarship
continues, thanks to this endowed fund.
4 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Dorothy-Jane Goldsack Porpeglia ’99 (Psychology, summa cum laude) > attorney – labor and
employment, corporate and education law, Whiteman Ostermen & Hanna LLP, Albany, NY >
J.D., Albany Law School, summa cum laude, Justinian Honor Society
Jared F. Chrislip ’02 (History) > attorney – civil and real estate > Pico Law Office, Boston,
MA > J.D. Suffolk University Law School
Marissa L. Woltmann ’05 (English) > candidate, master’s in public policy > The Heller School
for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Belmont, MA
Caitlin E. Dwyer ’06 (Political Science, summa cum laude) > Ph.D. candidate, political
science, University of Minnesota > M.A., political science, University of Minnesota
EXTRA: If you are a JCH Scholar working in law, politics, or policy and are not recognized here,
please let us know so we can print a correction in the next issue.
Milestones Open the Academic Year
Convocation: Eryn Niblick ’13 presents on the
collaborative research she conducted with Professor
of Biology Mary Allen and Sierra Ruff ’12.
Opening Weekend: Members of the Class of 2015
line up September 2 for Opening Convocation, the
official start of their Hartwick journeys.
Family Weekend: Jane Kallmerten ’15
welcomes her parents, James Kallmerten and
Carol Borg, to her college campus.
George Balsley ’73 said it best in a recent comment on Hartwick’s
Facebook page: “Seems like my diploma is gaining in value!”
He’s right, of course. Hartwick is
increasingly being named a “best
college” by a variety of publications and
organizations. That’s good news for
alumni, current and prospective students,
and donors who are investing in the
College’s future.
Balsey was specifically responding to a
post about U.S. News & World Report
ranking his alma mater a First Tier Best
National Liberal Arts College. In fact, his
comment applies to all of Hartwick’s latest
rankings on the national stage, including
the Fiske Guide to Colleges.
People
are
talking.
Compiled by former New York Times
education editor Edward Fiske, Fiske Guide to Colleges is perhaps
the most prestigious because it highlights just 330 colleges and
universities—including Hartwick—out of more than 2,200 in the
country. USA Today calls Fiske the “best college guide.”
Hartwick’s 2012 rankings round-up:
• The Fisk Guide to Colleges: Hartwick
is selected one of the 330 best and most
interesting U.S. colleges and universities.
• Payscale.com: Hartwick is ranked
50th among the top national liberal arts
colleges for graduates’ median entry-level
salaries—$46,200; and 79th for median
mid-career salaries—$74,500.
• The Princeton Review: Hartwick is one
of the “best colleges in the northeast.”
• Forbes and the Center for College
Affordability and Productivity: Hartwick
is named one of the best colleges in the
country (top 20%).
• U.S. News & World Report: Hartwick
is ranked 21st among all colleges and universities in the nation for the
percentage of students who study abroad.
• U.S. News & World Report: The magazine also named Hartwick a
Top 10 Most Wired College Campus.
• Washington Monthly: Hartwick is recognized for its contributions to
the public good, commitment to social mobility, research, and services.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 5
Faculty News
Enhancing Teaching and Scholarship
Sabbaticals advance inquiry, collaboration, and creativity
Associate Professor of Economics Karl Seeley “pulled threads”
to develop his academic interests while on sabbatical. One led to
Professor Ilona Svihlikova at the University College of International
and Public Relations Prague, who is working with Seeley and
Assistant Professor of Political Science Amy Forster Rothbart on a
teaching exchange during the J Term 2012 course Czech Republic
& Ukraine: Economic and Politics of Post-Communist Transition.
During her cross-country sabbatical, Professor of Art Katharine
Kreiser served as sole external reviewer for a dual bachelor of
science degree program at the University of Central Florida and
Daytona State College; spent three months in an artist residency in
New Mexico; and presented solo shows in Pennsylvania and New
Mexico, both with new Dream installations.
“Taking a sabbatical” is a well-known phrase
in academia, one understood to be both a
break and a time of intense study. Whether
for an academic year, a semester, or even
a month, a sabbatical offers the academic
a valued opportunity to renew, refresh, and
even redirect.
It is paid time away with the clear
expectation that their concentrated study
will benefit the College as much as the
individual. Thirteen Hartwick professors
were awarded sabbatical leaves during the
2010-11 academic year; all have returned
with a renewed energy and intellectual
vitality that results from their own
experiential learning.
6 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Jason Antrosio, Associate Professor of Anthropology, yearlong sabbatical
Co-authored a manuscript, How the Otavalo Mountain Shirt Changed Capitalism, with Rudi
Colloredo-Mansfeld; authored a chapter, “Peasants and Pirámides: Consumer Fantasies in
the Colombian Andes,” for an edited volume on consumption in Latin America (2012);
presented and co-authored “Risk-seeking Peasants, Excessive Artisans: Speculation in the
Northern Andes” for the Society for Economic Anthropology meetings and book series.
Vicky Howard, Associate Professor of History, Spring 2011
Completed four chapters for her manuscript, The Rise and Fall of Main Street: Local
Department Stores and their Customers, 1890-2005; chaired panel, “Women in the U.S.
Corporation, 1970-1995,” 2011 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women,
UMass Amherst; presented “Nostalgia and the Ideology of the Market: Shoppers and the
Downtown American Department Store, 1930 to the Present,” Power and the History of
Capitalism Conference, The New School, New York City.
“I am grateful to the College for the opportunities and for the extended
time that the sabbatical provided for me to re-energize my scholarship
after an extended period of college service and, of course, teaching.
I return to the classroom with the enthusiasm of a scholar/teacher fresh
from the library and the study—but also from the theatre—and ready to
bring my experiences to bear on my teaching.”
—Kim Noling, Babcock Professor of English
Kim Noling, Babcock Professor of English,
Spring/Summer 2011
Prepared an essay for SEL: Studies in English Literature 1500-1900
on the women of Thomas Heywood’s If You Know Not Me, You Know
Nobody, Part 2; concentrated on a literary and theatre history project
around King Henry VIII (400th anniversary in 2013); toured parts
of Turkey for insights into the classical Ephesus that figures in two
Shakespeare plays and into the real 16th century culture of “the Turk”
prominent in early modern dramatic literature.
Gary Stevens, Professor of Mathematics, Spring 2011
Completed a pre-publication, 20-page review of the first half of a
new book on Fibonacci and Catalan Numbers by Ralph P. Grimaldi;
taught himself (basic) LATEX (“lay-tek”), a mathematical typesetting
(mark-up) language; presented “Achromonious Graphs” at the 42nd
Southeastern International Conference on Combinatorics, Graph
Theory, and Computing, Florida Atlantic University; paper accepted by
Congressus Numerantium (December 2011).
Larry Neinart, Chair and Professor of Physics, Spring 2011
Enhanced his textbook, The Physics of Everyday Objects, by adding
photographs to illustrate fundamental principles and supplement
existing diagrams. Continued work in the lab, supervising three seniors
in their final projects.
Fiona Dejardin, Professor of Studio Art, Spring 2011
Researched Anna Richards Brewster (1870-1952) and Emily Hatch
(1871-1959), who were working and exhibiting in distinguished art
circles at the turn of the 20th century. Read current scholarship on
women artists in general with a focus on the early 20th century.
Doug Hamilton, Professor of Biology, Spring 2011
Expanded on his pollen research conducted with the late Dr. Dmitry
Belostotsky; worked with clones of several poly-A binding proteins
(PABPs) that are expressed specifically in pollen genes; studied their
temporal and spatial expression in pollen.
Howard Lichtman, Associate Professor of Computer
and Information Sciences, Fall 2010
Strengthened his skillset on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008,
the foundation for CISC Windows; built applied understanding of the
operating systems in relation to DNS servers, DHCP servers, FTP
servers, router settings, active directory implementations, network
infrastructure, LDAP, and server security.
Lisa Onorato, Chair and Professor of Psychology, Fall 2010
Studied and presented results of “Influences of Pitch, Brightness and
Sharpness on Speed Perception” at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the
Eastern Psychological Association in Cambridge, MA. Her research
adds to the growing body of literature on synesthesia, cross-modal
similarities, and perceptual metaphors.
Theresa Turick-Gibson, Professor of Nursing, yearlong
sabbatical
Pursued doctoral studies at Binghamton University, School of
Education; considered Dewey’s philosophy of connecting knowledge
and action, theory and practice in relation to Hartwick’s baccalaureate
program; examined the distinction between education and training.
Phil Young, Professor of Art, J Term sabbatical
Began digital documentation to archive his artwork and related writings
over 35 years; discovered unrecognized connections between his earlier
and later work.
EXTRA: Cora A. Babcock, a 1891 graduate of Hartwick Seminary and ardent supporter of Hartwick College, endowed the Babcock Professorship in English
and English Literature upon her death in 1945. The Professorship is awarded in three-year terms to support accomplished faculty in their pursuit of
advanced scholarship.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 7
Theory In Practice
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
Twenty-one years of academic, now campus, themes. Complex topics of interest and
concern; ones that intrigue students and experts of various perspectives; issues that
engender discussion and analysis and demand interdisciplinary solutions. A route to
study, to reconsider assumptions, to look beyond what is known.
1990: The Necessity of Choice: Values in the Western Tradition | 1991: The Global Community | 1992: 1492-1992: Encountering
New Worlds | 1993: Vision, Action, Community | 1994: Beyond the Melting Pot: Ethnicity in America | 1995: Ethnicity in a Changing
America | 1996: The Environment, Health, and Social Justice | 1997: Celebrate the Past, Look to the Future: Hartwick Bicentennial
1797-1997 | 1998: Gender in the Arts and Sciences 1999: Revolutions and Dilemmas of the 20th Century | 2000: Imagining the
21st Century | 2001: Encuentros/Encounters: Art and Social Justice in Latin America | 2002: Native America: Lessons in Survival |
2002-03: Sustainable Living | 2003-04: Globalization | 2004-05: Health and the Human Experience | 2005-06: Food in Our Lives
| 2006-07: Water Works | 2007-08: Climate Change | 2008-09: Balance | 2009-10: Energy | 2010-11: Consumption
The Human Question
2011-12 Hartwick tackles
What does it mean to be human?
What is the meaning of community?
How can humans meet the needs of a just, equitable,
and sustainable society?
It is, in part, Hartwick’s mission as a college of the
liberal arts to explore what it means to be human.
As students and scholars, members of the Hartwick
College community expand their understanding of
the world through intellectual pursuits, express their
creativity through the arts, debate their differences
through civil discourse, and celebrate their humanity
through interpersonal interaction that is at once
physical, emotional, and intellectual.
8 | The Wick | Fall 2011
“I’m a biochemist, so when the campus
theme is about what makes us human, I take
a very minimalist approach. What makes
us human is our DNA. Scientifically, that’s
the answer. We have different DNA from
chimpanzees, therefore we are a different
species. We are human.”
—Andrew Piefer, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
DNA—The very building blocks of life. Piefer took on the
question with a special workshop, “Extract Your Own DNA,” in
which he led students and other participants in swabbing their
own cheeks and pulling the strands of DNA from the sample.
They repeated the process for a strawberry, which contains eight
times more DNA molecules than does a human.
“We’re giving students that aren’t from a science background an
opportunity to see this molecule that so much of popular culture
and modern biology revolves around,” Piefer explains. “DNA
is a major molecule that does everything from determining eye
color and hair color, to determining who committed the crime. In
popular culture we see the structures of DNA everywhere. We’re
always seeing what the molecule looks like in a stylized, structural,
micro-scale schematic, but that’s not what it actually looks like in a
macro scale. It really is a very lackluster substance.”
Making Connections
Faculty Address The Human Question
“Is there something unique about human consciousness,
the way we think about ourselves, that’s distinct from
other mammals’ consciousness?” asks Professor of History
Peter Wallace, who is coordinating academic initiatives
around the campus theme.
“The Phantom of the Opera[ting System]”
“Nietzsche argues that what distinguishes human from
animals is memory,” Wallace says. “Memory makes us able
to communicate and relate to each other. But Nietzsche
also fears history; he says people get trapped in the past.
“So it comes back to the question of commemoration,”
he explains. “We need memory as human beings, as
individuals. If you couldn’t remember the past you’d
have no identity. Societies function the same way—we
need commemorations to establish ourselves as society.
As a historian I’m working to be a guardian of memory,
to make sure we don’t forget slavery as a society, that we
don’t forget that women didn’t have rights, that we don’t
forget the sacrifices of our soldiers in World War II.”
Or the events of September 11, 2001.
Interdisciplinary Roundtables | Fall 2011
What is consciousness? What does it mean to be conscious? Is artificial consciousness
possible? Could a machine (e.g., a computer) ever be conscious? If so, should it be
built?
Presented by Professors Stanley Sessions (Biology), Katharine Blackwell
(Psychology), Robert Gann (Physics and Mathematics), Sandy Huntington
(Religious Studies), Stanley Konecky (Philosophy), Karl Seeley (Economics),
and Jeremy Wisnewski (Philosophy)
“Community, Collective Memory, and Commemoration”
Reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001, and considering how humans
commemorate such days as personal and collective memories.
Presented by Professors Peter Wallace (History), Diane Paige (Music),
Cecilia Walsh-Russo (Sociology), Edythe Quinn (History) and Melissa Marietta
(Internship Coordinator)
Considering the relationship among wisdom, memory, and the sustenance of collective
identities.
Presented by Professors Jeffrey Pegram (Education) Peter Wallace (History) and
Amy Forster Rothbart (Political Science)
“The Creativity Conversation: What Does It Mean to be Creative?”
Where does creativity come from? Who has it? What role does it play outside of the arts?
Presented by Professors Stephanie Rozene (Studio Art), Marc Shaw
(Theatre Arts), Lisa Onorato (Psychology), David Griffing (Geology), Matt
Voorhees (Political Science), and Mark Davies (Education)
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 9
Remembrance
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
Lessons Learned:
The Community Considers 9/11
Hartwick College is a microcosm of the world. Students, faculty,
and alumni travel the globe; study, define, and strive to solve problems
through and across disciplines; and develop their own ways to have
an influence on communities small and large.
9/11
One morning in September of 2001, so many lives were lost,
others changed forever, and generations were altered.
For the Hartwick community, these events have been more than news stories,
more than a struggle affecting others far away.
Hartwick people are part of history.
Stock image
Intro
In Memory of
TIMOTHY O’BRIEN ’83
10 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Two quotes/video
JOHN DAMIEN VACCACIO ’95
Hartwick Chosen for
New York Remembers
For some, it was the broken and melted
FDNY backboard carried in an ambulance
or fire engine on 9/11. For others, it was a
piece of an airplane, either United Airways
Flight 175 or American Airlines Flight
11, or the chunky piece of glass from one
of the many thousands of windows in the
World Trade Center towers. These and
other objects deeply moved the more than
1,300 visitors to New York Remembers and
Hartwick College Remembers, two exhibitions
in the Yager Museum of Art & Culture that
commemorated the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State
Museum, and the National September 11
Memorial & Museum selected Hartwick to
host New York Remembers. Chris Walsh ’83
of the Governor’s Office was instrumental
in bringing the exhibition to Hartwick, one
of only 30 such exhibits in the state. Some
of the artifacts had never before been seen
by the public. Hartwick also was the only
independent college in the state chosen to host
the exhibition.
