Union College Magazine, Spring 2025

UNIONCOLLEGE

FAREWELL MESSA RINK

UNION COLLEGE

SPRING 2025

Volume 118 // Number 1

ON THE FRONT COVER

From left, Maddie Leaney ’27, Joseph Messina ’27, Nicholas Young ’26, Stephanie Bourque ’26, John Prokop ’26 and Amanda Quan ’26 (seated) are shown in Messa Rink.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Mark Land

EDITOR

Erin DeMuth Judd demuthje@union.edu

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tina Lincer

Phillip Wajda

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Buckowski

Shawn LaChapelle

DESIGN

2k Design

PRINTING

Fort Orange Press

UNION COLLEGE

is published twice a year by the Union College Office of Communications, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308. The telephone is (518) 388-6131. Non-profit flat rate postage is paid at Schenectady, N.Y., and an additional mailing office.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Office of Communications, Union College, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308-3169.

Alumni who want to inform the College about changes of address should contact the Alumni Office at (518) 388-6168 or via e-mail at alumni@union. edu. The same phone number and e-mail address should be used to correspond about ReUnion, Homecoming, alumni club events, and other activities.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Farewell Messa Rink, hello Mohawk Harbor

Players, coaches, fans and alumni are stoked that hockey will have a new home—and state-of-the-art rink—at Mohawk Harbor in fall 2025. But moving is never easy, and neither is saying goodbye. This past season was the last for Messa Rink, which has been the heart of Union hockey for decades. Read about what the move will mean for the programs and how special Messa is to everyone.

The Harris years: Building a stronger Union

David Harris, who will step down June 30, has served as the 19th president of Union since 2018. In the pages that follow, learn how Harris’s leadership and personal commitment to the College helped it grow even stronger— both as an academic institution and as a community.

The women’s team prepares to face off against RIT Oct. 4, 2024.

I'll tell you what keeps me up at

night, but first ...

My time as president of Union College is almost over. It’s easy to focus on the challenges, in part because the past seven years have been full of extraordinary challenges. Yet, in every instance, whether it was the pandemic, local and global political crises, or national crises of confidence in higher education, the brothers and sisters that are the Union community drew strength from one another and we didn’t just survive, we thrived.

People often want to discuss the challenges. They ask, “What keeps you up at night?” My answer is always the same, “I’ll answer your question, but first let me tell you what gets me up in the morning, excited to be president of Union College.”

Union has brought me more joy than I have space to convey, but here are some examples of why getting up in the morning has never been difficult.

I love getting out of bed on move-in day, the day that hopes and dreams transition from anticipation to reality. I love greeting cars as they arrive at Fox, West or Richmond, and I love seeing students descend on these cars, eager to be the first to welcome the newest members of the Union family. I love hearing students’ questions and reassuring family members that we know this is one of the saddest and happiest days of their lives. I tell them we lead this college as if our children go here. It is an awesome responsibility, one which we take seriously.

I love getting out of bed, knowing I’ll find time to walk from Feigenbaum to Reamer. The joy of a small campus, especially one designed to facilitate interactions, is knowing that a walk across campus will include seeing familiar faces, exchanging greetings and resuming conversations initiated during previous encounters. It is one of the defining characteristics of a Union education.

I love getting out of bed and engaging Union alumni and friends who make the Union experience

possible. Union is possible because of the generosity of the names associated with buildings, scholarships, professorships, programs and so much more. I am proud that my presidency has included the largest gifts in our history, from Mary ’80 and Rich Templeton ’80. I’m also proud of the thousands of smaller gifts from people who appreciate how Union changed their lives and are committed to providing that opportunity for others. I love getting out of bed on any day Union hockey is playing at Messa. Hockey is my favorite sport, but I was concerned about having two D1 hockey teams, given stereotypes about hockey players (remember Slapshot?). It has been a joy seeing our teams defy these stereotypes. They thrive on the ice, in the classroom and in the community. I can’t wait to come back for a game at the new Mohawk Harbor Events Center, to see the teams thrive and the Union and Schenectady communities showcased.

The easiest day to get out of bed each year is Commencement, when I always wake up very early. I take a walk around campus, often encountering the last stragglers from the night’s festivities, and the first staff arriving to make sure the day is as perfect as it can be. On that day, I have the joy of seeing the class together for the last time. I see the family members I met at move in. I have the honor of being the first person to shake hands with each new graduate and to offer them congratulations. We get to remember a moment we shared together, sometimes in joy, sometimes in sadness. It is that day, and the path over the previous four years, that I will miss the most.

Thank you for the opportunity and the privilege to serve as ‘Union 19.’ My time as president of Union College may be drawing to a close, but the joy in recalling what we have accomplished together will last a lifetime.

DAVID R. HARRIS, P h .D.

Elizabeth Kiss to become 20th president of Union College

Elizabeth Kiss, an Oxfordtrained philosopher and former college president who most recently served as CEO of the Rhodes Trust, will be the 20th president of Union College.

Kiss (pronounced ‘quiche’) will succeed David Harris, who announced last fall that he would step down June 30 after seven years. Kiss begins her new role July 1.

“Elizabeth has deep experience in, and a passion for, liberal arts colleges,” said Julie Greifer Swidler ’79, chair of Union’s Board of Trustees. “She fully understands the importance of Union’s distinct integration of STEM and liberal arts, and is the ideal leader to build on the significant progress made during President Harris’s tenure.”

Kiss, 63, brings significant experience in higher education administration to Union.

She spent a decade as founding director of Duke’s Kenan Institute for Ethics, followed by 12 years as president of Agnes Scott College, an all-women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. From August 2018 to January 2025, Kiss led the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, U.K., a global higher education charity and the administrator of the renowned Rhodes Scholarship program.

Throughout her career, Kiss has been a strong advocate for creating inclusive communities where all members feel welcome and supported. In addition to championing diversity at Agnes Scott and the Rhodes Trust, Kiss is a trustee of the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund, a private foundation dedicated to providing equitable access to education, health care and home purchasing.

“I love liberal arts colleges because they provide students with a rigorous,

immersive and transformative undergraduate experience at a human scale,” Kiss said. “They represent a uniquely American model, and I love that Union has a unique place among these institutions with its long-standing commitment to integrating traditional liberal arts disciplines with engineering.”

In doing her research on Union, Kiss said she was struck by the College’s vision statement that calls for “developing every student to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage.”

“That language tugged at my soul,” she said. “It captures the heart of how a liberal education prepares students for today’s world. There’s no doubt this is a tough time for higher education, and I think it’s time for all of us to put our shoulder to the wheel and stand up for our values.”

Members of the Union community are excited to welcome Kiss.

U AROUND

Want to know more?

Learn more about Elizabeth Kiss—who prefers coffee to tea, loves all kinds of classical music (as well as U2 and Pink), and once drove 11,000 miles around Australia on her honeymoon—at union.edu/elizabeth-kiss. You can also check out a video at union.edu/elizabeth-kiss-video

“Elizabeth is an enthusiastic and optimistic leader who perfectly fit the profile of what we were looking for in our next president,” said Rich Delaney ’80, who chaired the presidential search committee.

“Across her deep experience in higher education, she has proven to be a collaborative and innovative leader—traits that will serve her well at Union.”

Kiss earned her undergraduate degree in philosophy from Davidson College, and her master’s and doctorate degrees in philosophy from the University of Oxford, which she attended on a Rhodes Scholarship.

She is the daughter of Hungarian refugees who fled to the U.S. in 1956 following the Hungarian Revolution, a revolt against the former Soviet Union’s control of the country. Kiss is married to Jeff Holzgrefe, an academic who most recently taught at Oxford University, where he was a member of the Department of Politics and International Relations and the Blavatnik School of Government.

There’s

no place like Homecoming

Homecoming and Family Weekend hit the spot in October. Under sunny skies and trees dressed in their best fall foliage, students, alumni and families enjoyed everything from football and volleyball games to pumpkin carving, Stockade ghost tours and delicious food.

Here are a few highlights. For more Homecoming coverage, visit facebook. com/unioncollege or scan this QR code.

Everyone had a blast at the Unity Cookout.

Delta Phi Epsilon sorority won this year’s Rumbold Cup.

Below: Friends, family and alumni joined students for a celebration of 50 years of women’s athletics at Union.

Pumpkin carving is always a hit at Homecoming.

Sigma Chi fraternity won this year’s Brown Trophy.

The Garnet Chargers bested Buffalo State (31-10) at the Homecoming football game.

ChatGPT topic of Feigenbaum Forum address

Renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers was the featured speaker at the annual Feigenbaum Forum on Innovation and Creativity in October.

He presented a talk, “Can ChatGPT Think?,” in the Nott Memorial.

Chalmers is professor of philosophy and neural science and co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness at New York University.

He is known for formulating the “hard problem of consciousness,” which refers to how subjective experiences such as tastes, sights and sounds arise from physical brain processes, and for promul-

gating the idea of the “extended mind,” which says that the tools humans use can become parts of their minds.

The forum is supported by the Feigenbaum Foundation, created by

brothers Armand V. Feigenbaum ’42 and Donald S. Feigenbaum ‘46, longtime benefactors to Union. The talk is presented in partnership with the Templeton Institute and the Department of Philosophy.

Union’s first Fed Challenge

In October 2024, five students participated in The Fed Challenge, a competition organized by the Federal Reserve across all undergraduate colleges in the U.S. The teams analyze economic and financial conditions and formulate a monetary policy recommendation, modeling the Federal Reserve. Union College participated in the prestigious competition for the first time in 2024. Pictured, from left to right, are Tri Le ’27, Nicole Orlofsky ’27, Ryan Petrauskas ’27, Suka Nguyen ’25 and Jack Varner ’25.

Robert Baker honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Robert Baker, the William D. Williams Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Bioethics in Humanities in September.

The award is the society’s highest honor. It recognizes a distinguished individual for excellence in bioethics and/or the health humanities.

Baker joined Union in 1973. At the time, he was writing about patient’s rights, racism, sexism and the possibility that criminalizing drug addiction would lead to mass incarceration. Professional philosophers typically didn’t engage in these topics, but the College’s Philosophy Department was open to Baker’s interests. He retired from Union in 2019 after 47 years.

“As a philosophically-trained bioethicist and historian of medical ethics, my work is unique because it provides historical perspective, often revealing unsavory aspects of healthcare that typically go unmentioned in the standard literature,” Baker said.

To learn more, visit union.edu/news

Student Investment Fund tops $1 million

Curtis Butler ’90 recently spoke with members of the Student Investment Fund. Butler, who studied economics at Union, spent more than 30 years in analyst and investment roles, including with J.P. Morgan and Jennison Associates. He is founder of Guided Ascent Career Coaching and has volunteered his time advising Union students for many years.

Few learning experiences are more hands-on, more real world, than managing actual money.

And members of Union’s Student Investment Fund are doing just this—with over $1 million (a milestone the fund just recently reached).

“One million dollars is a very meaningful amount of money, and the decisions that students make have real consequences,” said Tomas Dvorak, who is the David L. ’39 and Beverly B. Yunich Professor of Business Ethics and co-advisor of Union’s fund.

“This contributes to the excitement of being part of the fund, as well as to the sense of real responsibility.”

Indeed, the fund’s 50 members oversee everything from selecting and managing investments to participating in governance calls of the companies owned by the fund to completing analysis for current and new investments.

“No one will hire a graduate because they can recite facts or formulas—a smartphone can do that,” Dvorak said. “Union graduates will be hired because they can solve problems, think critically

and collaborate. The fund is a great place to practice these skills.”

Case in point, Veronica Lopez ’25. An economics major who is minoring in math, she was co-president of the fund during the 2023-24 academic year.

“I secured the job I wanted through upperclass mentors I met in the fund, and through what the fund has taught me— how to do research on specific sectors and securities; how to network with peers and professionals in my industry of interest; and how to be confident speaking in a room of 50 peers,” she said.

“I will be working at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in California as a banking analyst, starting in August.”

To learn more about the Student Investment Fund, which is open to students in all majors, visit union.edu/news or muse. union.edu/sif/. The fund, of which economics professors Prateek Arora and Zachary Rodriguez are co-advisors, was established in 1986 by a gift from Heinz and Ruthe Eppler, parents of Nancy Eppler Wolff ’75 and David Eppler ’82.

50 years ago, Springsteen delivered an unforgettable performance

at Union

In the spring of 1974, members of the College’s social committee met to plan its concerts and dances for the fall term.

Homecoming was the marquee event, and working with a limited budget, students were determined to bring in a notable performer.

Following a spirited debate, the choice was down to two performers: Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.

The students ultimately chose Springsteen, a relatively unknown musician at the time who was just beginning his rise to rock legend. He brought down the house in Memorial Chapel Oct. 19, 1974.

Learn more about this unforgettable night at union.edu/news or scan this QR code.

Oct. 19, 1974, a then relatively unknown Bruce Springsteen performed for more than two hours in Memorial

Bruce Springsteen performs in Memorial Chapel Oct. 19, 1974.

(Photo courtesy of Special Collections)

Chapel.

(Photo courtesy of Special Collections)

A family business

Laura Marino, left, stands behind the counter at La Gioia Italian Deli with her mother, Modesta Morson, and daughter, Gianna Marino. Laura and her partner, Mike Norris, own La Gioia, which was opened in 1989 by Morson and Anna DiCocco. The deli’s menu includes specialty cheese and desserts, sandwiches, homemade sausage and pasta and Italian grocery items. La Gioia is located at 2003 Van Vranken Ave. in Schenectady.

Learn more at lagioiasdeli.com

Aidan Kask ’23 and the oar make their way home to Colorado after graduation.

Aidan Kask ’23 (second from front) rows with friends and teammates during ReUnion 2024.

Aidan Kask ’23 will carry Union with him always, figuratively and physically.

The memories he made and the lessons he learned in Schenectady will forever be close to his heart. And the oar—all 12 feet of it—he’ll take with him wherever he goes. Even if it does require a special maneuvering strategy for each move.

Like all the moves he made around campus year to year. And then the one he made after graduation. But we’ll get to that.

First, let’s go back to Kask’s first year. That’s when he joined the crew team.

CREW + COLLEGE

“Initially, I heard about crew because of my dad, Peter, who rowed on the men’s varsity crew team at Cornell University. He passed away when I was five years old, but I heard stories from my mom, Janet,” Kask said. “Having a similar build to my dad at 6’3”, I figured rowing might be something I’d enjoy, so I tried out for the team.”

“Joining the team was one of the best decisions I made at Union and I miss every second of it now,” he continued. “It allowed me to enter a community of driven and talented individuals who were closely knit in and out of the boat.”

Off the water, Kask was a mechanical engineering major who was inducted into the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society and the Order of the Engineer. Today, he is an associate systems test engineer for Northrop Grumman at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Northrop is known for the B-2 Spirit and F-14 Tomcat aircraft, and its work on the James Webb Space Telescope.

“My four years at Union meant the world to me and went by way too fast. I wish I could do it all over again,” said Kask, who grew up in Telluride, Colo. “Union allowed me to hone my skills as a collaborator, leader and colleague, and it also allowed me to find new passions, like rowing.”

And for his dedication to that passion, he was named Oarsman of the Year as a sophomore.

THE OAR

“I was named Oarsman of the Year due to the skill I showed in the boat and earning the spot of 7 seat, and furthermore sitting in the stern pair,” said Kask, who was promoted to the varsity 8 boat that same year. “As someone with no prior rowing experience, becoming part of the stern pair was an achievement. It was an honor to receive this award, which came in the form of an oar.”

The oar had previously been used in practices and races, and when he received it, he was offered the option of having the blade cut off, so the 12-foot oar would be easier to transport.

“I politely declined the offer, driving the oar back to my apartment and hanging it out the window of a friend’s car,” he recalled.

From that moment on, the oar went where Kask went. And it was always an adventure bringing it along.

“When moving to different dorms, it was always funny trying to determine how to get the oar in and out of the buildings,”

he said. “There were some close calls in the stairwells, but thankfully the oar always stayed in one piece.”

During one of Kask’s last races at the New York State Collegiate Championship, his mom even managed to drive the oar to and from the event. (The men’s varsity 8 team was undefeated during his senior year and was ranked 13th on the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association coaches’ poll for Division III.)

“I wanted the oar at the race so all of my teammates and coach could sign it— so I would be able to look back on it for years to come,” Kask said.

After he graduated, the oar made its biggest move to date.

“My mom and I drove from New York to Colorado—3,400 miles—in a large minivan we rented just to make sure the oar could come home with us,” Kask said.

“It spanned the entire length of the van, from the back window to the dashboard, cutting the car in half. It was a fun road trip, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Union hockey returns to Belfast in fall 2025

For the second time in program history, the men’s hockey team will compete in the Friendship Four in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Union will be joined by Sacred Heart University, Rochester Institute of Technology and Miami University for the 10th anniversary of the tournament (Nov. 28-29, 2025).

“We are so excited and thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to go play in Belfast,” said defenseman Nick Young ’26. “This is a trip that is unique and something that our whole team will be able to cherish forever.”

The tournament was designed to promote education, social welfare and community interaction, building on the Sister Cities agreement between Belfast and Boston, signed a decade ago. With 28 games played in the first seven years of the tournament, Northern Ireland is the only destination outside of the United States to host consequential NCAA Division I ice hockey games.

Union previously competed in the 2018 Friendship Four and captured the Belpot Trophy.

“The Friendship Four is a tremendous event for the entire Union community,” said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Doug Christiansen ’02. “Having lived in Belfast for three years, I know how special the city is and how well the team will be treated.”

For more hockey news, visit unionathletics.com

Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin ’93 (right) shows off a Union jersey with representatives from fellow schools that will compete in the Friendship Four.

The hockey team won the championship when Union last played in the Friendship Four in 2018.

Field hockey has banner season

Union’s field hockey program had an eventful year in 2024. In the spring, the 1988 team that captured the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Region championship was inducted into the Union Athletics Hall of Fame. And 36 years after that recordsetting 17-1 season, the 2024 team did nearly as well, recording one of the most successful seasons in the program’s 50-year history.

Led by head coach Kelly Harchetts, the Garnet Chargers finished the season with a 14-6 record. They tied for first place in the Liberty League regular-season standings with a 6-1 conference mark, which allowed them to host a conference tournament game for the first time ever.

It’s also the first time Union earned more than four league wins or finished higher than third since the Liberty League’s founding in 1994.

“I am incredibly proud of what this team has been able to accomplish,” said Harchetts. “The success was not a matter of big changes we made this season, but the consistency we strive for in all we do. The best part about this team is the bond we have with one another—it really is something special.”

Leading the charge for Union was forward Maddie Greco ’27, who recorded 20 goals with four assists for 44 points, setting new school single-season standards in both goals and points, and ranking in the top 10 nationally in goals. Greco was named the program’s first Liberty League Offensive Player of the Year and went on to be named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Region first team and the NFHCA All-American second team.

A season like this, however, takes a group effort. In addition to Greco, goalie Sophie Brady ’26 was also named to the NFHCA All-Region first team, while midfielder Megan Dorsey ’26 was named to the All-Region second team. The squad had three named to the All-Liberty League teams as well: Dorsey ’26, Brady ’26 and back Rowan Dapson ’28. And the coaches— Harchetts and assistant coaches Katie Rich and Alicia Aragosa—were selected as the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year.

“I’m excited to see what happens moving forward,” Harchetts said. “Because as proud as our team is for all that was accomplished this season, there is a uniting feeling that we are far from done.”

For more on the team and this exciting season, visit unionathletics.com

FAREWELL Messa Rink

Big things are happening with Union hockey—all of it good, if a little bittersweet.

Players, coaches, fans and alumni are stoked that hockey will have a new home— and state-of-the-art rink—at Mohawk Harbor in fall 2025. But moving is never easy, and neither is saying goodbye.

This past season was the last for Messa Rink, which has been the heart of Union hockey for decades.

“Every time I see Union hockey updates, I am filled with pride,” said Dr. Jamie Flerlage ’05, who played defense. “Thinking

about Messa Rink and my time as a co-captain floods my soul with amazing memories and makes me feel like I am still part of the Union hockey family.”

“The new rink will close an amazing chapter of Union hockey—Messa will really be missed—but also start a fresh one with so many stories to write,” continued Flerlage, division chief of pediatric hematology/oncology at the University of Rochester and assistant director of clinical trials at Wilmot Cancer Institute. “I look forward to reading about all the successes as the new chapter begins.”

The men’s team faced Mercyhurst University twice (Oct. 18 & 19), winning both games.

