Fall 2009 Scene by SUNY Geneseo

Fall 2009

geneseo scene

A magazine for alumni, parents and friends of SUNY Geneseo

Freshmen Freshmen take take on on adventure adventure in in

Higher Education

Family Ties Geneseo Tradition

An Extraordinary Life, An Extraordinary Gift

geneseo Fall 2009

scene CONTENTS

FEATURES 8

An Extraordinary Life, An Extraordinary Gift America was built on the entrepreneurial spirit. The largest gift in the college’s history will inspire students to set their own dreams and provide the foundation to get them started.

Family Ties Generations of Geneseo students have cherished the college’s small-town feel and cutting-edge thinking. Families who have made the Geneseo experience a tradition reflect on how it has shaped their lives.

Higher Education Some of the best lessons are learned through struggle and solitude. In the First-Year Institute, Geneseo’s newest students take their first steps toward success in Mother Nature's classroom.

DEPARTMENTS 3 29 34

One College Circle Alumni News Class Notes

COLUMNS 2 7 22 24 28 32 40

President’s Message Letters to the Editor Perspective Sports Mission Driven Random Profile: One Cup Memory Lane

Cover photography: Joe Keller Table of contents photography: Kris Dreessen ON THE COVER: Afternoon sun streams onto the Seuss tree and Sturges Hall, the oldest building on campus. More than 50,000 alums have walked past Sturges Hall. AT RIGHT: Assistant Professor Gary “Griz” Caudle ’70 leads incoming freshmen in the First-Year Institute in a high-five after they make it to the summit of St. Regis mountain in the Adirondacks.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Vol. 35, No. 1; Fall 2009

Continuing the Tradition

scene

The Geneseo Sceneis published by SUNY Geneseo, Division of College Advancement, Office of College Communications.

Christopher C. Dahl, President Michael J. Catillaz, Vice President for College Advancement Anthony T. Hoppa, Assistant Vice President for College Communications Kris Dreessen, Editor Carole Smith Volpe ’91, Art Director Contributing writers: Lisa M. Feinstein David Irwin Kenneth H. Levison

very day, good people do good works at Geneseo. Students, faculty, staff. Alumni and parents. Donors and friends. Through their time, talent and resources, they change lives and help build community — continuing a tradition of service now in its 138th year. This spirit of helping others marks our campus culture. It is at the core of our liberal arts mission: to foster skills and values that enrich lives. Many of these people work behind the scenes in ways that quietly shape the nature of the college and its connection to the region. Their contributions affect the lives of many, including the alumni who reminisce in this issue about their Geneseo experiences and the way seemingly little things helped them succeed. Their stories call to mind the words of the British Romantic essayist Charles Lamb: “The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident.” Certainly, that observation applies to longtime benefactor Charles L. and to have it found “Bud” VanArsdale. For more than 40 years, Bud out by accident.” generously served the college as well as citizens — Charles Lamb and businesses close to home and around the world. He sought nothing in return, motivated only by the strong desire to make communities a better place. Bud’s gift of $2.5 million — the largest ever at Geneseo — will create The Charles L. VanArsdale Endowed Chair for Entrepreneurship and Small Business. In light of his accomplishments as a businessman and entrepreneur, I can think of no field of study better suited to honor Bud’s legacy. Fresh knowledge and creativity are critical to business, and small businesses are vital to our economic recovery and prosperity. His foresight will pay dividends in ways we cannot yet imagine. As you’ll read in this issue, there is no questioning Bud’s allegiance to our college and western New York. For that, we are truly grateful. Likewise, there is no mistaking Geneseo’s commitment to serve this region by providing the highest quality of liberal education to foster A transformational gift: Celebrating with “Bud” leadership, creativity and an entrepreVanArsdale after the Sept. 25 announcement. neurial spirit. We have seen those qualities take root in western New York, and we are delighted to learn that they flourish in distant places as well. The stories and pictures in this issue reflect our rich legacy of service and the lifelong impact our actions have on others. I hope you enjoy discovering this facet of Geneseo again — and feel inspired to help carry on the tradition.

“The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth,

Alumni Relations Office Rose G. Anderson, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations Michelle Walton Worden ’92, Associate Director of Alumni Relations Tracy Young Gagnier ’93, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

PHOTO BY RANDALL TAGG

Alumni Relations Office at Collins Alumni Center McClellan House SUNY Geneseo 1 College Circle Geneseo, NY 14454-1484 Phone: (585) 245-5506 Fax: (585) 245-5505 alumni@geneseo.edu

Parent Relations Office Tammy Ingram ’88, Director of Parent Relations Erwin 202 Phone: (585) 245-5570 Contact the Sceneat scene@geneseo.edu Visit the Web site at scene.geneseo.edu

Cordially,

Christopher C. Dahl

geneseo scene

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE CUSANO

One College Circle

CAMPUS NEWS

4 5 5 6

Bright lights of Brodie Investing in science International exposure News in brief

Fall 2009

ONE COLLEGE CIRCLE

CAMPUS NEWS

Alum brings bright lights of Broadway to Brodie As a freshman, Joe Langworth ’88 was cast in the lead role in Geneseo’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The performance included a little dance as Joseph. Professor of Dance Jonette Lancos saw his potential. On Monday, she posted a note: “Joe Langworth, see me in my office.” “She said, ‘You’re going to take my ballet class next semester,’” remembers Langworth. “I had never put on a pair of tights in my life. I trusted her and I went with it.” Her instincts were right. Dance was a good fit for his athleticism and creativity. He performed many times at Geneseo; the experience won him roles on Broadway. “When it came time for me to audition, I wasn’t scared,” says Langworth. “I was actually kind of fearless.” He debuted in the original production of “A Chorus Line” one year after graduation. Since then he has performed in numerous Broadway shows, on Broadway tours, on “The Tony Awards” and in many other venues. He also is a casting director and choreographer. Last spring, Langworth returned to Geneseo — as a dance instructor. Back in Brodie Hall, he taught tap, musical theater dance and jazz and collaborated with students and staff for the Dance Ensemble spring performance. Lancos has invited alumni to teach master dance classes, perform and teach full semesters since 1995. “It’s really important that current students know what is

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possible,” she says. Budding performers like MaryElisabeth Kimbark ’10 are inspired by successful grads with whom they have shared the same stage. “He really wanted to make us better dancers, better people,” says Kimbark, a musical theater major who will audition in New York City as soon as she graduates. “… Seeing where he is as a dancer and as a performer makes me feel

like, ‘Okay, if I keep working on it, then I can make it that far. I can do it.’” Langworth also mentored students about the business — resumé-building, self-promotion and the passion casting directors seek. “Don’t be the version of you that you think someone else wants you to be,” he told them. “Who you are is the one thing no one else can compete with.” Kimbark relished those

“It’s an opportunity to give back to a place that gave me so much.” — Joe Langworth ’88

nuggets of life experience Langworth shared from 20 years in showbiz. At a final Dance Ensemble rehearsal, Langworth stood stage front, arms stretched toward the lights, guiding students in perfect form. Curtain call was closing in. “Bring your A-game, no matter how you feel on performance day,” he hollered. “This has been just great. The level is high here. I’ve been impressed.” Langworth found himself inspired by the experience. “I’ve worn a few hats in my life. Teaching here, at this level, it feels like I’m using everything I’ve ever done professionally in my life,” he said. “I’m almost paying it forward. It’s an opportunity to give back to a place that gave me so much. “I am most surprised by how charmed, challenged and ultimately changed I have been by the students,” he said. Teaching is a new pursuit: “I see it in my future now.” — Kris Dreessen

Giving back to Geneseo as a dance instructor used all of the skills he’s learned in his career, says Joe Langworth ’88. Here, he leads student performers in a Dance Ensemble rehearsal.

PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN

Greene Hall transformed into science gold Tucked away in a chemistry lab, Scott Eron ’10 is creating quantum dots. He’s discovering how to make them absorb as much light as possible and attract titanium dioxide. One day, the resulting compound could be used in solar cells to improve energy efficiency. Life in the lab at Geneseo is state of the art for Eron since Greene Hall reopened this fall, concluding Phase II of the Integrated Science Center. The college invested $15.6 million to overhaul the 42-yearold building. The grand opening was the final step in the $53 million Integrated Science Center — the largest single capital project in the college’s history. The first phase cost $37.5 million and includes the new building at the top of the College Green and a $1.2 million particle accelerator laboratory. Now, all science disciplines are under one roof, facilitating collaboration among departments, providing more undergraduate research opportunities and encourag-

PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN

Chemistry Assistant Professor James McGarrah, left, helps position the NMR spectrometer in its new lab space in the Integrated Science Center.

ing faculty-student interaction. “That tells me the college takes academics and science seriously,” says Eron, who spent the summer as a paid researcher in chemistry. “They are investing in the students and their future.” “This is really state of the art,” says David Geiger, professor and chemistry chair. “It’s comparable to the best facilities you would find in any liberal

arts teaching environment.” The 60,000-square-foot layout of former Greene Hall provides eight physics classrooms and labs, four chemistry labs, and conference rooms. Each professor has an office and research lab space. In the new rooftop astronomy observatory, students will explore the galaxy with a 20inch reflecting telescope. Updated precision equip-

ment allows additional opportunity for student research, too. Geiger more than doubled the number of students who help conduct photochemical studies. Among the new research spaces and tools are a surface science laboratory and a special microscope that can produce images of individual atoms. “It’s pretty unique for an undergraduate institution,” says Geiger. The project was a necessary investment, says Kenneth Levison, vice president for administration and finance, given that the number of science majors has doubled from 575 in 1984 to 1,100 in 2008. As of 2008, more than 20 percent of all undergraduates were science majors. “Our mission is to give our students the best possible public liberal-arts education that they can find anywhere in the country,” says Levison. “You can’t do that with outdated facilities.” — Kris Dreessen

Students win prestigious State Department grants There comes a time — many in fact — says Mark Simeone ’10, while you’re living in another culture that you realize your bias was wrong. There’s so much more to the ornate altars in the mosque and the woeful twangs of your neighbor’s folk music. “You come to enjoy your new lifestyle and this idea pops into your head: ‘If I like this, then what else could I try? There are so many other cultures and places,” says Simeone (pictured, in Russia). “That’s the eye-opening moment.” Such everyday epiphanies, he says, “enrich your own sense of understanding of the world around you.” Simeone had plenty of mind-opening opportunities during his summer-long stay with a family while studying in southwest

Russia. He is one of two Geneseo students who earned prestigious Critical Languages Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State for summer 2009. Jim Kuras ’09, a geography major, dove into life in Istanbul, Turkey. They are the first Geneseo students to earn the grants. The Department of State offers all-expenses-paid intensive training in 11 foreign countries whose languages, such as Arabic and Azerbaijani, are deemed critical for defense, business and other world issues. The two lived with host families, spoke only in their adopted tongue, studied 30 hours a week at local universities and explored culture and traditions, immersed in the minutiae of daily life. After a while, says Kuras, you have

experienced many “a-ha” moments, and life in your new country feels just like that — daily life. You study, take the bus and stroll along the Volga River talking politics, says Simeone. “You learn so much more about the daily life of another people when you’re doing it every day, too,” says Simeone. “ … Living with my host family and doing the things I’ve done have made me more open to other possibilities, and I’m not afraid to strive for them as hard as I can.” Kris Dreessen

Fall 2009

ONE COLLEGE CIRCLE

Faculty earn statewide honors

NEWS IN BRIEF

Geneseo has again made a strong showing in the recent rankings of two respected college guides. U.S. News & magazine World Report named Geneseo among 80 colleges and universities in the country with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. “These 80 colleges and universities were singled out most often when experts were asked to identify schools where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching,” notes the magazine. Geneseo is tied for fourth on the list of “Universities — Master’s” for the North Region. The list is contained in the magazine’s 2010 rankings of the country’s top colleges and universities. Geneseo also made another strong showing this year in the magazine’s general rankings, where it is second among the “Top Public Universities — Master’s” list for the North Region. The college also ranks 12th among the “Best Universities — Master’s” list for the same region. An idyllic campus, the feel of a private college and an affordable price helped earn Geneseo more praise from the “Fiske Guide to Colleges,” which named the college among the country’s 44 “Best Buy” schools in its 2010 edition, based on quality of academic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance. “Indeed, this public institution attracts high achievers from around the nation,” the guide notes, citing attentive professors and excellent preprofessional programs in disciplines such as education and business.

PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN

Geneseo wins top rankings again

The State University of New York recently honored Geneseo faculty members as Distinguished Professors. The professorships are among the highest system tributes conferred upon SUNY instructional faculty. Olympia Nicodemi, professor of mathematics, was named a During a campus visit in July, SUNY’s first female chancellor, Nancy Zimpher, Distinguished watches as Marcus Cook, left, 14, and Antwuan Strozier, 13, experiment makTeaching Professor ing solar power in the Young Scholars Academy at Geneseo, run by the for her quality of Xerox Center for Multicultural Teacher Education at Geneseo. instruction and Biologists show impact agriculture has on commitment to ongoing intellectual and profeswater quality sional growth and scholarship. Biology Professor Isidro Bosch and students were part of a Mary Ellen Zuckerman, a team that recently published 14 papers documenting for the professor in the first time that sound agricultural management techniques School of Business, benefit farmers by reducing soil loss and fertilizer costs, while was named a preserving the environment and water quality. Distinguished The papers are in a special supplement to The Journal of Great Service Professor . It was a joint initiative with project director Lakes Research for her extraordiJoseph Makarewicz, professor of biology and environmental nary service to science at SUNY Brockport. The work was funded by $1.2 the college, SUNY and the million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the greater community. Livingston Planning Department and the Altria Corporation.

SNAPSHOT:

Geneseo Gives Back

For four years, students have donated clothing and household items to the Geneseo Gives Back program when they move out for the summer. The InterFaith Center of Geneseo, Inc., sells the items on move-in weekend. Profits go to the 40-year-old center’s operating fund, which provides space for diverse worship, gatherings and programming, featuring discussions by faculty. Students save money to outfit their rooms and preserve the environment. Unsold items are donated to organizations that help local residents.

$10,000 minimum savings achieved each year by reducing landfill costs $6,692 total proceeds raised since Geneseo Gives Back was started.

800 200 5 4 3 1

clients served through the ARC of Livingston-Wyoming social services agency after unsold sale items were given to its second-hand store pairs of jeans donated by students in 2009. Unsold denims were donated to Hearthside Cats pet shelter.

tons of trash saved from the landfill during the 2009 Geneseo Gives Back drive

organizations helped through Geneseo Gives Back this year (Geneseo InterFaith Center, Hearthside Cats, Geneseo-Groveland Food Pantry, the ARC of Livingston-Wyoming)

car loads of nonperishable food items donated to the Geneseo-Groveland Food Pantry

more way Geneseo students, faculty and staff help Mother Earth and the community

geneseo scene

LETTERS

Letters to the Editor The Scene welcomes feedback and encourages discussion of higher-education issues and content. Send letters, which may be edited for space, to scene@geneseo.edu or to the Scene editor, SUNY Geneseo, Roemer House, 1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454

Hot shots “The Demand for Geneseo” and “Shot of a Lifetime” caught my eye. It’s always nice to see how Geneseo is doing compared with other colleges. The Scott Morton story was fun because I ended up watching the play on the Internet with my 9-year-old son. It was great seeing Geneseo on ESPN, too. My husband is a Penn Stater so it was nice to see my school on TV instead of his for a change. — Jennifer Briganti Costello ’94

A downside to demand? I always look forward to reading about what's happening at Geneseo. I graduated in 1986 as a geography major and I found “The Demand for Geneseo” kind of sad. My 12-year-old just completed seventh grade and took accelerated math and science. He got averages of high 80s and low 90s in all of his classes and received special awards for his art and trumpet playing. I have to wonder if he, or his sister, will follow the footsteps of me and my grandmother and attend Geneseo. With the statistics given in the story, an average SAT score of 1325 seems very high. I loved Geneseo. In fact, when visiting colleges in my senior year, it turned out to be

the only one I really liked. I wonder if I was applying now if my first-choice school would be out of my reach, because of such stiff competition. I suppose it is in the college’s best interest to get ”the best and the brightest” so Geneseo can “deliver on the promise of selectivity,” but I hope you are not turning away average and aboveaverage students who have much more to offer but only come with a good, but not great, GPA. There is a lot more to students than averages and test scores. —Tammy Porter ’86

Geneseo’s global impact Karen Parkhurst is a Rotary International member whose Victor-Farmington, N.Y, club started a solar-oven project in El Sauce, Nicaragua. She has visited El Sauce twice and is familiar with Geneseo’s projects and 4 Walls, which Adam Davis ’09 participated in last January. I was delighted to read the details of some very important projects in El Sauce. Thank you for the wonderful article about all the efforts to change the economic circumstances of a very poor area of a very poor country. I have come to love El Sauce and Nicaragua and the people I have met,

both here and in Central America. By publishing the details, you are getting the word out to more and more people, hopefully creating more interest in boosting this difficult economy in a “developing” nation. — Karen Parkhurst Last May, I visited El Sauce for the first time. For weeks I researched where I could visit that would allow me to experience the country’s true flavor. I was excited when I came across the Scene editor’s reporting blog, “On Scene,” describing El Sauce and Geneseo’s efforts to build economic development, and I was inspired to go. Resident Director Kellan Morgan ’06 planned accommodations with a local family, meals and day trips, including an overnight in Ocotal with members of the eco-tourism cooperative. When you visit a hotel you are offered a luxurious room, tiled pools and luxurious restaurants and candy stores with fine food and sweets. Thankfully, we had none of this in El Sauce. We did get lovely accommodations with warm people that treated us as visiting family. Kellan and Geneseo have taken great efforts to work with the local youth to establish a wonderful local tour program, providing a

feeling for the community. The horseback ride through the mountains of Ocotal took us back 150 years to a life that was much simpler, where coffee is harvested by hand and sugar is pressed out of cane and cooked over a wood-fired “horno.” Words don’t fully express the warmth exhibited by all the people that we met on our adventure. Geneseo is helping to make a unique experience for the adventurous tourist to experience life Nica style. I wish you luck with the future of this endeavor. — David Browne Morristown, N.J.

A tradition of service I recently attended an alumni gathering in Denver. We talked about the Peace Corps and the proportionately large number of Geneseo graduates who join the Corps and serve overseas. I graduated in 1967 and served in the Peace Corps with my husband from 2006 through 2008 in Vanuatu. I am proud to find that my two alma maters, Geneseo and Syracuse University, are well-represented in the Peace Corps. I am impressed with Geneseo’s philosophies, programs and activities, and appreciate the opportunity to have attended the reception. — Nancy Cole ’67 Fall 2009

An Extraordinary Life, After a lifetime of service, one of western New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential

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An Extraordinary Gift businessmen has given Geneseo its largest donation in history.

Fall 2009

“This is the first fully endowed professorship in our 138-year history. It will greatly enhance our ability to attract world-class faculty and build Geneseo’s stature as a nationally recognized public liberal arts college.” — President Christopher C. Dahl

BY KRIS DREESSEN ommunity has always been priority one for Charles L. “Bud” VanArsdale, who earned a college degree but instead of going straight into business, volunteered to serve his country during World War II in Germany. When he returned to tiny Castile, N.Y. in 1947, he took the thrill-less job of organizing the Bank of Castile’s supply room. He worked his way up to teller, loan officer and finally president in 1979. His family started the bank; he always wanted to be a part of it. He and his late wife, Marjorie, whom everyone knew as “Mardi,” celebrated every holiday and birthday with family, most of whom lived in Castile. His bank customers were his neighbors; through the bank he helped them buy their homes and launch businesses. “He was the ultimate community banker in the old-fashioned sense of the word,” says his daughter Marritje Greene. “Everything he did was to benefit the residents of the town in which he lived.” One Sunday night phone call has become historic in the Genesee Valley. Bud remembers well that call from his friend Joe Bucci ’67. A former school teacher and real-estate agent, Joe wanted to build a new mine in Hampton Corners and replace the flooded rock salt mine in Retsof, near Geneseo. The Dutch company AkzoNobel closed it after a roof failure caused flooding. Joe knew many of the 350 people who would lose their jobs. Years ago, Joe’s grandfather had ridden a mule into the mine to support his family. His dad was an engineer there. “He said, ‘Is there anything we can do to get these miners back to work?’” Bud saw potential and helped secure investment and a plan. With a few partners, they launched American Rock Salt. It is now the largest rock salt producer in the United States; sec-

ond in the world. It employs nearly 300 people. Bucci is vice chairman of production and general operations. “It’s a great American story,” says Bud. “That’s what I liked best about banking — helping people. Anything you can do to get business in your community is a good thing.” The salt mine and so many other successes like it illustrate the economic impact Bud has had across western New York. Bud, in fact, spearheaded creation of the Livingston County Office of Economic Development, personally recruiting its first and only director. “It was a phenomenal achievement,” says Patrick Rountree, director since 1988. “Everything that has been accomplished in this county in one way or another goes back to the work Bud started.” Bud carried that entrepreneurial and generous spirit to other areas of his life, including SUNY Geneseo, providing scholarships to students and sharing business expertise with members of the local community and businesses abroad. At the recent Geneseo Foundation board of directors meeting, President Christopher C. Dahl announced that Bud has committed a gift of $2.5 million to the college. The largest gift ever made to SUNY Geneseo will fund The Charles L. VanArsdale Endowed Chair for Entrepreneurship and Small Business. The gift’s annual interest will support a professor in the School of Business. It is an investment in students and the region, says Bud: Maybe a student who takes those courses will do “something we have not seen.” “Most innovation started with someone who had a bright idea,” says Bud. “You don’t have to work for General Motors or Texaco to come up with a bright idea. Get these kids enthused to work in small business. That’s where the future of the country is.” Geneseo will be one of just two SUNY four-year colleges with an endowed chair at this level. For scores of undergraduates,

the endowment will bring into focus the importance of entrepreneurial thinking and creative problem-solving, and foster an appreciation of small business as the building blocks of the nation’s economy. “Bud’s gift is transformational for the college,” says Dahl. “This is the first fully endowed professorship in our 138-year history. It will greatly enhance our ability to attract world-class faculty and build Geneseo’s stature as a nationally recognized public liberal arts college.” "It’s a pivotal moment for Geneseo, to receive a gift of this level and of this significance,” agrees Jeff Clarke ’83, president and CEO of Travelport and a Geneseo Foundation board member. “An endowed chair is in perpetuity. It sets an example for our alumni around generosity. It's an extraordinary, extraordinary gift by Mr. VanArsdale. Gifts like these put Geneseo on a different stage." Bud’s work as a distinguished businessman and community servant lives on through the chair, says Dahl, and will continue to help the greater community: It’s a perfect fit for Geneseo’s mission and community values. Bud originally thought he would make the gift anonymously, but changed his thinking: “If I give my name, maybe someone else will step up to the plate.” The endowment is the latest in a long history of support by Bud and Mardi for Geneseo. By directing $1 million of his gift to Geneseo through his will, Bud is a member of the MacVittie Society. The VanArsdales also established the Charles and Marjorie VanArsdale Scholarship for International Studies. The annual award helps international students study at Geneseo and is a nod to Bud’s volunteer work with the International Executive Service Corps in former Eastern bloc countries, helping residents take their first steps in capitalism by making successful loans. In 2008, the college awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters for PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE WHITE