FIRST PERSON:
The companion exhibit, Hartwick College
Remembers, recognized the College’s special
connection to 9/11 and honored Timothy
O’Brien ’83 and John Damien Vaccacio
’95, who lost their lives in the attacks. The
exhibit included articles from Hilltops, The
Wick, and other publications from fall 2001,
as well as items from retired U.S. Army
Col. Michael C. Doherty ’73, who was in
the Pentagon on 9/11 (see below.)
On the morning of September 11, 2011,
the College hosted a special program to
memorialize the events of 9/11. Guest
speakers included Sen. James L. Seward
’73, H’09 and Director of Counseling
Services Gary A. Robinson.
September 11, 2001, is “... a day of fear; a
day of courage,” said President Margaret L.
Drugovich. “A day when the world witnessed
the worst and the best of humanity. A day of
profound, lasting, transformational loss; a day
of moments of self-conscious, soundless joy
and relief.”
Alumni on and after 9/11
Thomson C. Murray Jr. ’82 shared his experiences with President Margaret L. Drugovich.
The following is excerpted from his letter, dated September 9, 2011.
“I was working for a financial firm in 3 World Financial Center, southwest of the Twin Towers. I was
on the trading desk the morning of 9/11/2001—phones were ringing, people were shouting, the
typical hustle and bustle. All of a sudden, I heard this sound like an empty container truck driving too
fast over a bump in the road. No one really reacted ...
“Within 30 seconds, we started to see streams of paper flowing by our windows and a lady shouted
‘Bomb!’ Everyone jumped up and ran, crawled over desks, whatever it took to get away from the
window. For the longest time, no one said a word, all trying to process what just happened; very bright
people totally confused ...
“Two blocks southwest of the Twin Towers, there were people all over the streets looking at events
unfolding. Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and hundreds of off-duty public servants coming from
all directions; it was total chaos ...
“A few minutes later, a plane was coming south from my right—it was on such a steep angle and so
low that I thought maybe it was one of those firefighting planes that dump water on forest fires. Then
the plane just vaporized into the South Tower; it was so loud and it happened so quickly. A wave of
several hundred people started running south. This herd of humanity was jolted into the realization
that they were not passive observers but now active participants in a life or death struggle ...”
Webextra
Top: President Margaret L. Drugovich and Oneonta
Fire Chief Patrick Pidgeon at the opening of
New York Remembers. Bottom: RoAnn Destito,
Commissioner of the New York State Office of
General Services, and members of the Student
Senate.
Col. Michael C. Doherty ’73, of the Army
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
Office, was at work in the Pentagon
when hijackers flew American Airlines
Flight 77 into the building. He has since
twice deployed as an Army reservist for a
total of more than three years in Egypt;
then Kuwait, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and
Uzbekistan; then to Kuwait and Iraq.
“I remember the Vietnam War protests
that occurred on campus during my
freshman year (1969-70). At that time,
I never expected that I would end up in
the Army, deployed to fight an enemy
no one had ever heard of then. While
some of my high school contemporaries
went to fight in Vietnam in their teens,
I found myself in 2002, at the age of 50,
getting off of a blacked-out Air Force
C-130 at a darkened Bagram Airfield in
Afghanistan ...”
| Visit www.youtube.com/hartwickcollege to see Hartwick Remembers 9/11 videos.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 11
Student
Remembering
By P. Cody Fiduccia ’12 | P. Cody Fiduccia is a
Business Administration major, vice president of
Student Senate, an Admissions interviewer, and a soloist
in the Concert Choir.
September 11, 2001. I was sitting in a middle school classroom in
Warwick, NY, eagerly learning about the biological process known as
“peristalsis.” My teacher was upside down, swallowing a piece of apple,
to demonstrate that, even against gravity, the body moves food down the
esophagus into the stomach.
A few moments into his inventive presentation, an announcement came
over the PA system: “A small aircraft struck the twin towers in New York
City. There is no need for alarm, and officials have stated it is most likely
an unfortunate accident.” The announcement ended, and most of us
went about our lesson. After the second incident, school was closed for
the day and I didn’t feel like my peristalsis was holding down much of
anything against the gravity of the situation.
I was not informed of what truly had transpired less than 50 miles away
until later. For 10 hours, I was home with a family friend, still unsure
why my parents weren’t pulling into the driveway.
My father, Peter, was on a business trip; stuck in Canada, his flight to
New York was grounded. He decided to take action (a trait I am proud
to say I inherited). All flights were suspended, so he phoned his sister in
Plattsburgh, a short drive from the Canadian border. She was downstate,
but her friend (a nun) drove to the border to make the meeting.
My mother, Kate, was working an overnight shift at ABC News, where
she was a senior editor. She was preparing footage for Good Morning
12 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Many people lost the
ones they loved that
tragic morning. I like to
look back and believe
that I was given the
chance to grow closer.
America, when another editor phoned and exclaimed, “A plane flew into
the World Trade Center—the building is on fire, punch and send it!”
Kate sat down at the video feed and pulled up the local news trucks’
streams. I can’t imagine what my mother felt when she first saw the raw
stock from the news vehicles, but she remained calm, completed her
duty, and was the first editor to send out footage of the events to the
public, a deed for which she received a Peabody Award for outstanding
achievement in journalism and media.
A full day of editing followed a whole shift of night duty before my
mother finally made it out of the city. When she pulled into the driveway
at just before 8, I gave her one of the largest embraces I could muster.
She promptly put me in the car and began driving. At 11 p.m., we were
reunited with my father, to whom I gave an equally large embrace.
The events of September 11, 2001, will forever be etched into my
memory; I can re-live them with startling accuracy. I understand my
father’s responsibilities and am thankful for my mother’s courageous
efforts. Many people lost the ones they loved that tragic morning. I like
to look back and believe that I was given the chance to grow closer to
mine, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Insights
My dad responds to be
a great role model, a
mentor. He responds to
make my brother and
me proud. He responds
because he is a hero.
Understanding
By Alyssa Napolitano ’14 | Alyssa Napolitano is
an honors student majoring in English. Named the
Outstanding First Year Student, she is pursuing her
own life of service.
The following is excerpted from the prize-winning essay that earned Napolitano a scholarship from America’s 911 Foundation, Inc.,
which was established in 2001.
“Why, Daddy?” I would yelp as he trudged toward the door, my
appendages wrapped tightly around his left leg. “Why do you have to
leave?”
“Lyssie Bell,’ he would whisper, “someone needs help.”
My dad is a firefighter; his job is to save lives. Eventually I figured out
that meant risking his own.
After years of giddy climbs up The Big Kahuna, the station’s lemonyellow ladder truck, and graceful jumps back down to my dad’s open
arms, I began to realize that he was, and still is, a hero; not just to me, but
to the hundreds of others whose lives he has touched.
There is one instance I will never forget. I was 13 and had much to learn
about the world. Two days prior, there had been a massive fire in our
town. I decided it was time to ask something I had never ventured near
before.
“Dad,” I trembled as the words formed on my tongue, “I need you to
listen very carefully.” Darn, I shook my head in retrospect, thinking I had
already fumbled my approach to a touchy subject.
Too nervous to stutter, I came right out with it. “What could possibly
possess you to run into a burning building?” My octave involuntarily
increased with each syllable. It was then silent for what seemed like
hours.
“Well, babe,” he began, I could feel the muscles in my face tightening,
acting as a levy holding back the stream of tears, “For me, it’s an
adrenaline rush.”
I screamed, “A WHAT? You do something like that for ‘an adrenaline
rush’?!”
“Calm down,” he sternly advised. “Yes, it’s a thrill. Not many people can
say that they run into burning buildings for a living.” Then he looked me
dead in the eye. “But Lyss, I do it so you will always be proud of me. I do
it to help others. I don’t want recognition; it’s a hard job, but a rewarding
job. Frankly, I love giving back to the community.”
Years later, I finally understand. My dad responds first and foremost
because it is what he loves to do. Saving lives is my dad’s passion, his
ecstasy; fighting fires is just a perk. He responds because it is his job. He
responds to be a great role model, a mentor. He responds to make my
brother and me proud. He responds because he is a hero. „
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 13
Breakthrough
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
A Penchant for Conflict,
Balanced
by Empathy
Human beings seem to be engineered for conflict. We are, science assures us, very
competitive creatures, often stopping at nothing to win. We can lie, cheat, and steal; kill without
mercy; and humiliate without a second thought. Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights and
Michelangelo’s Last Judgment come to mind. Unless we overcome ourselves, our dark hearts are
here to stay. The question is: How do we live with them?
Philosophers have tried, time and again, to analyze the darkness away.
If we understand ourselves at a deep enough level, we can, somehow,
put a stop to all the rottenness. Think of Socrates in the Republic, and
Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics. According to both men, rationality
will keep us under control, keep us civilized. Other philosophers
though, particularly those of a postmodern stripe, implore us to
embrace our darkness, to move beyond the paper-thin social constructs
of “morality,” i.e. to move “beyond good and evil.” Think of Nietzsche,
the godfather of “perspectivism” and social relativism. “Socrates,”
Nietzsche once said, “was the buffoon who got himself taken seriously:
what was really happening when that happened?”
But is this all we have to handle our penchant for conflict, for
destruction? Do we launch a dogmatic appeal to rationality? Or do we
surrender to relativism?
Some would say these questions present a false dichotomy. In
1739-40, Hume published the Treatise of Human Nature. In it, he
argued that rationality is not the answer; it does not pave the way to
the good; nor does faith, religious insight, or divination. All we have
is human empathy (what Hume called “sympathy”). Yes, we are hard
wired for conflict, for darkness, but most of us are also hardwired for
good. And this good is not a mere “matter of perspective,” or a matter
of culture, class, or gender. Empathy is a psychology quality that
most normally functioning human beings share. Embrace this, Hume
suggested, not philosophical or religious dogma. Embrace this, not rank
relativism.
14 | The Wick | Fall 2011
The year after I graduated from college, I found myself biking through
Bali, Indonesia. Alone, I had the clothes on my back and a few things
stuffed in my panniers, including my sketchbook and Nietzsche’s
Twilight of the Idols/The Anti-Christ. I was a good postmodernist,
thoroughly seduced by the irresponsibility and adolescent appeal of
Nietzsche. People were, I thought, entirely self-motivated.
One day, on the way to the northern shores of Bali, I ran into a terrific
rain storm just after summiting a sizeable mountain. As I descended,
it rained so hard, my brakes stopped working. As I headed toward a
cliff at the side of the road, I panicked and stuck my feet out. Suddenly,
I was skiing; standing over my bike and hydroplaning downhill in my
sneakers, but now in partial control. Most people passed me, blasting
their horns and probably cursing. But one woman on a moped stayed
behind me, all the way down the mountain. When we reached dry
ground, and it was safe to stop, she passed me, smiling and waving,
while saying “OK?” This woman, a perfect stranger, from another
country, had been watching over me. Out of what? Instinct? Empathy?
This was not the last time strangers went out of their way to help me
as I drifted through South East Asia. Hume did not change my mind
about Nietzsche. People did. People gave me hope. I turned to Hume
only after I rejected Nietzsche.
Psychology, which in many respects grew out of Hume’s work, is
helping us further clarify the fundamental role empathy plays in our
moral sensibilities. Hume’s work, written more than 250 years ago, is
still profoundly relevant. But great artists have always seemed to know
what Hume knew; they hook us up to the empathy machine when we
By Dr. Stefanie Rocknak
Stefanie Rocknak is Professor of Philosophy and a self-taught,
award-winning figurative sculptor.
become too self-involved, too isolated. For the most part,
artists, not philosophers, keep us human; they can put us—
no, sometimes force us—into the other person’s shoes.
The arts are usually the first to take a hit in times of crisis;
mere “entertainment” is, it seems, extraneous. Granted, the
postmodern condition has adversely affected the art world
as well as philosophy, effectively undermining many artistic
souls from within. Postmodern artists tend to produce work
that is so idiosyncratic and self-involved that it speaks to
no one other than themselves—if that. But there are many
artists who have not fallen into this trap.
I have yet to see the recently-opened Ground Zero memorial
in person, but just by looking at photos, I am convinced
that it provides a space where we can begin to heal our way
through all the anger, pain, and sorrow associated with that
day. It, like some people, provides a visceral avenue to hope. „
Nietzsche, F. Twilight of the Idols/The Anti-Christ,
translated by R.J. Hollingdale, Penguin. 1990.
Webextra | To learn more about Dr. Rocknak’s art, and to
see The Queen completed, go to: www.steffrocknak.net/
Steff Rocknak at work on The Queen, carved from laminated basswood.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 15
Field Notes
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
Hartwick College, an engaged community, integrates
a liberal arts education with experiential learning to
inspire curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, personal
courage, and an enduring passion for learning.
The Hartwick College Mission | Adopted October 2010
Living the
Mission
Expressing
the Vision
Faculty work is timely and topical, community-based and studentcentered. Consider the Islam studies of Gary Herion following
9/11, Linda Swift’s longitudinal study on nutrition in Thailand,
Mark Davies’ focus on context when educating educators, the
intrapersonal insights of Lisa Oronato and Justin Wellman, or
Maggie Schramm’s determination to build an interdisciplinary
minor in peace and conflict.
Student initiatives are equally bold. Kelsey Sabo ’13 strives
to improve conditions for man and animal in Sri Lanka, John
Stuligross ’13 provided direct medical care while investigating the
inequities of healthcare in Kenya, Liam Heiland ’13 got his hands
dirty in the aquifers of Texas while assessing competing pressures for
limited water, and Keisha Moore ’12 studied the Middle East while
living in North Africa.
Hartwick students and faculty are engaging in issues, defining
tensions, identifying stressors, forging solutions; they are, in fact,
pulling the threads of entanglements. This is their life work, and their
rising ambition. They are where progress begins.
By Elizabeth Steele | Elizabeth Steele is a professional writer and partner of
President Margaret L. Drugovich.
16 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Health and Medicine
“My human question is this: Why is there so
much inequity in healthcare?”
John Stuligross ’13 | Biology major, Political Science minor
When John Stuligross returned from Kenya, he wrote a 20 page paper
that “easily could have been 50.” So extensive was his experience as a
volunteer intern in a provincial hospital; so developed is his assessment
of the country’s healthcare system.
“The government is weak, the people are so poor, and the country has
few resources,” Stuligross says, noting that the United Nations ranks
Kenya’s healthcare system 144th of 185 countries. “The problems are
overwhelming.”
