Post on 17-Jan-2017
UNION A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
COLLEGE
The need for speed: Faculty,
students, alums share love of all things fast | 20
Bali mini-term offers experiential enlightenment | 12
SP
RIN
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01
3
Drew Ivarson ’15 enjoys Union’s newest
Steinway piano. The instrument, housed in
Memorial Chapel, will be played by students
and faculty, and world-class musicians
performing in the Chamber Concert Series.
Several members of the Union community
traveled to the New York City Steinway facility
to choose the piano. The group included
President Stephen C. Ainlay, Dean of Students
Stephen Leavitt, Music Department Chair
Diane McMullen, Dean of Academic Depart-
ments and Programs David Hayes, renowned
pianist Jonathan Biss, and Concert Series
Director Derek Delaney. The piano was made
possible by support from trustee Kelly
Williams ’86 and her husband Andrew Forsyth.
Williams is profiled on page 27 of this issue. Photo by Matt Milless
For video of Union’s
newest Steinway, visit
http://www.youtube.com/
user/unioncollege
S P R I N G 2 0 1 3
Volume 107 • Number 3
12 Living and understanding life through art: Experiential enlightenment in Bali
During the inaugural Bali mini-term in performing arts, Union
students discover that outside-the-classroom experience is an
integral part of learning, and that to fully comprehend a culture,
you must also understand art and its vital significance to
people’s lives.
20 The need for speedDozens share their avocations—and vocations—that fulfill their
need for speed. We’ve heard from car enthusiasts, of course, but
lots of others too. Some have airborne hobbies. Other described
their cameras. And on campus, students and faculty described
scientific instruments, improved processes, computers … even a
Shakespeare production where speed’s the thing.
Departments
2 President’s Message
3 Stay Connected
4 Across Campus
26 Profiles
28 focUs
30 Bookshelf
31 Alumni Clubs
32 The Classes
47 Unions
50 Arrivals
52 In Memoriam
56 Old Union
ON THE COVERA statue of Ganesha stands in the courtyard of Kertiyasa Bungalow, where Union students stayed in Ubud, Bali during a new mini-term.
Photo by Ryota Matsue
VICE PRESIDENT FOR COLLEGE RELATIONSStephen A. Dare
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Gail Glover
EDITORCharlie Caseycaseyc@union.edu
ASSOCIATE EDITORErin DeMuth Judddemuthje@union.edu
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSChristen GowanTina LincerPhillip Wajda
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSMatt MillessRyota MatsueTim Raab
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION2k Design
PRINTINGFort Orange Press
U N I O N C O L L E G E is published three times 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 shouldbe used to correspond about ReUnion, Homecoming, alumni club events, and other activities.
12
» Visit us online at www.union.edu/magazine
UNION A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
COLLEGE
20
2 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
S T E P H E N C . A I N L A Y , P h . D .
The Built, Un-built, and Yet-to-be Built Union
This spring, Union hosted an Alumni Symposium
in celebration of the 200th anniversary of
Joseph Ramée’s “grand plan” for the College.
Paul Turner ’62, the Paul and Phyllis Wattis Professor
of Art Emeritus at Stanford University, gave a talk on
the genius of the plan and its influence on American
campus planning. Art Lidsky, a well-known expert
on campus planning who has assisted us at Union,
gave a talk that provided a sweeping overview of the
development of campuses across the world, and
pointed to future architectural changes and colleges
that keep pace with change and try to hold down
costs. Panelists addressed the relationship between
architecture, sustainability, student life, learning,
and other captivating issues.
For my part, I delivered a talk titled “The Unbuilt
Union.” I traced the many decisions that have been
made to build and not to build, ranging from
decisions President Eliphalet Nott and Ramée made
in first conceiving of the Union campus to more
recent decisions that have been made to renovate
and build on our historic campus.
I concluded my remarks during the symposium
by discussing the meaning our campus “gives off.”
By this, I meant that Union’s campus design—its
architecture—provides messages to all those who
visit the College or who choose to live and work here.
Indeed, the messages provided by our architecture
compel many to join the Union community. I focused
on four: 1) Union as a community of learners, 2) Union
as an institution that prepares students for their
respective “frontiers,” 3) Union as a place where
people come to understand tradition and history
while being simultaneously encouraged to “think
outside the box,” and 4) Union as a place that affirms
of the richness of diversity and our common
humanity and purpose.
Ramée and Nott’s plan to place Union on a hill
looking down the Mohawk Valley, their decision to
build North and South Colleges with faculty and
students living and working together, far more recent
conceptions of the MacLean Atrium in the new Wold
Center as an “academic town square,” and many
other architectural decisions have created this special
place, conveying these architectural messages.
I am reminded daily that the Union campus
serves as a magnet for people—students, faculty,
and staff—who want to be part of such a place. I am
reminded daily the people who are drawn in by
Union’s campus are people who make a difference.
You will see evidence of this in this issue of the
magazine. While the campus was in its infancy
when William Seward (Class of 1820) attended, the
architectural qualities I described were already
apparent. We learned from Walter Stahr at Founders
Day that Seward was very much a product of Union
and he maintained an affection for the College
throughout his life. Drew Ivarson ’15, featured playing
the new Steinway Model D piano that now graces
Memorial Chapel, is current evidence that the campus
still compels and still draws remarkable students.
Like so many of his fellow students, Drew integrates
the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering,
and math) fields with the study of the arts, under-
standing that this is critical to preparing for the new
“frontiers.” Tory Chee ’13 has been central to building
our community and building bridges between
Union and Schenectady. “Campus Kitchens” is all
about innovative initiatives. You will read about
Joshua Anderson ’13 and Shilpa Darivemula ’13 who
received prestigious Watson Fellowships. Their work,
along with the work of the students and faculty who
participated in our Bali mini-term, demonstrates the
engagement of our students with the richly diverse
world that surrounds us. Is it accidental that Union
attracts these kinds of students? I don’t think so. I
believe they are drawn and drawn in.
Let us all commit to preserving, enhancing, and
supporting a campus environment that becomes
home to these sorts of individuals.
president’s message
| 3 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Correction:We would like to acknowledge
the following people, who
were listed incorrectly in the
Annual Report of Donors:
O N L I N E S P E C I A L S
Want to know more about your fellow
alums’ “need for speed?” Interested
in learning how Darren Binder ’90
started City Dogs Rescue to save
dogs from high-kill animal shelters?
For more content and video,
visit www.union.edu/magazine!
Join the fun and conversation on the
alumni Facebook page. It’s got everything
you need—campus news, ways to get
involved at Union, photos of your friends
at great College events. Check it out!
Visit www.union.edu/alumni and click on
the Facebook icon.
“The days of the boring website
read are over. The new EverTrue
app delivers up-to-date Union
news to your mobile and allows
U to keep up with other alumni!”
– Catherine Hedgeman ’96
Catherine is just one of 2,000
alumni enjoying EverTrue. Don’t
miss out on a fantastic way to
connect with classmates and
engage with the College. If you
haven’t downloaded the app yet,
go to the iTunes store or Google
Play today!
Stay connected
CLASS OF 1950
Frank Bailey League
William Mertz Heyer
CLASS OF 1956
Society of the Idol
Dr. Philip Goodman
CLASS OF 1974
Garnet Society
Stanley O’Brien
CLASS OF 1976
A gift from William Peck was made in
memory of June Rinkoff, Class of 1978
U
4 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Seward’s place: A Founders Day tribute
When he arrived at
Union in September
1816, William Henry
Seward was a 15-year-old
boy unwise to the ways of a
nation divided. Yet by the
time he graduated in 1820,
the education he received
here unmistakably helped
shape his stature as one of the
most important American
statesmen of the 19th century.
“He helped to lay the
foundations of the American
empire,” said Walter Stahr of
one of Union’s most distin-
guished alumni. “And he would
be so proud to come back to
Union to see what you all are
doing, laying the foundation
of a great college here.”
Stahr gave the keynote
address at Founders Day
Thursday, Feb. 21 in Memorial
Chapel. In a season of all
things Lincoln, it was fitting
for him to help commemorate
the 218th anniversary of the
College’s charter.
As the author of the com-
pelling Seward: Lincoln’s
Indispensable Man, Stahr has
introduced a legion of readers
to Lincoln’s secretary of state,
closest friend and confidant
during the Civil War. The
biography, along with Steven
Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated
film “Lincoln,” has thrust
Seward back into the spotlight.
During his talk, Stahr
recounted the life of a man who
served as governor of New
York, a state and U.S. senator,
who survived an assassination
attempt. As secretary of state,
Seward engi-
neered the
$7.2
million
Union receives record
5,643 applications
from prospective
first-year students
vying to join Class
of 2017
Nobel Prize-winning
chemist, playwright and
poet Roald Hoffman delivers
a talk: “Indigo: A Tale of
Craft, Religion, History,
Science and Culture”For more detailed campus news,
visit www.union.edu/news JA
NU
AR
Y 2
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3
Yet in his commencement
speech, Seward was confident
the “American Union will
probably be permanent” and
predicted Americans would
“worship the same God…on
the banks of the Hudson or
the Mobile or the Missouri.”
“The view of the Union that
Seward first expressed here, at
Union College, remained his
view throughout his life,” Stahr
told the audience.
across campus
A R O U N D
U.S. purchase of Alaska from
Russia in 1867, which has
been mocked as “Seward’s
Folly.” Stahr called that a myth,
stating that news-
paper coverage at the time
was mostly favorable, which
was borne out by the fact the
deal passed the Senate, 37-2.
Stahr also touched on
Seward’s time on campus,
including his thoughts about
longtime President Eliphalet
Nott; his academic prowess;
and his relationships
with the faculty.
After a fight with his
father over finances,
Seward left Union
midway through
his senior year and
headed to Georgia. By
the time he returned to
Schenectady in January
1820, the man who
later helped write and
sign the Emancipation
Proclamation confronted
a bitter North-South debate
over
slavery.Therese A. McCarty, the Stephen J.
and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of
Faculty and Vice President for
Academic Affairs, with James
Iacketta, winner of the Gideon
Hawley Teacher Recognition
Award, and Samantha Griffiths ’15,
the student who nominated him.
Walter Stahr, author of a biography on Seward, delivers the keynote address.
| 5 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Union celebrates Martin
Luther King Jr. Day with
events including a talk—“A
Separate Place: Documenting
African American History”—
by Dr. Jeanne D. Nutter
Wikoff Student Gallery
features works by six
students in an exhibit:
“Selections from
Photography 3: Color
Digital Photography”
S E W A R D : T H E U L T I M A T E S U R V I V O R
For William Henry Seward, 1865
was a year of anguish and loss,
as is clearly depicted in Walter
Stahr’s new book, Seward:
Lincoln’s Indispensible Man.
April 5, he fell from an
out-of-control carriage, trying
to stop its startled horses. He
broke his right arm and fractured
his lower jaw on both sides.
Confined to his bed, often
delirious from pain, his doctors
weren’t hopeful he’d recover.
But by the morning of April 14,
he’d improved considerably
and ate his first solid breakfast
since the accident.
That same night, however,
John Wilkes Booth fatally shot
President Abraham Lincoln,
and a Booth associate, Lewis
Powell, made a ferocious
attempt on Seward’s life.
Powell arrived at the
Secretary of State’s home at
about 10 p.m. and tried to
persuade Seward’s son,
Frederick, to admit him.
Frederick resisted and Powell
beat him with a pistol until he
collapsed. The would-be
assassin then climbed the
stairs to Seward’s room.
Powell rushed in and leapt
atop Seward, prone in his bed,
and began slashing the older
man in the face and neck.
Fanny, who had been keeping
watch over her father,
screamed and roused her
brother, Augustus.
Augustus and the male
nurse, Robinson, were both
stabbed in the struggle, but
forced Powell from the house.
All would survive the
encounter, even the grievously
wounded Seward. Fortunately,
Powell’s downward stabs did
not cause fatal injury and
Seward was able to roll off the
bed and away from his attacker.
But even after enduring
such violence, Seward’s trials
were not over. He was still
coping with Lincoln’s death and
closely monitoring Frederick’s
recovery, when his beloved
wife, Frances, died June 21.
Newspapers at the time
almost unanimously attributed
her passing to the assassination
attempt. The New York Times
reported that “infirm and feeble
as she had been for years, while
those she loved so devotedly
were in danger, disease had no
power over wife and mother.
But when the strain was off,
her over-taxed powers, mental
and physical, gave way.”
A year later, Seward’s favorite
child and only daughter, Fanny,
died.
And yet Seward persevered,
going on to serve as secretary
of state for President Andrew
Johnson. In this role, he
completed that for which he is
perhaps best known—the
purchase of Alaska from Russia.
Seward died in Auburn, N.Y.
on Oct. 10, 1872.
Acclaimed pianist Jeremy
Denk returns to Memorial
Chapel in Union College
Concert Series, playing
Bartok, Liszt, Wagner, Bach
and Beethoven
Earlier in the day, Stahr
and President Stephen C.
Ainlay appeared on
WAMC, Northeast Public
Radio’s program, The
Roundtable. To listen, visit
http://wamc.org/.
After the Founders Day
convocation, Stahr and
several faculty discussed
Seward's legacy in a video
teleconference with
alumni and other friends.
Also at Founders Day,
James Iacketta, a music
and band teacher at
Sillwater (N.Y.) High
School, received the
Gideon Hawley Teacher
Recogni tion Award.
The award, named for
the 1809 graduate of Union
who was New York State’s
first superintendent of
public education, is given
to secondary school
teachers who have had a
continuing influence on
the academic life of Union
students. Iacketta was
nominated by Samantha
Griffiths ’15, an electrical
engineering major who
performs in the College’s
jazz ensemble and pep
band.
To watch a Founders Day video, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/unioncollege
6 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
across campus
Union remembers Sean Murphy ’13, student killed in crash
More than 500 members of the
campus community gathered for
a heartfelt service in Memorial
Chapel March 15, 2013 to mourn the loss
of Sean Murphy.
A senior majoring in psychology,
Murphy was a passenger in a car that
crashed in nearby East Greenbush
early the morning of March 13. He was
pronounced dead at the scene.
The 30-minute service began with a
prayer from Frank Thomas, the College’s
Catholic chaplain. Calling Murphy a gift
to all those who knew him, he urged
people to “find the strength to carry on in
the face of this tragedy.”
A series of speakers followed, including
President Stephen C. Ainlay, Murphy’s
roommates and Sigma Chi fraternity
brothers, and religious and academic
leaders from campus.
Ainlay, the father of two sons not much
older than the 22-year-old Murphy, said
Union was made better by Murphy’s
presence on campus. He described the
close-knit community that makes Union
special, noting that “when we lose one
of our members, there is a hole, a tear in
the fabric of our community.”
His voice breaking at times, Ainlay
said his two boys call him a fixer.
“I can’t fix this,” he said.
Mark Wunderlich, dean of studies,
shared thoughts from faculty members
who taught Murphy. Jewish chaplain
and Hillel Director Bonnie Cramer read
Psalm 23 (“The Lord is My Shepherd”).
Then, one by one, some of Murphy’s
fraternity brothers approached the stage.
comforter had somehow been ripped
while he was gone.
“But rather than containing the
feathers, he (Murphy) decided he would
make our room a snow globe.”
As George Haydock ’14 said, “Murph
could make a joke about anything.”
As the service came to a close, a
collection of photographs of Murphy at
various times in his life served as a
backdrop to words of hope offered from
Viki Brooks, director of the Office of
Religious and Spiritual Life and campus
Protestant minister.
“As you leave this gathering, look for
hope in the frames of your own contexts,”
she said. “Search for wholeness even as
you struggle with this loss and be mind-
ful of the wealth of people prepared to
support you in your grief and walk with
you through your questioning.”
When she finished, Murphy’s father,
Stephen, asked to speak. He attended the
service along with his wife, Coreen, and
other family members.
He thanked the campus community
for giving the family “a glimmer of light
in the very dark place we are at right now.”
Then, barely holding back sobs, he
said, “Sean had a great 22 years. We want
to thank the Union family for making
what turned out to be the last phase of
his life, the best phase of his life.”
The service concluded with a piano
interlude of Psalm 121 (“Our help is in the
name of the Lord”) by Professor of Music
Dianne McMullen.
A candlelight vigil was held around
the Nott Memorial later in the evening.
Union celebrates Black History
Month with events including a
talk by educator and author
Vijay Giles, who spoke on
“Turning Your Stumbling
Blocks into Stepping Stones.”
Students once again performed
“The Vagina Monologues” by
playwright Eve Ensler, showing
their support for women
battling sexual and gender-
based violence.
FE
BR
UA
RY
20
13
Kelly Adirondack Center receives
$95,000 from The Zemurray Founda-
tion ($80,000) and The F.M. Kirby
Foundation ($15,000) to support
lectures, concerts, the Adirondack
mini-term and other programs
^
To them, he was simply “Murph.” Their
emotions still raw since learning of his
death, they spoke of a loyal, sincere friend
adept at making people laugh.
Daniel Gross ‘13 recounted a trip some
of the brothers took last year to Key West,
Fla., in an RV. Murphy was put in charge
of the radio. He rewarded his travel party
by putting rapper Ludacris’ song, “Georgia,”
on repeat through the southern state.
“He was the best co-pilot you could ask
for, whether driving or in life,” he said.
Daniel Costigan ’13 talked of Murphy’s
love of the Washington Redskins and
Virginia Tech Hokies football team. Luke
Johnson ’13 recalled a Sunday afternoon
driving back to Schenectady from a
wedding when he got a text from Murphy:
“Dude, we got a feather disaster.” Ten
minutes later, Murphy texted again: “And
I mean a feather disaster.”
Johnson later learned his blue down
| 7 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Students again participate in
the 13th annual Recyclemania
competition, a recycling and
waste-reduction contest
between colleges across the
U.S. and Canada.
An effort by Samantha
Muratori ’14, the first funded
by the new Green Fee program,
will result in wireless thermo-
stats in apartments along
Seward and Roger Hull Place.
Alvaro Peters ’14
revives the
mentoring
program, Phenomenal Males, with Alpha
Phi Alpha brothers Joseph Mason ’13 and
De’Sean Suarez ’14.
Civil rights hero John Lewis to deliver Commencement address
U.S. Rep. John Lewis,
an influential figure in
the civil rights move-
ment who has dedicated his
life to protecting human
liberties, will be the featured
speaker at Union’s 219th
Commencement.
Approximately 483 students
in the Class of 2013 will receive
degrees during the ceremony,
scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday,
June 16, on Hull Plaza. Lewis
will receive an honorary doctor
of laws degree.
The son of sharecroppers,
Lewis grew up in Alabama
and attended segregated
public schools. Later, at Fisk
University, he organized
sit-ins at segregated lunch
counters in Nashville. One
of the original 13 Freedom
Fighters who were beaten
and arrested for challenging
segregation on interstate
buses, Lewis helped form the
Student Nonviolent Coordi-
nating Committee.
At age 23, Lewis was an
architect and keynote speaker
for the March on Washington
in August 1963, when 250,000
people gathered at the Lincoln
Memorial for King’s iconic “I
Have a Dream” speech. Lewis
is the last surviving speaker
from the march.
Perhaps Lewis’s most
defining moment came less
than two years later, when
on March 7, 1965, he helped
lead hundreds in a peaceful
march for voting rights across
the Edmund Pettus Bridge in
Selma, Ala.
In what became known as
Bloody Sunday, marchers were
met by Alabama state troopers
with billy clubs and tear gas.
Lewis suffered a fractured
skull in the violent confronta-
tion. The televised images of
marchers being beaten jolted
the nation and were the
catalyst for the passage of the
Voting Rights Act several
months later.
Lewis has represented
Atlanta and several other cities
in Georgia as a U.S. Congress-
man since 1986. The recipient
of dozens of awards and
honorary degrees, Lewis was
presented with the Presidential
Medal of Freedom in 2011 by
Barack Obama, who praised
him for his courage and
commitment to social justice.