HELLO Mohawk Harbor

The end of an era

Denise Webster ’01 Forward/defense, head of Dallas Commodities, Goldman Sachs & Co.

I am beyond lucky to have experienced everything from a club team to the varsity level during my four years at Union. Anytime I hear ‘Standing Outside the Fire,’ I am transported back to Achilles/Messa and the energy and excitement we shared in the locker room before heading out on the ice for a game.

Messa Rink was dedicated in 2003 after a renovation of Achilles Rink, Union’s first permanent indoor ice rink, which opened in 1975.

Steve Sisler ’79, who was a forward, holds the facility in high esteem.

“Our team came to Union when Achilles was just being finished. We were enlisted as unskilled labor to erect the bleachers and other finishing tasks. For the years I played there, Achilles was a magnet for student enthusiasm and there was a lot of

student support for the team,” said Sisler, who owns Sisler Builders in Stowe, Vt.

“And with the renovation into Messa Rink, the transition of the curling pitch beneath the ice into state-of-the-art locker rooms and training facilities enhanced the possibilities,” he continued. “The better utilization of that space improved future teams’ training and fitness, yielding better results on the ice.”

Denise Webster ’01, head of Dallas Commodities at Goldman Sachs & Co., agrees.

“Raising the bar of successful programs is driven by a multi-faceted approach, and the home rink is paramount to this,” said Webster, who played forward and defense.

“Messa Rink has offered a home arena that allowed the programs to build on the rich and respected history of Achilles while also evolving to attract talent in the ever-growing competitive landscape of college hockey.”

Indeed, Union has not shied away from this increasingly challenging landscape.

To keep their competitive edge, the women’s team moved into Division I play the same year Messa opened (in 2003). The squad had competed in Division III since 1999, while the men’s team went to Division I in 1991.

MESSA MEMORY

The new rink, slated to open in fall 2025, is taking shape at Mohawk Harbor.

MESSA MEMORY

Dr. Jamie Flerlage ’05

Defense, pediatric oncologist, University of Rochester

Some of my favorite memories were the quiet moments spent in Messa Rink learning some lessons that have been foundational in my life. I learned what matters most is who you are when no one is watching, and the true meaning of teamwork. I learned how to lift others up, trust my teammates, hold people accountable and be truly present in the moment. I grew up as a female hockey player before there were many girls’ teams. I learned to do what I love and enjoy it.

“I was part of the second class of Division I players at Union, and it was incredibly special to me,” said Ashley Kilstein Scire ’08, who was a forward.

“I saw it as an opportunity to be part of the ‘new’ chapter of hockey at Union and be able to propel it forward.”

“It was important for the women’s team to join the men’s team at that level because it showed an investment in the hockey program as a whole,” added Scire, who is co-director of RinkSport Hockey Camps and works with the Junior Women’s Hockey League.

Chris Hancock ’96, who played right wing during his time at Union and who works in finance in Darien, Conn., agrees. He arrived at Union shortly after the men’s team joined Division I.

“Going Division I, it was incredibly exciting rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harvard and Cornell. It was a little bit like David and Goliath, but this motivated us to show that we were just as good as them,” he said. “The evolution of both the men’s and women’s programs has been wonderful to see.

“I remember when one of my fraternity brothers, Mark Reid ’96, co-coached the women’s club team that would lay the groundwork for today’s Division I team,” continued Hancock, who helped establish

Chris Hancock ’96 brought his son’s hockey team to Messa Rink recently. Of the experience he said, “When I took that team of kids—the looks on their faces, the comments— wow, what an atmosphere—it was electric. They loved Messa Rink.”

Dr. Jamie Flerlage ’05 on the ice with her daughter, Quinn

The Garnet Chargers celebrate their 4-0 win over RIT Oct. 4, 2024.

the Garnet Blades group that supports the men’s team. “It’s been great to have the women proudly playing alongside the men.”

Both squads have grown immensely during the last two decades, thanks to their coaches, their own grit and dedication, and partially, Messa Rink itself.

“Having Messa right at the heart of campus made it a hub for bringing everyone together.

The atmosphere, especially on game days, is hard to beat,” said Ashley Johnston ’14, who captained the women’s team as a student and is now in medical school at Georgetown University. “When you have a place like that, it naturally helps build a solid foundation for players and a passionate culture that I think has been a staple of Union hockey.”

Daniel Carr ’14, a member of the 2014 National Championship team who is now playing professionally in Switzerland, sees Messa Rink as an emblem of what really makes Union hockey special.

“It’s as much about the people as it is

about the facility, particularly Frank Messa and those like him,” Carr said. “Our program has been built by people who support it, like alumni, and the players and staff who put in countless hours of work.

Messa Rink is a symbol of this.”

For his part, Frank Messa ’73 is honored to have had the opportunity to support hockey and the renovation of Messa Rink at Achilles Center.

Carr ’14 returned to Schenectady in July 2024 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the men’s 2014 National Championship win.

MESSA MEMORY

Guy Logan ’90

Left wing, investment banker, Raymond James & Associates, Union College trustee

My sophomore year (1988) we lost 13-0 to RPI at Houston Field House, but the next year we beat RPI 4-2 at Achilles. The atmosphere was electric and amplified by our fantastic student fans in section Q—and we were notably still a Division III hockey program. But that’s what Achilles, and later Messa, did for Union hockey. Our fans were reliably boisterous and knowledgeable, and that made things difficult for opposing teams and afforded us a significant home ice advantage. Thanks to our loyal and dedicated fans.

Goalkeeper Sophie Matsoukas ’25 makes a save during the Chargers’ 4-0 victory over RIT Oct. 4, 2024.

Daniel

MESSA MEMORY

John Prokop ’26 Defense

My favorite Messa memory was my first game. I had never visited campus before committing, so I hadn’t seen the fans show up for a hockey game. When we played RIT in 2022 my freshman year, it was a special moment to see the support the team received from students and the community.

“It’s been very satisfying for me, watching these men and women compete, and hockey has become a real point of pride for the entire college,” said Frank Messa '73. “We’ve had multiple Hobey Baker Memorial Award and Hockey Humanitarian Award nominees, countless academic and philanthropic award winners and AllAmericans, several conference championships and a Division I championship.”

“But just as we needed to upgrade Achilles to remain competitive 20 years ago, the Mohawk Harbor facilities will allow our teams to compete in the new world of Division I athletics,” continued Messa, who is a member of the Board of Trustees and retired senior vice president of Ayco Co. “Messa is one of those rinks other teams hate to play in; the fans are almost on top of the ice. It’s a unique place and I’ll be sad to say goodbye, but the move to Mohawk Harbor is the right one.”

The start of a new era

The $50 million, 100,000-square-foot arena at Mohawk Harbor, just a short walk from campus, is slated to open in September 2025. It features a 2,200-seat ice hockey rink with capacity expanding to 3,600 for other sporting events, trade shows, special events and conventions.

“Our hockey program is headed in a special direction,” said Tony Maci, head coach of the women’s team. “We will be looking to play a disciplined and skilled style of game and look to make Mohawk Harbor a great and fun place to play. We are excited to move to a state-of-the-art facility, where players have everything they need to develop.”

Specifically, Mohawk Harbor will house coaches' offices and provide the teams with their own lounges and locker rooms, a designated strength and conditioning facility, and a training room with more space for rehab and therapy, explained Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin ’93. Union club hockey will also be played in the new facility.

Josh Hauge, head coach of the men’s team, is excited about what this means for all Union athletics, not just hockey.

“Mohawk Harbor will allow for more space on campus for other athletic programs,” he said. “This is a huge upgrade

for our Athletics Department and many student-athletes.”

McLaughlin echoed these sentiments.

“One of the great things about Mohawk Harbor is that it will really benefit a lot of our teams,” he said. “We are in need of more locker room and indoor turf space. This move will allow us to turn Messa into an indoor turf facility, which will be outstanding for baseball, softball and other teams that start training in January.”

“Mohawk Harbor also gives us a second strength and conditioning room, which will alleviate some of the pressure on the Travis J. Clark Strength facility at Messa Rink,” McLaughlin continued. “A number of teams will use the Mohawk strength and conditioning facility.”

MESSA MEMORY

Maddie Leaney ’27 Forward

The memory that stands out the most to me is scoring my first NCAA goal and hat trick against Holy Cross. I remember that morning at breakfast, I was talking with Coach Josh Sciba and he said jokingly, ‘Can you just score a goal already?’ And then I went and scored three goals that game. It was just so special because I had been dreaming about that moment for a long time.

Men's head coach Josh Hauge encourages his team during a game against Mercyhurst University in October.

Another big benefit of Mohawk Harbor?

“Union and Schenectady are linked, always have been and always will be,” said Messa. “Any kind of facility that benefits Union and Schenectady, as this one will, is a win for everyone. Anything that makes Union stronger makes Schenectady stronger, and vice versa.”

One way Mohawk Harbor will make Union stronger?

“Facilities. Facilities matter. We’ve seen this with science and engineering and the tremendous difference these new spaces have made to students and faculty,” said McLaughlin. “Likewise, facilities matter to hockey recruits and prospects. Mohawk Harbor puts us in the same place as many other teams in our league in terms of excellent facilities. It will really help in recruiting student-athletes.”

For Tony Ianniello ’65, an attorney from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., this will build on the impact hockey has already had on the College. Ianniello is a longtime seasonticket holder and Garnet Blades supporter who contributed to the video scoreboard in Messa Rink. He also hosts an annual dinner for both hockey teams each year.

“The success of hockey has given Union a national audience,” he said. “The College brand has been greatly enhanced by the programs and consequently, the school has become more geographically diverse.”

“I am very proud of the small role I have played in bolstering the Union brand through hockey, just as I am proud of the student-athletes,” Ianniello added. “They have excelled in academics and athletics and have used skills learned at Union to embark on successful post-graduate endeavors.”

The Garnet Chargers take the ice as young fans cheer them on.

My favorite Messa memory so far is winning my first collegiate playoff game. Messa Rink is unique because of the history it holds, but also because of the fans who come out to support us at every home game. They know how to elevate the rink and make it something extremely special.

My favorite memory at Messa Rink has to be when we came back from behind in the last couple of minutes of the third period and won in overtime against Holy Cross. Messa is special because it’s where everyone—teammates, staff members and people from the community—gather for the same reason. For the love of hockey.

It’s pretty known within the Union hockey community how special Messa Rink is. People on the outside looking in might think it’s old, but we know we’re playing for the guys before us. The rink brings these aspects of pride and history, and my favorite memory here was when we played against Brown in the playoffs. That game was unbelievable. The rink was packed, as it always is, but this was another level. That place was rocking, and I think that’s a big reason we won the game—there was just such great energy we could build off.

Stephanie Bourque ’26 Defense

MESSA MEMORY

Joseph Messina ’27 Defense

MESSA MEMORY

Defenseman John Prokop ’26 during a game against Mercyhurst University in October

Nicholas Young ’26 Defense

MESSA MEMORY

Frank Messa ’73

Longtime hockey supporter, Union College trustee, retired senior vice president of Ayco Co.

Back in March 2006, during the first round of the ECAC playoffs, Union faced Yale on a Saturday night. It turned out to be the longest game in the history of NCAA hockey. Regular play ended with a 2-2 tie, but because it was a playoff game, ties were not allowed, and the shootout rules had not yet been instituted. The teams had to continue playing until someone scored. After four scoreless overtime periods, we were approaching midnight. People were getting tired, and the crowd was thinning out. But then, something curious happened. Students, who were returning from their weekend activities elsewhere, noticed that the rink was still open, and they came over in groups until the rink was rocking with an infusion of enthusiasm that can only happen on a college campus. Finally, in the fifth overtime, with all of the players from both teams completely exhausted, Union got a power play, and we all figured we would finally prevail. But it was not to be as Yale scored a short-handed goal to win the game. It was a heartbreaking loss, but still an incredible memory.

My favorite memory is when we were down 4-0 to Dartmouth my freshman year and we came back to win it in overtime. I remember scoring the first of our five straight goals and feeling the energy of Messa. It’s such a special place to me because of its character. It’s the best building in college hockey—just the way the acoustics radiate through the crowd because of the wooden dome. While it may not be the most glamorous rink, I love all the little nooks and features that make it feel like home.

MESSA MEMORY

Amanda Quan ’26 Forward

MESSA MEMORY

HARRIS YEARS BUILDING

A STRONGER UNION

David Harris has served as the 19th president of the College since 2018, and during the last seven years, Union has grown even stronger—both as an academic institution and as a community.

A sociologist and inequality scholar by training, he earned his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from Northwestern University. Prior to joining Union, he served as provost and senior vice president at Tufts University from 2012 to 2018.

He also has held academic and administrative positions at the University of Michigan and Cornell University, and he served as deputy assistant secretary for human services policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2010-11. Harris and his wife, Anne, are the parents of three daughters, Eve, Olivia and Maya.

For the last seven years, Anne, Maya and David

have been fixtures at campus events, from Commencement and Convocation to Club Expo, concerts and athletics matches. Their Union spirit is always evident.

Here, some of those who worked most closely with David Harris discuss his leadership and its impact.

“David has been an outstanding leader. During his tenure, Union has successfully completed a number of critical initiatives, and he has laid the foundation for further success. We will be forever grateful for his time as president.”

Robert Bertagna ’85, former chair of the Board of Trustees (2019-2023)

“It has been a privilege to work with David Harris. One sentence from our strategic plan stands out as a true hallmark of his vision for Union and his presidency: Developing every student to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage, in ways large and small, now and across multiple tomorrows. President Harris understands that to succeed, we must come together, teach one another and learn from one another. We must respect and value one another, leading by example for our students. He understands that the future is unpredictable and unknown, and this has helped us build a unique educational community. One that is nimble and self-aware. One that instills adaptability in students so they can thrive when faced with the unexpected that inevitably unfolds in our lives.”

Darcy Czajka ’00, vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff

In the timeline that follows on these pages, learn more about President David Harris and the major institutional milestones that have strengthened Union these last seven years. You can also read what Harris has to say about Union and his time here in his own words. Learn more about his administration at union.edu/presidents-office/about-president-harris

President David Harris with former board chair

Bob Bertagna '85

Harris

Early in his tenure, Harris helped kick off the most ambitious and successful capital campaign in the College’s history, which ultimately raised more than $316 million. He also led Union through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, working with many others to keep the College community safe and ensuring it not only survived but thrived.

“What stands out most about David’s leadership style is his combination of strategic vision and deep personal connection. Over the last seven years, he’s led with a forward-thinking, innovationdriven mindset while also being approachable and deeply engaged with the community. This combination enabled him to be a driving force behind the College’s most successful capital campaign ever and a beacon during the COVID-19 pandemic. He guided the College with clarity and confidence, earning trust across the community. It was his steady hand and personal investment in Union that ensured we not only navigated the crisis but emerged stronger.”

Leah Rosen, chief marketing officer

“I happened to be in a meeting with senior staff the moment David learned of our first community case of COVID. I recall him walking into the

second floor Feigenbaum conference room with clear focus and seriousness of purpose. He proceeded to lead a threehour meeting in which communications about and the logistics of lockdown were set into motion. I then served on the Planning for Multiple Tomorrows group that he convened in spring 2020 to plan for the academic year 2020-2021. Throughout a scary and uncertain and exhausting time, David remained calm, upbeat, focused and systematic. He made sure that the perspectives of faculty, staff and student constituencies were always considered. He was demanding and ambitious, and he challenged us to offer not just an ‘okay’ experience, but rather the very best, most enriching, most flexible set of offerings we could muster for our students.”

Michele Angrist, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of the Faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs

President David Harris participates in The Dip, an annual student-led cancer fundraiser.

A Place for Everyone

Harris has made people a priority. Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have been paramount, and he’s worked tirelessly to increase access to Union for all. He established the Forum on Constructive Engagement and formed the Presidential Initiative on Race, Power and Privilege. This 40-member working group of students, faculty, staff and alumni made recommendations to create and maintain a campus environment that values and respects all members. He has also led initiatives, like Making U Possible Family Grants and Pell Grants, to help students from all socioeconomic backgrounds attend Union.

Harris has also been a visible and steadfast supporter of students and studentled efforts—he’s taken the plunge at the annual cancer fundraiser, The Dip, every year. Since joining Union, he has personally mentored Posse Scholars.

“Last fall, I was facilitating a ‘Cookies and Conversation’ at one of the Minerva Houses and the students in attendance were

COVID & Campaign

discussing what they want in a new president. And one of the things that kept coming up was how visible and accessible David is. Having worked in other institutions, I chimed in to inform them that the fact that David keeps showing up—that he knows our names, that he’s invested in our individual and collective successes—is remarkable. I’ll also say that David is one of the few leaders in higher education who isn’t afraid, as he puts it, ‘to break a few eggs.’ He recognizes that change is difficult, especially for an institution with a long history that is wedded to certain kinds of tradition, but he also understands that in order for Union to be a place where anyone can succeed, it must be a place that everyone can thrive. And I think he proved that again and again—from being a Posse mentor to opening his home to international students, student leaders, first-generation students and students staying on campus over break. It’s rare that you have a president who is as on-the-ground as David is.”

Jennifer Mitchell, dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging/Chief Diversity Officer; associate professor of English and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

Above: Anne Harris, Johanny Mendez ’26, Lynn Chang ’26 and David Harris attend a showing of “Hamilton” in Schenectady. Harris has been a steadfast mentor to Posse Scholars like Mendez.

“Since the first day we met David, he introduced himself as Dave. For us, Dave is our mentor, while President Harris is president. Dave is a strong advocate for being comfortable with the uncomfortable, a principle he has worked with us on over the years. This lesson will stay with me. With Dave’s guidance, I have learned how to challenge myself while finding comfort in discomfort.”

Johanny Mendez ’26, interdepartmental sociology and psychology major and Posse Scholar

“President Harris’s kindness, his welcoming nature and clear love of Union have made a huge difference to our experience at Union. He can regularly be seen around campus engaging with parents and students. Our son, Andrew (Class of 2025), looks forward to bumping into President Harris, who always offers a warm hello and asks how things are going. He makes us all feel like a part of the Union family. We haven’t met a leader like him and count ourselves fortunate for Andrew’s four years under his presidency. We will miss David dearly.”

Mark and Julie Jones P’25

“David is always his authentic self and truly tries to form genuine connections with everyone. David does not treat students any differently to board members, for instance, and he keeps all members of the College community in mind when looking for solutions. I have appreciated our personal relationship. Truly, I would not be the person I am without our Posse mentor. Dave is always looking out for the best interests of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Schenectady community.”

Ajay Goncalves ’26, Posse Scholar, student trustee, and interdepartmental history and anthropology major

Community Connections

Another hallmark of Harris’s tenure has been his commitment to forging new connections and fortifying existing relationships, on campus and off. Harris has continually made himself accessible through monthly office hours to all members of the Union community and has held an annual Back to U bike ride and walk each fall to welcome everyone back to campus. He has worked continually to realize priorities that will benefit Union and Schenectady, as well.

“Making the Mohawk Harbor project a reality, that was a hard road. But David takes his relationship—and Union’s relationship—with the community very seriously. He understands it’s not us and them, but all of us together. This rink will be a great benefit to Union and Schenectady, and it will make our combined community stronger. Union owes David a debt of gratitude for his effective leadership. His commitment to students, his passion for Union’s distinct mission and his boundless energy will combine to leave a lasting positive legacy.”

— Julie Greifer Swidler ’79, chair of the Board of Trustees

“I’ve been very fortunate to work closely with David, particularly over the last couple years. The last line of Union’s vision statement refers to leading ‘in ways large and small.’ David has led in large ways—the success of our capital campaign, the new hockey rink, the return of civil engineering. But he has also led by example in an uncountable number of small ways,

Back to U became a popular tradition during David Harris’s tenure. Each September, he would invite the campus community to participate in a bike ride, run or walk to welcome Union’s new students. Harris is well-known for his love of cycling.

Under David Harris's tenure, Union baseball returned to the City of Schenectady, and is now playing at the Buck Ewing A-Diamond in Central Park.

Anne Harris has been an active and supportive member of the Union community during her husband's tenure as president. Here, she hosts student members of her popular needlecraft group at the President's House.

often unseen to many of us. He has been a constant presence at sporting events, academic programs, club gatherings, and music and dance performances. David has been engaged with the Schenectady community and served on the Capital Region Chamber’s Board of Directors. At a recent luncheon with a group of those leaders, I asked one of them if they ever get together without a formalized program. His response was, ‘Oh yes, we meet for breakfast once a month, and David joins us on a regular basis, which probably no one else even knows about.’ David has been deeply committed to Union and Schenectady since his arrival, and the impact of this will benefit our college for years to come.”

