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FACUlty honors
Provost Appointed to NYS Teaching Standards & Practices Board
SUNY Potsdam All-Greek Alumni Council Meets
SUNY Potsdam Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Margaret E. Madden has been appointed by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York to the state Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching. “High-quality instruction throughout levels from pre-kindergarten to graduate work in education is vital for creating a productive and informed citizenry of New York State,” Dr. Madden said. The board was established in 1998 by the Board of Regents to advise the Regents and the Commissioner of Education on matters related to teaching in New York State. The board is comprised of 28 members, including K-12 teachers and administrators, higher education representatives, public representatives and one teacher education student.
college news
The Crane School of Music Welcomes Gunther Schuller
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music was honored to welcome the innovative and influential composer, conductor and performer Gunther Schuller as a guest artist-in-residence in November. One of the most influential Americans in music history, Schuller worked with Crane students in panel discussions, masterclasses, coaching sessions and concerts throughout his visit. The visit marked Schuller’s first return to Potsdam since 1981, when he was a conductor for that year’s Spring Festival at Crane.
Gunther Schuller
“It was my great honor to bring my mentor, Gunther Schuller, to campus” said Crane Symphony Orchestra Music Director Dr. Ching-Chun Lai. “I was very excited and felt quite humbled when he accepted the invitation. What an incredible experience this has been for our students—the opportunity to work with one of the most influential musicians of our time.”
The SUNY Potsdam All-Greek Alumni Council recently conducted a survey of over 700 Greek alumni and is working on developing programs and strategies designed to address the needs and interests of our Greek alumni in terms of house management, recruitment and scholarship development. The mission of the Council is to bring together alumni of SUNY Potsdam’s recognized fraternities and sororities in collaboration with current Greek members and the College to perpetuate and support Greek Life at SUNY Potsdam. Row 1: Donnalyn Eaton Shuster ’78 (Omega and President of Council), Lauren Moran Sheldon ’04 (President Alpha Delta Kappa Alumni Association), Emily Walts (President, All-Greek Council). Row 2: Lois Little ’84 (VP Omega Delta Phi Alumnae Association), Sue Rice ’77 (Agonian), Patrick Grimaldi ’79 (Phi Kappa Sigma), Christopher Knight (Phi Mu Alpha)
new initiatives
Dean Michael Sitton Begins Music Therapy Initiative with United Helpers
The Crane School of Music is partnering with United Helpers to bring music therapy to residents of Mosaic’s Lisbon Intermediate Care Facility. The initiative began through the efforts of Crane Dean Dr. Michael Sitton and Mark Martin, assistant program manager at the facility. The two recognized the value of music and wanted to bring an interactive program to the residents. Using the United Helpers Wish Book program, they enlisted the help of music therapist Tracy Wanamaker ’08, who performed a session for the residents. “It is amazing to see the transformation as soon as Tracy walks in the door,” said Gisele Groulx, activities leader for Mosaic. “The smiles, the clapping and encouraging each other—it’s very contagious.” The Wish Book program is provided by the Society of the United Helpers and offers loved ones, family members and friends of the United Helpers organization the opportunity to help grant a facility wish. Donors simply browse the book and choose which item they would like to sponsor.
w w w.potsdam.edu/people
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