To learn more about Lewis,
visit http://johnlewis.house.
gov/. For more on Commence-
ment, visit http://www.union.
edu/events/commencement/
President to take sabbatical
Following the completion of the $250
million You Are Union campaign, which
surpassed the goal by $8 million, the
Board of Trustees has granted a six-month
sabbatical to President Stephen C. Ainlay.
President Ainlay will be on leave from
July 1 to Dec. 31, 2013 during which time he
will develop recommendations for advanc-
ing the priorities of a revised Strategic Plan,
in particular how the College will finance
critical future projects.
“While there are many who helped the
Campaign succeed, the Board is especially
grateful to President Ainlay and Judith Gardner
Ainlay,” said Mark Walsh ’76, chairman of the
board. “They have travelled the country and
the world, telling the Union story, building
support, and working with donors to secure
transformative gifts. This leave is an invest-
ment in Union’s future.”
Sabbatical leaves for college presidents
have become more common in recent years,
Walsh said, as seen at a number of local peer
institutions including Hamilton, Vassar and
Skidmore.
Therese McCarty, vice president for
Academic Affairs, will serve as acting president
during President Ainlay’s leave. David Hayes,
dean of academic departments and programs,
will serve as acting vice president of Academic
Affairs.
8 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Teacher and historian
Don Papson discussed
“Abolitionism in the
Adirondacks” as part of the
Kelly Adirondack Center’s
lecture and concert series.MA
RC
H 2
01
3
President Stephen C.
Ainlay recalled the day
a couple of years ago
when Carl George, professor
emeritus of biology, asked
him to take a ride.
The two got in George’s
car and drove 3.4 miles from
campus to St. David’s Lane in
Niskayuna. There, Ainlay saw
property that includes a home
built by noted Adirondack
conservationist Paul Schaefer
in 1934, and the Adirondack
Research Library, which boasts
one of the largest collections
of Adirondack material
outside the Adirondack Park.
“We can own this,” said
George, who has lectured
Kelly Adirondack Center dedicatedextensively on the Adirondacks.
That quick trip culminated
Feb. 16, 2012 in the formal
dedication of the Kelly
Adirondack Center. Its acqui-
sition, made possible by the
generosity of longtime College
benefactor and trustee John
E. Kelly III ’76 and his wife
Helen-Jo, is the start of a
new chapter in Union’s rich
history with the Adirondacks.
Noting the College’s
proximity to the six-million
acre Adirondack Park, the
state capitol and Tech Valley,
Kelly, senior vice president
and director of research at
IBM, said “this is the perfect
opportunity for Union to play
across campus
a role in helping to preserve
this park, while driving the
economy of the region.”
In recent months, the
Center has hosted public
lectures and musical events,
including conservationist and
author Bill Weber, Adirondack
singer and storyteller Dan
Berggren and a photo exhibit
by Matt Milless, director of
Student Activities.
To learn more about the
Center, visit www.union.edu/
offices/adirondacks/index.php
To watch a video of
the dedication, visit
http://www.youtube.com/
user/unioncollege
President Stephen C. Ainlay speaks at the dedication of the Kelly Adirondack Center.
Student honored for volunteerism
(Ph
oto
by
Ch
arle
s St
ec
kle
r)Richard Blanco, the fifth
presidential inaugural poet,
read from his works and
participated in a dinner and
discussion with students.
Victoria Chee ’13, a
Leadership in Medicine
student who coordinates
Campus Kitchens and is
active with the Presidential
Interfaith Campus Challenge,
has been named a “Future
Stakeholder” by the Stake-
holders, an Albany-based
not-for-profit that inspires
people to take positive action
in their communities.
She is among 10 winners
of the group’s 2013 GOBY
Awards (Get on Board Volun-
teer Awards), which recognizes
exemplary volunteer service.
“Tori has emerged as a true
campus leader,” said Art History
Professor Lorraine Morales
Cox, who nominated Chee for
the award. She got to know
Chee last fall, when a core
group of faculty, staff and
students mobilized to collect
donations for Hurricane Sandy.
“What is really amazing
about Tori is her excellent
ability to build coalitions of
people and build bridges
between diverse groups who
share a vision in addressing a
need in the community.” She
is, Cox added, “someone who
clearly wins the admiration of
everyone around her yet does
so in a very humble, ‘behind
the scenes’ kind of way.”
A native of Little Neck, N.Y.,
Chee is an interdepartmental
major in biology and Asian
studies, with aspirations of
| 9 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
This year’s winter dance
concert, Circling Beginnings:
Dancing the Seasons,
explored changing seasons
and the splendor of nature.
Union makes President’s
Higher Education
Community Service
Honor Roll for fourth
time in five years
A paper by Robert Olberg, the Florence
B. Sherwood Professor of Life Sciences,
and colleagues, about dragonfly visual
neurons and prey interception, received
the Cozzarelli Prize from the National
Academy of Sciences.
Christopher Chabris,
rap star?
Not quite. But the
associate professor of
psychology got to spin his
science recently on the stage
of “Ingenious Nature,” a
theatrical mixtape that
recently completed its run at
the SoHo Playhouse.
A creation of Canadian
rapper and playwright Baba
Brinkman, “Ingenious Nature”
featured “mashed up stories
from his love life with
findings from the seductive
field of evolutionary psychol-
ogy, which tries to explain
gender relations, political
beliefs and teenage reckless-
ness through the lens of
millions of years of genetic
selection,” according to the
New York Times.
Throughout its six-week
run, the show featured
members from the science
community who would
speak to audiences after the
performance. Brinkman was
familiar with Chabris, having
referenced his notable book
with Daniel J. Simons, a
psychology professor at the
University of Illinois, The
Invisible Gorilla, and Other
Ways Our Intuitions Deceive
Us, on his 2010 album, “The
Rapper’s delight: Professor mixes it up off Broadway
Rap Guide to Human Nature.”
Chabris spoke about his
research on cognition, intelli-
gence and behavior genetics
after one performance.
Chabris, who joined Union
in 2007, has appeared on the
Today show and National
Public Radio (NPR). He has
written for the New York Times
and The Wall Street Journal.
But he never expected
his research to infiltrate the
world of rap.
“A lot of things have
happened as a result of
writing our book, but being
cited in rap lyrics and
appearing on the stage of a
rap show have to be two of
the best,” Chabris said.
Student honored for volunteerismworking in international health
care and health care policy.
Much of her campus volun-
teerism has addressed issues
of poverty and hunger.
She has been involved in
the Union chapter of the
national Campus Kitchens
organization since its incep-
tion three years ago. As
director, she streamlined the
method of organizing weekly
shifts of students who cook
food for the City Mission and
also implemented a summer
program. Last November,
she organized the Campus
Kitchens Thanksgiving
“Turkey Palooza.”
In other volunteer and
leadership roles, Chee is vice
president of philanthropy and
programming at Omicron
Delta Kappa, the national
leadership honor society, and
philanthropy chair of Alpha
Delta Lambda, the community
service sorority. She is a
member of the Empty Bowls
planning committee, the
Leadership in Diversity Council,
LGBTQ Allies and the Garnet
Society, the student Alumni
Association.
She has also volunteered
at the Community Hospice
of Schenectady and worked at
a rural clinic in Cusco, Peru.
Last year, on an independent
study in Taiwan, China and
Hong Kong, she researched
comparative health systems
between Taiwan and the
United States and studied
with practitioners of traditional
Chinese medicine.
10 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
After winning its second straight ECAC
Championship, the men’s hockey team
headed to the NCAA Tournament,
defeating Boston College (5-1) in the
first round. Union fell to Quinnipiac (5-1)
during the East Regional Final.MA
RC
H 2
01
3across campus
Fans at the inaugural
Mayor’s Cup men’s hockey
game between Union and
RPI were treated to an unusual
shootout during the second
intermission: Robo-Hockey.
Four teams of mechanical
engineering students who
designed and built the wheeled
robots—about the size of a
briefcase—competed in a
four-minute period in front
of thousands of spectators.
Starting from one of the
face-off circles, one robot got
20 seconds to fire a four-ounce
blue puck past another robot
positioned in the goalie
crease. The process repeated
itself until the period ended.
“This was a perfect oppor-
tunity to get engineering
students and their academic
accomplishments out in front
Face off: Robots take to ice during Union-RPI game
of people who normally
wouldn’t go to an engineer-
ing competition,” said Ronald
Bucinell, associate professor
of mechanical engineering.
“We hope it also inspires
young people to consider
careers in engineering.”
Bucinell, along with David
Hodgson, assistant professor
of mechanical engineering,
and Sudhir Khetan, visiting
instructor of bioengineering,
oversaw the project.
“This has been a good
learning experience,” said
Zach Reinert ’13, a mechanical
engineering major from
Houston. “We were skeptical
at first, but it turned out to be
fun. We ran into some things
that didn’t work, but that’s
good, because you just keep
working until you get it right.”
As Tena Clark’s anthem
“Break the Chain” rever-
berated from the first
floor of the Reamer Campus
Center, more than two dozen
faculty, staff and students
dressed in red or pink quickly
assembled in front of Dutch
Hollow February 14.
While the dancers and the
crowd carried smiles, the mes-
sage was serious: end violence
against women and girls.
The event was part of a
global campaign called One
Billion Rising. With the
United Nations estimating
that one in three women in
the world will be beaten or
raped in her lifetime (or one
billion), organizers encour-
aged participants to “walk out,
Union joins global campaign against gender violence
dance, rise up and demand”
an end to the violence.
The message was even
more poignant in light of
recent horrific events,
including the gang rape of
an Ohio teenager and the
Taliban shooting of 15-year-
old Pakistani activist Malala
Yousafzai for insisting girls
be educated in Afghanistan.
“We are saying no to
gender violence,” said Shilpa
Darivemula ’13, moments
after leading the dance. “It’s
an important issue; we’re
excited to bring awareness
of it to Union.”
She, along with Suraiyah
Abdul-Wahab ’13, Diana
Tettey ’14 and Victoria Chee
’13, organized the event.
Bill Nye (“The Science Guy”) spoke
to a capacity crowd in Memorial
Chapel. Nye hosts three T.V.
series—“The Eyes of Nye,” “Stuff
Happens” and “The 100 Greatest
Discoveries.”
Seamus Feider-Sullivan ’13 works on his robot under the guidance
of Dave Hodgson, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
Ph
oto
by M
att Mille
ss
| 11 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Joshua Anderson likes
things simple. The
mechanical engineering
major helps run his parents’
self-sufficient farm in Maine,
spent part of winter break
traipsing around Paris with
little but his backpack and
doesn’t own a cell phone.
Shilpa Darivemula loves
medicine and dance. A pre-
med student majoring in
biology and Spanish,
Darivemula has performed
Kuchipudi, a classical Indian
dance, since she was eight
years old. She has also taught
dance to inner-city youth and
interned in dance therapy.
The two students are
among 40 nationwide who
have been awarded a presti-
gious Thomas J. Watson
Fellowship to spend the next
year pursuing their passion.
The fellowship offers a
one-year grant to seniors “of
unusual promise” to study
independently outside the
United States. The stipend for
individual award winners is
$25,000.
Anderson will travel
through the United Kingdom,
Denmark, Belgium, Nepal and
Two seniors awarded prestigious Watson FellowshipsTanzania in support of his
project, “Holistic Self-suffi-
ciency: Exploring the
Intersection of Community,
Innovation, and Self.”
Tapping into his engineer-
ing background, he plans to
immerse himself in eco-
villages, monasteries and
other self-sufficient commu-
nities to see how they provide
basic necessities like utilities,
shelter and farming.
For her independent study
abroad last winter, Darivemula
lived with indigenous Mapuche
communities in Chile. There,
she witnessed the power of
communal healing through
traditional dance.
Her Watson project, “Of
Medicine and Mudras:
Exploring Healing through
Traditional Dance Cultures,”
continues that theme.
Darivemula plans to visit
Bolivia, Ghana, Indonesia and
Cambodia. She will fuse her
background in medicine with
the mudras, or hand gestures,
used to narrate stories in four
traditional dances.
For more about the
Watsons visit www.union.
edu/news
Thirty students participated in
a 10-day trip to Israel over
winter break, 27 of them through
Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel. They
were the largest-ever Union contingent
on the popular cultural immersion
experience. Students, in their garnet
Hillel T-shirts, are pictured here with
their Dartmouth peers in Jaffa, Israel.
Largest-ever group on Israel trip
Joshua Anderson ’13
Ph
oto
by Z
ak Smo
len
’13
Shilpa Darivemula ’13
12 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
B Y E R I N D E M U T H J U D D
E X P E R I E N T I A L E N L I G H T E N M E N T I N B A L I
iVinG and UndERSTAndiNG iFE
Photos by Ryota Matsue
Background: Wayang Kulit (Balinese shadow puppets)
Right: A statue of Ganesha stands in the courtyard of Kertiyasa Bungalow, where Union students stayed in Ubud, Bali.
The reason: life is lived through art in this Indonesian country.
“For almost every milestone in life, there is a ritual performance—everything from the first time a baby’s feet touch the ground to cremation ceremonies and temple celebrations,” Matsue said. “You can’t understand daily life in Bali without an awareness of gamelan (Balinese orchestra) and dance—they are integral to so many events.”
Colin Turley ’13, a physics major minoring in music and electrical engi-neering, certainly found this to be true.
“Unlike in the West, music and performing arts are integrated into everyday life. So to understand Balinese culture, we had to start by understanding art,” he said. “By studying and practicing their arts intensely for a few weeks, we received a window into Balinese culture.”
And they didn’t just study one art form; they studied many of them. And not just from a scholarly standpoint either. Students were expected to become proficient enough to perform in the Balinese tradition, for the Balinese.
“This is a truly interdisciplinary mini-term, during which students study gamelan, dance, Balinese puppet-making, suling (Balinese flute), Balinese painting and Balinese drumming (kendang),”
| 13 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
wenty four days. That’s all it took for Maria Dreeszen ’14 to realize she didn’t entirely get it before Bali.
“I gained first-hand experience of the role of religion in Bali by actually attending rituals and participating in them,” said Dreeszen, a pre-dental religious studies major. “I was living their spiritual way of life, rather than just solely reading a book about it, writing a paper on it or watching a video. And now I get that you really can’t understand something until you actively live it.”
Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 19, 2012, Dreeszen and 11 other students participated in Union’s inaugural Bali mini-term in performing arts. Developed and led by Jennifer Matsue, associate professor of music, director of the Asian Studies Program and director of the World Musics and Cultures Program, the term fully immerses students in Balinese culture through the performing arts.
“The arts are vastly important to understanding culture—any culture,” Matsue said. “Music and dance don’t exist in a vacuum, they exist in a culture and express the culture in which they exist.”
“You can learn so much through music, for instance. You can learn about political and spiritual beliefs, about gender and race, about history, economics, technol-ogy,” she added. “And there’s no better place than Bali to experience this deep relationship between arts and culture.”
ARTT
iVinG and UndERSTAndiNG iFE through
Matsue said. “In addition, they study
some Indonesian language and
participate in lectures about social
issues in Bali.”
To be asked to do so much in so
short a time, with art forms that were
just weeks ago unknown to them,
was difficult for the students. But they
never shied away from the challenge.
“Performing these arts was both
exciting and intimidating. I was intimi-
dated because my novice understand-
ing was not even level with Balinese
children, and I was scared I would
offend the Balinese with how
much I was struggling to perfect
these art forms,” said Caroline
Aldrich ’14, a visual arts major
minoring in mathematics. “But
I knew I’d never again be able to
experience or learn these things,
so I did the best I could.
“And happily, everyone was
pleased with our final performance,
so I know the Balinese felt we had
done a good job.”
They were able to perform well, in
part, because of the instruction they
received and experiences they had.
Learning from Balinese
masters and witnessing
real Balinese performances
honoring the gods in
temples—and even
14 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
attending a royal cremation ceremony—
made it possible for Union students to
do what few other visitors to Bali do.
They did what the Balinese people do.
Their dance and music lessons, and
the temple celebrations and important
rituals they attended, were not of the
tourist variety. All experiences were
traditional and authentic, and shared
with the Balinese themselves.
“Learning Balinese performing arts
was extremely difficult at first, and
my having been trained in ballet, tap
and jazz since I was three, didn’t help
much at all,” Dreeszen said. “The way
I had been trained to dance with my
core contracted and my rib cage closed
counteracted Balinese instruction,
which is more focused on creating
bent lines.”
“This completely different dance
style felt unnatural initially, and I
struggled mentally and physically,”
she continued. “But our teachers were
nothing but supportive and patient.
They helped us all feel like real Balinese
performers by the end.”
This accomplishment left these
young men and women much changed.
Aldrich, for one, knows that amassing
possessions won’t amount to content-
ment or a sense of fulfillment.
“The Balinese live with so little, yet
they are the happiest, most vibrant
BY StudYinG And PRActicinG THEiR ARts INtEnSElY FOR
A FEw WEEKs WE REcEiVEd A WindOW intO BAliNEsE CuLtuRE
— Colin Turley '13
‘‘
’’.
Meghan Murphy ’14 (front) dances Rejang Dewa
| 15 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Clockwise from top: Union students witnessed a royal cremation ceremony in Bali, part of which was this parade; Students take a gamelan
lesson; I Gusti Nyoman Darta (middle) gives a drumming lesson to Jessica Rivetz '14 and John Lynch '16; Colorful sarongs on sale in Bali.
16 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Caroline Aldrich ‘14
makes a shadow puppet
Students at Rangki (Palace of Carvings)
| 17 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
people,” she said. “Their kindness and
true desire to help anyone they can
taught me that material things aren’t
going to make me feel happy or
complete, but being comfortable with
who I am, and helping others, will.”
Dreeszen too will strive to find more
balance in her life, and she’ll call on
this experience for a very long time.
“I want to be a pediatric dentist one
day, and I am confident the lessons
of cultural awareness I learned in Bali
will serve me well in terms of patient
interaction,” she said. “A better under-
standing of how to interact with
people who are different is invaluable;
it’s something everyone should have.”
Matsue couldn’t agree more, which
is why she remains dedicated to growing
Union’s World Musics and Cultures
Program. It highlights jazz, and the
music and culture of Africa and Latin
America, with Associate Professor of
Music Tim Olsen, and East Asian and
Southeast Asian studies with Matsue.
In 2006, Matsue oversaw the
acquisition of Japanese drums (taiko),
and a gamelan. The same year, she
arranged for a Fulbright scholar to
give courses on Balinese music and
culture. In 2011, two masters in Balinese
performing arts taught at Union.
Union’s gamelan, named Gita
Semara or “Song of Love,” is the only
one in the Capital Region. It also
figures prominently in Matsue’s
dream to build a college and commu-
nity gamelan ensemble.
“Gamelan is so wonderful, partly
because students can learn to play so
quickly,” she said. “Without a Balinese
gamelan master, we can’t give perfect
instruction, but it’s a start. Hopefully we’ll
be able to hire a master in the future.”
Until then, though, she’s thrilled
with the progress made so far.
THEiR KindNEss And TRuE DEsiRE TO HElp AnYOnE THEY CAn TAuGHt ME THAt MAtERiAl THinGs AREn’t GOinG TO MAkE ME FEEl HAppy Or COMplEtE,
But BEinG COmfORtAblE WitH WHO I Am, And HElpiNG OthERs, Will.
— Caroline Aldrich '14
‘‘
’’
Africa djembe drum
(Union's World
Musics and Cultures
Program also focuses
on African music and
culture.)
18 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Students can officially minor in
World Musics and Cultures, or can
create their own organizing theme
major incorporating many of the
program’s offerings. And of course,
there’s the Bali mini-term. It took
two years to build and launch, and
will be led again in 2014 by Miryam
Moutillet, senior artist-in-residence
in Theater and Dance.
“Our World Musics and Cultures
program has grown a lot. It’s all the
more impressive because it’s rela-
tively rare to have so much world
music in such a small liberal arts
environment,” Matsue said. “It
augments Union’s interdisciplinary
approach to education in a remark-
An AppREciAtiON OF OtHER WaYS Of liFE COntRibutEs TO
SOciAl JusticE And MAKES EvERyOnE FEEl AccEptEd, It Adds A SEnsE Of PEAcE TO thE WORld.