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his life’s work in service to others. Bud’s alma mater is elsewhere; he earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Cornell University. He chose to support Geneseo because of the college’s many contributions to the region. It is one of the area’s largest employers, has outstanding academics and produces great alumni, Bud points out. “Geneseo has done so much for the community,” he says. “I’m so impressed by Geneseo. If I can help it, I want to do it.” Bud developed an intimate relationship with the college as a founder and the first director of the Small Business Development Center. Since 1992, center staff have counseled aspiring and small-business owners, who have created and saved more than 1,700 jobs and invested more than $160 million in Livingston County and the surrounding area. Bud’s experience as both entrepreneur and banking expert was invaluable in that regard. As president until 1990, Bud grew the Bank of Castile from one branch and $800,000 in assets to six branches and more than a $100 million in assets. “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been very fortunate,” says Bud. ”I’ve had some amazing experiences in my life.” It all inspires him to give back. Bud says that being a soldier in war was ultimately good for him, because he witnessed what hardship and suffering Europeans had to go through, and their resilience. Bud also saw how good deeds made a difference, growing up and raising a family in closeknit Castile and Geneseo. Through his acts, note Joe, Marritje and others, Bud reminds them of the importance of generosity and compassion. His generosity was always under the radar. There was no horn tooting. If anything, he’d rather no one mention his name at all. “He’s just always been behind the scenes to get things done,” says longtime friend Jim Fulmer, president of the Bank of Castile since 1997.

Charles L. “Bud” VanArsdale’s gift to fund Geneseo’s first endowed chair — in the School of Business — is transformational for the college and will allow students to focus on entrepreneurship and small business.

Bud will tell you he served in World War II and tried to provide good service all those years at the bank. He won’t tell you — but others will — that he earned the rank of an Army lieutenant and tank commander. Or that when a young couple’s loan officer had to cancel an appointment, Bud met them at the bank after 8 o’clock on a weeknight so they wouldn’t miss a deadline for their mortgage. Or, that he helped a colleague he met in Kazakhstan arrange medical care in the United States. “It’s part of being a citizen,” says Bud. “If you can’t leave the world a little better than when you entered, I don’t think you’ve had a successful life.”

“It’s a pivotal moment for Geneseo, to receive a gift of this level and of this significance.” — Jeff Clarke ’83, president and CEO of Travelport and Geneseo Foundation board member

Fall 2009

Family Geneseo Tradition

The Geneseo experience has become a tradition among loved ones who take pride in the legacy of becoming alumni. Photographs and story by Kris Dreessen

ost aspiring students evaluate several schools to find the very best fit. Chris Hayden ’83 only considered one. The contentment and success his brothers found at Geneseo meant more than any survey, facility tour or brochure could convey. “It was very much a community,” says John Hayden ’68 — one that allowed him to make lifelong friends, share lunch with professors and experience opportunities not found in large institutions. His professors inspired him and set him on his path to a law career. Two generations of Haydens followed in his footsteps. Families with such legacies of choosing Geneseo, says President Christopher C. Dahl, “speak to us about loyalty and a community of people who have shared interests, shared values and common contributions to the world. We believe that everyone who has ever attended this college since 1871 is part of the Geneseo family.” The Hayden, Wight and Emery families have traditions at Geneseo that span generations, entire households and extended families. Many of them met their future spouses on campus. They discovered similar experiences at Geneseo — community spirit, committed faculty and challenging courses punctuated by personal epiphanies. “It shows that over decades of their experience here, people feel Geneseo has led them to success in their careers as well as having shaped them in other areas, like leadership and character,” says Kristine Shay ’88, director of admissions. Families often explain, notes Shay, that they cherish the value and pride of a Geneseo education and a feeling that Geneseo is a second home. “It truly becomes a family affair,” says Shay, “and a matter of the heart.”

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The Emery Family Ashley Coakley ’09, center, celebrates being the newest Geneseo alum in the Emery family. Cheering her on is Suzanne Emery ’82, left, Roma Emery ’56, MA ’60 and Richard Emery ’58.

Ties

The Emery Family “It definitely makes it more of a special place, I’m glad I’m part of a family that was able to have generations come here. Now, I want one of my kids to go here, too.” — Ashley Coakley ’09

here were no male dormitories when Richard Emery came to campus in 1953, so he rented a room in a family’s home for the great sum of a dollar a day. Roma Colburn enjoyed studying amidst the hustle and bustle of the student union, and often shared lunch with Professor Emeritus Ira Wilson. Richard taught his favorite teacher, Lucy Harmon, how to drive. When Lucy drove crosscountry, she sent him postcards, saying thank you for helping her get there. Sweethearts in high school, Richard and Roma found true love with each other at Geneseo, where they made dear friends for life. Just last year, Roma — who became Mrs. Emery in 1957 — cruised the waterways of Russia with Gerry Deane, her college roommate. “Geneseo. It has remained in our lives,” says Roma, a member of the alumni association board of directors from 1991 to 1994. Now retired and living less than 10 miles from the college, the Emerys started their careers as educators at Geneseo, beginning a family tradition that has lasted three generations. Roma earned her bachelor’s degree in 1956, Richard in 1958. He had a two-year stint in the Army as an assistant to a West Point professor. Roma earned her master’s in education at Geneseo in 1960. Suzanne, their eldest of three daughters, turned her tassel with an expertise in economics in 1982. Last May, the Emerys’ granddaughter, Ashley Coakley, walked across the stage, bachelor’s degree in

geneseo scene

hand, at the Wilson Ice Arena as her proud family cheered. “I could hardly hold back the tears,” says Roma. The moment got to Richard, too. He took dozens of keepsake photos that day, including one of her receiving her diploma. “I must have been shaking a bit because of all the pictures I took, the only one that was blurry was that one,” he says. The Emerys are proud that they have the shared experience of going to Geneseo, but it wasn’t planned. None chose it because their loved ones attended; it was just the best choice for them individually. That is, except for Richard, maybe, who followed Roma to Geneseo and walked Roma down the aisle before he even walked in commencement. “Yes, that was probably part of it,” he jokes of his decision. Richard started out as a physical education major at another SUNY school. He says he received good advice that gym teachers were a dime a dozen then, so he should explore other careers. He opted for education. Geneseo was known, he says, as “an excellent teacher’s college.” Roma always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Geneseo’s reputation drew her in, too. When Richard and Roma strolled onto the College Green in the 1950s, it wasn’t there. Erwin, even Bailey, had not been built. The college community was smaller, too — 800 students, tops. “It was small,” remembers Roma, who spent more than 20 years as a fifth-grade

teacher. “You knew everybody. Many of the professors were friends of ours.” Richard, who went on to be a math teacher and assistant district superintendent for Livingston-Steuben-Wyoming Board of Cooperative Educational Services, played basketball and soccer and was captain of the baseball team his senior year. He had the same coach for all three sports. As for Suzanne, she left her friends back at SUNY Potsdam and transferred to become part of Geneseo’s new School of Business. She owned her own catering business and now raises funds for charities. Ashley’s dream career is to help struggling students as a school psychologist. She transferred to Geneseo after earning an associate’s degree in Rochester and has applied to master’s programs. There have been many changes in the last 55 years, since the Emery family first signed their Geneseo applications. One thing has stayed the same for half a century. “The reputation has been constant for all three generations,” says Richard. “It was good in the fifties, it had a strong reputation in the eighties and it’s just as good in the 2000s.” Seeing the family gathered together at commencement has inspired Ashley. “It definitely makes it more of a special place,” she says. “I’m glad I’m part of a family that was able to have generations come here. Now, I want one of my kids to go here, too.”

The Hayden Family Like many of the Hayden boys who attended Geneseo, John Hayden ’68 met his wife, Eleanor Davidson Hayden ’71, on campus.

The Hayden Family hris Hayden ’83 didn’t even look at other colleges. He wanted Geneseo. He had been on campus once, for his brother Donald’s graduation in 1976. It was enough. Chris saw how much Donald and their older brother John ’68 loved their experiences and how successful they were. Don found his calling as a priest at Geneseo; John became a senior partner in one of Baltimore’s largest law firms. “I thought, this might be a good spot for me, too,” remembers Chris. Chris started in the fall of 1979, studying political science. He joined the Delta Kappa Tau fraternity, buckled down in computer science class and watched many sunsets in the gazebo with aspiring

teacher Anne Marie Scotto. They exchanged vows in 1984. Like most of the Hayden men, he met his wife at Geneseo. “If you’re a Hayden male, you end up getting married or becoming a priest at Geneseo,” jokes Chris. “That’s what happens there.” The Hayden extended family has a rich history of choosing Geneseo — seven so far. John Hayden ’68 married Eleanor Davidson Hayden ’71. Their son Patrick Hayden ’99, a police officer, met his wife, Noelle Hayden ’99, on campus. Father Donald Hayden earned his degree in 1976. Chris graduated in 1983; Anne Marie in 1982. All the women were or are teachers.

Come 2013, the Hayden clan will add another alum to their merit sash — Chris and Anne Marie’s son, Timothy, a freshman and aspiring lawyer. “There will be a Hayden at Geneseo for the last six decades,” says Chris, who owns his own insurance agency. It’s a point of pride among the Haydens — an achievement. “The education we got was terrific,” says John. “It’s been something that was important for us and we want to pass on.” They suggested their son Patrick choose Geneseo for the academics as well as the rolling countryside and close-knit community. Geneseo was cozy, rooted in stellar courses and professors who cared. They might even loan you a car, like former Fall 2009

“I cannot express a more sincere level of gratitude than I felt for the professors. I was not the best student. They just saw that I was doing the best that I could and met me every step of the way to get me through my senior year of Geneseo, and I will never forget it.” — Chris Hayden ’83 Geneseo President Robert W. MacVittie did when he gave John his station wagon to explore the 1967 Canadian Expo with Kenyan international students. When Chris was ill his senior year with a rare muscle syndrome, professors brought his assignments bedside. He doesn’t remember names, but cherishes their actions. “I cannot express a more sincere level of gratitude than I felt for the professors,” says Chris. “I was not the best student. They just saw that I was doing the best that I could and met me every step of the way to get me through my senior year of Geneseo, and I will never forget it.” The overall experience of coursework and life on campus prepared the Haydens for life and more learning as they advanced in their careers: “It was very much a community,” says John. Faculty also opened their eyes. Eleanor

discovered there were more career options for women beyond secretary and nurse. She earned a master’s degree concentrating in special education at Canisius College. Since then, she has taught deaf children and adults, been an interpreter, served as an adjunct faculty member at Loyola College and is now an editor. “It’s because I had the exposure of that career path at Geneseo,” she says. “It’s amazing. The seeds were there and I didn’t even realize it.” And John, who was so sure he’d never be able to attend law school, changed his mind. Political science Professor Phil Hassman “convinced me that I could do it,” says John, and even suggested his niche — business and tax law. He earned his law degree at the University of Buffalo. His first job was at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP in Baltimore, where he was one of 18 lawyers. He’s

stayed 36 years and now is a senior partner among 160 lawyers. A photo with former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, taken on a Hassman-led field trip to the Capitol, hangs in his office. Memories of Geneseo — seeing the last rays of the day on the hill, all-night study sessions, those cravings for uptown toasted subs — are savored at family gatherings. Anne Marie made new ones with Timothy at orientation last summer, escorting him on a personal tour of campus. “We had lunch at Aunt Cookie’s … He stayed in my old dorm, Onondaga. I went to the gazebo and took pictures. I saw a sunset.” She could still picture Chris walking her to class across Sturges Quad, bundled up in a blistery snow. Geneseo, says Anne Marie, “feels like a part of us.”

