The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of The State University of New York at Potsdam
Spring 2017 Vol. 11 | No. 2
P E O P L E
SUNY Potsdam Takes The Lead On Applied Learning
THEN
& now
From 1869 to 1917, this bronze bell graced the spire of the original Potsdam Normal School building (inset). When the building was demolished to make way for a new structure, the bell seems to have taken a mysterious journey, eventually ending up in the home of Dr. Helen M. Hosmer, the beloved long time dean of The Crane School of Music. Eventually, Helen entrusted the bell to an acquaintance from the community, Harold Kendall. Since then, it has been lovingly cared for, first by Harold, and then by his son, David P. Kendall, and their family. Finally, in honor of the College’s bicentennial, the bell returned home to SUNY Potsdam in fall of 2016, to its new home in front of Satterlee Hall. (Source: “The State University of New York at Potsdam,” Campus History Series, Arcadia Publishing. By Jane M. Subramanian ’72 & Virginia Rose Cayey ’60)
Profiles
Ann Ackerman Avery ’66 Drew X. Coles ’11 & Erin Higgins Coles ’12 Todd McGrain ’83 Henrique Schembry ’12
On the cover: During her time at SUNY Potsdam, Lindsay Johnson ’17, has been involved in many faculty-led research projects. One year after the opening of the Center for Applied Learning, SUNY Potsdam continues its goal to give every student the chance to tackle hands-on projects in real-world settings. Photo credit Jason Hunter.
Departments News & Notes Reunion Weekend Schedule Mini Reunions Class Notes In Their Own Words
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Reunion 2017
Registration information and complete schedule of events. www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion
18 SUNY Potsdam
Takes The Lead On Applied Learning
We’re Social
www.potsdam.edu/getsocial
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PRESIDENT’S
letter
S P R I N G 201 7
Vol. 1 1 | No. 2
POTSDAM PEOPLE STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS MANAGING EDITOR Alexandra Jacobs Wilke Director of Public Relations ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT Emily Hutchison Assistant VP of Development Mona Ouimet Vroman ’85 Director of Alumni Relations COMMUNICATIONS Jason Hunter Photographer
S
pring in the North Country is quite possibly my favorite time of year.
After a winter filled with snow and freezing winds, the tulips in bloom around Minerva’s feet and the bright green ivy on the buildings remind me of the resiliency and beauty of our campus community. And our ability to grow and thrive in any circumstance. New growth reminds us that our commitment to educating and preparing our students for success in life, through both in-classroom and out-of-classroom experiences, has never been stronger. With our recent campaign success, we have more opportunities than ever to provide creative learning experiences for our students. Experiences such as those available through the Wagner Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Research (WISER), the Center for Applied Learning, and new international study abroad initiatives. But just as important as our ability to provide these experiential opportunities is our ability to ensure that students can attend SUNY Potsdam in the first place. Therefore, building upon our 450+ scholarship funds, we are forging ahead with new energy and commitment to providing expanded scholarship opportunities for talented and deserving students. We want a SUNY Potsdam education to be available to all!
J. P. Manke Graphic Designer Donna Planty Project Manager Jesstine Rushford Communications Assistant Mindy Thompson Assistant VP of Communications CONTRIBUTORS David T. Britt ‘73 Director of Business Planning & Analysis Dan Bronson ‘03 Sports Information Director Christa Carroll Director of Annual Giving Kathryn Deuel Associate Director of Regional Alumni Relations & Engagement Nancy Griffin (Hon. ‘08) Development Officer
Thank you to our alumni and friends who have made these opportunities possible. You, and your success, are the foundation upon which today’s students will realize their own success.
Jason Ladouceur ’94 Director of Planned Giving
So how did your SUNY Potsdam education help YOU bloom? What lessons learned in the North Country did you take into the world beyond campus, helping you grow into the person you are today?
Andrés Muñoz ’14 Writer
Please, tell me your SUNY Potsdam story by emailing us at alumni@potsdam.edu. Your success is a point of pride for our entire Potsdam family and can help inspire and encourage new generations of students. With much gratitude,
Sarah Maneely ’07 Assistant Director of Research and Donor Relations
Ellen Nesbitt Assistant Director of Annual Giving Sherry Allen Paradis ’00 Director of Donor Relations & the Campaign Laura Stevenson (Hon. ’07) Alumni & Donor Relations
Vicki Templeton-Cornell (Hon. ’16) Vice President for College Advancement Marcus Wolf ’16 Writer
Kristin G. Esterberg, Ph.D. President
Alumni Relations 44 Pierrepont Ave. | Potsdam, NY 13676 (315) 267-2120 www.potsdam.edu/alumni
CAMPUS
news & notes
NE W INITIATIVES
SUNY Potsdam Develops Partnership with Cuban University
Over the past year, SUNY Potsdam has been working to establish an educational partnership with Universidad de Cienfuegos in Cuba. The SUNY Potsdam partnership with the University of Cienfuegos is one of only four programs established in Cuba by SUNY institutions, and is the only general study abroad program offered outside Havana in the SUNY system. Potsdam offered two short-term study abroad courses in Cuba over Winterim 2017, including a class in sustainable agriculture and another in public health. In addition, the Crane Latin Ensemble is set to visit Cienfuegos as part of a broader educational tour in March 2017. Future opportunities include study abroad experiences, a first-year abroad program, faculty scholarship, curricular development and a pedagogical exchange. NE W INITIATIVES
SUNY Potsdam Launches New Law Enforcement Training Institute
DE VELOPMENT & AWARDS
Chemistry Professor Named 2016 Henry Dreyfus TeacherScholar
Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Fadi Bou-Abdallah was selected as a recipient of the 2016 Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. The award provides an unrestricted research grant of $60,000 to accomplished researchers and committed educators at primarily undergraduate institutions. Bou-Abdallah was one of only seven professors from across the nation who was chosen for recognition this year. DE VELOPMENT & AWARDS
Anthropology Professor Susan Stebbins Honored by Native American Indian Association of New York
SUNY Potsdam Professor of Anthropology Dr. Susan Stebbins was honored with the 2016 Educator of SUNY Potsdam is proud to announce the formation of the College’s new Law Enforcement the Year Award Training Institute, which launched in the spring 2017 semester with its first cohort of students. by the Native The institute will provide students with the unique opportunity to complete a rigorous pre-emAmerican Indiployment, state-approved police academy as part of their undergraduate curriculum. Students who an Association complete the semester-long program will have 85 percent of the total requirements for attendance of New York. at a New York State police academy, and can also receive 12 upper-division credits toward their bac- The honor is calaureate studies. As an accredited police academy, the institute will offer instruction in defensive presented to tactics, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle operation, field sobriety tests, crime scene someone who processing and other law enforcement topics. has shown a commitment to the education of Native American students, and has also contribNE W INITIATIVES uted to the overall knowledge of native peoples SUNY Potsdam Launches New Early College Academy for High in the state. A member of the faculty since 1992, Stebbins has led many classes focusing on School Juniors & Seniors indigenous peoples, including coursework about SUNY Potsdam is proud to announce the launch of a new early college academy that will allow Indian images and women in Native America. motivated high school students to jumpstart their undergraduate studies at the College, while also Her research stretches from the historical, completing their high school degree. College Unlimited at SUNY Potsdam (CUSP) will launch in looking at the traditional roles of Iroquois Fall 2017, becoming only the second program of its kind in Northern New York. CUSP students women, to the contemporary, including Native will receive personalized advisement and access to unique classes and applied learning opportuniAmerican education and a study about political ties. CUSP will also offer specially dedicated housing and residential programming for participants. protests at the Massena-Cornwall International Students are eligible for local scholarships and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program to Bridge. She is the author of the textbook, “Nahelp finance their studies. Following the completion of their high school diploma, students will be tive Peoples of North America.” eligible for federal financial aid as well. To find out more, visit www.potsdam.edu/earlycollege. w w w.potsdam.edu/people
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Joint Degree Program Created with St. Lawrence College & Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Art History Students Visit National Gallery in Ottawa
SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence College in Ontario and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne joined forces this past fall to unveil a new degree completion program in the area of archaeological studies. Indigenous students can begin their studies at St. Lawrence College through the program offered at the Iohahi:io Education and Training Centre in Akwesasne, and then will have the ability to transfer to SUNY Potsdam to complete both their junior and senior year in the College’s renowned archaeological studies baccalaureate program. Grand Chief Abram Benedict said that there is a need for indigenous archaeological specialists in this region, “as the St. Lawrence Seaway holds centuries of shared history.” DE VELOPMENT & AWARDS
Crane School of Music Awards Pellicciotti Prize to Tom Cipullo for New Work
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music selected the winner of the 2018 Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize following the competition finals, which were held on campus in September 2016. Noted composer Tom Cipullo was selected as the recipient of the Pellicciotti Prize for his new opera, “Mayo.” He also wrote the libretto for the new work, which tells of America’s tragic infatuation with eugenics in the early 20th century. Cipullo will receive a $25,000 commission to complete the work, which will premiere in November 2018 in Potsdam, with a full production by the award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble and Orchestra. Noted American dramaturg Cori Ellison worked with the finalists and will continue to collaborate with Cipullo on his project. The Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize was founded by Dr. Gary C. Jaquay ’67 to honor his life partner, Domenic J. Pellicciotti, an ardent fan of opera. The award, which is presented every four years, seeks to encourage and acknowledge the creation of new opera works that explore themes related to tolerance, inclusion or the celebration of diversity. 4
POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
More than 50 art students and faculty visited the National Gallery in Ottawa, thanks to funding from the Meagher Family Endowment, established in 2016 by Ellen and Christopher Meagher, parents of Christopher Meagher Jr. ’15. The Meaghers established the fund in honor of art history professors Caroline Downing, Teresa Watts and Mary Jo McNamara, in appreciation for their mentorship of Chris when he was a student. The National Gallery trip was led by McNamara, along with faculty members Liza LaBarge ’12 and Michael Yeomans. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Scholarship Recipients Express Gratitude
At the annual Scholarship Donors Luncheon in October, students and their families thanked the donors who made their scholarships possible. Alan and Kathryn Davino, Hon. ’10 (front left and center), were greeted by all six current recipients of the Cassie Davino Memorial Scholarship. The Davino recipients (left to right) are Sean Fahy ’17, Henry Horstmann ’18, Samantha Martin ’18, Sarah Solari ’19, Helena Waterous ’17 and Shavon Lloyd ’19. Last year, SUNY Potsdam awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to needy and deserving students, made possible in large part by the generosity of donors.
CAMPUS
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ALUMNI NE WS
Crane Alumna Renée Fleming ’81 and SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher Host NYC Roundtable Discussion on Future of Music Education
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music was proud to host a roundtable discussion about the future of music education, moderated by worldrenowned soprano and arts ambassador Renée Fleming ’81 and SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. With a cross-sector panel of accomplished experts, educators and practitioners, the discussion took place on Nov. 2, 2016, at the Yamaha Piano Salon in New York City. The distinguished roundtable participants included: • Michael Brownell ’88, president of the New York State School Music Association; • Adriano Clemente, director of education at Dubspot NYC; • Lori Custodero, associate professor of music and music education at Teachers College at Columbia University/co-creator of WeBop at Jazz at Lincoln Center; • Eric Ebel, senior project manager for public affairs and government relations at the National Association of Music Merchants; • Paul King, executive director of the Office of Arts and Special Projects for the New York City Department of Education; • Bob Morrison, chief executive officer of Quadrant Research; • Marcia Neel, senior director of education at Yamaha Corporation of America; • Michael Sitton, dean of The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam; and • Ann Ziff, philanthropist and chair of the Metropolitan Opera Board of Directors. From left: Michael Sitton, Marcia Neel, Bob Morrison, Michael Brownell, Ann Ziff, Renée Fleming, Nancy L. The discussion was sponsored by the Johnson Zimpher, Eric Ebel, Lori Custodero, Adriano Clemente and Paul King. Center for Leadership in Music Education, The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and Janice Rowlands Johnson ’56 and Roger Johnson. Additional support was provided by Joy Anthony Douglass ’56 and Chester Douglass, and Rick Young, senior vice president at Yamaha Corporation of America. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Crane Professor, Students Present at Two National Conferences
From left: Derek Bull ’17, Dr. Danni Gilbert, Jacqueline Saunier ’17, Olivia Rehm ’17 and Dr. Caron Collins.
