C H A I R I N T E R F A I T H
Spring 2012
Going Mobile. Getting Social.
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connectionS Nazareth College
Naz Nazstays staysahead aheadofof the thesocial socialmedia mediacurve. curve.
at Nazareth College Arts Center Parsons Dance Saturday, May 5, 8 p.m. Pre-performance lecture: 7 p.m. Nazareth College Arts Center welcomes Parsons Dance, an internationally renowned contemporary company known for creating American works of extraordinary artistry. The company’s performance at Nazareth will feature Caught, David Parsons’s unforgettable signature stroboscopic tour-de-force.
Sponsored by Alan Cameros, Susan S. Collier, Ph.D., Helga and Paul Morgan, Mr. George Scharr and Dr. Linda Rice, David and Marjorie Perlman
Series sponors: photo: Lois Greenfield
Nazareth College Arts Center
Dance Festival July 14-21, 2012 Highlights • Two distinct performances by the iconic Martha Graham Dance Company, known worldwide for their unique, classic/ contemporary American repertoire.
Kenneth Topping and Katherine Crockett in Martha Graham’s Circe photo: John Deane copyright: John Deane
• Intimate studio performances of Electric Midwife; modern, experimental work by two-time 2011 Bessie Award winner Beth Gill. • An encore performance by Buffalo’s popular, “organically athletic” LehrerDance. Enjoy fluid modern movement with the energy of jazz dance. • A special performance by Chicago’s acclaimed Luna Negra Dance Theater: Latino choreographers blend Latin and Afro-Caribbean energy, ballet-based discipline, and contemporary movement.
For tickets, call 585-389-2170 or visit artscenter.naz.edu Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days.
LehrerDance
Thanks to our Dance Festival sponsors:
^ Beth Gill’s Electric Midwife
photo: Julieta Cervantes/ The New York Times/Redux
Luna Negra photo: Cheryl Mann
Editor Robyn A. Rime Assistant Director, Publications and Creative Services Regular Contributors Donna Borgus ’13G Kerry Gotham ’98 Julie Long Alicia Nestle Joe Seil Sofia Tokar Additional Contributors Jillian S. Ambroz Poonam Dev Robin L. Flanigan Alan Gelb Amy Gallo ’13 Susan Chekow Lusignan ’10G
ConneCtionS Nazareth College
Volume 24, Number 1
connectionS Spring 2012
Going Mobile. Getting Social.
Printing Cohber Press Director of Alumni Relations Kerry Gotham ’98
Naz Nazstays staysahead aheadofof the thesocial socialmedia mediacurve. curve. ABOUT OUR COVER Photograph by Alex Shukoff
A new mobile site helps Nazareth reach its increasingly tech-savvy audience.
Vice President, Institutional Advancement Kelly E. Gagan Nazareth College President Daan Braveman, J.D. We welcome comments from our readers, articles and essays, and class notes. All mail should be directed to one of the offices below, and sent to: Nazareth College 4245 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14618-3790 Comments/story suggestions: Marketing and Communications—Publications email: rrime7@naz.edu 585-389-5098 Name/address corrections: Office of Development email: pwagner6@naz.edu 585-389-2415 Class notes or comments: Office of Alumni Relations email: ashaw6@naz.edu 585-389-2472 Please note that Connections is produced approximately four months in advance of when it is received by readers. Letters and class notes received after production has begun will be included in the next issue of the magazine. All accepted text is subject to editing.
Main College switchboard: 585-389-2525 www.naz.edu
TA B L E O F C O NT E NT S
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Photographer Alex Shukoff
Design Boehm Marketing Communications
S prin g 2 0 1 2
Nazareth College
The Classes Ashley Shaw ’13G
Contributing Photographers Kurt Brownell Greg Francis Jamie Germanow James Schnepf
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News and Views
The latest news from the Nazareth campus.
14 Athletics Ultimate Frisbee; hockey update; soccer player Amanda Sudore ’13. 20 Nazareth Heritage Nazareth archives opens in new location. 22 Beyond Self LifePrep@Naz offers new opportunities for developmentally disabled. 24 Life of the Mind Professor Poonam Dev lists children’s books addressing disabilities. 26 Interfaith Ideas Nazareth announces new chair for interfaith studies. 28 Nazareth in the World Winners of the CIE International Photo Competition. 34 Cover Story: Going Mobile. Getting Social. The global social media phenomenon is influencing how colleges attract prospective students and engage their alumni. Connections explores Nazareth’s social media outreach. 40 Alumni News Johnny Cummings ’05 music video; eclipse chaser Alicia Lamphron ’70; alumni admissions program. 52 Class Notes 58 The Archive
Copyright © 2012 by Nazareth College. Photographs and artwork copyright by their respective creators or by Nazareth College. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reused or republished in any form without express written permission. Nazareth College Mission and Vision Statements The mission of Nazareth College is to provide a learning community that educates students in the liberal arts, sciences, visual and performing arts, and professional fields, fostering commitment to a life informed by intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and aesthetic values; to develop skills necessary for the pursuit of meaningful careers; and to inspire dedication to the ideal of service to their communities. Nazareth seeks students who want to make a difference in their own world and the world around them, and encourages them to develop the understanding, commitment, and confidence to lead fully informed and actively engaged lives. The vision of Nazareth College is to be nationally and internationally recognized as a comprehensive educational institution which provides its students with transformational experiences and integrates liberal arts, sciences, visual and performing arts, and professional education at the undergraduate and graduate levels and which places special value on student success, diversity, inclusion, civic engagement, and making a difference in local and global communities. Statement on Respect and Diversity We, the Nazareth community, embrace both respect for the person and freedom of speech. The College promotes civility and denounces acts of hatred or intolerance. The free exchange of ideas is possible only when concepts, values, and viewpoints can be expressed and challenged in a manner that is neither threatening nor demeaning. It is the policy of Nazareth College, in keeping with its efforts to foster a community in which the diversity of all members is respected, not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, marital or veteran status, disability, carrier status, genetic predisposition, or any other protected status. Respect for the dignity of all peoples is an essential part of the College’s tradition and mission, and its vision for the future. CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012 3
President’s | letter
Dear Nazareth friends,
A “ Nazareth College has an annual economic impact of $175 million dollars, or approximately $58,000 per student.”
s you well know, in the past few years, there has been increased discussion about ways to stimulate the economy in upstate New York. An essential part of the discussion should be a focus on higher education, which is a major economic driver in this region. As large companies have downsized in the recent past, the Rochester region has come to recognize the significant economic contributions made by the colleges and universities. Indeed, the higher education industry now may be the region’s principal economic engine. Within an hour or so of downtown Rochester, there are 19 colleges and universities that have more than 80,000 students. The Council of Independent Colleges and Universities, which is comprised of the private schools in New York, recently completed a study of the economic impact of the private colleges and universities in the state. It found that the private institutions in the Rochester area (including the UR Medical Center) have an annual economic impact of $4.1 billion per year. The University of Rochester, RIT, St. John Fisher, Roberts Wesleyan, and Nazareth employ 38,500 people and have an annual payroll of $1.5 billion. It is estimated, for example, that Nazareth College has an annual economic impact of $175 million dollars, or approximately $58,000 per student. This includes the amount we spend directly as well as our construction spending and the indirect spillover spending (e.g., students renting apartments, shopping in stores, and eating in restaurants; parents visiting and staying in hotels; patrons at the Arts Center; sports teams coming from other areas; etc.). The colleges also continue to grow and bring to this region faculty and staff, who make the Rochester area their home; 61 percent of Nazareth’s alumni stay in Rochester, and 78 percent stay in New York State. Unlike other businesses, we obviously cannot relocate and we are permanently part of the community. Finally, Nazareth does not have the “brain drain” experienced by other schools. We attract students from throughout New York and elsewhere but a large majority stay in this area after graduation. They find jobs through their internships, field placements, and student teaching. It is well known that the colleges contribute to the academic and cultural well being of the community. It is equally important that people understand that we contribute to the economic well being as well. Any economic plan for this region must include higher education, and I have urged our local leaders to market Rochester as a college town. Sincerely,
Daan Braveman Read more from the perspective of President Braveman on his blog at http://naz.typepad.com/braveman.
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Faculty Activities Brian Bailey ’01G (Adolescence Education) published “‘When I Make a Film, It’s Out of My Head’: Expressing Emotions and Healing through Digital Filmmaking in the Classroom,” Digital Culture and Education, July 2011. Rachel Bailey-Jones (Social and Psychological Foundations of Education) published Postcolonial Representations of Women: Critical Issues in Education, Springer Publishing, July 2011. Daniel Birmajer (Mathematics) is a visiting mathematics scholar at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina. Mary Kay Bradley (Communication Sciences and Disorders) presented “Play-Based Preschool Speech-Language Screenings” at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Annual Convention, San Diego. Paula Brown (Communications Sciences and Disorders) made two presentations at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Annual Convention, San Diego: “Applying for Personnel Preparation Grants from the Department of Education” and “Preparing SLPs: Can We Improve Services to Children with CIs?” Rui Cheng (Language, Literacy, and Technology Education) co-authored “Language Anxiety: Experiences of Chinese Graduate Students at US Higher Institutions,” Journal of Studies in International Education, Summer 2011. Stephen Demanchick (Creative Arts Therapy) was named co-editor of the PersonCentered Journal. Poonam Dev (Social and Psychological Foundations of Education) and E. M. Cannon ’08, ’11G presented “Stereotype Busters: Children’s Literature Featuring Individuals with Disabilities,” Eleventh International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities, and Nations, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. She also presented “Using Social Stories for All Students: Bridging the Special-General Education Divide” at the Ninth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities, University of Granada, Spain.
www.naz.edu
Construction of Gender, by Lynn Duggan
Lynn Duggan (Art) exhibited in The Wichita National All Media Craft Exhibition at the Witchita Center for the Arts. Lisa Durant-Jones (Communication Sciences and Disorders) presented “Can We Just Get Along? Supervisory Process Across the Generations” at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Convention. Staffan Elgelid (Physical Therapy) presented “A Modification of Sackett’s Model for Evidence Based Medicine Based on the Acuteness of the Patient’s Condition” at the World Congress of Physical Therapy in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Together with Mary Ellen Vore (Physical Therapy) he published “The Impact of a 10 Week Program on Lifestyles of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis,” International Journal of MS Care, 2011. Shanna Jamanis (Inclusive Childhood Education) presented “Essential Functions: Articulating the Implicit Elements that Define an Effective Inclusive Educator in Teacher Education Programs” at the International Association of Special Education Conference in Windhoek, Namibia. Nicole Juersivich (Mathematics) co-authored “Enhancing Lesson Planning and Classroom Quality of Life: A Study of Mathematics Student Teachers’ Use of Technology” in the Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, and co-wrote and presented “Preparing Mathematics Teachers to Use Technology: Following Our Students” at the National Educational Computing Conference. Susan Kwiatkowski (Communication Sciences and Disorders) presented “Teaching Refugee Children: We Learned More Than We Taught” at the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association Annual Convention. Mary Dahl Maher (Nursing) co-presented “Global Healthcare: From Practical Placement to Double Degree” at the European Association for International Education 23rd Annual Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Cindy McPhail (Language, Literacy, and Technology) was named a U.S. State Department English Teaching Specialist to Moldova, where she presented workshops on “Benefits
of and Techniques for Increasing Opportunities for Student Interaction in the ELT Class” throughout the country. Merideth Rao ’92G (Communication Sciences and Disorders) and Beverly Brown (Biology) presented “Co-Treatment with Horticultural Therapy and Aphasia” at the American Horticultural Therapy Association annual conference in Asheville, NC. Jeanine Seguin Santelli (Nursing) received the 2011 Founders Service Award from the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG). Muhammad Shafiq (Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue) presented “Madrassah System in Pakistan” at a conference of the training of the Imams and “Etiquette of Interfaith Dialogue” at an interfaith conference, both in Niger, Africa. Dawn Vogler-Elias (Communications Sciences and Disorders) presented “Designing a Shared Storybook Reading Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” and “A Family-Centered Protocol for Autism Disclosure: Clinician Perspectives” at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual convention in San Diego. Monica Weis ’65 (English) presented “Loving Creation Around Us: Thomas Merton’s Spiritual Legacy” at The Catholic School of Theology in Veszprém, Hungary.
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Board of Trustees Appoints New Chair
azareth College is pleased to announce that James A. Costanza is the new chair of the board of trustees. Costanza is president and managing partner of Costanza Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned and operated real estate management and asset firm engaged primarily in owning and managing residential and commercial rental properties. Costanza Enterprises, Inc., has contributed to the residential renaissance of downtown Rochester by redeveloping the historic Temple Building. Costanza has served on the board of trustees since 2004, serving on the investment committee prior to that as a non-trustee member. His wife, Andrea Rivoli Costanza ’85, served as the board’s alumna trustee from 2001 to 2004. Together with his wife and Thomas C. Wilmot Sr., he served as the co-chair for the nucleus fund committee of Nazareth’s Campaign for College and Community. Costanza is also a member of the Rochester Downtown Development Corp. Executive Committee, the Downtown Enhancement District, Rochester Economic Development, and the Midtown Advisory Committee. Former board of trustees chair Judy Wilmot Linehan ’76 passes the gavel to new chair James A. Costanza.
Nazareth Named Top Producer of Fulbrights
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record-breaking number of five U.S. Junior Fulbright award recipients from Nazareth College has placed the institution in the number three spot (in the Master’s Institutions category) of the Chronicle of Higher Education’s Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students 2011–12 list. Nazareth was tied for third with the Monterey Institute for International Studies and Truman State University. “The Fulbright program is an important part of a long-standing tradition of academic excellence at Nazareth College,” says President Daan Braveman. “The number of Fulbright awards granted to Nazareth students puts us on par with the top colleges of our size in the country. We are very proud of the members of our College who have taken part in the Fulbright program.” “Every year, it is such a pleasure to work with the Fulbright candidates,” said Mark Madigan, Ph.D., professor of English and Fulbright program advisor. “But I’d also like to recognize the Fulbright Campus Committee. The Fulbright application process is intense and the applicants rely on the committee, which is made up of four additional Nazareth professors, to help them review and rework their essays and applications. The committee volunteers countless hours to the process,
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and we are so grateful to them for their commitment to Nazareth’s Fulbright program.” The additional members of the 2011–12 Fulbright Campus Committee were Professor and Chair of Philosophy Scott Campbell, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Spanish Hilda Chacon, Ph.D.; Professor of Mathematics Heather Lewis, Ph.D.; and Professor of English Joseph Viera, Ph.D. The 2011–12 Junior Fulbright recipients were Jeri Beckens ’11 of Sodus, N.Y.; Alyssa Pantano ’11 of Amherst, N.Y.; Amanda Poppe ’11 of Jordan, N.Y.; Amber Powers ’11G of Webster, N.Y.; and Daniel Simmons ’11 of Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. In the last five years, 12 Fulbrights have been awarded to Nazareth College students. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright program’s objective is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world. Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program is America’s flagship international education exchange. Approximately 279,500 “Fulbrights,” 105,400 from the United States and 174,100 from other countries, have participated in the program since its inception more than fifty years ago.
www.naz.edu www.naz.edu
Get Out
the Vote by Amy Gallo ’13
Benjamin Pate ’12 and Jesse McGuire ’12, Nazareth’s Election Fellows
Jesse McGuire ’12 and Benjamin Pate ’12 spent fall semester on a mission: to engage college students in the political process in a way they had never been invited to before. As Nazareth’s first-ever Election Fellows, the two senior political science majors worked for months to recruit 34 fellow classmates to give back to their communities by volunteering as election inspectors at the polls this past November. The Election Fellows Program, funded by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), was created after the passage of the Help America Vote Act College Program in 2002. The program selects two Election Fellows from each participating college to recruit students to work the polls on Election Day in November. The University of Rochester was one of 15 sites awarded a grant by the EAC in 2010, and they invited other area colleges including St. John Fisher College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Monroe Community College, and Nazareth College to participate as well. Nazareth’s Election Fellows received advanced training in leadership, civic engagement, and the technical components of the election process. McGuire and Pate were Nazareth’s ambassadors to the program this past year, passionately promoting both youth involvement in the political process and service to the greater community. “College students are disenchanted with the political process,” says Pate. However, “this can be changed,” McGuire adds, “by not just voting, but by taking one’s civic responsibility to the
next level: serving others by becoming an election inspector.” Tom Ferrarese, the Democratic Commissioner for the Monroe County Board of Elections, agrees with the Fellows’ sentiments. “This program is invaluable,” says Ferrarese. “If 18- to 24-year-olds increased their voting participation by 20 to 30%, they would be the biggest voting block at the polls.” He wants to encourage students to utilize their voting power, as relevant issues, such as student loan programs, are being debated at the state and local levels. Moreover, both Ferrarese and Republican Commissioner Peter Quinn think that the value of student political power in the role of election inspector is important as well. “There are great benefits to having different aged poll workers. It’s a win-win for both the students and the Board of Elections,” says Quinn. Ferrarese confidently agrees, claiming that “those who participate in this program will be just as knowledgeable and capable as any other poll worker.” The Nazareth Election Fellows made sure of that. McGuire and Pate created an engaging program for student election inspectors so they could gain the most from their behindthe-scenes look at the political process in action. With the inclusion of a workshop held shortly after election day that allowed students to reflect on and discuss their experiences in the context of both politics and community service, the student poll inspectors felt the program was a positive experience. McGuire and Pate also encouraged the
participation of voters from both political parties, something they exemplified in their own pairing: McGuire is a registered Republican and Pate a registered Democrat. While the program is geared toward youth involvement in the political process, McGuire and Pate believe that the community service aspect is what motivated Nazareth students to participate in the program. At a school that emphasizes the importance of giving back to others, the Election Fellows Program has provided students not only with a behindthe-scenes look at how politics work, but also a great opportunity to have a direct impact on the authenticity of the voting process—a great service to any community. “The students will be on the front line,” said Pate prior to election day. “As election inspectors they will ensure that the electoral process is executed with integrity and honesty. Their oversight ensures the legitimacy of the electoral results, and the process as a whole.” Read about Nazareth’s political science department at go.naz.edu/poli-sci. Amy Gallo ’13 is a sociology major at Nazareth.