Jay

Freeland ’91, President’s Council chair and trustee

“David Harris has consistently championed a stronger relationship between Union College and the Schenectady community. His partnership has been evident in initiatives like the significant involvement of Union College students in our annual citywide neighborhood and park cleanups. David’s leadership has cultivated a culture of service and connection that greatly benefits both the College and the city. Additionally, under his tenure, Union College baseball returned to the City of Schenectady, now playing at the Buck Ewing A-Diamond in Central Park. This was a big deal, as Union had been playing in the City of Amsterdam for almost a decade. Our partnership has delivered many tangible benefits for both Schenectady and Union College. David also played an instrumental role in structuring the deal to advance the construction of the Mohawk Harbor Events Center, a shining example of a successful public-private partnership. This will stand as a testament to his successful tenure as College president for many decades to come.”

—Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy

Elevating Academics

Academically, Harris has pushed to capitalize on Union’s differentiators, particularly the College’s uniqueness as a bastion of liberal arts and science and engineering and computer science. The return of civil engineering adds a longawaited pathway for students to create even more exciting mixtures of disciplines as they pursue their passions. Combined with initiatives like the new general education curriculum (Global Challenges & Social Justice) and Harris’s commitment to supporting scholarship in all fields, faculty and students are thriving in the classroom and beyond.

“David saw a mismatch in resource allocation relative to our engineering and computer science division, which has experienced significant enrollment increases without concomitant resource increases. Recognizing that these fields help differentiate Union, he set a course for remedying the mismatch—including by cultivating two historic gifts from Class of 1980 graduates Mary and Rich Templeton. When David departs, existing departments will have more staffing, we will be deliver-

ing the third year of two new majors—civil and environmental engineering—and we will be breaking ground on new construction to support this growth.”

Michele Angrist, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of the Faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs

“From the moment he gave his inaugural address, David made ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’ a cornerstone of his presidency. And I think you can feel the implications of that across the College. Students, staff and faculty all rose to that challenge facing times of uncertainty in truly admirable ways and I think we can credit David for a lot of that. Our faculty are producing truly incredible scholarship and designing exciting and innovative classes; our students are merging disparate interests in new ways and working to make the world around them better and brighter. I’m not sure it gets much stronger than this.”

Jennifer Mitchell, dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging/Chief Diversity Officer; associate professor of English and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

HARRIS YEARS

MILESTONES and ACCOMPLISHMENTS

One of several cornerstones of Harris’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, the Union College Forum on Constructive Engagement launched this month. The series aims to broaden perspectives and promote meaningful exchange on complex issues.

The Board of Trustees affirmed the new strategic plan, “The Power of Union,” which focuses on two main goals through 2025:

1) strengthening our community of learners, scholars and teachers, and 2) ensuring Union has the resources required to thrive in an evolving higher education landscape.

The College announced Making U Possible Family Grants, part of Making U Possible: The Presidential Initiative for Scholarships and Immersive Excellence. The initiative ensures that talented students from all backgrounds not only can afford a Union education but also are able to take full advantage of opportunities in and out of the classroom.

The first of three major milestones to secure Union’s future was announced at the Powering Union Campaign kickoff. The $51 million gift from Mary ’80 and Rich Templeton ’80 has helped transform the liberal arts and engineering and create the Templeton Institute for Engineering and Computer Science.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to remote operations on all levels.

The College announced an innovative plan—called Union Where You Are—for in-person and remote classes and services. This plan provided students with choices and chances to excel and challenge themselves during COVID. The new classes included Minervas Online, a unique suite of interdisciplinary courses to help students understand the complexity of and develop solutions to large-scale societal challenges. Experiential Education provided external partnerships and opportunities, through which students pursued a number of experiential opportunities for academic credit.

Harris announced The Power of Union: Administrative Excellence initiative. The project, part of the Strategic Plan’s goal to ensure necessary resources, focused on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Union’s finance, human resources and other administrative units.

David R. Harris was inaugurated as Union College’s 19th president.

A metal Block U sculpture was unveiled outside Achilles Center and painted for the first time. The U stands on the former site of the Idol, an ancient piece of Chinese art that is being restored and will be given a new home on campus.

The College announced the return of civil engineering after an 18-year hiatus and the addition of environmental engineering. Classes in both majors were launched in fall 2024.

JUNE 2023

The second of three major milestones to secure Union’s future was announced with the successful completion of the College’s largest-ever campaign. The effort, which reached its $300 million goal a year ahead of schedule (in June 2022), raised more than $316 million.

As part of a larger branding update, the College announced its new nickname—the Garnet Chargers. Garnet has been Union’s official color for more than 150 years. Chargers harkens to Schenectady’s legacy as a hub for electrical innovation and invention and is an apt metaphor for the high-energy, forward-looking Union College experience.

NOV. 2023

What’s a nickname without a mascot? Union revealed its new mascots, a garnet-colored costume dog and a red fox Labrador pup, both named Charger. The canine theme is a nod to the College’s dog-friendly campus.

FEB. 2024

In keeping with his efforts to strengthen the bond between Union and Schenectady, Harris announced a deal to build a new hockey rink at Mohawk Harbor. The facility, slated to open in fall 2025, will be the new home of Union hockey. (Pictured: The men and women celebrate their wins in the 2025 Mayor’s Cup.)

APRIL 2024

The new general education curriculum, Global Challenges & Social Justice, started with the Class of 2026. The curriculum creates opportunities for students to engage with and develop an understanding of the complex and global nature of many issues and how different disciplinary perspectives can address and illuminate them.

For more information about many of these milestones and accomplishments, visit union.edu/presidents-office or union.edu/news

The third of three major milestones to secure Union’s future was announced. The $40 million gift from Mary ’80 and Rich Templeton ’80 will further strengthen Union’s distinctive integration of the liberal arts, engineering and computer science.

SEPT. 2024

David Harris announced he will step down as president, effective June 30, 2025.

IN HIS OWN WORDS HARRIS YEARS

David R. Harris recently took some time to share a few thoughts on his Union experience—what’s made it special, what he’ll remember most, what he’s proudest of.

Q: What will always remind you of Union?

A: Anytime the words “not” and “today” are used together. That phrase came from a conversation with Leah Rosen (then vice president for Communications and Marketing) about how to get people vaccinated against COVID. And somehow this, “Nott Today COVID” phrase led to T-shirts, which were given out to everyone before they were vaccinated—and really embraced by everyone, too. I just loved seeing people wearing them. I still see people wearing them. I remember a student who would duct tape over the COVID part and replace it with RPI, or whoever Union was playing in hockey. For me, these words became bigger than COVID. They became a rallying cry for whatever we’re facing, and think is daunting. It’s huge, perhaps overwhelming, and you think well, just like we said not today COVID, we can say not today whatever else it is.

Q: What’s one of your most memorable Union moments?

A: In some ways, it was the campaign kickoff in February of 2020 because it’s so rare that you have such a clear divide over a period of time—the time before and after COVID. There was such incredible joy at the kickoff, which was attended by Class of 1980 graduates Mary and Rich Templeton, who gave a generous and historic gift to Union. It was just so magical the way the Field House was transformed during that event, and then three weeks later, we had to tell everyone to go home. So, I guess, it was so memorable because it was sort of a moment of pure excitement and potential before the world changed completely.

Q: When it comes to your time at Union, what are you most proud of?

Q: How has Union changed you?

A: Being at Union has reinforced the idea that I need to remain flexible and ready for what comes next. It’s probably why I have really latched on to the multiple tomorrows philosophy. When I think about my time here—everything from the Templetons’ gifts to COVID to Oct. 7, 2023, to the opportunity to raise $20 million for Pell Grant students (as part of the Schuler Access Initiative)—I think about the importance of being able to adjust. Of being able to adapt and figure out how to successfully navigate something that wasn’t part of the plan. You just have to generally know where you want to go and be ready to adjust how you get there. I think Union and these experiences here have also reinforced in me that most people are good.

Q: What’s next for you, professionally and personally?

A: No idea. I aggressively don’t know and refuse to know. I have this rare opportunity in life to really think about the next path as opposed to just moving one click away from where I am or doing whatever seems natural on some progression. I don’t want to say, “well, someone who was president usually does this immediately,” because there could be this whole other act that I wouldn’t even consider unless I just take a little time. It’s the same thing I tell students. Just try and take some time and think about what brings you joy and what brings you dread. What opportunities are out there that give you more of the former and less of the latter?

A: I think I’m just proud of the fact that we’ve navigated a lot of challenges successfully. We cleared campus during COVID and then brought people back in a way that gave them agency over when and how they returned, given their own health considerations. I’m really proud of the way we found a creative solution to our hockey rink problem that benefits Union and the community. I’m proud of what’s happened academically. The return of civil engineering really helps us flourish and deliver on our educational mission. We’ve taken Human Resources and turned it into a department that helps us support and develop people and their careers. And we’ve made Union a better place for women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Union wasn’t created for people like me or many folks who are here now. Whatever happened in the past is what happened, but now Union is for all of us.

Q: What message would you give your successor?

A: When I was at Tufts University, I hired a guy who previously was Supreme Allied Commander at NATO to be dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. And he said to me, “You lead like I lead. You lead by walking the ship.” When you’re a naval commander, you can’t sit in your office, you have to walk the ship. You have to engage with people to build relationships and learn things you wouldn’t learn just sitting in your office, because bad news doesn’t travel up in an organization. If you just stay in your office, you’ll find out about the problems, but you’ll find out too late. So I would tell the next person, just get out there. Talk to people. Walk the ship.

Family Circle

UTo recognize the many grandparents and extended family members who support the Union community, the Parents Circle is now the Family Circle.

To learn more about the Family Circle, please contact:

Noelle Beach Marchaj '05

Director of Parent and Family Philanthropy

Cell: 860-655-2875 | marchajn@union.edu union.edu/parents-families

nion’s Family Circle is made up of philanthropic members who become College insiders and investors in its success, ultimately developing stronger ties to their student’s Union experience.

We appreciate everything that Family Circle members shared with Union in 2023–2024. Your philanthropy has a powerful impact.

For those who are not yet members, we invite you to join us in supporting the educational programs and activities that will make your child’s Union experience extraordinary.

Left: Family Circle members enjoyed connecting with President David Harris and Dean Annette Diorio during our annual Homecoming and Family Weekend breakfast meeting in the Nott Memorial.

Thank you to our 2023-2024 Family Circle families

Anonymous

Robert and Susan Appleby P’21

Jim and Katie Brennan P’26

Lawrence and Barbara Breslow P’26

Raymond Boulanger P’93

Thomas Caulfield and Sandra Eng-Caulfield P’19

Rhea Clark GP’24

Brendan ’92 and Deborah Clifford P’27

Dennis and Miriam Coleman GP’24

Stacy Daly P’27

David and Tara Della Rocca P’26

Patrick ’88 and Jennifer ’91 DiCerbo P’24

Nick ’81 and Christine Gray P’24

Mark and Julie Jones P’25

Walker and Suzanne Jones P’26

Stephen and Jill Karp P’97, P’99

Irvin Kessler and Barbara Anderson P’04

Jeffrey Kip P’24

Ken and Judy Kloner P’27

Bob ’88 and Laura ’89 Koch P’25

Ian ’89 and Lisa Levin P’25

Ali and Angela Mandalinci P’24

John Masini P’13

Mila Meier P’94, P’91

Daniel Mentzer and Nicole Sheindlin P’24

Michael and Anne Moran P’10, P’13

Peter and Cynthia Nemer P'24

Thomas and Liz Niedermeyer P'10

Elizabeth O’Haire P’24

Richard Pilosof P’27

Tom and Lori Priore P’25

Jim and Jean Prusko P’25

David and Wendy Robbins P’27

Sean Riley P’25

Nathaniel Roberts and Laura Zung P’24

Michael and Janet Rogers P’11

Fred ’85 and Sue ’88 Rothberg P’26

David and Karen Sherwood P’23

Roger ’94 and Piper ’95 Smith P’26

Kay Stafford GP’26

John and Michele Vagianelis P’27

Mark ’88 and Emily Webster P’23, P’26

Paul and Merrill Weitzel P’26

Robert Wilson P’09

Anne Wilson P’09

FOC U S

Ever wonder what Union professors and students are up to when they aren’t in class? Just about everything, as it turns out. Nothing is beyond their collective reach or curious minds. Here’s a glimpse of the diverse and intriguing work they do.

Stories through pictures:

Studying graphic retellings of “David & Goliath”

David and Goliath.” It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as the Bible.

But age hasn’t dimmed its magnetism. “David and Goliath” is still a story that’s hard to put down—especially when it’s told through pictures.

Alex Roginski ’26 knows this only too well. They conducted research this past summer on graphic narratives, specifically two retellings of “David and Goliath.” One is modern. The other, medieval.

In 2012, cartoonist Tom Gauld published the graphic novel, Goliath. And in the 12th century, St. Steven Harding included a comic strip-like version of “David and Goliath” in what is today known as the Bible of St. Steven Harding. It is housed in Bibliothéque muncipale de Dijon (France), which Roginski visited this past summer as part of their research.

Roginski is comparing the two works, studying the relationship between illuminated medieval manuscripts and contemporary graphic novels.

“The Bible of St. Steven Harding is known for striking illustrations, some of which are

arranged in a comic strip format to tell the story of King David,” Roginski said. “This demonstrates that comics are not a recent invention, but rather have been developed over the course of centuries.

“Despite changes in mindset, art style and intentions, comic strips continue to rework our cultural stories—such as ‘David and Goliath’—and showcase the many ways we can retell stories and why we bother.”

Here, Roginski, a double major in English and physics, expands on why we tell the stories over and over. They also share what inspired their research and what they have learned so far. (Roginski’s faculty advisor for their summer work is Assistant Professor of History Sarina Kuersteiner.) A more detailed version of this story can be found at union.edu/news.

Why did you choose to study the story of “David and Goliath?”

When I started this project, I was researching the history of graphic narratives and stumbled upon a distinct image from the Bible of St.

Alex Roginski ’26 in France

Steven Harding. It was part of a page about the life of King David—everything from him killing Goliath to being crowned king. The page is organized like a comic strip, complete with miniature figures, bright colors, illumination and some text to explain the events depicted. It just really delighted me. Goliath is so large that he bursts out of the panel. St. Steven Harding originally intended his manuscript as a learning tool for the monks at Citeaux Abbey and attempted to preserve all biblical stories with original meanings and themes.

Associate Professor of English Judith Lewin pointed me toward Gauld’s Goliath His graphic novel is written from Goliath’s perspective. Instead of being the all-powerful figure from the biblical story, Goliath is timid and uninterested in fighting. It was intriguing how Gauld, in reversing the narrative, created a novel that forces readers to reconsider their stances. Gauld did the opposite of Harding, and I wanted to analyze that and explore how “David and Goliath” has changed over the course of different retellings.

What have you learned so far about how Gauld and Harding present the story of “David and Goliath?” What are the similarities and differences?

St. Steven Harding retold the story as true to the biblical version as possible, while Tom Gauld flipped the narrative. Harding wanted to teach his fellow monks the biblical stories most relevant to their faith, as well as emphasize the story’s importance by dedicating time, effort and expense into illustration and illumination. Gauld wanted to teach his contemporary readers the importance of perspective and bias. But while their aims are different, these men are similar in that they both desire to teach the importance of retellings and urge their audiences to learn.

What do societies and people gain from retelling stories? Why do we do it? We have unlimited opportunity to experiment and create new stories from old ones to reflect new meaning or teach new ideas. In doing so, we start to see the ways we have changed over time, and we

can compare how present or past ideals are reflected in the retellings that emerged at the time. I find retellings to be an incredible opportunity to explore the ways we’ve changed and grown, and I believe retellings to be authors asking for their readers to change and grow.

A graphic narrative of the story

“David and Goliath” in the Bible of St. Steven Harding, published in the 12th century

ALAN ROSNER ’65

An Instructional Chapbook for Translating Horizontal to Vertical Text

Independently published

The third and last instructional chapbook documents In Discourse, an editioned book of brushed scrolls, which represent three ways of understanding our world. The texts are from Atget, Buson and Chuang Tzu. Thus far copies have been placed in the Artist Book collections of the Staadtsbibliothek of Berlin and Columbia University’s Butler Library. Sales to other collections are expected. The back cover’s image is the Buson haiku for winter: In moonlight / the blossoming plum / a tree in Winter. A short film, currently in progress, will cover the development of the unique vertical script documented in this book, along with the laser etching of texts onto a set of four related sculptures. As always, the author’s intent is to have others take advantage of this script’s visual flexibility and its ability to support other conceptual and compositional intensions. For a better sense of the brushwork, visit centralbookingnyc.com/product-category/alan-m-rosner

ROBERT E. MAY ’65

Debunking the Yule Log Myth: The Disturbing History of a Plantation Legend

Roman & Littlefield

According to an oft repeated legend, during Christmas before the Civil War, all enslaved people in the American South enjoyed lengthy vacations of a week or more depending on how long an oversized “Yule log” burned in their master’s fireplace. No wonder they soaked those logs in swamps to make them burn even longer. But is it true? This book takes readers on a detective caper, investigating a story that reaches back to colonial America and continues today. It finds little evidence of the Yule log tradition in the historical record, instead showing that it originated with pro-Confederate Lost Cause propagandists attempting to present the South’s pre-war system of human bondage in as soft tones as possible. Tales about good-natured masters and unresentful slaves jovially sharing Christmases played to this impulse beautifully. Debunking the Yule Log Myth does more than correct the historical record. It serves as a case study in the process of historical mythmaking.

LANCE O. SPALLHOLZ ’69

Auto Touring America's National Parks: The Photography of H.A. Spallholz

Texas Tech University Press

In 1919 there were just 6.7 million cars in America. There was no interstate system. The national park system was thirty-seven years young. In this fledgling environment for long-distance travel, H. A. Spallholz and family set out from Salem, N.Y., to see America’s national parks. Collected into a book for the first time, the Spallholz photographs are a fascinating picturesque time capsule of early twentieth century America. This book provides a unique view across generations of American travelers and belongs on the coffee table of anyone who loves photography, American history, and the great outdoors. Lance Spallholz, who was an instructor and lab manager in computer science at Union College for nearly three decades, died July 16, 2024. He is remembered on p. 66.

SEENA KAREN RASMUSSEN DRAPALA ’84

My Brother, Chris SKRD Publishing

Christian Erik Rasmussen’s sister, Seena, shares family photos and her memories of growing up in rural America in the 1950s and 60s with her brother. Memories of Ostrander Road, in the town of Guilderland, and the county of Albany, New York, depict a simpler time of playing outdoors before cellphones or color television. Photograph shapes and sizes change over the years as is evident in this collection. Her story reminds us that we are a collective of our experiences. The book is available at www.lulu.com.

NICHOLAS PAVELCHAK ’84

Priest Kid: Life in a Fishbowl— The Hidden Lives of Children of a Parish Priest

Helderberg Observatory Publishing

Have you ever wondered what would make a priest enter the darkened home of a man who holds his family hostage and threatens to shoot police? Have you ever wondered what would make a child so angry to physically lash out at a bishop? Have you ever wondered about the private lives of priests and their families? This priest kid takes you on a journey through the unseen struggles of the family of a parish priest. Thousands of priest kids (PKs) are treated differently from all the other kids by people in the parish, the community and the schools. PKs wander in the shadows, while their lives are carefully scrutinized. They walk on tiptoes, as their steps are tracked through pathways of the community. They speak in

carefully reserved tones, during which their motivations are mistrusted. PKs listen attentively and are offered the support of Silence. The emotional health and mental well-being of PKs and their families rely on support that remains hidden from society. This book reveals the unseen lives of PKs to the world.

BILL ACKERBAUER ’96

Skunk Jacket Records

“Black Cats & A Blowtorch”

“Black Cats & A Blowtorch” is the third album by The Insolent Willies, a band that includes Bill Ackerbauer ’96. It includes ten original songs and a cover recorded over the winter of ’23-’24 at Tom White’s Symplicity Sound Studio in Middleburgh, N.Y. The album, which features tunes like “Birds Aren’t Real” and “Done the Math,” is available for stream/download on iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp and elsewhere. CDs are available in person at live shows or by carrier pigeon. Learn more at insolentwillies.com

ANGELO SPENILLO ’98

“Inertia”

Raven Chief Productions

“Inertia” is the first album by ASPENILLO featuring the single, “Still.”