The Wight Family ohn and Carol Wight grew up in small towns in upstate New York — the kind of villages in which you run into a store for a jug of milk and don’t hit the check-out line until you’ve chatted with four of your neighbors. They sought that kinship for their college experience and found it at Geneseo, complemented by challenging courses, opportunities for research and hands-on training, and guiding faculty who helped shape their careers. Geneseo functions as its own small community, says Dr. John Wight ’77, founder of Tri Valley Family Practice in Vernon, N.Y. All these years later, “It feels like home.” Since 1975, the college has been a second home to nine members of the Wight extended families. Their Geneseo tradition spans two generations and three families.

geneseo scene

Bob Wight ’75 was the first. A longtime science teacher in Scio, N.Y., he married a Geneseo alumna, Valerie Hollister Wight ’90, who also teaches in their hometown. Bob’s daughter, Elizabeth Wight ’01, was offered scholarships to several universities but chose Geneseo. John then followed. Somewhere between the squash court and class, he discovered he wanted Carol Pounds ’78 to be his bride. She crafted their wedding bands in the Brodie Hall jewelry studio. In time, all three of John and Carol’s children chose Geneseo, too. Erin graduated in 2005 and Brian in 2007. Andrew earns his diploma in June. Like father, like son, Brian also met his new wife, Spanish teacher Mary Caitlin Scanlen ’08, on campus. John and Carol actually have a three-fer tradition in their family. John and all of his children are doctors or aspiring doctors

and chose the same medical college. Erin graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical College and is now a doctor. Brian is in his third year. Andrew was accepted through early admission and starts in fall 2010. Growing up, they all knew they wanted to become doctors. Ironically, their father didn’t. Guidance from faculty, especially Coach Paul Rose, steered John to medical school, and his college roommate, Dr. John Sorge ’77, pushed him to do his best. “When I arrived at Geneseo I had a mountain of potential, but had no clue that I did,” says John. “Geneseo presented me with many opportunities that I took full advantage of … I was pushed to bring out the maximum of my ability and was given opportunities to do more than just go to classes.” John cut his teeth as a caregiver, tending to and preventing injuries as a stu-

The Wight Family Nine members of the extended Wight family have chosen Geneseo’s small-town feel, including Dr. John Wight ’77 and Carol Wight ’78 and their family, Andrew ’10, left, Erin ’05 and Brian ’07. Erin is also a physician.

dent athletic-trainer. He says it was key to his acceptance to medical school and his practice, because he already had experience interacting with patients. Throughout the years, Wight family members have had the opportunity to play field hockey, volunteer on campus and join Geneseo First Response, the only student emergency-medical services system in New York state that is linked to a county 911 system. Brian and Andrew also collaborated with faculty members as paid undergraduate researchers. Last summer, Andrew helped biology Associate Professor Ming-mei Chang study resistance genes in grape plants to make heartier strains of wine grapes.

Though they may not realize it, professors inspired John and others to become what they are today. For example, Valerie debated a career in pharmacy versus teaching; great professors erased any doubts. Teachers steered John to pre-med. And Elizabeth, who originally wanted the same, realized her personal goals didn’t quite match time demands of residencies and med school. Sociology Associate Professor Elaine Cleeton and biology Associate Professor Susan Bandoni Muench recommended another option — nursing. On their suggestion, she earned a second bachelor’s degree through another SUNY school and now

helps patients recover in the cardiac care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. “It was good advice,” Elizabeth says. “I don’t regret for a minute that I did it.” Over the years, says John, “there’s pride” in his family’s Geneseo legacy and the success they have found. Some of the family’s most beloved experiences may be those at Geneseo, made more special because they did them together. “When you talk about it, it seems kind of ordinary,” says Erin, “but it’s extraordinary really. It’s nice that we have common experiences to share. At one point, it was home to each of us.” Fall 2009

PERSPECTIVE

ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN AXEL ANDERSON

Business as Usual in New York? Not at Geneseo steward is defined as a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. We at Geneseo, then, are stewards of a wide range of campus assets — from tuition and fees and state tax dollars to private contributions to 48 buildings and 224 acres that must be physically maintained year-round. It’s a tall order. Geneseo’s all-funds budget is $108 million. The college has more than 2.3 million square feet of building space with a replacement value of more than $485 million. Even though Geneseo is a part of the State University of New York and considered a state entity, rest assured that we do not run the college like the Empire State government, which is notorious for miring itself in red tape and unfunded mandates,

The college cuts free from government red tape to be efficient stewards of and for resources. By Kenneth H. Levison, vice president for administration and finance

geneseo scene

passing late budgets and creating headlines that become fodder for late-show hosts on both coasts. Witness the recently endured coup in the Senate by a political party that halted work for more than three weeks at the end of the legislative session. With 800 dedicated employees all focused on providing the best possible experience for our students, we work hard to make Geneseo the premier public liberal arts college in the nation. By all external standards, the college does an exemplary job of stewardship in terms of money, the environment and facilities operation and maintenance. Take our financial management. For the past decade, Geneseo’s Office of Student Accounts has achieved a collection rate that exceeds 99 percent. In fact, for the 2008-09 year, we collected an astounding 99.88 percent of tuition and fees owed.

Our financial aid office provides default management workshops for graduating students with student loans. As a result, our default rate is 1.5 percent against a national average of 6.9 percent. Also, as a way of improving collections and cash management, we implemented e-billing for semester bills. No paper bills are sent. This saves money as well as natural resources, as more than 65 percent of our tuition and fee payments are now paid online. We also use erefunds for financial aid refunds. In similar fashion, we created an e-mall last year where alumni, students and parents can make payments or donations, or add to a meal plan by filling a virtual shopping cart and making one credit-card payment. It’s more efficient and easier for everyone. In addition, Geneseo has consistently developed and refined robust internal controls designed to minimize the possibility of operational failure, overspending or other actions inconsistent with policy or in

active in energy conservation for more than 25 years. Geneseo was the first state entity to install an energy management system. As a signatory of the Presidents Climate Commitment, we calculated our carbon footprint and are making a dedicated effort to reduce it. Recent construction projects at Seneca Hall and Doty Hall utilized geothermal technology for heating and cooling. We also have replaced many of our service vehicles with electric carts and are modernizing our automobile fleet with hybrid and dual fuel vehicles. Furthermore, to save money and ensure necessary preventative maintenance on our aging buildings and related systems, we reengineered the way we provide such service to the campus. The I-3 Program — Integrity, Innovation, Information — created service-level agreements for all major parts of the campus, as well as workplace protocols for how our employees should operate and interact. Since the I-3 inception, we have increased the number of

Of our total annual budget of approximately $108 million, only 33 percent actually comes from the state; the remainder comes from our students, our donors and revenue-producing operations ... violation of law. Our Internal Control Committee reviews annual vulnerability assessments, considers where improvements can be made and authorizes internal control audits by outside auditors each year. Recognized as a best practice by SUNY, this program ensures that proper controls are in place in high-risk and financial areas to protect our assets. In another move designed to ensure responsible fiscal stewardship, we transferred responsibility for accounting and oversight of the endowment from The Geneseo Foundation back to the college. We converted the foundation’s accounting from an in-house spreadsheet program to commercial accounting software and created a rational chart of accounts and produced timely financial reports. It was part of a concerted effort to assume many of the foundation’s overhead costs so that more money donated can be directed to donorrequested ends such as scholarships and fellowships. As visitors will attest, we take great pride in our campus and the way it looks and operates. As good stewards, we have been

work orders completed each year by up to 20 percent. We also have seen a dramatic increase in customer satisfaction. Finally, in the last decade, we have constructed wonderful new buildings that bespeak a vitality and sense of renewal for the college: South Hall, the Integrated Science Center (ISC), Putnam and Seneca residence halls and Saratoga Terrace. Renovation of Greene Hall into part of the $53 million Integrated Science Center is the college’s largest capital project to date, and imperative to provide the best educational experience we can for students and keep Geneseo competitive. Of our total annual budget of approximately $108 million, only 33 percent actually comes from the state; the remainder comes from our students, our donors and revenue-producing operations such as the Health Center and residence halls. As illustrated by these examples, Geneseo makes every effort to use the funds it receives in a wise and strategic manner, whether they are tuition and fee revenues, capital funds, or very important donor dollars. We take our charge very seriously to be good stewards of this wonderful institution.

About the author “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” The career of Vice President for Administration and Finance Kenneth H. Levison mirrors the truth in a quote from German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A Harvard scholar, Levison earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in Germanic languages and literatures from the university. He has served higher education in multiple capacities for more than 35 years, earning recognition for his work on many levels. Levison taught German and lectured in the humanities at Harvard University, BaldwinWallace College, St. John Fisher College and Geneseo. When he moved into higher-education finance, he worked in the New York State Executive Department as a budget examiner for 7 years before joining Geneseo in 1985. Today, he has administrative responsibility for all of the college’s financial operations, and also oversees human resources and campus facilities. A Fulbright Scholar as a student, Levison in 2004 was named SUNY’s Robert J. Wagner Business Officer of the Year. Last May, the Rochester chapter of Financial Executives International and the Rochester Business Journal honored Levison as the 2009 Financial Executive of the Year in the nonprofit category.