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NYS Board of Regents Appoints DaBoll-Lavoie as Representative Nazareth College’s Kathleen DaBoll-Lavoie, Ph.D., professor and chair in inclusive childhood education, has been appointed by the Board of Regents to serve as one of the higher education representatives on the New York State Professional Standards and Practices Board. DaBoll-Lavoie was recommended for this position by the deputy commissioner of the New York State Education Department. DaBoll-Lavoie has a bachelor’s in history, art history, and secondary education from the State University of New York College at Potsdam; a master’s of education in secondary education from the State University of New York University Center at Binghamton; and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Syracuse University. She began her career in education as a high school social studies teacher at South Jefferson Central School and Lowville Academy. Prior to her tenure at Nazareth, DaBoll-Lavoie taught at Syracuse University. DaBoll-Lavoie is president of the New York Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and serves on the Teacher Education Advisory Group to the New York State Education Department. She is past president of the New York State Association of Teacher Educators and was a member of the New York State Higher Education Task Force on Quality Inclusive Schooling/New York State Partnership
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for Statewide Systems Change 2000. She was also a member of the planning group for “Building a New York State P-16 Educational Quality Information System.” She was an invited member of the New York State Teacher Standards Development Working Group and currently serves on the New York Assessments for Initial Teacher and School Building Leader Certification Work Group. DaBoll-Lavoie has presented extensively at state and national conferences; her work has focused on the development of inclusive teacher education programs, school/college partnerships, and assessment. The State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching was established in 1998 by the New York State Board of Regents to advise the Regents and the Commissioner of Education on matters related to teaching in New York State. The board is composed of 28 members and includes K-12 teachers and administrators, higher education representatives, public representatives, and one teacher education student. Members serve four-year staggered terms, with the exception of the teacher education student, who serves one two-year term as a non-voting member. They are selected to represent diverse perspectives, taking into consideration such factors as regions of the state, various specialties, experience in different settings, gender, and race/ethnicity.
College Appoints New Trustee
azareth College is pleased to announce that Frank York is the newest member of the College’s board of trustees. York, of Pittsford, N.Y., is the founder of Global Communication Solutions, Inc. in Victor, N.Y., from which he retired in 2008 after serving as chief operating officer. York currently serves on the 2011 United Way community investment cabinet and on the board of directors of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. He recently served on the committee at Nazareth College that designed and implemented the 2010 Interfaith Understanding Conference. York holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Union College.
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Bessie Award Winner to Perform at Dance Festival by Susan Chekow Lusignan ’10G Beth Gill’s Bessie Award-winning dance Electric Midwife, performed at the Chocolate Factory in Long Island City, Queens. From left: Danielle Goldman, Jennifer Lafferty, Marilyn Maywald, Nicole Mannarino, Anna Carapetyan, and Tara Lorenzen. Julieta Cervantes/The New York Times/Redux.
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he works of Beth Gill, recipient of the first-ever Juried Bessie Award, will be performed at the 2012 Nazareth College Arts Center Dance Festival, the inaugural touring partner for the award. The New York Dance and Performance Awards, otherwise known as the Bessies, celebrate and honor artists in the fields of choreography, design, and performance. The Juried Bessie Award is a new honor that selects a single work or a choreographer to tour and perform at one or more regional theaters outside of the city. “The Nazareth College Arts Center has a long history of presenting renowned—and diverse—dance companies on our stage,” says President Daan Braveman. “It is an honor to be the first partner for the Juried Bessie
Award, and we look forward to introducing Rochester-area audiences to Beth Gill.” Gill is a Brooklyn-based artist who makes contemporary dance and performance in New York City. She has been commissioned multiple times by The Kitchen, Dance Theater Workshop, and Dixon Place, and her work has been shown in dance festivals and series such as Food For Thought by Danspace Project, the Movement Research Festival, and Catch! “The Bessies got this one right,” says The New Yorker, calling Electric Midwife, the piece Gill and other artists will perform at Nazareth, “one of the best dances of the past year.” Gill’s choreographic mission is “to use the experience of dance, theatrical design, and sound within the framework of live performance to shift the way we see, sense, and understand the space around us through a timeless and rigorous investigation of form.”
The Juried Bessie Award is chosen by a jury of three acclaimed choreographers, selected each year by the Bessie Steering Committee. The jury operates differently from the committee in that its only mission is to decide on a single work or choreographer that it feels exhibits some of the most interesting and exciting ideas happening in dance in New York City today. The honored dance maker will then tour his or her work to one or more regional theaters outside the city. The inaugural jury comprises Ralph Lemon, David Gordon, and Elizabeth Streb. The 2012 Dance Festival will take place July 14-21. For more information, visit go.naz. edu/dancefest. Susan Chekow Lusignan ’10G is director of the Nazareth College Arts Center.
Nazareth Named Top Military Friendly School Nazareth College is honored to appear in the 2012 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities. The guide, compiled by Military Advanced Education, is a journal dedicated to the higher learning of today’s service members. At Nazareth, an on-campus veteran liaison helps vets with everything from navigating their complicated financial aid packages to discussing the difficulty of going from military service to a classroom. Night classes and flexible day-care accommodate the busy schedules of working vets with families. And counseling centers, Wellness and Rehabilitation Clinics, and an office for students with disabilities all help turn what could be a difficult transition into a rewarding experience. Read more about veteran-friendly programs at go.naz.edu/veterans.
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n co l l e g e o f ar t s and sc ien c es
Leading a Division on the Move
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sk Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Deborah Dooley ’75, Ph.D., to name the benefits to Nazareth’s new Integrated Center for Math and Science, and she has a list right off the top of her head. “It will enable us to attract and retain new populations of students,” she says. “It will enhance the quality of our existing programs and provide new educational and programmatic opportunities. Undergraduate research will now have space and equipment, and science faculty will be able to enhance their own research.” But, Dooley cautions, this is where her role as a dean and division leader becomes critical. “You don’t just commit funds to build Dr. Deborah Dooley ’75, dean of the a building without a vision for the College of Arts and Sciences programs that building will facilitate,” she says. Dooley’s development of new programs follows a pragmatic approach: What will bring in students? How do we enable them to be successful? What works? What’s enduring? Guided by that pragmatism, grounded in a vision of the deep value of liberal education, and led by Dooley’s extensive work on the College’s core curriculum, the College has expanded its degree offerings during the six years of her tenure as dean. The CAS has added master’s programs in American studies and a five-year B.S./M.S. in art education; it’s also in the process of introducing, among other programs, B.F.A.’s in graphic design, acting, and technical and musical theatre. Seven degree programs in math and science-related fields, from a B.S. in toxicology to a B.S./M.S. in bioinformatics that may involve an RIT partnership, are in various stages of development, faculty approval, and state consideration. Many CAS degrees bear what Dooley believes are earmarks of a successful division: programs that are both multi-directional and international. An example of a multi-directional program is the new B.S. in sustainability and environmental science, currently being developed by Professor of Biology William Hallahan, Ph.D., in consultation with faculty in many other disciplines. After taking a core science curricu-
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lum, students may direct their studies toward courses that provide backgrounds in ecosystem protection and restoration, social and/or political action, green business, economics, or regulatory governmental careers. The major could also prepare them for graduate studies in multiple areas of science, non-profit management, or public policy. There will also be an opportunity for an environmentally focused study abroad option in connection with the College’s program in Berlin. “We build multiple dimensions into a program so students have a sense of where they can take that degree, and we seek partnerships with faculty from other schools at the College,” Dooley explains. “That’s how we offer flexibility for the future. It no longer serves students to take them in only one direction.” Dooley also feels strongly about building programs with an international component, and as dean she has expanded study abroad opportunities to China, France, Hungary, and Poland. “As much as we can, we offer students the opportunity to see their discipline or see connections to their discipline in places other than the U.S.,” she says. A liberal arts college has no business studying material from one cultural or religious viewpoint, she believes; what in one culture may be a cherished answer is not an answer in another. “The planet is very small,” she says seriously. “We need to live with our neighbors. I don’t believe we can speak about contemporary and enduring questions without standing in someone else’s country, their church, synagogue or mosque, without tasting their food, or without learning in at least some rudimentary way their history and their language. The risk without that understanding is now a planetary risk.” Sara Varhus, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, agrees with her priorities. “Dean Dooley is both passionate about the value of a liberal arts education for all students, and creative in adapting education in the arts and sciences to globalization and the changing demographics of college students,” she says. “She is also an attentive colleague; she recognizes that encouraging and supporting individual faculty fuels the forward momentum of the CAS.” Dooley herself is a faculty member, having taught in the classroom for more than 30 years, served as English department chair, and directed, at different times, Nazareth’s honors program, women’s studies program, and writing programs. As such, she has an insider’s view to the essential role faculty plays on a campus. “Any dean or vice president can have any vision for the future, but they’re articulated through the planning, vision, and work of the faculty,” she concludes. “The faculty, with their collaborating staff partners, are the College.” Learn about the College of Arts and Sciences at www.naz.edu/ arts-and-sciences.
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n S cho o l o f M an ag em e n t
The Occupy Movement Examined by Alan Gelb
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ince its initial encampment in New York City’s Zuccotti Park last September, the Occupy Wall Street movement has spread to hundreds of American cities and throughout the world. Its slogan, “We are the 99 percent,” has resonated with individuals everywhere. Moreover, an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released in November revealed that more than three-quarters of Americans concur with the movement’s assertion that the country’s economic structure is out of balance, favoring a very small proportion of the rich over the rest of the populace. The Occupy Wall Street movement became the focus of two recent roundtable discussions sponsored by Nazareth’s School of Management. Thomas Donlin-Smith, Ph.D., professor of religious studies and director of the College’s Interdisciplinary Institute for Professional Ethics (IIPE), was first to recognize the need for these roundtable discussions. “The Occupy Wall Street movement raises issues for a number of different professions, the business community in particular,” says Donlin-Smith, who approached Joseph DaBoll-Lavoie, Ph.D., chair of undergraduate programs in the School of Management, with the idea of setting up the roundtables. “This seemed a great opportunity for us to talk off of the textbooks, about real people’s lives,” says DaBoll-Lavoie. “We have so much expertise that we needed to share around this.” Two Nazareth students, Nicholas Croce ’13 and Cherise Madigan ’15, both majoring in peace and justice studies, had been down to Zuccotti Park and were invited to share their impressions as part of the roundtable. “I showed some of my photos and answered questions,” says Croce. “Little by little here at Nazareth people are starting to question what
the movement is about. We’re creating a conversation.” For Madigan, the movement has been revelatory. “I am very aware now of economic disparity,” she says. “I’m an independent—living on my own, paying my own way, with no health insurance. The movement speaks to me.” Harry Murray, Ph.D., professor and chair in sociology and anthropology and director of the peace and justice studies program, participated in the roundtables as well. “I think the Occupy movement is engaged in what has been called ‘prefigurative politics,’” he says. “They’re trying to create in miniature the kind of community that they’d like to see enacted on a larger scale. One of the most important things that Occupy Wall Street is doing is experimenting with non-hierarchical decision-making and The Occupied Wall Street Journal, community organizing, as an alternative October 2011. Photo by Nicholas to bureaucracy and capitalism.” Croce ’13. Jennifer Leigh, Ph.D., assistant professor of management, also participated in the roundtables and is now integrating content about the Occupy movement into her coursework. “It’s important to know that the School of Management, unlike the majority of business schools, requires an ethics course,” says Leigh. “Our mission focuses on being ethical, global, and entrepreneurial. I am now asking my students to consider how the Occupy Wall Street movement relates to management ethics and the topics that we cover. What concerns do the protesters have and how do they relate to the ethical norms of utilitarianism, justice, rights and duties and care?” With an established Occupy Rochester group and an interest among some students in developing an ongoing Occupy presence on campus, the roundtable discussions have proven a valuable introduction to an important and growing social movement. Read about the School of Management at www.naz.edu/management. Alan Gelb is a freelance writer in East Chatham, New York. Protester interview, Occupy Wall Street, October 2011. Photo by Nicholas Croce ’13.
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CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012 11
NEWS|views
n S ch o o l o f e d u cat i on
Moving to the Head of the Class by Jillian S. Ambroz
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For instance, many Nazareth n integral part of students have local connecbecoming a teacher tions and plan to stay in the is the experience area upon graduation, says gained as a student Joan Arthur ’79, ’84G, asteacher, like the practical sistant principal of John James knowledge of working in a Audubon School No. 33 in the classroom, presenting a lesson Rochester City School District plan, and working with stu(RCSD). They also stand out dents, as well as the valuable with English as a Second Lanopportunity to learn from a guage (ESOL) and English Lanseasoned teacher. guage Learners (ELL). “Several Nazareth College places some Nazareth students have been 2,100 School of Education (SOE) placed as ESOL student teachstudents in more than 200 ers where they bring a strong schools each year through field sensitivity to the needs of ELL and student-teacher placestudents, as well as enthusiasm ments. In many cases, Nazareth for working within our school alumni, now in administrative environment,” Arthur says. positions at local schools, work Meanwhile, Deborah Lazio directly with the SOE to place ’77G, principal at Nathaniel Nazareth students in their classDeborah Lazio ’77G, principal at Nathaniel Hawthorne School No. 25 Hawthorne School No. 25 in the rooms. The relationship strengthin the Rochester City School District, assists Nazareth in placing student RCSD, sees between 12 to 18 ens the ties between the alumni teachers. field placements each semester and the College, while giving stuat her school, including Nazadents the opportunity to get into reth students, then up to six student-teacher placements, though that a school where they are valued for their education and background. number can vary. Lazio says she and her staff are quite fond of NazaIt’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, says Donna Orioli reth students and the SOE’s program. “They know what a good lesson ’76G, director of field placement services for the School of Educais and know if kids have learned, and how to know if the students tion. “The alumni get a chance to interact with upcoming teacher have learned what they taught,” she says. “A lot of that might be in candidates and can make a request for a student,” she says. Nazareth the person, but Nazareth has a way of bringing that out.” students get first-hand knowledge of the climate of the school, its Some of the attributes schools look for in student teachers are teachers, and students. Finding the right match of teacher and student competence, commitment to students and families, and resilience. teacher in a classroom is critical. “It’s much more beneficial to the “Nazareth seems to graduate a good caliber of teacher, who wants school to have our students develop a long-term relationship with to teach and takes initiative to be a good teacher. Most teachers out them as the students will be better equipped to make a faster, more of Nazareth want to be that lifelong learner—they have a passion for lasting contribution since they are familiar with the school.” teaching,” Lazio says. “If there’s an opening, Nazareth students are the Nazareth must place students in the classrooms of tenured teachers, first ones I go to hire.” preferably ones who hold master’s degrees, and with teachers who are willing to spend time working with their student teachers. While Read more about the School of Education at www.naz.edu/educaNazareth sees some heavy competition for placements in the greater tion. Rochester area, where teacher education institutions are looking for some 12,000 placements, in many areas Nazareth students have Jillian S. Ambroz is a freelance writer in Rochester, New York. an advantage.