— Maria Dreeszen '14
‘‘
’’
able way, engaging students with
cultures and globalization in very
immediate and theoretical ways.
“All the issues we study in different
departments across campus—history,
economics, gender, race, technol-
ogy—can be learned about through
music and the arts.”
This kind of interdisciplinary and
intercultural learning, to Dreeszen, is
imperative for one big reason.
“All people of all cultures laugh,
dance, speak, eat and seek happiness
in unique, amazing ways,” she said.
“An appreciation of other ways of life
contributes to social justice and
makes everyone feel accepted. It adds
a sense of peace to the world.”
Sarah Darsigny ’13 has make-up applied for the final music and dance performance she and her fellow Union students will give in Bali
Union students learn to dance Baris
For more on Union’s World Musics
and Cultures Program, and the Bali
mini-term in performing arts, visit
http://www.union.edu/academic/.
Click on “majors and minors.” A Bali
mini-term video is also available at
www.youtube.com/user/unioncollege
| 19 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Clockwise from top left: Maria Dreeszen ’14 and Mary Kate MacKenzie ’15 enjoy themselves as they prepare for their final performance in Bali;
Pendet dancers Sarah Darsigny ’13, Maria Dreeszen ’14, Mary Kate MacKenzie ’15 and Zoralys Molina ’13; Students wear formal Balinese temple
clothing to attend a temple festival called Odalan. From left to right are Professor Jennifer Matsue, Hikaru Matsue (her son), Meghan Murphy
’14, Sarah Darsigny ’13, John Lynch ’16, Mary Kate MacKenzie ’15, Jacqueline Smith ’13, Caroline Aldrich ’14, Soun Sheen ’13, Zoralys Molina ’13,
Jessica Rivetz ’14, Colin Turley ’13, Shim-In Borneman ’13 and Maria Dreeszen ’14.
20 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
We’d long had a suspicion that a number of readers of this
magazine are fascinated with things that go fast; classnotes
entries were full of high-octane cars, airplanes and the like.
But nothing could have prepared us for the response we received to the
story call in the winter issue. Dozens were eager to tell of their avoca-
tions—and vocations—that fulfill their need for speed.
Predictably, perhaps, many of the responses came from car enthusiasts.
(Interestingly, we discovered an active community of alumni who are
connected through cars and racing.) Others told of their airborne
hobbies. Some described cameras. On campus, students and faculty
described scientific instruments, improved processes and computers.
Here we offer a selection of Union people who love things that go fast.
Alas, there were too many to share on the printed page. So, we’ve created
a web page with links to photos and videos. For much more, visit the
web at: www.union.edu/magazine
NEED FOR
Think fast. B Y C H A R L I E C A S E Y
| 21 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
22 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
NEED FOR SPEED
Experiments with fast particles: UCIBAL > > > > > >At the Union College Ion-Beam Analysis Laboratory (UCIBAL), students and
faculty do experiments with sub-atomic particles traveling at speeds up to 20 million
meters per second (45 million miles per hour). The particles attain these speeds by
being accelerated with a 1.1-million-volt electrostatic accelerator, which is the primary
instrument in UCIBAL. Scott LaBrake, senior lecturer and accelerator manager, and
Michael Vineyard, the Frank and Marie Louise Bailey Professor of Physics, use the
accelerator for experiments in several courses and for student-faculty research projects.
Most of the research is on the elemental analysis of environmental materials, such as
atmospheric aerosol, water, and soil samples to study pollution. The accelerator is
also used in an annual outreach program for local high school students and
teachers. In the last 10 years, 230 Union students, 84 high schoolers, and
29 high school physics teachers have performed experiments in UCIBAL.
Taking Flight: Union’s SAE Aero Team > > > > > > While most students were enjoying spring break, the five mem-
bers of Union’s SAE Aero Team were cramming to get their plane
ready for a mid-April competition. The plane is remote-controlled
and must lift and carry a payload over a prescribed course. Of the 40
teams in their category, Union placed eighth, fourth among U.S. teams.
Each member of the team had a specific task—engine, structure, landing
gear, controls and others. A team leader integrates all the parts, and together
they troubleshoot what comes along. What makes the experience most
valuable, according to their advisor, Associate Professor of Mechanical
Engineering Brad Bruno, is the opportunity to work with a real-
world engineering team. “It’s a great experience for the students,
and great exposure for our program and the College.”
The mythical Ferrari: Howard Blank ’70 > > > > > > Race cars. Airplanes. Space craft. Howard Blank seems to have the
speed thing pretty well covered. But of all the things that go fast, the
semi-retired commodities trader has a special place in his heart for the
mythical Ferrari. He races regularly at events including the Ferrari Challenge
Europe, with one race at the famed LeMans track, the Morocco Classic Rally
and the 24 Hours of Spa. Last summer, he hosted President Stephen C.
Ainlay at an event he drove at Nürburgring, the legendary track
regarded as one of the most challenging circuits in the
world. Blank, a pilot, also has his sights on outer space.
He has reserved a spot on Sir Richard Branson’s
Virgin Galactic suborbital space program.
Top: The SAE Aero Team, from left, Bessena Cabe ’13, Charles Bouchard ’13, Jeff Ehrlich ’13, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Brad Bruno, Jason Hargreaves ’13 and Joshua Rathgeb ’13. Bottom: Salina Ali ’15 and Prof. Michael Vineyard at the Union accelerator.
| 23 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Shakespeare, and step on it > > > > > > Each July, the Saratoga Shakespeare Company, with Prof. Bill
Finlay as artistic director, mounts a full, professional production of
a Shakespeare play in 10 days of rehearsal and “build” time for sets
and costumes. Finlay, the chair of Theater and Dance at Union, has
directed more than 12 productions for the company. “It is an intense,
no-holds-barred, VERY speedy activity, a learning experience and profes-
sional artistic event that serves a very large Capital District audience,” said
Patricia Culbert, senior artist-in-residence at Union and director of
interns for SSC. Union interns get valuable real-world theater produc-
tion experience and the benefit of professional artist workshops,
and many have earned their Equity cards through SSC. They also
get an appreciation for putting on a play in record time.
What is a femtosecond? > > > > > > Union’s IBM intelligent cluster, a gift from the company in 2011, is advancing research on
campus in notable ways. The first paper published using the machine, by Janet Anderson in
the journal Biophysical Chemistry, analyzed the way protein G rotates in aqueous solution, by
predicting properties measured in nuclear magnetic resonance experiments from molecular
dynamics simulations. Each of five simulations consisted of 20,000,000 iterations, each represent-
ing a femtosecond (there are a quadrillion femtoseconds in one second). “Computer simulations are
helpful in understanding molecular behavior that is invisible to the eye, and to interpret the results of
experiments,” Anderson said. “These 20,000,000 steps of protein motion, equivalent to 200 nano-
seconds of molecule time, would normally have taken months on a desktop computer. They
took only 13 days on the cluster.”
Aerogels, better and faster > > > > > > Aerogels are unique nanoporous materials that have applications
ranging from insulating materials to windows to sensors to catalytic
converters. But with aerogels, it’s all about time. They are not widely avail-
able due to the complex, time-consuming and expensive methods used to
produce them. The College’s Aerogel Team, led by Profs. Ann Anderson of
Mechanical Engineering and Mary Carroll of Chemistry, has developed and
patented “rapid supercritical extraction” (RSCE) techniques using a confined
mold in an automated hydraulic hot press. The process is fast (and potentially
less expensive compared to current techniques), and more environmentally
friendly due to minimized use of solvents. The work has been supported
by six National Science Foundation grants. Now, the team is pursuing
support that could lead to the commercialization of the process.
Middle: Onstage summer 2012 in Twelfth Night (left to right), Union College intern & theater major Robyn Belt ’14, cast member Sarita Luz
Cordoba, Union College intern & theater major Carla Duval ’14, Senior Artist-in-Residence Patricia Culbert (partially hidden) & Union
College intern Ryan Semerad.
The IBM intelligent cluster helps faculty and student researchers model and analyze molecular
behavior in days instead of months.
24 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Russell Gee ’68 > > > > > > Russell Gee came by racing honestly, having grown up
near the famous Watkins Glen track in western New York.
But it wasn’t until he retired at 59, in 2006, that he indulged his
need for racing fender-to-fender. Today, he has a few podium
finishes in the competitive Miata series in the SCCA, but “those
young guys …” He also races vintage cars like a 1969 BMW 2002 and
a 1969 Porsche 911. He has twice run the La Carrera Pan-America
Race, a seven-day event from southern Mexico to Texas. In 2009,
in the Porsche, “we were happy to have finished the event
alive.” In 2011, in a 1959 Jaguar XK150S, he won first in class. A
resident of Cambridge, Mass., he is a regular racer at tracks
including Daytona, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen and Sebring.
Tony Romanazzi ’77 > > > > > >Tony Romanazzi, a dentist based in Glens Falls at the southern end of the Adirondacks,
has the perfect way to get around the lake-filled region: an amphibious airplane that is air-
craft, boat and land vehicle all in one. He built the experimental seaplane (Buccaneer Super X
Cross Country B1B 503 RG) from a kit in 1990 and has been prowling the skies of Lake George
and the Champlain Valley ever since. “To swoop down from the sky, land on water, drop the land-
ing gear and taxi up a boat ramp at a marina … is nothing short of incredible,” he said. Among his
favorite memories, he recalls meeting his Union mentor, the late Will Roth, professor of biology, at
a small airport near Roth’s camp. As Romanazzi approached and saw Roth standing at the air-
field, he thought, “Oh, what my pre-med buddies at Union would give for an opportunity like
this.” Like the scene in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest in which a bi-plane crop duster
chases Cary Grant, Romanazzi made a low pass that sent Roth diving behind his car.
When he emerged, he asked the smiling Roth, “Were you expecting Charles Lindbergh?”
Ian Prout ’94 > > > > > > Ian Prout has made a career out of teaching people to drive fast. He is founder, owner
and president of Sports Car Driving Association, a Deep River, Conn.-based entity that
sponsors about two-dozen high-performance driving events at the Northeast’s premiere
tracks. So it figures that last year Ian would set two lap records at Watkins Glen and take five
wins in as many starts in his ITR BMW 325i. Prout’s “dream weekend” came after 20 years of
racing that included five race wins and a road racing championship. “I have had a good amount
of success in it and won in a variety of cars over the years,” he said, “but the lap records are
what mean the most.” Prout, who attributes his passion for motorsports to his father, Bill, did
his senior thesis at Union on the political, social and economic implications of the devel-
opment of the automotive industry. “Racing is a sport that requires preparation, discipline,
planning, and strategy,” attributes he says are essential to running his business. “If you
put in the work and planning, then the results are incredibly rewarding.”
NEED FOR SPEED
| 25 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Lorraine Thomas ’87 > > > > > > Birds, like athletes, can be very fast. Just ask
Lorraine Thomas, whose hobby involves capturing
through photography the athletic prowess of avian
creatures and other wildlife. So it’s critical that she has a
fast camera that can shoot eight frames per second to stop
the fast motion. Equally important, she needs a high burst
rate (consecutive shots before the camera slows or stops).
“Just like in sports photography, I don’t want to miss the
best action,” says the Florida-based mechanical
engineer. “Sometimes you just have to take several
photos of the bird in action, so that you can select
the best one.” (photo by Lorraine Thomas)
Jim Taylor ’66 > > > > > > Jim Taylor splits his time between working as CEO of
Taylor Made Group, tending an eclectic collection of
automobiles and driving those cars in exotic places. From
his first car, a 1959 MG coupe he bought in his senior year at
Union, his collection now numbers about 70 cars, most of
which he drives as much as possible. His road rallies have taken
him across China, Africa, Central America, Europe and through-
out the U.S. Taylor, a trustee of the College, played a key role
in the founding of the Saratoga Automobile Museum,
where a number of his cars are on display. Taylor Made,
based in Gloversville, N.Y., is a diversified supplier to the
recreational marine industry and other markets.
Ted Goneos ’94 > > > > > >As a student, Ted Goneos drove laps around campus in a big 1985
Chevy Blazer, a great car in the snow. Now, he does laps around the
country, among other performance driving events. A friend of Ian
Prout ’94 (see below), he has taken street and race cars to Ian’s driving
events for a decade. He is also a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School
and other performance programs. In 2004, he began competing in the One
Lap of America (www.onelapofamerica.com), first in a 1978 Pontiac Trans-
Am, later in Porsches. His brother, Petros ’90, was co-driver in 2005 and
2006 for the one-week, 4,000-mile event. Goneos, with a Resumé of
more than 40 race tracks, ice racing and endurance races, was plan-
ning for the 2013 One Lap this spring. For more on his automotive
endeavors, visit Team Theogon at www.theogon.com.
Above: Jim Taylor ’66, left, and President Stephen C. Ainlay in a pair of Taylor’s rare sports cars near Great Sacandaga Lake.
26 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
profiles
graduated with the top of his class from
Linton High School in 1980. He followed
his older brother, Phuoc, to Union where
he graduated with honors in 1984 with
degrees in mathematics and biology.
Also at Union, he earned the Bruce M.
Garber Prize for the premedical student
who exemplifies integrity and humane
concern. Two younger brothers also
graduated from Union, Thu T. Le in 1989,
and Phu To Le in 1992.
He earned his M.D. degree from the
University of Rochester School of
Medicine and Dentistry in 1988. He
completed his internship and residency
at the Johns Hopkins Hospital/Sinai
Hospital in Baltimore where he received
the Best Resident of the Year Award in
1989 and 1991.
Dr. Le was chairman of the Division of
Gastroenterology and director of
endoscopy at Harbor Hospital of
Baltimore in 1998-2004. He also had a
part-time appointment as a clinical
assistant professor of medicine at the
University of Maryland School of
Medicine in 1995-2012, and as instructor
in medicine at Johns Hopkins School of
Medicine in 1995-2005. As a teaching
faculty at Sinai Hospital and Harbor
Hospital, he received the Golden Apple
“Best Teacher of the Year” Award in 1996
and 1998.
Today, Dr. Le is a senior partner at
Woodholme Gastroenterology Associates
epatitis B in the Asian commu-
nities is a silent disease that
often isn’t detected until it’s too
late. Dr. Loc T. Le ’84 is out to
change that.
A gastroenterologist in Baltimore, Md.,
Dr. Le has just been named to a two-year
term as chairman of the National Task
Force on Hepatitis B, which focuses on
education, research and intervention
among Asian and Pacific Islander
populations in the U.S. He also will
advocate for screening and vaccination
among the high-risk populations.
Most of those in the high-risk groups
don’t know they have Hepatitis B until up
to 80 percent of the liver is damaged or
they develop liver cancer, Dr. Le said.
Those in high risk groups need to be
tested, and education is key.
Education is something that comes
naturally from Dr. Le’s upbringing.
Born in 1961 in Quang Tri, a small
town on the border of North and South
Vietnam, his early education was poor
and frequently interrupted by the war.
But his parents, Thi and Dong Nguyen
Le, put a premium on education for their
10 children.
The family fled Vietnam in 1975 and
came to New York state under the
sponsorship of a family in Cobleskill.
The family settled in Schenectady, and
Loc—though previously lacking a formal
education or familiarity with English—
Hwith several offices in and around
Baltimore. He and his wife have three
children.
Hepatitis B among Asians is different
from the Hepatitis B among the general
population in the U.S., Dr. Le explains.
Within Hepatitis B, there are eight
subtypes, two of which—more prevalent
among Asians—are more difficult to
treat. Without screening, prevention and
treatment—especially at birth when the
immune system is weak—patients can
take on Hepatitis B, which can develop
into cancer or cirrhosis of the liver by
age 40.
Among the general American
population, the disease, normally
transmitted between young adults in
their late teens or early twenties, is
usually transient and rarely becomes
chronic.
He wants to aggressively advocate the
CDC guidelines for Hepatitis B screening
and vaccination in the high risk popula-
tions in the U.S., namely the Asians and
the Pacific Islanders.
Dr. Le says he wants to make a real
difference in the lives of people, and is
very busy reaching out to the media,
politicians, NGOs, CDC, NIH, drug
companies, community activists, college
students, and other physicians. He is
forming a panel of advisors to help carry
out the difficult mission of the Task Force
in reducing Hepatitis B infection in Asian
and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
Fighting Hepatitis B | D R . L O C L E ’ 8 4
UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013 | 27 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
managing director and head of the
Customized Fund Investment Group at
Credit Suisse. She earned a bachelor’s
degree magna cum laude in political
science and mathematics from Union,
and a law degree from New York Univer-
sity in 1989. She spent her early career in
global finance law at Prudential. In 2000,
she joined Credit Suisse, one of the
leading private equity and real estate
investment management firms.
A generous benefactor of the College,
she has counseled students seeking
careers in the finance industry and hosted
a series of events for alumni.
rustee Kelly Williams ’86 does not
play the piano.
But she appreciates the transforma-
tive power of music, which is why
she and her husband, Andrew Forsyth,
donated a Steinway concert grand piano
to the College.
“It’s a blessing for us,” Williams said
after a concert by Drew Ivarson ’15 on
the new piano in Memorial Chapel. “It’s
not often that you can give a gift that can
be enjoyed so much, so often and by so
many. For me, it’s the perfect gift.”
The piano is the new musical center-
piece of Memorial Chapel and the
acclaimed Union College Concert Series,
which features internationally-renowned
musicians in an acoustically superb setting.
Last fall, a piano selection committee
from the College met at the Steinway
factory in Queens, N.Y., where the group
picked the best piano for the hall with the
help of renowned pianist Jonathan Biss.
“It’s the perfect gift for Memorial
Chapel because it’s a very enduring place
for so many people and one of the most
beautiful buildings on campus,” Williams
said. “It’s like bestowing a gem on a
beautiful woman.”
Williams' husband, Andrew Forsyth,
says the gift is a fitting one for the school
that helped to nurture his wife’s pragmatic
and artistic nature. “Union is one of the
finest embodiments of combining the
principles of engineering and fine arts,”
Forsyth said, “and Kelly is that herself.”
“It is wonderful to have an instrument
which reflects the high quality of the
world-class musicians who appear on
the series,” said Derek Delaney,
director of the Union Concert
series. “We are so grateful to
Kelly and Andrew for their
generous gift.”
Williams, on the Board of
Trustees since 2008, is
TLast year, she was honored as a “Woman
of Power and Influence” by the New York
chapter of the National Organization
for Women (NOW), and was presented
at the awards ceremony by President
Stephen C. Ainlay.
Since 2006, she has served as a mentor
to fellows of the Robert and Susan Toigo
Foundation. She was elected to the
YWCA Academy of Women Leaders in
2007. She is also a member of the Metro
Chapter of the Young Presidents Organi-
zation. Last year, American Banker
magazine named her one of the 25 Most
Powerful Women in Finance.
For videos on Union’s newest
Steinway, visit http://www.youtube.com/
user/unioncollege
New piano is ‘perfect gift’ | K E L L Y W I L L I A M S ’ 8 6
Andrew Forsyth,
left, and Kelly
Williams ’86
admire the new
Steinway in
Memorial
Chapel
that gets you there. Other forces,
like a plane, are involved. It’s these—the
mechanisms of gene action—we study to
see how the heart actually twists.”
Ramasubramanian and his colleagues
analyze chicken embryos (their develop-
ment is similar to humans’) using
computer models and an atomic force
microscope. Both help identify forces
acting on the chick heart, which is only
1 mm long with a tube circumference
of 400 microns in the s-looping stage
they’re studying.
During this critical period, occur-
ring in the first 48 to 56 hours of a
chick’s 21-day incubation, groundwork
is laid for the basic cardiac shape—
two atria at the top and two ventricles
at the bottom.
“Many babies are born with heart
abnormalities, but most of these condi-
tions we can’t treat in utero, partly because
cardiac development is poorly understood,”
Ramasubramanian said. “We study this with
the hope of understanding.”
The team’s work is funded by an NIH
Academic Research Enhancement Award.