Stuligross interviewed a chief public health officer to understand some
of the complexities. Issues range from how easily food is contaminated
when 70 percent of the city doesn’t have a sewer system to how to
educate people when healthcare workers can’t even get a vehicle to visit
villages.
On the job, Stuligross dressed wounds, gave IV injections, and
delivered babies in a state-funded institution where everything from
latex gloves to trained staff was scarce. Visiting a private hospital, he
was “awed by the differences” such as screens on windows, bleachcleaned floors, and one patient per bed.
“There is no single way to disentangle the problems,” says Stuligross,
who plans to become a doctor and alternate his service between the
U.S. and the Third World. “I will pull one thread, treat one person at a
time, and put the spotlight on the here and now.”
“Students have ideas that can make a
difference now.”
Linda Swift | Pre-Med Advisor and Professor of Biology
It has been 16 years since Dr. Linda Swift began a longitudinal
nutrition study of the Akha hill tribes of Northern Thailand; 14 years
since she started taking J Term and summer research students to live
with, study, and support the people.
“Our goal is to teach the Akha to take care of themselves in ways that
they can do with no money, and that fit within their culture,” Swift
says. “Where they live has complex problems,” she adds, referring to
“stressors” such as the remote location, high elevation, extreme weather
conditions, no citizenship, and abject poverty.
The Akha suffer from malnutrition, anemia, life-threatening diseases,
stunted growth, and more. Swift’s students measure the youngest
children’s health, design and implement interventions, and evaluate
progress.
Solutions are created in the kitchens, the fields, and the water. The
incidence of anemia, for example, dropped 42 percent in one year after
the Hartwick team gave each family an iron cooking pan. When every
water sample tested positive for coliform bacteria, students answered
by exposing the water to ultra violet light.
The Hartwick team taught the Akha to fertilize their fields with a
solution of 1 part urine: 5 parts water that “doubles the bio mass in one
year.” Now the villagers supplement their diet of rice and chili peppers
with the protein of peanuts.
The work continues in Thailand and now expands to Nepal, where
Swift and her students will work with the Sherpa Tribe to improve
their health and that of their children.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 17
Region and Religion
“This is the immoveable object meeting the
irresistible force.”
Gary Herion | Professor of Religious Studies
Dr. Gary Herion is both a teacher and a student of the powerful
religious traditions of the Middle East. His attention intensified
following the attacks of 9-11-01. Herion heard his students’
frustrations with their limited understanding and began his own study
of Islam in order to teach it. Ten years later, he is as well versed in
Islam as he is in Judaism and Christianity, and his students are deeply
engaged.
“Coming from America, we might see the
Muslim culture as oppressive, but they don’t
see it that way.”
Keisha Moore ’12
Business Administration and Political Science major
Keisha Moore is hooked on international study. She spent a J Term in
South Africa, studying the people and the culture with one who knows
them both—Connie Anderson, Professor of Anthropology. Coming
up, Moore will take her senior J Term in Ghana where, thanks to an
Emerson Foundation Scholarship, she will intern with the Ministry of
Trade and Industries.
In between, she lived in the Muslim country of Morocco, where she
spent a semester at Mulay Ismail University studying gender issues,
peace and conflict, Moroccan history, Middle East politics and the
media, and French.
Differences in the education system were striking. “Their system is
not as structured as ours; it’s not a focus of their society,” Moore says.
“Students go to class if they choose to, and go on strike constantly.
Teachers share their opinions in class, and not many are open-minded.
Forget talking about Israel and Palestine; they are Muslim, the
Palestinians are their people.”
Moore found the culture to be one of contrasts. For example, she
reports, young women are fully covered like their elders, but wear the
hijab with tight shirts over tight jeans. Men and women never interact
in public, yet common courtesy is assumed. Although it is a very poor
country, the people are content. “I learned to be more like that,” she
says.
“Religion plays a very big role in their lives; everything else follows.”
18 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Herion is gripped by the changes in the region, and the struggles of
its people. “The entanglements in the Middle East strike me as being
intractable,” he says. “There may be a powerful transformation coming
within Israel, or there could be a civil war.”
Many forces are at play. The Arab Spring, Americans’ increased
scrutiny of their investments in foreign aid, and the pressures brought
by youth movements, he says, all exacerbate the tangle.
“Younger Israelis are saying, ‘everything’s changing around us, we
must change as well,’” Herion explains. But the concerns on both sides
are real and complicated. “Israelis are concerned because Hamas has
ties to the violent extremism of the puritanical Muslim world. And
Palestinians ask, ‘What rights would we as non-Jews have in a Jewish
state?’”
The strife runs deep, and resolution seems fleeting. As Herion says,
“We must continually ask ourselves—what are the chains from the past
that are holding us back from progress in the future?”
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
Investigate and Educate
“Kids will engage and entangle because
they want to understand the world and their
role in it.”
Mark Davies
Associate Professor of Education
Education Department Chair
Education 320: Curriculum Instruction sounds pretty dry, but it’s not
at Hartwick, not with Professor Mark Davies. The course might better
be titled, Curriculum, Context, and Community.
“Nature continues to do what it has for
thousands of years. It’s the humans who
have to adapt.”
Liam Heiland ’13 | Biology and Education major
At age 20, Liam Heiland is already an environmentalist and an
educator, a student and a scientist. He plans to teach high school or
middle school because “I love dialog,” he says. “There’s a real failing
when someone doesn’t want to learn. I hope to have some influence, to
get students asking and answering questions.”
Heiland has plenty of questions of his own, many regarding pressures
on natural resources. His field work includes an independent J Term
spent at Texas State University’s Aquarena Center on the headwaters
of the Edwards Aquifer. This major water source is the site of seven
endangered and one threatened species, and it is at risk.
A former public school teacher, Davies speaks from experience when
educating future educators. “Get your arms around your content and
your kids in class,” he tells students. “Know what they bring; honor
their knowledge and their values; appreciate their communities.”
The first of many steps belongs to the teachers. “They need to get past
biases, to engage in culturally sensitive and empathetic ways, and to
gain skills to advocate for their students,” Davies explains. “This is
place-based education and it works.”
Whether the work is curriculum or context, the attention is on the
child. “I tell my students, ‘Don’t you ever give up on a child. It’s your
responsibility to move past what might stop others.’ I push us through
structure and into this messy thing we call society.”
Structure often comes in the form of requirements, most notably
standardized tests. “Teach to the test’ does not have to be
overwhelming, it simply needs a twist,” Davies explains. “Our goal as
educators is to teach standards in ways that engage students and their
community. The starting place for good pedagogy is close to home.”
“Some people are trying to pipe water to other areas of Texas where
the aquifers are drying up,” he explains. “Other people say one aquifer
cannot support all of Texas.” Excessive demand reduces pressure,
which stops the refill. “That’s unsustainable, for everyone.”
As an education student, Heiland studies cultural and historical
contexts for learning. As a scientist, the same approach applies. He
contrasts the Native American mobile settlements that could follow the
water and the food to Europeans who built permanent settlements and
expected the land to fit. “There are optimal conditions for life,” he says,
“and a drought area is not it.”
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 19
Within and Across Species
“Human or animal, the components of
problem solving are the same.”
Lisa Onorato | Professor of Psychology, Psychology Chair
What distinguishes human from animal? It’s a pervasive question
with elusive answers. “New views say that it’s abstract thought and
conscience, but they are difficult to define,” says Dr. Lisa Onorato.
“Self-reflection, awareness of the future – how can we say with certainty
that those abilities are only human? We used to think that we are the
only ones with empathy, but now we know that many animals mourn.”
“If everyone had an experience like this,
we could change the world.”
Kelsey Sabo ’13
Three-year-degree program, Pre-Vet/Biology major
The most courageous move of Kelsey Sabo’s young life has also been
the most instructive.
The summer of her second year at Hartwick she followed her gut,
heeded the advice of Professor of Biology Linda Swift, and made
her way to Sri Lanka. Alone. There she volunteered with orphaned
elephants at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, lived with villagers,
and considered the tensions between man and animal.
The recent end of Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war has actually fed the
conflict between human and elephant, she says. With less government
regulation and somewhat more money, Sabo explains, villages are
expanding into national elephant land, clearing the trees and irrigating
the land. The elephants that haven’t been poached are starving and
dehydrated; survivors wander, disoriented and injured, as Sabo
sadly witnessed. (“You’re not supposed to be crying,” she says, as if
correcting herself through memory. “You’re supposed to be trying to
solve the problem.”)
The battle is being waged over the scarcest of resources: water and
the fertile land it begets. “It’s hard to think of animals and people at
the same time,” the Pre-Vet/Biology major reflects. “Everyone needs,
everyone deserves, the water and the land.”
Next summer, Sabo will return to Sri Lanka, this time to help
set a standard of living for mahouts, the country’s invaluable yet
undervalued elephant handlers.
20 | The Wick | Fall 2011
“Social connection bridges across many species,” says her colleague,
Assistant Professor of Psychology Justin Wellman. “Look at the data
on rats—those that socialize tend to be healthier. The great apes use
ostracism as a tool.
As social beings, “Animals have the ability to resolve conflict,”
Onorato is quick to point out. “They kill; they ostracize.”
“Ostracism is very different from directed conflict, such as an attack,”
Wellman explains. “Both the motivations in the aggressor and the
reactions in the target are different. Ostracism is used to get members
to get in line with group norms, and it is not restricted to humans.”
These experts cite the core components of problem solving: the initial
state, the goal state, and the obstacles in between.
“Humans are uncomfortable in a state of discord,” Wellman says.
“Whether conscious or non-conscious, the tendency is to reduce
discrepancy between where you are and where you want to be.”
Interdisciplinary Inquiry
The Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies
Hartwick’s newest academic minor stands on a well-established
foundation: the expansive mind of a retired professor and the acclaimed
writings of Virginia Woolf.
For 30 years, Professor of English Maggie Schramm taught Woolf’s
fiction; then she took over Professor Tom Beattie’s Senior Seminar and
taught Three Guineas, Woolf’s “most revolutionary book.” She recalls
being “fascinated and inspired.”
When Schramm taught Literature of War, the pieces came together. “I
was energized,” she recalls. “I felt like I was doing the work that Virginia
Woolf talked about. She was concerned about issues in society that
threatened people’s lives.”
With no time to spare, she took action. “I was retiring, but I wasn’t
finished,” Schramm says. “I love working in new areas and across
disciplines.” She formed an ad hoc committee and Associate Professor
of Philosophy Jeremy Wisnewski became the heir apparent. “With his
research interests, he was perfect,” Schramm says.
“Conflict is inescapable,” Wisnewski says. “Better understanding leads
to more positive results. It’s important for students to explore these
topics within an academic structure, and for all of us to reach across
disciplines and learn from different perspectives. No one owns these
issues.
“Peace and conflict bubble up everywhere, not just in politics or
internationally,” Wisnewski adds. “Being able to navigate is part of being
human.”
Political Science major Jake Wright ’11 was one of the first to declare
the minor. He credits courses with Professor of Political Science Mary
Vanderlaan—specifically Middle East Politics and African Politics—
for opening his mind to “complex regions of the world.”
Alyssa Pearson ’12 is a Business Administration/Political Science
double major and a Religious Studies/Peace and Conflict Studies
double minor who became interested in these themes in J Term of her
Professor Emerita Maggie Schramm, at the beginning.
freshman year. The Philosophy of Consciousness course with Professor
of Religious Studies Sandy Huntington, “changed how I view almost
everything. Dr. Huntington and his courses encouraged me to pursue
India. It’s incredible how one thing leads to another in your life.” (The
recipient of a Duffy Family Ambassador Scholarship, Pearson will spend
five months in India, “working alongside attorneys against child labor.”)
Wright aspires to join the CIA or the Secret Service; Bradt will become
a criminal defense attorney; Pearson will consult for international
businesses and nonprofits. They, and their fellows, will continue to feed
their ability to think across lines, and strive to reach peaceable solutions.
“Interdisciplinary study remains the ultimate test of the knowledge and the critical analysis
skills each student learns within their major. Interdisciplinary courses enable students to
apply these acquired skills in an independent manner, and truly exemplify a deep conceptual
understanding of their major and passion.”
Tasha Bradt ’12 | Three-year-degree program | John Christopher Hartwick Scholar
Major: Sociology | Minors: Peace and Conflict Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Philosophy
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 21
Commentary
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
We are the
CYBORG
When I consider “The Human Question,” I must
contemplate the role technology plays in our lives.
From the first rock that was picked up and used as
a hammer to exoskeleton legs used by medicine and
military, technology shapes our experiences in the
world.
My work considers the intersection of art, technology, and society.
Science and art are so often considered opposite sides of the fence;
one is a scientist or an artist, never both. Yet technology and society
are sources of art, and technology is a medium for creation. Every new
paint color or paint medium is the result of new science; every new
paintbrush represents new technology, created from new materials.
Who manufactured artists’ paint brushes 50, 100, or 1,000 years ago?
How did the changes in brush technology affect the aesthetic of painting
created through their use? How did this change the way society is seen
through art?
New technologies are always emerging. Being a “free market system,”
America develops new technologies as the market bears. Our system
reflects an interesting dichotomy: the two industries that pay the most
for new technology are the military and the medical institutions. On
one hand, we are fighting humanity, and on the other, saving it. In the
case of the exoskeleton, the military designed it to increase strength and
endurance of soldiers for combat; medicine adapted the technology to
enhance the quality of life of people for people bound to a wheelchair.
The artist stands at the third side of the triangle and considers what all of
this means.
As an artist, I consider it my job to reflect upon these dichotomies.
Technology becomes a medium for expression, a changing way to create
art; science and technology are resource materials from which to create
art and so to comment on society. Each piece is an intricate part of a
greater whole like the components on a computer’s circuit board.
The current technological movement of digitizing or virtualizing our
society fascinates me. Ancient processes are coming face-to-face with
high tech to create an entirely new world for artists. A few years ago, I
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By Joseph Von Stengel
Joe Von Stengel is Associate Professor of Art in digital art and design and
a self-described “techno geek.” His work includes digital photography,
hand-crafted books, video, video games, installations, and web art.
did just that by creating a digital image of a dateline for a sundial. Using
digital text and graphics, I created an image that was eventually cast in
bronze. Both the text and graphics were vector based, which means they
are graphics created through mathematical calculations in the computer.
These mathematically-created visuals, which traditionally are only
viewable through the projection of light on a computer screen, came to
life in three dimensions cast in one of the oldest of art materials. Where
the digital image is lucid, the bronze is static, and at this point in history,
they are intersecting.
As a professor, my teaching philosophy is to immerse students within
technology; to create an environment in which they interact and consider
technology on many levels. They are using technology to research
technology and present on technology.
In my Digital Art classes, every student creates and maintains a research
blog. They are charged with finding articles, videos, images, or any
other information about new technologies from around the world.