12 CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012
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n s cho o l o f h e alt h an d h uma n serv ic es
Nursing Students Combat High Blood Pressure
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tudents from the School of Health and Human Services’ nursing department have joined the Community High Blood Pressure Collaborative, a long-term, regionwide project designed to lower the incidence of high blood pressure in the Rochester area. “High blood pressure is the number one killer of people in this country,” explains Phyllis Jackson, project coordinator and community engagement specialist at Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency (FLHSA), the Nursing student Joseph Escobar ‘15 organization that initiconducts a blood pressure screening. ated the effort with the Rochester Business Alliance. “People die of stroke, cardiac disease, kidney disease, and diabetes, all of which are related to high blood pressure. That’s why they call it the silent killer.” One-third of American adults have high blood pressure, including more than 150,000 people in Monroe County, particularly African Americans, Latinos, and the socio-economically disadvantaged. Yet studies show that fewer than half the people diagnosed with the condition are able to reduce it effectively. The collaborative project aims to have a direct impact on those numbers: to decrease the incidence of high blood pressure, improve its management, and thereby reduce the level of health complications linked to the condition. Nazareth is one of more than 40 organizations supporting the project, making this the only collaborative of its kind in the nation. Initiated in 2005, the multi-layered project features work teams active in eight different areas, including a community engagement team launched in mid-2011 to which Nazareth belongs. The team facilitates public blood
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pressure screenings and educational events, as well as recruiting and training community-based high blood pressure ambassadors. Nazareth’s nursing students work primarily on data collection, says Jeanine S. Santelli, Ph.D., professor and chair in nursing. Several times each year, students join local community members and volunteers at approximately 20 barbershops and hair salons with predominantly African American clientele. Data from each blood pressure screening goes into a huge database being compiled by the collaborative; a registry is also underway. Nazareth trustee Cynthia Reddeck-LiDestri, M.D., co-chair of the collaborative’s worksite committee, praises the students’ dedication to the project, “especially in underserved areas where hypertension is most prevalent and the need is greatest. It is a wonderful way for them to contribute to the community, to help reduce our disparities in health care, and at the same time, for them to learn more about hypertension and public health.” The unique piece of the project, Santelli says, is that the local hospital systems and physicians’ offices are also participating by sharing their anonymized databases in the registry. “Other national collaboratives participate with just one hospital, not every hospital in the region,” she explains. “To our knowledge, the hospital collaboration of data sharing is not found anywhere else in America.” Santelli hopes that, over time, the students will become familiar faces at the salons. She’s also working with the nursing club to schedule blood pressure screenings at campus events, the information from which will all go into the database for the registry. Nazareth reaps many benefits from participating in the project, says Santelli. “This is a great opportunity for visibility in the area. The theoretical frameworkof the project is transcultural nursing, which is what Nazareth supports. And it completely integrates with the philosophical underpinnings of theCollege’s dedication to community service. How could we not be involved?” Learn more about Nazareth’s nursing department at go.naz.edu/nursing.
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sports|news
Dorman, Wheeler Make First-Team All-Conference in Men’s Soccer
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Sean Dorman ’12
James Wheeler ’14
14 CONNECTIONS |Spring 2012
azareth’s men’s soccer team, second-place finishers during the Empire 8 regular season, was well represented on the conference all-star teams. Back Sean Dorman ’12 and midfielder James Wheeler ’14 were selected to the first team through voting conducted by the league’s seven head coaches. Forward Ryan Foley ’14, midfielder Liam Connolly ’12, midfielder Simon Mounsdon ’14, and back Nic Patmore ’12 made the second team while forward Luke Elston ’14 and goalie Kyle Connolly ’12 were honorable mention. Midfielder Jimmy Gaffney ’13 was Nazareth’s E8 representative as Sportsman of the Year. Dorman, of Brookline, N.H., was a firstteam representative for the second year in a row after helping the Golden Flyers to a 10-6-1 overall record, including a 4-2 conference mark. Wheeler, of Macclesfield, England, was tied for the team lead in scoring with 16 points on five goals and six assists. Foley, of Waterford, Ireland, was conference Rookie of the Year in 2010 and was tied with Wheeler in team scoring with five goals and six assists. Mounsdon, of Somerset, England, had 10 points on three goals, four assists, while Liam Connolly, of Stratham, N.H., had one goal and three assists. Patmore, of Hethe, England, started every game in his two seasons with the Golden Flyers and helped contribute to a defense that has yielded less than one goal per game in 2011. Elston, of Somerset, England, ranked third on the team in scoring with 15 points, including a team-high seven goals. Kyle Connolly, of Stratham, N.H., played every minute of every game in goal in 2011 and had a 0.91 goals-against average and a save percentage of .830 with four shutouts.
O’Hara Named to All-Region Team Kailee O’Hara ’13, a forward on the Nazareth field hockey team, was named to the Longstretch/ NFCA Division III North Atlantic Region team. O’Hara was a second-team selection. A native of Camden, N.Y. and a graduate of Camden High School, O’Hara was the Golden Flyers’ secondleading scorer in 2011 with 20 points on seven goals and six assists. She earlier was selected as a first-team Empire 8 Conference all-star. O’Hara ranks second alltime in career assists with 16 and is fifth in points overall with 52. She helped the Golden Flyers to an overall record of 7-12, which included a trip to the finals of the Empire 8 Conference Tournament.
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Sudore Earns First-Team All-American in Soccer
omen’s soccer player Amanda Sudore ’13 has been honored as a first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She was one of 12 players chosen to the first team in all of Division III. Sudore, of Ontario, N.Y. and a graduate of Wayne Central, is a three-year starting defender for the Golden Flyers, who finished 10-4-4 overall in 2011 and reached the finals of the Empire 8 Conference Tournament. Recognized for creating scoring chances from her outside fullback position, Sudore started all 18 games in 2011 and contributed one goal and two assists. She also spearheaded a defense that yielded just 12 goals for a 0.62 goalsagainst average with 10 shutouts. A communication sciences and disorders major, Sudore has started 56 of 57 games over three seasons and has two goals and six assists. She also is a twotime first-team Empire 8 Conference all-star. Sudore also represented the Golden Flyers as a first-team All-East Region selection. She was joined by forward Erica Conte ’12, who was a third-team All-East selection. Conte, of Caledonia, N.Y. and a graduate of CaledoniaMumford High School, had four goals and one assist in 2011 and completed her career with 26 goals. Sudore is Nazareth’s second first-team All-American and sixth selection overall. Kristina Cristofori ‘07 was a first-team pick for Nazareth in 2004.
Wickens Named Empire 8 Coach of the Year Cal Wickens, who guided the Nazareth women’s volleyball team to the Empire 8 Conference championship in 2011, was honored in November as E8 Coach of the Year. Now in his ninth season as women’s coach, Wickens coached Nazareth to wins over Stevens and Elmira in the conference tournament to lead the Golden Flyers to their first conference title since 2006 and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2007. Nazareth finished with a 26-13 overall record after falling to Clarkson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Wickens has an overall record of 202-135 (.600) and also was named E8 Coach of the Year in 2006. Wickens led Nazareth’s men’s team to the national championship last spring and was honored then as Division III Coach of the Year. For more sports stories, visit athletics.naz.edu.
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CONNECTIONS |Spring 2012 15
sports|news
Three Make First-Team All-Conference in Women’s Soccer
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Erica Conte ’12
Amanda Sudore ’13
Abbie Carey ’14
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orward Erica Conte ’12 and back Amanda Sudore ’13 were repeat selections, while goalie Abbie Carey ’14 was a firsttime selection as the Empire 8 Conference in October announced its all-star teams for women’s soccer. The all-conference teams were chosen from voting by the league’s eight head coaches. Nazareth also had three second-team selections and one honorable mention recipient. Midfielders Christine Belding ’13 and Sarah Eichelberger ’13 were second-team choices along with back Deborah Towle ’12. Midfielder Kerry Gannon ’12 made honorable mention. In addition, midfielder Kaylee Benz ’12 was Nazareth’s representative as E8 Sportswoman of the Year. Conte, of Caledonia, N.Y., made the first team for the third year in a row after leading the Golden Flyers in scoring with nine points on four goals and one assist. Sudore, of Ontario, N.Y., made first team for the second year in a row after contributing one goal and two assists from her right back position. Carey, of Gloversville, N.Y., had a strong season as a first-year starter for the Golden Flyers, posting a 0.55 goals-against average with eight shutouts. Belding, of Rochester, made the second team after delivering three goals and two assists, while Eichelberger, of Pittsford, had one goal and one assist. Towle, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., was the Golden Flyers’ starting sweeper who helped anchor a defense that yielded just nine goals heading into the Empire 8 Conference Tournament. Gannon, of Newburgh, N.Y., started regularly at midfield for four seasons for the Golden Flyers and contributed one assist in 2011.
Allocco Named Regional Freshman of the Year Maria Allocco ’15, middle blocker on the Nazareth women’s volleyball team, was named New York Region Freshman of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She also was honored as Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year. Allocco, of Ballston Lake, N.Y. and a graduate of Burnt HillsBallston Lake High School, helped the Golden Flyers win the Empire 8 Conference title with a team-high 268 kills to go with 50 service aces and 83 total blocks. Allocco also made second-team all-conference along with setter Aubrey Cooke ’13 and middle blocker Ashlee Travis ’12. In addition, outside hitter Chelsea Beecher ’15 made honorable mention. Cooke, of Rochester and a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School, led the Golden Flyers in assists with 927. She also had 140 kills, 40 service aces, 260 digs, and 78 blocks. Travis, of Hammondsport, N.Y. and a graduate of Hammonds port High School, led the team with a .329 hitting percentage and in blocks with 103. Beecher, of Albion, N.Y. and a graduate of Albion High School, had 232 kills, 52 service aces, and 247 digs. Nazareth finished with an overall record of 26-13 and won the Empire 8 Conference title.
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The Spirit of the Game by Robyn Rime
t’s an unlikely but inventive combination of football and Frisbee. It’s played without referees. And because its players cultivate a sense of humor, they now and then dress like superheroes. This is Ultimate. Created as a hippie pastime back in the ’60s, the game has become a college classic. “Ultimate has really grown up,” says Lynne Staropoli Boucher, advisor to the Nazareth team and director of the Center for Spirituality. “The game now includes complex strategies and techniques—and it’s still a blast.” That combination of fun and fitness makes Ultimate appealing to amateur sports lovers and hard-core jocks alike. Team vice president— and Ultimate newbie—Madeline Leahy ’14 knew she wanted to stay active at college but didn’t want to play a varsity sport. She loves the rigor and camaraderie of the thrice-weekly practices and regular tournaments, and she enjoys the occasional costumed competition. The game, she says, lives up to its reputation as “a way of making instant friends.”
Naz Ultimate players Matt Maloney ’14 and Madeline Leahy ’14. Friendly or not, the team is highly competitive on the national intercollegiate scene. Unlike varsity sports governed by the NCAA, Ultimate is a club sport ruled by USA Ultimate, which organizes sectional, regional, and national competitions for hundreds of colleges each year. Nazareth participates in fall and spring tournaments, staying in shape with indoor practices during the winter. Team president Matt Maloney ’14, who played three years of Ultimate for Fairport High School, joins most players in preferring to scrimmage out on the snowy turf rather than in the gym. The official team photo spotlights joyous grins and indescribably filthy uniforms, casualties of muddy layouts. That enthusiastic attitude isn’t all that sets Ultimate apart. “More so than other sports, Ultimate prides itself on its sportsmanship,” says Maloney. “Honesty is an important virtue because without referees, the players make their own calls.” That underlying principle, called Spirit of the Game, is inherent to every aspect of Ultimate. The disc never lies, veteran players will tell you sagely. “Ultimate is the perfect combination of spirituality and sport,” adds Boucher. “The way we play the game is the way we live our lives. To me, it’s literally about teaching ultimate respect for our differences with our opponents.” Whether you’re a player who mostly loves to toss a disc around or an avid athlete with a wicked hammer throw, aficionados insist you can enjoy Ultimate. “It’s a sport you can play for life,” concludes Maloney. “It’s non-contact, a game you can play with smarts.” And, evidently, with a superhero cape as well. For more information, visit www.usaultimate.org.
Ultimate team president Matt Maloney ’14 readies a pass.
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Robyn Rime is the editor for Connections.
CONNECTIONS |Spring 2012 17
Nazareth Salutes Consecutive Donors Names: Becky ’94, ’97G and Tom Cincebox ’89 with Thomas, Courtney,
Join the Cinceboxes and hundreds of
Grace, and Brooke
other consecutive donors by visiting
Positions: Tom is a medical consultant for Synthes Spine and an assistant coach for the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team. Becky taught in the Rochester and Pittsford schools before leaving to raise her family.
www.naz.edu/makeagift, or by sending in your gift to the Nazareth Fund. Thank you for your support.
Nazareth gifts: Annual Fund donations, as well as designated gifts to men’s and women’s lacrosse Other Nazareth support: Tom has been a class agent, an alumni board member, an assistant men’s lacrosse coach, and a volunteer for reunion and the athletic department Sports Hall of Fame committee. Consecutive giving: Donations each year for 23 years and counting.
Development Office | 585-389-2415 | www.naz.edu/makeagift
sports|news
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Nazareth Joins ECAC West
lowly but surely the pieces are falling into place for Nazareth’s men’s ice hockey team. The Golden Flyers, set to begin intercollegiate play in fall 2012, have been accepted for membership in the ECAC West. The Golden Flyers will be the league’s sixth member, joining Elmira, Hobart, Manhattanville, Neumann, and Utica. “We think that top to bottom this is one of the top conferences in the country,” says Nazareth Head Coach George Roll. “It could be tough for us coming out of the gate, but we’re excited about the opportunity that the ECAC has given us.” “Nazareth will be an exceptional addition the ECAC Men’s West ice hockey league,” said ECAC Commissioner Rudy Keeling. “Their rich history of athletic success has paved the way for their men’s ice hockey program to be a strong contender immediately. The ECAC is excited to welcome the institution as our newest member.” With a six-team conference, each team will play a 15-game league schedule. Nazareth has a tentative 25-game schedule in place for 2012-13 with the first game October 19 vs. Geneseo. Nazareth also has finalized plans to play its home games at the 2,500-seat Sports Centre at Monroe Community College, about a 15-minute drive from the Nazareth campus. “There are a lot of plusses,” Roll says. “It’s a first-class facility that should be very accessible for visiting teams.” For a tentative 2012-13 schedule, visit athletics.naz.edu/hockey Watch the video as men’s ice hockey coach George Roll prepares for his inaugural season at go.naz.edu/ice-hockey.