28 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Ever wonder what
Union professors
are up to when they
aren’t teaching?
Just about every-
thing, as it turns out.
Nothing is beyond
their collective
reach or curious
minds. Here’s just
a glimpse of the
diverse and intriguing
work they do.
focUs
B Y E R I N D E M U T H J U D D
Ashok Ramasubramanian, assistant professor
of mechanical engineering (With Quynh
Chu-LaGraff (Biology), Kristin Fox (Chemistry),
Tak Buma (Electrical Engineering), Kevin Chico
’14, Kyra Burnett ’13, Meagan Carnes ’14, Sarah
Bradner ’14, Kateri Molinaro ’13, Kaelan Hansson
’15, Alex Jaksic ’15, Shaun Gordon ’13)
A pair of atria, an aorta, a tricuspid valve, a
pulmonary vein, the superior vena cava. All
this—the human heart—is just a minuscule
cylinder at first.
And that’s pretty wild.
“Initially, the embryonic heart forms
as a straight tube, like a garden hose. To
become the complex mature organ, it
twists and bends as a baby grows,”
Ashok Ramasubramanian explained,
curling a string from his winter hat in
demonstration. “But there are no fingers
inside; the heart has to bend by itself—a
process called looping.”
“Certain genes change its shape, but
there are also forces,” he continued.
“Consider that you go to California and your
head is a gene. If your head falls off you
won’t go, but you can’t just say your head is all
How a tube becomes a heart
S-looping heart development in chicken embryo (By Sarah Bradner ’14)
Jim de Sève, filmmaker-in-residence
Traditional Javanese wisdom says that a real man must have a wife, a
house, a dagger and a singing dove. It’s this final requirement—still
highly prized today—that Jim de Sève explores in his documen-
tary ManDove, which he directed with husband Kian Tjong.
The film follows Indonesian men as they raise perkutut
(zebra doves) and enter them in singing competitions.
Winning birds not only prove their owners’ masculinity, they
also sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Believed to possess magical abilities, like warning a family
of danger, doves are hand-bathed and hand-fed. The cherished
birds are also housed in ornate, colorful cages that cost about
$800. During competition, these cages are hoisted up on 23-foot
poles so that judges can walk beneath, choosing the best singers
based on cadence, rhythm and other criteria.
None of this is described outright in the documentary, there is
no omniscient narrator. But viewers learn much from the actions of
the subjects themselves.
“Audiences are used to a National Geographic-style documentary
that makes them privileged viewers,” de Sève said. “We want viewers to
want to know more, and experience the curiosity and ambiguity of
travel. Thus, we withheld some information.”
ManDove has been screened to acclaim at the Russian Academy of
Science, the Flaherty Film Seminar Series in New York City and the
Taiwan International Documentary Festival. Learn more at www.singing-
dove.com.| 29
Jillmarie Murphy, John D. MacArthur
Assistant Professor of English
“An attack on the brain first drove me
from the haunts of men to seek mental
repose and physical strength in the
woods.” – Joel Tyler Headley, Adirondac;
or Life in the Woods
Headley, Class of 1839, isn’t the only
writer who extolled nature’s capacity for
healing. So did Ralph Waldo Emerson
and Henry David Thoreau. To discover
why, Jillmarie Murphy is studying select
19th-century nature writers, using the
psychoanalytic paradigm of attachment
theory and the tenets of restorative
environment therapy.
A clergyman, associate editor of the
New York Tribune and secretary of state
(N.Y.), Headley was one of the first to hail
the Adirondack Mountains as a health
resort. Adirondac (1849) chronicles his
experiences inside the Blue Line, where
he spent two summers escaping the
strain of urban life.
“I’m interested in the importance these
writers placed on developing affectional
bonds with their surroundings, and how
attachment to place became pathologized
as a result of war, disease, death, race and
gender,” Murphy said. “Adirondac is one
of the earliest attempts by an American
writer to explain how withdrawing to
nature restores both mind and body, and
helps provide a more direct connection
to one’s inner spirit.”
Murphy plans to publish an article
analyzing land attachment and restor-
ative environments in Adirondac, as well
as a book covering attachment theory
and place in the literature of the early
American Republic.
The deification of nature
Of doves and menJim de Sève (center) with Sukur (left)
and Nur (right) while filming
ManDove
Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
30 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
RAYMOND J. STECKER ’78
Cancer, Courage and Collateral Damage: An Inspiring Story of Resilience, Hope and Determination
Xlibris Corporation
In this deeply personal memoir about his battle with brain cancer, Ray Stecker gives readers intimate access to his experiences and those of his family. The book is a journey through the unknown, through every-thing from fear, sadness, panic, loneliness and anger to flat-out, gut-wrenching laughter. The intent is to give a cancer patient, a patient- to-be and their loved ones the strength to fight the battle they must fight, and the courage to adjust to whatever future lies ahead. Stecker explains his transformation—physically, emotionally, medically—from what he calls his before-cancer self to his after-cancer self. The differences aren’t always what you expect.
SIMON SOBO ’64
Commodore
BookBaby
It is 1876 and the world’s richest man, 84-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt, lies dying in a New York town-house. Obsessed by the legacy he’ll soon be leaving to the world, Vanderbilt invites a journalist inside, wanting one more chance to spin his life story. It’s a story filled with risk and intrigue: his legendary service in the English Navy during the War of 1812; his dominance in the steamship and then railroad industries; his construction of Grand Central Station; his inner battles with the ghosts of his father and mother. Down but never out, Vanderbilt’s life is one of extraordinary resilience and passion. In Commodore, readers see the man behind the facade, his childhood hunger and desperation, his inner doubts, and his fierce determination to succeed at all costs.
bookshelf
MATTHEW A. KARLYN ’94
A Guide to IT Contracting: Checklists, Tools and Techniques
CRC Press
Co-written by attorneys Matthew Karlyn and Michael Overly, A Guide to IT Contracting distills critical business and legal lessons the authors learned drafting and negotiating IT-related agreements. It provides detailed information concerning technology agreements and makes understanding IT contracting issues easy for non-legal professionals. Key resources within the book include checklists to help readers organize concepts, online references, resources and aid for contract drafting, and a CD-ROM with reusable check-lists and a complete glossary.
Bookshelf features new books written or edited by or about alumni and other members of the Union community. To be included in Bookshelf, send the book and the publisher’s press release to:
Office of Communications Union College Schenectady, NY 12308
or send publisher’s press release and a high-resolution book cover image to magazine@union.edu.
| 31 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
alumni clubs
U P C O M I N G A L U M N I C L U B E V E N T S
M AY 3 1 - J U N E 2 : Union CollegeReUnion
J U N E 1 6 : Union CollegeCommencement
For more, visit www.union.edu/alumni
s
U
Peter Li ’15 and Rachel Refkin ’15 joined other Union students, alumni and community members at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. in January for the inaugural Mayor’s Cup. Union won the exciting match 3 to 2, besting rival RPI.
sAlumni enjoy the Sigma Chi golf outing in St. Augustine, Fla. in December 2012.
Alumni gather at a pub to watch the nationally televised Union vs. Dartmouth hockey game in Philadelphia.
Members of The Garnet Society, Union’s student-alumni association, promote Union’s new social media app, EverTrue. From left to right are Jenna Langhans ’13, Alexa DiBenedetto ’14, Josh Davis ’14, Shari Kram ’13 and Cristina Vazzana ’13.
s
s
J U N E 2 9 : Cape Cod1st Cape Cod Club gatheringBarley Neck/Orleans Playhouse
J U LY 1 3 : New York CityN.Y. Yankees vs. Minn. Twins
J U LY 1 7 : Troy, N.Y.Tri-City Valley Cats game, picnic
A U G . 1 1 : Saratoga Springs, N.Y.Day at the track
O C T. 1 1 - 1 3 :Union CollegeHomecoming & Family Weekend
32 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Garnet GuardAlumni who have celebrated their 50th ReUnion.
GARNET GUARD CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Bob Howe ’58135 Chevy Chase Dr.Wayzata, Minn. 55391
howex001@umn.edu
1950N. Donald Boink writes, “Lynn and I went on a cruise to the Panama Canal this March and made a few stops along the way. We’re enjoying being back in central New York after 18 years on Cape Cod. It’s wonder- ful to have kids and grandkids nearby. Cheers to all.”
1952CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Dr. Arthur Stockman7124 Switchgrass TrailBradenton, Fla. 34202-4177(941) 907-8064 astockman@jcaho.org
1953CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Garrett Murphy7 Maxwell StreetAlbany, N.Y. 12208-1607gmurphy6@nycap.rr.com (518) 438-7319
From the correspondent: “This will be our first ReUnion without our leader and head class agent, John Moses, who passed away in December. Your correspondent will very much miss his many upbeat messages of class happen-ings. John’s love of Union was pervasive. In his pres-ence or in his correspon-dence, he made us feel it as well. As we come back to the
the classes
campus for the 60th time this spring, we will be warmed by our memories of John.”
William R. Holzapfel was recently sworn in for his sixth four-year term as city attorney and director of the Law Department of the City of Elizabeth, N.J. Bill has been the city attorney since 1993. He is the recipient of the diplomat designation in municipal law and the Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Utilities Association, for his work on the New Jersey Digest of Public Utility Decisions. Bill has also been elected a fellow of the American Bar Founda-tion and is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
1954CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Avrom J. GoldP.O. Box 559Whitehouse Station, N.J. 08889
1955CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Ken Haefner1346 Waverly Pl.Schenectady, N.Y. 12308haefnerkb@juno.com
Dom Carbone writes, “Fran and I, plus Betty Ford, Fran’s 92-year-old mother, attended President Ainlay’s reception in Naples and enjoyed his commentary about Union, its glorious past, current happen- ings and a positive look into the future. Hey guys, two years until our 60th. Let’s talk it up. I was sad to hear from his daughter that Walt Tennant
passed away. He was a great leader and will be missed.”
1956CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
Dr. Alan Greene241 Perkins St. H401Boston, Mass. 02130
Martin Stein1107 Pipestem PlacePotomac, Md. 20854judithkstein@verizon.net
Philip Dubois writes, “It was a pleasure and an honor to spend three years with Ernest Gardow, who passed away in June 2012, as a fraternity mate in Chi Psi at Union. He was a very unselfish man who gave much of himself, his time and his extensive knowledge to friends, fraternity brothers, schoolmates, and a wide array of clubs and associations during his college years. He was the most instrumental person in overseeing the business functions of the fraternity house for three years. Rarely was it run better. After graduation he continued sharing his time and talents for a wide array of associations and college functions, and this continued into his business career. It was an honor to have known, lived and worked with him—to have listened to his music and socialized with such a
Lewis W. Hallenbeck ’40 visits
Jackson’s Garden with his
grandson, Tim M. Palace ’15 in
September 2012. He and Tim
come from a long line of Union
alumni. Lewis, who passed away
in December 2012, represented
the sixth generation of his direct
family to attend the College.
William R. Holzapfel ’53 is sworn in for his sixth four-year term as city
attorney and director of the Law Department of the City of Elizabeth,
N.J. He was wearing his Union tie for the occasion.
William “Bill” Rudolph ’55, a
member of Delta Upsilon
fraternity, Student Council and
the Block U Society who played
lacrosse during his Union days,
passed away Dec. 17, 2012.
His daughter, Deborah Rudolph
Keenan, is a member of the
Class of 1982.
| 33 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
A CHARITABLE RETIREMENT PLANInvest in a quality education for
generations of Union students.
Establish a charitable gift annuity
at Union College that:
• Guarantees fixed income for
your lifetime (a portion of which
may be tax-free)
• Realizes significant tax breaks,
including an immediate federal
deduction
• Gives satisfaction from financially
supporting Union College
AgeAnnuity Rate Deduction
Annual Income
65 4.7% $6,653 $1,175
70 5.1% $8,673 $1,275
75 5.8% $10,254 $1,450
80 6.8% $11,673 $1,700
70/70 4.6% $5,997 $1,150
75/75 5.0% $8,185 $1,250
80/80 5.7% $9,863 $1,425
T O L E A R N M O R E , P L E A S E C O N T A C T :
Jacqueline Cavalier, Director of Gift Planning
(518) 388-6156 or
toll free (888) 843-4365 ext. 6156
cavaliej@union.edu
www.union.plannedgifts.org
Based on a $25,000 cash gift using the IRS discount
rate of 1.2% for Feb. 2013.
regular guy with so much talent during my years at Union College. Good-bye and fond farewell.”
1957CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
James R. Fisher172 Patriot’s CrookMartinsville, Va. 24112fisherstwo@gmail.com
Paul Mohr140 E Duce of Clubs Ste AShow Low, Ariz. 85901dadtired@frontiernet.net
Jay Fromer, Ben Levy, Ted Davis and Harry Benedict, and their wives, all attended a recent Union alumni recep-tion with President Stephen Ainlay in Palm Beach, Fla. They enjoyed the time they spent with each other, as well as other class representatives. These four members made the Class of ’57 the most repre-sented class at the reception.
1958CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Richard T. Steinbrenner9 Hunters TrailWarren, N.J. 07059-7105r.steinbrenner@att.net
Heiki Ellermets writes, “Enjoying second retirement after 30 years in the Air Force (retired as a colonel in 1989) and then spent 10 years as a Realtor.”
1959CLASS CORRESPONDENT
William D. “Dal” Trader5361 Santa Catalina AvenueGarden Grove, Calif. 92845daltrader@earthlink.netdalt@wbct.us
John Williamson writes, “A few months ago at the Kona Airport on the big island of Hawaii, I had a chance meeting with the governor of the state, who happens to be our classmate, Neil Abercrombie. By all accounts, Neil is serving his state well. He looked great and I had a very enjoyable talk with him. Speaking of classmates, I spend a few days each year with Allen Peck. Allen lives in suburban Denver and is tough to keep up with on the slopes. As for me, I am a retired law book publisher in Denver who spends a lot of time playing golf, skiing, trout fishing and traveling with my wife, Beth.”
Donald J. May writes, “I was a practicing lawyer for 47 years in Ellicot, Md., when I suffered a severe heart attack on 29 May, 2011 (my birthday). It required the replacement of a heart valve and the installation of the pacemaker. I also suffered a stroke and some brain injury from lack of oxygen during my heart attack. When I awoke three weeks later, I was blind in one eye, had some facial paralysis and lost all memory of my years professing the law and practicing from before the heart attack. It was a heck of a birthday present. Yes, I can walk and talk, but little else. Not fun. I have learned too that yes, women outlive men. In my assisted living facility, there are five women and one man—me.” Don, who was also a warrant officer in the Army Reserve for 22 years, would
William “Bill” Allen ’59
34 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
welcome hearing from Union classmates and swim teammates. Write him at The Woods, 3830 Baker Road, Westminster, Md. 21157, or call him at (410) 635-2930.
1960CLASS CORRESPONDENT
John H. Nickles1303 River RoadWest Coxsackie, N.Y. 12192
Charles Roden writes, “Please copy me at kiw702@aol.com on notes you submit for my next class letter.”
1961CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Bill Condon1365 Van Antwerp RoadApt. I-91Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309bcond041@nycap.rr.com
(518) 382-1096
Dr. Peter Adasek writes, “Sun Hui and I have been together four delightful years. We continue to enjoy Czech/Slovak folk dancing, waltzing with the Broadmoor Waltz Club, and ballroom dancing at the International Dance Club in Colorado Springs. In May 2012, we visited my former Union College wrestling coach, Bruce Allison and his wife Ann, in Loveland, Colo. Neither seems to be aging. And in
September, I represented Union at the inauguration of Colorado College’s new president, Jill Tiefenthaler. I got to wear an academic gown for the procession and then Sun Hui and I dressed up ‘to the nines’ for the inaugural dance. This year, I was also very happy to be promoted (honorary) to clinical professor at the University of Colorado School of medicine. I continue to do pro bono lectures on child abuse where the opportunity arises, and we continue to enjoy living in Colorado Springs.”
1962CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Ollie R. Bunch441 Stub Hollow RoadNew Hartford, Conn. 06057-2513
Thomas R. Zentall writes, “I am the DiSilvestro Professor of Arts and Sciences (an endowed chair) and professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. I am president-elect of the Eastern Psychological Association and will preside over the annual meeting in Boston in March 2014.”
Harry Sauer writes, “I retired last July after 50 years in the global engineering and consulting business. My wife, Lynne, a Skidmore graduate, and I spend time at our condo
in Florida, travel and watch our grandkids play ice hockey, soccer, baseball and football. Our 17-year-old granddaughter is the place kicker for the boys’ football team. It won’t be long before our great-granddaughter will be playing sports as well.”
1963CLASS CORRESPONDENT
George Ball6929 Country Line RoadWayland, N.Y. 14572-9553gball@frontiernet.net
James Gross writes, “Our 50th ReUnion is this May and I will attend. My son Peter ’05 was captain of the lacrosse team junior and senior years. We’re grandparents of Pete’s kids, Leila, 3, and Matty, 1. I’ve been vice chairman of Williamson, Picket, Gross Inc. (real estate) since its inception in 1971 and I work with son, Peter, who is my partner. I’ve been married for 42 years to Marsha, the chairman of the board.”
Dan Schwarz writes, “I had a festschrift published in my honor—Reading Texts, Reading Lives: Essays in the Tradition of Humanistic Cultural Criticism in Honor of Daniel R. Schwarz. Endtimes? Crises and Turmoil and the New York Times, 1999-2009 has been getting quite a bit of attention. I had many NPR and other media interviews about the book and lectured at major NYC venues like the NYPL. My talk, ‘The History and Future of the New York Times,’ filmed at the Museum of the City, was aired on CSPAN at least twice in late December and January. I was part of a February 2012 BBC documentary on Damon Runyon, about whom I had written a book: Broadway Boogie Woogie; Damon Runyon and the Making of
Dr. Peter Adasek ’61, right, visits with Bruce Allison, former Union
College athletic director and wrestling and lacrosse coach, and his
wife, Ann, in Loveland, Colo.
Seven brothers of the Kappa Sigma pledge class of 1957, who went
on to graduate from Union in 1961, got together on Cape Cod in
October 2012 to celebrate their 55th pledge reunion. Front row,
from left are Sam Selwood, Bob Morgan and Bill Reaman; back row,
from left are Bill Marx, Don Crist, Dave Muench and Bob Hurlbutt.
the classes
Thomas R. Zentall ’62
| 35 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
New York City Culture. I edited the Penguin book on Runyon, Guys and Dolls and Other Writings.”
Mike Slomka writes, “Still practicing orthopaedic surgery in St. Pete, Fla. Have three grown children and eight grandchildren in St. Pete, Charlotte and Atlanta. I attended the Frozen Four Hockey game with Joel Nussbaum, Dave Scheichet and Jimmy Gross in Tampa (old farts watching hockey). We hope to see all of you at ReUnion.”
1964CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Anton Warde36 Two Lights Rd.Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107wardea@union.edu
Simon Sobo writes, “My new novel, Commodore, is now available at Amazon.”
Alan Horn became chairman of The Walt Disney Studios in June 2012, overseeing worldwide operations for a diverse collection of movies from Disney (live action and animated), Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm, as well as the company’s music and theatrical groups. Upcoming films from The Walt Disney Studios include Marvel’s Iron Man 3, Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University and Disney’s The Lone Ranger. Alan previously served for 12 years as president and chief operating officer at Warner Bros. Entertainment and was an executive producer on 2012’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Alan and his wife, Cindy, reside in Los Angeles and have two adult daughters, Cody, NYU (2010) and Cassidy, Stanford (2012).
PLANNED GIFTS
A bequest distribution was
received from the estate of
Lionel Furst, Class of 1950.
This gift is restricted to the
Wicker Wellness Center,
which is consistent with
his lifetime of support of
organizations and issues
related to health and
medical care.
A bequest distribution was
received from the estate of
Allen J. Wood; the proceeds
restricted to the Union
College Concert Series.
An unrestricted bequest
distribution was received
from the estate of Barbara
Groundwater. Barbara was
the widow of Robert E.
Groundwater, Class of 1943.