They get used to looking, searching, showing their process, and putting
it out there. Information is collected through links connected to the
Hartwickdigital.com website I maintain. Each class has a blog and every
class blog connects to students’ research blogs, as well as examples
of their work from class. This system works well, as the students are
constantly bringing me as much new information as I can bring them.
I start by introducing students to various technologies that intersect with
different artistic mediums. I am old enough to know older technology,
and young enough to see what’s new. I grew up with the ability to control
images on the screen with my Coleco Telstar, also known as PONG;
now, you can control images with a mouse or by touch on many screens.
By age 13, I was sharing my early digital creations with my parents,
who would smile but had no way to understand what I was doing. I was
dabbling in interactive media; a cornerstone of today’s society, it shows
up as apps for your iPhone, in any videogame, and anytime one uses the
Internet.
That history, and other movements of technology, helps us to relate our
work back to society, to be relevant and influential. We’re always asking:
What is happening out there, and what will we do about it? „
6
“Students interact with and use
technology to make art in experiential
ways. We continually learn from each
other; they keep me fresh.”
1
4
2
3
5
1 8-Bit Zombie Attack: A mashup of the zombie myth with the aesthetic of an Atari video game. 2 2089 Series: The beautiful glow of toxic animals in nuclear
winter. This series of images depict a possible future should humanity continue to destroy the environment. The animals are painted a florescent color, which
is toxic by its nature, and are photographed under a backlight. 3 Joe Von Stengel: Artist and author. 4 Yin Yang Barcode: Based on a 128-bit encryption this
barcode reads “Yin Yang” when scanned. The black and white colors that make up a barcode also are found in the Yin Yang icon. It is about peaceful coexistence with technology. 5 8-Bit Last Supper: Created pixel-by-pixel with more than 500,000 pixels in all, this image is part of a greater series that matches
video game history with the history of art. This image is aesthetically similar to a Nintendo NES game from the 80s, which is considered a system from the
“Renaissance” of the video-game history. 6 Astronaut & Asteroids (background image): A 60s-era plastic astronaut escapes from his ship, which is stuck in
the middle of a vector-based asteroid field. A mashup of two eras’ visuals for space exploration.
Webextra
| Check out Von Stengel’s work at Culturerecycling: www.culturerecycling.com and Skeuomorphgames: www.skeuomorphgames.com.
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Generosity
PORTRAIT IN PHILANTHROPY:
Brian R. Wright H’03 PM’11
By Elizabeth Steele
| Elizabeth Steele is a professional writer and the partner of President Margaret L. Drugovich.
Compounding Interest
Brian R. Wright has perspective born of experience. A Hartwick College Trustee for 26
years, his voice has been heard on the Education Committee, the Finance Committee, and the
Student Life Committee, among others. Chairman of the Board of Wilber National Bank for 25
years and a Director for 30, he successfully oversaw the acquisition of Oneonta’s hometown bank
by Community Bank System, Inc. His reach extends deep into Oneonta organizations and far
beyond.
“When you have the opportunity to be involved in multiple
organizations and efforts, it’s easier to see how their being supportive
of one another will be best for the community,” he says. “I’ve been
able to use my training as an attorney to foster positive engagement.”
Wright, an attorney, is of counsel to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP of
Binghamton and a member of the bar in New York and Florida for more
than 40 years..
“When something needs funding and you can make the difference, you
do,” he says simply. “It might be an initial contribution, or a challenge,
or an addition that makes something better for many.” For this attitude
and the couple’s selfless actions, in 2007, the Hartwick Citizens’ Board
recognized Brian and Josie Wright as Oneonta Citizens of the Year.
Their 29-consecutive-year donor history includes numerous
transformational gifts to the College. The latest: The Brian and
Josie Wright Endowed Scholarship, which will support the finest
students in their pursuit of a Hartwick education. The gift represents
an investment—in Hartwick, its students, and the upcoming
comprehensive fundraising campaign.
“Hartwick’s combination of the liberal arts and practice is so meaningful
to me,” says this graduate of Princeton University.. “Hartwick students
24 | The Wick | Fall 2011
have opportunities to succeed and to fail. From that experience, they
become better people, better spouses, better parents, better workers, and
better members of their communities. Hartwick graduates are prepared
to go out and do good things.”
A Family Tradition
The weight he places on service stems from the deepest roots.
Generations of the Wright family have led rich and fulfilling lives by
combining hard work with commitment to family and to community.
W. Clyde Wright, Brian’s father, was born on the family’s Milford farm
in 1908 and graduated from Oneonta High School. Clyde Wright
became a prominent businessman, owner of Wright’s Electric Company
in Oneonta. Now, more than 20 years after his death, Clyde Wright is
still revered as a civic leader of great generosity. With his wife, Mildred,
he spearheaded support for a cross-section of organizations, including
Hartwick College, the Oneonta Family YMCA, Oneonta High School,
and the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Despite his modest manner,
he was asked to run for Congress and served as a district governor of
Rotary International.
Brian Wright H’03 PM’11 is a respected advisor to President Margaret L. Drugovich. Last spring, she
presented this long-serving Trustee and generous supporter with the President’s Medal for Extraordinary
and Exemplary Loyalty to Hartwick College.
Like Father, Like Son
Widespread Benefits
Hartwick College figured prominently in Clyde Wright’s life of service,
just as it does for his son. Neither graduated from Hartwick, yet both
have played leadership roles in its governance, have given generously to
advance its mission, and have helped develop its place in the community.
Clyde Wright served on the Board of Trustees for six years, was a
founder of the Hartwick Citizens’ Board, and made lead gifts to such
projects as the Miller Science Hall that honored his friend, Professor of
Biology Fritz Miller. In 1957, Hartwick thanked W. Clyde Wright
with the Distinguished Service Award.
The family’s largess carries far beyond this town. “There are many
students at Hartwick who legitimately need the help to come or to stay
here,” Brian Wright says. “If you can make a difference for them, over
time, not only is the College better, but whatever community they go to
will be better.”
“My father’s giving strategy was simple,” his son says. “A strong
Hartwick meant more relatively well-paid employees, which meant more
people buying washers and dryers from him in the 1950s. He also knew
that Hartwick is part of what makes people want to work here, and live
here. The stronger Hartwick is, the stronger the community will be.”
Years ago, Brian and his Oneonta high school sweetheart, Josie, settled
in Broome County—close to Oneonta and to his growing law practice
in Binghamton —to raise their two children. They now divide their time
among the family cottage near Oneonta; visits to Philadelphia, where
son Rick is an artist; and their home in Jupiter, FL, where daughter Kelly,
an attorney, also lives with their beloved grandson, Jasper.
Regardless of where he resides, Brian Wright is a hometown boy at heart,
committed to its vitality and to the future of many communities through
the graduates of Hartwick College. „
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 25
Personal Courage
ENGAGE AND ENTANGLE
A Meeting of Inquiring Minds:
Student, Scholar, Supporter Analyze Rare Chronicle of Slave Trade
By Elizabeth Steele
| Elizabeth Steele is a professional writer and the partner of President Margaret L. Drugovich.
The story is told in their faces: the
young scholar seeing and touching
her Senior Thesis source material for
the first time; the history professor
scrutinizing a document he had only
dreamed existed; and the amateur
historian relishing the academic value
of his family record.
Molly Sloan ’12, Associate Professor
Sean Kelley, Hartwick friend Harold
Buckingham Jr., and Trustee Emerita Joyce
Chesebro Buckingham are at the New York
State Historical Association (NYSHA),
meeting with Head Librarian Wayne Wright
and Special Collections Librarian Evan
Rallis. The object of their attention: the
1773-1774 ship’s log of Isaac Carr, Harold
Buckingham’s great-great-great-grandfather
and a mate on the slave ship Mary.
Student and professor set right to work,
poring over this rare document, comparing
Rallis’ transcription to the faded log written
in Carr’s hand with his phonetic spelling and
infrequent punctuation. “I have never handled
anything like this before,” Sloan says in a
whisper of awe.
She views the document as “a link in social
history. The log shows how seamen prepared
to become a ship’s captain; details the
complicated relationships among captain,
crew, and owners; and explains some of the
intricacies of navigation,” she says.
Kelley, an expert on the slave trade and the
African diaspora, is equally absorbed. “This
log is of interest because it documents a
typical Rhode Island voyage of the Colonial
era,” he says, specifically a slave-trading
voyage to Anomabu on the Gold Coast in
present-day Ghana, the voyage to Barbados
where the slaves were sold, and the return via
South Carolina.
26 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Studying original documents of personal and historical significance: Trustee Emerita Joyce
Buckingham, Harold Buckingham, History Professor Sean Kelley, and Molly Sloan ’12 at the New York
State Historical Association.
“The log focuses on navigation, of course,
so we’re using other sources I’ve collected on
research trips in England and the U.S.,” says
Kelley, whose next book will chronicle a Rhode
Island slaving voyage. “Carr’s log will help me
fill in such areas as shipboard routine and the
actual routes of New England slave trading
vessels. I know of only one other Colonial-era
log that actually details the vessel’s sailing
route.”
Profound pleasure glints in the eyes of Harold
Buckingham, for whom this scholarly meeting
is a milestone. “This is wonderful,” he says
simply. “I have known about the log for 75
years, discovered its whereabouts after my
mother died, and tried to have it transcribed
for over a decade. Now Molly is finding out
what happened from a cultural standpoint and
Sean is providing a context and connecting it
to history.”
A lifetime of family interest, an insatiable
curiosity, and a vested interest in Hartwick
scholarship and scholars brought Harold and
Joyce Buckingham to the table. The couple has
ignited an inquiry that will inspire these and
future Hartwick scholars, advancing knowledge
of a critical time in American and world history.
Personal Courage: Isaac Newton Arnold, Class of 1832
How a Hartwick
Graduate Changed
the Nation
In 1815, Isaac Newton Arnold was
born in the hamlet of Hartwick,
NY, Nestled between Oneonta
and Cooperstown. The town was
founded by John Christopher
Hartwick, who also had established
a Lutheran seminary nearby.
Arnold graduated from that seminary and went on to develop a career
and an ideology that would change the fabric of American society.
As a student at the Hartwick Seminary from 1831 to 1832, Arnold was
a member of the Philophronean Society. According to the meeting logs
in the Colleges archives, it was in 1832 that the society discussed the
immediate abolition of slavery in the United States. Then 17, Arnold
was an advocate for the abolition of slavery, and this marked his first
formal foray into the day’s burning question. It would be far from his
last.
“Isaac Newton Arnold’s preparation at the Hartwick Seminary exposed
him to different philosophical positions regarding slavery,” Associate
Dean and Director of U.S. Pluralism Programs Harry Bradshaw
Matthews explains. “I’m sure it helped to frame his thoughts.”
After Hartwick Seminary, Arnold became an attorney and, in 1836 at
age 21, he moved to Illinois. As his practice and prominence grew, he
became friends with Abraham Lincoln. He also used his legal practice to
assist those who were helping slaves escape to freedom.
“Arnold quickly became a personality in the Underground Railroad,”
Matthews explains, “and a person of importance to that movement.”
In 1860, Arnold was elected to Congress and followed Lincoln to
Washington, D.C. “Arnold became the eyes and ears for the President in
Congress,” Matthews says.
In 1862, in the midst of the Civil War, Arnold introduced the first bill to
abolish slavery in the U.S. territories. In 1864, he proposed a resolution
that “the Constitution should be amended, as to abolish slavery in the
United States ...” Adopted by the House, it would fail in the Senate.
“Arnold stood on the floor of the House and said that with slavery
present in the U.S., this country would not survive. It would corrupt
us all and break down the American system,” says Matthew Souza
’14, who is researching Arnold for a course with Associate Professor of
History Cherilyn Lacy. “He stood up for a huge cause when no one
else did. He was one of the first people to push it and get the ball rolling.
That’s how things change—that’s how we progress— when people
stand up and say ‘That’s not right.’”
During the Civil War, Arnold continued working toward abolition.
By 1865, there were competing resolutions, but it was Arnold’s—first
proposed in 1864—that was ultimately chosen to form the basis of the
13th Amendment. When ratified, it eradicated slavery in the United
States.
“He had to have been a very prominent figure among his colleagues for
them to put such trust into him and his actions,” Matthews says. “He
was definitely a person of deep personal courage, no doubt about it. The
nation was split and he had to take the moral high ground. He did that,
and he did it very effectively.”
Webextra
| www.hartwick.edu/issacnewtonarnold
Entangled in Slavery: John Quitman, Class of 1816
Although he wound up on the wrong side of history, another Hartwick
alumnus was involved in the question of slavery in the United States.
John Anthony Quitman had an impressive resume. Born in 1779, he
graduated from Hartwick Seminary in 1816, tutored in the Classics
department, and became a attorney. He served in the Mississippi state
legislature, was that state’s governor from 1849-51, and fought with
distinction in the Mexican-American War.
Known for supporting slavery and southern succession, Quitman
proposed the annexation of Cuba for use as a slave colony. He
died in 1858, before the cause he supported led to the Civil War.
Contemporaries described him as “a man of high and pure character,
noble presence, winning manners, great popularity, and a fearless and
consistent advocate of the extremist southern views.”
Danielle Conlon ’13, who is researching Quitman as a class project
for Associate Professor of History Cherilyn Lacy, notes that Quitman
“was very radical. He was courageous, even if it wasn’t in a way that we
value today. We have a habit of looking at things from our perspective
only. Quitman thought he was right. He thought his plan was the most
beneficial for America.”
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 27
Homcoming
Celebrating Hartwick
This year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend
showcased alumni accomplishments and welcomed
them back to Oyaron Hill, as more than 600
returned to campus the first weekend in October.
Three days of events, celebrations, and ceremonies
brought back memories of their time at Hartwick
and recognized their impressive achievements in
the years since.
Among dozens of events, alumni marked their return with a welcome
reception, athletic competitions, a conversation with President
Margaret L. Drugovich, alumni college classes, the WAA golf
classic, a 50-year club induction and reunion, induction of the Athletic
Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011 (p. 32), and the presentation of the
annual Alumni Awards (p. 37).
“We had a terrific turnout this year, with alumni traveling from across
the country to reconnect with their classmates and the College,”
Senior Director of Donor and Alumni Relations Alicia Fish ’91 says.
“Hartwick is proud of their successes, and we enjoyed celebrating with
them throughout the weekend.”
Class of 1961 | Seated, left to right: Denise Sullivan Moore, Carole A. Muller, Judith Michalak VanValkenburg, Patricia All Cinelli, Caroline N. Terry,
Luella Abbot Oakes, Jane Wilder Rappleyea, Elaine A. Raudenbush DiBrita. Standing, left to right: Neal D. Wilsey, Richard A. Rappleyea, Thomas N. Crocker,
Kenneth E. Engkvist, Robert Boening, John C. Cemeno, Clifford Upright, Kenneth W. Dobert, Kenneth H. Buechs, Nils S. Carlson Jr., President Margaret L.