Ice hockey head coach George Roll speaks to the press
Tepas Makes First-Team All-Conference in Tennis Nazareth College women’s tennis standout Alison Tepas ’14 was chosen as a firstteam Empire 8 Conference all-star for 2011. Tepas was one of six players to make first team in singles through voting by the league’s head coaches. In addition, Tepas and doubles partner Alex Vizgaitis ’13 also made first team in doubles. Vizgaitis also made second team in singles, while Christine Cary ’13 and Cara Yinger ’13 were honorable mention choices. Jennifer Crane ’12 was Nazareth’s representative as Sportswoman of the Year. Tepas, of Orchard Park, N.Y. and a graduate of Orchard Park High School, finished 10-0 in dual matches as Nazareth’s second singles player. She also finished 13-4 overall, including 8-0 against Empire 8 opponents. In doubles, Tepas and Vizgaitis combined for an 11-5 overall record, including a 6-2 mark against the Empire 8. Vizgaitis, of Fayetteville, N.Y. and a graduate of Fayetteville-Manlius High School, played first singles for the Golden Flyers and finished 8-9 overall with a 4-3 record in conference matches. Cary, of Selkirk, N.Y. and a graduate of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, went 6-7 overall at third singles and 5-3 in the Empire 8. Yinger, of Fayetteville, N.Y. and a graduate of Fayetteville-Manlius, went 6-8 overall and 5-3 in conference. Alison Tepas ’14
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CONNECTIONS |Spring 2012 19
Nazareth | heritage
Memory Keeper College archives opens in new location by Robyn Rime
Posters promoting decades of Arts Center performances
Original drinking fountain from Medaille Hall
20 CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012
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he first thing that catches your eye is the old-fashioned drinking fountain, now waterless and sitting on a table. The porcelain fountain, originally installed in Medaille Hall and removed during recent renovations, is one of the thousands of artifacts in the Nazareth College Archives, housed in the lower level of the Lorette Wilmot Library. Joining the fountain in the archives’ newly dedicated space is a wideranging collection of Nazareth-related artifacts dating from the College’s founding in 1924 to the present day. Generations of yearbooks line the shelves. Oversized artwork and Arts Center posters live in large flat files, while deeper drawers hold three-dimensional objects (think beanies and pennants). Row after row of boxes contain official college documents, photographs, oral histories, and other paper ephemera. Organizing and maintaining it all is a big job, says Diane Riley ’96G, director of technical services and college archivist. Riley and an occasional rotating team of interns, students, and volunteers are continually indexing items and preparing finding aids. “We also have retired faculty www.naz.edu
and staff coming in for identification parties,” she laughs. A website is in the works, and a small selection of photographs is available online now through New York Heritage. The archives’ mission includes collecting, organizing, and providing access to institutional records “of enduring historical and research value.” Stored for posterity is decades worth of Naz gear such as T-shirts, pins, and event mementoes, like the ashtray (!) bearing the insignia “Nazareth College Junior Prom 1957.” Scrapbooks abound, some displaying snapshots on black pages with white-ink captions, others stiff with pasted newspaper clippings. Riley likes to point out how “new” initiatives aren’t always new. “When you look through the archival materials, you can see Nazareth has done service learning since the beginning, we’ve had international students since the 1940s, we’ve had Arlo Guthrie singing protest songs during the late ’60s and avant-garde performances at the Arts Center,” says Riley. “The impression that Nazareth was a staid institution may be inaccurate. Just look through the archives and you may be surprised.” Other intriguing artifacts found in the archives aren’t strictly tied to Nazareth, explains Riley. These include donations from alumni and faculty, such as the collection of Thomas Merton letters given by Msgr. William Shannon or the letters written to Sister Magdalen LaRow by alums serving overseas in the Peace Corps. Alumnae Rosemary Courtney ’61 bequeathed to Nazareth her astounding 1,900-piece autograph collection, accumulated during her long career as a librarian. The collection features the John Hancocks from … well, not John Hancock, but from the likes of actor Richard Burton, playwright Noel Coward, singer Diahann Carroll, and children’s author Eric Carle. Last summer, the archives hosted its first exhibition in conjunction with the College’s annual Dance Festival. Dancing through the Archives highlighted 40 years of dance at Nazareth through Arts Center posters and newspaper clippings. It also gave Riley the chance to Souvenir stemware, display her favorite archival artifact: a tiny, metal-bound dance Fall Semi-Formal, card and accompanying tasseled pencil from the “8th Annual 1992 Junior Promenade” in 1934, embossed with the Nazareth College logo and inscribed with the names of someone’s gentleman suitors. For more information on the archives or to inquire about donations, contact Riley at 585-389-2152 or at driley9@naz.edu. Check out additional Nazareth photographs at www.nyheritage.org. Robyn Rime is the editor of Connections.
Archivist Diane Riley ’96G (left) and Nancy Griffin Shadd ’64 celebrate the archives grand opening in September. Shadd is holding a record album from the Class of 1964 Nazareth musical group The Nameless Ten, of which she was a part.
Dance cards from the 1930s
Freshman beanie, Class of 1953
beyond self | community service
Prepping for Life LifePrep@Naz program offers new opportunities for developmentally disabled by Robin L. Flanigan
LifePrep special education teacher Melyssa Mantell guides LifePrep students as they learn to look up current events.
new, innovative program at Nazareth College is giving students with developmental disabilities the chance to challenge their own boundaries, become as independent as possible, and ultimately gain competitive employment. LifePrep@Naz, a collaboration between the College, Arc of Monroe County, and program liaison Victor Central School District, pairs students ages 18 to 21 with peer mentors, matches them with on-campus jobs, and offers full access to a variety of classes—increasing diversity on campus and broadening expectations for a population eager to contribute to society. “It’s about Nazareth walking its talk,” says Ellen Contopidis, Ph.D., the program’s director and an associate professor in the graduate inclusive childhood education program. “We really do include all students because it’s part of our sense of social justice. That concept permeates throughout our campus.” 22 CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012
Contopidis wanted to start LifePrep@ Naz, housed in the Center for Civic Engagement, after seeing the success of a similar program at Keuka College two years ago. While several other colleges and universities in the region welcome youths with developmental disabilities, she adds, none of them are as inclusive as Nazareth, which provides “true experiential, transformative opportunities in a very safe and nurturing place.” While they do not graduate with a degree, LifePrep students take a daily core curriculum, based on personal interests and goals, to develop and improve functional life skills. LifePrep student Katie Schoenfelder, 21, recalls fighting nerves when she first came onto campus this past fall, but after both professors and students offered to show her around, she gained enough confidence to explore new areas on her own. She works in the campus bookstore two
days a week—her first job—and particularly enjoys her Exploring Religion class. “She’s so much more mature,” says her mother, Peggy Schoenfelder. “This program is like night and day compared to the others Katie has been in. No one here makes these kids feel like they’re outsiders. Instead, they challenge them instead of automatically assuming that they can’t do something.” Thirty-five Nazareth students serve as peer mentors, through work-study programs and as volunteers. Trained by the Arc of Monroe and required to attend bimonthly workshops for ongoing support and development, the mentors serve as an ambassador to Nazareth classes, an aide in LifePrep classes, a study partner, a social buddy, or a job coach. But for many of the mentors, official responsibilities start to blur as close relationships form. For instance, assigned as an ambassador, inclusive education major Ashley Binnert ’14 also takes notes for www.naz.edu
her LifePrep student, studies with her, and occasionally accompanies her to lunch. “We clicked right away, and every time I see her, it makes my day,” says Binnert. “She used to not talk in class, and now sometimes she raises her hand. It’s really exciting when stuff like that happens. “I just really believe in what this program stands for, that college is an experience everyone should be able to have.” Lauren Resitarits, who coordinates the program, notes that it is not uncommon for peer mentors to go above and beyond their designated roles—or to receive unexpected benefits. One mentor enjoyed the psychology class she attended with her LifePrep student so much that she dropped one of her own classes to register for it.
This program is like night and day compared to the others Katie has been in. No one here makes these kids feel like they’re outsiders. — P e g g y S choenfel d er
Assistant professor Dawn Vogler-Elias, Ph.D., recalls feeling surprised when a LifePrep student in her Speech and Language Acquisition class expressed disappointment that she’d raised her hand but had not been called on. Vogler-Elias assured her the oversight was unintentional, and took away from the exchange a valuable lesson. “It was so amazing for me to hear her advocate for herself, and it really shifted my thinking,” she says. “We can have all these ideas about what the program is going to look like, but in actuality, here was this adult coming into my classroom who had self-determined ideas about what the experience was going to be like for her. It was such a rich learning experience for me.” The number of LifePrep students, and the number of classes available to them, are expected to grow next year. And efforts have begun to earn federal recognition for the program, to welcome more students like 19-year-old R.C. Westra, who introduced himself to the others in his History and Philosophy of Education class by announcing, “I’m in the LifePrep program and I’m a pioneer.” “This important program offers opportunities that don’t come around as often as they should,” says Timothy Glander, Ph.D., dean of Nazareth’s School of Education. “Everybody deserves the chance to play a valuable part in our community.” Learn more at go.naz.edu/life-prep. Robin Flanigan is a freelance writer in Rochester, New York.
Nazareth students also help out the program’s 13 participants through service-learning projects, internships, and practicum placements. Faculty members who have offered guest spots in their classes to LifePrep students say the pilot arrangement has been personally rewarding for them as well. After a non-verbal student was assigned to her Clinical Methods class, clinical assistant professor Mary Kay Bradley began second-guessing her participation. Days before the semester started, she called Contopidis with her concerns. What if she wasn’t able to model the right strategies in front of a roomful of future speech-language pathologists? What if she couldn’t meet the LifePrep student’s needs? Within the first couple of classes, however, she could tell by the student’s laughter that he was indeed keeping up with the material—and even catching some of Bradley’s errors. “I quickly realized that I had to eat my own words,” she says. “I’ve always preached about not worrying about disabilities, about assuming capabilities. Now I model it. I’m a better teacher.”
[NAZRS101969_LifePrep@Naz_002—girl with computer] WHO? teaches computer skills to a LifePrep student.
A LifePrep student makes gelatin during a weekly cooking lesson.
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LIFE | of the mind
Stereotype Busters Literature featuring children and youth with disabilities by Poonam C. Dev
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tories, in written, visual, or oral form, have been used all over the world for thousands of years to facilitate discussions, explain customs and traditions, pass on knowledge from one generation to the next, develop behavioral norms, and record history. Literature for therapeutic purposes has been used at least since the 1930s. Educators in pre-kindergarten (pre-K) through Poonam C. Dev grade 12 classrooms have observed that books can have an impact on the self-esteem and self-concept of many students with disabilities, and even on perpetuating some stereotypes among students without disabilities. On and off during the past decade, my work has involved reviewing more than 200 books featuring individuals with disabilities written for students in pre-K through grade 12. The books were chosen based on recommendations by literacy experts and teachers in general and special education. The final selection comprised 140 books that highlighted at least one individual with a disability or focused on one or more disabilities. The books’ characters deal with issues and situations common to children between one and 18 years of age. These books have been annotated and categorized according to disability, age group, and reading level and can be used by parents, teachers, and others to facilitate discussions about inclusion, adaptation, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Uses of Bibliotherapy Stories are used to draw individuals of all ages, especially very young children and reluctant readers, into the world of reading and to maintain their interest in literature. It is essential that those who are struggling with reading have stories that entice and motivate them to advance their skills. Special and general educators frequently use literature to help with academic and social skill development of their students. Many students with and without disabilities often develop an interest in reading because of a story and its characters, and modify their thinking and behaviors after identifying with a character or situation in a book. These students are then able to make more friends, handle conflicts better, manage their anger, or show significant gains in other areas. When parents and teachers of students with and without disabilities collaborate to design and implement a curriculum for creating awareness about individuals with disabilities, the benefits are felt not just by the students but by all concerned. Scholars in the field of bibliotherapy have identified its usefulness in solving problems and preventing school failure for
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students needing to address sensitive issues in elementary or secondary schools. Bibliotherapy can also be used to help students develop empathy for individuals in situations similar to or different from their own, as well as for a better understanding of human behavior. For example, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been used effectively to help adolescents with learning disabilities discuss their feelings. Connecting story lines to a student’s background experience is an effective way to help readers benefit from literature. Through these connections, students can be helped to find viable solutions for some problems or gain a deeper understanding of something that might be troubling them at that time. Teachers or parents/guardians can select suitable books and engage the student in guided reading. The teacher or parent/ guardian acts as the facilitator for individuals or small groups of students as they navigate the text. For beginning readers, picture cues can be used to increase comprehension, and for students with developmental delays, the education software Boardmaker can be used to retype grade level books to include picture communication symbols. These can then be placed in a binder for use as needed. Picture books can be used to promote basic literacy skills like inventive storytelling, and books with graphics or drawings (e.g., comics) can be used to help verbal and non-verbal students from any language background create their own stories and learn about sequencing and making predictions, among other skills. Pictures or drawings can be copied and cut, then given to students to arrange in a sequence that corresponds with their made-up stories.
Conclusion Literature portraying characters with disabilities can promote awareness about diversity in schools and communities. The 140 books in this list cover a variety of publications about individuals with disabilities and characters with whom children and youth can identify. These books can help students with and without disabilities gain insights into the lives of peers who may appear different but are similar in many ways. This in turn might dispel some negative stereotypes that still exist about individuals with disabilities. This is excerpted from an article of the same name published in The International Journal of Diversity in Organisations, Communities, and Nations, Vol. 11, Issue 2, 2012. For the complete article, visit http://ijd.cgpublisher.com. To view the bibliography, visit go.naz.edu/Dev-list. The author would like to thank graduate research assistant Emily Cannon Labenski ’08, ’11G, who helped prepare this article.
Educators in pre-kindergarten (pre-K) through grade 12 classrooms have observed that books can have an impact on the self-esteem and self-concept of many students with disabilities, and even on perpetuating some stereotypes among students without disabilities.
Poonam C. Dev, Ph.D., is professor and chair in the department of social and psychological foundations of education at Nazareth.
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INTERFAITH | ideas
Leading Interfaith
Awareness
Interfaith studies bolstered by major gifts to center and chair by Alan Gelb
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ost colleges and universities today embrace a commitment to interfaith dialogue, but with its foundation by the Sisters of St. Joseph, with a Muslim imam spearheading interfaith studies, with a Jewish president, and now itself non-denominational, Nazareth College truly lives that commitment. This year, Nazareth’s identity as a leader in interfaith awareness has been fortified by two significant developments. In December, Nazareth announced a major gift of $500,000 by trustee Brian Hickey and his wife Jean to name the Brian and Jean Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue at the College. Also announced was a $500,000 gift from the International Institute of Islamic Thought, a private, non-profit, academic, cultural, and educational institution established in 1981 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. This gift funds the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) Chair of Interfaith Studies, which will be held by Muhammad Shafiq, Ph.D., executive director of the Hickey Center and a religious studies professor at Nazareth. Shafiq will split his time between teaching and his administrative role at the center. Since arriving at Nazareth, Shafiq has helped bring interfaith awareness at the College to a new level. Born in a remote area of Pakistan, he received a master’s degree in Islamic studies from Peshawar University in 1974, followed by a doctorate
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in religion from Temple University in 1982. After teaching at Peshawar University for a number of years, he returned to the U.S. in 1997, joining the faculty first at St. John Fisher and then, in 2001, at Nazareth. In 2006, he became professor of religious studies and executive director of the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue. “Interfaith dialogue has become for me a way of life,” says Shafiq. “It has also become my mission, required of me by my Muslim faith and greatly needed by a fear-imprisoned world.” At Nazareth, Shafiq has found a collaborative environment in which to pursue bold new initiatives in his area of interest. With the steadfast support of President Daan Braveman, the faculty, the board of trustees, and many in the Rochester interfaith community, Shafiq launched last year’s groundbreaking Interfaith Understanding Conference (IUC), which brought together multiple generations of peacemakers and interfaith leaders from across the country. “Dr. Shafiq embodies the definition of a public intellectual to whom people in the community turn for insight and wisdom on world happenings and current issues,” says Christine Bochen, Ph.D., professor of religious studies at Nazareth. “His unwavering commitment to his own faith community … is matched by his openness, his ability to honor, and his eagerness to work with persons of many faiths.” It is therefore singularly appropriate
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that Shafiq has been chosen to hold the International Institute of Islamic Thought chair, which has come about through a lengthy and substantial connection between Shafiq and the IIIT. Dr. Iqbal Unus, director of the Fairfax Institute, the educational arm of IIIT, expects that “the chair and the center will lead to more academic treatment of world religions and a better understanding.” Dr. Jamal Barzinji, vice president of IIIT, believes that Shafiq is indisputably the right choice for the chair. “Dr. Shafiq has successfully headed the center for a number of years,” says Barzinji. “He has earned the respect of his colleagues of all faiths as well as civic leaders of Rochester. Dr. Shafiq has the qualifications we need, coupled with the ability to reach out to a wider community of learners in an engaging manner.” “The gifts that we have received from Brian and Jean Hickey and the International Institutional of Islamic Thought encourage us not only to expand on our continuing academic and community programs, but to create more opportunities in higher education for interfaith studies,” says Shafiq. “We just started with an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor in interfaith studies; the next logical step would be a graduate studies program in the same area. We have great support from the local community, have a reputation and recognition at the national level, and the next step would be increasing our efforts at the international level by creating programs that would attract the world community.” For Brian Hickey, executive vice president at M&T Bank, and his wife Jean, primary therapist at Unity Behavioral Health, the development of Nazareth’s interfaith profile has been truly exciting. They regarded the Interfaith Understanding Conference, which came about largely through their sponsorship, as a transformative experience. “The conference affirmed my belief that mankind really can solve this,” said Brian Hickey, who sees Nazareth as a particularly appropriate place for interfaith dialogue. “I think there’s an attitude of acceptance at Nazareth. In order to have innovation, you have to have acceptance and openness, and Nazareth is a model of those things.”
With such thoughts in mind, the Hickeys have been inspired to support the center with their major gift. “Great work has been done for many years in the Rochester community and at Nazareth College in the area of interfaith understanding, dialogue, and collaboration,” they explain. “It is our hope that our contribution will provide greater prominence to that work and inspire others to continue it in Rochester and beyond.” Braveman echoes these thoughts. “It is appropriate that this center is in Rochester, N.Y., which has historically been a site for important movements involving social change, from the Underground Railroad to the women’s rights movement. And with respect to interfaith dialogue, this area produced the earliest written agreements among Christians, Muslims, and Jews to work together toward common understanding,” he points out. “It is noteworthy that our valuable donors Brian and Jean Hickey and leaders from the International Institute of Islamic Thought are members of the business community, individuals who understand the importance of interfaith cooperation for the global business environment.” “People want to be understood,” says Jean Hickey. “We want to find out what we have in common.” Now Nazareth College, in this new era of the Hickey Center and the International Institute of Islamic Thought chair, will be a major player in helping to make that happen. Visit the Hickey Center at www.naz.edu/hickey-center. Alan Gelb is a freelance writer in East Chatham, New York.