Gregory S. Clear, Class of
1975, named Union College
a remainder beneficiary of
the charitable remainder
trust established by his father,
Albert F. Clear. Ultimately,
proceeds will establish the
Gregory and Kathleen Clear
Endowed Scholarship.
A trust distribution was
received from the estate of
Naomi Chambers, to be
added to the Walter R.G. and
Naomi Baker Scholarship in
support of students studying
engineering, science or
mathematics. Mrs. Chambers
was the widow of Walter
R.G. Baker, Class of 1916.
In support of the Union
College Annual Fund, a trust
distribution was received
from the estate of Robert L.
Slobod, Class of 1935.
A bequest distribution was
received from the estate
Calvin G. Schmidt, registrar
emeritus, and member of
the Class of 1951. This gift,
along with earlier distribu-
tions, will be added to the
Calvin G. Schmidt ’51
Endowed Student Employ-
ment Fund. Cal was registrar
at Union for over 25 years.
A trust distribution was
received from the estate
of Nathan and Romana
Obenzinger. Proceeds
established the Ronald M.
Obenzinger Memorial
Endowment. This endow-
ment will be used to create
the Ronald M. Obenzinger
Professorship in memory of
their son, Ronald Matthew
Obenzinger, Class of 1961.
A bequest distribution was
received from the estate of
Seth R. Kline, Class of 2002.
The use of these funds will
be determined at a later date.
A bequest distribution was
received from the estate of
Elizabeth C. Milano. This
gift will establish the Dr.
Joseph ’36 and Betty
Milano Scholarship.
Mrs. Milano was the
widow of Joseph E.
Milano, Class of 1936.
A bequest distribution was
received from the estate of
Don Hewitt Blanks, Class of
1945. This unrestricted gift
will be added to an earlier
distribution and will be
used at the discretion of the
trustees.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST
Charitable Lead Trust
distributions were received
from:
• Willard G. Taylor, Class of 1952: proceeds were added to the Willard G. Taylor (1952) Scholarship
• Nathan & Romana Obenzinger: proceeds were added to the Ronald Matthew Obenzinger (1961) Memorial Pre-medical Scholarship and to the Ronald M. Obenzinger (1961) Prize
• Margaret N. Deal: proceeds were added to the Harold S. & Margaret N. Deal Memorial Scholarship in support of students majoring either in biochemistry or
pre-health programs
CHARITABLE GIFT
ANNUITIES
Charitable gift annuities
were estabished by:
• Paul E. Kummer, Class of 1943. The proceeds from this gift will be added to the Paul E. Kummer, Class of 1943, Endowed Scholarship.
• William S. Parry, Class of 1965. The proceeds from this gift will be added to the Jonathan Stanley Parry Scholarship.
Building Our Third Century
36 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
1965CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jon Lechevet, Ph.D.206 Cross RoadEdmeston, N.Y. 13335-2610jnlechevet@verizon.net
A paperback edition of Larry Baldassaro’s book, Beyond DiMaggio: Italian Americans in Baseball, has been pub-lished by the University of Nebraska Press.
Charlie Plesums writes, “My wife is taking me out to dinner for my 70th birthday—in Paris. Not Paris, Texas or any of the dozen others in the USA. We both have part-time retirement jobs and love to travel. My retirement job is as a custom furniture maker, and my wife is CFO for about 20 (small) companies. Europe last year was England, and a separate trip to Netherlands/Belgium, plus domestic flights to Montana, Maryland, Hawaii, and a driving trip to Iowa and surrounding states.”
1966 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Antonio F. Vianna7152 Tanager DriveCarlsbad, Calif. 92011-5033simpatico1@juno.com
Edward (Ned) Shultz, dean of the School of Pacific and Asian Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa and assistant vice chancellor for International Programs and Exchange, was recently named president of the East-West Center’s Alumni Association Executive Board. EWCA’s mission is to promote better relations and under-standing among the people and nations of the United States, Asia and the Pacific.
The photography of Dan Mead and his wife, Sally Eagle, was recently displayed in Westover School’s Schumacher Gallery. The exhibit, titled “Sustainable,” explored environmental issues facing the earth and society today. The couple and their work were featured in December 2012 in The Litchfield County Times.
Glen Rapoport writes, “What a nice and useful app [EverTrue is]. Greetings from Beaufort, S.C.”
1970CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Frank Donnini239 Rushlake Ct.Newport News, Va. 23602-6348fpdonnini@aol.com
Richard Lewis writes, “After 19 years at Wayne State University in Detroit, I have made a move to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. It’s an exciting time for my wife and I, bringing us close to my daughter in L.A. and my son in San Francisco, and new opportunities for work and pleasure.”
1971 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Henry Fein, M.D.1106 Cedrus WayRockville, Md. 20854hgfein@aol.com
Kenneth A. Merchant ’68
the classes
1967CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Joseph Smaldino720 Cameron St.Sycamore, Ill. 60178
Doug Horan writes, “I still play gentleman farmer here in Lexington, Va., as I have been most years since I retired in 1997. My next excitement will be building a small barn for my John Deere tractor, Gator and assorted other manly farm implements. I am chair of the regional library board, which keeps me pretty busy. I also volunteer at the APCA, have tutored students with learning difficulties, read to pre-schoolers, and help out locally on civic issues. We love it here in the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy having W&L and VMI in town, though watching students troop past my coffee shop early in the morning might make a less deluded man feel old.”
Voice actor Jeffrey Hedquist can now be heard nationally on TV commercials for Premier Care and the National Peanut Board, and regionally in 11 states for Casey’s General Stores.
1968CLASS CORRESPONDENT
John DresserEtna, N.H.dresserdmd@myfairpoint.net
Stephen Cheuvront writes, “Recently retired after 40 years working for CSC in and around the Washington, D.C. area. I celebrated my one-year heart transplant anniversary on Valentine’s Day.”
Ben Volinski writes, “My plans for ReUnion are unsettled. Youngest son Jonathan is graduating from Tulane Law School and new daughter- in-law Faaria (wife of middle son Jeffrey) is graduating
from Columbia School of International Policy & Affairs at about that time. Oldest son Jay is an emergency vet in N.H. Judy and I are well.”
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the management accounting section of the American Accounting Association awarded the 2013 Lifetime Contribution Award to Kenneth A. Merchant. He is the Deloitte & Touche LLP Chair of Accountancy at the University of Southern California. He was honored “for his research on relevant topics that advance business practice, innovative case-based teaching focused on how business actually operates, and his service to both companies and profes-sional organizations.” Kenneth also earned degrees from Columbia University (MBA) and the University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D.), and he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Turku School of Economics (Finland) in 2010.
1969CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
Ray PikeSalisbury, Mass.rnwpike@comcast.net
George CushingDelanson, N.Y.gcushing@nycap.rr.com
Glen Rapoport ’69
| 37 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Hal Tugal writes, “After working in commercial industry for 30 years and having held positions as VP engineering, VP marketing, and director of Program Management office, I moved to working for the Department of Defense USAF as an engi- neering supervisor heading environmental, manufactur-ing, quality assurance, and facilities groups for the Space Fence Program. Working as a civilian in the U.S. govern-ment is very different and I am enjoying every bit of it. My oldest son, Erik, graduated from Tulane University last spring, having majored in political economy and attended Russian Immersion Language school at Middlebury College in Vt. My youngest, Kurt, is attending High Point University at High Point, N.C. Being a hockey family, we follow Union with further personal interest from my son Erik, who played hockey at our hometown Acton-Boxborough H.S. with Wayne Simpson, who is a senior right-winger on the team. Go Union!”
Phil Di Sorbo writes, “Nice not to be working full-time anymore, but still actively engaged. Internationally, our Africa Hospice Initiative is alive and well. I continue to work every week with hospice colleagues in Zimbabwe. Grants work is done from my home office, with 2-3 trips a year in country. We finished 2012 having raised over $1.1 million for hospice care in Zimbabwe. Locally, I have started working two days a week with the Schenectady-based Ellis/VNS health system. We are building a practice to integrate palliative care and palliative medicine upstream in the management of degenerative chronic diseases. Part of that continu-
um will include a new palliative home care team and a new delivery model for hospice care—both intended to assure improved access and quality of life for patients and families in our region. On the home front, Cindy and I continue to enjoy our rural homestead, currently breaking in a too-active new golden retriever puppy named Barley. And our tenth grandchild arrived May 8! We have truly been blessed. Reach me at pdisorbo@fairpoint.net.”
1972CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Frederick A. Levy LCSW732 Thimble Shoals Blvd.Suite 702Newport News, Va. 23606-4256glida1@verizon.net
Howard Haimes is chief pharmaceutical scientist supporting the Medical Acquisitions Group of the Joint Program Executive Office at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He writes, “Our married daughter, Elana Pistorio, has completed her masters in museum science at Harvard University. Elana’s husband Michael is finishing George Washington Law School. Our son Elliot works in process development at Life Technologies and has married Teresa Fong, who is completing her MBA at Northeastern University.”
Ed Young writes, “Mike Rone, a brother of Delta Phi fraternity, and resident of St. Paul and then Orono, Minn., was 63 when he died on Dec. 29, 2012. Mike had a graceful and fear- less approach to life, which was honed early on through competitive diving at Union. He built a manufacturing company, Northern Contours, in which he enjoyed the people, risk and game of business. He was a philanthropist and proudly rode in the Dana Farber Pan Massachusetts ride for decades. His curiosity about the world and the people in it inspired him to seek lifelong learning and understanding. He was a private pilot, world traveler, skier, cyclist and, of special note, everyone’s best friend.”
1973CLASS CORRESPONDENT
George C. Schwab1710 Broadway, Apt. BSchenectady, N.Y. 12306(518) 372-6507
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln D. Chafee nominated Patrick A. Guida for the Rhode Island Board of Education in January. Patrick is an attorney with Duffy and Sweeney Ltd., and formerly with the Providence law firm of Tillinghast Licht LLP. He has served with numerous organizations relating to education, and was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2001 and elected as vice chair in 2005. Patrick has also represented his state at the National School Board Association National Delegate Assembly since 2000.
1974CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Gerald A. Dwyer geraldadwyer@gmail.com
Thomas Warger writes, “I have served as a fellow at the National Institute for Tech-nology in Liberal Education since 2011. My role is to assist development of their pro-gram in shared practices. NITLE helps liberal arts colleges integrate inquiry, pedagogy and technology.”
1975Cullen and Dykman LLP recently made Robert G. Wakeman a partner to the firm in its Albany, N.Y. office. Robert has nearly three decades of experience, concentrating in banking and commercial lending. Prior to joining Cullen and Dykman, he was a partner in the Albany office of Lombardi, Walsh, Wakeman, Harrison, Amodeo & Davenport PC. Robert is a member of the New York State Bar Associa-tion Section on Business and Banking.
1976 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Leslie Steinecker-McHugh17 Virginia PlacePatchogue, N.Y. 11772lesmch2@aol.com
Mike Rone ’72 Robert G. Wakeman ’75
38 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
1977CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Tony Romanazzi73 Bay St. Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801romanquatro@gmail.com
Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University recently named Judy Aschner M.D., chair of the pediatrics department at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and professor and university chair of pediatrics at Einstein. Judy was previ-ously with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where she had served as director of neona-tology and the Julia Carell Stadler professor of pediatrics.
Dr. Robert A. Kaslovsky has returned to Albany Medical Center, where he will serve as professor of pediatrics and head the Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine. He was previously at Albany Med from 1981-2005, during which time he progressed from pediatric resident to the director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Division and head of the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center. Most recently, Robert was the chief of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine and director of the CF Center at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.
1978CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jeff LaniewskiJlaniew1@maine.rr.com
Barb B. Desautels writes, “Enjoying being a full-time college professor—my students are awesome. I now have three grandchildren, whom I adore. Spend my spare time relaxing at my
lake house. Can’t believe our 35th ReUnion is around the corner.”
Ray Stecker writes, “I am planning to make it to ReUnion in June—what a bunch of old geezers we are! Hope to see many of you there. I headed over to Tufts University to catch up with Jed Kanner as we watched his daughter play in a basketball game. She was one of the stars; it reminded me of Jed’s prowess on the lacrosse field. I also continue to receive very entertaining emails from Peter Delahunt and am always cautious to keep my office door shut before opening them. I also keep in touch with Rob Sherman ’80 who was another lacrosse stand-out, and I hear occasionally from John Breault, who is a big honcho in the executive recruiting business. Of course, George Garivaltis, supreme athlete and all-around great guy, is the person I see the most. He has 50 acres on top of the world in Florida, Mass. He is a 1-handicap golfer and we get a chance to play a few rounds each year. His daughter is a Union graduate. Finally a plug for my book: Cancer, Courage and Collateral Damage, which was published late fall 2012. It is available on Amazon. According to the reviews posted so far, it has been helpful to quite a few people, and that is what I was hoping. Foosball in the ‘Skellar anyone?”
1979Market Probe, a global market research and consulting organization, recently named Steven Marks vice president and head of St. Louis opera-tions. He brings over 30 years
of research and management experience to the company. Prior to joining Market Probe, Steve headed his own strategic research and consulting group, serving clients in numerous industry sectors, including telecom-munications, entertainment, media, financial services, retail and CPG.
Eric Nodiff organized a successful Manhattan fundraising event, including attendance by Roger Landau and Steve Krisky ’80, on behalf of Ted O’Brien’s campaign for the New York State Senate. O’Brien, a former Democratic Party County Chairman and member of the Monroe County Legislature, was successful in his first run for the state Senate. He repre-sents the 55th Senate district, which includes portions of Monroe (Rochester) and Ontario counties.
Murray Levison writes, “Was back in Rochester, N.Y. in January 2013 and caught up with classmates Kevin Geary, Kevin Kilbourne and Paul McLaughlin. The weather reaffirmed my decision to live in California. I’ve worked more than 30 years in local government for five cities in three states. Recently, I was re-elected president of our labor organization, represent-ing nearly 550 of my agency’s management and adminis-trative employees. Between my wife and I, we have three children and two grandchil-dren. I’m starting to make plans for following my wife into retirement. I’m looking forward to seeing classmates at our 35th ReUnion in 2014.”
1980CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Richard BuddStefan Zavodnika 25971 01 Prievidza, Slovak Republicbuddwick@hotmail.com
James Loree recently became president of Stanley Black and Decker Inc. In 1999, James joined Stanley Black and Decker, an American manu-facturer of tools and house-hold hardware and provider of security products and locks, as its chief financial officer. He became the company’s vice president and COO in 2009 and is now responsible for all operations of the company, including revenue and income.
Russell A. Davidson, president of KG&D Architects & Engineers in Mount Kisco, N.Y., has been elected to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows for his contributions to the field and to society at large. Russell, a managing partner of Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson, has worked on numerous high-profile building projects, including the White Plains City School District’s Post Road Elemen-tary School; the Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua; and the Media Arts Lab at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville.
1981 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Alan Saler17040 Magnolia BoulevardEncino, Calif. 91316
alan@alansaler.com
James Libous was recently named an IEEE Fellow, recognized for contributions to switching noise minimiza-tion in CMOS technology. Being an IEEE Fellow is the highest grade of membership
the classes
| 39 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
and is recognized by the technical community as a prestigious honor and an important career achieve-ment. The IEEE is the world’s leading professional organi-zation for advancing technol-ogy for humanity.
John Connor Jr. writes, “In November 2012, I was elected city judge of the City of Hudson (N.Y.). I’m also in private practice and am the track and basketball coach at Hudson High.”
1982CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Thomas Reynolds3440 Powells Crossing Ct.
Woodbridge, Va. 22193
Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler LLC recently named Carol Ghingher Cooper a member of the firm. An ARD&H associate since 2002, she was selected twice as a “Rising Star” by Maryland Super Lawyers and named in Washington D.C. & Baltimore’s Top Rated Lawyers 2012 Edition. Serving in the firm’s family law and litigation practice groups, Carol sits on the Maryland State Bar Association’s Lawyer Assis-tance Program committee and is also a member of the Women’s Bar Association of Maryland and the Baltimore County Bar Association.
1983CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Cory Lewkowicz74 Taylor St.Needham, Mass. 02494
lewkowicz@aol.com
From the correspondent, “I’ve switched gears a bit, and am going back to grad school—AGAIN. I have a Ph.D. in developmental psychology, but am in the process of re-specializing in clinical
psychology at the Massachu-setts School of Professional Psychology. My memory functioned much better the first time around. Also, if you are on Facebook and are not a member of the ‘Union College Class of 1983’ page, please join us! Feel free to email me at lewkowicz@aol.com for information.”
Randy Klimpl Neuringer writes, “I have recently started my own technology recruit-ing agency. I had worked for six years, running a recruiting team at HBO in the H.R. department, and decided to launch my startup. My company places full-time employees and consultants that focus on IT, digital and broadcast/production engineering and operations. In the few months that we have been in business, we have made placements in NBC, HBO, Huge and Cognizant.”
As the Class of 1983’s 30th ReUnion nears, the Blues Brothers announce they will be performing again. Rob Derbabian writes, “We are moving closer to a Union College Blues Brothers ‘final gig’ at ReUnion 2013. As of now we will be playing from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 under the tent at Library Plaza.”
Ilene Landress won a Golden Globe (best television show—musical or comedy) as executive producer for the HBO show “Girls.” Many people commented on it on the Union College Class of 1983 Facebook page, includ-ing Jason Brandt, who wrote, “It’s a long way from ‘Not Like Dreams Do’ in the Nott for sure!”
Andy Levine was recently featured in Forbes magazine, as one of “10 Leaders Who Aren’t Afraid To Be Transparent.” Andy works for Development Counselors International.
Doug MacFadden was recently promoted to chief informatics officer for Harvard Catalyst at Harvard Medical School.
Frank Skorina and Holly Howard write, “Our oldest (of four), Erik Skorina, graduated from Union in June 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He returned to Union for an additional term to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.”
Dan Wawrzonek is the director of application development for United Health Care in Basking Ridge, N.J.
1984CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Kathleen Kozera Rowe33 Fairway Ave.Delmar, N.Y. 12054-3332
Jennifer (Shaw) Shaw- Brachfeld writes, “Just want to give an appreciative shout-out to my friend and Sigma Delta Tau Sister June Schech-ner for the quiet philanthropy her family provided for New Jersey Hurricane Sandy victims. I am her children’s pediatrician, and when they learned we were seeing
patients and running our practice for over a week without power or internet access, they provided space in their office building for us to set up internet access and lanterns to see patients— and a hot meal and warm beds for my family as well. On a broader note, they used personal resources to send trucks of supplies down to the shore communities during those first few days while others were still getting organized. Throughout the years, the Schechners support multiple charities and give freely of their time to support those less fortunate.”
1985CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jon MathewsonPO Box 1262Middletown Springs, Vt. 05757-1262
Douglas Elder recently joined Automation Engineering Incorporated, a global supplier of high precision automation systems, as chief executive officer. Previously, Douglas was president and CEO of Boston Semi Equipment group, where he grew the company to over 50 employees and $26 million in revenue.
Tim Hesler is a senior expert for McKinsey & Company in the corporate finance strategy practice in New York. Still providing management consulting services after 14 years for companies in corporate treasury and finan- cial risk, he also likes speaking at industry conferences and writing articles. He writes, “Being head agent for the Class of ’85 is always enjoy-able, and helping out as an alumni interviewer for future classes is terrific.”
Erik Skorina ’12, son of Frank
Skorina ’83 and Holly Howard
’83, with his nine-year-old sister,
Laurel Skorina
40 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
1986 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Phil Beanpbean@haverford.edu
Dr. Charlene Alouf was recently profiled by Delaware County News Network. The story focused on her work at the HAN Fertility Center and the joy she feels in helping couples start or grow their families.
Gale Burstein recently accepted a position at Erie County Department of Health located in Buffalo, N.Y. as commissioner. She writes, “My heart has always been in public health. The ‘commish’ is a challenging, but very gratifying, role. I feel that I have the opportunity to help make my community a healthier place to live.”