Written, recorded and produced by Angelo Spenillo ’98, the music combines soaring melodies of rock with heavier rhythms of metal. From the haunting keyboard opening of “Point” to the soulful acoustic closing of “Walk Alone,” the album takes the listener on an emotional exploration of lyrical themes of isolation, accountability, love and loss. The record exhibits a wide range of influences from alt-rock (Weezer and My Chemical Romance) to guitar heroes (Zakk Wylde and Steve Vai) that will capture the attention of any rock music lover.

MICHAEL NYIKOS ’23

Detective Catfish: The Missing Trout

Rowland Publishing

Set in an underwater world where fish have human characteristics, this graphic novel/comic book follows Detective Catfish as he investigates the disappearance of 11-year-old Timmy Trout. As Catfish struggles to reel in clues and solve the crime, he grows uncertain of whom to trust and soon discovers that everyone’s a suspect.

BUNKONG TUON, Associate professor of English Koan Khmer

Curbstone/Northwestern University Press

In this debut novel, Bunkong Tuon celebrates the power of literature to rescue a life from despair. Koan Khmer tells the story of Samnang Sok, an orphaned child survivor of the Cambodian genocide who searches for meaning and order as he sets out to make a new life in America with his extended family. Feeling disconnected from his American peers and from family but inspired by books he discovers, Sok begins piecing together the past through stories told by elders, family photographs and his own memories. The story is loosely based on Tuon’s life. Tuon was born several years before the radical communist Khmer Rouge regime took over Cambodia in 1975, brutally killing up to 3 million people. He and his extended family left their homeland in 1979, and he spent several years in refugee camps in Thailand before immigrating to the United States in 1981. The book gives voice to his distinctly Cambodian American sensibility. The cover art is by Khmer American Dara Oum.

CONSIDERATION

Media, formerly Bookshelf, features new titles by or about alumni and other members of the Union community. To be included, send a copy of the work (book, DVD, CD) and synopsis to:

Office of Communications Union College 807 Union Street Schenectady, N.Y. 12308

Or send synopsis and high-resolution image to: magazine@union.edu

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI COUNCIL

GREETINGS FELLOW ALUMNI,

Ihope this message finds you well! The Alumni Council and our new executive committee have been busy working on exciting ways to strengthen ties between alumni and the Union College community.

One way we’re doing this is by deepening our collaboration with the Career Center, creating meaningful alumni-student connections through two avenues.

First, we added a new component to the successful SparkLab entrepreneurship program. Called the Union Philanthropic Pitch (UPP), it allows students to present their philanthropic grant idea to a panel of alumni judges. Applicants will be evaluated on the potential impact of their idea—a fresh concept that will have an outsized impact on a number of communities (including Union and Schenectady).

UPP will help students and alumni engage in giving back in a truly significant way. Alumni can serve as judges, coaches or mentors. To learn more, please reach out to me (tessbskoller@gmail.com), Ashley Breslin (breslina@union.edu) or Damond Heath (heathd@union.edu).

Second, I am excited to introduce GarnetGrove. Union’s very own professional social network, GarnetGrove is designed specifically as a place for alumni and students to connect, collaborate and help each other grow.

GarnetGrove is like LinkedIn, but with more school spirit and fewer spammy connection requests. Alumni and students can create profiles showcasing their professional resumes and also their campus involvement. It’s a space to strengthen the Union network, and here’s where you come in.

As an alum, you can:

• Help students discover potential career paths.

• Participate in industry-related affinity groups and discussions (show your expertise!).

• Conduct mock interviews and offer resume tips.

• Engage in one-on-one mentorship with students through chat and video messaging.

GarnetGrove isn’t just a professional network; it’s an opportunity to give back to the next generation of Union graduates. Visit union.peoplegrove.com, create your profile and start connecting with students today.

As always, thank you for your continued commitment to Union. Together, we are building a future as strong as our shared past.

Warm regards, Tess Skoller ’13, president, Union College Alumni Council

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

Liz Mariapen ’09

English major with minor in sociology and Africana studies

Liz Mariapen ’09 has dedicated her career to public service, shaping strategies and building partnerships that promote civic engagement and social equity.

Just recently, she was at the forefront of outreach efforts as the director of partnerships and groups for the Harris-Walz campaign. Previously, she served as a senior advisor for strategic outreach in the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach at the White House, where she co-led a team responsible for designing initiatives that highlighted the legislative accomplishments and priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration. Her work centered on fostering relationships with progressive and statebased leaders, with a special focus on engaging Black and Latino communities.

Mariapen’s career has deep roots in the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where she has held several key roles. As associate director in the Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection, she oversaw the implementation of the 2020 delegate selection process and contributed to the success of the first-ever virtual Democratic National Convention.

This work was a natural outgrowth of her passion for public service, which was sparked early in her career when she was an AmeriCorps member with City Year Chicago. A first-generation GuyaneseAmerican and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she holds a master's degree in public administration from American University.

An Academic Opportunity Program scholar at Union, Mariapen has remained

active with her alma mater. She has served as an alumni admissions volunteer, an alumni interviewer and as a Union representative at local college fairs.

Which of your Union activities has been most meaningful?

Participating in the Future Professor’s Program was an opportunity to improve my writing, literary understanding and research skills. Professor Hugh Jenkins taught me how to become a better communicator and shape my ideas through writing. I conducted pre-publication research, tutored English students and developed a course curriculum. The most meaningful aspect of this program was presenting my research at the Milton 400 Conference in Anselm, N.H. This was my first public presentation of my own work.

What was your most formative Union experience?

I had the opportunity to participate in Union’s first Civil Rights Public History

mini-term. I met some members of the Little Rock Nine, Freedom Riders and the ever-vibrant Reverend C.T. Vivian. Getting to learn about such an awe-inspiring time in our history ignited a passion in me to serve. Inspired to make a difference myself, I chose to dedicate a year after college to mentor and tutor Chicago’s youth with City Year, an AmeriCorps program.

What’s your favorite Union memory?

Some of my favorite memories were spent at Bronner House. As the multicultural theme house, it brought together students and provided space for us to hold discussions, share our cultures and create a community of belonging. It was where I made new friends, including my roommate, the late Madelyn DeLeon ’09. She was a fellow AOP/HEOP participant and like me, we were the first in our families to attend college. We were both first-generation American-born, daughters of immigrants, who wanted to help people. Madelyn, and

I and a bunch of other girlfriends always made the most of what we had, and of our time together.

What is the best advice you ever received?

“Teach people how to treat you.” I remember my first conversation about a raise, where I was asked to follow up with a proposal, title suggestions and career plan—something my white male colleagues weren’t asked to do. As one of the few women of color in many rooms, I quickly learned to advocate for myself and others against microaggressions, systemic racism, sexism, unfair pay and the correct pronunciation of my name. Growing up, I struggled to understand my worth and express myself with confidence. I always knew I deserved to be at the table, but it took time for me to understand how to survive and adapt in spaces that did not fully accept me. Eventually, I sought out mentorship from Black and Brown women in leadership, who helped me find and strengthen my voice, teaching me to lead with care and humility. While this work can be isolating, I continue to overcome insecurities, build confidence and show up authentically, knowing that my values and respect are non-negotiable.

Fun fact about you:

My first international trip was a solo journey to the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Growing up in a family with four siblings, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel abroad. It was empowering to travel alone, and it gave me the chance to learn more about myself while navigating new places and interacting with different people.

Alumni Clubs

WASHINGTON,

D.C.

The Union College Club of Washington, D.C., hosted an election discussion with Zoe Oxley, the William D. Williams Professor of Political Science (center, behind banner).

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.

Alumni attended the LGBTQ reception during ReUnion.

Alumni enjoyed a gathering in the Adirondacks in October 2024.

BOSTON, MASS.

Alumni attended a mentoring event.

JOIN US

The Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement offers great ways for alumni and their families to get together. If you have any suggestions for events near you, contact us at alumni@union.edu or (518) 388-6168. A full listing of up-todate events can be found at ualumni.union.edu/events

SARANAC, N.Y.

1951

CLASS NOTES U

1952

Dave Weichert writes, “My wife and I visited the Union College campus in September. It brought back a lot of happy memories. We are yearlong residents of Long Beach Island in New Jersey and are doing well.”

1953

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Hubert Plummer 21 Temple Road Setauket, N.Y. 11733 (631) 941-4076 whp@plummerlaw.com

1954

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Avrom J. Gold

19702 Bella Loma, Apt. 9-102 San Antonio, Texas 78256 (908) 581-1455 avromgold@gmail.com

Avrom Gold writes, “On May 14, I travelled alone from San Antonio, TX to attend the 70th ReUnion of our Class of ’54. On the way, I stopped in New York City to have lunch with classmate Irwin ‘Sonny’ Gertzog, who was unable to attend. Sonny tells me that he’s expecting to become a great-grandfather in September. Sonny, who was a professor of government and political science at Allegheny University for several decades, is presently engaged in writing articles about Donald Trump, and the recent Ten Commandments law adopted in Louisiana which he anticipates will be published when completed. I then visited with numerous old friends and relatives in NJ, and after the ReUnion, returned to NJ to spend time with more old friends, before returning home on the 21st. Not bad for an old-timer. Then on June 14, I was honored and privileged to be invited to, and to attend the interment with full military honors, of our late class member, Col. Richard B. Fink USAF ret., at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Phil Beuth, Bill Bloomfield and I represented our class at the ReUnion. Jim Groff was scheduled to attend but withdrew for health reasons. We had a marvelous few days together. Our parade costumes of yellow wigs and long-stem pipes along with

the enlarged poster of our Dutch boy mascot in pages from our yearbook helped us celebrate the Dutchmen that we were 70 years ago. They made a hit and have been described as ‘hilarious’ by others. Phil celebrated his 92nd birthday at the ReUnion.”

Family and friends are remembering Col. Richard B. Fink (USAF, ret.), of San Antonio, Texas, who died March 26, 2024. At Union College, he majored in social studies and received an AB degree, played lacrosse and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation, he married Marion Langenbach and spent nearly 32 years in the Air Force. Richard served in many capacities and in many places, and after earning an MBA in management from George Washington University, transitioned to that field. His assignments included Thule, Greenland; Chicksands, England; Ramstein, Germany; and Idaho, Washington, D.C. and California. He retired in 1986 as deputy chief of personnel for Europe and director of Air Force Morals, Welfare and Recreation. He received two Meritorious Service Medals and the Legion of Merit Medal and established an endowed scholarship for the Cadet Corps at Texas A & M University in memory of his late son Jeffrey (a graduate of the university and USAF pilot).

Have you recently been promoted, had a baby, gotten married or taken a fun trip?

Share your news with us at classnotes@union.edu.

In 1988, he obtained a second master’s degree in gerontology from the University of the Incarnate Word, became a member of its development board and established an endowed scholarship. For ten years thereafter, he served as director of the Forum at Lincoln Heights. He received a White House commendation from President George H. W. Bush for acting as liaison between the forum and the White House during a visit by the President and Mrs. Bush to Texas. In his later years, Richard was a Master Gardener and taught classes in horticulture at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. He was 91.

Charles Clark writes that after he left Union and served in the USAF, he was awarded a BSEC degree after taking a full engineering course of 5 years at Cornell. He then followed a medical electronics career, serving as a production manager for Honeywell and founder of Sandhill Scientific, a medical instrumentation company. He has since written a novel, “Bootlegger Forty

Steven Ente ’75, Gerald Ente ’51 and Peter Ente ’82 got together recently. Peter is Gerald’s son and Steve is his nephew.

Alumnus and television pioneer receives special honors

Member of the Class of 1954 and television pioneer Phil Beuth was recently honored for his dedication to career and community.

This past fall, he received the inaugural Service to the Community Award from the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame. And this past summer, he was featured in the documentary, “WTEN-TV 70th Anniversary ... A Look Back,” for his role in the Albany (N.Y.) station’s beginnings.

Philanthropy and business have always been equally important to Beuth. He’s lived by the words, “when you do well, you should do good.”

Why? Because his life was changed by people who believed the same.

Beuth credits the kindness of others for the “big breaks” that have made him who he is—professionally and personally.

CAREER & BIG BREAKS

Beuth’s first big break came when he was 17. A family friend arranged for him to meet Union trustee Frank Bailey in the financier’s Manhattan office to discuss the possibility of Beuth attending the College. Throughout his life, Bailey generously gave scholarships to many young men (Union did not admit women until 1970).

“I shined my shoes and was very nervous, but I remember Mr. Bailey greeting me and almost singing, ‘So you want to go to Union? Come along with me,’” Beuth said.

“During our conversation I said I was proud to be thinking of college, but I didn’t have any money—only $40 saved.”

Beuth grew up in a working-class neighborhood on Staten Island. After his father died when he was four, he and his brother were raised by their mother, a “very strong woman” who taught Beuth “to walk and be honest and principled.”

(Beuth was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy.)

PHIL BEUTH ’54

During ReUnion in May 2024, Phil Beuth ’54 celebrated his 92nd birthday on campus with his wife, Mary, and members of the Union community.

Shortly after the meeting with Bailey, Beuth received a scholarship to Union. Once in Schenectady, he studied English, though he likes to say his major was really “growing up 101.”

“I was the most naive, uninformed person,” Beuth said, “but I went from Dick Tracey to Henry Thoreau.”

Indeed, Beuth excelled in his studies, as he did in his pursuit of professional development.

On campus, he worked at the Rathskeller while tirelessly, but respectfully, badgering the station manager at Schenectady’s WRGB until he was hired as a page.

“The manager said, ‘I’ve never had anybody so persistent. We need somebody like you,’” Beuth recalled. “I loved it and I worked ‘till midnight and then walked all the way home to Union.”

“Pretty soon, I became well known and was allowed to learn to work the cameras and sit with directors,” he continued. “I learned so much and was spoiled rotten.”

When Beuth graduated, GE executive Robert Hanna (GE owned WRGB then) gave him his second big break—a scholarship to attend Syracuse University and earn a master’s in television management. Once he had that degree in hand, Hanna told a man named Thomas Murphy about Beuth.

Thomas Murphy, who founded communications giant Capital Cities and retired as CEO of Capital Cities/ABC, hired Beuth sight unseen in 1955 to help launch the station that would become WTEN.

Being WTEN’s first employee was big break number three.

For the next 42 years, starting with WTEN, Beuth helped Murphy grow Capital Cities and turn it into a communications juggernaut. Through it all, Beuth eagerly tried his hand at everything in the emerging television industry—film director, public affairs, producer, promotion manager, sales manager.

“Volunteering and getting involved in charitable causes allowed me to make contacts in the community that benefited my work and the community. I realized it was good business to give and so I’ve done that my whole life, and that’s why I received this honor from the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.” –Phil Beuth ’54

In the late 1960s, he was named vice president and general manager for the Capital Cities affiliate in Huntington, W.V. In 1971, he became president and general manager of KFSN TV in Fresno, Calif. Four years later, he was president of WKBW TV, the Capital Cities station in Buffalo. At each stop, Beuth’s stations were audience leaders.

The pinnacle of his career came in 1985 when Capital Cities purchased ABC. Beuth was named president of morning and late-night entertainment, and headed the ABC flagship, “Good Morning America.” After a restructure led by Beuth, GMA overtook NBC’s “Today Show” as the top morning broadcast and won an Emmy.

Throughout Beuth’s time at Capital Cities, Murphy did more than give Beuth countless professional opportunities. Murphy cemented Beuth’s belief that people are just as important as business, and that when a community thrives, so do its industries.

GIVING BACK

“Volunteering and getting involved in charitable causes allowed me to make contacts in the community that benefited my work and the community,” Beuth said. “I realized it was good business to give and so I’ve done that my whole life, and that’s

why I received this honor from the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.”

Through his foundation, Beuth and his family have supported a range of projects— water wells in Ethiopia, battered women’s shelters, scholarship programs and the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Fla.

The center, whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty for the children of Immokalee, recognized Beuth and his wife, Mary, with its Legendary Leaders award in 2023 for their 20 years of service.

Beuth has also been a staunch supporter of the general hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., and cerebral palsy causes. He has also volunteered tirelessly with organizations fighting AIDS and he created the first series of prime-time network specials devoted to the disease.

He has done all this for decades, inspired to give back to people and organizations that made a difference to him and countless others—like Union.

A former trustee, Beuth has provided invaluable leadership on the Board. He hasn’t missed an annual gift to the College in decades and supported the renovation of Schaffer Library. He also supported the renovation of Beuth House, the Minerva house that is the former home of Beuth’s fraternity, Psi Upsilon.

And it was in Beuth House this past May, during ReUnion 2024, that a special celebration was held in honor of his 92nd birthday. Returning to campus was very meaningful for him and his wife.

“It was so nice to be back,” Beuth said. “I’ve been very pleased to have my name on that house because I like people to know that giving back means something. It’s important to do good.”

"Mary and I will continue to give breaks to people and institutions that deserve them, or don't suspect they deserve them, for as long as we can," added Beuth, who published his memoir, Limping on Water, in 2015.

Ford” and is currently engaged in working on a production company to make a movie.

Richard Conlin’s son Steve advises that his dad has moved into assisted living near him in Paducah, K.Y.

Robert Gilfillan sent regrets from Florida that he could not attend the ReUnion. Bob retired after 35 years with General Electric as national account manager.

Jack Judson writes that he is living with his bachelor son in Taunton, M.A,. and participates with him in his son’s collection of antique trucks and trailers.

Michael Kahn is and has been living in Key Biscayne, F.L., since 1984 when he retired after 30 years with General Electric. He has been active in the local community and family affairs since then.

Conrad Lang writes that he is recovering from hip replacement and still lives in Averill Park, N.Y.

Robert Richter, M.D., as always among the first to respond to Avrom Gold’s emails, wrote in fall 2023 that he was still in NY City. His daughter, Miriam, wrote in summer 2024 that Bob had recently died. She spoke of how proud he was of his time at Union and how he had a special place for it in his heart.

Martin Schulman, M.D., sent his regrets from New York that he wouldn’t be able to come to ReUnion, and closed with one of the best one-liners: “I have enough trouble getting to the bathroom.”

Richard Shaffer’s son, Larry ’81 , wrote from Mississippi that his dad was a very active golfer until he came down with health issues in 2022, but is otherwise in good shape, and sends his best. Dick spent 37

years with General Electric in motor and generator engineering design, manufacture and field.

Charles Vesty writes from Florida that he and Renee could not come to ReUnion because of on-going medical treatment. Charley retired some years ago as a captain at Eastern Airlines.

Ricardo Vilar sent his regrets that he couldn’t attend the ReUnion. Rick retired some years ago as manager of Albany-Steam Generation Plant, Glenmore, N.Y., after 36 years with Niagara Mohawk. Richard Webb’s daughter, Annie Wroblewski, writes from Walworth, N.Y., that Richard is currently in assisted living and doing very well.

Robert Woodworth also sent his regrets from Florida, along with regards and good wishes to the class.

1955

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Ken Haefner 1346 Waverly Pl. Schenectady, N.Y. 12308 kbhaefner@gmail.com

1956

William Deuell writes, “Grandson, Ryan Baum, has left for Boulder to begin his freshman year with a major in civil engineering and a minor in global engineering. I started Union as a sophomore in 1953, and if that sounds like a long time ago, it was. Global engineering is a relatively new major and if you need more information, you will have to look it up on the Bolder web site.”

Arthur Fabricant writes, “I retired too early in 2002 and decided to windsurf and golf in the Bahamas instead of

becoming a billionaire. I have visited Union about 10 years ago and donated a sum which I’m told has gotten my name on a classroom. I don’t remember which. I graduated from Harvard Law School, Class of 1959, and have a good friend aged 93 who still has an office with a prestigious Wall St. firm and goes in 5 days a week. I’m jealous. I shot 92 for 18 holes this morning. He’s jealous.”

Steve Hansen writes, “Hello everyone, I’m hanging in there. The biggest change is becoming a snowbird in the last 3 years. I go to Sun City West near Phoenix. I had fallen on the ice up here in Charlevoix MI, and my doctors said falling is strictly forbidden! I’m lucky to be able to be fairly active. In Sun City, I do lawn bowling, and in Charlevoix I golf. The golf is played on a virtual golf game, because I can’t see the ball going down the fairway outdoors. Am I hitting it too far? However, I can still drive my car. I have given up sailing—my strength and balance aren’t good enough. My lovely wife, Anne, died 7 years ago. I’m not that lonely though, with the help of a circle of friends and activities; I go to coffee klatches or meals out with them 3-4 times a week. I was glad to see, on the web, that the protest action at Union, around the war in Gaza, was muted. I also saw that my Phi Delta Theta house, overlooking the athletic field, was to be torn down soon. I hope my classmates are in good spirits.”