What Do You Think About This Magazine?
Four Crane School of Music music education students had the opportunity to present the results of their research project at national conferences this year. Led by Associate Professor Dr. Caron Collins, the group was invited to present their research on the Curious, Collaborative Creativity model for music education at two different conferences sponsored by the National Association for Music Education. The student presenters included Crane seniors Brandon Bromsey ’17, Derek Bull ’17, Olivia Rehm ’17 and Jacqueline Saunier ’17. The research project and conference presentations were funded in part by the Mango-Flatt Family Endowment for Music Education Research at The Crane School of Music, established in 2015 by Crane alumna Mary Ann Mango Flatt ’75 and her husband, Dean.
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Former NFL Player Ron Carpenter Opens New Speaker Series
Omega Delta Phi Celebrates 55th Anniversary with Community Service
SUNY Potsdam was proud to welcome former National Football League defensive back Ron Carpenter to campus in November 2016, as the Super Bowl-winning player opened a new speaker series sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The “Always Earned, Never Given” Series was founded at SUNY Potsdam thanks in part to generous donor support, in recognition of the importance of exposing students to diverse guest speakers and role models. During his visit, Carpenter spoke to groups from across campus, including leaders of student clubs and organizations, student athletes and young men of color. Carpenter was joined by his wife and sister-in-law, who led special discussions with young women of color. His wife, Tamara Carpenter, is a senior executive at Angie’s List, and her sister, Dr. Velmailia Matthews-Smith, is a hematologistoncologist at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
The Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association kicked off its 55th anniversary celebration this past July with a school supplies drive for Lawrence Avenue Elementary at Potsdam Central School. Community philanthropy has been the cornerstone of Omega reunion activities for the past five years, and is designed to support various causes in and around the Potsdam community, according to Association President Donnalyn Eaton Shuster ’78. Many of the items were purchased locally as well, giving the sisters of Omega Delta Phi the opportunity to double their impact on the Potsdam community. DE VELOPMENT & AWARDS
From left, Center for Diversity Interim Director Louise Tyo ’00, Director of Athletics Jim Zalacca; President Kristin Esterberg; Multicultural Program Coordinator Nimo Sugulle, guest speakers Tamara Carpenter, Ron Carpenter, Dr. Velmailia Matthews-Smith; Chief Diversity Officer Bernadette Tiapo and Assistant Athletics Director Bill Mitchell. ALUMNI NE WS
Alpha Alumnae Support Literacy Center
Math Professor Laura Person Named to SUNY Distinguished Ranks
The State University of New York Board of Trustees recently named Dr. Laura Person, a faculty member in SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Mathematics, a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor. Having taught more than 20 different undergraduate and graduate courses, and served as a mentor for new faculty, she has proven herself a skilled and outstanding professor. Person has published two well-used textbooks, “Write Your Own Proofs in Set Theory and Discrete Mathematics” (with coauthor Amy Babich) and “Topology Notes.” COLLEGE NE WS
Crane Professor Emeritus Publishes Book
A group of Alpha Delta Kappa alumnae recently visited campus to celebrate the successful completion of the Alpha and Friends Endowment challenge in support of SUNY Potsdam’s Rebecca V. Sheard Literacy Center. Alpha alumna Jackie Tantillo Aab ’71 matched the first $60,000 in gifts to the fund, thereby helping to raise more than $120,000 in gifts and pledges. Pictured are committee members (from left): Ellen Davey Burns ’59, Sandy Lawrence Tomalty ’64, Barre Hobkirk Hall ’65, Joyce Barnholt Yianoukos ’71, Jackie Tantillo Aab ’71 and Kathy Benson Elliott ’73. Also on the committee was Kathy Jordan Londraville ’75 (not pictured). In recognition of the sorority’s generosity and in honor of their lifelong friendships and love of learning, a permanent sign is now on display at the Sheard Literacy Center. 6
POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
Crane School of Music Professor Emeritus Dr. Gordon Mathie has released a new book, “My Trumpet Week,” published by Balqhuidder Music. The new volume includes a day-by-day schedule of warm-ups and practice routines for trumpet players and teachers. Mathie is also the author of “The Trumpet Teacher’s Guide” and “Drudgeries (Routines for Advanced Wind Players).” The retired long-time faculty member was honored with a special session dedicated to him at the recent meeting of the International Trumpet Conference, titled “Gordon Mathie: His Career and Teaching Methods.”
ATHLETICS
news & notes
Three Alumni Named to Bears Hall of Fame
In October 2016, SUNY Potsdam inducted three alumni into the Bears Hall of Fame, as part of the College’s 36th class of inductees. David Dragone ’98, Jedidiah Hammill ’03 and Cortney PoirierGraney ’11 were all recognized for their athletic accomplishments at a special ceremony.
From left, David Dragone, Courtney Poirier-Graney and Jedidiah Hammill.
David Dragone ’98 only played two seasons with the SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team, but he left a permanent mark on the program. During the 1995-96 campaign, the goaltender backstopped the Bears to their lone SUNYAC Championship. Dragone said it wasn’t just the talent that made the team, it was the character and culture. “We all knew we could win the series,” he said. “Everybody knew what their job was. Nothing had to be said. Nothing.” In 54 career games with the Bears, Dragone posted a 29-20-4 record, with a 3.38 goals-against-average and a .891 save percentage, earning him a spot in the ECAC All-Star Game. He spent two years with the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League, before moving to play in the West Coast Hockey League for another two and a half seasons. After retiring from pro hockey, Dragone began a career as an iron worker. When he graduated in 2003, Jedidiah Hammill ranked third in scoring in Bears men’s lacrosse history. In 56 career games, he scored 122 goals and recorded 62 assists for 184 points. Hammill graduated with a degree in speech communication, and now works in pharmaceutical sales, covering territories from Vermont to Syracuse, having earned multiple awards along the way. Courtney Poirier-Graney set records for the Bears both on the hardwood and on the field. In her senior season with the women’s basketball team, her 17.7 points per game average set the program record and she earned her second straight first team All-SUNYAC honor. In her four years with the Bears, she started all 108 games she played and totaled a program record 1,736 points. She also amassed 560 rebounds, 341 steals and 273 assists. Poirier’s last hurrah in a Bears uniform came on the soccer field in Fall 2010. She led the team in scoring, with 11 goals and six assists for 28 points, and the team matched the program record with 10 wins. Despite just two seasons with the soccer team, Poirier’s 55 points rank fifth all-time and her 21 goals are fourth best. She left Potsdam with more than her chemistry degree. She had also found her future husband, Bears men’s basketball player Brendan Graney ‘10. Today, she works for CR Bard, a medical technology company.
Trio of Bears Hockey Players Pursuing Pro Dreams
Former SUNY Potsdam hockey players Brad Campagna ’16 and Jake Rivera ’16 both tried out with professional teams in the East Coast Hockey League this fall, while Sy Nutkevitch ’12 continued his pro career after signing with the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Campagna was invited to training camp with the Adirondack Thunder in Glens Falls, the ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, before playing for the Knoxville Ice Bears and the Fayetteville FireAntz of the SPHL. Rivera tried out with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies, the Anaheim Ducks affiliate, before joining the Knoxville Ice Bears. Huntsville is just the latest stop for Nutkevitch, a former Potsdam captain. Last season, he put together a strong 40-game stretch with eight goals and 24 assists with the Cornwall River Kings of the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey. He then closed out 2015-16 with a goal and three helpers in five games with the Fayetteville FireAntz. This year, Nutkevitch is playing with the Huntsville Havoc.
Bears Soccer Players Named to All-SUNYAC Teams
Bears soccer players Brooke Faison ’19 and Matthew Wagner ’18 were both named to All-State University of New York Conference teams for the 2016 season. Faison was named to the All-SUNYAC season team after playing in all 18 of the Bears’ contests this fall and notching the fourth most number of goals in a single season for the Bears. She led the team in scoring, and was also fourth in the SUNYAC, with 11 goals and one assist for 23 points. Wagner was named to the All-SUNYAC third team for the second consecutive year this fall. Wagner was recognized for his ability as a shutdown defender. In his three seasons at Potsdam, Wagner had five goals and three assists for 13 points.
Women’s Softball Sets Record for Scholar Athlete Honors
The SUNY Potsdam softball team set a new campus record for the number of members being named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete list this fall. Eleven players were recognized for their academic excellence in the classroom, including Carina Chirinko ’16, Alexis Lerman ’16, Katie Marsman ’16, Rachel Grefke ’16, Jordan Ott ’17, Kolbi Lyon ’17, Lauren Brace ’18, Meghan Dougherty ’18, Sabrina Johnson ’18, Alissa McCauley ’19 and Brooke Falsion ’19. To earn NFCA honors, a student athlete must achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher during the academic year.