Drugovich.
28 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Mary Miller ’73, Scott Holdren ’80, and Susan
Holdren ’81 compare notes and trade student
cards after the Alumni Awards breakfast. The
cards highlight “53 of Hartwick’s fabulous
1,500” students, sharing their aspirations and
actions.
(Four of the featured trading card students are
highlighted in this issue, see p. 16 for how they
are living the College mission.)
Dear friends Merriam Baker Boening ’62 and
Ginny Pedulka (wife of Professor Emeritus
of History Len Pedulka) enjoy a spontaneous
reunion in The Hawk’s Nest during the football
game.
Homecoming creates opportunities to forge new
relationships. David ’83 and Stephanie ’84
Long joined President Margaret L. Drugovich
and Beth Steele at Thornwood to meet Assistant
Professor of Education Greg Smith and continue
discussions about autism (see Summer 2011
Wick).
Alumni College takes graduates back to the
classroom for faculty and alumni perspectives
on: Are you Career Savvy?, Pine Lake: 40 Years
of Living and Learning for a Sustainable Future,
Psychology 2011—Recent Developments in the
Field, and The Yager Museum Past and Present.
Ken Dobert ’61 receives his 50-year pin from
classmate Elaine Raudenbush DiBrita ’61.
DeBrita and Ken Buechs ’61 co-chaired the
50 Year Club Celebration. Dobert and his wife,
Maureen Riley Dobert ’63, recently endowed a
scholarship fund for J Term off-campus study.
Homecoming 2011 began with the 20th Annual
WAA Golf Classic at the Leatherstocking Golf
Course in Cooperstown, hosted by Nick Lambros
’59, PM’03. The winning foursome: Eric Buck
’86, Darren Woods ’88, Kevin Schaffner ’88, and
Greg Niccolai ’86. At left, Trustee John Bertuzzi
tees off.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 29
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All About Soccer ’77: The 2011 Hall of Fame
In the long history of Hartwick Athletics, there is no more storied squad than 1977 men’s soccer. The only NCAA National Champions
in Hartwick history, they beat the University of San Francisco at the end of an undefeated season to establish a soccer legacy at
Hartwick that continues to this day. In a packed ceremony in Lambros Arena during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, the entire team
was inducted into the Hartwick College Athletics Hall of Fame. Many former players traveled thousands of miles to reunite with their
teammates. Also inducted were photographer and former sports information director Ed Clough ’60, longtime supporter Cal Chase ’71,
and soccer standout Duncan MacDonald ’78. Former head men’s soccer coach Jim Lennox and former player Jeff Tipping ’78 presented
the inductees and spoke for the ’77 team.
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Hartwick College’s
Pine Lake
Celebrates Sound
Ecological Practice
For 40 years, Hartwick’s Pine Lake Environmental Campus
has been at the forefront of integrating innovative sustainable
living opportunities with experiential learning.
Dedicating the Jacy Henderson ’00 Memorial Cob House at Pine Lake: Director
of the Pine Lake Institute for Environmental and Sustainability Studies Brian
Hagenbuch, Manager of Pine Lake Operations Peter Blue, President Margaret
L. Drugovich, Cody and Cecelia Henderson (Jacy’s brother and mother), and
Professor of Religious Studies Sandy Huntington.
As alumni, students, faculty, and staff celebrated Pine Lake’s legacy this
year, the environmental campus continued to prepare for the future with
facility improvements that illustrate sound ecological practice.
In doing so, Pine Lake is showing students that they can be
environmentally, fiscally, and socially responsible in the use of alternative
technologies, renewable energy resources, innovative waste management
systems, and by building with local materials. These 40th-anniversary
projects include:
• landscaping around the newly dedicated Jacy Henderson ’00
Memorial Cob House;
• renovating the residential cabins, including improved electrical wiring,
roofing, and exhaust fans;
• installing long-lasting aluminum boat and swimming docks (funded
by an anonymous donor and other Friends of Pine Lake);
• fitting running water and a self-contained Clivus Multrum
composting foam toilet system in the Vaudevillian;
• connecting two separate water systems and burying the water line;
• improving the entrance of the Mud Lake trail and beach/waterfront
areas with locally-sourced material.
Hartwick continues to expand Pine Lake’s experiential learning
opportunities. Initiatives are under way to collaborate with the state on
research and management of the Robert V. Riddell State Park, to broaden
partnerships with regional school districts, and to increase opportunities
for students of all ages to engage in research.
In summer 2011, Liam Heiland ’13 and Kristy Scaggs ’12 worked
with state biologists on biological and ecological inventories in the
recently dedicated Hebbard Forest Management Area. They will be
following up this work with thesis projects later this year. Other faculty
and students also are planning multidisciplinary research projects at Pine
Lake.
“Throughout Pine Lake’s history, we have been engaging students,
faculty, and staff in creating a dynamic community with diverse
viewpoints that can make good decisions and be a catalyst for a just,
equitable, and sustainable society,” Director of the Pine Lake Institute for
Environmental and Sustainability Studies Brian Hagenbuch says.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 33
Athletics
OFF THE BENCH:
Anna Meyer
Anna Meyer is the eighth most winning field hockey
coach in NCAA DIII history, entering this season
with 278 career wins. She is 34th on the all-time
NCAA field hockey list for all divisions. Over a
career that also includes coaching women’s lacrosse,
Meyer has racked up more than 400 victories. Off
the field, she spearheads awareness and fundraising
efforts for breast cancer, helping the field hockey
team raise more than $25,000 in the past eight years.
Field Hockey Coach since 1988
“The Hartwick
student-athletes that
I have worked with
for 24 years have
been the bright spot in
every day on the Hill!”
What motivates you as a coach?
The clear answer is the student-athletes. I find that
my best moments at Hartwick are when I am fully
engaged with students! They energize me and make
me want to continue to work hard and get the most
out my time here. The Hartwick student-athletes that
I have worked with for 24 years have been the bright
spot in every day on the Hill! I also think the people
who work at Hartwick are first rate! I have made so
many friends for life over my time here, and Hartwick
is lucky to have such dedicated long-term employees.
Working with first rate people on a daily basis is an
easy way to stay motivated.
—Anna Meyer
What’s your defining Hartwick experience?
There are too many to list, but the top group includes
playing in three NCAA Final Fours in two different
sports, playing for the national championship, taking
What do you do when you’re not coaching?
a team from the eighth seed to the championship game in the ECAC
tourney, and creating lifetime relationships with my former student
I am also a landlord, so when I am not on the job, I am busy taking care
athletes. As a matter of fact, I cherish those friendships probably more
of the properties. I love to be active outdoors: biking, sailing, running,
than any game that I have ever been a part of.
or hanging out on the beach are my favorite things to do!
Webextra
34 | The Wick | Fall 2011
| Visit www.hartwickhawks.com to keep up with Coach Meyer and the Hawks.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 35
Alumni News
Anthony Santo ’74, John Adler ’51, President Margaret L. Drugovich, Alumni Association President Neal Miller ’72, Karyl Clemens, Tessa Kansas ’15,
Forrest Landon ’55, and Catherina Paoluci ’02.
Wear Your
Hartwick Pride
A Custom Hartwick College
Tie designed and produced
by Vineyard Vines.
100% imported printed silk,
handmade in the USA.
Ties are available for $250 each
with proceeds benefiting the
Hartwick Fund.
To order contact
Emily Ernsberger in the
Office of College Advancement
at 607-431-4432 or
[email protected]
For federal income tax purposes,
$75 of each tie purchase is non tax-deductible.
36 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Alumni
Association
Election
Results
Newly elected, these individuals represent their peers on the
Alumni Association Board and
as Trustee Directors:
Newly elected
Trustee Directors
Debra French ’80
Kathi Hochberg ’73
William Kitson ’86
New Directors
Michelle Brown ’87
James Groccia ’70
Thomas Meredith ’73
Elizabeth Paille ’06
Barbara Vartanian ’71
New Young
Alumni Directors
Stephanie Cohen ’11
Bethany Lillie ’11
Sarah Otto ’11
Board Members
Bruce Cameron ’67
Bryan Clutz ’04
Sharon Dettenrieder ’65
Kenneth Dobert ’61
Jeffrey Gardne ’92
Scott Holdren ’80
Katherine Hurrle ’98
Donald Keinz ’75
Stephanie Lavenberg ’92
John Leyden ’78
Sarah MacDonald ’01
Laura Mack ’09
Neal Miller ’72
Steven Paille ’05
Jennifer Panzarella ’97
Frank Panzarella ’96
Dale Pensgen ’72
Peter Prunty ’10
Alexandra Shaw ’79
Steven Suleski ’76
Jonathan Valder ’08
Renata Williams ’05
Erin Zuck ’05
Exceptional Alumni Honored
Forrest “Frosty” Landon ’55
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Landon was a newsman in Roanoke, VA,
for four decades—first as a TV broadcast
journalist, then as an editorial page editor,
and finally as a managing editor and executive
editor of The Roanoke Times. In his time with
the paper, it earned the best public-service
reporting award in Virginia four times and
was a Pulitzer Prize finalist three times. Upon
retiring in 1995, he became executive director
and founder of the Virginia Coalition for Open
Government, launching a statewide alliance
to fight government secrecy. A past president
of the National Freedom of Information
Coalition and winner of numerous journalism
honors, Landon is a member of the Virginia
Communications Hall of Fame.
“Hartwick has meant so much to me over the
years, and it’s Hartwick values that I’ve tried
never to forget. That’s why I’ve tried to help
Hartwick scholarship students—in the same
way an anonymous donor rescued me my
freshman year.”
Anthony Santo ’74
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Santo has given freely of his time, energy, and
enthusiasm working for Hartwick’s Office of
Enrollment Management. He has volunteered
at college fairs and has conducted off-campus
interviews. For more than 30 years, he worked
Alumni EVENTS
Events and activities sponsored
by the Office of Alumni Relations,
the Alumni Association, and your
regional alumni network help you
stay connected to Hartwick. To get
involved with regional networks,
contact Duncan Macdonald ’78 at
[email protected] or
607-431-4032. To RSVP to the
following events, visit The Wall at
www.hartwickalumni.org, e-mail
[email protected], or call
607-431-4064.
for the Sachem Central School District in
Holbrook, NY, as an advocate for visually
impaired students. Santo works to instill in
prospective students an understanding that
Hartwick is a place where they will be valued,
respected, and supported.
of the College. Adler has volunteered in annual
giving for more than 20 years, and has made
gifts to the College for nearly 30 consecutive
years. He is an accountant for the Frank Best
Company, Morehead City, NC.
“You’re always a beneficiary when you
volunteer. I get a lot out of it; I really enjoy it.”
Outstanding Young Alumna Award
Karyl Clemens
Meritorious Service Award
Now retired, Clemens dedicated 34 years of
service to Hartwick, working in Student Life,
Admissions (including nine years as Dean
of Admissions), College Advancement, and
the President’s Office. At various times, she
had responsibility for planned giving, alumni
affairs major gifts and donor relations. She also
managed Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate,
Commencement, and the Citizens Board, and
served as a special assistant to two presidents.
“It is probably the greatest tribute an
administrator can receive to be honored by
students—current or former—for having done
good work. Meritorious service can only happen
when one loves their work, and I certainly did.”
John Adler ’51
Don and Diane Brown ‘60 PM’08 Award
Dr. Catherine A. Paolucci ’02
Paolucci is a lecturer and joint program
director of mathematics and education at the
National University of Ireland, Galway. She
completed her master of arts in mathematics
education and doctor of education in
mathematics education at Columbia University.
A John Christopher Hartwick Scholar, she was a
Saxton Fellow in Mathematics, recipient of an
Emerson International Internship Scholarship,
and captain of women’s tennis.
“I was one of those students who applied to 25
colleges, but boy did I make the right choice.
I couldn’t have picked any better place than
Hartwick.”
Tessa Kansas ’15
Alumni Association Legacy
Scholarship Recipient
Tessa is the seventh member of her family to
attend Hartwick, including both of her parents:
George Kansas ’86 and Kathryn McPartlon ’87.
Adler is recognized for his outstanding
leadership and commitment to annual support
Rochester, NY
The Woodcliff Hotel & Spa
December 1
President Calls for Nominees
San Francisco
Bubble Lounge
December 6
Hartwick College is seeking nominations for the
President’s Award for Liberal Arts in Practice. The award
recognizes outstanding alumni who extend the values that
are inherent in a Hartwick education into their life work, to
the benefit of others.
Utica, NY
Union Station
December 8
New York City
Hosted by trustee Francis
D. Landrey P ’06.
Celebrating ’Wick Athletics
December 15
The President’s Award for Liberal Arts in Practice
To learn about requirements and make a nomination,
visit hartwickalumni.org/LiberalArtsinPractice.
To nominate an alum for this award, contact Director of Alumni
Engagement Duncan Macdonald ’78 at 607-431-4032 or
[email protected].
Albany, NY
Albany Devils minor league
ice hockey
January 28
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 37
Class Notes
Alumni Event: Guests gathered with
President Margaret L. Drugovich
September 18 at the annual Hartwick
Seminary Reunion in Milford, NY.
1937 | 75th reunion
1952 | 60th reunion
be meeting this year in Sarasota Florida for their 49th annual reunion.
Carol Stapleton Andersen will be the hostess for this year’s event.”
Merriam Baker Boening writes: “It was an honor and a pleasure to
be invited as a member representative of the Hartwick College Alumni
Nursing Committee to participate in the Pinning Ceremony for the
Class of 2011. This very moving ceremony brought back poignant
memories of my own Pinning Ceremony for my class of 1962.
Listening to the accomplishments of this year’s Nursing graduates, it
is easy to see that Hartwick continues to excel in nursing education.
Hartwick has always provided those highly specialized skills necessary
for success in the world of nursing.”
Marjorie Turrell Julian welcomed grandson No. 2, Teddy, in March.
She writes: “Still rowing competitively with summer regattas in
Delaware and Providence, RI. Fall Head races, three-mile endurance
events, include the Head of the Charles in Boston and Head of the
Schuylkill in Philadelphia. I row with the Syracuse Chargers Rowing
Club, practicing on Onondaga Lake and the Seneca River.”
1957 | 55th reunion
1966
1942 | 70th reunion
1944
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
David Trachtenberg, [email protected]
1947 | 65th reunion
Pauline Brannen has kept busy with 15 grandchildren. “Memories of
Hartwick continue to be vivid and appreciated.”
1950
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
George Grice, [email protected]
1959
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Dalene Davis Cross, [email protected]
1962 | 50th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondents:
Sharon Dorff Conway, [email protected], or
Dinah McClure, [email protected]
John Ressmeyer competed in the Summer National Senior Games,
representing Oklahoma in two cycling events. He raced in the 40k/25mile road race and was involved in a collision with another cyclist just
short of the finish line. Two days later, he competed with 50 other
cyclists and placed third in the 10k/6.2-mile time trial race. John plans
to participate in the 2013 Senior Games in Cleveland.