Robert B. Scott worked in aerospace for 20 years. After graduation, he worked on Apolo 11 moon landing, became a Real Estate Broker and started RBScottRealEstate. He writes, “I live in Palm

Springs, CA, plan to attend my 70th Class Reunion and 70th BSME Class Reunion in 2026.”

Norm Bartner writes, “After winning national freestyle championships and a silver medal in the butterfly in 2015 at age 80, I am gearing up for nationals again at age 90. Due to Covid and health issues I have not been able to compete. Unable to butterfly anymore, I have taken up breaststroke. Certainly, I will continue backstroke since I made top ten in the world at age 80. Retirement is somewhat boring, but training fills some time. The last 22 years we have been living in Southhampton, NY, so if you are in the neighborhood would love to see Union friends. There are a few of us out here. Harry Fertig’s son visited with us a few weeks ago. Another time filler is rowing in a 28-foot sculling shell, which is also cross training for swimming.”

David Bruce Robbins writes, “On vacation recently. I met with Robert Scharf and Harold Howard in Lenox, MA. Are there any alums in the Boca Raton, FL area? Looking forward to our next ReUnion.”

Herbert Gilder writes, “Sad news, my roommate, Robert ‘Flash’ Gordon, died recently as a result of a heart attack during a long stay in the hospital.”

1957

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Paul Mohr 140 E Duce of Clubs Ste A Show Low, Ariz. 85901 dadtired@frontiernet.net

1958

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

David C. Horton 68 Paul Revere Road Lexington, Mass. 02421 paulrevereroad@aol.com

Dave Wainwright is living the good life in the Southwest and writes, “I still live in Trilogy in Vistancia, AZ. Play golf, swim, play bocce and other activities. Retirement here is contentment.”

David Horton writes, “Lexington, MA, where I live, during the week of April 19, 2025, will commemorate and honor the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, that will have been fought 250 years ago. Each year, the battles are commemorated in this area in April on what is known as Patriots Day, a big deal around here, including a somber reenactment on the Lexington green where those first shots were fired. The 250th ‘sestercentennial’ will be an even bigger deal next April 2025 with the town and local organizations pulling out all the stops. Consider coming to Lexington next April to relive and explore a significant piece of American history! If you do, let me know. I will be glad to share information about it as it develops. By the way, you can also watch the unparalleled Boston Marathon while you are here that will run on April 21!”

1959

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

William “Dal” Trader 5361 Santa Catalina Avenue Garden Grove, Calif. 92845 daltrader@earthlink.net (310) 629-8971

1960

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Charles E. Roden kiw702@aol.com

Joel Kupersmith, M.D. jk1688@georgetown.edu

Jim Reisman writes, “Taking advantage of the balmy spring weather in mid-June 2024, a few of us got together at a lovely bistro in Hastings, N.Y., for a casual lunch meeting! Present were Robert Markfield, Esq. ’61, Alvin Galland, Chet Feldberg, Esq. and me, Jim Reisman ’60/’61 . But during lunch at a delightful waterside table, did we discuss the ‘old’ memories of the campus in our day, including Carter Davidson, Carl Niemeyer, Joe Finkelstein, Bill Huntley, the Nott and the Idol? Not a chance! Instead, we chatted about the everyday things that old friends talk about and that have kept us friends for all these years—not counting our health, which is part of every discussion among 80-yearolds! It was a great afternoon and we’re sorry we didn’t take a photo, but you get the idea!”

Joel Kupersmith writes, “Recently I had the privilege of participating in the planning and execution of an important meeting on Remote Patient Monitoring under the National Academy of Engineering. The meeting dealt with diagnosis

and treatment of patients at home. Many blood tests can be done virtually as can monitoring of vital signs and of course physician visits. COPD, sleep apnea, asthma, stroke, tobacco, epilepsy, weight loss or gain, and various cardiac conditions are just some examples where care at home can be rendered. Welcome to the future.”

1962

Family and friends are remembering C. Louis Abelove, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, who died April 20, 2024, at age 83. A lifelong Utica, N.Y., resident, Louis graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1958 and majored in history at Union College. After graduating from New York University School of Law in 1965, he returned to Utica. He was a practicing attorney and businessman for 56 years. Louis loved his family, the law and antique cars, especially Packards. He twice drove across the country—once in an MGA with a friend and once in a 1948 Packard with his family. In his professional and personal life, he believed in helping others quietly, out of the spotlight. Survivors include his wife, Ellen; his daughter, Amy; his son, Joel; their spouses; and four grandchildren.

1966

Family and friends are remembering Richard P. Schulz, 87, of Haverford, Penn. He passed away May 29, 2024. He was married to the late Barbara ‘Bobby’ Schulz (née Lovegrove) and is survived by his children, Mark V. Schulz and Lisa Wagner (née Schulz), and grandson Bennett James Wagner. Richard graduated from Lehigh University with degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, and Union College with a master’s in science. He served in the U.S. Army and as a reservist. Richard was a longtime engineer specializing in power systems analysis. He started working for General Electric in Schenectady and joined American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio, in 1987. He retired in 2000 and started his own consulting firm. Richard was a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He authored or co-authored over 40 papers in IEEE, CIGRE, EEI, the American Power Conference and other professional journals. He has also authored or co-authored another 11 Department of Energy reports. Richard was an avid sailor, racing Olympicclass Snipes. Along with his wife, he was an active member of the Union Presbyterian

Kenny Merrell ’59 fishing with friends in Cabo San Lucas

Richard P. Schulz G’66 died May 29, 2024.

C. Louis Abelove ’62 died April 20, 2024.

Church in Schenectady and St. Andrews in Columbus.

1967

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Joseph Smaldino 6310 Lantern Ridge Lane Knoxville, Tenn. 37921 smaldinoj@comcast.net (815) 762-5984

1968

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

John Dresser

Etna, N.H. jdressernh@gmail.com

Family and friends are remembering Vito Pagnotti, 77, of Niskayuna, N.Y., who entered into eternal peace on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the loving arms of his wife of 31 years, Athena Perotis Pagnotti, and his son, Victor Gabriel Pagnotti. Vito was a Steinmetz and Nott Scholar and majored in mathematics at Union College. Vito earned his Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences from the University at Albany in 1980. He retired in 2010, after 27 years of service, as an air pollution meteorologist for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in Albany. Vito preferred the quiet of home with his family and friends around him. His wit, sincerity, love and devotion to God and family will always be treasured.

1969

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

George Cushing Delanson, N.Y. pinyachta@gmail.com

Ray Pike

Salisbury, Mass. rnwpike@comcast.net

Friends and family are remembering Mark Meisel, who passed away April 9, 2024, after a long illness of progressive multiple sclerosis. He is survived by his children, Jay and Stacey, and their spouses, Hunter and Marty; his grandson Aidan; his mother Jackie, his brothers Alan and Neil, and their families. His wife, Amy, passed away in 2001. He graduated from Union College in 1969, and the Iowa College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1974. Mark was a family physician for many years in Glen Rock, N.J. People around the area affectionately would call him “Doctor Mark.” In his younger years he was an avid sportsman in high school, college and with his friends and family. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was patient and thoughtful, and will be dearly missed.

1970

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Frank P. Donnini

Newport News, Va. fpdonnini@aol.com

Andy Anderson read the recent class note input (Spring 2024) from Jon Littman and writes, “His piece reminded me that I have a 54-year-old bone to pick with him; I took care of his cat senior year because his landlord wouldn’t allow pets. Then when he was going to take her back, he went to medical school in Scotland. There was a happy ending: Bego moved in with my parents … The recent campus

demonstrations had me thinking about our senior spring. I remember the question of the Vietnam War as a much simpler issue than those prompting the current demonstrations. However, one does have to be careful of the effects of selective memory and nostalgia.”

Allan Eustis is still enjoying retirement in Lancaster, PA, and writes, “After 47 years, the Alaska Aviation Weather Program I created, hosted and produced nightly for KAKM Public TV in Anchorage as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) meteorologist starting in 1976, sadly went off the air in 2023. The AP published a nice story that noted, ‘’Alaska Weather’ has been must-see TV for 47 years in a state where extreme weather dictates everyday life. But the daily program, the only weather show produced by the National Weather Service, will have its last on-air broadcast in July 2023… Allan Eustis was the show’s first anchor when it went on the air in 1976. The Lancaster, PA, resident learned how appreciative people were for the program when he visited Alaska’s distant villages. A lot of them use the information to go out whaling during whaling season, and we would show

satellite pictures of where the ice was, he said of the federally allowed subsistence hunt. If there’s a reason to continue the show, it really would be to support these folks.’”

Lawrence Giammichele sent in an update about himself and two fellow fraternity members of Theta Delta Chi, Allan Page and John Ellerton. He writes, “On a weekend in April 2024, three fraternity brothers met in Cooperstown, N.Y., for a few hours of recollection, storytelling and just plain catching up. Larry lives in Binghamton, N.Y., and is fully retired from his local health care hospital system. Allan lives in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and continues to manage his own energy consulting firm and John, mostly retired, lives in East Syracuse, N.Y., and still ‘influences’ his sons as they slowly take over responsibility for his airport lighting company. Much of the storytelling was dedicated to John’s “Great Loop” boat adventure which spanned almost 2 years and involved a whole host of interesting characters, unfortunate mishaps and memorable events. In the future, the group hopes to reconvene again at the Otesaga where the towels were so fluffy they could hardly close their suitcases.”

Lawrence Giammichele ’70, Allan Page ’70 and John Ellerton ’70 are seen here in the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel (Cooperstown, N.Y.) dining room enjoying breakfast while deciding who has lost the most hair.

Vito Pagnotti ’68 died June 9, 2024.

Frank P. Donnini writes, “Lawrence Giammichele also mentioned to me that Frank (his father’s name was Frank) is unfortunately not a name you hear much anymore. Interesting observation. I replied that when Zell and I got married 53 years ago, there were five Franks at the wedding (my wife’s father, grandfather, brother and my father and me). It was unusual enough that we took a group photo, which I still have. Guess it helped to have Italian and Irish backgrounds. Larry followed up by saying, “Nowadays, I doubt you could find five Franks at a NY Yankees baseball game.”

Skip Lynch provided news on himself, Craig Carlson and Bill Muhly. According to Frank P. Donnini’s well-worn copy of the Union College Freshman Record 1970 (a go-to source for much class correspondent information), that first year they were all in the same dorm and floor (Richmond 3rd floor). Football and Phi Delta Theta fraternity were other common factors. Very neat to see a friendship started then that continues to this day. Skip writes, “Craig Carlson and his wife Therese visited me and my wife Jill in January 2024 at our home in St. Petersburg, FL. During their visit we enjoyed some wine grown and bottled by Bill Muhly and Sons Family Vineyard, Inversion Wines, Santa Cruz, CA.” Today Bill’s sons Cody and Taylor co-own the vineyard that has been in the Muhly family for three generations. Inversion Wines started as a passion project of its parent company Coastal Range Vineyards and are sourced from vineyards throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding foothills. The distinctive Central CA wine growing region is defined by steep

terrain and a dense coastal fog that blankets the region at night. This unique “inversion” layer leads to warm days and cool evenings, allowing for grapes to develop both complex and elegant flavors.

Brennan, Steve Ciesinski, Luke Sabella, Rich Swan, Dave Gray and Craig Carlson from the Class of 1970, and Pup Gould and Nate Cohen from the Class of 1971, enjoyed a mini-ReUnion on Martha's Vineyard with their wives and significant others. They have gathered there annually for the last four years.

Steven Taylor writes, “After leaving Union, I attended medical school at Tulane University in New Orleans, La., and specialized in OB/GYN and then infertility. My partner and I performed the first successful IVF procedure in the South in 1983. Our fertility practice remained one of the largest in the South for 40 years. The practice was sold to a major national company in 2021 at which time I fully retired. I now spend much of my time on the golf course and caring for our 16 acres in the country, about 30 miles

north of New Orleans. My wife and I have 3 children, 2 grandkids and a puppy. I did make one visit to Union in the late 1990s when my son was deciding on a college. It brought back great memories. Unfortunately, he chose University of Colorado in Boulder.”

Craig Carlson writes, “For the past 4 years, some of us have had a mini reunion on Martha’s Vineyard. Some of us flying from the West Coast to reconnect with our East Coast Union friends. We had a lobster/ clam bake for 15. Attendees included John Brennan, Steve Ciesinski, Luke Sabella, Rich Swan, Dave Gray and me, all from the Class of 1970. In addition, there were two from the Class of 1971, Pup Gould and Nate Cohen. And of course, our wives and significant others were an important part of all the fun we had.”

Friends and family are remembering Charles Cusimano, who died Aug. 22, 2024, and was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. A graduate of Brooklyn Tech, he started at Union as an engineering major but realized quickly it wasn’t for him. He had fallen in love with WRUC and broadcasting!

He opted for a B.A. instead while mostly focused on WRUC. Charles’ love of music and WRUC would never waver through his days at Union. If he wasn’t in class, he was at the station, where he made lifelong friends. Following Union, Charles moved to Burlington, Vt., to become the morning radio DJ at WDOT, then a sales executive & manager at WVNY TV. He went on to become sales manager at WWNY (Watertown, N.Y.), sales executive at WWSB (Sarasota, Fla.) and then VP/ GM of SNN-TV (Sarasota). Charles loved to travel, golf, ski, go to concerts and enjoy the very best wine and pizza! His life was filled with the love of his wife of 48 years, Mary,

Charles Cusimano ’70 died Aug. 22, 2024.

Craig Carlson ’70 and Skip Lynch ’70

Craig Carlson ’70, Bill Muhly ’70 and Skip Lynch ’70 in San Francisco, Calif., about 25 years ago.

John

their two sons, Michael (died 2018) & Thomas, and grandsons, Henry & Oliver. Union & WRUC was always in Charles’ heart—he’d recently attended his 50th Reunion and 100th WRUC Celebration. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him!

1971

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Henry Fein, M.D. Rockville, Md. hgfein@aol.com

Bob Fischman writes, “Beginning in 2020, we began planning for our (virtual) 50-year ReUnion, scheduled for May 2021. This entailed periodic Zoom meetings that several of our class members attended as the ‘Reunion Committee.’ We so enjoyed the comradery and reminiscences on the calls that after the ReUnion we expanded the group and have met via Zoom bi-monthly. Those calls have been fun, but we agreed it would be even better to get together in Schenectady, which we did in July 2023. That was such a success that we did it again in July 2024.”

Friends and family are remembering Addison William “Bill” Lamberson, who died May 13, 2024. He graduated from Union with a degree in psychology and became an executive with Montgomery Ward retailers in Virginia. He later relocated to Littleton, N.C., where he managed a hardware business. Bill served on the Board of Directors for Lake Gaston (N.C.) Chamber of Commerce. He was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed sailing, snow skiing and swimming. He was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Harold V. Lamberson Jr. ’67, and is survived by his wife of 40 years, Paige, and two children. He was 75.

1972

Joseph Schwartz writes, “My wife, Diana, and I finally retired in February and have been spending our time since in non-stop travel, visiting our five children and nine grandchildren scattered across the continent. In addition, I have gotten active in local Fairfield, CT politics and was recently elected to our Zoning Board

from left to right are Pup

Also part of the group but foregoing breakfast that day were Ken Jacoby ’71, Larry Sykes ’71, Mark Boylan ’71, Wayne Christie ’71 and Jay Blitzman ’71.

of Appeals. Fortunately, we remain healthy and look forward to my next reunion in three years.”

1973

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Larry Swartz Niskayuna, N.Y. larry.swartz@agriculture.ny.gov

Patrick A. Guida, Esq. is president-elect of the Rhode Island Bar Association. His term runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Patrick

is a partner at Duffy & Sweeney Ltd. and is part of the firm’s banking and finance, business law, and real estate law teams. He has been providing legal services to institutional banking clients throughout New England for more than three decades and previously served as in-house counsel for two major banks. He is an elected Fellow of the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers and a member of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform

late July in Sharon, Conn., classmates from 1973 celebrated together at the wedding of Tom O’Connor’s daughter. From left to right are Paul Martini from Wyoming; Jackie Elias from California; Tom O’Connor from Connecticut; Wendy Allen from New York, and Mike Fine from Massachusetts. They write, “We all enjoyed catching up and danced like it was 1973!”

Van Woert ’71 and Kay (Stout) Van Woert ’74 were married in Memorial Chapel with a reception in Jackson’s Gardens on June 22, 1974. Several alumni were among friends and family who attended their 50th wedding anniversary celebration at Elk Lake Lodge in the heart of the Adirondacks. Pictured are Jim Newton ’71, John Rockwell ’69, Kay (Stout) Van Woert ’74, Ned Van Woert ’71, Steve Richards ’79 and Dan Leff ’81.

A group of friends met up in Schenectady, across the street from campus at Peter Pause, recently. Pictured

Gould ’71, George Hobbs ’71, Jay Joseph ’71, Dave Shames ’71, Jim Tedisco ’72, Rit Gallucci ’71, Ladd Bethune ’71, Bob Fischman ’71 and Bob Pezzano ’72.

Ned

In

State Laws. Patrick is a member of both the Rhode Island Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation.

1974

Chuck Rothman spent the summer doing programming for the Buffalo North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC). Over 500 people attended, and the program was very well received. He will be chair for the Albacon science fiction convention in 2025, while working on another novel. He retired last year after 25 years in user services at Siena College. He was able to attend his 50th reunion in June, meeting with his old roommates and friends.

1976

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Paul Boyd pboyd@yahoo.com

1977

Steven Loren writes, “Sue ’78 and I continue living in Highland Park, Illinois. We are up to 4 grandchildren and we are fortunate that both of our children live in Chicago. I am pleased to report that the College recently named its 20th recipient of the Mark Rosenthal Class of 1976 Memorial Prize on Awards Day. In 2004 we endowed the Prize in Mark’s memory. Each year the College selects a senior intending to go to medical school and like Mark was involved in community activities to receive the annual prize. To the extent you were friends with Mark and would like to make a donation in his memory, please let the school know you would like your gift to go toward the Mark Rosenthal Class of 1976 Annual Prize.”

James Garofalo writes, “I have been working for Tim Miller Associates, Inc., an environmental planning firm located in Cold Spring, N.Y., since June 1989. Vice president has been added to my current title of director of the transportation division. This is also my fifth year on the Marlborough, N.Y., Planning Board.”

1978

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jeff Laniewski, Florence, Ariz. jlaniewski4@gmail.com

1979

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Kurt Hamblet San Luis Obispo, Calif. kurthamblet@gmail.com

Alan Hertzberg writes, “I have been serving Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. In 2021 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania appointed me to be a member of its Committee on Rules of Evidence, and on August 2, 2024, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court also appointed me the Administrative Judge of the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County (effective December 16, 2024).”

1980

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (SSB), recently announced that Jim Loree, a seasoned executive and a member of the SSB Board of Directors, has been appointed as chief executive officer. He is the former chief executive officer of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

Robert Q. Pollard Jr. Was named an emteritus professor of psychiatry by the University of Rochester (N.Y.). There, he

founded the Deaf Wellness Center, a service, training and research program focused on the mental health of deaf people; sign language interpreting; and public health issues involving the deaf population.

1981

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Sue Barnhart Ferris sferris59@gmail.com

Friends and family are remembering Lisa DeMartino, who passed away on March 30, 2024. She graduated from Union cum laude with a major in American studies. While at Union she made lifelong friends and spent her term abroad in Bath, U.K. After graduation she settled in the Hudson Valley town of Cornwall and obtained a master’s degree in English literature from SUNY New Paltz. After a career working in academia and the non-profit world, Lisa taught English composition and literature at two local colleges. Lisa’s keen interest in American history and the political process led to work on political campaigns and four years on the staff of U.S. Representative John Hall. Lisa welcomed her Union friends into her family where she and husband hosted gatherings at their home in Mountainville, N.Y. She is

sorely missed by Leana Masztak Cropp ’82, Liz Buckley ’80, Suzanne Lang, Margaret Perkins and Janis Polishook Lisa is survived by her husband, David Noland, and daughter, Caldonia (Callie) Noland, the lights of her life.