Left: Professor of Religious Studies Muhammad Shafiq, Jean Hickey, trustee Brian Hickey, President Daan Braveman, and Dr. Iqbal Unus of the Fairfax Institute celebrate the dedication of the Brian and Jean Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue and the establishment of the International Institute of Islamic Thought Chair of Interfaith Studies, to be held by Dr. Shafiq. Right: Shafiq speaking at the Hickey Center dedication.
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Nazareth | in the world
Photo Contest Center for International Education sponsors student photo competition
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early 250 Nazareth students traveled internationally during 2011, studying in or visiting 20 countries around the world, including Australia, Belize, Finland, Greece, India, Turkey, Japan, and Uganda, among other places. George Eisen, Ph.D., director of Nazareth’s Center for International Education (CIE), believes the photographs taken during those travels are about more than just making memories. “They help create global awareness,” he says. “Students are bringing back the world to their living rooms and sharing it with their families.” In the interest of global awareness, then, the CIE sponsored the 2011 International Photo Contest. Nazareth students entered more than 50 images in three categories—Human
by Robyn Rime
Interest, Foreign Landscape, and Cultural Experience—in what the CIE hopes will become an annual event. Each first place winner received a prize, and winning photos appeared in a display in the Lorette Wilmot Library. Students were invited to show us the exotic places they’ve been, the extraordinary people they’ve seen, and the culturally significant moments they’ve experienced. Take a look at the photos they submitted and experience the world through their eyes. View more contest entries at go.naz.edu/photo-contest. Robyn Rime is the editor for Connections.
Human Interest— First Place Emily Slentz ’13, Changing of the Guards, October 2011. “This photo was taken outside the Kremlin in Moscow by the Unknown Soldier monument.”
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Clockwise, from left: Human Interest—Second Place Eleanor Poore ’12, The Heart of the Dome, June 2011. “This picture was taken inside the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. There is a small cave deep inside the Mosque where people may go and pray in a more private, intimate, setting.” Human Interest—Third Place Evan Meccarello ’11, Back Flip off the Sea Fortress, October 2011. “I visited friends in Israel over fall break, and they took me to Acre, one of the oldest cities in Israel. They spoke Arabic, so we talked to some friendly guys who were jumping off these walls. Built on top of Crusader fortifications, this sea wall is part of a structure that held back Napoleon’s siege.” Human Interest—Honorable Mention Carolyn Rolleston ’13, Fishing on the Galilee, June 2011. “While on a tour boat on the Sea of Galilee, our captain gave us a fishing demonstration.”
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Nazareth | in the world
Foreign Landscape— Second Place Evan Meccarello ’11, Sunbeams and a Kite over Jaffa, October 2011. “On our fall break I visited friends in Israel, taking this picture of the ancient port of Jaffa, right outside of Tel Aviv.”
Foreign Landscape— First Place Anna Beasley ’12, Our Lady of the Rocks, April 2011. “This photo was taken of the island Our Lady of the Rocks in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. According to legend, seamen fished out a painting, now called Madonna and Child, from the sea. Believing this to be a divine experience, the men vowed to create a church in the very spot where they discovered the painting. They made the island by throwing rocks into the sea, which eventually broke the surface, and then made a church on the man-made island in 1632.”
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Foreign Landscape—Third Place (tie) Emiline Pelletier ’13, Rooftop Sculptures by Antoni Gaudí, November 2011. “The rooftop of La Casa Milà, or La Pedrera. The building was designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí and is located in Barcelona.”
Foreign Landscape—Third Place (tie) Nikki Bell ’12G, Foggy Walk to St. Benedict’s Parochial School; October 2011. “Every morning during the school week, we would walk through the Usambara mountains [in Tanzania] to St. Benedict’s Parochial School where our elementary placement was located. The fog and fresh mountain air made for a beautiful morning hike.”
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Nazareth | in the world
Cultural Experience—First Place Brigitte Lee ’12G, Banana Leaf Lunch, January 2011. “In India, it is common practice to eat meals with the right hand. Traditionally, a banana leaf is rolled out with small portions of curries and a large pile of rice to gather the food on the tips of the fingers. In the mess hall, students, teachers, and guests of Rajagiri College and Nazareth College came together to eat the first banana leaf lunch together at tables placed end to end to end.”
Cultural Experience—Honorable Mention Laura Bertoni ’12, La Gondola, April 2011. “We figured if we were going to Venice, we needed to try out the boat rides! So we overpaid for a man in a striped shirt, on an iPhone, to take sharp turns around buildings that seemed to be floating on the canals of Venice. It was one of the most surreal experiences, trying to understand how the city was built, while clutching on the sides of the boat for dear life!”
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Cultural Experience—Second Place Jarred Jones ’12, Munu, September 2011. “Munu is the word for white person in the local Acholi language of northern Uganda. Whenever a child was around, this was the name I was given. They would also often feel my skin and hair to explore how it was different from their own.”
Cultural Experience—Third Place Courtney Anderson ’11G, Coconut Sellers, January 2011. “This photo shows a couple of Indian men sitting near their coconuts, which they sell to people on the street to drink/eat. There are also a couple of goats in the picture. Goats are often found wandering around the streets of Kochi.”
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COVER|story
GOing Mobile. getting social. by Robin L. Flanigan
Nazareth is embracing social media as a strategic way to make the campus more inviting and accessible. A Facebook regular, Jerry Chasteen ’15 posted a separate profile to Nazareth College’s own Schools on Facebook application—a private Facebook community designed to help incoming first-year students make friends, ask questions, share interests, and get excited about Nazareth before even stepping on campus—a few weeks before classes started. By the time he arrived on campus, the business administration major had made 15 connections with his new classmates. “Within one or two days we’d met and it was like we already knew each other,” says Chasteen, who had made more than 50 connections by early October. “It made the whole transition of living on my own so much easier.”
COVER|story
Nazareth launched its Schools on Facebook application last year, becoming one of only a few colleges in the country to do so. All incoming first-year students were invited to join the application, and by the time classes began, 434 students of an eventual class of 452 had signed up. Nazareth is embracing social media as a strategic way to make the campus more inviting and accessible to prospective students, aid in retaining current students, and engaging alumni. Over the past few years, Nazareth has become a leader in using social networking sites and other online platforms for marketing, recruitment, and communications. “We jumped on the whole social media phenomenon fairly early because we felt we knew where it was going to go, and it turns out we were right,” says Kate Philbin, director of marketing and communications. “We’re on the brink of something in the realm of communications that has the same magnitude as the Industrial Revolution did in manufacturing, so we’re very much committed to an active presence.” Social media is being integrated in every way possible, from admissions and campus life to alumni relations and career development. And Nazareth is not alone. With more than two-thirds of the world’s internet population visiting social networking or blogging sites on a regular basis, social media is a global phenomenon that holds great promise for the field of higher education. One hundred percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. used some form of social media in 2011, up from 95 percent in 2010, 85 percent in 2009, and 61 percent in 2008, according to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research. (See sidebar page 39 for more statistics.) “Being present in social media is not optional any more,” says Karen Buck, vice president at Zehno Cross Media Communications, which specializes in education and has assisted Nazareth with some of its major marketing initiatives. “We know that’s where students and alumni spend an astounding amount of time. The trick is to figure out authentic ways to build connections and engagement that don’t disrupt the natural flow. Nazareth has a very innovative team that has distinguished itself by understanding that
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tending social media is part art, part science, and a whole lot of strategic content.” Besides having its own YouTube channel, Nazareth uses Facebook to keep prospective, current, and former students connected (its main profile has more than 4,500 registered users); Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates (it has more than 1,200 followers); LinkedIn for professional networking opportunities; social networking site Foursquare for scavenger hunts and discount specials in the bookstore and dining halls; and photo sharing application Flickr to showcase images of the campus. It is only the second college in the U.S. to use Poken, a technology that lets people exchange online social networking data between two keychain accessories. “Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter are now being used to reinforce Nazareth’s brand by pushing out news and events that showcase the quality of Nazareth’s faculty and the vibrancy of the campus, but in a much lighter tone,” says Alicia Nestle, assistant director of new media. “In just one year, from 2010 to 2011, we’ve doubled our Facebook fan base, and our Twitter followers also continue to grow. All the hard work has paid off—according to Google Analytics, our web research tool, Facebook is consistently one of the top five drivers of traffic to www. naz.edu. That’s important because the website is where people apply, make donations, follow athletics, buy tickets—it’s the hub of commerce and engagement for the College.” Macreena Doyle ’80 uses both the Nazareth College and the Nazareth College Alumni and Friends profile pages on Facebook to keep up to date on campus events and to keep in closer contact with the group of nine friends she still meets up with every other year or so. “And I’ve also connected with a whole bunch of friends and classmates that I hadn’t seen or heard of—and honestly hadn’t thought of—for a long time,” she says. “They found me or I found them.” Last spring, after having not seen each other since graduation, Doyle, of Ogdensburg, New York, met up with a former friend in Manhattan after reconnecting on Nazareth’s Facebook page. “We had a couple glasses of wine together and caught up on each other’s careers,” she says. “Now we keep in touch frequently. I feel like our friendship is as good as it was when we were students.
“I’ve just really appreciated being able to stay in touch with everybody this way,” adds Doyle, who double-majored in theatre arts and English and chatted regularly on Facebook about the Nazareth College Arts Center renovations. Alumni also use Facebook to plan class reunions and to learn who’s going to be attending. As director of alumni relations, Kerry Gotham ’98 works hard to keep graduates involved in what’s happening on campus. One recent contest posted on Facebook searched for the most clever name for a hawk that had been hanging out near the new Integrated Center for Math and Science (winner: Stephen HAWK-ing). “There are lots of things going on here, and the more tools we can use to reach out to more people, the better,” says Gotham. “One of the measures of success is interaction, and when you get people to make a comment or to like something we’ve done, it shows a deeper level of engagement.” Nazareth is also expanding its reach with LinkedIn, which is helpful for making potential job contacts in this tough economy but can be equally beneficial for professional development. Brian Brooks ’96, a primary school principal from Perinton, had never heard of LinkedIn before being asked at a Nazareth Alumni Board subcommittee meeting to set up an account. “I’m not a social media guy, so this was all new to me,” he says. Once he realized there was a LinkedIn subgroup for Nazareth alumni educators, and that those educators were sprinkled throughout the country, “I started to get excited about it being a great way to communicate, network, and collaborate.” Brooks since has posted two questions to the subgroup—one asking for thoughts about the potential impact of New York’s new common core standards, the other an endorsement of two books that deal with reluctant learners—and has received comments from around the nation. “People think of LinkedIn as just a job search tool,” notes Mike Kahl, director of career services. “But it’s so much more than that. It’s something all professionals need to use in order to be successful. I’ve made it a personal mission to expand the School of
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Once Brooks realized there was a LinkedIn subgroup for Nazareth alumni educators, and that those educators were sprinkled throughout the country,
“I started to get excited about it being a great way to communicate, network, and collaborate.” B r i an B rooks ’ 9 6
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COVER|story
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Shake Hands with Poken o help break the ice for new students to campus, Nazareth gave each of last fall’s 400+ incoming first-year students a Poken, a small USB device
that instantly gathers and organizes basic contact information or profiles from more than 50 social networking sites, just by touching one Poken to another. The user decides how much information to share. For instance, if two first-year students meet and want to exchange email addresses or online profile names, they can touch Pokens, and all their pertinent information passes from one to the other through embedded radiofrequency identification. They can then plug their Pokens into their computers and add the information to their list of contacts.
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Education subgroup as a resource, because these days, you can’t just rely on what you already know, you need to reach out to others for ideas and possible solutions to problems.” On the job front, LinkedIn helps students and alumni connect with professionals in their field of interest for advice on the job search and referrals to others who might help. Adds Kahl, “Nazlink, our online jobposting system, now features direct links to Facebook and LinkedIn so that students and alumni can search for people they know who work for the organization that has posted a job with us.” “This is a great way to give people direct access to information,” says Gotham. “We don’t need to be the middleman anymore.” A 2010 Pearson social media survey found that four out of five college professors use social media in some capacity in their courses. Timothy Kneeland, Ph.D., professor of history and political science and director of the Center for Public History, encourages students to make connections through social media to professionals in their field of interest. He also suggests that students follow the Twitter updates of political journalists assigned to the White House or politicians who can give new insights into political management, campaigning, governing styles, and communication. The Center for Public History Facebook page has, Kneeland adds, “given me an opportunity to showcase people and events at Nazareth, as well as careers and opportunities in the field, and to invite former and current students to join in the discussion.” Staying ahead of the social media curve is crucial, particularly given that 70 percent of high school students recently surveyed by the College Board reported visiting social networking sites at least once a day. With the 2009 redesign of the College’s website, which allowed for richer content online with the use of photography and video, Nazareth’s marketing and communications team made sure all social media outlets were featured prominently and easily accessible to visitors. They then built a strong presence on Nazareth’s social media sites by creating monthly social media user groups and hiring a social media student worker to help strategize ways to attract more online traffic.
Given the surge in mobile device usage— and the 250 percent increase in mobile visits to naz.edu during the past year—Nazareth used analytics and sought opinions from prospective students to launch a new mobile admissions site this fall at m.naz.edu. Focused on the end-experience of the user, the mobile site—designed and developed under the leadership of assistant director of web communications Elizabeth Zapata—is an alternative to the more expansive version, offering a much more detailed look at what the campus offers. Instead of pulling up a general outline of the campus layout, for example, mobile users can get a street view of the campus with directions by using the embedded Google Map, compare different types of financial aid, explore academic offerings, and more. Student-led video tours of the campus will be integrated soon. Visitors can also use the mobile site to learn about open houses and information sessions. “And we’re just going to keep building on that,” says Zapata, who was also responsible for the Schools on Facebook application. “We want to continue looking at what our audience cares about, whether they’re prospective students, current students, or alumni, and find opportunities to really engage them.” Underscoring the importance of a college’s social media presence, one in five student respondents in the 2011 E-Expectations Report, an annual survey by higher education consultants Noel-Levitz, said they’d dropped a school from consideration because of a bad experience on the institution’s Web site. Each piece of social media technology feeds a commitment from Nazareth to offer individualized and meaningful connections online—and then, ultimately, offline. Holly Kohler ’15, a nursing major, ended up meeting some of her best friends through Nazareth’s Facebook application long before the first day of classes: “It was nice to recognize faces and know things about people even before getting here.” Find Nazareth on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets. Robin L. Flanigan is a freelance writer in Rochester, New York.
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Social Media Worldwide • Social media is the primary method of communications by college students in the U.S. • As of January 2012, Facebook had more than 800 million users worldwide. • If Facebook were a country, it would be the third-largest country in the world. • YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. • Four out of five college professors use social media in some capacity in their courses. • 80 percent of prospective students have a Facebook account. • Only 17 percent of private four-year colleges have mobile sites.
Social Media at Nazareth • 4,673 people like us on Nazareth Facebook. • The two top-referring sites to naz.edu are m.naz.edu (mobile site) and Facebook. • From its launch last October through today, there have been 6,400 visits from m.naz.edu (with more than 500 hits a day). • In the past month, there have been 2,500 views of YouTube videos. Student worker Carly Maldonado ‘12 maintains Nazareth social media sites like Facebook and Twitter for the marketing and communications team.