1987CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Paul Malatesta148 Washington AvenueChatham, N.J. 07928
paul.malatesta@gmail.com
Barton & Loguidice P.C. recently named Anthony P. DaRin P.E. vice president. Anthony manages highway and bridge design, dam safety engineering, and construc-tion administration for the firm. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Highway Engi-neers, where he serves as CNY Chapter president. Anthony has been with the firm for 23 years and has been involved with more than 200 transportation assignments working with the NYSDOT, NYSTA and various counties throughout New York State.
Dr. Hari P. Bezwada, a surgeon at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates who specializes in hip and knee replacements, was recently featured on www.nj.com. The story focused on the rising demand for these joint replacements.
Kevin Whitaker recently joined the Geneva City School district as assistant superintendent for school improvement and account-ability. Previously, he was high school principal at Newark Central School.
1991CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Karen Valyou Zador313 Stonehurst ParkwaySt. Augustine, Fla. 32092karenzador@gmail.com
In November 2012, the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially welcomed Scott Daniels as a new administrative law judge to
1988CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Dana Rosen Isbitts480 Alexandra CircleWeston, Fla. 33326danaisbitts@myacc.net(954) 385-9827
W. Todd Harder writes, “This summer I was selected interim head coach of the local high school football team. I’ve been an assistant there at Kingston High School for the last four years. We had a great year, which was supposed to be a rebuilding year, taking the team to the State’s Sweet Sixteen. Otherwise, I’m still with Morgan Stanley on the left coast in Seattle, although we’ve changed our name a number of times the last couple of years. I also earned my CFP in 2010.”
1989CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Stephanie Spencer Wiggs1722 Pine StreetLivermore, Calif. 94551
swfcorg@aol.com
Jennifer Hermann recently joined MedRisk as director of data analytics, overseeing all outcomes analysis and reporting. Previously, Jenn held senior management positions at some of the largest workers’ compensa-tion insurers in the industry,
including Travelers Inc., The Hartford and Specialty Risk Services.
Jonathan Artz writes, “Hello from the West Coast, I’m glad to join the Dutchman network! Anyone who needs or wants information about the San Francisco area, I’d be glad to assist you with places to visit and to avoid—so you don’t waste your precious travel-vacation time.”
1990CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Mary Jo Burke532 Whitcover CircleCharlottesville, Va. 22901mjcburke@earthlink.net
Worcester Polytechnic Institute recently welcomed David Medich to its faculty. The assistant professor of physics was previously at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he was director of the Radioactive Materials Program and director of radiation safety. With research expertise in brachytherapy physics and nuclear diagnos-tic imaging, he is a consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency.
David Adinolfi was promoted to head of the Special Prosecutions section of North Carolina’s Attorney General’s office on Sept. 3, 2012.
Karl Hartmann, Mark Zimmerman, Mike Schulitz and Christos Nikolis,
all Class of 1990, spent New Year’s together with their families. It is a
tradition they have carried on for the past 10 years.
the classes
Darren Binder ’90 and Dave
Liedman (left) have started City
Dogs Rescue in Washington,
D.C. To date, they’ve saved close
to 250 dogs from high-kill
animal shelters, mostly in the
south. All the animals have been
adopted into good homes. Here,
Darren and Dave sit with their
rescued yellow Labrador, Cody,
and a City Dogs Rescue puppy
named Chloe. She’s since been
adopted. For more, visit www.
citydogsrescueDC.org or www.
facebook.com/citydogsrescue
| 41 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
the Patent Trial and Appeals Board. Previously, Scott practiced patent law at Davis & Bujold PLLC, before opening his own firm in 2008 in Concord, N.H. His legal career has increasingly evolved from patent and trademark prosecution in mechanical, business methods and electrical technologies into various IP litigation matters.
Jeff Kimball recently returned to his position as a pilot for FedEx after completing a four-year active duty mobili-zation with the U.S. Navy. He resides in Virginia Beach, Va. with his wife, Danielle, and daughters Lauren (6) and Kate (3).
Lisa DaRin has been execu-tive director for Upstate Orthopedics in Central New York for over 10 years. She was heavily involved with the launch of the Upstate Bone and Joint Center in East Syracuse as well.
1992CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Stephanie FrayApartment 7 D10 West End AvenueNew York, N.Y. 10023-7828sfray1@gmail.com
Edwin M. Adeson ’91 and Lisa A. (McGloin) Adeson continue to reside in Queensbury, N.Y. with their three children, Jonah (16), Isaiah (13) and Elliana (11). Ed operates his own law office, specializing in bankruptcy and family law. Lisa is a practicing pediatri-cian and a partner with Glens Falls Pediatric Consultants PC. They write, “We still visit Union several times per year, especially during hockey season. Our email is eadeson@roadrunner.com.”
1993CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jill Bernstein170 E. 83rd St., #3KNew York, N.Y. 10028jilldbernstein@yahoo.com
Sheri (Hoggins) Prevratil writes, “My husband Frank and I live in Colonie with our 15-year-old son, Seth, and 9-year-old son, Frank. I work as the manager, Corporate Credit for the New York Independent System Operator, Inc. Life is really good and we are very blessed. I can be reached at sprevratil@gmail.com.”
Timothy Fisher writes, “I’ve been a practicing Ob/Gyn and chair of women’s health at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene since 2006. My wife, Kathy, has been expertly juggling her pediatrics practice and management of our household and crazy lives. Our children, Elizabeth (10) and Jackson (8), are keeping us plenty busy as we shuttle them to practices, swim meets, elementary band, dance recitals and hockey games. I recently completed a graduate program at Dartmouth in health care delivery science and am putting my new skill-set to good use as the chair of surgical services for our 125-member multispecialty group and 169-bed community hospital. Finally, I’m thrilled to report that my baby brother, William Fisher, will be joining the Union family this fall as a member of the Class of 2017! I’m looking forward to a few days of reminiscing with old friends in Schenectady this spring—is it possible that it’s been 20 years?”
1994CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Kristi Campbell & Kurt Venator7322 Cornell AvenueSt. Louis, Mo. 63130kvenator@purina.comKristi cell (314) 304-2323Kurt cell (314) 982-2671
Bill Callahan hosted a gathering of alumni families at his home in Los Angeles over Thanksgiving weekend. Guests included Eric Weinberger, Alex (Kreisler) Weinberger, Derek Evans, Steve Rotkiewicz ’95 and Fran D’Angelo.
1995CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Caroline Paine Pannhorst32 Nottingham Way NorthClifton Park, N.Y. 12065cpannhorst@msn.com
Scott Steele was recently named director of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s new Office of Research Alliances. His appointment is part of a broader multi-year effort to enhance support for science and engineering research activities and the translation of research results into technologies that benefit society. Prior to first joining the university in 2008, Scott served in the White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy, as a representative of the National Science and Technology Council and later as the executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
Matt Baumgartner was honored with the Outstanding Communicator Award from the Capital Region chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in January. A well-known restaurateur in the area, Matt is the owner of Bombers Burrito Bar, with locations in Albany and Schenectady, N.Y.
1996 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Betsy Phelps Seplowitz104 Tompion WayBallston Spa, N.Y. 12020bseplowitz@yahoo.com
Tanweer Ansari, his wife Erum and daughter Eva Shahzadi, who was born on Dec. 2, 2011, recently celebrated Eva’s first Eidh holidays in NYC. Eidh is an Islamic holiday which happens twice a year and is one of the most festive and holiest holidays in Islam.
Rachel Schaffer writes, “After years of wearing hard hats and steel toe shoes, I traded in practicing occupa-tional safety and health law
A Thanksgiving weekend gathering included, from left, the families of
Bill Callahan ’94, Eric Weinberger ’94, Alex (Kreisler) Weinberger ’94,
Derek Evans ’94, Steve Rotkiewicz ’95 and Fran D’Angelo ’94.
42 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
1999CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Kellie Forrestall360 First St.Lowell, Mass. 01850forrestkj@hotmail.com
Kathleen Barclay recently joined Maguire Cardona, P.C., a civil litigation and general practice firm, as senior associate attorney. Kathleen focuses her practice on medical malpractice defense, errors and omissions, product liability, general liability defense and insurance coverage. Prior to joining Maguire Cardona, she practiced law in Boston before moving to the Albany, N.Y. area. She spent the past four years as a senior associate and litigator in a highly regarded Albany firm.
Bacon Wilson, P.C. recently announced that Adam J. Basch was distinguished as one of the law firm’s six “Rising Stars” in Boston Magazine. Adam is a member of the litigation department whose areas of practice include construction litiga-tion, personal injury, general litigation and commercial litigation. He serves as a member of the Wilbraham Planning Board and the United Way Allocation Committee, and teaches litigation and business law at Baypath College.
Jason “Jay” Scherman writes, “Hello Union, I’m impressed with this [EverTrue app]. Good form!”
2000CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Erika Newell546 Pacific St. #2Brooklyn, N.Y. 11217erika_newell@hotmail.com
The Hill profiled Shennell Antrobus in December 2012. The story focused on his past career in public relations, his transition into law enforcement, and his new job as U.S. Capitol Police public information officer.
Michael Votto was recently named one of Connecticut Magazine’s “40 Under 40.” The list honors some of the best and brightest young professionals in the publica-tion’s circulation area. Michael, associate general counsel of the Knights of Columbus, was recognized for his civically minded pro bono work, community involvement, and leadership in the family business. He is CEO of Votto Vines, a wine-importing, tourism and consulting company.
Jonathan J. Kelson has been named a Partner at Diserio Martin O’Connor & Casti-glioni LLP, a law firm head-quartered in Stamford, Conn.
for motherhood. I live in Baltimore, Md. with my husband and two children, Ethan (4) and Alexis (2.5). Best to all.”
Liza Burnett Fefferman was recently named executive vice president of publicity for RADiUS-TWC, the new boutique label from the Weinstein Company.
1997CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Sara Amann Garrand367 Schauber RoadBallston Lake, N.Y. 12019sgarrand1@nycap.rr.com
Karen (Sigel) Carswell is marketing and alumni relations manager at Spanish Studies Abroad, located in Amherst, Mass. She writes, “I accepted the position February 2012 and am
currently organizing an alumni event for Seville Term Alumni July 7-13, 2013. Visit www.spanishstudiesorg/reunion for more. Abrazos.”
1998CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Ryan T. Smith, MBA ’00284 Sussex CircleJupiter, Fla. 33458rsmith@thebenjaminschool.org
Courtney Seymour and Pete Farnum are pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child. They write, “We may miss our 15th ReUnion this year as our baby is due in late May.” This child will join three-year-old brother, Stuart. Having started her career at Union in 2001, Courtney is enjoying her new role as collaboration, out-reach, and initiatives librarian at Schaffer Library.
Saral Patel lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with her husband and four young boys. Saral works as an anesthesiologist assistant in Washington, D.C. and is the president of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (2013-14).
Michael Votto ’00
the classes
Kathleen Barclay ’99Children of Saral Patel ’98, from left, are Shiv (6), Vir (1), Yash (5), and
Dhruv (2)
Ethan and Alexis, children of
Rachel Schaffer ’96
| 43 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
He focuses his practice on commercial and general civil litigation, and intellectual property.
2001 CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Erin (Aloan) Grogan143 Streeter Hill RoadWest Chesterfield, N.H. 03466erinlgrogan@gmail.com
Scott Schrum started with Allstate Corporate in Malvern, Penn. as a sales instructor in June 2012. Recently, he got engaged and the wedding is set for Sept. 28, 2013 in Lancaster, Penn. (http://sept28.com).
Danielle Marquis writes, “I was recently elected chair of the Marketing Committee for the Association of Energy Service Professionals.”
2002CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Gina L. Campanellacampanella.gina@gmail.com
Daniel Flint was recently featured in The Florida Times- Union. The story focused on his passionate and innovative approach to teaching history at A. Philip Randolph Acad-emies of Technology in
Jacksonville, Fla. Daniel has won several accolades for his work in the classroom. He writes, “I was selected as the 2012 Florida state winner of the Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award. I am also the winner of the 2013 Jacksonville Florida Chapter Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Teacher award.”
2003CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Katrina (Tentor) Lallier50A Locust StreetDanvers, Mass. 01923katrina@alumni.union.edu
Portia Zwicker writes, “I recently earned a certificate in technical writing, and am now looking for my first entry-level job as a technical writer.”
Jeffrey Fairfield writes, “Hello from the Northwest! Glad to see a new forum (EverTrue) to connect with other alumni.”
Kelly Whalen recently finished a degree in educational leadership and administra-tion and continues as a special education teacher and the team leader at Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers, Mass. She recently began part-time consulting and co-teaching at Salem State University.
Adriana Zavala lives in Manhattan and is mother of two beautiful children, Dylan and Violet. She and her husband, Anthony, wed last summer in NYC in company of their family and friends.
2004CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Rachel Marinrachel.marin@gmail.com(973) 670-7692
Amie Tracia Geary writes, “This year has been a great year for me. My husband and I welcomed our daughter, Kylie Rose Geary, on Dec. 14, 2011. I also opened my own law practice, Geary Law LLC, in Boston and Burlington, Mass. in September 2012.”
2005CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Andrea Doengesandrea.doenges@gmail.com
Northjersey.com profiled Phillip Chorba in January. The story highlighted his acting career, which has included a role in “Silver Linings Playbook.” The film starred Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro.
2006 Marty O’Brion writes, “In my free time I recently started a bakery in Boston with my mom called ‘Tootles—where Goodbyes turn into Hellos.’ Business is cooking and it offers a great opportunity to spend more time with my mom. If anyone is in the area, be sure to give me a ring for finger-licking good cupcakes and muffins. Union provided me a great foundation to pursue my hopes and dreams, thank you!”
The New York chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) recently nominated Thomas Hickernell as 2013 Man of the Year. On April 26, 2012, the day he fulfilled requirements for medical school graduation from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, Tom was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Determined to help, Tom’s sister Katherine set up ‘Team Tom’ to support the LLS Light the Night fundraising event. While Tom underwent intensive chemotherapy, he managed
Scott Schrum ’01 and his
fiancée, Bethany Edwards, stand
with Top Chef Season 7 winner
Kevin Sbraga. The couple ate at
his restaurant in Philadelphia on
New Year’s Eve.
Dylan, son of Adriana Zavala ’03 Violet, daughter of Adriana
Zavala ’03
Thomas Hickernell ’06, now in
remission after being diagnosed
with acute promyelocytic
leukemia, participates in a
telecast from his hospital room
to his graduation ceremony at
Columbia University’s College of
Physicians and Surgeons in 2012
44 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Weiner ’08, Lara Levine ’08, Erin Lawson ‘08, Liz O’Connor ’08, Stephanie Hargadon ’08, David Schneidman, Jeff Meola ’06 and Brendan Merrell ran the Cape Relay, a 190-mile road race from Quincy, Mass. to Provincetown, Cape Cod. We were team ‘Neon Extreme’ and we raised $26,000 for the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration. This success inspired Alexandra, Eric, Todd and I to found the non-profit Project ReMind, to fund FTD research and raise awareness of the disease. In 2012, ‘Neon Extreme’ grew to 36 runners in the race, who fundraised over $50,000 for Project ReMind and FTD research. The team included most original Union members, plus Tom Simmons ’08, Marc Magee and Ryan Goltzman. This year ‘Neon Extreme’ has 72 runners in the race, adding alums Eric D’Silva and Ross Williams to the roster. Visit www.Project ReMind.org for information on FTD, and pictures and videos from our runs.”
Shirel Kozak, a former student of Andy Feffer who had a very strong interest in film studies just before Union College established the minor, has become a film producer in NYC. Most notably, she has
worked with documentary film director Eugene Jarecki, two-time winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the Sundance Film festival (2005 and 2012). Shirel was a co-producer for the 2012 film The House I Live In (and she was at Union recently for a showing of the film and to talk to interested students about the industry).
2008CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Dana Cohen250 E. 63rd Street, Apt. 1001New York, N.Y. 10065
dana.lynn.cohen@gmail.com
Douglas Richardson, a captain in the U.S. Army, served a tour in Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star. He is completing his MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business and is to become an associate in investment banking at a firm in New York City.
Christian Shultz, a doctoral student in theoretical nuclear physics at Old Dominion University, has been awarded a Jefferson Sciences Associ-ates/Jefferson Lab Graduate Fellowship for 2012-13. The award will support his research into hybrid mesons
to help raise more than $18,000 for the event, held in October 2012. It made ‘Team Tom’ one of the top fundrais-ing teams in New York City. Tom is now in remission and pursuing translational research projects in Colum-bia’s Center for Orthopaedic Research. And he’s competing with several other nominees to see who can raise the most for LLS research and patient initiatives, and thus be named Man and Woman of the Year. More information on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign, and ‘Team Tom’ can be found at www.GoTeamTom.org.
Kevin Flike writes, “In spring 2012 my wife Kimberlee earned a 3.9 GPA while attaining her master’s in nursing from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. This is her second master’s degree; her first is from Boston University and is in the medical sciences. Kimberlee and I will be moving back to the northeast when my medical retirement from the U.S. Army is complete this summer. After six years of being away from the northeast, we look forward to re-connecting with family, friends and the Union community.”
Keith Gooberman, vice president of trading and platform operations at Varick Media, was recently profiled by Ad Age. The story focused on his career and the industry he works in. For more, visit http://adage.com.
2007CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Nick Salvatoriellonick.salvatoriello@gmail.com
Victoria Morgan Hurley ’05, one of nine children, is engaged to Nicholas Salvatoriello, one of 11 children. The wedding ceremony will take place on June 1 in Cohasset, Mass. at the residence of Michael and Victoria Hurley. It promises to be HUGE, with many Union alums in attendance. The couple is grateful to Union for helping bring them together!
Mark Rautiola writes, “In 2011, Alexandra Sparks’ father Kenny died after a 6-year battle with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a progressive degenerative brain disease. The family’s experience made it clear to Alexandra (Class of 2008) that there was little awareness of FTD and even less public funding for research. In May 2011, Alexandra, myself, Eric Rautiola, Todd Buffum, Abby
Valerie Gomes ’08, Kelly
Fitzpatrick ’07 and Kathleen
Rucci ’09 (right) attend Kelly’s
marriage to Marques Rich
Dec. 1, 2012 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Rachel Fitz ’09 and Brian
Glavotsky became engaged
Dec. 22, 2012. Rachel is in medical
school on Long Island and Brian
is a CPA in New York City. They
are planning a May 2014 wedding.
the classes
Team ‘Neon Extreme,’ which includes Mark Rautiola ’07 and 14 fellow
alumni, ran the 2012 Cape Relay in support of Project ReMind, and to
raise money for frontotemporal degeneration research.
| 45 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Notes from Afar
1971Jonathan “Jock” Conly writes, “I’ve been in Islamabad since June as the Pakistan country director for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Given Pakistan’s size (sixth largest population in the world) and strategic signifi-cance to the United States (between Afghanistan and India, and with nuclear weapons), my classmates and the rest of the U.S. taxpayers are financing a robust foreign aid program here. We are helping Pakistanis increase the availability of electric power, stimulating economic growth in agriculture and small business, helping build community infrastructure in unstable areas, and improv-ing the availability and quality of basic education and health services. Security restrictions in Islamabad are not as tight as they are in other parts of the country, so life is pretty close to normal here. I’ve particularly enjoyed Pakistani hospitality, including, of course, the wonderful curries, tandooris, biryanis and other foods. I plan to retire from the Foreign Service and return to the old (1745) house that my wife Laurie and I just bought in Granby, Mass. this year. We’ve moved so often and so far in a Foreign Service career, that we are determined not to move again until they wheel us into a hospice in about three decades.”
1990Pamela Kustas writes, “I made a career change for an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I have moved to Singapore and joined Bloomberg as an equities market specialist to provide analytical equity expertise to prospective clients and current users. I will be traveling and covering clients in S.E. Asia. I am excited to be here collaborat-ing with customers and our product development team to influence the future direction of Bloomberg’s products. Can’t wait to start traveling!”