Sharon Dorff Conway writes: “The nurses from the Class of ’62 will
38 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Gail Quick-Pohl and Richard Pohl live in White Hall, MD. Gail
retired from corporate life in 1998 and Richard owns Chesapeake Risk
Management. They split their time between Bethany Beach, DE, and
their home in Maryland. No children, but lots of great dogs over 33
years. Send e-mails to [email protected].
1967 | 45th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Bruce Cameron, [email protected]
Phillip Arnold writes: “We spent Christmas and New Years on the
Holland America Volendam in Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand’s
South and North Islands. We then embarked for England, Scotland,
and Ireland on Holland America Prinsendam. We spent three days
before and after in London doing shows and sightseeing to Oxford and
the Cotswolds. We leave again December 21 for Sydney and travel to
the northern part of Australia to Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin,
Reunion at Sea: A Wick ’69 trio of Don Hanssen, Bruce Dodson, and
Ron Klattenberg enjoyed an August sail on Long Island Sound on Bruce
Cameron ’67’s 28-foot sailboat.
and the Great Barrier Reef before leaving for Komodo and Padang
Bai, Indonesia, Singapore, Ko Samui and Bangkok, Sihanoukville,
Cambodia, Phu My, Nha Trang and Halong Bay, Vietnam, Hainan,
and Hong Kong before returning to Hawaii 30 days later. We have not
spent Christmas or New Years at home for the past six years; they have
been all at sea. For 2012, we have again rented an apartment in Paris
in the third arrondissement called Le Marais and are making plans for
each day we are there. We enjoyed our stay in June 2010 so much and
did not get to see everything wanted, so we are returning.”
Joan Shoemaker Erickson spent the summer on Lake Erie, Lake
Huron, the Georgian Bay, and Trent Severn, and is now turning their
trawler to Lake Ontario, headed for the canals at Oswego. They’ve
logged about 1,100 miles so far.
Judy Lau Molloy is pleased to announce the birth of her first
grandchild, Owen G. Elia, born September 2. He weighed 5 pounds,
13 ounces and stretched out at 19 inches.
1971
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Barbara Klapp Vartanian, [email protected]
Sue Konrad Munson’s daughter is a third-year student at the
University of Chicago and is spending the quarter in Spain. Husband
Gary is a distributor for General Pump and is president of Munson
Consulting. Sue works for a local Hallmark and works part-time for
Golf for Goodness Sake. They live in Peachtree City, GA, where they
volunteer at the American Legion Post 50 and are the coordinators
for Boys and Girls State. Sue is on the board of directors at St. Paul
Lutheran School.
1972 | 40th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Scott Griswold, [email protected]
Lawrence Greenman and his wife recently celebrated their third
anniversary and are planning a trip to her home in the Philippines.
Jim ’90 and Laura Douglass, Shawn ’91 and Andrea ’91 Martin, Will
’91 and Pam Weir, and Missy Kimball ’91 have been getting together for
almost 20 years, and this year, they did it big, spending a week together
with their families on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks.
Arthur Kuman teaches American history at Long Island Lutheran.
Wife Peg commutes between Virginia and their home on Long Island.
Son Tucker studies at Columbia; daughter Holly teaches in France.
1973
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Ronald Stair, [email protected]
Carolyn Quackenbush Russett and husband Tom became firsttime grandparents in July when their oldest son and his wife welcomed
Brynn Olivia. Son Timothy and his wife are spending five years in
Scotland. Carolyn lives on Cape Cod and works in the Nursing
Clinical Education Department at Cape Cod Hospital.
1974
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Mike Brown, [email protected]
1975
Wayne Harrison’s daughter, Karissa, began at Hartwick in August,
and son Brendon is a 2007 alum.
1977 | 35th reunion
1981
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Larry Tetro, [email protected]
1982 | 30th reunion
1984
John Jones writes: “I like to give back to Hartwick whenever I can,
by sharing my experiences with students through BinghamtonLink
and working with the local alumni network. My wife is a fifth-grade
teacher, and one of her former students, Kalindi Naslund, is a Hartwick
freshman now.”
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 39
Presidential Event: Alumni and friends gather July 16 with President
Margaret L. Drugovich at the home of Trustee Carol Ann H. Coughlin ’86
in Quogue, NY.
Fitness Reunion: Tracey Schultz Lewis ’86 and Mary Pat Lindsley ’86
ran the 2011 More/Fitness Half Marathon in Central Park. Also pictured
is Tracey’s daughter Brittany. Ed Lewis ’85 was there to cheer them on!
1985
1992 | 20th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Rhonda Foote, [email protected]
Karen Ranney Wolkins is executive director for Toledo Botanical
Garden, a group of 150 community gardens throughout the city and
an under-construction agriculture training center.
1986
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Rob DiCarlo, [email protected]
1987 | 25th reunion
Margaret Boland Gardiner ’87 and her sons Eddie, 14, and Jack,
12, saved an elderly fisherman from drowning this summer on Little
Sunapee Lake in New London, NH. The man’s boat had overturned,
trapping his lifejacket and spilling gasoline, and the Gardiner’s raced to
the rescue in their canoe. Well done!
1988
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Kathy Fallon, [email protected]
1989
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Dorothy Holt, [email protected]
1990
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Leisyl Ryan Kleinberg, [email protected]
1991
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Rena Switzer Diem, [email protected]
40 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Rory Shaffer, [email protected]
Hello classmates, I hope you are all well and enjoyed your summer. As
we get ready to celebrate our 20th reunion next year, I hope you all are
marking your calendars for fall 2012 to make it back to Oyaron Hill.
Remember to e-mail me your class notes—I’d enjoy hearing from you.
Wishing you the best! Rory
Tracy Cashin married Scott Johnson on May 4, 2011, in St. Lucia.
Sara Dyckman writes: “After 17+ years as a Database Analyst at
Greenwich Associates, I have left the firm to start my own business.
I am now Dyckman Consulting, LLC, a database maintenance and
analysis organization of one! My commute was too far and my kids
(Jack ,13, and Grace, 8) needed me closer to home. I now work on a
contract basis out of my home in Danbury, CT. My biggest client …
Greenwich Associates! I enjoy setting my own hours and being superinvolved in my kid’s schools and activities (president of PTO at my
daughter’s elementary school).
1994
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Missy Foristall, [email protected]
1995
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Louis Crocco, [email protected]
Amy Strouse writes: “I’m just living life to the fullest out here in
Arizona, surviving the haboobs! My news consists of travel and races.
I’ve done three full and three half marathons already in 2011, along
with a couple mud races. I’m hiking Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in
October and doing a few more Ragnar 200-mile relay races and two
more half marathons this year. 2012 will start off in January with a
Ragnar from Miami to Key West and then I’m fly home in time to make
the Phoenix Full Marathon. If anyone is competing in the Ironman this
November in Tempe, AZ, look for me during the swim portion out in a
kayak helping rescue anyone in need.
Louis B. Crocco hit the road again this fall with the Broadway
National Touring production of White Christmas. He’ll be in Detroit,
Memphis, Grand Rapids, Dallas, Tempe, and Costa Mesa, and hopes
to see some of you along the way.
Michelle Baker (Young) and Paul Baker announce the birth of their
daughter, Sophia Allena Baker, on August 21. We still live in NYC.
1996
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Amy Krasker Cottle, [email protected]
Marc Meunier and Danielle DeCoste Meunier welcomed Emily
Grace on January 27. She joins big sister Maddie (7) and big brother
Collin (4).
Jake Holmes and his wife, Liliana, welcomed a happy, smiley baby
boy, Nico, on November 30, 2010. He joins Ana Sofia (7). They have
moved from Denver, CO, to Medellin, Colombia, South America,
along with their two dogs, and are enjoying the culture.
1997 | 15th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Amy Maletzke Moore, [email protected]
1998
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Jamie Sommerville O’Riordan, [email protected]
Jonathan Pangia and Jorinda (Archard) Pangia ’01 celebrated their
daughter’s first birthday this summer.
Darcy Perez (Meek) welcomed her second child on Valentine’s Day.
Sebastian de la Luz Perez was born in Cooperstown and is growing like
a weed.
Ekaterini Vlamis is still living in New Paltz, NY, and continues to
try to win new clients and expand her business, Edgewood Consulting
& Services; visit www.edgewoodcs.com to learn more. She is thrilled
to share that in October, she published an article in the Journal
for Experiential Education. Her academic article shares her master’s
thesis study results, which examined the effects of the Awakening
Adventure Orientation Program at Hartwick on the incoming firstyear students’ development (findings were positive, Awakening is a
beneficial program)! Ekaterini spent many days this summer in Boston,
facilitating business teambuilding programs for Outward Bound
Professional. On two occasions, she met up with Amie Hillock ’97
and they enjoyed catching up! Ekaterini reports that Amie is doing very
well for herself professionally and has a lovely home in Sharon, MA!
1999
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Kristen R. Falk, [email protected]
Autumn is in the air again, and usually around this time, I ask my
classmates for their favorite Hartwick memory or what they most
looked forward to returning to campus each fall. This time, I asked
them to pick any Hartwick memory. Contacting everyone brought back
a flurry of memories for me!
Kanchan Banga is back in Canberra, Australia, working as an
assistant manager with KPMG. She writes: “But I miss working in the
public sector, so I’m looking for opportunities to get back to working
in the federal government. It’s weird being back here—the whole global
financial crises just passed Australia by. Jobs are still booming and
unemployment at only 5%. Very different from U.S. economy, which is
The Wick Holiday
Gift Guide
Check out just a few of the amazing things
made by Hartwick alumni—then start your
holiday shopping.
cdesigns Swarovski bracelets
Carol Dexter ’70
Made with Swarovski crystals in aquamarine, topaz, lavender, pink, clear,
rose, violet or hyacinth. Available in small, medium. $24, plus shipping.
[email protected]
FC Jewelry Design
Faith Critti ’05
Pre-styled and custom jewelry of all kinds. These
bangles are $12 each or $38 for a set of four.
www.fcjewelrydesign.com
Guitar Slinger Designs
Val Gray ’70
Guitar-related handmade jewelry and novelties, made of guitar-string beads.
Specializes in custom orders.
[email protected]
Meatbagz
Kate Morse ’00
Vintage military and military-inspired bags,
screen-printed by hand with original images.
www.meatbagz.etsy.com
HuePhoria
Jen (Redden) Falso ’88
Hand-painted wine and martini glasses and
ornaments (among many other items!). $21 for
glasses, $20 for ornaments.
www.huephoria.com
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 41
Alumni Event: Missy Cotz Dziczek ’77 (center) her husband Joseph
(center) and friends enjoy the Hartwick gathering at the Boston Red Sox
game in September.
Amanda Aldi ’99 married Gordon Bedford on October 24, 2010,
in Northampton, MA. The happy couple celebrated with Meaghan
Fitzgibbon Quilop ’01, Adrian Magowan ’00, Kristi Biondo Magowan
’01,Stephanie Schrader ’99, Greg Quilop ’99, Bill Belcher ’00, Nicole
Eicker ’97, Kate Morse ’00, Josh Lerman ’97, Sarah Restifo ’99, Sara
Patton McDermott ’99, Sean Randol ’99, Bill Desmarais ’98, and
Carolyn Cantin Desmarais ’97.
why I moved back.”
Steve Baroody writes: “I think often of the sunsets looking out from
Oyaron. They seemed to linger a long time and had a wonderful variety
of hues. Strangely, I remember them most strongly from winter, though
fall, my favorite season, was nice, too.”
Amanda Bedford and her husband, Gordon, were married last
October in Northampton, MA. She writes: “Lots of Hartwick friends
were in attendance: Sarah Restifo stood with me and we were lovingly
serenaded by Sara (Patton) McDermott and Stephanie Schrader.
I could not have asked for a more perfect day! Gordon and I recently
returned from our amazing honeymoon in Canada—we road tripped
it to Montreal and then Nova Scotia. I won’t be returning to the hill
this fall, but I am looking forward to MEHLK Weekend with Steph
Schrader and Kristi (Biondo) Magowan ’01 like WHOA. Wilford
Brimley.”
Bonin Bough’s favorite memories are of the people and professors that
have shaped his life.
Geno Carr definitely misses watching the leaves change each year at
Hartwick—what an incredible view! He writes: “I’m wrapping up a run
of Little Shop of Horrors at the Cygnet Theatre and am in rehearsals for a
world premiere musical adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters at the
Lamb’s Players Theatre. My last gig of the year is starring as Papa Who
in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe Theatre
for the holidays. I’m teaching intermediate acting at Grossmont College
this fall and was just cast in a production of the musical Parade for the
spring. Next fall, Nancy and I have once again been invited to join the
faculty for Semester at Sea, so we’ll be on an Atlantic Exploration with
600 college students for three and a half months.”
Missy (Goldwasser) Carvin offers this Hartwick memory: “I’m
remembering a certain (very) late-night paper-writing session in the
computer lab with Brian Carvin and Meg Raphoon ’00. Meg and I
were working together on a paper for Dr. Haan, and were getting a little
… punchy. We started editorializing the text of our paper and when we
got it back, there were comments and rejoinders written in the margins
in Dr. Haan’s signature handwriting.”
Brandon Cheely is still working as an IT supervisor at New York
ISO. His wife, Ashlye, started a new job as a speech therapist with a
classroom of children with autism, and their son started kindergarten
this fall.
Shiloh (Vanderhoof) Chickerell laments: “Summer has been way
too short. I will miss the carefree days when all you have to do is get
shoes on to visit the animals! We have acquired a few more horses. We
have five now. We also have guinea fowl! We are hurrying to build the
new barn by winter. Joe is doing that all himself when he has free time
from not working. It’s coming along beautifully! I have been taking
part in Western Dressage clinics out of Delhi, NY, an idea that is slowly
spreading in the horse world. The instructor presented at the World
Equestrian Games last year. Not many people have heard of it, but I’ve
enjoyed being a part of it all. I have just started riding horses this year,
after scattered attempts throughout my life. It’s been amazing. I am
grateful to live in the middle of nowhere to allow for lots of space and
exploration! Eowyn started kindergarten in Laurens this year. I would
say one of my favorite thoughts or memories of Hartwick was walking
up the steps and loving the view of the old historical buildings (even
though Arnold is now gone). Walking back down and seeing the city of
the hills in fall was pretty amazing, too!
Jennifer (Smith) DaBiere writes enthusiastically: “My husband and
I just arrived home from the hospital with our newborn daughter!
Cecilee Isabella DaBiere was born 9/10/11 at 12:15 a.m.—just two
minutes shy of having an even more amazing birth date. We feel so
blessed to finally be a family of three!”