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POTSDAM
profile
’66
Ann AckermanAvery By Alexandra Jacobs Wilke Ann Avery ’66 vividly remembers so many things about her years at SUNY Potsdam. There are the historic moments, filtered through the eyes of an undergraduate: The feeling of dread as she slid dimes into the pay phone to call her parents during the Cuban missile crisis (her mother assured her that “Potsdam, N.Y., won’t be a high-priority target”), and the instant that she watched an expression of “shock, loss and grief” fall across her classmate’s face as he told her that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated, in a crowded corridor of what was then called Raymond Hall. But there are also joyful moments as well: Staying up late at night, giggling with newfound friends in Sisson Hall, and bonding with her fellow members of the Class of 1966 as they met in the Quad to sing (“Where, oh where, are the pea green freshmen?”). “Potsdam was a good choice for me, because even though it was isolated, it was a safe and supportive environment. The friendships I made at SUNY Potsdam continue to this day,” Avery said. She still looks back with fondness on three classes in particular that inspired and challenged her—all of which were outside of her chosen majors, psychology and education. In one memorable course,
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POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
Dr. David Brown taught her about “all the –isms in politics,” inspiring a fascination with the political process that has only increased over the years. In another, Avery studied Spanish with a young faculty member who had a Castilian accent. For her final project, she wrote a paper about Puerto Rico, concluding with a “wistful statement about hoping to go there someday,” something she has since achieved several times over. Finally, there was an “American Art and Architecture” class that sparked Avery’s deep passion for fine art, which continues to this day. “I think my affinity for art began in that class. The seeds were planted in that classroom, and eventually led me to the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Munch Museum in Oslo and many others,” she said. Following graduation, Avery moved to Boston, where she found work as a fifth-grade teacher in a high-needs district in Dorchester. She encountered a class of students whose reading levels ranged from second to seventh grades, in a somewhat decrepit classroom, “the kind where the desks were bolted to the floor.” It was daunting, but Avery worked to create an educational environment that acted as “an oasis in the chaos happening around us.” After a year, she accepted a position with the Brookline Public Schools, where she ended up teaching for 28 years. During her career at Brookline, she taught several elementary grades, before spending her final decade teaching seventh-grade American history. As an educator, Avery loved to make history come alive for her students. Each year, she would organize a reenactment of the Constitutional Convention, with her pupils representing the various colonies. “The emphasis was on critical thinking, creative writing, the exchange of ideas and challenging assumptions,” she said. After her retirement, Avery wasn’t content to sit still. “Some people would think by the time you get to my age, you will have met most of your goals, but I still have new goals,” she said. An avid gardener, she dotes on a colorful collection of dahlias that includes some tubers that she has saved for more than 30 years. Avery also ran a flower arranging business of her own for a time. In 2008, she was inspired to follow up on that formative SUNY Potsdam “Art and Architecture” class by pursuing her studies to become a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Now,
she gives tours to visitors from all over the world. Avery’s favorite tour groups have been her fellow Potsdam graduates, having hosted two special alumni tours and receptions at the museum in recent years. “You just feel like you’re with kindred souls,” she said. Spending so much time in the Museum of Fine Arts brings Avery in regular close contact with some of the artists she first learned about in that fateful class at her alma mater—including John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassat. “Some of the pieces become like old friends, but when you have time to stop and really look … you do see new things and get new inspirations,” Avery said. “Very often when people visit museums, you look at a piece for two minutes and move on. Yes, your lives will be enriched and your mood uplifted, but you will only get an initial, superficial sort of high. When you really study something for 15 minutes or more, you get a more in-depth experience.” Avery and her husband, Irwin, have a shared wanderlust. She recalls a famous quote from St. Augustine, which she used to occasionally put at the top of the weekly syllabus that she provided to her students: “The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page.” So naturally, once she became a docent, Avery also took it upon herself to help coordinate international journeys for herself and her fellow museum volunteers. The twice-yearly trips are coordinated around visits to museums and tours of architectural marvels across Europe. In the hopes of sparking the same kind of inspiration in the next generation, the Averys are funding a scholarship at SUNY Potsdam to help students with financial need who want to study abroad. She has also given back through service to her alma mater as well, having been a 2016 Reunion volunteer for the Class of 1966. Traveling back, it was the first time that Avery and some of her classmates had returned to campus since their Commencement, 50 years earlier. “Seeing the campus, walking along the Raquette River and heading out to some of the ‘hot spots’ we had frequented many years earlier was joyous,” she said. Years after her student experience, and all of the memories that came with it, Avery is still making new SUNY Potsdam memories—and hopes to continue to stay connected. “I have to say what a huge amount of gratitude I feel to the College, because I know it prepared me for a very rich life, and gave me the tools to use the opportunities that have come my way,” she said.
Erin Higgins Coles’12 & Drew X. Coles’11 POTSDAM
profile
By Andrés Muñoz ’14
Take one look at Erin and Drew Coles’ resumes, and you immediately learn what kind of people they are: hard-working, creative and ambitious. Between the two of them, they possess six collegiate degrees (one master’s, two MBAs and three bachelor’s degrees), with another on the way. Together, they have founded and built a successful music management and consulting business. They’ve even written music together. Look a little closer, and you’ll see that there’s more that this couple shares in common. They also possess a deep dedication to each other, and a shared love for SUNY Potsdam, their undergraduate alma mater, and the place where they first fell in love. It should come as no surprise that the Coleses have been able to accomplish so much in just a few years after graduation. After all, their time at SUNY Potsdam was equally as productive. “There’s probably some joke in there about what I didn’t do,” Drew said. “I was a resident mentor, an orientation leader, started a band called the Third Rail and served as guinea pig for my friends in the music education program who needed to teach other students to use instruments they had just learned themselves. The College also provided me with many opportunities to get paid for performing.” Erin was no slouch, either. “I ended up getting the job as the student assistant in the President’s office, and I worked there the whole time I was at SUNY Potsdam,” she said. “I also worked in The School of Education and Professional Studies in the graduate program. The student groups I was a part of also stuck with me. My favorite group was the Potsdam Pitches, one of the mixed A cappella groups, which I joined in its second year. I was able to take on leadership positions, from event manager to president. Other groups I was part of were the Future Business Leaders of America and Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honor society.” All of this was extracurricular, of course, and their coursework also required dedication. Drew was a music business major at The Crane School of Music, while Erin double-majored in business administration and theatre, with a minor in precreative arts therapy. They both credited their deep involvement across campus with contributing to their later success. “That kind of thing, Potsdam says it’s OK,” Drew said. “That’s what makes it Potsdam.” As any involved student does, Drew and Erin also built a strong network on campus that they drew from in their time at the College and after graduation.
For instance, Drew pulled together a trusted team of Crane students, SUNY Potsdam staff and community members to pull off his surprise proposal for Erin in 2012—which took place on stage at Snell Theater, with a string quintet plucking away in the background as he took to one knee. As Erin and Drew began to prepare for their wedding, they began to brainstorm a new business idea together—and went on to use those “meaningful connections” they had made to grow it. “We needed a wedding band,” Drew said. “We knew the people who could be in the band. I told Erin, ‘What if we turn this into a business that we can work on together?’” “Most entrepreneurs don’t know that they’re going to be entrepreneurs,” Erin said. “Most people just fall into it, because they see a need that can be fulfilled.” Seeing a need, and knowing that they could help address it, the Coleses established a business, Pro Arts Management & Consulting, LLC. The company now has five divisions, each focusing on a different facet of the music industry. Pro Arts offers artist management services, educational arts programming and a research collective. In addition, the group manages The Metropolitan Players, a sought-after New York City-based wedding and events band, and also runs Rock Star Camp, a traveling educational and interactive music program that encourages children and young adults by bringing out their inner “rock star.” The average person would be content with this level of success, but the Coleses are just getting warmed up. While Erin continues to grow their company as president and
CEO, her latest passion project is a blog aimed at encouraging and empowering women to fulfill their full potential. For his part, Drew is currently a doctoral candidate at the Teachers College at Columbia University, where he is the president of the Student Senate and is spearheading the Musician’s Minute Project. As if that’s not enough, he plans to attend law school afterward. Erin and Drew describe their time at SUNY Potsdam using words like “love” and “growth.” They attribute much of their success to the skills gained and connections made here, and they haven’t hesitated to stay involved, employing and collaborating with fellow alumni, and serving as the guest speakers at the 2016 Student Leadership Conference. Their advice to current and future students? “Get involved,” Erin said. “Being around people who were like-minded, or not likeminded and just interested in the same things, was so valuable to me. So many of those old relationships are now resurfacing as professional connections.” “Just go, just do,” Drew said. “Do everything you possibly can. The people there are really devoted to your success. Even if you fall, you will never fall that far. Just try everything you possibly can.”
POTSDAM
profile
’12
Henrique Schembry Many incoming freshmen believe that college will provide a straightforward path, but Henrique Schembry ’12 took many turns during his academic journey, teaching him how to adapt and succeed at multiple occupations. Schembry ended up studying under three academic departments throughout his five years at SUNY Potsdam before selecting his major. He said that exploring different disciplines and fields developed his versatility and prepared him for the world beyond campus—especially how to deal with constant change. His mantra? “Keep an open mind, and make the best with what you are given,” Schembry said. Schembry ultimately graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, but his path to choosing this field of study was a circuitous one. When he began his freshman year in 2007, Schembry first declared a major in politics, with dreams of becoming a diplomat and representing the United States in Middle Eastern countries. He also took courses in the Department of Modern Languages, pursuing minors in both Spanish and Arabic Studies, in order to develop his secondary language and learn a new one. Schembry had first learned Spanish from his father, Arial, of Cuban descent. As his courseload increased, however, he dropped the minor in Spanish and continued his work in Arabic Studies.
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POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
After three years of studying politics, Schembry finally made the decision to switch his major to chemistry, fulfilling a passion for science that he had held since high school. His love for chemistry stemmed from a desire to understand the forces that determined the composition of both living creatures and inanimate objects. “I like generally understanding why things are the way they are—why gold is the color gold,” he said. As Schembry’s academic experience diverged with a new major and one less minor, he followed his interest in Arabic Studies all the way to Morocco, completing a study abroad course led by Dr. Lora Lunt in 2011. Schembry spent three weeks of his junior year travelling throughout Morocco and exploring cities like Fez, Casablanca and Marrakesh with his fellow students. He also stayed with a host family. “I had the opportunity to actually, truly experience a different way of life,” Schembry said. His immersion in a new culture and a new land highlighted for Schembry the differences between American and Moroccan values and customs. The Moroccan people, he said, spent more time outside talking with each other, and less time watching television or using computers. Back in Potsdam, Schembry took on several jobs, both on- and off-campus, in order to support his academic endeavors. “I had other responsibilities to juggle on top of being a student,” he said. He worked at the Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country throughout college, and also accepted multiple teachers’ assistant positions for chemistry, Arabic and anthropology classes. Schembry also worked as a Residential Assistant in his junior year. Learning how to balance the demands of his academics on top of his work proved to be extremely beneficial when Schembry graduated and took his first job. Following Commencement, he accepted a position as an environmental chemist for Upstate Laboratories, Inc., in Syracuse, where he tested food and landfill samples for heavy toxic metals, such as iron or lead. Unfortunately, just three months later, the lab closed, and Schembry was back on the job market. Rather than admitting defeat, Schembry adapted to the change by searching a variety of career fields for employment opportunities until he found one in construction. Over the next few years, Schembry worked for MyCom and Mastec Advanced Tech-
nologies, both in the Syracuse area, reviewing construction projects for customers. Mycom closed its doors in 2014 and Mastec Advanced Technologies were forced to lay off Schembry and many other employees in 2015, but he never gave up. After spending months searching for a new position, Schembry was hired as an engineering analyst at Leidos Engineering in April 2016. He currently works for the Syracuse-based firm, consulting with utility companies on how to earn financial incentives for increasing energy efficiency, having been promoted to project manager in August. “It is similar enough to what I have been doing with prior jobs, but it’s still different enough that I am still learning every day,” he said. Even five years after graduating, Schembry and his family remain deeply devoted to the College. His younger brother, Christopher Manuel Schembry, graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 2014, and their younger sister, still in high school, has participated in the Creative Arts Camp. Schembry’s parents continue to give back as donors, and have returned to campus for Reunion Weekend along with their children for the past couple of years. For his part, Schembry gives back as a volunteer and donor, helping to lead stewardship and philanthropy, as the National Chair of the President’s Club. He was originally inspired to give back to the College in honor of SUNY Distinguished Professor Dr. Maria Hepel, who had helped him secure a paid teacher’s assistant position as a student using grant funds. Schembry hoped to make such opportunities a reality for more students as well. When Christa Carroll, the Director of Annual Giving for the college, asked him to chair the new committee, he saw it as a chance to return the favor he received as a student. As chair, Schembry reviews contribution letters, helps the student phonathon workers secure donations, and took over the Third Century Challenge as part of the Campaign for Potsdam, which raised about $33 million in a few years. “If someone soon out of college can convince his peers to contribute, I am happy to do what I can to help,” he said. Schembry believes that his diverse educational background allowed him to encounter a swiftly-changing economy and succeed by adapting. His advice to students is to embrace change to stay on course, no matter what happens. “If you see that you have a job to do—do it,” he said.