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ALUMNI | profile
The Solar Eclipse Chaser by Robyn Rime Alicia Lamphron ’70 checks out an old telescope in the attic of Smyth Hall. Formerly mounted on the roof of Kearney Hall, the telescope was used to teach Cosmology until the early ’80s.
n July 10, 1972, Alicia Lamphron ’70 experienced a total eclipse of the sun. From her vantage point on the deck of a cruise ship off Nova Scotia, she watched as the daylight around her became darkness. The temperature plummeted, sea birds flew away to nest, and even the wind altered course. The sun displayed a textbook array of shining astronomical phenomena: the corona, diamond ring, solar flares, shadow bands, Baily’s beads. And Lamphron was hooked. “I was two years out of college,” she recalls. “It had never occurred to me to have an opportunity like this.” That was the beginning of a 40-year, eclipsechasing hobby for Lamphron. The cruise ship packages she sought out were created especially for astronomy buffs and offered much more than two minutes of twilight at an optimum spot on the globe. Enrichment lectures from internationally known scientists, journalists, and photographers
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lent the events both perspective and cachet, as well as letting Lamphron rub elbows with the likes of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Scott Carpenter. The two weeks of lessons in astronomy, navigation, oceanography, astrophotography, and star identification were “tremendous, and just as valuable as the eclipses.” The whole educational ambiance appealed to Lamphron, as did the ease of an ocean cruise versus, for instance, a hike across the Antarctic land shelf or an excursion to the Iran-Iraq border, both sites of recent eclipses. “The hard-to-do doesn’t appeal to me—I need to do something physically comfortable,” laughs Lamphron. “I get on a cruise ship, enjoy the amenities, and see exotic places.” The 1972 cruise was the first of its kind, igniting a still-growing market for astronomy-themed sea voyages. Taking advantage of travel deals for eclipse watchers, Lamphron witnessed solar spectacles from the African coast of Senegal in 1973, off the California coast in 1977, near Aruba in the
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Caribbean in 1998, and in the Black Sea near the Ukraine in 1999. Cloudy weather obscured an eclipse in 2002, but that five-week voyage from Venice to the Indian Ocean offered other unexpected delights, such as riding a camel to a Bedouin camp in the Egyptian desert and touring a lemur preserve in Madagascar. “I got to travel in places I normally wouldn’t have,” Lamphron says. “When I’ve talked to professionals, I discovered that I’ve had opportunities they haven’t.” She has added archeological tours to her trip resume, as well, exploring ruins in Mexico, Peru, Greece, and Central America. Lamphron learned that her amateur’s interest in astronomy and archeology helped balance the emotional challenges of her professional career as a social worker. Retired in 2003 after 35 years with the Rochester Psychiatric Center, she found restorative value in “getting away from sick people and back to nature for a while.” As often as possible, she planned her trips strategically to take her away from—what else?—Rochester’s snowy winters. There have been only 27 total solar eclipses in the past 40 years; Lamphron has witnessed six of them. Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, a featured lecturer on Lamphron’s second voyage, summed up the experience well: “Never did so many people have so steadily good a time without any of the activities usually associated with a cruise. They were being educated and loving it.” Lamphron’s next anticipated date with the cosmos won’t require a cruise ship or offer lemur sightings, but it does have the home-turf advantage: A total eclipse of the sun will occur just north of Nashville on August 21, 2017, and Alicia Lamphron has her calendar marked. For more alumni profiles, visit alumni.naz.edu. Robyn Rime is the editor of Connections.
Lamphron astride a camel during an Egyptian layover.
Lamphron assisting Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter during a book signing aboard her second eclipse cruise. One of Lamphron’s cruises included a side trip to a lemur preserve in Madagascar.
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CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012 41
ALUMNI | profile
My Plastic Sun A Nazareth alumnus and School of Management professor make music together by Sofia Tokar
J Professor of Management Roy Stein moonlighting as a homeless man in the music video for My Plastic Sun’s Give It All Away.
42 CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012
ohnny Cummings ’05 has always been interested in art and music. He majored in the former at Nazareth, but has built his post-college career on the latter. After graduating, Cummings spent time writing and producing music for other artists. It was through the Rochesterarea music network that he eventually connected with Roy Stein, professor of management in Nazareth’s School of Management and co-director of the College’s undergraduate music business program. “Our paths never crossed when Johnny was a student at Nazareth,” says Stein. “But I’d heard about him. Rumor had it there was this student on campus who was a great piano player, guitarist, and singer.” And although Cummings had never taken a class with Stein, he had heard of the Atomic Swindlers, a band for which Stein was the drummer. In late 2005, the Swindlers were looking for a keyboard player. Tony Gross, a sound engineer with whom both Cummings and Stein had worked, introduced the two.
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For the next several years, they played together in different bands and recorded in the studio, depending on current projects and demands. In the summer of 2011, Cummings and Stein realized that their personal musical projects, tastes, and skills overlapped significantly. “We like the same kinds of music— everything from Rodgers and Hammerstein to the Beatles and Radiohead. And he plays well all the instruments that I don’t, so it seemed a logical fit,” says Stein.
review also praises Cummings’s “soaring falsetto” and calls the EP a “strong debut from a band who I confidently predict will go far.” Shortly after the EP’s release, Tony Gross again proved an important catalyst for Cummings and Stein’s career: Gross pitched My Plastic Sun to a couple of filmmakers interested in shooting a music video. The filmmakers, two-time Emmy Award-winning brothers Obin and Amariah Olson of The Forgery, wanted to work with a band that would let the brothers have complete creative control in order to showcase their skills and abilities. The Olsons heard My Plastic Sun’s EP, loved the sound, and decided to work with the band. “They debated between two of our songs for the video: House of Fun and Give It All Away,” explains Cummings. “Ultimately they chose Give It All Away, a big, romantic, epic song that they wanted to shoot like a movie. I think they made the right choice.” In October, Cummings and Stein flew to Mobile, Ala., for the six-day shoot. The Olsons scripted, storyboarded, designed, shot, and edited the video, which features elaborate cinematography, special effects, supermodels, and Cummings as the leading man (with Stein making an affecting cameo). The video was shot on location at Blacksher Hall, a mansion owned and operated by Janine Styer Stebbins in the Historic Garden District of Mobile. Stein, Cummings, and Stebbins were chatting in between takes when she revealed that she had spent a few years in the 1950s in Left: Stein and Johnny Cummings ’05 outside Blacksher Hall in Mobile, Ala., where the Rochester, N.Y., attending—of all places— band shot the music video. Nazareth College. Above: Cummings on the music video set, with the green screen installed as a backdrop Cummings and Stein occasionally record and for the video’s special effects. mix tracks on campus in Nazareth’s recording studio. And, according to Stein, there are some perks to sharing a space with top-notch musicians and instruThey formed a two-man band called My Plastic Sun. Cumments: “If we need a snare drum, we can get one down the hall mings and Stein are the band’s lyricists and musicians, collabofrom Kristen Shiner-McGuire; if we’d like a violinist, we can ask rating to create, record, and perform their original songs, which Nancy Strelau if she’s available.” combine a 1960s pop sensibility with ambient, modern sounds. Cummings enjoyed being back on campus and down the hall The duo incorporates a variety of instruments (including pianos, from many of the art studios where he took classes. organs, Mellotrons, guitars, and banjos) and samples to create “It’s such a good vibe, being here,” he says. “As a student, their unique sound. my art professors helped me grow as an artist and expand my In their early months together, the band compiled close to a boundaries. They continually pushed me to try to do something full-length CD’s worth of material. In September, the My Plastic different, something more with myself and my work. And now Sun EP became available for download. The buzz and reviews that’s what I’m doing everyday.” from the blogosphere were highly complimentary. A reviewer at Listen Before You Buy compared My Plastic Sun to the Beatles, For more information, visit http://myplasticsun.com Oasis, Blur, Broken Bells, and Deerhunter (among others). The Sofia Tokar is the assistant editor in Nazareth’s marketing department.
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ALUMNI | news
What is a Golden Flyer?
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erhaps Webster might define a Golden Flyer as: 1. an unidentified fowl; 2. the Nazareth College mascot; 3. something that inspires Nazareth students and alumni to succeed and serve.
As an alumni base, we are 30,000 Golden Flyers strong and growing. Alums frequently ask the alumni office how they can help Nazareth—and we love to hear that question! It shows how much you appreciate the experiences, friendships, and education you have received, and how much you understand the importance of taking care of your alma mater. We want to take a moment to let you know that we have created more volunteer opportunities for you that fit a wide variety of schedules and different levels of commitment. It may be easier than you think to truly make a difference for Nazareth. Here are a few simple things you can do that will have a big impact.
From left: Donna Borgus ’13G, Kerry Gotham ’98, and Ashley Shaw ’13G, Nazareth’s alumni relations team
Promote Nazareth—In this competitive environment for colleges, incoming students and their families demand to know what jobs and opportunities will be available to them if they choose a Nazareth education. We need you, our best recruiter, to share your unique Nazareth stories and help get the word out about the College to prospective students. Stay connected—We want to know all the cool things
you’re doing and how to stay in touch with you. Having accurate alumni information always helps as we encourage students and alumni to use Nazareth networks to assist in job and career decisions.
Network, network, network—Are you a part of the Nazareth online community, the alumni Facebook page, or the alumni LinkedIn group? You’ll discover many personal benefits by getting connected to the Nazareth community, as well as becoming a resource for students and other alums. Have you signed up to be an official alumni mentor? This is also a great starting point to take an active role in helping Nazareth students and alumni.
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Volunteer today—The alumni board is continually looking for more hands on deck. Join a standing committee and become a part of more than a hundred Golden Flyers who dedicate their time and effort to advancing the mission of the group. Support—Whether it is volunteering, mentoring, attend-
ing an event, making a donation, or simply telling a stranger about the good things Nazareth has to offer … you, a Golden Flyer, are the strongest advocate and ambassador for the College. Your continued support is the best way you can help! We hope this helps you to understand some of the many ways in which you can give back. All you need to do is ask yourself one simple question: Are you a Golden Flyer? If the answer is yes, then we are ready for you! Sincerely,
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Reunion Weekend is only a few weeks away! Have you made your travel arrangements yet? What are you waiting for?
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Ready for
Reunion June 1-3, 2012
Reunion Weekend 2012 provides a great opportunity to rediscover what made Nazareth “home” for you and to renew your lifelong connection to this special place. All members of the classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007 are invited back to campus for a celebration of friendships, fond memories, and fun. Classmates and friends from other classes are also welcome to join in on the festivities…the more the merrier! The activities planned for the weekend includes: • School of Management Golf Tournament • 50th Anniversary luncheon for the Golden Ladies of 1962 • Alumni Art Show • Local artists and student art show Shared Spaces • Friday night class parties to reconnect and reminisce • Alumni Institutes to get you back in the classroom • Sprint for Scholarships 5K Run/Walk • 51+ Club gathering • Reunion picnic (family friendly) • Elegant all-class dinner and alumni awards presentation
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• “Savor the Flavor” wine tasting • President Daan Braveman’s update on the College • Campus tours • Alumni memorial mass And more…. Did you know? You can stay overnight right on campus in our suites.
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Yearbook memories Eileen McGee Pestorius ’61 (left) and Barbara Piscitello Joyce ’61. Reunion regulars Nikki Bell ‘07 and Kevin Laley ‘06. Helen Vollmer Elam ’51 enjoys a glass of wine with the Golden Flyer.
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Online registration will open on April 6 at alumni.naz.edu/reunion, or you can mail in the registration form found in the back of your reunion brochure. If you have any questions regarding the weekend, please contact the alumni office at 585-389-2472 or email alumni@naz.edu.
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ALUMNI | news
Preference to Nazareth students, staff, and faculty!
I n M em o riam
Angelo Costanza
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Patricia Carter Early Learning Center on the Nazareth College campus A play-based preschool program with certified teachers providing age-appropriate early learning experiences for children. Child care is provided morning and afternoons for preschool and kindergarten children. Children must be at least two years and ten months of age and toilet trained to enter.
Licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. For more information, call the Learning Center at 585-389-2505 or visit www.naz.edu/earlylearning-center.
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ounding father of the Casa Italiana and long-time supporter of Nazareth College Angelo Costanza died on December 22, 2011, at the age of 85. Born and raised in Rochester, Costanza served during World War Two as an infantryman with the 26th Division and as a special agent with the U.S. Army’s Counter-Intelligence Corp. After the war he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Rochester (1951) and a juris doctor degree at Syracuse Law School (1955); he held honorary degrees from Nazareth College and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. During his career he served as a partner in the firm of Van Schaick, Woods, Strathman, Sturman and Costanza (now Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP); as president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of Central Trust Company; and as president and chief executive officer of the Rochester Area Hospitals Corporation. Subsequently, he developed the real estate firm Costanza Enterprises, Inc., where his son and current Nazareth College board of trustees chair James Costanza continues to serve as president. Angelo Costanza generously gave of his time to many charitable and civic causes, such as the Rochester Hospital Service Corp., the Genesee Valley Group Health Association, Rochester Management Inc., and the University of Rochester. His dedication to Nazareth College “will be missed and remembered forever,” says Stella Plutino-Calabrese, D.M.L., director of the Casa Italiana. “The community has lost a giving, caring, and kind individual.”
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Nazareth College Alumni Board
he Nazareth College alumni board continues to create opportunities for alumni to engage in the life of the College, and members are always looking for volunteers to join them. If you are interested in serving on one of the committees to assist with admissions, athletics, advancement, awards, career services, graduate alumni, students, or one of the regional chapters, simply email Kerry Gotham ’98, director of alumni relations, at kgotham7@naz. edu or visit alumni.naz.edu for more information. Front row, l to r: Patty George Grabosky ’89, Rosemarie Scherer Burke ’58, Larry Yovanoff ’78, Sandra Mrugala DeMott ’89, Donna Borgus ’13G, Susan Jackson Shubmehl ’74, Terri Fiegl Flaherty ’93. Back row, l to r: Liz Bremer ’06, Bryan Sweet ’07, Katie Baldwin ’08, Katie Kovar ’01, Kathy Amato Ross ’69, John O’Gorman ’85, ’90G, Joanne Zawacki Sharpe ’81, Carrie Adamson Morabito ’97, Eric Thomas ’03, Nancy Griffin Shadd ’64, Ashley Shaw ’13G. Not pictured: Nicole Zervas Adsitt ’97, Kristin Coleman Bergholtz ’02, ’04G, Rebecca Boyer ’98, Leah Flynn ’98, Sheila Jackson Foster ’99, Kerry Gotham ’98, Lucas Hiley ’03, Bridgette Hobart ’84, Rita Bartucca Kladstrup ’97, Linda Davison Mathues ’73, Paul Morris ’95, Daniel O’Connell ’01G, Matt Orioli ’91, Kristen Pandick ’06, Leigh Ann Schon ’93.
Alumni Get Social
We Want Your Yearbooks! Cleaning out your attic? Looking for more space on your bookshelves? Send those old Nazareth College yearbooks to a good home! Kerry Gotham ’98 is looking for back issues of the Nazareth yearbook, Sigillum, to fill out the collection in the alumni office. If you have unused or duplicate copies, call Gotham at 585-389-2404 or email kgotham7@naz.edu.
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• Update your own contact information at alumni.naz.edu/update. • Like the Nazareth College Alumni Facebook page to receive timely updates and news at www.facebook.com/Nazalumni. • Follow us on Twitter @NazAlumni. • Join the Nazareth College of Rochester group on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com. • Visit alumni.naz.edu and click First Time Login to gain access to network with other alumni. • Explore information for both students and alumni on Nazareth College’s Career Services website at www.naz.edu/career-services/
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“For all the joy the Nazareth College Arts Center has given, I wanted to honor it with a gift. The arts are the soul of both the Nazareth community and the community at large, and as the premier provider of performing arts in the region, the diversity of the Arts Center’s genres and artists enrich us all. Many thanks as you continue to introduce the arts to children and spread the joy.” —Ann D. Weintraub, retired educator, is giving to Nazareth College’s Arts Center through a bequest
arts
Enrichment What is planned giving?
Learn how you can make a lasting difference through gift planning by visiting go.naz.edu/plannedgiving
When you include the College in your future plans through creating a life income gift such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust, or by naming Nazareth as a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, or life insurance policy. Nazareth will work with you to develop a gift plan that meets your personal financial and philanthropic objectives.
What is the Founders Society? A planned giving recognition society whose members are crucial to advancing the mission and long-term goals of Nazareth. Throughout the year, members receive special invitations to attend Nazareth events as well as recognition in our annual report. For more information on planned giving opportunities, please contact Melissa Head, associate director of development, at 585-389-2179 or at mhead9@naz.edu.
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ALUMNI | news
New Alumni Program Supports Admissions by Sofia Tokar
Keddy Todd ’09, ’10G and John O’Gorman ’85, ’90G, participants in the Nazareth Alumni Admissions Program, assist visitors to a recent college fair.
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fter graduating from Nazareth and moving away from the upstate New York area, Jaclyn Fazio Scanlan ’02 felt disconnected from her alma mater. “My college years were some of the best of my life,” says Fazio, “and I remember asking myself one day, ‘What can I do for Nazareth from a distance?’” Fazio took it upon herself to contact the office of alumni relations. Donna Borgus, assistant director of alumni relations, offered a solution to her dilemma: Join the newly formed Nazareth Alumni Admissions Program (NAAP). The program offers alumni an opportunity to play an active role in Nazareth’s recruitment of students. How? By connecting alumni directly with potential students in their local areas. The goal is to educate these students about Nazareth College as one of their options for higher education. Most Nazareth alumni say that if they could do it all over again, they would still attend Nazareth College. NAAP convenes Nazareth alumni who are dedicated to building the future of the College through participation in outreach events and communications to prospective students. “Nazareth is a special and unique institution,” says Sean Hanlon, assistant director in admissions. “Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are committed to sharing with others what makes the College such a great investment.” With the declining number of high school students graduating in the upstate New York region, the admissions team realized the need to extend recruitment efforts across the country. And with more than 29,000 alumni residing in each of the 50 states and 38 foreign countries, the Nazareth alumni network seemed a logical way to reach prospective students across the nation. “Alumni are our most valuable resource,” explains Borgus. “They are some of the College’s best recruiters because they are able to share their personal Nazareth stories with prospective students.”