Mikki (Baloy) Davis reports: “I launched my first digital book, Office
42 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Cheryl (Swierczek) DeLorey ’04 married Matthew DeLorey in Cape Cod,
MA, on June 18. From left to right are: Kaitlin Curran ’06, Heather
Mitchell ’06, Nik Kourtis ’04, Jean Jacques ’04, Cheryl Swierczek
DeLorey ’04, Liz Delaney ’04, Stacey Datthyn ’04, Drew Rose ’04, and
Leslie Coffey ’03.
Adam Wood ’06 married Christine Putnam on June 3. The Rev. Paul
Messner officiated. They also were joined by Eric Saxton ’05, Alex Horn
’08, JT Weaver ’07, Zach Evers ’07, Chris Shaw ’05, Nate King ’05,
Kevin Dorritie ’05, Dan Wilsea ’06, Brett Amedro ’05, Laura (Nestor)
Amedro ’05 and Michael Mendoza ’07.
Shamanism: Big Time Energy Shifting Inside and Out, which is available
on my website (www.pamohealing.com). I want people to do more good
work more happily, so I wrote this to introduce shamanic techniques
they can use to feel better, no matter where they are or what they
do. I was also featured in the book Life Is Too Short, by Wendy Stark
Healy. The book got a lot of attention during the anniversary of 9/11,
including a mention in The New York Times, and I was honored to be a
part of it. And, of course, I continue to see private clients for healing
work and have been traveling a bit teaching Journey to Your Muse, a
fusion of shamanism and creativity enhancement. I hope to see some
Hartwick people at one of my retreats sometime!”
Emily Dexter is getting married in Mexico in November. She spent
the summer taking a trip back to the east coast to visit family and
friends, taking a trip to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party, and
spending a lot of time surfing on the west coast. One of her favorite
fall memories at Hartwick is of playing soccer on Elmore Field and
enjoying that wonderful view.
Kristen Falk reminisces: “Hartwick is full of memories for me. In the
fall, I think of climbing the stairs to the tennis courts or kicking around
in the leaves on the hill between Van Ess/Leitzell and Smith halls
with Melissa Kalicin, or helping people unload moving-in day with
the 50/50 peer helpers, or the bright yellow ginkgo tree by Shineman
Chapel, or one crazy off-road driving experience I had, trying to get
the perfect valley foliage photos. There was always the excitement of
classes, the smell of the crisp fall air, and the anticipation of a new year
at WRHO. Chatting with people on the VAX Telnet, meeting up for
pizza at Laura’s Coffee House, and procrastinating while staying up
way too late, too many days in a row are things I can never forget. More
recent Hartwick memories include homecoming weekends, where I
attended numerous football games in the rain and soccer games in the
dark, and rekindled old/made great new friendships with classmates
from all years while out downtown. And let’s not forget the lasagna at
the lake house, Adrienne Juan ’98, Lorraine (Rovello) Salvo ’98,
and Heather Haynes ’98!”
Sara (Robinson) Gammack had an incredible year. She somehow
managed to teach first grade, finish the course work for her education
specialist degree in administration and leadership, complete 300 hours
of internship, have a baby girl—Katie Grace—and get a crazy puppy!
She is wrapping up the last 20 hours of her internship.
Amy (Yager) Gardner graduated from Binghamton University in
May with a master’s in nursing. She passed the AANP certification
boards in August and began a FNP position on September 12. If that
wasn’t enough, she and Jeff ’92 are renovating the kitchen and they
adopted a rescue dog at the end of July—the kids’ present to celebrate
their survival of Amy’s schooling. Jeff is doing more officiating this year
and thus cannot be a part of the Hartwick field hockey team. They still
plan to support the team in the stands when they can find time in their
crazy schedules.
Kate (Warner) and Joe Johnson share these notes: “Summer went so
fast and the kids are back in school. Time is flying by; Beth is in third
grade now, Jessica is in second, and Aaron is 4 and looking forward to
starting school next fall. This summer, we took an awesome vacation
to New Orleans. While we were there, we went to the insectarium,
went for a river-boat cruise, rode around on the street car, and ate lots
of yummy food. The highlight of the trip was a totally spontaneous
stop at a roadside visitor’s center where they were letting people hold
baby alligators. The kids got the biggest kick out of holding an alligator.
In August, we added a furry family member named Firefly. She is a
three-month-old orange tabby cat. She has added a lot of fun to our
household. This fall, we are looking forward to trips for the girls with
their Girl Scout troops, and hopefully cooler weather.”
James Kinne is now a full-time musician playing with his duo, Last
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 43
Gennyne Ellis Hepburn ’05
married Ron Hepburn on May
26. The day marked their fifth
anniversary together. Joining them
were Phiona Ellis ’07, Theorelle
Nottage ’05, Patricia Chambers
Ellis ’77, and Rosalie Cartwright
Foulkes ’79.
Jayne Donovan ’06 and Andrew
Brown ’08 were married March
5. They were joined by Alanna
Adams ’07, Stephen Babie ’08,
Nicole Totaro ’09, Alex Guilday
’08, Lisa Hornsby ’07, Philip
Kane ’06, Elizabeth McCabe
Kane ’06, Jenny Knight ’06, John
Montana ’06, Mara Tichy Montana
’06, Ashley Rothwell ’11, Daniel
Seco ’08, Laura Shockro ’05,
Henryk Trella, Tony Truax ’08,
Jennifer Schwartz Truax ’07,
Jonathan Valder ’08, and Lindsay
Wilson ’07.
October (www.reverbnation.com/lastoctober), and his trio, The
Phineas Gage Project (www.reverbnation.com/phineasgageproject).
He also records and produces albums at Stillwater Audio, his recording
studio. Last October is releasing its first album on October 21, and
is planning to tour around the Northeast in the coming months. “It’s
great to finally not have a day job!”
Kristen Mastromarchi went to Lago Maggiore this summer for
almost two weeks because her husband’s family rents an apartment
there in the summer. She writes: “I did some concerts and I’m trying
to prepare for concerts in autumn. The Hartwick memory that comes
to mind is the last recital I did. Katherine Lomasney ’00 and I sang a
duet together (In the Gloaming), which still gives me goosebumps.”
Nick Miles writes: “I knew living in the U.S. would bring new
experiences, but I didn’t expect to go through an earthquake and
a hurricane in the span of a week or so! Vikki, Dylan, and I are still
enjoying our adventure; we’ve been in the states for almost a year now,
not sure where the time has gone. Despite being on the east coast and
within a few hours’ drive of several alumni friends, the only Hartwick
alum I’ve seen recently is Mark Porter. I flew out to Oregon for his
wedding, and it was great to catch up with him and see him so happy.
After 10 years of studying and getting his Ph.D., he’s now decided to
do a post-doctorate. The man is crazy! Vikki and I are heading back to
alumni weekend in a couple of weeks and look forward to catching up
with all the soccer fraternity at the Hall of Fame induction dinner. I’m
still working at J.P. Morgan and looking after billions of dollars that I
wish were mine, but hey, that’s life!”
Dan and Jamie (Irwin) Morency are back to teaching this fall. They
both got some time off with the birth of their second son, Christian,
who just turned four months old. Their other son, John, turned three
44 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Ashleigh Diefendorf ’07 and Adam Soule were married on August
27, 2010, in Cooperstown, NY. Hartwick alumni in the wedding party
included Kalyn Brunetta ’07, Eimile Kinsella ’07, Devon McClintic ’07,
Dorienne Rosenberg ’07, and Michael Stuart ’07. Peggy Mansperger
’07, Ryan Pukos ’07, Desiree Saladin ’06, Tyler Saladin ’07, Jen
Hanson ’06, Laura Frey ’06, and Nicole Hopkins ’05 joined the
celebration.
in August and is signed up to play hockey this winter. They have season
tickets to the local AHL team and he has become obsessed with the
game. Jamie is once again the boy’s varsity soccer coach for Argyle. Dan
is sorry to have missed the alumni golf tournament this year, but hopes
to get out and play Leatherstocking this fall.
Matt and Shannon Craig-Mulvaney and their daughter, Madeline,
will spend the fall semester in Cyprus, where Matt will be teaching on
a Fulbright.
Laura Napoli had this news: “I competed in the AAU Taekwondo Nationals in Austin, Texas, in June. I came home with a bronze
in Olympic sparring and a silver in point Sparring. I continue to
work for 6 Degrees Software, where I’ve been promoted to senior
implementation consultant, specializing in our OpenTempo Medical
Scheduling System. I am fortunate to announce that I and my family
survived Irene with minimal damage. My heart goes out to those who
lost everything, and my praise to everyone who has been pitching in to
help repair the damage. I am so proud of my fellow Vermonters!”
Scott Newcomb’s Hartwick memory has to be our freshman
year—the Pine Lake 60s Jam! He writes: “I wore my favorite DayGlo yellow sweater with rainbow action on the sleeve. I feel like I met
the important people that night. I hadn’t made too much of a fool of
myself yet, and the possibilities for the future were endless. Now, I can
tell you the future arrived and it is bright and steep, but I dig it. I live
in the East Bay of San Francisco with my lovely wife, Mary. We love
our garden and cottage with a big ol’ palm tree, yucca plants, jasmine,
sage, honeysuckle … in other words, it smells delicious. We share a
working art studio together, too, which lends itself to all-nighters and
lots of coffee. Our best friend, Ella the Wheaton, is skilled in rolling
over, “speaks,” and is working on flying. Best wishes to Hartwick and
surrounding areas—I know the weather has been less than friendly as
of recent.”
Andrew Perzigian will finish his training in Traditional Chinese
Medicine in December and is getting anxious and a little nervous
to graduate. He writes: “What next, I don’t know. Working through
school makes me want to curl up in the fetal position and suck my
thumb for a few months (or years). Fortunately, I have a place where I
can do that. My life of plywood-floor sleeping and burrito engorgement
is past. The remodel has been mostly done since the new year and it
is so nice to have nothing much on that front to worry about. Lately,
though, I have been preparing for my California board exams and have
already been taking my national exams (less stringent requirements
than California).
Holly Quaglia writes: “Things have been busy, but life would be
dreadfully boring any other way. Malachi just turned three in August
and on tax-day this April, my husband, Jacob, and I welcomed our
second wee one to the family, a stunning red-head we named Saoirse
Anne. Saoirse is Gaelic for ‘freedom/victory,’ and Anne means ‘Grace,’
but really, I couldn’t pass up naming my first ginger-girl after the everfamous redhead Anne of Green Gables. I left the full-time grind of
working in an office in early July, transitioning to working from home
as mother, business entrepreneur, and pilates instructor. Jacob has
been the stay-at-home dad the past three years, while also finishing up
his bachelor’s degree and investing in real estate. It’s really a blessing
and luxury to both work from home and enjoy being with our children
as they grow. Parenthood was never on my ‘life’s plan’ but it’s been a
surprisingly fantastic adventure.”
Melissa Remotti is approaching nine years at California State
University Channel Islands and loves working in the president’s office
and teaching classes here and there. Her big news is that she finally got
her motorcycle license after thinking about it for years! She also is in the
process of building her reiki practice and she volunteers at St. John’s
Regional Hospital and Medical Center as a reiki practitioner in the
cancer center and a baby cuddler in the NICU. When she’s not working
or volunteering, she plays super auntie to her three little nephews and
one niece. Melissa is looking forward to getting back east to visit all of
her Hartwick friends soon!
Tara (Hoffman) and Joe Savage are STILL living in Bangkok,
Thailand! They write: “We are approaching our eighth year here!
We are doing well and enjoying our time in Asia. Our son, Joe-Joe,
is turning four this year, and we welcomed our second child in May,
a lovely daughter named Jade. Joe is working at a great international
school. Tara is enjoying a new change of pace as a stay at home Mom!
We’ve enjoyed many travels—including trips to the U.S., Australia, and
Singapore. Of course, many Thailand beach visits, too. (How can you
not love Thai beaches?) We also purchased lakefront property (with a
small pebble beach) on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes of New York.
We are super excited to start building a home on this property! And
yes, this means that we plan to move back to the U.S. some day …”
Eric Shoen had an amazing time singing in Prague with Hartwick
students and alumni this summer. He loved hanging out with Mat
Cantore ’97 and Brianne Sifert ’02 in Prague and meeting so many
alumni from other generations.
Marian Telpha celebrated the birth of her son Triston Taylor on July
19. He was 8 pounds, 3 ounces. He has two older sisters and one older
brother. She writes: “I’m very happy and my family is complete. I also
wanted to mention that after 10 years of being a critical care nurse, I’m
testing the waters of being a school nurse. Wish me luck!”
Mike Tomasso announces the birth of his first child! Maxwell Lewis
Tomasso was born on May 12. Mike writes: “He’s a happy, healthy kid
who has brought joy to us all. I spent the summer showing him off to
everyone—to friends and family in RI, MA, NY, and OH. He’s already
a seasoned traveler. I’m now in my eighth year teaching middle-school
English and life just keeps on rolling. I’m looking forward to taking
Max to Hartwick (in a few years, of course).”
2000
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Kristin Hall, [email protected]
Hi all! Things have been busy up in Bangor. I bought a house at the
end of June, moved in a couple of weeks later, and have been trying to
balance working full time with a seemingly infinite number of projects
for getting this place fixed up the way I would like it. Work is busy, but
good. Being on a trauma service that covers northern Maine, I see some
very strange stuff. In short, life is busy but good right now. Don’t forget
to send me your updates!
Courtney Jurbala wirtes: “We welcomed Leo Michael Jurbala into the
world on July 26. He completes our family of four (we have a proud big
sister on our hands).”
Jennifer Wilson writes: “Still trying to start a family, which is fun and
frustrating. Cut 13 inches from my hair and donated it to kids with
cancer. Not looking forward to the snow, but each day is a gift!”
Jenn Vennesland Persson is still living in Cary, NC, and working at
the SAS Institute Inc. She and her husband, Kenny, have been enjoying
their second child, Alana, while trying to keep up with their toddler,
Shane. Jenn is working on her dissertation and hopes to finish her
Ph.D. in the coming year. They have sold their home and are house
hunting for something that will fit their growing family.
2001
Andy Sambrook and Janis Sambrook (Sullivan) ’00 welcomed
daughter Mia Kathryn on February 22.
Faust Checho recently wrapped production on the horror film Six
Degrees Of Hell. He played Chief Hansen. His feature The Fields, which
he produced and acted in, made its world premiere September 24 at the
Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.
2002 | 10th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Meredith Robbins, [email protected]
Erin Dougherty (Davis) and Colin celebrated their seventh wedding
anniversary on May 27. The next day, three weeks early, they welcomed
their son, Odin Baer Dougherty. “He’s beautiful and we are so excited
to be new parents. We’re all healthy and well at home.”