PROFESSOR MARY RUTLEY CIRCA 1972
By Marcus Wolf ’16
POTSDAM
profile
’83
Todd McGrain By Andrés Muñoz ’14 Todd McGrain ’83 has followed his artistic vision and dedication to conservation around the globe, sharing the stories of extinct and endangered species and sparking a non-profit along the way. Looking back, the seeds for that intense driving curiosity and passion were planted back when the artist was an undergraduate at SUNY Potsdam—although he didn’t realize it at the time. The main reason he applied to the College was due to its proximity to the Adirondack Mountains, and because he had the chance to play on the Bears men’s soccer team. He managed to balance both his art and his team for two years, before he decided to focus solely on his artwork and his studies. “Prior to attending Potsdam, I didn’t know what it meant to be a student,” McGrain said. “I attended class in high school, but it was at Potsdam where I realized how to actually succeed in an academic setting. I took courses outside of the Art Department and finally began to appreciate how I could grow in the classroom and how it could inspire my art.” His exploration of the academic world outside of his own major took him into geology, anthropology and philosophy courses. McGrain’s newfound thirst for knowledge took him so far out of his studio art major that he inadvertently earned a minor in philosophy. As McGrain continued to grow as a student, the College helped him grow as an artist. He credits the art faculty as being supportive and inspirational. He remembers an off-campus excursion as serving as the major turning point for his future. “The Art Department planned a trip to New York City every year,” McGrain said. “Students were taken to visit artists in their own studios. Spending time with them and seeing them work was the first time I saw adults making a career out of art.” From that moment on, McGrain was determined to graduate and become a professional artist himself. Now, having spent more than 30 years as a sculptor and professor of art, McGrain is proud to have had his works displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, and to have received a prestigious Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship along the way. Just as his love of the environment partly inspired McGrain’s decision to attend SUNY Potsdam, it has also inspired the work he is best known for—the Lost Bird Project. “I’ve always been fascinated by nature,”
McGrain said. “I learned of an extinct bird species which was last seen not too far from where I grew up. I’ve always known about birds driven to extinction, but this one hit close to home. I wanted to find a way to memorialize them and remind people of how we impact our environment.” The species was the Labrador Duck, which was last seen in Elmira, N.Y., two hours south of where the artist grew up in Rochester. McGrain decided to honor the bird with a larger-thanlife sculpture, which he hoped to install in the location where the species was last seen alive in the wild. In all, he memorialized five North American bird species that have also been driven to extinction, through the creation of humansized bronze sculptures and installation in their last-known natural habitat. As an artist-in-residence at Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, he thoroughly researched each species, traveling to view the landscapes they had lived in, and even getting a rare glimpse of illustrations of the birds in a firstedition Audubon illustrated guide. In “The Lost Bird Project,” which first aired on PBS in 2013, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deborah Dickson followed McGrain and his brother-in-law, Andy Stern, as they journeyed up and down the East Coast, scouting and securing locations for the sculptures. It would take quite a journey to view all of McGrain’s Lost Bird Project sculptures in the wild—from the Carolina Parakeet statue in Okeechobee, Fla., to the Great Auk memorial on Fogo Island in Newfoundland. Fortunately, he has also created lost bird sculpture installations for museums and art galleries across the country. He was also honored with the 2014 Audubon Award for Art Inspiring Conservation. The Lost Bird Project sparked such interest that McGrain and Stern turned it into a nonprofit organization, dedicated to connecting people more deeply to the Earth through art. First, the artist conceived of the Fold the Flock initiative, in which individuals and groups are encouraged to fold flocks of origami passenger pigeons, to symbolically recreate the giant flocks that used to crowd the skies in the early 19th century. As of this writing, more than 1.3 million origami pigeons have been folded. The Lost Bird Project also began to “spread its wings,” delving into other environmental endeavors. The organization is backing an initiative called Smartfin, founded by Stern, which will create a surfboard fin outfitted with sensors, to help provide much-needed scientific information on near-
shore ocean data. Following the experience of being the subject of a documentary film himself, McGrain began to explore his own interest in filmmaking. He recently completed a degree in social documentary filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Through the Lost Bird Project, McGrain helped to launch the Fast Forward Film Festival in Rochester, N.Y., which is now entering its third season. The festival is dedicated to showcasing new environmental perspectives through short films. McGrain is currently directing and producing his first feature-length documentary, called “Rue Des Elephants,” stepping away from sculpting to document the elephant-poaching crisis in Africa. The film follows the fate of the last wild herd of Forest Elephants, which is constantly under threat due to ivory-poaching, exacerbated by civil war in the Central African Republic. Going from a high school student with unclear goals for his future, to his current role serving as the “voice” for lost and disappearing species, McGrain credits his SUNY Potsdam education with broadening his worldview and giving him a voice. “I always support liberal arts education. A liberal arts education helps grow the whole person,” he said.
w w w.potsdam.edu/people
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REUNION WEEKEND 2017 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, JULY 13-16 REGISTRATION HOURS
***indicates family activities Events in Maroon are events you will not want to miss
Raymond Hall Lobby (adjacent to Becky’s Place in Pratt Commons) Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 13 4 - 6:30 p.m. Early Bird Gathering Entertainment provided by Alex Vangellow (Hon. ’14) and sponsored by Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association. (cash bar)
FRIDAY, JULY 14 8:30 - 10 a.m. Cupid Breakfast For All Potsdam-Potsdam & Potsdam-Clarkson Couples. 9 - 10 a.m. Yoga with Julia Rapczynski Start your day the right way with yoga in our beautiful campus Labyrinth. 9:30 - 11 a.m. Campus Walking Tour
10 - 11 a.m. The Crane School of Music History Project Hear the research compiled by Crane professors emeritus Robyn Lisuzzo Hosley ’77 and Scott LaVine ’71. The multimedia history includes photos, sound clips edited by Audio Engineer Emeritus Gary Galo ’73.
11 a.m. - Noon ***Tour of Maxcy Hall Facilities 11 a.m. - Noon ***Tour of The Crane School of Music
10 - 11 a.m. Drumming for Fun Presented by Peter McCoy, associate professor of music education and coordinator of music technology. No experience necessary.
11 a.m. - Noon The Norwood Brass Firemen Band’s Strong Beat Since the 1870’s The Norwood Brass Firemen is one of the few existing brass firefighters’ bands today. Learn about its beginnings and historical performances over the years. Presented by archivist emerita, Jane Gatta Subramanian ’72.
11 a.m. - Noon ***Planetarium Show Presented by Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Geology Dr. Frank Revetta (Hon. ’05).
Noon - 1:30 p.m. Emeriti Luncheon Everyone is invited to attend and visit with some of your favorite retired professors.
1 - 2 p.m. Tour of the Applied Learning Center Visit the new center and observe Makerspace in action along, with our new 3D Printer. 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra: Historic Performances of the Class of 1967 Audio Engineer Emeritus Gary Galo ’73 continues his survey of Crane Chorus performances given by the class celebrating its 50th Reunion. 2 - 3 p.m. The Potsdam Seismic Network and Earthquakes in New York State Seminar Presented by Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Geology Dr. Frank Revetta (Hon. ’05). 2 - 3 p.m. Tour of the Performing Arts Center
For complete session descriptions, visit:
www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion 12
POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
2 - 4 p.m. Math Alumni Reunion and Celebration of Dr. Clarence F. Stephens’ 100th Birthday! Meet up with current faculty and emeriti to celebrate this momentous occasion. 2:45 - 4 p.m. Tour of the Historic Clarence Premo Portraits in Hosmer Hall Presented by Dale Zurbrick ‘68, Past President of the Alumni Association and Crane Alumni Board member. 3 - 4 pm Tour of the WISER Greenhouse Visit and tour our NEW greenhouse in the Wagner Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Research. 3 - 4:15 p.m. Class of 1957, 1962 and 1967 Informal Gatherings Please bring your memorabilia to share. (cash bar)
REUNION WEEKEND
2017
4:30 - 6 p.m. ***Welcome Reception for All Alumni and Friends 6 - 7:30 p.m. Class of 1967 Golden Anniversary Dinner Dessert will follow at the home of President Kristin Esterberg. 6 - 8 p.m. ***Á la carte Backyard BBQ – Food Truck Style Entertainment provided by Andy VanDuyne ‘75 and Michael Welch, sponsored by PACES Dining Services. Tickets for á la carte items will be sold at the event. (cash bar) 9:30 p.m. Potsdam Village Festival Fireworks 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Double Axel (Maxfields, downtown Potsdam)
SATURDAY, JULY 15 8 - 9:45 a.m. ***Bear Walk/Run Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. A tour of Maxcy Hall facilities will be conducted post-race. 9 - 10:30 a.m. Estate and Will Planning Seminar and Continental Breakfast Presented by Roger Linden, Esq. ’74. 9 - 10:30 a.m. Walking Tour of Bayside Cemetery and Its Legends Dale Zurbrick ’68 returns to conduct this popular tour at the local historical site. 10 - 11 a.m. ***Planetarium Show Presented by Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Geology Dr. Frank Revetta (Hon. ’05). 10 - 11 a.m. Economic Development Discussion – The SUNY Potsdam Initiative Learn about starting a business in Potsdam and
being affiliated with SUNY Potsdam. Presented by John Wicke, Director of Strategic Alliances, SUNY Potsdam. 10 - 11:30 a.m. A Seriously Fun Potsdam History Lesson Learn about your Alma Mater’s history through fun and engaging strategies. Presented by Kim P. Loucks ’77 and Carolyn Hirst-Loucks. 11 a.m. Alumni Regional Volunteer Annual Meeting Meet with alumni staff and volunteers to learn how you can be involved in future activities where ever you live! 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Campus Learning Center Alumni Reception Last year’s reunion was such a success we are doing it again this year! Former C-L-C students, teachers, parents and friends are invited to attend. Sponsored by the School of Education Alumni Association. 11 a.m. Class of 1967 Photo Photo will be taken at Minerva Plaza. 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 50-Year Club Luncheon All alumni from 1966 and earlier are invited to a luncheon hosted by the Golden Year Class of 1967. The Class of 1967 will be officially inducted into the 50-Year Club during a diploma ceremony. 11:45 a.m. Greek Photo Photo of all Greek alumni will be taken at Minerva Plaza. 12:30 - 2 p.m. ***Block Party All alumni and friends are invited to attend. This event will feature a lunch buffet, entertainment, games and activities. Entertainment will include alumni groups and more. Wine and beer tastings
available for extra cost. (cash bar)
conductor Dr. Rebekah Covell (Hon. ’15).
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Choral Reading Featuring Alleluias of Crane’s past, including Ames ’67, Hannahs ’38, Frackenpohl (Hon ’04) and Thompson, concluding with Annie Laurie. Conducted by Roger Ames ’67. Accompianist, Peter Woolschlager ’83.