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Program participants have numerous ways to contribute their help and expertise. For example, volunteers can attend college fairs, participate in the annual letter writing program, contact prospective students via phone or email, visit local high schools, encourage campus tours, or refer qualified students from their areas to Nazareth. “We sent out requests for volunteers in November and had 42 volunteers sign up within a month,” says Borgus. The current volunteers represent graduation years from 1980 to as recently as 2011. And alumni responded from not only across the nation, but even from abroad in Germany and Costa Rica. “We provide participants with the latest recruitment materials, information, tools, and guidelines, but we need alumni who are willing and able to share their special Nazareth story. With their help, we’ll be able to get the word out about Nazareth to potential students around the world,” says Borgus. Fazio—along with fellow alum Amanda Bocchino Frey ’03— did just that in Ohio at the Dayton College Fair. “Sean had sent us pamphlets and we wore our Nazareth shirts. We then spent a few hours meeting students, telling them about our great experiences at Nazareth, and referring them to the website to learn more,” says Fazio. When asked why she wanted to support her alma mater this way, Fazio shares a sentiment often heard from the College’s alumni: “Nazareth did a lot for me. The College prepared me for my career as a clinical social worker and role as a mother. Participating in NAAP is my way of giving back to the College that gave me so much.” For more information or to sign up for the program, visit alumni.naz.edu/NAAP. Sofia Tokar is the assistant editor in Nazareth’s marketing department.
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ALUMNI | news
Class Gifts Have
Major Impact
Jean Hubsch ’68, one of the forces behind the Class of 1968 fundraising project.
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Nazareth alumni are always an involved group, keeping in touch with classmates and attending campus reunions. Now alums are discovering the power of joining together when giving back to the College. In recent years, five classes—1957, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969—have come together to raise the $25,000 necessary to endow a scholarship. The Class of 1967 is currently establishing a scholarship for underserved students, an effort led by lecturer and author Elizabeth Osta ’67 and educator Catherine Frank Spoto ’67, who dedicated time to the scholarship until her death last fall. “As we follow media accounts of Rochester City School District students, we see the needs grow only greater on account of increasing poverty, unsafe neighborhoods, and fractured families,” says Osta. “There’s a need for hope and the promise of educational opportunity for students. We want to offer that hope.” The class’s goal is to establish the scholarship by their 45th reunion this summer.
Other classes, already having an endowed scholarship to their credit, have created new initiatives. Led by Marie “Mimi” Baglio ’57, the Class of 1957 has undertaken to raise $25,000 to name a plant laboratory in the new Integrated Center for Math and Science (ICMS). The Class of 1968 has set the ambitious goal of $50,000 for the ICMS by their 45th reunion in 2013. Lead gifts from former science majors Jean Hubsch ’68, Dr. Kathleen Kelly ’68, and Dr. Christine Redman ’68 have inspired donations from classmates, and the class is well on its way to a significant gift. “Joint class gifts are a great way to build class identity, involve alumni in the growth of the College, and support the College in a very meaningful way,” says Hubsch. “They can become their class legacy for future generations.” For more information on giving or to speak to someone about creating a class scholarship project, contact Lynn Mulvey ‘12G at 585-389-2414 or lmulvey7@naz. edu.
Get Back in the Classroom
he Nazareth alumni board is always looking for opportunities to keep alumni engaged in the life of the College. And what better way is there to stay involved than to get back in the classroom? Beginning in fall 2012, Nazareth College will offer a special alumni rate of $100 per course (plus a $25 registration fee) to audit select classes. The alumni board proposed the change in the fee structure in order to encourage more alumni to take advantage of this great life-long learning opportunity. Auditing courses gives alumni a chance to experience the innovative faculty teaching at Nazareth and gain a first-hand look at the students of today. Only certain classes are open for auditing, and strict deadlines apply for course enrollment periods (students taking courses for credit are always given the priority). Audited courses earn no credit or grade and cannot be used to augment past or future degree programs or majors. For more information on auditing a course or registering for the fall 2012 semester, please check the complete audit policy at www.naz.edu/registrar/forms-for-students, contact the registrar’s office at 585-389-2800, or email registra@naz.edu.
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Last fall, Jessica Geraci ’11 was selected from thousands of applicants to receive a coveted internship at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C., one of only 40 students in the country to do so. She was the first intern taken on specifically for the NPR Berlin department. The communication and rhetoric major and her mother, Laura Briefs Geraci ’86, are both big NPR listeners—though the liberal Geraci and conservative Briefs often end up in friendly arguments afterward! Assistant Director of Media Relations Julie Long interviewed Geraci as she was winding up her four-month tenure.
This Is
What made you apply for the NPR internship?
What are some of your responsibilities?
What’s next after the internship?
I’m hoping to be a foreign correspondent. Before I got to Nazareth, I studied abroad in Russia, then while at Nazareth I went to Costa Rica and Germany. The staff I interviewed with at NPR loved that I listened to NPR Berlin while studying in Berlin.
I was the NPR Berlin/NPR Worldwide and programming intern, so my responsibilities ranged from writing event blurbs for the Berlin station to checking shows before they went onto Sirius radio. I got to put together promos for Tell Me More, The Diane Rehm Show, and many of the others. In addition to my day-to-day work, I also participated in the intern-run NPR Intern Edition project, where I wrote blogs and produced a final audio story about adoption.
I’m going to work for the author Joan McDonell on Long Island, helping her do research. She’s writing a series of mystery novels right now. I’m also in the process of applying for the Peace Corps, but because that process is so lengthy, it will be another year before they send me anywhere. I’d love to go to Southeast Asia— I hope to get placed there.
Why foreign correspondence? It’s difficult, because the field is dying—they’re not sending so many people overseas anymore. I’d like to do the reporting. Half of journalism is going out there and seeing the story yourself and being a part of it. My first year at Nazareth, when I was working for the Center for International Education, I had the chance to room with a student from Afghanistan. That opened my eyes to believing that friendships can help create peace and that we’re all basically the same.
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What do you like best about the position? There is always something exciting happening, someone new in the building. One of my fellow interns rode the elevator with [actor] Seth Green the other day! They also have these things called tiny desk concerts, where they bring in musicians like Yo-Yo Ma who perform right in the newsroom, and the whole building is invited to watch.
How do you think Nazareth prepared you for this experience? I knew that I should be trying to go after anything—putting myself out there and going for opportunities, even if I didn’t think I’d get them. Everyone is scared all the time. What separates the people who chase their dreams is being able to push past that. Read/hear Geraci’s adoption story at go.naz.edu/Geraci.
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ALUMNI | news
Consecutive Donors
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he following donors have contributed to Nazareth College consecutively for the past 30 years or more. Their continuous support helps ensure the highest quality educational programs and services for our students. Consecutive donors are based on fiscal year giving; the Nazareth College fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. To view a list of all donors from 2010-2011, see the annual report at go.naz.edu/annual-report. Miriam Garry Adams ‘50 Patricia Morris Allen ’54 Rita Zlotnik Allen ’56 & Mark Allen Alice Doody Appleton ‘50 & Oliver G. Appleton Jane E. Arundel ’57 Elaine M. Bair ’67 Joan Ann Battersby ’67 Marcia Grucza Beck ’66 & Richard J. Beck Sally Beecher ‘65 Patricia Walsh Bielawa ’61 Mary Rice Bonfiglio ’63 Karen E. Bove ’58, ’65G Kathleen M. Brady ‘51 Bonnie-Anne Briggs ’69 Irene Mignano Brixner ‘61 & Jerome F. Brixner Mary Kay Ehmann Brown ’63 Lorraine Young Budny ‘40 Dr. Mary T. Bush ‘51 Patricia A. Byrne ’68 Mary Ellen Witherow Cancilla ‘77G & Richard C. Cancilla Carolyn Civiletti Canzano ’55 & Peter J. Canzano Florence P. Capo ‘51 Joan Dakin Cardella ’56 Mary Ellen McGlynn Casey ‘67, ‘82G & Christopher T. Casey Audrey Lovelace Caughey ’55 & Robert L. Caughey Carol Ann Kuhlberg Chambers ’66 Cynthia A. Christa ’76 Flora Romano Cilento ‘59 Catherine E. Clark ‘48 Clarisse Martens Coggins ‘43 Mary Ellen Lefort Collins ’75 Elizabeth Connaughton ‘53 Evelyn Contestable ‘42 Ann Marie Stokes Crilly ’57 Linda J. D’Amato ’69 Kathleen Prestel Dammeyer ‘64 Janet T. Davis ‘52 Ann Smyles Dedie ‘52
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Carol Costa DiMarzo ’69 & Anthony M. DiMarzo Barbara R. Dinse ’75G Kornelia Marshall Dormire ‘64 & C. Brooke Dormire Patricia Suits Ellison ‘50 & Hon. William Ellison Judith A. Emmanuel ’62 Barbara Dobbertin Englert ’66 Ann McGee Esch ‘65 Dr. Joan R. Ewing ’55 Rosemarie Lucks Feerick ‘48 Anne Gormley Fessenden ‘52 & Edwin D. Fessenden Mary Ann Kinsky Fischer ’63 & Joseph V. Fischer Louise Schlaffer Fox ’67 Anne Florack Freitas ‘59 & Richard F. Freitas Betty Turner Fromel ‘45 Anna Flechuck Gallagher ‘50 Barbara Foos Gallagher ’57 & James W. Gallagher Helen Suits Gates ’57 Ann Murray Gertner ‘53 & Charles H. Gertner Jr. Joan Buttino Giansante ’69 * Marie Collins Glasheen ‘48 Helen Bauer Gugel ’55 Dr. Mary Rappazzo Hall ’63 Margaret O’Reilly Hayes ‘65 Dr. Cheryl Andrews Herdklotz ’75 Barbara Belmont Herman ’56 Leona Meisenzahl Hickey ‘53 Susan Brockman Hinchman ‘75 & Benjamin Hinchman IV Carol Vogt Hinkelman ’60 Louise Welch Hoefen ‘42 Marion Maul Hoepfl ‘46 & Richard O. Hoepfl Jeanette Yoerger Holleran ’48 Patricia Franco Houghton ‘64 & Carl M. Houghton Jean Gramkee Hubsch ’68 & Robert DeYager Catherine Molloy Hudson ‘37 Marion Smith Hull ‘52 Dolores Luccio Humbert ’54 Betty Quirk Hurley ‘49
Kathleen Hamill Hursh ‘63, ‘88G & Laurence E. Hursh Carole J. & Dr. John J. Joyce Marcia Beecher Kane ’60 Judith Nientimp Kharbas ’60 Mary Theresa Mark Kinney ‘52 Patricia Millecan Knoll ‘54 & Wendel Knoll Marianne T. ‘69 & James E. Koller Helen Schoenherr Kress ‘50 Catharine Morphy Kurz ’58 & Dr. Richard K. Kurz Barbara Wegman Lamark ’57 Judith Worden Lamphere ’67 & Gary W. Lamphere Alicia C. Lamphron ’70 Karen Moore Larimer ’66 & Hon. David Larimer Roseanne Spindler Lawrence ‘71 & Richard R. Lawrence M. Therese Clark Legro ’58 Ellen Terhaar Lill ’68, ’95G & Daniel F. Lill Patricia Curtis Link ’66 Tess Livecchi Lodato ’57 Mary Grace Lodico ’57 Barbara Olmstead Long ’66 Virginia Rohrer Loveland ‘59 & Richard T. Loveland Margaret Gertner MacAdam ‘59 Barbara Weigel MacDonald ’70 James B. Mangin ’76G Karin Carlson Manning ’77 Bernice Foery Maxwell ‘41 Kathleen Fox McCarthy ‘48 Marie Pruner McCarthy ‘51 Mary Catherine McCarthy ‘64 Dr. Shirley Ross McCracken ‘59 Mary Asma McDonough ‘51 Charlotte Eastham McFadden ‘63 Patricia Shea McKenna ’62 Elizabeth A. McLaughlin ’70 Mary Randall McMahon ’66 * Suzanne Martin McVey ‘64 Eleanor Tyndall Meier ’57 Sandra Bazyk Mentuck ‘72 & Mark J. Mentuck
Jane Donnelly Merkle ‘58 & Richard N. Merkle Mary Jean Meyering ‘51 Janet Doran Miller ’61 Mary Louise Abel Miller ’53 & David F. Miller Margaret Mattern Mitchell ‘52 Catherine Hartnett Molteni ’75 & Andrew L. Molteni Mary Kay Chamberlain Molz ’67 Patricia Hall Monteith ‘59, ‘77G Catherine Barnett Newell ’71 Nancy Hasselwander Newell ‘51 & John W. Newell Mary Jeanne Hodson Nork ’56 & William E. Nork Catherine A. Nowaski ‘78 Therese I. O’Brien ‘50 Ginny ‘49 & Tom O’Connor Helen C. O’Leary ‘48 Mary Lou Pabrinkis ’68 Dr. Paul F. Pagerey Kathleen Reardon Palmer ‘58 Anna Frances Payne ‘49 Eileen McGee Pestorius ’61 & Dr. F. Michael Pestorius Elizabeth Marsh Pierce ‘59 Sandra Clark Quinn ‘64 & Joseph F. Quinn Jr. Suzanne McGlynn Ramsey ’62 Dr. Jean Foley Ranalletta ‘45 Maureen Skivington Reeves ’53 Maimie V. Reitano ‘51 Mary Kay Carpenter Ritter ‘63 & Joachim A. Ritter Virginia H. Rockwell ’75G Ruth Rowan Rogers ‘61 & David J. Rogers Ruth Kennedy Scherberger ‘48 Meg Riley Schneider ’72 & James L. Schneider Arlene Costigan Schoenherr ’56 Sheila Mundorff Shrestha ‘67 & Dr. Buddhi M. Shrestha Katherine Fleck Slocomb ‘51, ‘56G & Robert Slocomb Elizabeth Gotham Smith ’70, ’89G & Roger J. Smith
Sheila A. Smyth ‘64 & Michael Heberger Margaret Frank Staahl ‘63 Carol May Stahl ‘64 Ann C. Stehle ‘43 Phyllis Conheady Stehm ’74, ’78G Barbara Woeppel Storm ’57 Susan Knauf Stuven ’67 & Henry A. Stuven Laurel Ann Roth Tarcinale ’68 & Michael A. Tarcinale Rosemary Dessel Taub ‘58 Kathleen Chapman Tickner ‘63 Carolyn Paciolla Tierney ’54 & John S. Tierney Marian Bottoni Toth ‘63 Patricia J. Tracy ‘63 Barbara Reals Trotter ’55 Mary Ellen T. Urzetta ‘48 Marie J. Van Ness ’62 Mary Ellen Dwyer Vasile ’68 & Dr. Gennaro J. Vasile Sally Wamp Vaughan ‘73, ‘76G Suzanne M. Verstraten ’68 Kathleen Kunz Wahl ’68 Judith Rookey Walsh ’60 Jacqueline Mizerak Wampler ’69, ’75G Dorothy Magner Wegman ‘49 Stacey M. Weilandt ‘64 Patricia McGee Weisensel ‘68, ‘89G & David F. Weisensel Margo Wheeler ’67 Thomas C. Wilmot Sr. & Colleen L. Wilmot ’71 Mary Humphrey Wilson ‘41 & Murray C. Wilson Joan Turner Winfield ‘59, ‘78G & William Winfield Jr. Mary Leone Woerner ’46 Nancy McRae Wright ’67 & Claude H. Wright Xerox Corporation
*Deceased
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L o ngtime D o n o r ,
Lifetime Learner
Nazareth alumna, Carolyn Civiletti Canzano ’55 forged her career in the crucible of the College’s science program. “Being exposed to that level of academics was amazing,” says Canzano. “We studied philosophy and literature and the sciences at a time when women were not particularly encouraged to do so, and we developed sound leadership skills, too.” Canzano married soon after graduation, moving frequently with her Marine Corps husband, raising three children, and continuing her studies as circumstances permitted. Eventually, she earned first a master’s degree in science education and later a master’s degree in biology at George Mason University. She taught AP (Advanced Placement) biology and chemistry and was science department chair at Falls Church High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, where she still lives. “Because developments occur so rapidly in the sciences, I always strove to keep abreast,” she says. “Throughout the ’80s and ’90s I continued my studies, spending a month at Princeton on a Woodrow Wilson Foundation grant in chemistry, studying chemistry instrumentation at the University of Wisconsin in Madison sponsored by the Institute of Chemistry Education, helping develop biotechnology labs for high school students at Georgetown University with a grant from the Howard Hughes Foundation. In workshops and small groups throughout the country, my colleagues and I mentored chemistry and biology teachers. That was very satisfying. Since retiring, I have continued to mentor both students and teachers in their classrooms and in advanced lab activities.” Canzano, who retired in 1999, always felt a debt of gratitude toward her alma mater for the preparation she received. Accordingly, she has been a dedicated donor to the College, giving consecutively for more than 35 years, most often to the biology department. She looks toward the new math and science building with great interest. “When the new building is completed, I fully intend to see it,” she says. “Having spent time at schools like Princeton, Wisconsin, and Georgetown, I know the importance of topnotch facilities. To run a first-class program for both undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences and math, you need to be able to handle new technology. The new building will encompass expanding needs for present and future growth. Our students, and the Rochester community, deserve that.”