1999Jennifer Trotts Fein writes, “Married Rich Fein in 2005, divorced in 2010. Kept his name but left the country. Living my dream life as an ex-pat based in Melbourne, Australia, traveling around Asia and learning Chinese. Come say ni hao, mate!”
2005In January Adam Grode, visiting scholar at the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Lan-guages, gave a talk at the American Corner in Almaty (Kazakhstan) on the cultural heritage of the Silk Road. He focused on the rich traditions of the Silk Road, and his experiences in Russia and Central Asia, and after his talk he performed on a Kazakh dombra and Kashgar rawap.
1974Dave Vesty and his wife, Sandy, recently made their third, consecutive trip to Swaziland with the Young Heroes organization. While there they built playgrounds, participated in Bushfire (the premier music event in South Africa) and raised awareness of HIV/AIDS. They also visited and worked closely with children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic—children sponsored and helped by the fundraising efforts of the Vestys and others.
1976Ralph Auguste was posthu-mously honored for his dedication to social action, generosity and education in his native Haiti during a ceremony celebrating the University Quisqueya’s new building. The building houses the Rectorate of UniQ and the center of entrepreneurship and innovation. Ralph was considered one of the founding members of the university.
1983Jennifer Cornell recently had a chapter published in Adventures in Manifesting: Healing from Within. Jenna is a holistic general practitioner at the Healing Rooms in Western Australia. Check out her page on Facebook: “The Healing Rooms.”
using lattice quantum chromodynamics. QCD is the theory of quarks and gluons, the subnuclear particles that make up protons and neutrons. Gluons are the “glue” that holds quarks together.
Sherri Normand and Kyle Tilley recently became engaged. Sherri is a financial analyst at BNY Mellon and Kyle is an engineer at General Electric. An August wedding in York Harbor, Maine is planned.
2009CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
Gabe Kramer123 North Arden Blvd.Los Angeles, Cali. 90004kramerg3@gmail.com
Carl Winkler 2232 S. Gayoso St.New Orleans, La. 70125 carl.s.winkler@gmail.com
Jordan Silletti became engaged to Thomas “Win” Schellens ’07 in Central Park in New York City on Jan. 19. Jordan is a project manager at NYSERDA and Win is a standards and certification engineer at ASME; both work in New York City. A spring 2014 wedding is planned.
Jordan Silletti ’09 and Thomas
“Win” Schellens ’07
46 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
2010CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Ewo HarrellOrlando, Fla.(407) 506-3713ewo.harrell@gmail.com
Nicole Silverman earned a master’s in public health from Columbia University. She is an intern at NYU Medical Center and is going back to graduate school this fall to pursue a Ph.D.
Jack Scott is a casting assistant at Central Casting. He supports casting directors, working closely with produc-tions, casting background talent for shows that include Blue Bloods, Elementary and 666 Park Avenue.
Damond Health writes, “Almost 100 people turned out for the Union College Speed Networking event in NYC Feb. 28. The evening was a great success; I look forward to it next year, again.”
2011Jake Anderson and Sam Bartsow, owners of Forsake Shoes, were featured in Democrat and Chronicle in December 2012. The story focused on their fledgling business, a men’s shoe line that combines the rugged-ness of hiking shoes, the waterproof qualities of rain boots and the stylishness of casual kicks in an all-in-one kind of footwear. For more on Forsake visit www.kickstarter.com or http://www.forsake.co/.
Freestyle skier Kelsey Albert was included in a January story published in the Schenectady Daily Gazette. The piece focused on freestyle skiing, a January race event in Lake Placid, N.Y., and the World Cup.
Hilary Zelson is working as an artist in glitter and photography, and teaching art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Her work has been incorporated into numerous shows, and she was one of the youngest to be included in the “Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors.” In 2012, her photographs from “Colors of Night” were on display in the Washington Art Association’s exhibition, “Young Talent 2012.” This past summer, Hilary’s painting, “Eagle Nebula,” was included in the 55th Annual Chautauqua Exhibition of Contemporary Art, judged and curated by author and art critic Kim Levin. The piece won the Deborah Anderson Award. In 2013, Hilary will be creating a display for the Boston Children’s Museum in honor of their 100th anniversary.
2012Brittany Gilbert spent summer 2012 traveling to the Canadian Rockies and Ireland to paint en plein air. In Ireland, she participated in Europe’s largest plein air festival, Art in the Open, where her artwork earned ‘Highly Commended’ recognition. Her paintings can be viewed at www.brittanyrgilbert.com.
Connor Gallo is a search consultant in Daley and Associates’ executive search division. The boutique executive search and contract staffing firm, located in Boston, is dedicated to matching the right talent with the right opportunity.
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or had a baby?
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Maura Driscoll '15 is one
of 10 student-bloggers
offering up thoughts on
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rugby and mini-terms to
hot-sauce adventures,
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U N F I LT E R E DUnion as students experience it
READ THEIR WITTY, HONEST, FUN AND QUIRKY BLOGS AT
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| 47 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Alumni at the wedding of Sarah Meyer ’06 and Alexander Wilde ’06
2003Kelly Whalen and Matthew Mertens were married on Nov. 17, 2012 in Salem, Mass. The bridal party included Amy Fairbanks Smith, Jorie Kelly Johnson ’02 and Kelly’s twin brother, Michael. A.J. Bodden was an usher. Other alumni in attendance were Meredith Gaylord ’02, Adam Polansky, Stephanie Block Prokosch, Dennis Quandt and Sarah Joines ’02.
2004Michelle (Lividini) Loiacono married John Loiacono on June 30, 2012 in Larchmont, N.Y. Union alumni in attendance were Kara Cotich, Marti (Schulman) Freund, George Freund ’03, Laura (Maslauskas) Murphy, Edward Murphy, Kinzey Fritz, Annie Berkowitz, Leigh (Notestein) Avsec, Giselle (Parrelli) Ferraro ’07 and John Thompson ’77.
unions
2005Noah Kayman and Lia (Kim) Kayman ’06 are happy to announce their marriage on Nov. 20, 2011 at the New York Country Club. They reside in Riverdale, N.Y. with their two Boxer dogs.
Elizabeth Casler and Aaron Lazar were married on May 25, 2012 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Alumni in attendance included Robert Lazar ’75, Mike Silvestro, Will Tamm, Adam Howe, Marc Salvia, Mike Kane, Larry Kaplan, Bill Maron, Katie Bellucci ’08, Tim Moriarty, Jim Bush, Mike Freundlich, Grant VanDerBeken, Brendan McGuire, Courtney Riepenhoff Doucette and Jay Carrig.
On July 16, 2011, Aaron Ginsberg (son of Harris Ginsberg ’72 and Susan Ginsberg) married Jill Safinski in New York City. Among the guests were Mike Silvestro,
Kelly Whalen ’03 and Matthew Mertens with their wedding party
Michelle (Lividini) Loiacono ’04 with fellow Union alumni at her
wedding
48 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
Marc Frieman, Dylan Wilks, Matt Greene, Bill Silver ’72, Gary Starr ’72, Steve Karotkin ’73 and Nancy Kessler Karotkin ’74.
2006Sarah Meyer and Alexander Wilde are happy to announce their marriage on Oct. 7, 2012 in Cavendish, Vt. They reside in New York City. Alex and Sarah were married on a gorgeous fall day, just over a decade after they met during Union’s outdoor orientation. The ceremony was officiated by Adam Sultaire and attended by over 30 Union alums, including Jared Tilbor, Thomas Moffitt, Alexander Saunders, Chris Curcio, Caitlin Mahoney, Ben Birnbaum ’07, Ashley LoTempio, Sam Calder ’07, Nordo Nissi ’07, Jackie Coffey, Garrett Lunden, DeVer Warner, James Sargent, Charles Benedict, Andrew Draznin ’07, Dave Busino,
Ryan Laddey and Ashima Taneja are happy to an-nounce their marriage on Oct. 6, 2012 at Maritime Parc in Jersey City, N.J. They reside in New York, N.Y. and honeymooned in Australia and New Zealand. Alumni who attended included Dave Korim, Michael Simon, Marc Wiener, Ed Brandt, Dan Wardwell, Dan Taft, Ben McGuire, Amanda Goodman, Sarah Heitner, Jen Pangburn, Stephanie Schuman, Katha-rine Linehan, Rohan Singh, Jamal Ricks ’08, Nola Rudolph ’08, Heather McGuire (2008, MAT), Ryan Kaupelis ’07, Nevin Smith ’05, Courtney Allen ’03 and Lawrence Rosenthal ’88.
Ian Peck and Kimberly (Tentor) Peck are happy to announce their marriage Dec. 15, 2012 at The First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady’s Stockade. A reception at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia followed. The couple resides in Pittsfield, Mass., where Ian is a lead systems engineer for General Dynamics and Kimberly is a
Alumni at the wedding of Elizabeth Casler and Aaron Lazar ’05 Alumni at the wedding of David Busino ’06 and Diana Koch ’06
Alumni at the wedding of Ryan Laddey ’06 and Ashima Taneja
Ian Peck ’06 and Kimberly
(Tentor) Peck
Diana Koch Busino, Mike Hamill, Michael Vila ’07, Kevin McCormick ’07, Dave McCormick, Adam Nebenzahl, Kristen Nelson, Sarah Bills, Tom Purcell, Elizabeth McCormick, Rachel Goldberg Nissi ’05, Josh Weissglass ’05 and Gregg Meyer ’84.
The wedding of David Busino and Diana Koch took place on May 26, 2012 in Manchester, Vt., with the reception at Hildene in Manchester. Alumni in attendance included Colby Garb, Harri-son Paras, Sarah (Meyer) Wilde, Alex Wilde, Samuel Coppola Jr. ’74, Ronna (Feldman) Coppola ’76, Andrew Palumbo ’05, Ann (Bartlett) Singer ’74, Mitchell Singer ’73, Lawrence Busino ’72, William Busino Jr. ’71, Dawn (Chupay) Tonneau ’88, Jeff Brais, David McCormick, Erin Loggie, Jeff Shrensel, Adam Sultaire and Kevin Murphy.
Members of the Class of 2009 attended the wedding of Chip Miller
’09 and Kaitlin Tierney in November 2012. Pictured are (front row)
Libby Fortier, Dan Spero, Carl Winkler, Rachel Smooke, Emma
Sands-Milsom, (back row) Tim Shelton, Andy Kehl, Fred Steiner, Matt
Douglas, Alex Wolf, Chip Miller, Gabe Kramer, Ted Hancock, Charlie
Bennett, Thayer Dennison, Paul Procops and Sam Werner.
unions
| 49 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
children’s photographer. In attendance were Cynthia (Howell) Battiste ’78, David Battiste ’77, Pamela (Howell) Tentor ’80, Timothy Howell ’84, Megan (Howell) Swenson ’94, Scott Swenson ’95, Katrina (Tentor) Lallier ’03, Matthew Lallier ’03, Edward Lallier ’00, Timothy Wade ’83, Esther (Quirk) Wade ’81, Scott Bradbury ’06, Erika (Schnitzer) Bradbury ’08 and Dr. Richard Breault ’52.
2007Julianne Sarah Passeri and Guy Anthony Mitrano were married Oct. 7, 2012 at a ceremony at the Mansion on Turner Hill in Ipswich, followed by a reception. The groom’s uncle, Robert Colt of Winchester, officiated. Julianne is a middle school English teacher in the Reading Public Schools. Guy is director of social media at Subaru of New England. The couple resides in Danvers, Mass.
2008Erika Schnitzer and Scott Bradbury ’06 were married on Nov. 10, 2012 in Maplewood, N.J. Alumni in attendance included Andrea Leifer, Rohan Singh ’06, Trevor Simon ’06, James Pagano ’06, Carly Hirschberg ’06, Mike Simon ’06, Ian Peck ’06, Kelli Ketcham ’06 and Jeffrey Schrensel ’06. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii before returning to their home in New York City.
Erika Schnitzer ’08 and Scott
Bradbury ’06
Alumni at the wedding of Nicole Silverman ’10 and Douglas Richardson ’08
2010Nicole Silverman and Douglas Richardson ’08 were married at Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, N.Y. on Nov. 10, 2012. Alumni in attendance were Daniel Bloomstone, Lori Cassorla, Carly Mand, Britney Mironovich ’09, Stephanie Libous ’12, Lorry Xie ’11, Katie Suominen, Karen Chan, Simone Sampson, Kimberly Autuori, Gene Prentice ’07, Scott Lotherstein ’08, Caroline Kernan ’08, Pye Russell ’08, Kyle Tilley ’08 and Jude Mason ’08.
50 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
arrivals
1993Heather (King) Chaves is happy to announce that she and her husband, Claudio, have added a son to their family. Tanner Jaite Edward Chaves was born on Jan. 8, 2012. Heather has been working in sales as a senior radiology/imaging solution consultant for Cerner Corporation for 10 years. The family lives in Nashua, N.H.
1996Kate Hedgeman and Stephen Martini are proud to announce the birth of Brendan Robert on Aug. 20, 2012. He weighed seven pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long.
Heather (Rock) Devin writes that Dillon Prior Devin was born July 18, 2012.
1997Daniel Wood and Sarah Wood are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Zoë Elizabeth. She was born on Sept. 24, 2012 in Austin, Texas.
1999Conor McKenzie and Julie Marcal McKenzie are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Beatrice Wren. She was born on May 30, 2012 and weighed seven pounds, four ounces. They reside in Arlington, Mass.
Hanno Froese writes, “I had an exciting end of 2012/begin-ning of 2013. On Oct. 22, our daughter, Hannah Saphira, was born. On Jan. 1, I took over the position of general manager of Hilti Kunststofftechnik in Germany, a subsidiary of the Hilti Corporation.”
2000Sameer Sayeed and wife Caroline are pleased to announce the birth of their twin boys, Carl Eric and Philip Adam, born Oct. 30, 2012 at 2:42 p.m. and 2:43 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Carl was six pounds, one ounce and 21.1 inches, and Philip was six pounds, three ounces and 20.2 inches. Big brother Oscar Daniel, who is 27 months old, is very protective and loving already.
2001Stephen Flaherty writes, “My wife Jes and I are beyond happy to welcome a healthy baby boy into the world. Coleman John Flaherty was born Oct. 29, 2012 during Hurricane Sandy in Boston. The joy and love we have
received and felt over the past few months has been indescribable.”
Kate (Stefanik) Barry and Matt Barry ’00 welcomed a baby girl, Eliza Halpin Barry, 7 pounds and 3 ounces, on Oct. 29, 2012. They write, “Our 3-year-old daughter, Cameron, has proven to be a doting big sister and we are all doing well.”
Raffaella Murano and her husband Roberto Ticchioni of Perugia, Italy are happy to announce the birth of their son, Davide Nicholas Ticchioni, who made his debut on Sept. 15, 2012. Davide made his first trip to the USA in November 2012 and is looking forward to his second trip in May 2013. One day soon he also hopes to visit Union College!
Tanner Jaite Edward Chaves
(Chaves ’93)
Hanno Froese ’99 with wife
Petra Findeisen and daughter
Hannah Saphira
Brendan Robert (Hedgeman ’96) Dillon Prior Devin (Devin ’96) Beatrice Wren McKenzie
(McKenzie ’99)
Carl Eric and Philip Adam
Sayeed (Sayeed ’00)
Stephen Flaherty ’01 and son
Coleman
Cameron, 3, and Eliza Barry
(Barry ’01)
| 51 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
McArdle ’09. Molly, Ed and Tess live in New York’s Capital Region and look forward to introducing a new Union Athletics fan.
2006Jeff Marcoux ’05 and Stefanie Middleton Marcoux welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Juliet Bay Marcoux, on July 3, 2012. Juliet was 7.13 pounds and 20.5 inches long.
Davide Nicholas Ticchioni
(Murano ’01)
Sarah Antoinette Haushalter
(Haushalter ’03)
Cooper Pray Clark (Clark ’03) Rebecca Falzano ’03 and Steve
Pogson with daughter Clio
Mercedes and Amos Sheldon ’03
with son, Albert M. Sheldon V
Olive Pilar Dumais (Dumais ’04) Eloise Hennelly Eagleton
(Eagleton ’04)
Esther (Tess) Jeanne Larkin
(Larkin ’05)
Juliet Bay Marcoux (Marcoux ’06)
2003Dr. Lisa Visentin Haushalter writes, “My husband Jason and I welcomed our first daughter, Sarah Antoinette Haushalter, on May 31, 2012. She was 7 pounds, 8 ounces and 20 inches long. We live on Long Island, where I joined a private pediatric practice.”
Ned Clark and his wife Kate welcomed their first child, a boy, Cooper Pray Clark, on Aug. 17, 2012. Ned is vice president and program director of Travelforteens.com, a teen travel company based in Wayne, Penn.
Rebecca Falzano and husband Steve Pogson welcomed a baby girl into the world. Clio Kennedy Pogson was born in Portland, Maine on Jan. 15, 2013.
Amos Sheldon and wife Mercedes welcomed Albert “Quint” M. Sheldon V on Jan. 19, 2013. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces. Amos writes, “We are glad to have him arrive and he’s been working on figuring things out!”
2004Steve Dumais and Theresa Finney Dumais are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Olive Pilar Dumais, born Sept. 26, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Olive was 6 pounds, 7 ounces and 20 inches long. She is thriving and can’t wait to visit Union someday soon.
Lindsay Haffner Eagleton and her husband Chris welcomed their daughter, Eloise Hennelly Eagleton, into the world on Sept. 13, 2012. Lindsay and Chris have been married for
four years and living in Brooklyn, N.Y. for the past two years. Lindsay is the program director for the Manhattan based non-profit REACH Grenada, and Chris will be graduating medical school in the spring of 2013.
2005Molly Flanagan Larkin and Ed Larkin welcomed a baby girl, Esther (Tess) Jeanne Larkin May 5, 2012 at 1:50 p.m., weighing seven pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 20 inches in length. Tess joins both large families of Flanagans and Larkins, including aunts Dr. Kelly Larkin ’89, Elizabeth Flanagan ’05 and Mary Larkin ’09; Uncle Tom Larkin ’04 and future Uncle Patrick Forrest ’02; Great-great-uncle H.W. Smith Jr. ’45; and cousins Mike Flanagan and Brandon
in memoriam
52 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
1930sJoseph A. Woolman ’35, of Philadelphia, Penn., Oct. 9, 2012. He was 99.
John J. Morrison ’39, of Coatsville, Penn., who worked in sales in the metal finishing business and sang in the St. John’s Episcopal Church choir in Pleasantville, N.Y. for 25 years, and who enjoyed reading and opera, Jan. 6, 2013. He was 95.
1940sLewis W. Hallenbeck ’40, of Slingerlands, N.Y., who served with the Naval Construction Battalion (Sea Bees) during World War II and worked with the Army Corps of Engineers before spending 32.5 years with the New York State Department of Transportation, where he was chief engineer, Dec. 4, 2012. A member of many community organiza-tions who was very involved with Union, supporting the Hallenbeck Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, Lewis was recognized by the College in 2010 with an Outstanding Alumni Engineering Award. He was 93.
Burton R. “Burt” Payne Jr. ’41, of Glendale, Calif., a metallur-gical engineer who created several companies, including Pasadena Steel Treating and Payne Chemical Corporation & Heat Treating Supply, Feb. 7, 2013. A member of the International Metallurgical Congress who represented the U.S. in several foreign countries, he was 94.
Harold J. Delchamps ’42, of Los Angeles, Calif., a medical doctor, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who enjoyed a career that spanned 55 years, Aug. 31, 2012. He was 92.
Edward S. Schulze ’42, of Peoria, Ariz., who flew PB4’s out of CoCo Beach, Fla. with the U.S Navy, logging many flying hours in the Bermuda Triangle before working with Sealed Power Corporation, eventually becoming group vice president, Dec. 22, 2012. He was 92.
Richard D. Conly ’43, of Haverford, Penn., a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran who served in Japan with Occupation Forces and wrote for the military newspaper there, and was a copywriter for N.W. Ayer in Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 2012. Richard, who also
worked for General Electric in public relations and sold advertising space for publica-tions including The Saturday Evening Post and The Atlantic Monthly, was 92. Survivors include his son, Jonathan “Jock” Conly ’71, and grand-son, William Deegan ’08.