10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Double Axel (Maxfields, downtown Potsdam)
SUNDAY, JULY 16 8:30 - 11 a.m. Farewell Breakfast
2 - 3:30 p.m. ***Legacy Campus Tour Is your child or family member considering Potsdam? The Office of Admissions is pleased and honored to provide a legacy tour for our multi-generational alumni families. 2 - 4 p.m. WRPS/WAIH Radio Station 50th Anniversary Reception All past radio station members will meet, reminisce and see the current station. 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Tour of the Performing Arts Center 4 - 6 p.m. Donor Recognition Reception and Silent Auction Join President Kristin Esterbergas she acknowledges those who give back to Potsdam. Silent Auction proceeds will support the Alumni Association Scholarship. 6 - 8 p.m. Class Dinner and Alumni Award Presentations Join us at the biggest event of the weekend, where alumni, faculty, emeriti and friends of the College come together to celebrate Potsdam. Tables will be reserved for classes and affinity reunions. The Alumni Association Meeting will also occur during dinner. 8:30 p.m. ***Crane Alumni Band Concert Hosted by Dr. Brian Doyle, Director of Bands, including special guest
WHILE YOU’RE HERE • Visit Maxcy Hall – Facilities will be open and free of charge to registered Reunion Attendees. • Shop at the College Store, which will be offering 25% off all logo items in the store (except Sale, Clearance and Value Priced items). No coupon required this year! • Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Mary E. English Commons • Participate in the Potsdam Village Summer Festival, www.potsdamchamber.com
A Message From Liberty Mutual Insurance With spring in the air, it may be time to get a fresh perspective on your home insurance to ensure it covers your needs. Liberty Mutual has partnered with the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association to offer alumni special savings on quality auto and home insurance.1 And with benefits such as Multi-Policy Discount, Personal Property Replacement2, and 24-Hour Claims Assistance, you’ll worry less and save more. Call (800) 699-4283 or visit www.libertymutual.com/potsdam to learn more or get a free quote. 1. Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. 2. Optional coverage. This organization receives financial support for allowing Liberty Mutual to offer this auto and home insurance program. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. © 2017 Liberty Mutual Insurance w w w.potsdam.edu/people
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REUNION WEEKEND
2017
Save the date, and let’s celebrate! July 13-16
REUNION WEEKEND 2017 MINI-REUNIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS • Agonian Sorority celebrates 135 years since the founding of the Calliopean Literary Society in 1882 • Campus Learning Center Alumni & Friends Reunion • Center for Diversity/Multicultural Affairs Reunion • Crane Alumni Band Reunion • Math Alumni Reunion and Celebration of Dr. Clarence Stephens’ 100th Birthday • Omega Delta Phi Sorority 56th Anniversary • Phi Kappa Pi Sorority 111th Anniversary • WRPS/WAIH Radio Station 50th Reunion
Agonian Sorority celebrates 135 years since the founding of the Calliopean Literary Society in 1882 Friday, July 14 • 4 p.m.: Meet on the 11 Pierrepont Ave. porch Saturday, July 15 • 10 a.m.: Agonian Alumnae Association Meeting, Raymond Hall 8th Floor Dining Rm. • 2 p.m.: Unity Function to create Rush and New Member supplies Sunday, July 16 • 9 a.m.: Bagels and coffee
Center for Diversity/Office of Multicultural Affairs Reunion
www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion Crane Alumni Band Weekend
The Crane School of Music is excited to announce the 2nd Crane Alumni Band Weekend. The 2016 Reunion was such a success we decided to do it again this year! Alumni that performed in one or more of the Crane Bands are invited to participate. Hosted by Brian K. Doyle, Director of Bands at Crane, the weekend will feature special guests including Dr. Rebekah Covell (Hon. ’15) and Dr. Michael Schaff. See schedule below. Friday, July 14 • 3 - 5 p.m.: Check In *Meet & Greet* Practice on your own • 4:30 - 6 p.m.: Meet fellow alums at the Reunion Weekend Welcome Reception • 5 - 6:50 p.m.: Dinner on your own, or register for the Friday night Reunion BBQ • 7 - 10 p.m.: Alumni Band Rehearsal Saturday, July 15 • 8:30 - 9:50 a.m.: Informal Coffee with Conductors & Crane Faculty • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Alumni Band Rehearsal • 1 p.m.: Lunch with Crane Faculty and Conductors • 2:30 p.m.: Sectional “Breakouts” - Topics/Events • 8 p.m.: Ensemble Picture on Hosmer Stage • 8:30 p.m.: Crane Alumni Band Concert • Post-Concert Reception Polo shirts with the “official” Alumni Bands logo must be pre-ordered ($25.00) as part of registration, and are to be worn for the group picture and concert on Saturday. If you participated in the 2016 band reunion, you can wear your same shirt! Please follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cranebands. For more information, contact: doylebk@potsdam.edu.
Alumni who were part of the Center for Diversity (CFD) or formerly the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) as student employees and/or members of the clubs and organizations (i.e. BSA, PANA, CLASS/SOCA LOCA, LGBTAA/GSA, VOV, BEAR WITNESS, TEAM NV, etc.), housed within the CFD, are invited to attend Reunion Weekend! See some of the special events below:
Math Alumni Celebration in Honor of Dr. Clarence Stephens’ 100th Birthday
Friday, July 14 • 6 p.m.: CFD/Multicultural Affairs Alumni BBQ (cash bar)
Honor and celebrate his work and legacy, share stories, and hear from special guest speakers. There will also be time to share your own memories. See the newly dedicated bronze plaque in Carson Hall, (unveiled May 2016) in Dr. Stephens’ honor. Meet our current faculty, and learn about today’s Mathematics program and how it has grown.
Saturday, July 15 • 12:30 - 2 p.m.: Block Party** • 6 - 8 p.m.: Class Dinner (The CFD will cover the cost of dinner for the first 50 CFD alumni that register) (Contact the Alumni Relations Office at 315-267-2120 or alumni@potsdam.edu to register for the dinner) Transportation: The CFD has reserved a Bear Bus that will depart from the Port Authority, at 8 a.m., (roundtrip cost $75 from NYC) on Friday, July 14, stop in Albany ($50) and return on Sunday, July 16, at 10 a.m. Contact Beth Fayette at (315) 267-2184 to reserve and pay for your bus seat. **Show off your talent at the Block Party (music, spoken word, poetry, etc.) email alumni@potsdam.edu by June 1 with your contact and talent information to participate.
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For complete session descriptions, visit:
POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
Math alumni, emeriti, current faculty and friends are invited to celebrate the 100th birthday of Faculty Emeritus Dr. Clarence F. Stephens, Sr. (b. July 24, 1917)
Celebration will take place Friday, July 14, 2-4 pm., 8th floor Raymond Hall Dining Rm. Dr. Clarence F. Stephens, Sr. earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1943, only the ninth African American to complete such a degree. He joined the SUNY Potsdam Mathematics Department as its chair in 1969 and remained chair until his retirement in 1987. Dr. Stephens inspired both faculty and students at SUNY Potsdam, steadily developing one of the best undergraduate mathematics programs in the United States. In 1988, the number of graduating mathematics majors at SUNY Potsdam was more than 20 times the national average, a remarkable achievement that became known as “The Potsdam Miracle.”
REUNION WEEKEND
2017
Omega Delta Phi Sorority 56th Anniversary
Updates will be emailed and made available through social media and on the Omega website as Reunion Weekend gets closer. Wednesday, July 12 • Noon: Early arrivals • 6 p.m.: Dinner - “Pass the hat” pot luck or dinner on your own Thursday, July 13 • Philanthropy and weekend-long activities • 4 - 6:30 p.m.: Early Bird Reception, Becky’s Place • 7 p.m.: Chat and Craft Girls Night In Friday, July 14 • 1 p.m.: Deliver philanthropy collections • 2 - 4 p.m.: Greek Stroll • 6 - 8 p.m.: Á la carte Backyard BBQ – Food Truck Style, Townhouse Courtyard Saturday, July 15 • 10 - 11:30 a.m.: Annual Business Meeting, BSU 204 The Forum • 11:45 a.m.: Greek Photo, Minerva Plaza • Noon: Omega Group photo at Omega • 12:30 - 2 p.m.: Campus Block Party • Campus activities • 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.: Unity Time at the house • 6 - 9 p.m.: Annual Omega Delta Phi Banquet, Knowles MPR Sunday, July 16 • 9:30 a.m.: Farewell Breakfast
Phi Kappa Pi Alumnae Sorority 111th Anniversary
ALUMNI AWARDS SUNY Potsdam is proud to acknowledge the achievements, dedication and service of this year’s Alumni Award recipients. Minerva Award Robert Christianson ’72 John T. O’Shaughnessy ’88
Honorary Lifetime Award John Priest Wendy L. Wagner
Distinguished Service Award Joyce “Jackie” Tantillo Aab ’71 Joyce Barnholt Yianoukos ’71
St. Lawrence Academy Medal Colonel Leon L. Robert, Jr. ’77
Rising Star Award Erin Wagner ’13
Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award Carol “Kickie” Holloway Britt ‘69
SPECIAL INFORMATION Reunion Committees
Reunion committees are hard at work encouraging classmates to attend Reunion Weekend. Committee members want to remind everyone that there is still time to contribute to your class gift. Join your class in celebrating your time at Potsdam and your successes that followed. For committee lists and fundraising progress, visit www.potsdam.edu/ alumni/reunion.
Faculty Emeriti
Emeriti are welcome to attend the emeriti luncheon on Friday afternoon at no charge. Fee applies to spouses and guests only.
111 years of Sisterhood - One Home One Heart One Sisterhood! Friday, July 14 • House Open - Sisterhood • 6 p.m.: Welcome home dinner, 58 Elm St. Saturday, July 15 • 10 a.m.: Alumnae Association Annual Meeting, Stowell Hall 211 • 1 p.m.: Singing, raffles, Phi K shop and sisterhood reunions, 58 Elm St. • 3 p.m.: Picnic, 58 Elm St. • Evening activities include: Campus gatherings and downtown Shenanigans Sunday, July 16 • 9 - 11 a.m.: Breakfast and send-off, 58 Elm St.
All Greek Alumni Events Friday, July 14 • 2 - 4 p.m.: Greek Stroll/Open House on Elm Street. Friday, all alumni and friends welcome. Great time to visit our Greek houses and reunite with your fellow alumni. Contact Donnalyn Shuster ’78 for more information at d_shuster@yahoo.com. Saturday. July 15 • 11:45 a.m.: All Greek Group Photo in Minerva Plaza • 12:30 - 2 p.m.: Block Party (Decorate your table with your organization’s memorabilia.) • Greek Sponsored Food Drive: Open to ALL alumni. Drop off points: Reunion Registration area and residence halls/Townhouses. Donations will be given to the campus student food pantry and the Potsdam community food pantry.
How to include Potsdam in your will (sample bequest language)
“I give, devise and bequeath (specific dollar amount, percentage of estate, and/or residual beneficiary) to the Potsdam College Foundation, Inc., federal tax ID#23-7088021, for its general purposes.” * Specific named endowments; schools; departments, etc. may also be listed as designations.
For more information visit the College’s estate and gift planning page at
www.potsdam.edu/giftplan
or contact Jason Ladouceur ’94, director of planned giving, directly at (315) 267-2123 or giftplan@potsdam.edu
As you plan your future, invest in Potsdam’s
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HANDS ON, REAL WORLD
SUNY Potsdam Takes The Lead On Applied Learning By Alexandra Jacobs Wilke
One year after SUNY Potsdam became the first campus in the State University of New York to open a dedicated Center for Applied Learning, the College is continuing to enhance and expand its experiential education offerings, while also experimenting with new models. Whether through field work, faculty-guided research, international study or internship experiences, the goal is to give every student the chance to tackle hands-on projects in real-world settings. “Our goal is to ensure that every student has access to the opportunity to complete a high-impact learning experience before graduation,” said Dorf Endowed Director of Applied Learning Jenica P. Rogers. The center was first founded in 2015, thanks to the visionary support of Joy (MacDonald) Dorf ’58 and her husband, Richard Dorf, who created the College’s first endowed position, which Rogers now holds. The Dorfs’ generous gift created a $1 million endowment to support the endowed position and provide start-up funding for the new Center for Applied Learning. The College, in turn, dedicated campus resources in order to be able to build new offices and establish the center. Opened in February 2016, the Center for Applied Learning brings together the offices of experiential education, international education and student research, in a newly renovated space in the Frederick W. Crumb Memorial Library—creating a “one stop shop” at the heart of campus. “The Center for Applied Learning reflects what our students have shown us: that the ability to explore, take risks and reflect on how those experiences changed their path is one of the foundations for success,” President Kristin G. Esterberg said. In recognition of the potential that this new initiative presents, SUNY awarded the College a $750,000 grant from the Investment and Performance Fund, so that Potsdam can develop models of success for applied learning that can be replicated throughout the system. “The SUNY Potsdam Center for Applied Learning will be a great asset not only for the campus and our North Country colleges, but for our entire university system,” said Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. 16
POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
Joy (MacDonald) Dorf ’58 and Richard Dorf
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Since the center’s launch, Rogers and the applied learning staff focused on two fundamental questions: Where are we now, and where do we want to go next? “We had to start with an assessment, because we hadn’t thought about applied learning in a comprehensive, coordinated way before. It turns out that we have lots of departments that are doing wonderful things, but few people outside their area know about them,” Rogers said.