Fall 2009

SPORTS

Back on track The new college facility revives opportunities to host NCAA meets. 24

geneseo scene

By David Irwin unning, jumping and throwing are fundamental to nearly every sport. Speed, height and accuracy often make the difference between a win and a loss. For those passionate about track and field, running, jumping and throwing are the sport. Runners like two-time U.S. Olympic Trials participant and SUNY Geneseo Sports Hall of Famer Melissa White ’03 are drawn to the pureness of competing on the most fundamental level of physical activity. “Running is so simple but it takes a lot of mental and physical strength to be successful at it,” says White. “You are in total control of your race and can’t blame anything on anyone else. Your biggest competitor is yourself … There are always more challenges, always more goals to achieve.” More than 100 men and women studentathletes at Geneseo share that passion. They comprise the indoor and outdoor track teams and the cross-country teams, and all are benefiting from the opening last spring of the college’s new $1.1 million track and field complex. The eight-lane track and field facilities meet National Collegiate Athletic Association competition standards, ushering in a new era of NCAA opportunities at Geneseo. At the dedication, White led several current student-athletes in an inaugural lap following the ribbon cutting by President Christopher C. Dahl, Roundtable Athletic Association Board Chair Dan Loughran ’86 and Athletic Director Marilyn Moore. “Geneseo has a long tradition of running,” says White. “Our cross-country and track teams have been proving they can compete among the best athletes for years. Now we finally have a facility that can match their caliber. Geneseo is a wonderful academic school and I think this new facility shows that great students can also be great athletes.” The eight-lane track features a steeplechase pit at the south end and jumping areas within the infield. The facility also has a throwing cage with areas for the javelin, shot put, hammer and discus throws. “We are thrilled to provide this outstanding venue to showcase the talents of our track and field athletes,” says Moore. “We can host meets and championships again and our students now have a wonderful

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE CUSANO

SUNY Geneseo and other runners sprint toward the finish at the college's first invitational held on the new track last April. The $1.1 million track and field facility provides an opportunity for Geneseo to host National Collegiate Athletic Association events.

area for training, which was lacking in the previous track facility.” In fact, the day after the ribbon cutting, the college hosted the SUNY Geneseo Open. It was the first meet Geneseo had hosted since the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Outdoor Championships in 1998. David Prevosti, head coach of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, praised the complex, saying it is “a fitting facility for our student-athletes, especially given their phenomenal success in competition. Student-athletes considering Geneseo have been impressed with what they see, and it also has been great seeing alumni who were involved in track and field visit the new facility. They are treating it as their own and display a great deal of pride.” The students “love it because the track is new and they are yielding better times than in the past,” says Mike Woods ’69, MA ’82, men’s and women’s head cross-country coach and assistant track and field coach at Geneseo. “The new track means everything to these athletes and the response has been 100 percent positive.” Woods has coached at Geneseo for 17 years. At one time, he coached both men’s and women’s track and field and crosscountry. He hired Prevosti as his assistant coach in 2001, who took over as head coach for the track and field programs five years ago. Woods kept the cross-country coaching duties and the two now serve as

each other’s assistant coach. Geneseo’s running teams — and coaches — have a long history of success. Prevosti has led Geneseo to multiple SUNYAC titles in his five seasons as a head coach. He also received 2008-09 SUNYAC Coach of the Year honors in men’s track and field. Woods also has multiple championships to his credit, including a Division III NCAA national championship in women’s crosscountry in 2005. He was named national coach of the year for women’s cross-country that same year. In Moore’s eyes this is the beginning of something larger. “We’re not done,” she says. “Next is spectator seating, convenient restrooms, storage and a concession area.” White looks forward to watching the Melissa White ’03 new band of runners compete; she knows how rewarding being a part of the tradition can be. “I was part of a wonderful group of people who taught me to push myself, work hard and be successful,” says White. “I became a well-rounded athlete and person because of the team I had around me.”

Fall 2009

RALEIGH, N.C.

At left, Domenic “Pony” Polzella ’86, left, Dawn Eassa Bosse ’87, Deborah Majewski ’87, Dan Ward ’87 and Tony DeSain ’86

ROCHESTER RED WINGS EVENT

NYC

Above, Russ Fleishman ’98, left, Thomas VanDermark ’92 and Brian Matyko ’98 Above, Dawn Liseno Palazzo ’83, Mark Cronin ’89

GENESEO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Upcoming

Alumni Events Visit Events are added continuously. Please check the Web site for updates at http://alumni.geneseo.edu. A sincere thanks to our generous alumni and parents who graciously sponsored regional events in their homes or other venues. If you are interested in sponsoring an alumni event, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (585) 245-5506 or e-mail alumni@geneseo.edu. We would like to have events in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tampa and in northern New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut and The Villages, Fla., but are certainly not limited to these cities.

geneseo scene

November 5 Rochester, NY. — Networking Social November 6-7 Geneseo campus — Geneseo Hockey Alumni Weekend November 12 Syracuse, N.Y. — Networking Social December 3 New York City — Networking Social

At left, seated: Sonnia Arranz Ferb ’66, left, and Nancy Ward Sullivan ’65. Standing: Charles Ferb, left, Nina Levine ’75, Elaine Desimone ’66, and Vincent Gong ’97

HYDE PARK

SUMMER REUNION

At right, Mike ’69 and Janet Goette Nelson ’69 and C. Michael ’69 and Marilyn O’Connor Kinney ’68

December 6 Geneseo, N.Y. — Geneseo Chamber Singers Concert Event January 8, 2010 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Hosted by John ’90 and Jonna Vanwagenen Shutowick ’88 January 9, 2010 West Palm Beach, Fla. — Hosted by John Carroll ’75

January 28, 2010 New York City — Hosted by Frank Vafier ’74 February 2010 Buffalo, N.Y. — An Evening at the Buffalo Sabres hockey game February 13, 2010 Buffalo, N.Y. — Geneseo Swim & Diving Alumni Event

March 18, 2010 Washington, D.C. — Student Externship/Alumni Reception March 25, 2010 Albany, N.Y. — Networking Social April 30 & May 1, 2010 Geneseo Campus — Spring Weekend/ Greekfest

May 27, 2010 Long Island, N.Y. — Networking Social July 9-10, 2010 Geneseo Campus — Summer Reunion September 24-25, 2010 Geneseo Campus — Homecoming

Fall 2009

MISSION DRIVEN

PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN

Associate Professor Dan DeZarn, with his sculpture exhibition of art made from a home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, which encouraged students to discuss the crisis and consider human consumption.

A Fresh Start A professor creates an exhibition from crisis — and conversations about conservation By Kris Dreessen urricane Katrina slammed the coast, leaving 1,800 people dead, $75 billion in damages and hundreds of thousands of residents jobless. The tragedy posed another problem — mountains of waste from three states. “What happens to that material that is not rescued? Can there be something done?” asked art Associate Professor Dan DeZarn. “I wanted to give physical energy to the problem.” DeZarn and collaborator Thomas Sturgill, who work together as Pulled Resources, spent 10 days learning to “deconstruct” a home in Mississippi, 18 months after Katrina. Instead of trashing it, DeZarn and other volunteers dismantled and saved materials. They squirreled away joists, flooring and other things too damaged for reuse, drove them home and transformed the materials into art. The resulting sculpture exhibition, “Bootstraps,” premiered on campus last spring and sparked discussion of the crisis — how America handled it, how desperate people coped, and ultimately, how society accepted or rejected conservation. “(Hurricane Katrina) threw absolutely

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everything to the forefront, from environmental issues to political and legal and social issues,” says DeZarn, who has taught sculpture, 3-D design and senior seminar at Geneseo for six years. “It was put in one giant pressure cooker and put on TV for everyone to watch. As the years unfolded, I thought, ‘As an artist and professor, what’s my response to this?’” DeZarn and Sturgill, of Tennessee, cut the ruined wood from the home into small sections and rejoined it to resemble flooring and stilts — the “bare minimum” someone would need to escape the water, says DeZarn. Grouping them represented people who banded together to survive. Four feet of water from the storm surge and resulting rains had flooded the original home later salvaged by DeZarn. He placed the stilts’ foot pegs that high and ran a chalk water line around the campus gallery, so visitors could imagine how deep the water was. “I wanted people to think about it a little more,” he says. “… Most of my artwork is less to make a specific point, but to create discussion.” Conservation and human impact carry

over into DeZarn’s other work. “I’ve taken what I’ve learned and implemented it into every other project I work on,” he says. He has since taught others how to deconstruct buildings in western New York. His biggest artistic undertaking? Building a yurt almost completely out of recycled materials that he’s hand-cut, hand-milled or scavenged with his partner, Kim Keil ’06. It’s the ultimate recycling project. DeZarn and Keil cut just one living tree on a 3-acre, wooded plot. They milled the lumber and used it to build an art workshop. In class, he compels students to consider how much they consume in creating their own art, and shares what he learns about conserving resources. Budding artists are encouraged to buy secondhand steel and supplies, and to mill their own wood from downed trees. It’s food for thought, for a lifetime. “It’s about making decisions that are the best decisions you can make in terms of living a sustainable existence,” says DeZarn.

Alumni News ABOUT THE ALUMNI ARTIST: Piano player, jazz aficionado and artist Vincenzo DelPlato â&#x20AC;&#x2122;83, transfers his love of music to paintings that feature Dizzy Gillespie (shown), Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and other legends. He earned a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in studio arts at Geneseo in 1983 and his master of arts and humanities and master of painting at the University of Buffalo. His work has been exhibited nationally. His murals depict remembrance of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, an Italian village, a gathering of musicians and other scenes that can be enjoyed on the sides of buildings in his hometown of Wolfeboro, N.H. and other venues. Find out more about the artist at vincenzojazzart.com

ALUMNI NEWS

30 31 31 34

Striking a chord 3, 2, 1 ... Blast off! Paradise found Class Notes FALL 2009

Alum’s passion strikes the right chord The smell of the alder wood as he gently sands the body. The feel of the finished guitar cradled in his lap. The tight, punchy twang when he plucks the low-B string. Roger Sadowsky ’70 loves it all. He is the man behind the music of legends like Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Gilberto Gil. Famous artists and aficionados seek him out for handcrafted guitars, 80 hours in the making. As owner and founder of Sadowsky Guitars, he has created outlets for their musical muse for more than three decades. Oddly enough for a guitar man, Sadowsky couldn’t strum a note until he was in his 20s. A folk festival his junior year changed all that. There were a lot of hippies and macramé and wonderful music made with banjos and acoustic guitars, he remembers. “I felt at home there,” he says. He bought a $40 guitar the next day and taught himself the chords. He played on campus with former Assistant Professor and former Interim Provost Frederick Fidura, a 30year veteran of the Department of Psychology, who was a mentor. He still considers the retired professor one of the most influential people in his life. It was because of Fidura, Sadowsky says, that “I really became committed to doing things the best that I could. That is a feeling and a life experience that has always stayed with me. I’ve applied it to everything in my life.” After earning his bachelor of science at Geneseo, focusing on psychology, Sadowsky

geneseo scene

Sadowsky has kept his shop small but his list of clients steadily grows, including U2 and Prince. Many clients are church or part-time musicians who want a quality instrument. Sadowsky completes the delicate neck work and inspects each of the 25 or so guitars

Above, Frederick Fidura plays the guitar Roger Sadowsky ’70 built for him.

class of PHOTOS PROVIDED

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI PROFILE

’70 Roger Sadowsky Roger Sadowsky ’70 found his muse creating handmade guitars.

landed a primo spot in Rutgers University’s renowned graduate program. Two years in, he knew it wasn’t his calling. Instead, he followed his dream of becoming a master guitar-maker. “I thought, ‘If I can implant an electrode in a rat’s brain, I could build a guitar,’” he says. Renowned craftsman Augie LoPrinzi offered him an apprenticeship in 1972. “ … I woke up thinking about guitars. I went to sleep thinking about guitars,” says Sadowsky. “No matter how dif-

ficult something was, I loved every bit of it.” Seven years later, he launched Sadowsky Guitars in New York City. The first few years, he worked seven days a week, 12 hours a day in a studio that doubled as an apartment — with a hot plate and a toilet in one closet and a shower in the other. His big break came in 1982, when Paul Simon’s guitar broke as he and Art Garfunkel rehearsed their reunion tour. They came to Sadowsky, who later built a custom guitar for Simon.

produced each month in his Brooklyn shop. His instruments are sold in 23 countries. Former mentor Fidura is proud that Sadowsky discovered his calling, inside the lab or out. “I think of that as part of being one of my very best students,” says Fidura. “I feel it’s exciting that he found something very unique at which he excels.” Fidura, in fact, has a Sadowsky original acoustic. And, he still plays the old Martin he jammed on with Sadowsky at Geneseo decades ago. Sadowsky added an intricate inlay to the guitar, of which there are only two in the world. Sadowsky has the other. — Kris Dreessen

Paradise found: an alumna in Hawaii

class

’94

Kathryn Drury Wagner PHOTO BY DAVID CROXFORD

Kathyrn Drury Wagner ’94 is executive editor of Honolulu Magazine and the first female writer for one of its columns.