2003
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Erin Rowe, [email protected]
2004
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Bry Anderson, [email protected]
Alexis Mays-Fields continues to work as an Inclusion Specialist in
Washington, DC. She recently celebrated two years of marriage with
her husband, Nate.
Paulina (Melechkina) and Alan Bitar welcomed their first baby,
a beautiful daughter, Alisa, on July 10. They are still in Ithaca, NY,
working at Cornell.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 45
In Memoriam
2005
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Edwin Siegfried, [email protected]
2006
Send your updates to your class correspondents:
Brian Knox, [email protected], or
Florence Alila, [email protected]
Adam Wood earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine from the New
York College of Osteopathic Medicine in May. He spent an additional
year as a pre-doctoral academic medicine fellow in anatomy and
pathology, earning a master’s in neuromusculoskeletal sciences. He is a
resident physician in anatomic and clinical pathology at Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, MN. He married Christine Putnam on June 3 in Rome, NY.
1937
| Doris N. Rockefeller, 94, of St. Johnsville, NY, died
July 6. She received her Hartwick degree in teaching and began her
career as an English teacher. She received a bachelor’s degree in
library sciences from the University at Albany and in 1944 became
the librarian at the Margaret Reaney Memorial Library. She was
predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Leslie; brother Donald;
and a granddaughter. Survivors include her sister; son Carl and his
wife, Denise; daughter Beth Close and her husband, Sterling; 10
grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Meghan George lives in North Java, NY, and completed her master’s
in physics education from Buffalo State. On May 30, she “gave birth to
a beautiful baby girl named Lily Marie who keeps me very busy, but I
love every moment of it!”
1939 | Daniel S. Dickinson Sr., of Binghamton, NY, died
September 2. He received his Hartwick degree in English and
Biology, and began his career as a reporter and photographer for
the Binghamton Press. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942,
earning his pilot’s wings eight months later. He served in the ChinaBurma-India Theater. He married Melba Louise Dunn in 1945.
After leaving the Army, he graduated from Albany Law School and
worked for Jenks and Gleason law firm in Whitney Point, NY, where
he was named partner in 1953. He was elected to the New York
State Assembly in 1954 and was appointed New York State Family
Court Judge in 1965. He retired from the bench in 1985. He is
survived by his wife of 65 years, four children, 12 grandchildren, and
six great-grandchildren.
2010
1940
2007 | 5th reunion
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Sara Caldwell, [email protected]
2008
Send your updates to your class correspondent:
Wyatt Uhlein, [email protected]
2011
Christopher Soto is a cost accountant at MeadWestvaco and plays for
the Oneonta Redbirds in the Cooperstown Leatherstocking League.
Scholar to Doctor
Last issue’s John Christopher Hartwick alumni in science list was
incomplete by two:
Dr. Adam J. Wood ’05 > JCH Scholar’05 > B.S. in Biochemistry
’06 > D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and M.S. in
Neuromusculoskeletal Sciences from the New York College of
Osteopathic Medicine ’11 > Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Resident
at Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in Minnesota (Mayo
Clinic) 2011-15
Dr. Lindsey (Sposito) Casey ’04 > JCH Scholar ’03 > Master’s in
Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Massachusetts
Amherst ’07 > Doctor of Nursing Practice, UMASS Amherst ’09 >
Nurse Practitioner, Hampden County Cardiovascular Associates in
Holyoke, Ma.
After graduating from Hartwick, he received his master’s degree
from Albany State College and his certification in secondary
administration from Colgate University. He was director of the
Oneida City Schools guidance department for 38 years before
retiring in 1978. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the
Army in the Pacific Theatre. He is survived by wife Doris, one son,
three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
1943 | Shirley K. Pickering, of Unadilla, NY, died June
27. She worked as executive secretary for IBM in Endicott, NY.
She married Donald H. Pickering ’43 in 1945 and taught in
the Unadilla and Unatego school districts until her retirement in
1979. Survivors include daughters Marlene Graham and Kathryn
Coffman; husband David; son Scott and his wife, Marcy; three
granddaughters; seven grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Donald.
1944 | Niles L. Grover, of Weatherly, PA, died August 29.
He was a veteran of World War II, flying more than 40 missions in
the Pacific Theatre as a B-24 aircraft squadron commander with the
Army. He is survived by his wife, Birte.
1949
CLASS NOTES DEADLINE
Submit your Class Notes for the next Wick by January 15, 2012.
Send your news to [email protected] or the class
correspondent listed under your class year. Please understand that
we may have to edit your Class Notes for length.
46 | The Wick | Fall 2011
| George R. Winne Sr., of Oneida, NY, died July 19.
| Richard A. Kraham, of Chatham, NY, died September
13. He received his M.A. from the University of Buffalo and taught
history in the Chatham school district. He served as the district’s
high school principal until 1978 and later served on the school
board. He was noted for his baseball skills and was assigned to
the Brooklyn Dodgers’ farm team in the 1940s. He was a World
War II veteran, flying over Nazi-held Europe, and was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. He is survived by wife Jane,
five children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
1950 | Don Corey, of Sanborn, NY, died June 13. He received
his master’s in administrative medicine from Columbia University and
began his career as associate director of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical
Center and later served as president and CEO until his retirement.
He served with the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, one son, three daughters, seven
grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
1952 | Coralie Cookenham, of Rochester, NY, died August 28.
She married Walter Cookenham in 1959 and was a teacher in Clinton
Central Schools. She is survived by her children and their spouses:
Melanie and Mike Savidis, Tres Cookenham, and Cynthia ’90 and John
Glenn; and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband.
1953
| Philip M. Carter, of Lagrangeville, NY, died August 23. In
1958
| Robert W. More, of Las Vegas, NV, died May 23. He
addition to his Hartwick degree, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy.
He was employed by IBM until his retirement in 1990. He is survived
by three children and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by
longtime friend and companion Betty McDill.
served in the Navy during the Korean War and was a retired vice
president with Xerox. He is survived by wife Lila, two daughters, and
three grandsons. He was predeceased by son Scott.
1959 | Florence A. Christoph, of Selkirk, NY, died July 4. She
received her Hartwick degree in mathematics and married Peter R.
Christoph ’60 the same year. Florence taught mathematics for two
years before choosing her new career as homemaker and mother. She
began a career as a professional genealogist, eventually writing and
editing many and multi-volume genealogies. Her final project was
an illustrated timeline of the history of the congregation, America,
and Lutheranism, which is displayed in the Hartwick Lounge. She is
survived by her husband, two sons, a daughter, and a granddaughter.
1961
| Asa W. Sprague, of Saratoga Springs, NY, died April
12. A reverend with the United Methodist Church, he graduated
from Excelsior College, The United Theological College, and McGill
University. He was president of The Back-Up Corporation and was
an adjunct professor of religion, grief education, and technology and
media utilization. He and his wife directed children’s camps at Skye
Farm Camps. Prior to entering the ministry, Sprague taught music and
humanities in New York. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; six children;
and many grandchildren.
1987
| Monica A. Knoll, of New York, NY, died June 20. She was
founder and executive director of CANCER101, a planner designed
to empower patients and their caregivers to fight the disease from the
moment of diagnosis. She created the planner after being diagnosed with
breast cancer in 2000 and ovarian cancer in 2006.
1990 | Todd P. Griffin, of West Palm Beach, FL, died August 2.
He received his MBA from Syracuse University and worked for NBT
Bank, Herkimer County Trust Company, Innovative Communication
Corporation, and TP Griffin Consulting. He is survived by his wife,
Patricia Griffin ’89; and children Emily, Nick, Quinn, and Kate.
1999 | Noah Alexander Henry followed Alice through the looking
glass on April 19, 2011. Contributions in his memory may be made
to The Noah Henry Children’s Literature Fund in Stevens-German
Library, attn: Paul Coleman, Hartwick College Librarian.
2003
| Justin Iudiciani, of Lynn, MA, died September 3, following
a courageous battle with cancer. He graduated from Hartwick with
honors, was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, and played French horn and
composed music. He was affiliated with the Boston chapter of Spinal
Cord Association. He is survived by his parents, Nicola and Georgia;
two brothers, Nicholas and Marc; and his maternal grandmother.
Former Faculty
| Robert Troute, of Mesa, AZ, died February
12, 2009. He taught economics and related business courses at
Hartwick after beginning his career at the University of Denver
and SUNY Fredonia. He later became controller for Wilber Bank
in Oneonta. Survivors include wife Marjorie, son Ralph, daughter
Dorothy, and two grandchildren.
Friend | Mariann Lehmann, of West Oneonta, NY, died August
20. She attended Dickinson College and worked in education and at
Landis Valley Farm Museum, as well as with various museums and
nonprofit organizations. She retired from education in 1999. She is
survived by husband Laurence A. Lehmann, two children, two stepsons,
one grandson, and one step-grandson, as well as sister-in-law Linda
Smith ’01 and nephew Chad Smith.
Parent
| David J. Bomysoad, of Binghamton, NY, died August 9.
He is survived by two daughters, including Mandi Bomysoad ’15.
Parent
| John F. Wronkoski, of Salisbury Center, NY, died August
5. He was predeceased by his son, Simon. He is survived by his wife,
Rose, and four children, including Benjamin Wronkoski ’11.
Correction
Apologies to the family of Dylan Semenenko Clark ’09 for the errors
that appeared in “In Memoriam” in the Summer 2011 issue of The
Wick. The correct version appears below, with our deepest sympathy to
Dylan’s family and friends.
2009 | Dylan Semenenko Clark died on June 5, 2011. He is
the dearly loved son of Christine Semenenko and Anthony Eastburn
Clark. Dylan also is survived by his cousin Nathan and his aunt and
uncle, Galen and Michael Weiser. He graduated from The Winston
Preparatory School in 2004 and from Hartwick College in 2009.
During the past two years, he has worked for the artist Richard
Friedberg. Dylan’s passion was for all things metal: both in sculpture
and music. One of his works, The Tusk, stands on the main campus
facing Anderson Center for the Arts. Dylan majored in Studio Art and
was a member of the Alpha Delta Omega fraternity. While Dylan was
a student, he and his family created The Fund for Excellence in Art and
Art History in support of Hartwick students and their talents in the fine
arts. He leaves behind many who will miss him so much: family, friends,
professors, and brothers. May he live on in our hearts and memories for
his kindness, generosity, humor, and creative vision, and may he always
be with us in spirit.
Fall 2011 | The Wick | 47
Flashback
1986
1983
What’s
the story?
Share your stories about
these photos or any aspect of
Homecoming events in the 80s.
Send identifications and memories of this or
similar events to [email protected] or
Editor, The Wick, Hartwick College,
PO Box 4020, Oneonta, NY 13820
48 | The Wick | Fall 2011
Nursing alumnae wrote in to share their
memories of the Capping Ceremony and Miss
Lacey’s Girls.
Margaret Thomas Campbell ’54 told the story
of the candles seen in last issue’s photo:
“The candles do indeed symbolize Florence
Nightingale. After the caps were bestowed upon
our heads, the candles were lit and we recited the Nightingale Pledge. … Our
caps were quite important. Every nursing school had their own distinctive
cap and we could identity where a nurse trained. We wore them with pride.
At Commencement, we were given a blue velvet ribbon to put on the cap,
signifying we had graduated. (That set us apart from the newbies just starting
their clinical).”
Eleanor Peppmuller ’50 also shared a story about the kindness and
dedication of Hartwick nurses: “The head of the English department was
driving his car in the rain when it suddenly went into a skid. … his daughter
was killed on impact. … The professor was critically injured and the local
hospital said that for a while he would require a private nurse 24 hours a
day. The nurses serving their internships at Bassett in Cooperstown offered
to cover the night shifts at no cost. Each nurse took a shift. Thanks to their
help, the processor recovered completely. This incident could well have
included the very nurses pictured.”
50 Years, 50 Gifts
“In our lifetime, we didn’t have much discretionary income.
But we have always given to Hartwick. Hartwick gave us so
much—hundreds of people that have made our lives so special—
we wanted to give back. It’s just part of what we do.”
During their time at the College, the Browns
formed a special bond with many Hartwick
students, including one in particular—
Col. Michael C. Doherty ’73 (U.S. Army-ret.).
When Mike married his late wife, Alison, Don
was best man in the wedding—“skewing the
age of everyone else in it,” he says. It’s a
friendship that has lasted to this day.
It’s December 1957. Hartwick students sing All Shook Up as they dress for dinner—ties and coats for
the men, stockings and skirts for the ladies. No exceptions. As they enjoy dinner, students chat about
the quiz in Dr. van Ess’s class, watching The Bridge on the River Kwai, the US’s attempt to launch a
satellite, and, of course, who has a date for the Christmas Ball.
That Christmas Ball was the very beginning for Don ’60 and Diane (Green) Brown ’60—their
first date. Two years later, just before the same dance, Don asked Diane to marry him in the kitchen
of the Zeta Tau Alpha house. She said yes. Since then, Hartwick has been an essential part of the
tapestry of the Brown’s life together. It has provided the base from which they have woven a fulfilling,
happy life—a life serving Hartwick’s students as a dedicated employee, as volunteers, and as donors to
the College.
Shortly after graduation, Don came to Hartwick as alumni director, transitioning to external affairs,
and eventually becoming dean of students. And through his tenure of 32 years as an employee, to
their 19 years since then as volunteers, he and Diane gave. Every year, for the past 50 years, they have
made an annual gift to Hartwick. Because of Don’s position at the College, he and Diane were able
see first-hand where their donations went. His time working for the College, most notably his time
working with students, demonstrated to him and Diane how critical giving was to the experience of
the students.
The Browns have given, and continue to give, for one simple reason: The essence of Hartwick remains
the same. Although today there may be new buildings, new faces, and no dinner dress codes, Hartwick
is still where students are challenged. Where they develop lifelong relationships, make big plans, laugh,
experiment, and where they learn. It is still the place where everyone says hello, where the President
(despite a busy schedule) stops and listens when a student speaks—where everyone is part of the
community. Through their generosity, Don and Diane Brown have ensured it has remained that way.
The couple’s
connection ...
They met at Hartwick and have
celebrated 50 years together as a
married couple. They have celebrated
their 50th reunion. And, they have
marked 50 years of gifts made as
their way to say thank you to their
alma mater. Stop for a moment and
consider your connection to Hartwick
College. Reflect on your life at this
moment and how Hartwick is part of
your story. Your time at Hartwick was
unique. It was what you made it, and it
helped shape who you are today. It is a
connection you can foster for students
for years to come ...
For information on how you can
support Hartwick College, contact
Vice President for College Advancement
Jim Broschart at 607-431-4026 or
[email protected].
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HARTWICK
COLLEGE
Office of College Advancement
PO Box 4020
Oneonta, New York 13820 USA
www.hartwick.edu
Check out Hartwick’s new admissions
mobile app for iPhones and Androids
Oyaron Hill in all its fall glory—just one of the irresistible draws for alumni each Homecoming Weekend.

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