APPLIED LEARNING STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mariam Cisse ’17 New York, N.Y.
The team recognized that the vast majority of SUNY Potsdam’s academic programs are inherently “applied.” For instance, The Crane School of Music has a strong emphasis on music performance, while all of the College’s education programs, including those at Crane and those at The School of Education and Professional Studies, center around classroom experience, culminating with student teaching. Students and faculty in The School of Arts and Sciences are constantly leading creative and research projects. “The gap that we need to close is actually much smaller than we might have thought that it is,” Rogers said. “Now, we want to work to enhance that, by taking the successful best practices from one area that used to operate in a silo and applying it elsewhere.” Collaboration has been key to creating new opportunities. Now, when students walk into the Center for Applied Learning, they are asked what kinds of experiences they are interested in, and when they meet with a staff member, they are constantly encouraged to explore all of their options to meet their goals. A student who may have only thought about completing an internship may be encouraged to consider a short-term study abroad course or conducting research with a professor. “Having the Center for Applied Learning has just increased our visibility, probably by ten times, among the student body. Now, we are seeing more students come in, and when they do, it’s clear to them that this is a campus priority,” said Director of Experiential Education Toby White. “We’re starting to see freshmen now, who want to get ready and plan out their applied learning over four years.” The center has been so busy that the team began to use a tracking system for managing appointments and monitoring student interest in different programs. Student interest was so pronounced this fall semester that staff members were fully booked with appointments for two to three weeks out. This led to the hiring of a new applied learning advisor, Megan Burke ’17, who is also about to complete the College’s graduate program in organizational performance, leadership and technology. Rogers said that the staff have also been working on crosstraining, so that they better understand each others’ areas and can assist students interested in completing more than one type of applied learning experience. “There absolutely has been a direct and transparent impact by consolidating the programs under one initiative,” said Director of International Education and Programs Krista LaVack. “All staff have broad-based knowledge of each program area, so we can truly advise students on which experiences might be right for them. The set-up also allows us to be creative with students who may not want to pick from an inventory of offerings, but instead want to design an opportunity that meets their own academic interests.”
“In my internship working with the inner-city youth of Dublin, I was able to push and challenge myself in so many different ways. One of the most important things I took away from this internship is that we only live once, and it is up to us to seize the opportunities that are given to us and to turn that into an experience that we will never forget.” • Psychology major, minoring in biomedical anthropology • Studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, in Summer 2016, where she interned with Bradog Youth Services • Bears women’s cross-country team • Resident Assistant • Recipient: Bruce & Barbara Conroe Study Abroad Scholarship, Kathleen Friery & Bill Ritter Internship Scholarship, Dorothy C. & John P. Flynn Scholarship
Ricardo Bauzile ’17
Brooklyn, N.Y. (originally Port-Au-Prince, Haiti) “At first, it was challenging being in a different atmosphere, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience that was more than worth it. I will always remember my time in Ireland, as I made so many amazing memories that I am very proud of.” • Business administration major • Studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, in Summer 2016, where he interned at Fumbally Exchange, a non-profit organization supporting shared co-working spaces for creative professionals and entrepreneurs • Student assistant, Frederick W. Crumb Memorial Library • Circle K volunteer • Recipient: Dan Hurley Student Leadership, PACES Scholarship w w w.potsdam.edu/people
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Parker Tully ’16 Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
“Traveling across the world to Sydney, Australia, was the biggest challenge I have faced, but I learned so much about the world, and just how big it really is. You need to do this before you finish your degree. Getting into your field and putting your skills to the test will challenge you in ways the classroom cannot.” • Speech communication major • Sports broadcaster, SUNY Potsdam Bears Athletics • Member of 18 and Up Improv Club • Studied abroad in Sydney, Australia, in Fall 2016, where he interned with Hi-5 Australia, a children’s television show • Highlights of his trip included meeting the Crown Prince of Brunei and traveling to Singapore with the Hi-5 cast
Olivia Stoddard ’17 Lowville, N.Y.
“I got to take collegiate classes that are offered at Disney, as well as work a full-time role at World of Disney (the largest Disney merchandise store in the world!). It has been one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had in my life, but from it, I have gained the confidence to do things I never would have even attempted before. This experience has opened me up to the idea of applying to grad school once I graduate from Potsdam.” • Fine arts major, minoring in pre-creative arts therapy • Studied in Orlando, Fla., in Fall 2016, where she interned at Walt Disney World Resort 18
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SUNY POTSDAM GLOBAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES United States, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, Spain, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Croatia, Bosnia, Austria, Hungary, China, Sweden, Australia with more to come!
COMBINING EXPERIENCES
For example, LaVack has worked with her colleagues to build study abroad experiences that also incorporate research projects and internship opportunities. This allowed sociology major Ajanee Biggs ’16 to travel to Trinidad and Tobago to conduct oral history research about Carnival in her senior year, the results of which she later presented at a national conference. Another successful collaboration arose from a new partnership that LaVack and White have developed with Global Experiences, which offers national and international internships in Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, London, Milan, New York City, Paris, Shanghai, Stockholm, Sydney and Washington, D.C. “This is an incredible opportunity for students to combine travel within and outside the U.S. with a credit-bearing internship experience. With good planning, practically every major can be accommodated into a relatable work experience,” LaVack said. SUNY Potsdam also offers a growing array of short-term faculty-led study abroad opportunities each year, opening up international education to more students. More than 200 students have participated in the Jamaica Field Service Abroad program since its inception in 2009. The program blends intensive service learning with travel to understand the country from both historical and contemporary
contexts. Professors are constantly creating new programs as well, with new trips in the works this summer for courses that will take students to Croatia and Bosnia, Austria and Hungary, Mexico and Cuba. “We have seen a very positive trend of students pursuing a short-term international experience, and then wanting to include a longer-term study abroad program after they return,” LaVack said. The increased visibility and seed funding provided by the Center for Applied Learning has also allowed staff to pursue the creation of new internship programs and support more student research projects. White is working on a new project led by an alumnus, Jason Patchen ’90, who is the senior executive and CEO of Centene Corporation’s Health Care Systems Group. This selective program will offer excellent students the opportunity to complete a semester-long rigorous paid internship with Centene, at one of its locations across New York State. With Burke’s hiring, the team is also looking to establish more internship sites across the North Country and the state. The center has also been able to spark students’ career interests and help them network virtually through online webinars with prospective employers in a given field. For instance, theatre and dance majors were recently able to speak with industry professionals about opportunities in New York City. White is also creating similar opportunities for students in the
communications, business administration, international studies and graphic design and new media programs as well. Students interested in completing an original scholarly or creative project under the guidance of a faculty member can also explore their options at the Center for Applied Learning. Director of Student Research Sharmain van Blommestein can help students apply for assistance for their projects through the Kilmer Fund, the Institute for Ethical Behavior Endowment, the Presidential Scholars Program or through external sources. Thanks to grant funding and philanthropic giving, Rogers also has a small pot of funding available to support projects that don’t fit the mold of these programs or don’t make the cut. “I want to get to a place where, when someone applies for funding for something that’s a good idea, I never have to say no,” she said. “There must be a way to support them. I just don’t want to turn away a good idea.” Similarly, the center has offered some gap funding assistance to students with financial need, which can often mean the difference between whether they can take advantage of an internship or study abroad opportunity, or not. “It’s all about removing barriers and helping students succeed,” White said.
CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
The Center for Applied Learning has also played a key role in serving as an incubator for new collaborative opportunities on campus. “Because we are a more centrallyconnected Academic Affairs unit, our
perspectives are bigger. This allows us to make more connections for these kinds of proposals. We are ideally situated to tackle these kinds of ideas,” Rogers said. For instance, the center and its staff were critical to establishing a new partnership with the Universidad de Cienfuegos in Cuba, helping to conceive of and draft proposals for the two colleges to work together—and enlisting faculty from across the disciplines to assist. Through the new partnership, SUNY Potsdam will be able to offer short- and long-term study abroad experiences, faculty exchanges, a first-year abroad program, cultural exchanges and more, in the first SUNY program of its kind outside of Havana. The center also served as the proving ground for the creation of the College’s new Law Enforcement Training Institute, which just welcomed its first class of cadets this semester. The institute will allow students to complete more than 85 percent of the police academy requirements, as part of their undergraduate studies. This will give students a leg up in the job market and provide them with hands-on law enforcement tactics training, all before they graduate. At the end of the day, the Center for Applied Learning staff strive to make sure that all students have access to applied learning opportunities—and become a model for the entire SUNY System along the way. “It’s a big challenge, and there are a lot of moving pieces, but it is worth it,” Rogers said. “Every single decision I make has the potential to positively impact our students and our faculty, and that is just so satisfying.”
Lindsay Johnson ’17 Star Lake, N.Y.
“While at SUNY Potsdam I have been active in undergraduate research in chemistry. I have performed research in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and am currently conducting research in the field of biophysical chemistry. In the Fall of 2016, I received an internship in Physical Therapy at Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Clifton-Fine Hospital. These opportunities have given me real world experience, knowledge, and connections that I would not have gained otherwise. “ • Biochemistry major • Veterinary tech assistant for Potsdam Humane Society • Bears women’s cross-country team • Kilmer Research Grant recipient for undergraduate research in chemistry • Completed St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau’s STEM Internship Program • Darlene Kerr-Niagara Mohawk Scholarship Komar Family Scholar ship, Dr. Alexander & Genevieve Major Science Scholarship, Tony Peterson Memorial Scholarship, SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association Scholarship
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1950s
1970s
Lois (Barker) Hesser ’52 serves as a tutor for voice, piano and violin and sings with her church choir.
Patricia Bourcy Hart ’70 is a consultant and life coach for women in recovery and serves as a board member for a literacy program.
Gloria (Baz) Misnick ’55 was awarded the Order of St. Agnes Medal and Award in August 2016, in recognition of her religious and community service. She is the first auxiliary member from Post 1178 to receive this award.
1960s Composer Barton McLean ‘60 returned to The Crane School of Music as a guest artistin-residence in November 2016. During his visit, he worked with the Crane bands and visited computer music and electronic composition classes. McLean’s visit culminated with the world premiere of his work, “Legend No. 2,” presented during the Crane Wind Ensemble concert. He was joined during his visit by his wife, Priscilla, with whom he performs as the McLean Mix. William Jones ’63 produced a recording of the great Russian-American pianist, Alexander Borovsky, with whom he studied from 1965 to 1968. Susan (Tinknell) Rossi ’63 is enjoying retirement, traveling and visiting with her two grandsons, Will and Alan. Chemistry majors from the Class of 1966 held a 50th reunion at the Hilton Hotel in Pearl River, NY.