Not in her wildest dreams as a Geneseo student did Kathryn Drury Wagner ’94 imagine herself in an office with a view of Honolulu Harbor, a stone’s throw from famous Waikiki Beach. That’s where she spends much of her professional life, however, as executive editor of Honolulu Magazine. “Being here reminds me that you never know where life will take you,” says Wagner, a Rochester native who majored in English. Wagner’s journey to the Aloha State started in New York City, where she covered the magazine industry as a writer and editor. “It was a great stepping-stone job,” Wagner says. “I got acquainted with high-profile editors at magazines such as Glamour and Vanity Fair. That kind of exposure was my graduate school.” She moved to a couple of specialty magazines focused on boating and gardening. When her then-boyfriend and future husband, film and television director Brett Wagner, took a job in Honolulu, she joined him and landed a job with Pacific Basin Communications, which owns Honolulu Magazine. She Continued on page 33

Science that’s out of this world class

’88

Roger Smith

PHOTO PROVIDED

Roger Smith ’88 knew something was wrong when he entered Stephen Padalino’s physics class the morning of Jan. 28, 1986. “I’ll never forget the solemn expression on Dr. Padalino’s face when he told us that the space shuttle Challenger had exploded shortly after launch that morning,” says Smith. That moment at Geneseo helps Smith remember his weighty responsibilities as a key member of NASA’s space shuttle team at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. For 21 years, he has worked for NASA’s primary contractor for human space operations — first, Rockwell International and now United Space Alliance. He quickly became a lead timeline developer for space shuttle missions and then was certified as a flight activities officer (FAO), who plans and controls crew activities. He became manager of

Roger Smith ’88 works as the lead flight activities officer in NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston during a space shuttle mission.

the Space Shuttle Flight Planning Group in 2003 and oversees 20 people. “I have been in the Mission Control Center front room as lead FAO for seven shuttle missions now,” says Smith, who also is the lead trainer for that position.

Smith and his colleagues begin working on a mission more than a year before launch. “We plan everything for the astronauts and the shuttle and develop the mission timeline,” he says. “We also do planning for the International Space Station

assembly.” Smith received bachelor degrees in physics from Geneseo and in engineering from the University at Buffalo via Geneseo’s five-year, 3-2 program in which students spend three years at Geneseo, then transfer. He later earned an MBA from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. He was recruited for the space center position while at Buffalo, which included an interview with Tracy Calhoun, then a flight training officer. She and Smith had the same duties in the space program for several years and they married in 1995. Geneseo provided a vital foundation for working in the space program, says Smith. “Just the basic understanding of physics has made a big difference in my work,” he says, “and the planning involved in physics lab experiContinued on page 33

Fall 2009

RANDOM PROFILE

One Cup PHOTO BY CHRISTINE CUSANO

with Jody Swilky, Class of 1973 By Kris Dreessen

ONE CUP Inspired by the idea that everyone has a story to share, we offer the “random profile.” Each issue, we don a blindfold and throw a dart at a map of the United States to choose our state, then take aim again to choose a lucky alum. We catch up, relive memories and share life insight, like we are talking over coffee. Up next ... Pennsylvania. Could it be you?

Continued on page 33

geneseo scene

QUICK FACTS Home: Des Moines, Iowa Graduation year: 1973 Degrees: Bachelor of arts from Geneseo, master of fine arts from the University of Iowa and a doctorate in arts from SUNY Albany. How you describe Geneseo: A good place to reinvent one’s self. Favorite campus hangout: Professor David Kelly’s office discussing work and life, and The Idle Hour. Best Geneseo memory: The day Gerry McCarthy delivered boxes of our poetry magazine, La Huerta. “It just seemed like what we were doing was special.” Most important life lesson you learned at Geneseo: “Reinvention and change is what is wonderful about life. It allows your imagination to work.” What you would tell freshmen or graduating seniors: To the freshmen: “College should be about productive discomfort. That’s what learning should be about — challenging yourself.” To the seniors: “Don’t be afraid to change … Don’t be afraid to recognize that ‘What I’m doing now, I may not be doing in a year or two.’” Favorite saying: The line “Don’t go changing,” from the Billy Joel song, because I believe the opposite. “Don’t fear change, or your changing.”

ILLUSTRATION ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

ody Swilky ’73 recently reinvented himself from college professor to award-winning documentary filmmaker, exploring the cultural changes Latino immigrants have had on a small rural city in Iowa. The town reflects a demographic shift that is happening throughout the rural Midwest, says Swilky. The full-length documentary, “A Little Salsa on the Prairie: The Changing Character of Perry, Iowa,” examines the issue. Last fall, Swilky screened the film on the Geneseo campus. Returning to his alma mater for the first time in 20 years brought back memories of a time in which he first truly found himself. “I saw ghosts,” says Swilky. Coming from the Student Union, he envisioned his longtime friend Gerald McCarthy ’73 in his green veteran’s jacket, sauntering into the autumn breeze. He saw himself outside Sturges, listening to readings by passionate anti-war poets. Swilky came to Geneseo from Long Island, a Big Apple kid ready for change. His closest high school friends had graduated early or gone to Europe; he felt a bit lost in the shuffle. “I knew nothing, really, about what it was like to be in a small upstate town. It was much about the unknown,” says Swilky. “It seemed like it was a good place for me to assert myself.” Soon Swilky identified himself with other students who were interested in writing, discussing literature at The Idle Hour and exploring life questions with English Professor Emeritus David Kelly. “There would be as much going on outside of the classroom as inside the classroom,” remembers Swilky. “The world was opening up.” Swilky and McCarthy created their own poetry magazine and persuaded well-known poets and writers to submit work. La Huerta boasted creations of Allen Ginsberg, a poem translated by future Pulitzer Prize-winner W.S. Merwin and short fiction by acclaimed novelist Russell Banks. “We were shocked,” says Swilky, “but little magazines got support from poets across the country in those days.” Today, all three editions of La Huerta still adorn Swilky’s shelf. Swilky has remained friends with Kelly; he stayed with him after the screening last fall. It was Kelly, too, who prodded him to apply for a spot in the University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop. He earned his master’s degree there in 1975. Swilky went on to work as a successful editor at publishing houses in New York City. When it lost its luster, he earned his doctorate in English with a specialty in writing studies at SUNY Albany. He accepted a faculty job at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Swilky has been an English professor there for 21 years, publishing academic and creative work, lecturing and achieving awards for his teaching and scholarly endeavors, including Teacher of the Year in the College of Arts & Sciences. In 2000, he discovered Perry, Iowa, while doing research for a piece that focused on Midwest towns that counter stereotypes.

ALUMNI NEWS

Paradise found ... continued from page 31

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jody Swilky ’73, left, with the Golden Eddy award for his documentary.

One Cup ... continued from page 32

A popular tourist destination because of its opulent Main Street hotel, Perry also is home to nearly 2,000 Latino immigrants. No one talked about the town’s Latino community, which skyrocketed from 47 in 1990 to 1,800 in 2000. Swilky wrote the documentary and collaborated with a coproducer and a filmmaker, spending almost two years interviewing residents and filming. They received more than $80,000 in grants and private donations to complete the film. Since its release in 2007, the movie has been shown at national and state film festivals and on Iowa Public Television. It took the Gold Eddy, the highest award for Professional Documentary, at the 2007 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival. “The most important function of it is that it has stirred conversation about our immigration policy and our attitude toward new immigrants in our communities,” says Swilky. He is now working on a book about the subject, examining cultural changes on the national level. Swilky learned to reinvent himself at Geneseo and has embraced the concept ever since. Now, he says, “This seems like the natural extension for me. I feel this is work that needs to be done.”

started at the magazine six years ago as an associate editor, advanced to managing editor and then to executive editor a year ago. Founded in 1888 as Paradise of the Pacific, the magazine is the oldest publication west of the Mississippi River and has a readership of 126,000. “It’s an owner’s manual to the city for those who live and work in Honolulu,” says Wagner. “We focus on such things as dining, things to do and interesting profiles.” (See the online version at Honolulumagazine.com) In addition to her managerial responsibilities, Wagner also writes a column called “Afterthoughts,” which she cites as one of her greatest honors because she is the column’s first female writer and has won several awards for it. “Writing a column is a very interesting but challenging experience. It takes a tough skin. I wrote a column last fall about how annoying leaf blowers can be and it really hit a nerve. I became known here as the ‘leaf blower avenger,’” she says with a laugh. Wagner says her time at Geneseo definitely advanced her writing, editing and interviewing skills. She was editor of the Lamron and credits her liberal arts background for helping her engage the world with enthusiasm and curiosity. “I stay in touch with a couple of my memorable English professors, such as Laura Doan and Julia Walker,” she says. Hawaii is sometimes not the easiest place to live because of the isolation, time zone differences and expense, says Wagner, but she emphasizes the upside of living there with Brett and their 9-month-old daughter, Zoë. “The clean air and spectacular weather are wonderful,” she says. “Honolulu is a healthy place to live and very family oriented. It has a small-town feel.” Wagner often has to dispel a misperception on the mainland, however, that the atmosphere in Hawaii is totally laid-back. “The professional world here is as demanding as anywhere,” she says. “There is this idea that we are drinking mai tais on the beach, but I have a demanding and stressful professional job like many people. I stay very busy.” — David Irwin

Science ... continued from page 31

“We have a lot of work to do but I think we will land a human on Mars.” — Roger Smith ’88

ments stuck with me. I also remember writing a paper on the space shuttle at Geneseo.” All missions are “super interesting,” says Smith, but he particularly remembers his involvement with the flight that docked with the Russian space station Mir because he spent time in Moscow coordinating with the Russian space team. He also was the lead flight activities officer on a 1998 shuttle mission with pio-

neer astronaut Sen. John Glenn aboard. Though Smith was not at the console during the Columbia space shuttle accident in 2003, he worked the mission. “The tragedy made us a better organization,” he says. “We are encouraged more to say what we are thinking.” The shuttle program is to be phased out soon but Smith already is involved with the emerging Constellation

Program, which focuses on developing spacecraft to transport humans to the International Space Station, the moon and perhaps Mars. “We have a lot of work to do but I think we will land a human on Mars,” says Smith. “It’s important to continue our exploration of space and to expand our knowledge of the universe.” Roger that. — David Irwin

Fall 2009

ALUMNI NEWS

Send your class note or notice to alumni@geneseo.edu.

Class Notes 1960s Richard Kellogg ’66 is the

author of “Philip Wylie’s Final Dream,” an article that appeared in Paperback Parade, a quarterly magazine published by Gryphon Books of Brooklyn.

1970 Celebrating their 40th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Linda Bickford McCracken is

a publisher at Spiritual Web Communications, LLC, in Marlow, N.H. Edward McKee is president of Ed McKee Advertising in Liverpool, N.Y.

1971 Denise Decker was named to

the Washington, D.C. Commission for People with Disabilities. Sandra Wright Sawyer is a teacher at Friendship Central School in Friendship, N.Y. Judith Miller is the community affairs director for Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend in Tallahassee, Fla.

1972

Robinson was recently promoted to the position of commissioned vessels/repair administrative contracting officer at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN (SUPSHIP) in Groton, Conn.

1975 Celebrating their 35th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Jacquelyn Bauer Chechak is a

rehabilitation certified coding specialist for Enable in Syracuse, N.Y. James Pierson is a department chair for Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem, N.C.

1976 John Thornton retired from

Onondaga Central Schools. Keith Roberts is a technical fellow for FedEx Services in Colorado.