1982

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Mary Isaac mbonkisaac@gmail.com

1983

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Cory Lewkowicz Needham, Mass. corylewkowicz@gmail.com

Deb Poskanzer and her spouse Howard graciously hosted her roommates at her home for a weekend filled with activities and fine food. Sue Meyerson (Goldman), Carol Talbot and Cheryl Aylesworth gathered August 23rd and attended The Queen of Versailles in Boston with Kristen Chenoweth. Cheryl writes, “What a treat that was. We had lively discussions, and all decided that we liked our homes best. Deb’s house is a close second. We decided to walk around Jamaica Plains for a Porch Fest and sampled many musical styles and tasty treats before returning to her home where she presented a meal worthy of a Michelin Star. We chatted all evening and the next morning before sadly having to return to reality. It was fabulous.”

1984

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Linda Gutin Durham, N.C. lindagutin@hotmail.com

Linda Gutin writes, “If I only had one word to sum up our ReUnion, it’d be sweet—the more traditional uses and

Lisa DeMartino ’81 passed away on March 30, 2024

when someone just says, ‘Sah-wheat.’ Seeing classmates (sweet)—some for the first time in 40 years (sweet!)— the staff and campus (sahwheat), and the last-but-notleast sweet: hanging out with good friends. Among the many highlights, several of us were fortunate to hear Prof. Berk share his profound insight into the state of the Middle East. I also got to spend non-campus time with my former roommate, Dabra Seiken, and her hilarious 6’5’’ son Sam; and enjoyed a few (sweet) smiles with Philip Beuth ’54, whom I first met at a past ReUnion. Almost done (sweet!). It was also a pleasure serving on our committee— with Susie Wilder Danziger, Robin Rosenbaum Fischer, Cindy Tenner and Dave Ross, with his talented team of media men. (Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, and—wait for it—saaah-wheat).”

David Silversmith retired in June 2024, almost 40 years to the day after graduation. Somehow a political science/ economics major led to a career in data management and analytics—a field that barely existed in 1984. Data was the connecting thread to a career that ranged from chief technology officer at Carfax.com to leading data

analytics for Total Wine & More, to opportunities with United Way of America and First Book to give back to the community, to finishing my career managing the analytics for CES (the world’s largest trade show). My wife retired at the same time and we’re traveling to Canada, Scotland, Iceland and Australia and New Zealand. Perhaps most importantly, there was a July 2024 visit to Schenectady for my first visit to Union college since graduation.

Nicholas Pavelchak writes, “My new book, Priest Kid: Life in a Fishbowl—The Hidden Lives of Children of a Parish Priest, was published and is available as an e-book or paperback from Amazon and other book sellers. On a more personal note, this year I was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer. After months of grueling treatment, I am now cancer-free. Looking forward to getting back to hiking the Adirondacks with my wife and our new puppy. www.amazon.com/author/ nicholaspavelchak”

lawyer in the Boeing 737 MAX litigation. He had a great time catching up with classmates at ReUnion!

Renee Haber writes, “Still living in beautiful Chicago. I became a mother-in-law in October when we celebrated my older daughter’s wedding, with my younger daughter serving as the maid of honor. That was a truly beautiful, warm and love-filled evening. On June 1, I retired after 40 years in advertising and have since received my certification to be a substitute teacher for the Chicago Public School system. While I haven’t stepped foot in the classroom, I’m excited and nervous to take on this challenge and give back to the school system that gave both my amazing daughters such wonderful educations. In September, I will celebrate my 35th wedding anniversary! Shout out to my husband, Craig, for putting up with me all these years (and congratulations to me for putting up with him)! And lastly/separately, I loved being back on campus for ReUnion in May and spending time with Class of ’84 classmates. What a great turnout we had—major thanks to the organizing committee!”

Justin “Tim” Green is now the managing partner of the Kreindler & Kreindler LLP law firm. He is an aviation lawyer representing victims and is currently serving as a lead

Alissa Quinn was recently featured in a Daily Gazette newspaper article, “Schenectady native Alissa Quinn dances for joy, wins international awards.” She is senior vice president of wealth management and financial advisor at The Quinn Wealth Management Group.

Cindy Tenner writes, “ReUnion Weekend 2024 was one for the books! It was wonderful to catch up with friends who came together from near and far to celebrate the Class of ’84’s 40th ReUnion. I loved working on the planning committee with Linda Gutin, Susie (Wilder) Danziger, Robin (Rosenbaum) Fischer and Dave Ross, among others. We had a blast compiling photos, memorabilia, playlists, etc.; generally reliving the glory days of Schenectady in the ’80s. One of the weekend’s highlights was having Professor Stephen Berk speak to a large cohort of our class about the current events playing out in the Middle East. What a treat. On a personal note, after a long and wonderful career at HBO and then doing some freelance event work, I’m happy to report that I’m now running the events team at Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm (by number of lawyers). I’ve found that I can order

Members of the Class of 1984 and their guests enjoyed ReUnion.

Nicholas Pavelchak ’84 in quiet reflection with his puppy, Callisto.

Class of 1984 members Renee Haber, Cindy Tenner, Bonnie Rosenberg, Julie Abelman and Lori Favata during ReUnion 2024

Alissa Quinn ’84 has won awards for her dancing.

shrimp in a variety of industries! Here’s to new beginnings.”

1985

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Timothy Hesler timothy.t.hesler@gmail.com

Robert Bertagna writes, “With great fanfare, in August we celebrated the 41st Annual Weekend of the Rich & Famous in Saratoga Springs. The WR & F is an annual Saratoga Springs get-together of long-time Union College friends that graduated in the mid-1980s. This year’s WR & F participants included, among others, Tom Blackburn ’84, Joe Wood ’84, Tim Devlin, David Philbrick, Bill Lichtman, Brian Laux, Bob Bertagna, Kevin Barlett and Joe Clinton ’83 Friday activities included golf,

an afternoon at the racetrack and dinner/drinks, followed by the Saturday morning Tour de Saratoga bicycle ride. Although the late nights are no longer that late, our gusto for a good time hasn’t changed. It’s always heart-warming to convene with life-long friends. We look forward to the 42nd version of the WR & F in August 2025!”

1986

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Allan Markus bigalmed1@gmail.com

Allan Markus writes, “I have been keeping busy here in AZ. Got married two years ago to Lauren Beals at the Salt River Fields AZ Dbacks baseball park. For our honeymoon, we stopped by campus to get a tour and show her the beauty of Union. After leaving Arizona State University Health service (see previous notes), we started an Int Med Residency at HonorHealth in Scottsdale, AZ in 2015 and currently starting a second Int Med Residency at Dignity Health in Chandler, AZ. Still teaching students at Univ of Arizona COM-Phoenix and Creighton Univ SOM-Phoenix. Love seeing the occasional Union alumni coming down to AZ like Scott Remillard ’86 and Steven Brown ’87!”

Patricia Pasqualini Agosta, who died March 25, 2024, is being remembered by family and friends. Here is a version of a remembrance by Tom Blackburn ’84

Ode to Trish P.

“You run across thousands of people in your life, some become lifelong friends, others fade away from memory, but for me, Tricia P. always fell into the third and most unique category. She is not someone I saw or even spoke with more than a handful of times in the last 40 years, but she is a person who remains vivid, unchanging, imprinted in my bank of memories. From day one, it was clear she was a no holds barred, take no prisoners personality. Let’s face it, you don’t get the handle P-Woman unless you are a force to be reckoned with! It was Tricia’s world, and if you were lucky, you gained entry. And those of us who were fortunate enough to enter her orbit, even for a fleeting moment, were better off for it. To this day, whenever I hear Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun,’ I think of the Bronner Babes and their irrepressible ringleader. ‘Some boys take a beautiful girl / And hide her away from the rest of the world / I wanna be the one

who walks in the sun / Oh, girls, they wanna have fun.’ So here’s to the incomparable Tricia P: A beautiful girl, a beautiful friend / Hide you away? We can’t comprehend! / We were the ones who got to walk in your sun / And you were the one who put the ‘F’ in our fun! / And while you left us way too early, we will carry on your light and spirit as best we can / Until we meet again.”

1987

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Drena Root drena.kr@gmail.com

Wendy Richard Loughlin writes, “I wrote a children’s book and self-published it several years ago and forgot about it. I have recently been encouraged to share it more widely. I hope people will enjoy it. Our class is of the age that we may be buying it for our grandchildren: www.blurb. com/b/4720456-everything-iever-needed-to-know-aboutfriendship I also regularly get together with my SDT sisters for life.”

A group of SDT sisters gathered for the eclipse last summer. From left to right are Wendy Richards Loughlin ’87, Nia Cholakis ’84, Ellen Slipp ’86, Lori Cooper Alexander ’86, Joanne Lynch Bauer ’85 and Jane Cavalier Lucas ’83.

Members of the Class of 1984 enjoyed Professor Stephen Berk’s talk on the Middle East during ReUnion 2024.

The Tour de Saratoga portion of the Weekend of the Rich & Famous included (left to right): Tim Devlin ’85, Tom Blackburn ’84, Bob Bertagna ’85, Bill Lichtman ’85 and Dave Philbrick ’85.

Patricia Pasqualini Agosta ’86 died March 25, 2024.

Lighting the way to a bright future

In October, the College community came together in true Union style during the Illuminate the Future of Learning* giving initiative.

Thanks to generous donors, more than $1 million was raised to support the College—an incredible achievement made even more impactful through the matching challenge provided by Trustee David Breazzano ’78 and Denise Breazzano.

Leading this initiative were four passionate Illuminators: Ewo Harrell ’10, Andrew Liddle ’18, Rachel Linder ’19 and Jessi Wisoff ’03. These alumni leaders shared their Union stories and rallied their networks to give back. Harrell, who inspired the most support during this friendly competition, was dubbed Illuminator of the Year.

Above: Ewo Harrell ’10 (second from right) was named Illuminator of the Year in November. Throughout a special October campaign, she and her fellow Illuminators—Jessi Wisoff ’03, Rachel Linder ’19 and Andrew Liddle ’18—fundraised on behalf of Union.

Total dollars raised: $1,065,217

Donors who gave: 1,213 Union Fund dollars raised: $435,572

During the President’s Reception in New York City in November, Harrell recalled how the Union Fund shaped her student experience, enabling her participation in transformative opportunities like the Civil Rights mini-term and a term in China.

“This campaign is a testament to our community’s commitment to ensuring Union remains a place where students from all walks of life can thrive and make lasting memories, just as I did,” Harrell said.

Her heartfelt words captured the spirit of this campaign—a shared dedication to illuminating the future for generations of Union students. Thank you to everyone who participated!

* The campaign took its name from the dome of the Nott Memorial, which boasts 709 illuminators—small, multicolored glass windows that appear like bright stars in a night sky.

(518) 388-6175

After climbing her first high peak, Cascade Mountain in 2016, Amy Jessup ’87 became a 46er in April 2024, after summiting the 46 high peaks over 4000 feet in New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

1989

Stony Brook University announced recently that Kevin H. Gardner, former executive vice president for research and innovation at the University of Louisville, has been appointed vice president for research. In this role, Kevin will be the senior executive overseeing the development and stewardship of the university’s research and economic development enterprise. He will also serve as Stony Brook’s operations manager of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York.

1990

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Brian Moss brian@soaringcapitalllc.com

1991

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jen Brandwein jenbrandwein2@gmail.com

The Motion Picture Association has hired Larissa Knapp to

lead its fight against worldwide piracy. She previously led the FBI’s National Security Branch.

1992

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Laurel Mullen jay.mullen@comcast.net

Darren Challey writes, “After seven years with Amazon, I took a new role in January leading security and privacy for Remitly, Inc., based in Seattle and we provide remittance and other financial services to 170 countries for about 7M active customers. It’s a small company of about 3K people and it went public almost 3 years ago. Michelle and I are now splitting our time about 9 months of the year in Scottsdale, AZ and the balance on the Olympic Peninsula about two hours from Seattle.”

David Sachar writes, “Appointed clinical associate professor at Wake Forrest School of Medicine. Approved as a member of Union College Alumni Council, to serve a 3-year term.”

Cliff Birbrower writes, “Changed careers. I am now teaching 8th grade English literature at Paul Revere Charter Middle School in Brentwood, CA.”

Friends and family are remembering Guy Charles Hildreth, husband of Pamela Jennings Hildreth, who passed away suddenly yet peacefully Aug. 14, 2024, at their home in Rotterdam, N.Y., at age 70. Born in Schenectady, Guy joined the U.S. Army in 1978, served in Germany and retired as a staff sergeant. He majored in civil engineering at Union, achieved licensure as a professional engineer and worked for the NYS Department of Transportation. In addition to

his wife, he was survived by his father, 6 siblings, 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren. He taught his grandchildren to help others and shared with them his lifelong love of the New York Yankees. Guy founded and managed the I Love You Man fund, which raised thousands of dollars for local charities and people in need. He was interred with full military honors at Saratoga National Cemetery.

Guy C. Hildreth ’92 died Aug. 14, 2024.

1993

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jill D. Bernstein New York, N.Y. jilldbernstein@yahoo.com

Joy (Grillon) Onasch writes, “After 15 years of working for the State of Massachusetts at UMass Lowell’s Toxics Use Reduction Institute, two years ago I moved back into the private sector. I’m now a senior engineer at Eastern Research Group, mainly supporting EPA’s pollution prevention and embodied carbon programs— my small part in making the world a cleaner place to live and work.”

Friends and family are remembering Ann Flynn, of Harwich Port, Mass., who was born in Albany, N.Y., Nov. 26, 1947, and passed away peacefully in her sleep on

Cape Cod Sept. 6, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. This scourge of a disease first claimed her mind, and then slowly, her life. Ann grew up in Loudonville just outside of Albany. She was the daughter of Dr. James H. Flynn and Ann Fitzgerald Flynn. A bright scholar, she graduated from The Albany Academy for Girls and Union College, where she was honored as a Phi Beta Kappa member. Ann’s life was devoted to books. She worked in several bookstores, including the Open Door in Schenectady and the World Trade Center Bookstore in New York City before 9/11. Her love for literature also led her to work in publishing and at various libraries across Cape Cod. Ann is survived by her daughter, Claire Flynn of Virginia, her brother, Tom Flynn of Harwich Port, and her niece, Katharine Flynn, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

1994

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Randall Beach Schenectady, N.Y. rsbeach72@gmail.com

1995

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Brett Rubin bretthrubin@gmail.com

Ann Flynn ’93 died Sept. 6, 2024.

How

did your time at Union influence the path you’ve taken?

“My time at Union College was pivotal to shaping my path as an educator and writer. The mentorship and guidance I received from Dr. Martha Huggins in the Sociology Department and Drs. George and Sharon Gmelch were particularly impactful. The dedication and passion for their fields inspired me to pursue a career in education and to become an author of children’s books. Their influence not only deepened my understanding of sociological and anthropological concepts but instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning and

Dedicated to education, in school and beyond

Teachers are so often taken for granted, but more than almost anyone else, they change us.

For Dr. Unseld Robinson ’93, it was one of his very first teachers who made all the difference.

“I was inspired to become an educator by the profound influence of my firstgrade teacher. Her dedication to creating a caring and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their racial or economic background, left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “Witnessing the impact that a passionate and compassionate educator can have on young lives sparked my own desire to make a positive difference through education.”

Today, Robinson is an assistant principal with Buffalo Public Schools, where he supervises teachers and students, fosters parent engagement and collaborates with community stakeholders. He’s spent 31 years in education, so he knows how wonderous it can be. And how difficult.

“Witnessing students’ growth and development, both personally and academically, brings me immense joy and serves as a reminder of the impact educators can have on young lives,” said Robinson, who majored in political science and minored in sociology/anthropology at Union. “But with rewards, come challenges.

“And one of the most significant challenges I face is navigating the

complexities of managing a diverse school community while ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.”

The resources students need aren’t just strictly academic, either, which is why Robinson decided to become a writer, too. In the last five years, he has authored seven children’s books in The Bayside Bunch series (geared toward K-5 readers).

“I wrote these books to address a need I observed for literature that not only entertains children but also teaches them important life lessons,” he explained.

“In today’s complex world, children face numerous challenges, and I wanted to provide them with stories that inspire

—Unseld Robinson ’93, assistant principal, Buffalo Public Schools; children’s book author

UNSELD ROBINSON ’93

empathy, encourage resilience and promote positive decision-making.”

“By creating relatable characters and engaging narratives, I aim to empower children to make thoughtful choices and navigate the ups and downs of growing up with confidence and compassion,” he added.

Titles in the series include The Bayside Bunch Quarantined in Queens; The Bayside Bunch Go See The Principal; The Bayside Bunch Breathing is Believing; The Bayside Bunch Meets the New Girl; The Bayside Bunch Friendship Matters; Let Me Tell My Story: Journal for Kids with the Bayside Bunch; and Celebrate Kindness & Diversity with The Bayside Bunch Coloring & Activity Book

Robinson bases his books on real people he knew growing up in New York City.

“The Bayside Bunch is a combination of family and friends—individuals I’ve known more than 45 years,” he told WKBW in 2020. “We were just a group of boys, kinda hanging out near the bay and just experiencing different adventures and learning from each other, so that’s how the concept of the Bayside Bunch came about.”

Robinson hopes his books offer a valuable resource to teachers in English language arts and social-emotional learning classrooms, and that young readers see themselves and their potential in his characters.

“By promoting literacy and fostering social and emotional development, I aspire to contribute to the growth and well-being of children, both inside and outside the classroom,” he said. “Ultimately, my goal is to help shape future generations of empathetic and resilient individuals who are equipped to thrive in an everchanging world.”

Robinson holds an M.A. in urban studies, an M.S. in education, a professional diploma in school administration and an Ed.D. His books are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.

1996

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Marla Striar marlastriar@gmail.com

Bill Ackerbauer writes, “My acoustic roots-rock band, The Insolent Willies, released its third album (“Black Cats & A Blowtorch”) on May 1, and we had the honor of performing at the Tulip Festival in Albany, N.Y., shortly thereafter. Also last spring, we made our first TV appearance, playing original tunes on PBS: www.pbs.org/ video/the-insolent-williesperform-birds-arent-realckikwz/ It’s always a pleasure to run into Union alumni at our gigs! One of our favorite places to play is Murray’s Fools Distiling Co., owned and operated by Randall Beach ’95 and his wife, Sarah. For more info about The Insolent Willies, or to see if we are playing a venue near you, visit https:// insolentwillies.com/”

company. I’m running HR, global transformation office, procurement, corp real estate and facilities. We have approx. 6,000 employees. Lots of fun. Family is the real center though—my soon-to-be 5-year-old son Mario, my beautiful wife Melissa, who continues to work for BCG, and 3 cats! Enjoy living in the city of Boston, summer at the Cape and we are wintering in Miami Beach. Trying to make the most of life! Hope all is well with all the alumni.”

David E. Fusco writes, “I’m in my second year at Clario, we are a pharma services technology company running the data behind large- and small-scale clinical trials. We are transforming the operation even though it’s a 50 year + Billion $ revenue

The Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell recently promoted Dr. Marie Cavuoto Petrizzo to associate dean for medical education and training program director, allergy and immunology. Marie joined the Zucker School of

David Fusco ’96 with wife, Melissa, and son, Mario

Bill Ackerbauer ’96 (left) and his band mug for the camera backstage at the Tulip Festival in Albany on May 11, 2024.

Medicine as a small group facilitator in 2017 and subsequently became co-director of the school’s patient, physician and society curricular component. During the pandemic, Marie’s leadership was instrumental in allowing classes to remain in-person. In 2020, Marie became the assistant dean for medical education and has had a key role in the development and oversight of an experiential curriculum during the First 100 Weeks (FOW).

Hillary (Snow) Rush writes, “This year represented a big milestone for many in our class, turning 50 years old! We had a wonderful reunion to celebrate the occasion—Mia (Myong Lee) Strum ’95, Wanna (Wan Ting Zhong) Cha ’96, myself, Yoon Choi (attended Union ’91-’94) and Sandy

(Pemburn) Allen ’95. We all agreed that we look and feel just as great as we did 30 years ago, when we were enjoying our time together at Union as sisters in the Delta Phi Omega (cultural appreciation) sorority!”

In September 2024, Laura Grund became chief program officer at The Door—A Center of Alternatives (door.org).

1997

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Sara Amann Garrand Ballston Lake, N.Y. sgarrand1@nycap.rr.com

In June 2024, Jennifer Lawless helped provide a Trump-Biden debate preview and postdebate analysis on GoLocal LIVE. Jennifer is the chair of the political science department at the University of Virginia.