Attendees included (left to right) Ruth (Olander) Smith, Sandy (Neighmond) Czarkowski, Linda Pape and E. Kenneth Beckwith. This group is the first to have received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from SUNY Potsdam, as well as being charter members of the College’s American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter. Dr. Jutta Siefert Dudley ’69, who became the first woman geology major at SUNY Potsdam in 1965, has established the first endowed scholarship at SUNY Potsdam designated for geology majors. Dudley’s scholarship will be awarded to outstanding woman geology majors, allowing the geology department to recruit and retain the best female geology students – students who are usually sought-after by other colleges and universities. After graduating from Potsdam, Dudley went on to earn her Master of Arts in earth science education at Indiana University and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in science education from the University at Buffalo. For 24 years, she taught secondary earth science, as well as photography, physics, chemistry, biology and general science in the Pittsford (NY) Central School District. She also taught as an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Brockport for 15 years.
After retiring from a career of more than 30 years in music education, Mary (Pierce) LaFleur ’70 has become an ac-
complished potter and her works are displayed throughout the Capital Region. She volunteers with the Roarke Center Potters. Clarkson University Research Professor Dana (Malloy) Barry ’71, senior technical writer/editor at Clarkson’s Center for Advanced Materials Processing, won her 21st consecutive award for publication excellence, the APEX 2016 Award. J. Timothy Lindemuth ’72 won an international gold medal at the 2016 New York World Stamp Show. Award-winning printmaker Deborah Geurtze Walker ’74 displayed her works in a September 2016 exhibit, titled “Double Vision: Two Lifelong Printmakers Look at Gloucester and Beyond.” She is a member of the Society of American Graphic Artists in New York and is a member of North Shore Arts Association. Geurtze previously taught at the American
Plan Your Future Visit Potsdam’s estate and gift planning website. Sign up for free e-Newsletters; download our mobile app and access information on your mobile devices; prepare for your future and explore how you can support Potsdam. Visit www.potsdam.edu/giftplan today and bookmark it! 20
POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2017
School of Tangier, Morocco, and Vail Mountain School in Colorado. Tom Legare ’75 has been appointed director of change management at Tufts Health Plan. Previously, he operated his own consulting practice and led organization design and change management initiatives at IBM, Raytheon, BearingPoint, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Thomas Palmatier ’75 is a ConnSelmer Educational Clinician, and will join the Old Dominion University faculty in 2017, teaching music business. After 40 years of teaching math in public schools, David Lord ’76 retired in June 2016. He ended his career at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA. Ronald Chesbrough ’78 was named the 29th president of Cazenovia College in January 2016. He has more than 25 years of experience in college leadership and administration. He and his wife, Annie, have three adult daughters and two daughters in high school. Donnalyn (Eaton) Shuster ’78 retired after a 36year career as a K–12 art educator. She currently is serving as the vice president of the New York State Art Teachers Association, and
received the Award of Merit from the Council for Art Education, as a co-chairperson of the highly successful Youth Art Month Program. Several Omega Delta Phi alumnae gathered for a holiday get together in Utica, NY. They included Virginia Domery Sherman ’76, BethAnne Crowder Hutchinson ’82, Louise Centofanti Lamby ’65, Donnalyn Eaton Shuster ’78, Helen Pazdur Chomin ’64 and Mary Ellen Dowd Lynch ’74. Gloria Kwok ’79 received a Ph.D. in French literature from University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign in August 2016. Her dissertation was titled “Reversing The French Gaze: Four Vietnamese Francophone Women Writers from the 1910s to 2000s—Marguerite Triaire, Trinh Thuc Oanh, Ly Thu Ho, and Linda Lê.” She also holds a master’s degree in French from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Cindy (Travers) Lenzi ’79 is the founder and director of Connect and Learn, a company that provides services to families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders. She and her husband, Michael Lenzi ’79, reside in Clarksville, MD. After relocating from New York to Maryland, David Rocco ’79 joined KBE Building Corporation as project manager.
1980s Since receiving his Master of Music degree from the College of St. Rose in 1989, Cliff Brucker ’81 has been performing,
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doing industrial music and teaching music as an instructor at Schenectady County Community College and the College of St. Rose. He released his first album under his own name. Stuart Etengoff ’82 was appointed director of emergency services at the McLaren Emergency Department in Clarkston, MI.
deliver a presentation titled “From Start-up to Profitability: Lessons Learned from a Serial Entrepreneur.” O’Shaughnessy has donated a 3D printer, which will be used in the College’s Innovation Lab, located in the Center for Applied Learning.
Mary (Charles) Helander ’83 guest-edited a special issue of IBM’s Journal of Research and Development, called “Food Safety, Security and Defense,” with her colleague Anna Topol.
Rebecca (Cormier) Jeffreys ’89 recently released her second solo album, “Poems and Dreams.” She also played a world premiere concerto with the Woodbridge (VA) Flute Choir.
In October 2016, Peter Nelson ’83 reconnected with former Crane professor Tony Maiello at a concert in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Former ParishvilleHopkinton Central School District Superintendent Darin Saiff ’89 was appointed as the St. LawrenceLewis BOCES assistant superintendent for instruction.
Richard Goodheart ’84, senior director of North American sales for Bruker Nano Surfaces, recently presented a seminar to chemistry students titled “Science, Sales and a Stroll Around the Globe: Career Insights from a Potsdam Chemistry Graduate.” A generous gift from Goodheart enabled the chemistry department to purchase a new atomic absorption spectrometer, which was essential to the department’s reaccreditation by the American Chemical Society. Brian Kurish ’86 is the lieutenant of University Police at SUNY Canton. John T. O’Shaughnessy ’88, founder and CEO of Matrix Surgical USA, recently visited campus to speak to classes and
1990s Alan Cron ’90, served as principal at Rockland High School for the past four years and took over as school superintendent in July 2016. Prior to becoming an educator, Cron was a professional musician, playing with Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Johnny Mathis and the Artie Shaw Orchestra. Debbie (Byrne) Kasson ’90 & ’92 (second from right) hosted a mini
reunion at her home in Vestal, NY, with classmates Rich Fountain ’93, Susan (Thomas) Fountain ’90 and Michelle (Miller) Shoen ’91 & ’92.
entering administration, Burke was a secondary mathematics teacher in the Saranac Lake and Chazy Central school districts.
SRC, Inc. recently promoted Gregory Polhamus ’90 to director of radar and sensor engineering. He has been with the research and development corporation for 21 years.
In 2001, Michelle (Kuebler) Mosca ’92 created the Angel Names Association, after the stillbirth of her firstborn son, Nicholas, as a way to honor his legacy. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to assisting families of stillborn children financially and through counseling services and support for stillbirth research.
After 28 years of employment at the Massena Memorial Hospital, Tina Hatch ’91 was promoted to the administrative director of laboratory services in June 2016. Renowned mezzo-soprano Margaret Lattimore ‘91 returned to her alma mater to present an alumni recital and lead a vocal masterclass at The Crane School of Music in October 2016. This is not the first time that the classical singer has returned to campus. In 2012, Lattimore was a guest artist for the inaugural Lougheed-Kofoed Festival of the Arts, and sang as a soloist alongside the Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra in a performance at Lincoln Center. She also performed in a special gala concert to benefit the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar in 2014, alongside Stephanie Blythe ‘92. Ronald P. Burke ‘92 & ‘94 was appointed superintendent of the EdwardsKnox Central School District. Previously, he served as the assistant superintendent of instruction with St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, principal of the Seaway Career and Technical Education Center and elementary principal at Edwards-Knox Central School District. Before
Karen (Tanski) Hewison ’93 was named senior director of marketing and creative services at SUNY Empire State College in October 2016. She previously worked as a marketing manager for Sprint for 11 years, managing national digital and print marketing campaigns. In August 2016, Karen (Gnewuch) Wicka ’93, an assistant professor of criminal justice studies at Genesee Community College, was recognized with a SUNY Chancellor’s Award. Lynn (Leger) Carey ’95 was named the new superintendent of the Frontier Regional School District. She has been married for almost 40 years and has two daughters and a son. Carey has also held positions as a guidance counselor, principal and assistant superintendent for curriculum.
Dennis Creighton ’98 guest conducted the Area AllState Zone 5 mixed chorus, in a concert held at The Crane School of Music. He is currently the conductor of the Shoreham-Wading River High School Concert Choir. Clarkson University appointed Tonya Perkins Seymour ’98 as a clinical assistant professor of physician assistant studies. In June 2016, Battelle for Kids recognized Granville High School teacher Jeremy Hopping ’99 as
a Celebrate Teaching Distinguished Educator, for his impact on students, colleagues and the community. He has relished an active role with the Global Scholars Diploma Program and chaperoned the program’s first trip to China.
2000s
Timothy Murphy ’95 recently became a parole and corrections officer for Volunteers of America in Toledo, OH.
Brian Grant ’03 was named vice president for enrollment and student advancement at Clarkson University. A 22-year veteran of undergraduate recruiting, he served as the dean of admissions from 2009 to 2016.
Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe ’98, associate professor and director of choral activities at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, was named the director of the Nashville Symphony Chorus.
Jessica Cree Alvarez ’04, director of the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, received the Native American w w w.potsdam.edu/people
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40 under 40 Award from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Marc Giosi ’05 was named director of individual giving at the New World Symphony in Miami, FL. He previously spent five years in Pittsburgh, PA, as the executive director of the Chatham Baroque. Ashley Hopkins-Benton ’06 was appointed senior historian/curator of social history at the New York State Museum. She served as co-curator for the exhibition, “Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial,” which opened in November 2016. Her husband, Geoffrey Benton ’05 recently transferred to Clermont State Historic Site, where he is the historian/curator of collections. The couple resides in Kinderhook, NY, with their daughter, Katherine. SUNY Canton Fitness Center and Pool Director Bryan Parker ’06 was added to the men’s and women’s cross country coaching staff for the 2016 season. He was honored as a United States Triathlon Association All-American in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and was an Ironman 70.3 Triathlon World Championship Qualifier twice in 2008 and 2010. He qualified at the end of the 2010 season for his USAT professional racing license.
of the Delta Lambda Nu Alumni Association recently donated more than 100 totes to families at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. Sisters of the sorority delivered bags full of items for families leaving home for a medical emergency.
2010s Potsdam writer and musician Ethan Shantie ‘10, released his debut collection of poems through Ghost City Press of Syracuse, NY. “We Meet by Accident” blends traditional free verse and image macro poetry. The volume was heavily influenced by the work of Shantie’s mentor, the late Dr. Maurice Kenny. Kevin Gifford ’11 was named the development director of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. He previously held development posts for various arts organizations including Opera Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Dancing Classrooms Philly and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra. John Liquori ’12 was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year at StantonWeirsdale Elementary, where he currently teaches.
Madalyn Baron ’08 reported that the members
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Renee Cloutier ’13, a doctoral student in experimental psychology at the University of North Texas, received a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She is studying how social anxiety experienced by adolescents influences their health-related behaviors. Amy Smith ’13 was the corresponding author on a study that was recently published in the November 2016 issue of Science. A graduate student in psychology at Tufts University, Smith and senior author Dr. Ayanna Thomas found that learning by taking practice tests can protect memory against the negative effects of stress. Jason Decker ’14 & ’16 completed his tenth year as a music educator at Letchworth Central School. He is an active solo brass adjudicator for NYSSMA and serves as an adjunct professor of music education and low brass instruction at Houghton College. Decker was also asked to guest conduct the Houghton Symphonic Winds. Jeanna Matthews ’15, an associate professor of computer science at Clarkson University, received the Rhina P. Espaillat Award and a prize for her Spanish poetry. In August 2016, Philip Paige ’15 was hired as the St. Lawrence County assistant administrator.