1977 Barbara Porter O’Flynn is an

administrator at Mid Atlantic Retina in Wyndmoor, Pa. Scott Silverman is the regional director of Asia-Pacific for Godfrey Q and Partners technical advertising in San Francisco.

Nancy Bartleson Mervar is

retired from the Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colo.

1973 Carolyn Kidd Steere is the

CEO and owner of Destination Media LLC in Montecito, Calif.

1974 Barbara Combes Ingrassia is

the associate director for strategic initiatives and workforce development at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. Mitchell 34

geneseo scene

1978 is an environIan Merklein

mental specialist for the state of Florida. Christine Gilbride is a senior accountant at Infotonics Technology Center in Canandaigua, N.Y.

1979 Carol Nersinger is executive director of the Albany (N.Y.) Public Library.

1981 is a finance manJohn Csapo

ager at Hughes Network Systems GmbH. Maryann Lopus Decent is a special education teacher at Hillsborough County Schools in Tampa, Fla. Sharon Diamond Hill was named senior director of development at the Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio. Michelle Williams-Allen is a senior project manager at SunGard Higher Education in Malvern, Pa.

of Technology in Henrietta, N.Y. Steven Wachter is the senior vice president and manager for Integra Telecom. Deborah Carter Guagliardo is a production operations manager for Lockheed Martin in Oswego, N.Y.

1982

director at Citizens Bank in Rochester, N.Y. Donald Duggan-Haas is an education research associate for The Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, N.Y. Paul Fusco is the executive vice president of corporate development at Rocket Racing, Inc. in New York City. Deborah

Irene Brussel-Smith Penney is

an information technology architect for IBM.

1983 Gretchen Eshleman Burruto

is an assistant director for Web services at Rochester Institute

1985 Celebrating their 25th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Paula Calvelli is an operations

Orzell Pulver is a regional

sales and marketing manager for Sovereign Bank/Santander in Villanova, Pa. Margaret Schick Luke is the associate director of stewardship programs at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

1986 Kathleen Faraoni Barnes has

been promoted to assistant vice president for The First National Bank of Groton in Ithaca, N.Y. Jeffrey Dobbs is vice president of human

resources for EMCOR Facility Services. Matthew Folina is the director of shared services for Sony Corporation of America in Montvale, N.J. Tracy Bennett Smith is a human resources manager at Twang Partners LTD in San Antonio.

N.C. Edward Jones was named vice president for enrollment management at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. Valerie Carlson is a theater teacher/director in Troy, N.Y. Samuel Cuccia is the president/founder of New World Communications.

1987

1988

Kwadjo Boaitey is a freelance

Jennifer Juzwick Lauria is a

writer in Little Rock, Ark. Coleen Burke is a senior technical specialist at Diosynth Biotechnology in Morrisville,

literacy advocate at West Side Read & Play in Buffalo, N.Y. Corri Halpern Wilson was inducted as a member of the

Delta Mu Delta Honor Society and is completing her master of science degree in sports management at Southern New Hampshire University.

1989 Kathleen Donnelly Jacobs is

the owner and president of Creators of Time, Inc. in Phelps, N.Y. Lisa Millerd Chapin is the director of business process for PAETEC. Amy Falwell Githmark is a special needs administrator for Union County Schools in

Scene around the world Are you packing to cruise the Nile or adventure in the Amazon? Rediscovering America on a cross-country drive? Reuniting with a Geneseo friend or seeing the sights in a new place? Take a photo of yourself with the Scene on vacation, business or other trips and submit them for our new feature. Include your T-shirt size; we’ll send a Geneseo shirt in thanks if we use your image. Send your images to scene@geneseo.edu with a subject line of “Scene Around the World.” At left, father-and-daughter alums Andrew Gray ’72 and Heather Gray ’97, brought their Scene on a Fourth of July road trip from Rochester, N.Y. to see family in Cuckoo — yes, Cuckoo, Va. They didn’t want to miss out having a part of beloved Geneseo represented at the Cuckoo sign.

At right, hear the rattle? Better skidaddle. Debra Enright Moyer ’73 pauses to read about her alma mater with the rattlesnakes at Yellowstone National Park last summer.

Above, Ariane Baer Harper MS ’08 spent six years in Senegal, Africa at an international school in Dakar, as an English and philosophy teacher and vice principal. She returned to visit friends and see her one-time seventhgraders graduate in July. She also visited the Slave House, which remembers the Senegalese who were taken from their homeland. She is a visiting lecturer of French at Geneseo.

Fall 2009

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES Matthews, N.C. Jeffrey Miller is an organizational design leader for Honeywell Aerospace in Danielson, Conn. John Peter is a vice president for M&T Bank.

1990 Celebrating their 20th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Lou Ann Aepelbacher is an

educator at Fairfax County Schools in Alexandria, Va. Deborah Doll is an engagement manager for CGI, an information technology service company. Bradley Eaton is a senior vice president and regional trust executive for Chemung Canal Trust Company in New York state.

1991 Suzanne Gooler-Polizzano is

president of Suzanne Gooler Consulting in Jackson, N.J. Michael Guche is the chief financial officer for the commercial printer Canfield & Tack, Inc. in Rochester, N.Y. Brenda Ockun recently launched the online magazine, StepMoms, which is designed for step mothers. Ockun, the publisher, also participated in a “Good Morning America” television segment about stepparents.

1992 Stephen Bucci is a senior sup-

port engineer at Microsoft in Charlotte, N.C. Christina Zuch de Zafra was promoted to senior scientist in the safety assessment department at Genentech, Inc. in San Francisco. Theresa Norton Hahn is an assistant professor at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. Colleen Prosser Leonard is the owner of TLC Builders, 36

geneseo scene

LLC, in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Julie Tong Arduini has published a story in a collection called “Run Like a Girl” by Kathy Vick, published by Howard/Simon and Schuster.

1993 Brian Buchanan was named principal at G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, N.Y. Andrew Fendinger is a senior scientist for Rich Products in Buffalo, N.Y. Kenneth Foster is a system engineer at Systech International in Cranbury, N.J. Tanya Woldbeck Gesek is a visiting professor teaching in the psychology doctoral program at Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y. Theodore Huffman is a sales director for ADP in Raleigh, N.C. David Schmidt is a senior research engineer for ExxonMobil Upstream Research in Houston. Robert Walker is the business development manager for UMT Consulting Group in New York City. Rebecca DePra recently wrote a book, “Hospitality in a Nut Roll,” a guide to being hospitable in different situations and to different people. Danielle Ratowski Petersen is a special education teacher for the Syracuse (N.Y.) City School District.

1994 is a learning Aimee Cescon

support teacher at Mecklenberg Area Catholic Schools in Charlotte, N.C. Colleen Dobbins Murphy is the human resources director for Santander Consumer Finance USA Inc. in Dallas. James Heffron is a principal for Altmar-ParishWilliamstown Central School District in Parish, N.Y.

1995 Celebrating their 15th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Kevin Bozza is the vice presi-

dent of clinical resource management at the Long Island Health Network in Melville, N.Y. Christopher Morrissey is the executive vice president of sales and marketing for Voice Print International. Elizabeth Pinto is a national account manager for LexisNexis. Christine Guglielmo received the Outstanding Professional Award from Kennedy High School in Bellmore, N.Y. Christian Valentino is a lawyer with Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP in Rochester, N.Y., and was recently named a “2009 Up & Coming Attorney” by the Daily Record Newspaper. Recipients of the award have been practicing law for less than 10 years and show exceptional career success.

1996 Lee Vento Hamilton is an

audiologist for Rochester Hearing & Speech in Webster, N.Y. Leslie Jansen is an English teacher at The Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, Md. Frank Nardelli, principal of Dove Academy in Detroit, Mich., was recently recognized as an Emerging Leader by PDK International, a global association of education professionals. Michele Cashman Peykar is an account manager for Appellate Innovations, LLC in Woodbury, N.Y. Juliana Rossbach was named 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year at Pond Hill Elementary School in Wallingford, Conn. Traci Tomaselli is counsel for Lowenstein Sandler PC in New York City. Kevin Zeman is a project manager/lab manager for Xerox Corp. in Rochester, N.Y.

1997 Andrew Berkowitz received

the first-runner-up award at the Radio & Production Awards for the best small-mar-

ket commercial of the year. Candice Sterckx Jones is a technical support engineer at Wolters Kluwer Health in Norwood, Mass. Michelle Schaefer Prichard is an information technology audit manager at Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, N.Y. Douglas Smith is an associate at Kloss, Stenger & LoTempio in Buffalo, N.Y.

1998 Cristy Collins Carey is a reading teacher at Holland Patent Central School District in Holland Patent, N.Y. Sara Magill Dayton was elected to the board of directors of the Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals serving Erie County, N.Y. She also serves as a member of the SPCA Finance Committee. Janelle Joyce is a sales consultant for Joyce Consulting in Phoenix, Ariz. Patricia Mastellon Marra was selected for the 2009 Young Professionals Award for her outstanding leadership and efforts in promoting the arts and culture in Watertown, N.Y.

1999 Maureen Diehl is a teacher for

Baker Victory Services in Lackawanna, N.Y. Alan Malzewski is an audit manager at Hudson, Cisne & Co. in Little Rock, Ark. Toyya Meyers is a human resources management systems specialist for Proskauer Rose LLP in New York City. Theresa Shinners Miller is a regional coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Heather Shaughnessy is a director of development at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Elizabeth Shope is a Web design specialist at PLS, Inc. in Rochester, N.Y. Cristina Kaecker Zencuch was promoted to assistant principal at Collier County Public

Scene around the world At left, Sue Callaghan ’73 shows the Sceneto a resident swan at the River Shannon, which flows through her village of Athlone, Ireland, where she lives with her family and is an assistant professor of drama and creative arts in social care at the Athlone Institute of Technology.

Below, Kat Foster ’02 visited the Great Wall of China with middle school students from northern Virginia.

Above, Will Irwin ’03 and Kristin Pellerite Irwin ’04 relax on the beach of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, south of Cancun, where they went for their honeymoon after getting married July 25.

At left, Ericka Utegg ’00, of Corning, N.Y., had a date to see the queen, sightseeing at Buckingham Palace in London.

Above, Jessica Sutherland Ellsworth ’02 and her husband, Scott Ellsworth, of Webster, N.Y., brought the Scene with them on a cruise to sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and Cozumel.

Fall 2009

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES

2001 Darci Contri Bacigalupi is the

Schools in Naples, Fla. Arlene Bish is an inpatient psychiatric social worker for the Veterans Administration in Buffalo, N.Y. Cory Soper Jacobs is the director of development for Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y. Jennifer Nowak Fiegel is a lead trainer for Frontier Science and Technology Research Foundation in Amherst, N.Y.