1998

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Ryan T. Smith Jupiter, Fla. ryan.smith@thebenjamin school.org

1999

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Monica Lussier monica_lussier@yahoo.com

2000

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Kimberly Kilby kimberlyakilby@gmail.com

Michael Gulla writes, “The last 25 years have surely been busy. I started with accounting work upon graduation, but after four years got into sales/ sales management within the healthcare sector. Currently managing a sales team for a tech startup in healthcare and really loving it. Being incredibly blessed, my wife Laurie and I have two children, Olivia and Joe. Both kids are starting school very soon as Olivia will start 10th grade and Joe will start 8th grade. I love spending time with my family first and foremost. Other things I have quite a passion for include golf, following politics/ volunteering for campaigns, boxing, playing piano/guitar (at times with my son Joe, who plays violin), Street Ministry and volunteering at our church. We reside in southern NH and love the location.”

Elizabeth (Fisher) Roy writes, “2024 marked the 11th year that I have been the manager of the Colgate Community Garden in Hamilton, N.Y. This year my position was changed from casual wage to a part-time, benefited position and I was chosen for an individual excellence award by my colleagues. The garden program received two grants last year, allowing us to build a greenhouse and purchase an electric golf cart for our composting program. We continue to make strides towards connecting to the indigenous heritage of our land by growing a Three Sisters display garden and holding an annual fall harvest festival to celebrate the harvest for the year. Future

plans include constructing a permanent pavilion and renovating the house that is on the garden’s property to expand our educational offerings beyond the CNY growing season.”

Alex Bartholomew writes, “I am now entering my 18th year as a professor of geology at SUNY New Paltz and enjoying my first-ever term on sabbatical to do research on Lower Devonian rocks in southeastern NY. New Paltz is a great place to work with great students, I met my wife here (she’s now chair of the Physics and Astronomy Dept. on campus) and we have two wonderful girls (Annabeth, 9, and Aubrey, 5). I recently had a book published with a former student as a lead author, titled ‘Evolution of the Ammonoids’ by CRC press and was author/ coauthor on a number of research papers in a recent 3 volume set on the Devonian of New York State published by the Bulletins of Paleontology through the Paleontological Research Institution in Ithaca.”

Loralynne Krobetzky writes, “Hey there, Class of 2000 and adjacent friends! Pretty unreal that it’s been 25 years! Happy to share that I’ve realized my lifelong dream and bought a

Dr. Marie Cavuoto Petrizzo ’96

Mia (Myong Lee) Strum ’95, Wanna (Wan Ting Zhong) Cha ’96, Hillary (Snow) Rush ’96, Yoon Choi (attended Union ’91-’94) and Sandy (Pemburn) Allen ’95 enjoyed celebrating a milestone in 2024—turning 50 years old!

Elizabeth (Fisher) Roy ’00 is manager of the Colgate Community Garden in Hamilton, N.Y.

little house by the sea in Ocean City, Maryland! I pass my days with teaching communications, literature and writing at Wor-Wic Community College, vacationing with my nephews, acquiring rescue animals, and serving as a seal steward with the National aquarium. My happy place is with the wild ponies on the ethereal Assateague Island. If you’d like to experience the lower slower life on the peninsula, get in touch! lkrobetz@gmail.com”

Loralynne Krobetzky ’00 lives in Ocean City, Md.

Livia Carroll writes, “Not much noteworthy about me, perhaps except that I may have been the oldest student who graduated in 2000. At the time, I was a secretary in the Modern Languages Dept. at Union & worked on my degree one course each term. It took me 10 years to complete, and I was 57 years old when I graduated. And now... I am really, really old.”

Ryan Nespeca, who has been singing professionally for just over 20 years under the stage name Ryan Baker, is currently starring in “Frankly Frank,” a show that pays tribute to the life, career, and music of Frank Sinatra, several nights a week at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas. Ryan landed the lead role in October 2023 and has received rave reviews from

audiences and critics alike. Since moving to Las Vegas in 2003, Ryan has performed in several production shows, from “Shades of Sinatra” (which he helped create and co-produced), to a number of Rat Pack tribute shows (most currently “The Rat Pack Is Back” at the Tuscany in Vegas, as a sub for the Frank and Dean roles), as well as tons of appearances at lounges, restaurants, corporate events, and jazz clubs, both in Las Vegas and around North America. Baker’s latest project is a show that he created and produces called “Big Band Crooners,” in which he sings the hits of Sinatra, Bublé, Bobby Darin and more with a live 17-piece band. In his personal life, Ryan married his wife Nicole in 2019, and they have since welcomed two daughters—the first in 2021 and the second in September 2024.

Ryan Nespeca ’00 has been singing professionally for just over 20 years under the stage name Ryan Baker.

2001

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Erin Grogan erinlgrogan@gmail.com

2002

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Elise DiBenedetto elise.dibenedetto@gmail.com

2003

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Katrina Tentor Lallier Shrewsbury, Mass. katrinalallier@gmail.com

2004

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jon Berman jonathancberman@gmail.com

2005

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Annette C. Stock annettecstock@gmail.com

Adam Kohnstamm ’05 and Krishnan Anand ’05 helped Eric Dimise ’05 (right) celebrate one year in the new position of sector lead for Healthcare & Life Sciences Capital Markets at the NYSE.

Ziji (Unique) Song got married with Karen Liu in 2010 and his son Ming Xuan Song was born in 2013. Unique left IBM and joined Alibaba Cloud in 2014 and started Alibaba Cloud’s Japan business from ground up and lived in Japan for 6 years. Alibaba Cloud was

recognized as the 4th largest cloud service provider in Japan as of 2023. Unique then left Alibaba Cloud in early 2024 and returned back to China to join an AI valuation startup in China as CEO in the same year.

2006

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Sarah T. Heitner New York, N.Y. sarah.t.heitner@gmail.com

2007

Megan Flahive ’07, Mike Grady ’07, Rob Bode ’07 and Michael Eisnach ’07 all traveled to Ireland in June 2024 to celebrate Rob’s 40th birthday. Photo taken in County Clare.

Ziji (Unique) Song ’05 with wife Karen Liu and son Ming Xuan Song

Dr. Jazmin Puicon, a teacher at Bard High School Early CollegeNewark, has been named the 2024 NJ History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional elementary through high school teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education. Presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 American history education, this award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States Territories. “In times like these, history teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring hope for the future,” says James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “Their unwavering dedication to educating our youth is commendable, and we take great pride in honoring the most exceptional educators across the country.”

2008

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Dana Cohen Bernstein New York, N.Y. dana.lynn.bernstein@gmail.com

Danna DeBlasio, who has served as managing director for CMW Strategies, a lobbying firm based in New York City, has been named a partner at the firm.

Family and friends are remembering Thomas P. Haynes, of Princeton, Texas, who died Aug. 28, 2024. He was a gifted racquet sport athlete and founder of The Fund Formation Group, which was acquired by GLASfunds,

where he served as director of business development. He will be remembered for being larger than life. His humor, kindness and love will be missed by those who knew him. He was 38.

2009

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Gabe Kramer Los Angeles, Calif. kramerg3@gmail.com

Carl S. Winkler New York, N.Y. carl.s.winkler@gmail.com

BioConnects New England (BCNE), a multi-state coalition that aims to connect hubs throughout New England to support existing and establish new biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations, recently announced Liz Zulick as chair of the coalition’s External Advisory Board. Liz is vice chancellor for strategic planning and projects at Northeastern University, leading and implementing key organizational initiatives that support the Office of the Chancellor’s priorities.

Nadia Alexis writes, “It’s been years since I shared an update, so I’ll include a few here. My debut book of poetry and

photography, Watersheds, is forthcoming in March 2025 with CavanKerry Press. I’m a 2024 Poetry Fellow of the Poets & Writers Get the Word Out Publicity Incubator. I recently received the following honors: the 2024 Mississippi STAR Teacher Award, the 2024 Vance Fellowship from the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, and the 2024 Artist Mini-Grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. I was also named the 2023 Poet of the Year Honoree from the Haitian Creatives Digital Award. I earned an MFA in poetry as well as a PhD in English with a creative writing concentration, focusing on African American and African Diasporic Literatures, from the University of Mississippi.”

2010

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Deanna Cox deannac88@gmail.com

2011

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Katie Perry katherine.claire.perry@gmail.com

2012

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Anna Meiring annameiring@gmail.com

Benjamin Engle benjamin.engle@gmail.com

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Schneider Deli was opened in August 2023 by Jake Schneider and blends both traditional and modern ideologies in a 21-seat, counter service Jewish delicatessen. As the executive chef and owner, Jake has made a name for himself under his brand Schneider Provisions, which is also known for its pickled veggies, homemade jams, and cured meats. The menu features Jewish deli favorites, including bagels & lox; matzah ball soup; latkes; a variety of handcrafted sandwiches, including Schneider’s famous corned beef; and more. Schneider Deli partners with local Chicago favorites on special collaborations, including Metropolis Coffee, Once Upon a Bagel and Pretty Cool Ice Cream. Fueled by Schneider’s love of Jewish food and a longing for delis of the past–and drawing inspiration from the strong Jewish women in his life who have always cooked with passion and joy–the menu features recipes passed down through generations with a contemporary spin. Check out their Instagram (@schneiderdeli) for more info.

July 2024 was the publishing month for Caden M. Gardner, the co-author of the film history book, Corpses, Fools and Monsters: The History and Future of Transness in Cinema The book surveys trans representation in film, spanning the silent era to exploitation films to documentary/medical films to modern trans-directed films. The book, published by Repeater Books, is already in its second printing with special screening events and book signings in Los Angeles, New York City and Toronto—with

Thomas P. Haynes ’08 died Aug. 28, 2024.

Nadia Alexis ’09

more to come. Caden (he/ him/his) is a freelance trans researcher and film critic who co-authored the book with fellow trans film critic Willow Maclay. It is Caden’s first published book.

Trevor Henry writes, “I received my Master of Science in Business of Energy from Clarkson University Grad in June of 2024.”

Benjamin Engle writes, “I am the senior program manager for program planning for the Gateway Program’s Hudson Tunnel Project. I have been fortunate to work with a team at the Gateway Development Commission to secure full funding for this $16 billion project. This project, which was described by President Biden as “…one of the biggest, the most consequential projects in the country…”, will build a new rail tunnel with two new tracks under the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey to provide reliable, modern rail travel for millions of NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak passengers on the Northeast corridor. After working on this project for the past eight years and writing many grant applications, financial plans and project materials, it was a personal joy to celebrate the

signing of the $6.88 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement, the largest grant ever signed by the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration, and the closing of three federal railroad improvement loans, totaling $4 billion, which represent the largest aggregate loan the USDOT has provided through the program.

Construction started in 2023 and the first work in the Hudson River started during summer 2024. As part of the project’s implementation, I am managing the on-going environmental reviews and compliance, permitting, construction risk management, and program governance committees. With all of this subsurface work, I’m lucky that I paid attention in Professor Ghaly’s geotechnical lab!”

Benjamin Engle ’12 is the senior program manager for program planning for the Gateway Program’s Hudson Tunnel Project.

2013

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Cristina Vazzana Boston, Mass. vazzanaca@gmail.com

Proskauer, a leading international law firm, recently announced that Private Funds associate Corey Dietrich has been named to Secondaries Investor’s (SI) Next Gen

Leaders of Secondaries: Class of 2024 list. SI’s annual list recognizes 10 professionals under the age of 36 in the secondaries sector for their exceptional contributions to the industry. Corey was selected for his work in traditional LP-trades and sponsor-led liquidity solutions.

2014

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jasmine Roth jasnroth@gmail.com

Marissa Vollmer was recently selected by the Albany Business Review as one of their 2024 “40 under 40 honorees.” The 40 Under 40 Awards honor 40 rising stars in the local business world who have distinguished themselves in their companies, their communities and their industries. Marissa works as a financial advisor at Graypoint LLC. In 2022, she was named a vice president and, shortly thereafter, in January 2023, she was made a partner. Marissa is the youngest individual to be promoted to VP and made partner in the firm’s history.

Marissa Vollmer ’14

Washington and Lee University recently announced the hiring of Brittney Kemp as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team and assistant professor of physical education.

2016

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Lauren Woods Watervliet, N.Y. 2016@alumni.union.edu

Edythe Malara-Lutjen had the opportunity over the summer to study Roman Britain in England with the Vergilian Society! A generous scholarship from the Classical Association of the Atlantic States (CAAS) helped make this opportunity possible. This professional development experience helped Edythe better understand Roman military forts along Hadrian’s Wall and the impact of Roman presence on the local Briton population. Edythe will use this experience to create engaging lessons for her Latin classes at Shaker High School in Latham, N.Y.

Edythe Malara-Lutjen ’16 at Hadrian’s Wall

2017

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jake Ulrich jake.ulrich@duke.edu

Jamaluddin Aram recently won the 2024 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Literary Fiction for his debut novel, Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday

Daniel Jackson writes, “In May of this year, I completed my PhD in physical chemistry, specializing in optical tweezers

Caden M. Gardner ’12 with his book Corpses, Fools and Monsters: The History and Future of Transness in Cinema

CAITLIN WILLIAMS ’23

Does it

matter if lakes freeze?

Lakes freeze, or sometimes they don’t if the winters are warm. Anyone living in a place like Schenectady knows this. But what we don’t know: Does it matter?

Does it matter to the health of the lake—and its plants and animals—if the water ices over?

Caitlin Williams ’23, a graduate student in biology who is studying lake ecology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is trying to answer this question. With Lake George (N.Y.) as her laboratory, she is investigating the impacts of winter ice accumulation in what’s called the littoral zone.

“In a nutshell, the littoral zone is the sunlit area near the shore—the area shallow enough for sunlight to penetrate the water, and the area where photosynthetic organisms can grow on the lake bottom,” Williams said. “My hypothesis is that an increased light environment, caused by less ice in winter, will lead to more algal growth in the nearshore (or littoral) area.”

“It’s not known what effects more/less ice has on algal growth during winter,” she continued. “But climate change is shortening the duration of ice coverage on lakes, and algal growth in the littoral zone is extremely important for understanding the lake’s response to climate change.”

Why is it so important?

Algae are widespread, fast-responding indicators of ecosystem conditions and fluctuations, Williams explained. And because algae are the foundation of the aquatic ecosystem, providing habitat and sustenance to small insects and animals that in turn feed larger ones, any changes in algal distribution impact the entire ecosystem.

“Too much can lead to harmful algal blooms that are dangerous to humans and animals alike,” she added, “but too little

algae disrupt the food web and reduce biodiversity.”

Williams had originally planned to begin this work during winter 2023-24, but no ice formed on Lake George that season. So, she pivoted to investigating how winter algal growth facilitates summer algal growth for much of 2024.

Fortunately, she’s been able to use the same tools and similar approaches for both summer and winter research.

“I measure available light under the water in the nearshore area using Hobo light and temperature sensors, which take light and temperature readings every hour,” Williams said.

These sensors are one of two very important tools attached to cinder blocks and sunk at various points around Lake George. The other is six-by-six-inch clay tiles.

These clay tiles provide a place for algae to attach and grow. When it comes time to collect samples, Williams wades out into the lake (no matter the season) and hauls the cinder blocks to shore. There she connects the Hobo sensors to her phone to download light and temperature data, and then she gets out an instrument called a Benthotorch.

“It gives me an instant quantification of how much algae is on the tile, broken down into three types of algae—diatoms, cyanobacteria and green,” Williams said. “Then I carefully scrape the algae off the tile into a vial for later chlorophyll-a analysis and microscopic identification in the lab. This last part is just a check to make sure the Benthotorch identified the algae correctly.”

After she’s collected her data and algae, she returns the cinder blocks—complete with tiles and sensors—to the water.

It’s a process she really enjoys, and one she developed with the help of two alumni.

“I get a much broader perspective when learning from alumni. Mike Kelly ’91 and Jeremy Farrell ’03 were electrical engineering and geology majors, respectively, and they both provide different insights when talking about projects,” Williams said. “I don’t know how to put this into words, but because we are all Union alumni, I feel like this has also given me the ability to talk to Mike and Jeremy as colleagues, even though they have a lot more experience than me.”

Kelly is a senior research engineer at IBM and Farrell is a senior lecturer in biological sciences at RPI and the Darrin Freshwater Institute. The institute is home to The Jefferson Project at Lake George— a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM Research and The FUND for Lake George to study fresh water and understand impacts of human activities and how to mitigate those effects. Williams, whose research is supported by The Jefferson Project, is a student in the laboratory of Kevin Rose, the Frederic R. Kolleck ’52 Career Development Chair in Freshwater Ecology at RPI and acting director of the Darrin Freshwater Institute.

Winter 2024-25 Update

While last winter (2023-24) was a bust, this winter saw plenty of ice form on Lake George. At press time, Caitlin Williams '23 was happily conducting the research she'd originally planned to do.

How did your time at Union inform your current path?

“Union exposed me to everything! I had a wonderful time taking English classes with Professor Shena McAuliffe, doing research with Professor Leo Fleishman and ecology experiments with Professor Kathleeen LoGiudice, gaining confidence as a Career Center peer advisor and studying marine ecology in Australia. While none of these were specifically limnology related, all of these experiences gave me the tools to conquer challenges that I face in graduate school.”

— Cailtin Williams ’23, biology graduate student, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

and spectroscopic techniques. After a short summer break, I moved to the Netherlands for a job as an engineer with a biotech company. For my work, I travel to different universities around Europe installing optical tweezer instruments. As of now I have added 4 new countries to my travel experience! Starting over in a new country has been difficult, but I am finally settling in and making some new friends. Now I just need to learn Dutch and I’ll have made myself a new home.”

Daniel Jackson ’17 earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry in May 2024.

Astrid Vargas is selling homes in the NY area as a licensed real estate agent. A percentage of her earnings go to the non-profit Raices Foundation, which she founded when her mother was healed from an aggressive cancer. The organization carries out various projects that extend love and kindness to multiple populations. She recently partnered with Emmanuela Oppong ’19 and Oumou Hani Diallo ’19 to build a library in Lomé, Togo. To learn more: www.paypal.com/ donate?campaign_ id=AD6JYM8ZW8HCQ

Sid Canchester is the owner and managing director of Ace Handyman Services Oak Park and River Forest, a franchise of

Ace Hardware that provides reliable, professional handyman services in the Chicago area. After spending seven years in real estate and property management, Sid has experienced firsthand the challenges of hiring a reliable contractor. He took matters into his own hands and opened the AHS franchise in order to humanize the home repair services offered in his local community. Sid opened doors to the Ace Handyman Services Oak Park River Forest location in July 2024, and since then, the business has earned a reputation for its dedication to high-quality service delivered by multiskilled craftsmen. Looking ahead, Sid hopes to grow with the Ace brand and is eager to expand into additional territories.

Sid Canchester ’17 is the owner and managing director of Ace Handyman Services Oak Park and River Forest, a franchise of Ace Hardware.

2018

Olivia Britton completed her Ph.D. in political science at Boston University this past May. Her dissertation, titled “Unraveling the Threads of Refugee Movement: Navigating Resettlement in Spain, Italy, and Germany,” assesses the lived experiences of refugees and asylum seekers

in the European Union. Through their stories, Olivia explores the factors that significantly impact migration trajectories and integration outcomes.

Olivia Britton ’18 recently completed her Ph.D. in political science at Boston University.

2019

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Delila Haden dhaden1919@gmail.com

Tommy Harding was recently featured in a Daily Gazette newspaper article, “Former Union men’s hockey student manager earns Stanley Cup ring.” He is hockey communications manager for the Florida Panthers, which won the Stanley Cup in 2024.

Nancy I. López Ramírez writes, “My class note is nothing huge other than I miss Union! Every time I plan to go over something happens and I have to cancel. Hopefully I can go soon and see all the amazing people who shaped me throughout my college experience. I am also very humbled and honored that after 5 years, I will be attending law school in Western New England School of Law (Springfield, MA) next fall (2025) through the amazing LexPostBacc Program. Reminds me of Posse.”

2020

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Kayla Fisher kaylafisherny3@gmail.com

Omarra Hannibal-Williams ohannibalwilliams@gmail.com

Melanie Jaquez writes, “I am currently a labor and delivery nurse and effective September 30, I started my new position as assistant nurse manager for the labor and delivery unit and Mount Sinai Hospital!