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Carolyn Civiletti Canzano ’55 is a life-long science educator and has been a consecutive donor to Nazareth College for more than 35 years.
“The new building will encompass expanding needs for present and future growth. Our students, and the Rochester community, deserve that.” CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012 53
class|notes
CLASS|notes Virginia Schimpf Nacy ’78, ’82G, Psy., was the 2011 mid-size company winner of the Rochester Business Ethics Award for her company Toddler’s Workshop Daycare, Inc. Carol Bucher LeSher ’79, Music Ed., received her master’s degree in leadership from Grand Canyon University in June 2011. She currently works as a team coordinator for Placer County Probation in Roseville, CA.
Several members of the Class of 1957 gathered at Bellhurst Castle in Geneva, N.Y., on September 20, 2011. Back row, L to R: Jeannine Clark, Bunny Mannix, Peggy Nailos, Judy DeSisti, and Sharon Beerman. Front row, L to R: Marian Waters, Anna Jean DeDominicis, Mary Ann Handlan O’Brien, and Liliana Kernan.
’80s
’50s
’60s
Barbara Wegman Lamark ’57, Soc., had her book, According to Us, published last winter. The book was a group effort of four senior ladies who started their writing journey at Nazareth about 20 years ago. Barbara and her contributors had a book signing at the College in mid-December and were also invited to have a book signing at Wegmans in Pittsford. Sr. Beatrice Ganley ’58, Edu., left Nazareth College after working nearly 20 years part time in the English department. She is now working full time writing—mostly poetry—and sending her work out for publication.
Tina Cinque McDermott ’65, Mus., was recently inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame and honored for her service in the community. The Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortland Manor nominated Tina for her services as one of the chaplains. She has also been a volunteer for Birthright, where she serves on the board of directors. Elizabeth Osta ‘67, Speech Path., published Jeremiah’s Hunger (Borealis, 2011), an Irish historical novel.
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Robin Romano Buckley ’82, Psy., works as a QA editor for a software company. She also promotes her photography business, Riverstone Images. This year her photos were used in a variety of commercial projects, including an Essex Savings Bank Trust ad and the Essex Savings Bank calendar for 2012. Her work can be seen at www.riverstoneimages.com. Catherine Zimmerman Wendy Willing Woodworth Sawyer ’70, Eng., was recently promoted to assistant vice chancel- ’82, ’91G, Eng., is this year’s Federal Education Association’s lor, University Libraries at South nominee for the National University. Education Association Foundation Marie Russo Merenda ’76, Award for Teaching Excellence. As Psy., retired five years ago from the nominee, she attended a gala Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Her career there spanned dinner in Washington, D.C., in 23 years, with 15 years as assistant February and will be traveling to China to visit schools in Beijing principal and principal of Oak Hill and Shanghai this summer with Elementary School. Previously she was with the Rochester City School other state nominees. Rob Randall ’88, Soc., was District as a Chapter 1 (Title 1) recently honored by the Greater math teacher. She and her husRochester Chapter of U.S. band have also been in the pie Lacrosse for his strong coaching business since 1987. credentials. He has been chosen
’70s
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E8 Coach of the Year four times and has coached at Nazareth College for eleven seasons. Rob has been active on numerous lacrosse committees: the NCAA Rules Committee from 2003 through 2008; the USILA’s AllAmerican and national rankings committees; the executive board of the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association; the NCAA Championships Committee; and the Nazareth College liaison to the local US Lacrosse board. Colleen Callahan ’89, Inclusive Ed., recently completed her graduate degree. After 20 years of employment in behavioral services at Rochester’s Crestwood Children’s Center’s Early Childhood Center, she has obtained a teaching position in the same program. Elizabeth Lape Kuilman ’89, Eng. W., currently works at Westlake Porter Public Library in Westlake, Ohio. She was recently awarded the Jesse H. Shera Memorial Alumni Award by the School of Library and Information
Science (SLIS) at Kent State University. The award is given to a student who maintains an excellent academic record and demonstrates potential for future scholarly research and publication. Karen Lauterbach Nelson ’89, Art, launched her own website in 2005 that became a leading seller of custom catalog bags as well as specializing in a variety of monogrammed gifts. She recently relaunched the site under the new URL www.custommonogrammedgifts.com.
’90s Toni Whiting ’96, Social Work, was a social worker with Youth in Foster Care in Corpus Christi for 13 years. After adopting eight special needs children, Toni changed careers to become a stay-at-home mother. She has found both careers very rewarding and looks forward to returning to work in another year once her toddler starts school.
Linda Williams ’99U, ’02G, Eng., received her education specialist degree in educational leadership and supervision. She works as an assistant principal in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
her doctorate. In August 2011, she began a new position as an assistant professor in the teacher education unit at SUNY Plattsburgh. Sara Colacino Visingard ’01, Eco., received the Rochester Business Journal Forty under 40 Award for 2011. Ryan Kernan ’05, Bus. Adm. & Eco., currently lives in Manhattan Laura Barnard ’00, Inter. and works as a licensing manager Studies, is on the faculty at the for Nautica. Latin American Studies Program in Mary O’Donnell ’05, Chem., Costa Rica, a study abroad prorecently published the article gram through the Council for “Meaningful Learning in a First Christian Colleges and Universities. Semester Chemistry Course: Richard Popelka-Nicholas ’01, Differences Across Classical, Italian, transferred this year to Discovery, and Instrumental Proctor High School in Utica to Experiments” in The Journal of teach Italian to grades 9 to 11. College Science Teaching. He is also mentoring Jennifer Karen Vecellio ’05, ’06G, Sabonis ’09, a new French teach- Physical Therapy, received her docer at Proctor High School. torate in physical therapy from Maureen Squires ’01, Eng. Lit., SUNY Upstate Medical University just started her 11th year in educa- in 2009. She currently works as a tion. During the past ten years she physical therapist at Enable in taught high school English, earned Syracuse and does rehab for chila master’s degree in special educa- dren and adults with long-term tion, obtained a C.A.S. in educadisabilities such as cerebral palsy tional leadership, and completed
’00s
Gina Giambalvo ’05 married Randy Ryan on October 15, 2011, in Nanuet, N.Y.; this photo was taken during their reception in Washington Township, N.J. Back row, L to R: MaryLiz Vecellio ’77, Michael Vecellio, Vincent Giambalvo, the groom, the bride, RoseMarie Giambalvo. Front row, L to R: Karen Vecellio ’05, ’06G, Jessica Allen ’05, Melodee Knapp ’05.
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class|notes
and brain injuries. Every year since graduation, she and her Nazareth roommates have had a reunion in a different city. Jennifer Meldrum ’06, Eng., recently accepted a position as an associate attorney in the litigation department at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP in Rochester. Michelle Inclema ’07, Comm. Rhet., was recently named editor of NextStepU magazine in Victor, N.Y. The magazine focuses on college and career planning advice for high school students. Crystal Klapan ’08, Comm. Rhet., works as an adjuster in the workers compensation department for Peerless Insurance (a member of Liberty Mutual Group). She has been a part of the company since June 2008. Jaimie MacDonald ’08, Math Ed., is currently teaching mathematics in Hastings, England, after moving there in 2008. Jaimie was inspired to move to England after doing part of her Nazareth student teaching in Wales. She received her certification to teach in England through Canterbury University while teaching full time. Andrea Tudisco ’08, Nursing, received a Nurse of the Year Award from the March of Dimes last fall. Andrea was one of 16 nurses chosen from nearly 100 nominees. Adele Flanagan ’09, Math, currently works as a part-time special education teacher at North Collins High School.
’10s Cara Jasenski ’10, Int. Studies, was recently appointed deputy county clerk, Schenectady County. She is responsible for managing the Schenectady County Department of Motor Vehicles and works directly with the county clerk. In the fall, she will attend the
56 CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012
Rockefeller College of Public Policy and Administration to pursue a master’s in public administration with a concentration in local government management. Christopher Koudelka ’10, Peace and Justice Studies, completed his M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution at the School of International Service, American University. Jessica Geraci ’11, Comm. Rhet., interned with National Public Radio at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. Read more about her experiences on page 51. Judy Scott ’11, Eng., is now the assistant activities director at Baywinde, a Senior Living Center in Webster, N.Y. Jenna Ventura ’11, Soc. Sci., Psy., is a residence director at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y. Among other responsibilities, she works with the First Year Experience program, teaches a section of a transfer seminar class, and co-chairs the RA Advisory Board. Jenna also supervises a team of four RAs in her primary upperclass residence, Wilder Hall. Lindsay Whalen ’11, Mus. Theater, recently finished working the season at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn and is now auditioning in New York and Chicago.
GRADUATE Mark Cassetti ’78G retired in January from the Monroe County Legislature due to term limits. During his tenure, Mark served as vice president of the legislature as well as chairperson of the Public Safety, Recreation and Education, Agenda Charter, and Environment and Public Works committees. Toni Kiddi ’83G retired from Victor Central Schools where she taught reading, grades 4 and 6, and mentor teaching. Toni is
currently substitute teaching and teaching in Mercier Literacy Program in Rochester. She is also a volunteer coordinator for Finger Lakes AFS Foreign Exchange program. Mary Helen McCarthy Collen ’84G completed her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University at Albany in December. She works as chief information officer/data coordinator at Guilderland Central School District near Albany, N.Y. Alayne Gosson ’98G, Lilith Hart ’05G, and Rosemary Zuck ’70 participated in a collaboration of the Rochester Oratorio Society, the Nazareth College Choir, and the Houghton College Choir. The concert, “Crowning Glory,” was held last fall at Rochester’s Hochstein Performance Hall under the direction of Eric Townell.
WEDDINGS & UNIONS Thomas Reynolds ’94 to Michele Bianca Santana, Aug. 15, 2010. Kurt Silcott ’94 to Chantelle King, April 29, 2011. Laura Piston ’02 to Tom Skavienski, July 4, 2010. Mallory E. Aseltine ’08, ’10G to Michael Aquilino, June 25, 2011. Janelle McAllister ’08 to Leon Hill ’08, Nov. 19, 2011. Juliette Brind’Amour ’09 to Eric Willson ’10, June 18, 2011. Jennifer Klien ’10 to Robert Ashley, July 27, 2011.
E.J. Monster ’99, a daughter, Ania Noelle, March 3, 2011. Laura Barnard ’00, a son, Emerson Ray Poag, July 7, 2011. Mark Constable ’00 and Chrissie Constable ’03, a son, Cooper Jackson, Oct. 18, 2011. Gina Menzer-Kunz ’00, ’06G and Jed Kunz ’00, ’03G, a daughter, Nadia Sophia, Sept. 4, 2011. Jason Stevens ’00, ’03G and Laurie Storey-Stevens ’03, a daughter, Lauren Elliana, June 8, 2011. Michelle Gilardi Mallieu ’02, ’03G, a daughter, Emory Jade, April 28, 2011. Kari Steger Cameron ’03, a son, Gavin Thomas, June 4, 2011. Yvonne VanVechten Graham ’03 and David Graham ’03, a son, Luke, Feb. 2011. Amanda Mylott Dall ’04, a son, Brennan Silas, Nov. 21, 2011. Tricia Bell Harrington ’05, a daughter, Makenna, May 13, 2011.
IN MEMORIAM
Marcella Caufield Davin ’43, on Aug. 24, 2011. Marcella was a graduate of St. Monica’s Grammar School, Nazareth Academy, and Nazareth College. Eileen Tiernan Hennessey ’43, on Dec. 23, 2011. Eileen attended Eastman School of Music, then earned a B.A. at Nazareth College and a master’s from Buffalo State College. She was a social worker in Brooklyn and Buffalo, N.Y. Augusta Cosentino Behringer ’46, on June 2, 2011. BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS Lila Hegle Warren ’48, on Dec. 30, 2011. Brooke Woolston Croft ’98, a Irene Deppler Wojciechowski son, Drew Anderson, Nov. 22, ’48, on Dec. 23, 2011. 2011. Anne Collins Blanchard ’64, Julie Houseman Kile ’99, two on Jan. 16, 2011. Anne attended daughters, Katherine Rose, July 21, St. Agnes High School (’60) and 2008, and Jessica Willow, July 14, graduated from Nazareth College 2010. with a degree in business and
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economics. She worked at Eastman Kodak Company for almost 30 years, during which she moved from secretary to manager level in several departments. In 1992 she retired as a human resources manager and later worked as a senior consultant for affirmative action for HR Works in Rochester, helping regional companies with equal employment opportunity (EEO) issues. Diane Gurarino Lenzo ’64, on Aug. 28, 2011. Mary Ellen Resnick Sanford ’66, on Aug. 30, 2011. Mary earned her master’s in education at SUNY Cortland. She was an educator in Ithaca and surrounding public schools and a professor of education at SUNY Cortland for more than 25 years. Joan Zullo Weckel ’72, on Nov. 22, 2011. Joan was the manager of the Narrows Senior Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Joan Waring Austin ’73, on Dec. 2, 2011. Joanie was the assistant director of admissions at Cazenovia College and served the college for almost 20 years. She also was the choir director of the Delphi Falls Church, where her husband Jim has been pastor for 20 years. She was an active Rotarian and a member of NYSTA. Janet Behrens Brusso ’73, on Jan. 31, 2011. Janet graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School, Nazareth College, and SUNY Albany. She was a Spanish teacher with East Palmyra Christian School in Palmyra, N.Y. Sheryl Helmus Bruinsma ’79G, on Aug. 20, 2011. Sheryl was a teacher and a doctor of education.
WELCOME! Nazareth welcomes the following offspring into the ever-growing ranks of future alumni! Left to right, top row: Katherine Rose, daughter of Julie Houseman Kile ’99, born July 21, 2008. Jessica Willow, daughter of Julie Houseman Kile ’99, born July 14, 2010. Left to right, middle row: Cooper Jackson, son of Mark Constable ’00 and Chrissie Constable ’03, born October 18, 2011. Lauren Elliana, daughter of Jason Stevens ’00, ’03G and Laurie StoreyStevens ’03, born June 8, 2011. Left to right, bottom row: Gavin Thomas, daughter of Kari Steger Cameron ’03, born June 4, 2011. Makenna, daughter of Tricia Bell Harrington ’05 and Ben Harrington born May 13, 2011.
THE | archive
S
pringtime on the Nazareth campus has always featured picnics on the
lawn outside Smyth Hall. This picnic, in about 1979, inspired several students to try a little disco dancing. Check out the young man’s John Travolta hand gestures and listen closely ‌ you can almost hear the Bee Gees on the cassette player! Thank you to all the alumni who responded with information about the archive photo in the Winter 2011-12 issue. If you have additional information about this photograph, please let us know! Send comments to Archives, Lorette Wilmot Library, Nazareth College, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618, or email driley9@naz.edu.
Do the Hustle! 58 CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012
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RETHINK Graduate Degrees Whether you want to complete your studies, receive your certification, or switch careers, consider a graduate degree from Nazareth College. Nazareth offers graduate programs in: Arts and Sciences Education Health and Human Services Management Graduate Information Session May 24 • Meet with faculty from your specific program of interest. • Optional campus tours available.
Discover more or register for a session at grad.naz.edu.
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CONNECTIONS | Spring 2012 59
4245 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14618-3790 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Picture Perfect Work nears completion on the Integrated Center for Math and Science, and its grand opening is scheduled for September 27. Until then, you can check out updates on the construction blog at forcollegeandcommunity. wordpress.com and view the daily changes on the live construction webcam at go.naz.edu/webcam.
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