MARRIAGES On July 16, 2016 Deborah Vitanza ’10 married Arton Hyseni. The bride teaches middle and high school at Chester Academy in Chester, NY. The couple resides in Campbell Hall, NY. Kelsey Brand ’11 married Christopher Day on July 9, 2016. The couple resides in Watertown, NY. Angela Ward ’13 and Marcus Frisbee ’14 were married on June
18, 2016 in Saranac Lake, NY. Alicia Young ’14 married Joshua Dalton on July 9, 2016. The bride is a literacy specialist for the Gouverneur Central School District in Gouverneur, NY. Jillian Young Marra and Jeffery Marra ’15 were married June 4, 2016 in Watertown, NY.
ANNIVERSARIES
Former dean of students Daniel Hurley ’54 and his wife Jane Blodgett Hurley ’54 celebrated 60 years of marriage on September 1, 2016. BIRTHS The Rev. Dr. Donald Elliott Grooms II ’98, and
his wife Jennifer had a baby boy on July 7, 2016. He was born two years and a day after big sister Charlotte.
Thomas Stickney ’02 and Maureen Colson Stickney ’04 welcomed
their son, Andrew Thomas Stickney on May 28, 2016.
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IN MEMORIAM Eunice Lierheimer Powers ’41 July 15, 2016 Alice Pitcher Bickelhaupt ’49 August 23, 2016
Barbara Wandell Baron ’56 October 29, 2016 Sally Womack Dorman ’56 October 13, 2015
Lawrence S. Pivacek ’59 July 2, 2016
Mary Locksmith Buell ’51 November 2, 2016 James Gentilcore ’51 November 9, 2016 Barbara Stearns McKnight ’51 June 27, 2016 A tribute to the late Booker T. Gibson ’52 which ran in the Fall 2016 issue of Potsdam People inaccurately listed the accomplished alumnus as the first black student to graduate from the Potsdam Normal School. We have since received a thoughtful letter from an alumna identifying other alumni of color who graduated before Mr. Gibson. As we reflect on our 200-year history, we welcome such input and thank the many alumni who have helped us tell the Potsdam story. Closson Sprague ’54 October 31, 2016
Calvin P. Wyman ’73 September 3, 2016 Gary E. Krolikowski ’75 August 5, 2016 Richard (Rick) M. Darling ’76 August 24, 2016
James A. Burns ’62 November 17, 2016
Jeanne Roulston Moon ’50 June 18, 2016 Robert C. Frank ’51 June 9, 2016
Nicholas J. Lyman ’72 September 13, 2016
Thomas A. Brown ’57 May 25, 2016
Magill F. Shipman ’49 August 1, 2016 Rita C. Hurley ’50 January 5, 2016
Cynthia Mosher Thompson ’69 November 11, 2016
Larry J. Dorr ’62 October 16, 2016 Linda Erwin Saiff ’63 November 18, 2016
Yvonne Therese Cusson ’77 June 25, 2016 Christopher L. Dinas ’78 July 19, 2016
EMERTI & FRIENDS Dorothy B. Arquette November 13, 2016 Custodian Janet EdringtonBullis November 25, 2016 Secretary for geology and College Advancement
Lloyd Vincent “Vinny” Evans ’64 August 8, 2016 Ellen Felice Mattacola ’64 November 2, 2016 Karen Monaghan Mahoney ’66 September 7, 2016 Sheila J Moran ’68 July 8, 2016
Joseph B. Ramsey ’83 October 10, 2016 Lillian Gravel LePage ’85 July 25, 2016 Jennifer Connors Malley ’91 October 17, 2016 Joseph P. Scovel ’93 August 31, 2016 Gene K. Johnson ’00 August 20, 2016
Josephine Russo Spiegel ’68 October 23, 2016 James Orrin Walts ’68 June 22, 2016 Sandra Lake Docteur ’69 November 2, 2016
Ronald William Reed September 22, 2016 Guest Lecturer Inez M. Roberts December 9, 2016 Janitor Richard Taylor April 7, 2016
Nora K. Clark December 5, 2016 Secretary Pearl M. Jock October 4, 2016 Cleaner
Douglas B. Thayer ’79 October 7, 2016 Son of former Dean of Crane, Robert W. Thayer
Marybeth L. Pisani October 31, 2016 Retired secretary
Bertha E. Latrielle November 19, 2016 Dining Services June M. Peoples December 1, 2016 Former VP for Enrollment Management
Wilma L. Watson June 12, 2016 President’s Office Secretary
Deadline for class notes submissions for the Fall 2017 issue is: June 2, 2017 Submit to: alumni@potsdam. edu
President’s Club
SUNY Potsdam wishes to acknowledge the more than 300 donors who are members of the President’s Club. You are making incredible opportunities possible for our students and we thank you!
Allison E. Clune ’05 September 18, 2016 Stanley Tarbox ’09 December 2, 2016
The President’s Club is a distinctive giving society that recognizes alumni and friends who give $1,000 or more during the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Learn more and/or join today by contacting the Donor Relations Office at (315) 267-2855 or by emailing donorrelations@potsdam.edu.
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ALUMNI
opportunities
SAVE THE DATE SUNY Potsdam invites everyone to participate in the upcoming activities, all of which are on campus unless otherwise noted. For a complete listing of more than 350 on-campus activities, including specific dates, locations, registration and ticketing information (when applicable), visit the Campus News & Events tab on the SUNY Potsdam website at www.potsdam.edu. Questions can be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations at (315) 267-2120 or alumni@potsdam.edu.
SPRING/SUMMER 2017 TEACHER EDUCATION STUDENT ASSOCIATION (TESA) CONFERENCE (April 8)
THE CRANE CHORUS AND CRANE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (April 29, 7:30 p.m.)
Calling all alumni who are school superintendents and principals! You are invited to reconnect with fellow alumni and participate in a variety of sessions providing advice and encouragement to today’s students (tomorrow’s teachers!). To register, or for more information on presenting, contact Nancy Griffin at (315) 267-2112 or griffine@potsdam.edu.
The concert in Hosmer Hall will include Francis Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’ and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ‘The Bells’ conducted by JoAnn Falletta, the 2017 Dorothy Albrecht Visiting Conductor. Soloists: Elizabeth Caballero, soprano; Kevin Deas, baritone; Charles Reid, tenor
ECONOMIC FUSION (April 13) SUNY Potsdam invites alumni and businesses to celebrate entrepreneurism and innovation on campus with a series of events, including a student business plan competition, career networking and a roundtable on SUNY Potsdam’s role in regional economic activities. To participate, or for more information, contact John Wicke at (315) 267-2106 or wickejm@potsdam.edu.
COMMENCEMENT (May 20) Commencement is the highlight of the academic year and is a meaningful occasion for our graduates and their families. Join us in the quad for the Master’s and Bachelor’s Ceremony beginning at 10:15 a.m.
Fall 2017 DOUBLE AXEL AT THE DINOSAUR BBQ
RELAY FOR LIFE (April 28) Join us in the Maxcy Hall Fieldhouse as we come together to remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancers, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society make a global impact on cancer. To register or for more information go to www.relayforlife.org/sunypotsdamny
LOUGHEED-KOFOED (LOKO) FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (April 28 – May 7) Join us for 10 days of free arts events including theatre, music and dance performances. Visiting artists will be on campus offering workshops, readings and masterclasses. The 2016 event includes The Crane School of Music performance (April 29, 7:30 p.m. in Hosmer Hall) conducted by JoAnn Falletta, the 2017 Dorothy Albrecht Visiting Conductor. Check for updated event information at www.potsdam.edu/loko
(September 23) Enjoy great food and northern New York’s favorite party band, Double Axel! To register, visit www.potsdam.edu or call Alumni Relations at (315) 267-2120.
ALUMNI DAY OF SERVICE (October 21) The inaugural Alumni Day of Service is a way for alumni and friends to show their Potsdam Pride and participate in community service projects on campus and in your region. Join together to experience the impact of volunteerism! We are looking for alumni to create projects and to submit plans through the spring and summer. Volunteer registration for service projects will begin in early fall. For more information go to www.potsdam.edu/dayofservice
SUNY POTSDAM ONLINE ALUMNI DIRECTORY IS AVAILABLE! The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to offer its online Alumni Directory via BearPaws. The online directory is available for your use. Alumni must have a potsdam.edu email account to access the directory. If you do not have one, you may request an email account at www.potsdam.edu/alumni/services/email.cfm, or by calling the Alumni Office at (315) 267-2120. Once you have your potsdam.edu email address, go to bearpaws.potsdam.edu and select “Alumni Services.” Tab through the various options to update your profile, find a classmate, make a gift or explore career opportunities. Questions about the directory may be directed to alumni@potsdam.edu.
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POTSDAM PEOPLE SPRING 2016
Newest Member of the Benjamin F. Raymond Society Robert J. Hill ’77 Robert J. Hill (Bob), a 1977 graduate who majored in biology, recently shared with the College that he named SUNY Potsdam a beneficiary in his Will. Bob’s gift will be used to enhance The Bob, an endowment he established in support of the Center for Applied Learning. A businessman and entrepreneur, Bob places the same value as SUNY Potsdam on the impact of hands-on experience for Potsdam students. The Bob is an annual competitive faculty award that provides financial support to faculty to develop and implement an applied learning experience for a group of at least five students. The applied learning experience can consist of study abroad, domestic travel, field experiences, service learning, and/or entrepreneurial activities. The experiences are rooted within the structure of an academic course and must be designed to position students for gainful employment and career success. “Potsdam was an outstanding experience for me personally. The variety and variability of my personal learning experience is more than can be measured in monetary terms. What I appreciated the most were the opportunities to go into the field with faculty members and conduct research in what I believe is one of the best outdoor laboratories in the country, if not the world, the Adirondack Park. Creating The Bob and including Potsdam in my will felt like the right thing to do. I look forward to seeing how the faculty use my gifts to enhance the learning experiences for their students and subsequently provide for them experiences that will assist in gaining fulfilling employment in the future.” For more information on how to include Potsdam in your estate plans or for more information, visit the College’s free estate planning website at
www.potsdam.edu/giftplan
or contact Jason N. Ladouceur ’94, director of planned giving, at 315-267-2123 or
giftplan@potsdam.edu
As you plan your future, invest in Potsdam’s
IN THEIR
own words
“Wilderness Education at SUNY Potsdam has given me the tools to safely lead groups and individuals as well as accomplish my own goals in the backcountry. Perhaps even more important is that these tools apply to every aspect of my academic and personal life. Experience communicating, problem solving, and making critical decisions in adverse conditions sets a high bar for my performance as a leader, thus allowing me to tackle situations in my daily life with ease. Furthermore, the friendships and interpersonal connections that I have made in the field are easily some of the most meaningful relationships that I have.” Brandon Keough ’18 Geology major, wilderness education minor
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44 Pierrepont Avenue Potsdam, NY 13676 www.potsdam.edu/people
ULATIONS TO RAT
WI
AM
SW
NNE
RS
P OT S D LING ’10 & BRIANNE STERA AV ER HT UG DA
R OU
CON G
JAY POSTERARO ’89
AG CO N T E S T
AMANDA JONES ’11
REUNION WEEKEND 2017
7.13.17 - 7.16.17 To register and for more information, visit
www.potsdam.edu/alumni (315) 267-2120