Sam Veith writes, “Going surfing and sometimes working.”

2021

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Brian Huang huangbnav@gmail.com

2023

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Paige Kent paige.kent01@gmail.com

2024

Ashley Dell’Oso received a scholarship to study at the New York State Summer Writers Institute.

Matthew Paolatto capped his decorated Union lacrosse career by earning a spot on the CSC Academic All-America® Men’s At-Large second team.

UNIONS U

Stephanie (Spencer) Dillon ’89 wed Major Matthew Dillon, USMC, Sept. 30, 2023, in the vineyards of Augusta, Mo.

Will Mahony ’12 and Katie Weintraub were married in April 2023. Twenty-two Union alumni attended their wedding.

’12

Alumni attend the wedding of Benjamin Engle ’12 and Melanie Watman ’12. ’12

Alumni attend the wedding of Leah Doucette ’14 and Patrick DeBenedetto ’14.

2012

Benjamin Engle and Melanie Watman were married on June 20, 2021, at Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, New York. Alumni in attendance included Olivia Watman ’17, Bradley Leavitt ’16, Zachary Pearce, Rachel Baker, Aviva Dworkin, Lindsay Hage, and, in our hearts, Lisa Novak ’79

Leah Doucette and Patrick DeBenedetto were married June 22, 2024, at Sullivan House on Block Island, R.I. Alumni in attendance included Nate Greenberg, Jake Quinn, Ty Roselli, Greg Mooney, Meghan Murphy, Jen Taubes, Sara Vicks, Steph Hynes, Carson Mehl, Kayla Masterman, ’14

2014

Mike Miceli, Megan Phippen, Haley (Brown) Dresser, Courtney Collier, Dylan Tripodi, Amanda (Blake) Goodyear, Carolyn (Infante) Daley, Dave Wood, Joe Bradlee, Emily (Crandall) Bradlee, Jeff Law, Brady Collins, Steve Melia, Maura Driscoll ’15, Brian Daley ’13 and Carolyn Connors ’16

2016

Colton Hyde and Katie McKenna married May 11, 2024 in Durham, N.H. Alumni in attendance included Robbie McNally, Elizabeth Asch, Meaghan Melley, Daniel Chan, Michael Pratt, Laura Schad, KT Laliberte, Elliot Ern, James McGee, Ryan Asselin and Michael Russo

Alumni attend the wedding of Colton Hyde ’16 and Katie McKenna ’16.

Robert Righi ’19 and Jennifer Nutter ’19

2017

Audrey Hunt and Benjamin Megathlin were married in Rochester, New York, on May 11, 2024. Alumni in attendance included James Basuk, Jackson Doughty, Andrew Hilton, Ariella Honig-Stern, Kevin Jordan ’18, John Kodera, Craig Megathlin ’85, Elizabeth Megathlin ’91, Mark Megathlin ’89, Janae Nieto ’19, Brandon Rosales, Justin Salm, Arthur Schutzberg, Allison Smith, Lindsay Tomczak ’18, Josh Wasserman, Kenneth White ’16 and Matt Wu. Audrey and Ben live in Winston-Salem, N.C., with their greyhound, Walter. Audrey is a resident physician specializing in pediatric neurology and Ben is completing his master’s in library and information science.

Alumni attend the wedding of Audrey Hunt ’17 and Benjamin Megathlin ’17.

Meaghan Barros ’20 and Christian Abbate

2019

Robert Righi and Jennifer Nutter were married June 22, 2024, in Long Island, ME. Alumni from the classes of 2019, 2020, and others attended.

2020

Meaghan Barros married Christian Abbate in Sturbridge,

Mass., on March 16, 2024. She writes, “We met in high school while volunteering and have been together since the summer of freshman year at Union!” Alumni in attendance included Abby Polott, Peter Keane, Aidan Quigley, Jane Jung-Chen, Fernanda Arevalo, Pranav Shresta, Erin Lynch and Jiaer Xu

ARRIVALS

2010

Courtney (Foster) Miller and Rush Miller welcomed Thalia Miller in March of 2024. Big sister, Calliope, was ecstatic.

2012

Benjamin Engle and Melanie Watman welcomed their son, Ryder Harrison Engle, to the world on November 10, 2023.

2014

Sarah (Wizner) Waltman and Tim Waltman welcomed their son, Marshall Houlihan, in July!

2017

Virginia (Goggins) Roehmholdt and Max Roehmholdt ’15 welcomed their son, Otto James Roehmholdt, in May 2024.

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering our alumni is an important part of the magazine. To include more graduates in each issue and publish a more current listing, we have updated our In Memoriam section. This listing appears on union.edu/magazine with links to full online obituaries, allowing us to connect readers with more information about their classmates than can be printed in the magazine.

1940s

Donald R. Goodby ’47, of East Greenwich, R.I., died Feb. 7, 2024.

Richard A. Boyer ’49, of Colonie, N.Y., died March 1, 2024.

1950s

Dr. Jay V. Dewell Sr. ’50, of Cobleskill, N.Y., died April 19, 2024.

Leon Weisburgh ’50, of Rye, N.Y., and formerly of Stamford, Conn., died July 2, 2024.

Dr. John J. Gorman ’50, of Schenectady, N.Y., died May 5, 2024.

Melvin H. Blitz ’51 , of Brookline, Mass., died Jan. 29, 2024.

Klaus Eppler ’51 , of New York, N.Y., died Jan. 30, 2024.

Eugene Benman ’51 , of Fayetteville, N.Y., and formerly of Whitesboro, died March 24, 2024.

Carl J. Winterberger ’51 , of Binghamton, N.Y., died Jan. 20, 2024.

B. Robert Hiller ’52, of Bellmore, N.Y., died Feb. 22, 2024.

Courtney (Foster) Miller ’10 celebrates Mother’s Day 2024 with Calliope and Thalia

Marshall Houlihan with big sister, Charlotte (2) (Waltman ’14)

Ryder Harrison Engle (Engle ’12)

Otto James Roehmholdt (Roehmholdt ’17)

NEIL KLEINMAN ’63

Neil Kleinman ’63, of Pasadena, Calif., who was dedicated to family, community and Union College, died Aug. 27, 2024. He was 82.

At Union, Kleinman earned a B.S. degree and was a member of Phi Sigma Delta fraternity and the Philomathean Society, the College’s debating club. Following graduation, he attended the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth and held a number of positions in the technology industry.

He worked in long-range planning for New York Telephone, weapons development for the Mitre Corporation and was a marketing manager for scientific computers for what became Xerox. Kleinman then became marketing manager for Electronic Memories and Magnetics and a long-range marketing consultant for International Data Corporation, where he became a computer graphics pioneer and specialist. In later years, he continued to consult independently.

Through it all, Kleinman remained engaged and supportive of Union College.

He served as head agent for class giving and was vice president of the Class of 1963. In collaboration with several other classmates, Kleinman helped increase annual giving participation for his class to 60 percent— with almost $6 million raised since their graduation. He was also a leader in the creation of the Class of 1963 Endowed and Annual Internship Funds, which provide students pursuing unpaid internships at non-profits with financial support. To date, $545,000 has been raised, providing stipends to 22 students between 2021 and 2024.

For his tireless dedication and loyalty, Union presented Kleinman with an Alumni Gold Medal in 1998.

Kleinman, who loved classical music, watching football and Union ice hockey, as well as antiques, hunting, history and travel, was similarly involved in his community.

He was president and treasurer of the Madison Heights Neighborhood Association, a liaison for the film companies who routinely film in Pasadena, a member of the Pasadena mayor’s transportation committee, and a marketing advisor to the Pasadena Educational Foundation.

Kleinman loved being around children and taking his sons and grandsons on all sorts of adventures. With his wife, Judy, he traveled to 55 countries during their 58-year marriage.

He is survived by Judy, their children and grandsons.

Dr. Joseph A. Barone ’53, of Schenectady, N.Y., died April 26, 2024.

Col. Richard B. Fink ’54 (USAF ret.), of San Antonio, Texas, died March 26, 2024.

William “Bill” Doll ’54, of Nashua, N.H., died July 10, 2024.

Capt. James B. Groff ’54 (CEC, USN ret.), of Southern Shores, N.C., died July 31, 2024.

Michael A. Kahn ’54, of Key Biscayne, Fla., died Aug. 13, 2024.

Conrad H. Lang Jr. ’54, of Glass Lake, N.Y., died Aug. 25, 2024.

Francis W. Wise ’55, of Fort Belvoir, Va., died Jan. 9, 2024.

Dr. Ian J. Spence ’55, of Washington, D.C., died April 19, 2024.

George C. Mitch ’56, of York Township, N.Y., died May 18, 2024.

Burton D. Shapiro ’57, of Pittsfield, Mass., died Apil 29, 2024.

Donald Paskovich ’57, of Ottawa, Canada, died April 29, 2024.

Eugene D. DeLong ’57, of Queensbury, N.Y., died May 10, 2024.

William D. Robinson Jr. ’57, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Aug. 9, 2024.

Dr. Mark Greenspan ’57, of Norfolk, Va, died Aug. 5, 2024.

Robert “Mike” Sullivan ’58, of Freehold Township, N.J., died July 31, 2024.

James E. Swan ’59, of Waynesville, N.C., died Jan. 18, 2024.

Norman H. Macoy ’59, of Brevard, N.C., died Feb. 22, 2024.

William Mather ’59, of Clifton Park, N.Y., died June 14, 2024.

LANCE SPALLHOLZ ’69

The Union community is mourning the death of Lance Spallholz ’69, whose career as an instructor and lab manager in computer science spanned nearly three decades. Spallholz, who lived in Round Lake, N.Y., died July 16, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

At Union, Spallholz majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. After receiving his master’s degree in education from the College of Saint Rose, he spent 16 years teaching science in area high schools before returning to his alma mater in 1983 as an adjunct instructor in computer science.

While continuing to teach, he was hired full-time as manager of the department’s laboratory in 1985. In 2003, he became computer systems manager for engineering and computer science. He retired from Union in June 2012.

When Spallholz was pursuing a master’s in computer science at what was then Union Graduate College in the 1980s, he took classes taught by George Williams ’65. The two men eventually became colleagues in the Computer Science Department. Williams retired in 2002.

Williams described Spallholz as a “genial perfectionist” who always made sure that the equipment in the computer labs was well maintained and that students understood how to use it effectively.

“Lance was deeply loved and admired by all who knew him. He will be missed,” said Karen Williams, associate professor emeritus of biology and George Williams’ wife.

Spallholz’s connections to Union ran deep. His grandfather, an uncle, two great-uncles and his daughter, Julianna ’98 and son, Drue ’04, are all graduates of the College.

As a loyal alumnus, Spallholz enjoyed searching for Union memorabilia. He built an extensive collection of postcards depicting the campus during the early part of the 20th century. In an interview in 1999, he said he was fascinated with the postcards because both the pictures on the front and the messages on the back were evocative of a bygone era.

Spallholz was also a dedicated fan of Union’s men’s hockey team.

Spalhholz’s death came just before the release of a new book, Auto Touring America's National Parks: The Photography of H.A. Spallholz, written by Spallholz, his brother, Julian E. Spallholz and Arthur S. Vaughan. The book chronicles the journey of the Spallholz family as they set out from Salem, N.Y., to see America’s national parks in 1919.

In addition to Spallholz’s wife, Norma, two children and brother, survivors include his grandson, Phineas Spallholz Wheeler.

Lt. Col. Richard S. Kosnick ’59, of Green Valley, Ariz., and formerly of Cody, Wy., died Jan. 6, 2024.

James H. Tyler ’59, of Dewey Beach, Del., died July 2, 2024.

1960s

Dr. Robert C. Judson ’60, of Exeter, N.H., died May 31, 2024.

John Z. Garber ’60, of Teaneck, N.J., died April 17, 2024.

John H. Nickles ’60, of West Coxsackie, N.Y., died June 17, 2024.

M. Raymond Buyce ’61 , of Erie, Penn., died March 26, 2024.

David J. Pelletier ’61 , of Cleveland, Ohio, died May 11, 2024.

John W. Thorne Jr. ’62, of Norristown, Penn., died Jan. 12, 2024.

Major William E. Peabody ’62 (U.S Air Force retired), of Fayetteville, N.C., died June 5, 2024.

Roy W. Waters ’62, of Troy, Mich., died Aug. 14, 2024.

Gary F. Auclair G’63, of Saratoga, Calif., died April 9, 2024.

Donald E. Howard Jr. ’63, formerly of Cooperstown, N.Y., died June 9, 2024.

Nicholas Apostolou ’64, of Morgantown, W.Va., died Feb. 5, 2024.

Dr. Edward N. Smolar ’64, of Boca Raton, Fla., died March 30, 2024.

Thomas N. Willcox ’64, of Portsmouth, N.H., died April 10, 2024.

Peter Rusk ’64, of Marlboro, N.Y., died May 11, 2024.

Asher Engler G’64, of San Jose, Calif., died Aug. 18, 2024.

HARRY MARTEN

Harry Marten, the Edward E. Hale Jr. Professor of English Emeritus, died Oct. 10, 2024, at Albany Medical Center. A resident of Niskayuna, N.Y., he was 80. Marten came to Union in 1976 from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., where he was an assistant professor. He earned doctorate and master’s degrees at the University of California in Santa Barbara, Calif., and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Binghamton. He retired from Union in 2012.

His teaching interests included modern British and American literature. He was published in The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post Book World, The Gettysburg Review, The Ohio Review, New England Review, ELH, The Centennial Review, Contemporary Literature and others.

He wrote books on poets Conrad Aiken and Denise Levertov, and he received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies and the Huntington Library.

At Union, Marten was regarded as a generous friend and colleague who took special pleasure in helping his junior colleagues develop as writers, instructors and participants in the college community, said Jordan Smith.

Marten was chair of the English Department when Smith joined Union in 1981. Smith now holds the title once held by Marten, Edward Everett Hale Jr., Professor of English.

Raised in the Bronx, Marten revisited his childhood in his 2007 memoir, “But That Didn't Happen to You: Recollections and Inventions.” He described his memoir as “a conversation across generations.” It offered reflections on the nature of memory, the immigrant experience, storytelling, old age and family relationships.

He also produced a collection of essays, “Shadowlands: Portraits of Old Age,” his evocative account of coming to grips with dementia that afflicted his stepmother, Ann Marten, in her late eighties. She came into Harry’s life when he was five, marrying his father after his biological mother died.

In retirement, Marten continued to stay engaged with the campus. A gifted musician who played several instruments, he was a regular at Green House Jams. He also taught courses for the Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ginit; two sons, Peter and Timothy; two grandchildren, Saga and Zachary; and a sister, Elizabeth.

Richard R. Wendover ’65, of Schenectady, N.Y., died Feb. 23, 2024.

John W. Waterbury ’65, of New London, N.H., died June 11, 2024.

Jerry D. Wilson G’65, of Greenwood, S.C., died June 24, 2024.

Jeffrey Lander ’66, of Windham, Maine, died Jan. 24, 2024.

Donald Marshall ’66, of Greenport, N.Y., died Jan. 18, 2024.

Michael W. McGaughey ’66, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., died Feb. 29, 2024.

Richard A. Male ’66, of Yarmouth, Maine, died April 18, 2024.

Richard P. Schulz G’66, of Haverford, Penn., died May 29, 2024.

Richard Resch ’66, of London, England, died Aug. 10, 2024.

William Naufftus ’66, of Rock Hill, S.C., died June 26, 2024.

Robert O. Wilhelm ’67, of Schenectady, N.Y., died April 24, 2024.

James C. Gartin G’67, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died May 3, 2024.

Robert Steingut ’67, of New York, N.Y., died May 7, 2024.

Roger A. Kieffer G’67, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died May 18, 2024.

Mark Cullings ’67, of Hingham, Mass., died Aug. 5, 2024.

Dr. Michael B. Walsh ’68, of Bow, N.H., died Jan. 11, 2024.

Donald Brandt G’68, of Schenectady, N.Y., died March 10, 2024.

Vito Pagnotti ’68, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died June 9, 2024.

Jean H. O’Hara G’68, of Atlanta, Ga., died June 25, 2024.

Fredrick Z. Bierman ’69, of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., died Feb. 16, 2024.

Dr. Mark Meisel ’69, of Trenton, N.J., died April 9, 2024.

Walter V. Dixon Jr. ’69, of Santa Ana, Calif., died Feb. 20, 2024.

Michael M. Chater ’69, Montpelier, Vt., died April 21, 2024.

Lawrence E. Colyer G’69, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died April 30, 2024.

1970s

Dennis E. Creighton ’70, of Huntersville, N.C., died March 22, 2024.

Dr. Carmen J. Ronca G’70, of Schenectady, N.Y., died May 5, 2024.

Ann M. Nabi ’70, of Scotch Plains, N.J., died June 30, 2024.

Charles D. Cusimano ’70, of Sarasota, Fla., died Aug. 22, 2024.

Addison W. “Bill” Lamberson ’71 , of Lake Gaston, N.C., died May 13, 2024.

Dr. Stephen E. Strader ’72, of Ballston Spa, N.Y., died April 30, 2024.

Siegwalt Ludke ’72, of Glenville, N.Y., died Aug. 14, 2024.

Timothy J. Ryan ’74, of Hampstead, Md., died Feb. 8, 2024.

Dr. Arunas Budnikas ’74, of Bennington, Vt., died Aug. 11, 2024.

Thomas G. Matthews ’75, of Knoxville, Tenn., died March 28, 2024.

Douglas R. Willoughby G’75, of Georgetown, Texas, died July 7, 2024.

Joseph Hutt Jr. ’76, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., died April 12, 2024.

Arthur A. Autorino G’76, of Eastham, Mass., died Feb. 4, 2024.

Helmut R. Samide ’76, of Clifton Park, N.Y., died May 8, 2024.

Paul F. Cooney ’78, of Menands, N.Y., died Jan. 22, 2024.

Robert J. Masker ’78, of Atkinson, N.H., died April 13, 2024.

Karl E. Stahl ’78, of Lowville, N.Y., died May 24, 2024.

1980s

Patricia A. Hamilton ’80, of Utica, N.Y., died April 8, 2024.

Bryan Carmody ’80, of Boynton Beach, Fla., died March 2, 2024.

William G. Freeman G’80, of Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 10, 2024.

Constance J. Alexander ’81 , of Hoschton, Ga., and formerly of Ridgefield, Conn., died March 30, 2024.

Dr. Steven Geller ’81 , of Pikesville, Md., died Aug. 6, 2024.

Lisa DeMartino ’81 , of Mountainville, N.Y., died March 30, 2024.

Kevin G. Gibbons ’83, of Clinton, Mass., died May 7, 2024.

Leon M. Plovnick G’85, of Cupertino, Calif., died Jan. 17, 2024.

Patricia Agosta ’86, of Rye, N.Y., died March 25, 2024.

Edward K. LaPoint ’88, of Glens Falls, N.Y., died May 9, 2024.

1990s

Guy C. Hildreth ’92, of Rotterdam, N.Y., died Aug. 14, 2024.

Jenny L. Hartford ’93, of Astor, Fla., and Schenectady, N.Y., died Dec. 29, 2023.

Ann Flynn ’93, of Harwich Port, Mass., died Sept. 6, 2024.

Jason W. Lietz ’94, of Niles, Mich., died Sept. 18, 2023.

Brett S. Shapiro ’97, of Nashville, Tenn., died Feb. 22, 2024.

2000s

Thomas P. Haynes ’08, of Princeton, Texas, died Aug. 28, 2024.

2020s

Madeline R. Rioux ’23, of Syracuse, N.Y., died June 17, 2024.

Friends of Union College

Agnesa D. Fraioli, of Ocala, Fla., died Feb. 23, 2024.

Richard E. Hurley, of East Glenville, N.Y., died May 8, 2024.

Lilian J. Foster, of Schenectady, N.Y., died Aug. 1, 2024.

Carol I. Graves, of Glenville, N.Y., died Aug. 23, 2024.

Your legacy empowers

Remembering Union College in your estate planning is an investment in future generations. Share your charitable vision, and we’ll put it into action to make a difference for your alma mater and its students.

Contact the Office of Gift Planning to discover how you might use a planned giving vehicle to:

• Provide for yourself and your loved ones while reducing your tax burden.

• Contribute to the growth of Union’s endowment.

• Ensure access to Union and everything it offers.

There are many ways to pay it forward, and your philanthropy today makes tomorrow possible for countless students.

TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT:

Devon Murphy Stein Director of

Planning and Senior Major

Officer