2000 Celebrating their 10th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Elizabeth Henry Campbell

works in talent acquisition for The Hartford in Clinton, N.Y. Daniel Gorayeb is a corporation counsel for the city of New York. John Gullo is an investment consultant at Sanderson & Company Investment Consultants in Buffalo, N.Y. Kristi Kral Humphrey is an internal audit manager for Delaware North Companies, Inc. in Buffalo, N.Y. Michael Kotary is a remarketing sales manager at Enterprise Rent-ACar in Las Vegas, Nev. Raquel Baronas Laude is an attorney for McConville Considine Cooman & Morin in Rochester, N.Y. Gail Lovette is an assistant principal at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School in Falls Church, Va. Dyami Plotke is a repair and maintenance division manager for Roof Services in Deer Park, N.Y. Edward Puerta is an associate with the law firm Nixon Peabody LLP in Jericho, N.Y. Marcia Ranieri is an assistant principal at West Genesee Schools in Camillus, N.Y. Amy Smith is an information technology analyst for the American Planning Association in Washington, D.C. Julia O’Keefe is a staff financial analyst for Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook, Ill. 38

geneseo scene

special events coordinator for the president’s office at SUNY Cortland. Christopher Chaffee is a contract manager for Alston Power, Inc. Valerie Lubkowski Knoll received her doctoral degree in counseling psychology with a concentration in school psychology from the University at Buffalo in June 2008. Kate Mrozak Lague is a human resources manager at Hill-Rom in Cary, N.C. Lynda Minbiole is a residential leasing agent at First Amherst Development Group LLC in Amherst, N.Y. Sarah Nagle Slosek is a speech language pathologist for Saratoga County Early Intervention in Saratoga County, N.Y. Michael Wallace is a senior analyst equity administrator for Unilever in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Janet Whelan is a senior account executive at Crowley Webb and Associates advertising in Buffalo, N.Y.

poetry and prose celebrating the joys and challenges of motherhood.” Cory Myers is the associate director of admissions at The New School in New York City.

Melissa Pytlak Tomney is a

2003is in his third

Halina Lotyczewski is an assis-

Craig Collins

year of general surgery residency at the University at Buffalo. Noah Passer is an attorney at Severance, Burko & Spalter in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rizwan Qureshi is an associate for Reed Smith LLP in New York City. Steven Smith is a recruiter for Robert Half International in Baltimore. Mark Stevens is a senior attorney for the New York State Office of the State Comptroller in Albany, N.Y. Lisa Wielunski is an office manager for the School of Music & Dance at San Francisco State University.

teacher support supervisor for PASCO Scientific in California.

2004 tant director of career services at Utica College in New York. Danielle Pacella received the Outstanding Dietetic Student Coordinated Program Award for 2009 from the New York State Dietetic Association. She is a dietetic major at D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y. Meghan Vooris, a licensed social worker, recently accepted a four-month volunteer position working with foster-care children in residential homes, schools and the community in Santiago, Chile. Jeffrey Mastrodonato is an insurance agent for AAA in Rochester, N.Y.

The Robert W. MacVittie Society

2002 is a controller Daniel Barnwell

for Compass Group, Inc. in New York City. John Black is a head trader at Prentice Capital Management, L.P., in New York City. Julie Ellis is a recruitment specialist for Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, N.J. Todd McCarthy was recently promoted from financial analyst to team leader at POMCO Group in Syracuse, N.Y. Elizabeth Stiles is a speech pathologist specializing in autism and feeding disorders at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. Danielle Tylenda is a sales and support regional manager for Acosta Sales and Marketing in Minnesota. Sueann Hockenberry Wells

recently published the book, “Mother Muse: A collection of

10-Year Anniversary We invite you to join more than 170 alumni and friends who have made bequests and other planned gifts to The Geneseo Foundation. For 10 years, through the Robert W. MacVittie Society, Geneseo has recognized the importance of estate gifts of all sizes. Many generous benefactors have endowed scholarships, internships and student-faculty research; expanded Geneseo’s library and galleries; and have helped to initiate and sustain innovative campus programs. To learn how you can provide for future generations of Geneseo students, contact the Office of Planned Giving at 585-245-5519 or e-mail hilld@geneseo.edu.

2005 Celebrating their 5th reunion July 9 and 10, 2010. Catherine Richter Casey is a

teacher in the Bethlehem Central School District in Delmar, N.Y. Rachel Chrostowski is a planner for the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning in Buffalo, N.Y. Clay Cooper is a financial analyst for ExxonMobil in Irving, Texas. Kaitlyn Roth DiLaura is an agency supervisor at Paychex Agency Inc. Christine Joyce is completing her pediatric residency at Weill Cornell Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Mark Melcher is a derivatives specialist for the BlackRock investment firm in New York City. Samantha Bissell Moss is a property manager for Fisher Realty in Brevard, N.C. Abigail Widmer received tenure as a high school English teacher at Frontier High School in Lakeview, N.Y. Christopher Larsen works for the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y. Eric Schillinger is a business development officer for Xceed Financial Credit Union in Rochester, N.Y. Erin Martin is a legal assistant in Syracuse, N.Y.

2006 Kristin Walker Boyd is a busi-

ness analyst for M&T Bank. Emily Howland is a biologist at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Lucas Meyers is a communications specialist for McMurry Marketing Communications in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

2007 Erin Cunningham is a mental

health counselor at St. Joseph’s Hospital Center in Syracuse, N.Y. Kyle Dembrow is an accountant at Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y. Matthew

Send your class note or notice to alumni@geneseo.edu. Hoffman is an associate pro-

Peter Tillinghast, May 24, 2009.

ducer at News 10NBC in Rochester, N.Y. Kathleen O’Connell is an admissions counselor for SIT Study Abroad, a program of World Learning in Brattleboro, Vt. Justin Silvia is an account executive for Travelers Insurance in Syracuse, N.Y. Katelyn Schreiber works in marketing for Kideney Architects in Buffalo, N.Y. John Disarro is the assistant director of fraternity and sorority affairs at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. Angela Mancini is a teacher at Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester, N.Y. Kari George is the coordinator of student development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in California. Kevin Leisten is a social studies teacher at Penfield Central School District in Penfield, N.Y.

Kelly Brown ’04 & Nathan Kester ’05, April 25, 2009. Jillian Robinson Morris ’05 & Charles D. Morris ’05, April

2008 Katherine Biamonte is a field

economist for the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in New York City. Michael Caputo is a Web author for Intel Corporation. Tracey Piccola is a registered nurse at Rome (N.Y.) Memorial Hospital. Christopher Tripodi is a freelance writer for TFYDraft.com. Melissa Waterman is a zookeeper for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

2009is serving as a David Murphy

Peace Corps volunteer in Armenia, helping residents with economic development.

Marriages Stephen Jakuc ’93 & Sara

24, 2009. Kristin Walker Boyd ’06 & Robert Boyd ’06, July 5, 2008. Sara Manly Brognano ’07 & Joseph Brognano ’07, Aug.

23, 2008. Anne Pienno Romano ’03 &

Anthony, Jan. 28, 2009. Sarah Millis Kujawa ’02 & Jeffrey ’02, Benjamin David

Paul, Feb. 4, 2009. Kathryn Richards Franks ’03

& Mike, Ethan Michael, Dec. 16, 2008. Carrie Emery O’Leary ’03 & Jonathan, Chloe Lynne, Dec. 19, 2008. Kimberlee Ostrander Scott ’04 & Michael, Jacob Michael,

April 9, 2009. Jessica Russo Wartinger ’05

& Daniel, Adalyn Grace, March 28, 2009.

Michael Romano, June 20, 2009. Kristin Pellerite ’04 & Will Irwin ’03, July 25, 2009 Christopher Marrin ’06 & Lisa Nachriner Marrin, July 11, 2009.

Amy Oldis Cusumano ’96 & Nicolas, Garrett Nicolas, Oct. 22, 2008.

Katherine Hinman Guignon ’07 & Andrew Guignon ’06,

Alumni

July 5, 2009.

In Memoriam Theodore Henry ’36, Nov. 3,

Michelle Williams Hildreth ’07

2008

& Kyle Hildreth, June 28, 2009.

Sally Jacuzzo Favier ’37,

Births & Adoptions

Olga Hopkins McCallum ’37,

Nov. 24, 2008

Cathryn Wong Nevin ’92 &

June 23, 2009

Kyle, Carrigan Lailen, Dec. 8, 2008. Sara Scholomiti Rook ’95 & Gerald ’95, Brendan Louis, April 18, 2009. Alyssa Bomze Saffer ’96 & Jack, Mitchell Spencer, March 27, 2009. Lisa Decker Schneider ’97 & Joseph ’97, Kathleen Rose, Oct. 17, 2008 JoAnne Kukoda Elnicky ’99 & John ’98, Aidan Joseph,

June 12, 2009

Dorothy Resch ’38, Thalia Scondras ’38,

June 24, 2009 Bernice Hartigan ’39,

May 8, 2009 Virginia York ’40,

June 22, 2009 Helen Bly Tobey ’39,

June 23, 2009 Ann Sheehe Correnti ’45,

Oct. 10, 2007 Phyllis Carey Alessio ’49,

April 23, 2008 Caroline Rhea Camp ’56,

March 3, 2009.

April 18, 2009

Cara McKay Barnwell ’99 & Daniel ’02, Daniel Richard,

May 8, 2007

March 17, 2009. Jennifer Napuli Fraidstern ’99 & Daniel, Max Samuel,

March 9, 2009. Jacqueline Holowka Johnston ’99 & Christopher ’99, Riley Jade, April 27, 2009. Theresa Shinners Mille ’99 & Michael ’99, Avery Grace, Feb.

Wallace Monsell ’58, Barbara Percy ’61,

June 13, 2009 Leora McElroy ’63,

Nov. 22, 2008 Lynn R. Williamson ’70,

July 28, 2008 Kathleen Kammer Farese ’84,

July 5, 2008 Sunny MacBlane English ’93,

July 20, 2009.

Barber, Oct. 4, 2008.

26, 2009.

Anne Irwin Tillinghast ’96 &

Cristina Kaecker Zencuch ’99

Laura Wetherell Wade ’95,

& Adam, Christopher

May 23, 2009 Fall 2009

MEMORY LANE

Rewind: Caption contest

Just what are these alumni, who were featured in the 1940 Normalian yearbook, daydreaming about? Share your photo caption at scene@geneseo.edu. Look for results in the next issue.

geneseo scene

GIVING BACK BEHIND THE SCENES

My Geneseo ... My Story Any given morning, Bob McDonald ’50 can be found at the Bank Street Café off campus with his Geneseo coffee club friends, many of whom are retired faculty, staff and alumni. An elementary education major, Bob has served as president of the Alumni Association and is a member of the Roundtable Athletic Association. He has been a donor to The Fund for Geneseo for more than 25 years.

Bob McDonald knows that Geneseo changes young people’s lives. A tail gunner with the Air Force Flying Tigers in World War II, Bob tried college before the war, but never took it seriously. “I don’t think I really appreciated going to college,” he says. “I wasn’t interested — but then after the war, when I got to Geneseo, I buckled down.” While earning his degree, he developed a passion for education and making a difference in students’ lives. Bob believes alumni who don’t stay connected to Geneseo are missing out. A basketball and lacrosse fan, Bob can often be found at games cheering on the Blue Knights. “Even my wife, Jean (Dorsey ’48), who was suffering from Parkinson’s at the end, would always look forward to climbing those old bleachers at the college to see the ball games. When I go to games now, it brings back memories.” Bob knows that gifts of all sizes shape each student’s educational experience, supporting scholarships, athletics, undergraduate research and leadership training. “I was always interested in helping young people. That’s one reason I support Geneseo and stay involved with the college.”

Good people do good deeds for Geneseo every day. Tell us about them at scene@geneseo.edu PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN

NonProfit Org U.S. Postage

PAID STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT GENESEO

Rochester, NY Permit No. ???

Division of College Advancement 1 College Circle Geneseo, NY 14454

PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN

Summer Reunion 2010 is coming ... Don’t miss out on any alumni events. Update your e-mail and information at go.geneseo.edu/alumniemail

Sam Dioguardi ’59 of Mt. Morris, N.Y. celebrates as he’s inducted into the 50-Year-Club at Summer Reunion 2009.