D O N A L D S . F E I G E N B A U M ’ 4 6
Donald S. Feigenbaum
’46, who with his
brother, Armand ’42,
founded a renowned
Pittsfield-based interna-
tional systems engineering
firm, died March 5, 2013.
He was 87.
He was executive vice
president and chief opera-
ting officer of General
Systems Co., a firm that
designs and helps imple-
ment operational systems
for corporations and
governments worldwide.
The brothers have long
been involved with Union,
both as benefactors and
advisors. For more than a
dozen years, they hosted
the Feigenbaum Forum, a
gathering in which
academicians discussed
characteristics of a new
generation of leaders and
how better to integrate
liberal arts and other studies.
Union’s administration
building, where their
portraits hang in the first-
floor lobby, was dedicated
in their honor in 1996.
“All of us at Union
College mourn the loss of
Don Feigenbaum,” said
President Stephen C. Ainlay.
“He loved Union College
and always acknowledged
the profound difference it
made in his life. He was a
loyal ‘son of Union’ who
consistently increased
customer value, lowered
operating costs, and
improved innovations at
many major companies
throughout the world.
Donald Feigenbaum
graduated from Union in
1946 after serving in the
United States Navy. He
joined General Electric
and was rapidly promoted
to manager of the com-
pany’s jet engine business.
He left in 1961 to become
general manager of
International Systems
Company. In 1968, the
brothers founded General
Systems Company.
Donald and Armand
co-authored several
books. Their 2003 The
Power of Management
Capital is in essence “a
rule book for manage-
ment and leadership
innovation in the
21st century.” The book
considers the basic
drivers of productivity
and profitability and
integrates tested man-
agement concepts into a
single holistic approach.
In 2009 the brothers built
upon their earlier books
by assembling a roadmap
to promote constant
innovation and growth
called The Power of
Management Innovation.
gave back to the College in
many ways. He was also a
friend and I will miss him
very much.”
The College honored
Donald’s achievements with
an honorary doctorate in
1996. In 2003 he was awarded
the “Outstanding Engineering
Alumnus” award. Among his
many other awards, he
received an honorary Doctor
of Humane Letters degree
from the University of
Massachusetts, and a Doctor of
Science from the Massachu-
setts College of Liberal Arts.
Donald Feigenbaum’s
work and publications in the
field of systems technology
profoundly influenced the
origin and application of
systems engineering principles
that have fundamentally
changed modern manage-
ment practices. His approach
^
| 53 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
Lewis Orlowski ’43, of Laguna Beach, Calif., an engineer specialist with Ford Aerospace who developed electrical and optical circuit designs for guided missiles, June 29, 2011. He was 89.
Dean C. Eger Jr. ’45, of New Bern, N.C., Dec. 5, 2012. He was 90.
Victor T. Starsnic ’46, of Whitehall, Penn., a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Pacific during World War II, earned master’s degrees in education and engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and worked at Dravo, retiring in 1988 as head of the civil and structural engineering department, Jan. 10, 2013. He was 88.
J O S E P H M . H I N C H E Y ’ 4 7
Joseph M. Hinchey ’47,
of Westwood, Mass.,
a life trustee and
former chairman of the
Board of Trustees, died
Feb. 2, 2013 at the age of 87.
An attorney and retired
senior vice president of
Analog Devices Inc., he
was elected to a four-year
term as chairman of the
board in 1994.
He was national chair-
man of the $150 million
Bicentennial Campaign,
and chair of the Presidential
Search Committee that
hired Roger H. Hull. He
received the Alumni Gold
Medal for distinguished
service in 2007.
Born in Elmhurst, N.Y.,
he enlisted in the U.S. Navy
Submarine Force at age 17.
After World War II, he was
selected for the V12 Officer
Training Program at Union.
Hinchey received his
B.S. in electrical engineer-
ing and went on to earn
his law degree from Boston
College Law School in
1980. He had worked for
General Dynamics and
Texas Instruments before
taking a leave to study law.
He joined Analog Devices
in 1980.
He was predeceased
by his wife of 58 years,
Barbara (Bright) Hinchey.
Survivors include five
children, a brother and
10 grandchildren.
Memorial contribu-
tions may be made to
Pond Home, 289 East St.,
Wrentham, MA 02093;
Scholarship America,
Hinchey Scholarship
Fund, Development
Department, 1550
American Blvd. E., Suite
155, Minneapolis, MN
55425; or the Joseph M.
and Barbara B. Hinchey
Scholarship, College
Relations, Union College,
807 Union St., Schenectady,
NY 12308.
Morris J. Brookner ’46, of West Palm Beach, Fla., a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, June 18, 2011. He was 90.
Jamie Dennis ’48, of Hillsboro Beach, Fla., April 8, 2012. He was 85.
Warren F. Howe Jr. ’48, of Essex, Conn. and formerly of West Haven, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II and was an agent with Connecticut General and Manufacturer’s Life before spending 20 years
with Colonial Bank, becoming assistant vice president and West Haven branch manager, Jan. 1, 2013. He was 88.
Alfred J. Siesel ’49, of Carlsbad, Calif., former president and chairman of the Siesel Company, who led the company for 38 years with his brother, Daniel, until his retirement in 1988, Oct. 23, 2012. Also president of the League of Advertising Agencies, he was 83.
Arthur H. Summers ’49, of Endwell, N.Y., a U.S. Navy veteran who participated in
N O R M A N L . K R E I S M A N ’ 4 7
A World War II veteran
and champion of
mental health
services in Florida, Norman
L. Kreisman ’47, of Sarasota,
died Dec. 26, 2012. He
was 87.
He spent his professional
career in the wallpaper
business, leading several
companies he worked for
as president, before retiring
from Dunhill Wallcoverings
in 1986. Shortly thereafter,
inspired by his daughter,
Diane, who has faced
challenges associated with
a mental health disorder,
Norman became a staunch
advocate of mental health
services.
During the past 20 years,
he mobilized influential
individuals in Florida to
improve treatment availa-
bility—across all races and
socio-economic classes—
for those with mental
illnesses. A two-acre health
care campus and inpatient
crisis hospital at not-for-
profit Coastal Behavioral
Healthcare in Sarasota is
named after Norman, in
recognition of his efforts to
establish the city’s first and
only publically supported
psychiatric emergency crisis
center in the early 1990s.
Involved with many
community organizations,
Norman served three
consecutive terms on the
board of Coastal Behavioral
and was honored with
the title director emeritus.
And on July 28, 2011, the
mayor of Sarasota declared
it Norman and Dorothy
Kreisman Day. On this date,
Sarasota’s Kreisman Center
was renamed the Kreisman
Campus for Integrated
Health Care.
Norman was also active
at Union, having been
treasurer of the New York
City Alumni Association
and an Admissions
interviewer. He received
the Alumni Medal in 1967,
in honor of his service to
the College.
Norman is survived by
his wife, Dorothy, and
children Stuart and Diane.
^ ^
54 | UNION COLLEGE Spring 2013
the V-12 program during World War II and was a professional engineer with NYSEG who volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels, Oct. 26, 2012.
Edward R. Younglove ’49, of Johnstown, N.Y., who served with the U.S. Naval Reserve aboard the USS Marias in the Far East and Persian Gulf before heading the Fabmika Division at Sprague Electric Co. in North Adams, Mass., and then retiring from Custom Electronics in Oneonta, N.Y. as quality control manager. Edward, who was 88, also taught for many years at the Sprague-Franklin Institute.
J. George Follett ’49, of Watertown, N.Y., who was St. Lawrence County district attorney before becoming St. Lawrence County family court judge in 1967, retiring from the bench in 1982, Nov. 27, 2012. He was 85.
George F. Abbott ’49, of Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 30, 2012. He was 85.
1950sLionel Furst ’50, of Beverly Hills, Calif., a travel executive for 41 years who co-owned APA Travel and later worked with Revel Travel and Altour, and was active on the boards of numerous community organizations, March 24, 2012. He was 83.
Francis H. Meehan ’50 on Oct. 25, 2011. He was 83.
Charles V. Emmi ’50, of Callahan, Fla., who served with the U.S. Navy as a machinist during World War II before working for General Electric, the U.S. Postal Service and eventually the FAA, Dec. 14, 2012. Actively serving his community in a number of
James H. Derby ’56, of Masons Island, Conn., who served with the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis and in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal, before practicing orthopedic surgery in New London for many years, Jan. 1, 2013. He was 78.
George S. Kang ’58, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., an Air Force weather officer who coordinated Korean Air Force training with the 30th U.S. Air Force Weather Squadron stationed in Korea at 10 U.S. Air Force bases, Jan. 4, 2013. George, a research scientist in the voice system section of the information technology division at the U.S. Department of Defense Naval Research Laboratory, was 82.
1960sGarrett Richard “Dick” Mullee ’62, of Fort Myers, Fla., a U.S. Air Force veteran who spent 31 years with General Electric, during which time he was involved with the first decommissioning of a U.S. nuclear power plant, Jan. 18, 2013. Dick, a member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Fort Myers, also worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s nuclear division.
Robert F. Ehrlich ’63, of Bangor, Penn., who was repeatedly honored by IBM during his long career with the company, and was COO of Information Systems at Mack Printing in Easton, Penn., Dec. 24, 2012. He was 71.
Peter George Tierney ’66, of Bluff Point, N.Y., who served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnman and was director of the Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District before beginning a 30-year career in investments and financial planning, Dec. 28,
capacities Charles, 96, also sat on the Callahan Town Council for 10 years.
Richard A. Insogna ’50, of Amsterdam, N.Y., who served in the Pacific Theater with the U.S. Army during World War II and earned his J.D. from Cornell University, going on to practice law for nearly four decades, Dec. 28, 2012. He was 86.
Jack L. Shangraw ’50, of Keene, N.H., who served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and was onboard the USS New Orleans when it was badly damaged by torpedo fire, and went on to work for Sylvania Electric as an electrical engineer for 29 years, Dec. 9, 2012. He was 89.
Henry Gardner Moyer ’50, of Gilbert, Ariz., May, 3, 2012. He was 84.
John P. “Jack” Miller ’50, of Chandler, Ariz., who served with the Army in North Africa and Italy during World War II and spent 30 years in law enforcement, including the New York State Troopers and Schenectady Police Force, Jan. 28, 2013. Jack, who attained the rank of captain and volunteered with the Tempe and Chandler Police Departments, was 89.
Robert D. Conklin ’50, of Daytona Beach, Fla., a U.S. Army veteran who enjoyed collecting stamps and camp- ing, Oct. 5, 2011. He was 82.
Robert B. Grindley ’51, of Wheeling, W.Va., who served in the U.S. Navy and Reserve and was manager and then president of the Hawley Corporation, Oct. 10, 2012. “Grin,” who was involved with many community organiza-tions, was 83.
Richard C. Speidel ’51, of Fayetteville, N.Y., a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War, retired from AT&T as district manager in 1987, and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the Calvary Club, Nov. 19, 2012. He was 83.
Hubert Bedford “Hugh” Harris ’51, of Aliceville, Ala., a U.S. Army veteran and industrial engineer who retired from Huyck Felt Company, and was a member of West End Baptist Church, Dec. 12, 2012. He was 82.
Jerome F. Hanshue ’54, of Bridgeport, W. Va., and formerly of Saratoga, N.Y., who served in many civic and service organizations, and was executive vice president and director of Adirondack Trust Co., Oct. 11, 2012. He was 81.
Joseph Honet ’54, of Detroit, Mich., Feb. 13, 2012. He was 78.
William David Rudolph ’55, of Asheville, N.C., a U.S. Air Force first lieutenant and Air Force Reserve captain who earned his J.D. at Columbia University, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Dec. 17, 2012. William, who spent most of his law career at Colt Industries Inc., rising to assistant general counsel, was 79.
Frank R. Kiwus ’54, of Lancaster, Penn., a budget executive with the New York State Government who earned a master’s in public administration from SUNY Albany and operated several antique shops during his life with his wife, Nancy, Feb. 5, 2013. He was 80.
Arthur Simolunas ’56, of Arlington, Va., who spent 30 years working with the FAA, Nov. 7, 2012. He was 78.
in memoriam
| 55 Spring 2013 UNION COLLEGE
2012. Also the owner of The Bloomin’ Lily, he was 68.
Martin F. McDonald Jr. ’68, of Glenville, N.Y., who enlisted in the U.S. Navy and joined the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. before starting a career at General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., where he worked as a contract admin-istrator and manager for 40 years, Nov. 11, 2012. He was 81.
1970sMike Rone ’72, of Orono, Minn. and formerly St. Paul, who worked with his father in the family cabinet manufac-turing business, Medallion Kitchens, before co-founding Northern Contours in 1992, Dec. 29, 2012. Mike, who was 63, loved to travel and visited countries including Africa, Turkey and Italy.
James “Johnny” Healy ’74, of Schenectady, N.Y., and formerly of Chelsea, Mass., a World War II veteran who was a communications expert in the Marshall Islands and was a nuclear engineer with General Electric until his retirement in 1988, Oct., 21, 2012. He was 89.
Robert Peter Toal Jr. ’74, of Amsterdam, N.Y., an electrical engineer who worked with General Electric, WGY and New York State Government Services, and was a member of the Schenectady Amateur Radio Association, Nov. 12, 2012. He was 69.
Dave Kodl ’76, of LaGrange, Ga., a mechanical engineer at Duracell and a member of MENSA and Westminster Presbyterian Church who loved the outdoors, Nov. 6, 2012. He was 57.
David Bartosh ’77 on April 7, 2011. He was 62.
Gordon E. Clickman ’78, of Colonie, N.Y., who worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conserva-tion for 35 years and operated a marina on Lake George for several years, Feb. 1, 2013. A member of the Northeast Stock Car Racing Old Timers who enjoyed auto racing, he was 64.
S. Paul Anzalone ’79, of Rotterdam, N.Y., a senior civil engineer with the state Department of Transportation, Structures Division, who served with the U.S. Air Force and New York Air National Guard 109th Tactical Airlift Wing, Jan. 12, 2013. A member of the Carman Volunteer Fire Department and many other community organizations, he was 73.
1980sTimothy S. Agar ’82, of Sacramento, Calif., an avid outdoorsman and accom-plished businessman and journalist who earned his master’s degree in journalism at the University of Arizona, Dec. 19, 2012. He was 52.
David C. Owens ’83, on Aug. 7, 2012. He was 57.
William Alan Rose ’84, of Clifton Park, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2013.
2000sKathryn Barry Truax ’04, of Ruxton, Md., who taught fifth grade and literature to sixth- and seventh-graders at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic School in Bethesda, and was the school’s director of development, Dec. 2, 2012. Kathryn, who enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, was 30.
Friends of Union CollegeNorma C. Jacob, an adminis-trative assistant at Union for 26 years who was an active member of Annie Schaffer Seniors and Scotia-Glenville Seniors, and a longtime member of Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, Oct. 15, 2012. She was 92.
William C. Dixon, of Clayton, N.Y., who served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and received numerous honors for his service, and who spent 27 years with the New York State Department of Trans-portation before retiring and working as an adjunct profes- sor of engineering at Union, Jan. 24, 2013. He was 82.
J O H N M O S E S ’ 5 3
John Moses ’53, of
Stamford, Conn., who
served as an M.P. in the
U.S. Army, was a longtime
Union College supporter
and enjoyed a successful
career in management, died
Dec. 8, 2012. He was 84.
Following his military
service, John, who earned
a master’s degree from
New York University,
worked with New York
Telephone (now Verizon),
where we became director
of operations and develop-
ment. He was also employed
by Marriott International as
director of management
training, development and
quality.
John, always dedicated
to his community, was
president of the CT/
Westchester chapter of the
Association for Psycho-
logical Type; president of
the Stamford Senior Center;
and a member of the
advisory board of the
Southwest Connecticut
Commission on Aging.
He also did much for
Union College.
A head agent of his class,
longstanding member of
the Alumni Council and
Annual Fund National chair
who served on numerous
ReUnion committees, John
was instrumental in the
creation of the 1953 Room
in Abbe Hall. For his devo-
tion and hard work, he
received the Alumni Gold
Medal and the Distin-
guished Service Award.
Survivors include his
wife Patricia, daughter
Debbie, son Jonathan and
stepsons Nicholas and
Paul Verbitsky.
^
UNION COLLEGE Spring 201356 |
Union College doesn’t
have all the president’s
men, but it has its share.
William Henry Seward,
Class of 1820, Abraham
Lincoln’s secretary of state, is
arguably the most famous
and important. Yet Henry
Reed Rathbone, Class of 1857,
has his place in the Great
Emancipator’s history, and
that of this country, as well.
He was there, in that Ford’s
Theatre box, the night the
16th president was shot.
But 11 years before the
assassin’s bullet felled Lincoln,
Rathbone was a 16-year-old
young man entering Union
College. He lived in North
College, was a member of
Sigma Phi fraternity, and
followed a classical academic
path, taking courses in Greek,
Latin, physics, geometry and
moral and mental philosophy.
Upon graduation in 1857, he
practiced law for a short time
in Albany, N.Y., where his
father was mayor.
Rathbone joined the
Union Army at the start of the
Civil War, serving as a captain
in the 12th Infantry Regiment
and fighting in the Battle of
Antietam and the Battle of
Fredericksburg. By war’s end,
he had attained the rank of
major and soon asked Clara
Harris to marry him.
The daughter of U.S.
Senator Ira Harris, Class of
1824, trustee and former
acting College president,
Clara Harris was Rathbone’s
stepsister. His mother,
Pauline, married Ira Harris
after she was widowed.
Newly engaged, Clara
Harris and Rathbone, then an
aid to the president, were
invited to join the Lincolns
for a production of Our
American Cousin at Ford’s
Theatre on April 14, 1865.
That night, John Wilkes
Booth crept into the presi-
dential box and shot Lincoln
in the back of a head. Rathbone
tried immediately to prevent
the assassin’s escape. He failed,
and bore the scars of it forever.
Accounts differ on the
old union
nature of the dagger wound
Booth dealt Rathbone. Some
report it was grievous (running
from his shoulder to his elbow),
others that it was not severe.
But most agree that his
inability to prevent the death
of Lincoln, combined with
the horrors he witnessed as a
soldier, must have contributed
to his unfortunate end.
Despite marrying Clara
Harris in 1867 and raising three
children with her, Rathbone
suffered emotionally.
A New York Times story
from the period mentions
that he experienced dyspepsia
and melancholy, and while
normally “quiet and agreeable,”
sometimes “exhibited violent
and overpowering temper.”
The man who witnessed Abraham Lincoln’s assassination
Clara, the paper stated, consid-
ered separation from her
husband, but decided against
it because she didn’t want to
be parted from her children.
In December 1883, while
living with his family in
Germany and serving as U.S.
consul there, Rathbone
murdered his wife and then
attempted to stab himself to
death. According to the same
New York Times article, pub-
lished Dec. 28, 1883, “They
found Mrs. Rathbone dying
on the bed, weltering in her
blood. Mr. Rathbone lay on
the floor, bleeding from five
different wounds. A six-shoot-
er, with three empty chambers,
and a dagger covered in gore
were found nearby.”
The report goes on to say,
“Doctors were summoned
immediately, but Mrs.
Rathbone died without being
able to give an account of
the deed … [Mr. Rathbone]
appeared not to connect
himself with the crime. He
seemed to believe a stranger
had committed it. The neigh-
bors say that Mr. Rathbone
lived on most affectionate
terms with his family.”
Following his wife’s death
at 49, Rathbone was institu-
tionalized in the criminal
ward of a German asylum,
where he lived until his death
at the age of 74 in 1911.
make all the difference
Union volunteers, who serve as ambassadors and cheerleaders for their
alma mater, are integral to the success of the College’s Annual Fund,
its class ReUnions and alumni club events. The classmate-to-classmate
connection has proven the most effective way to engage others and encourage
them to become involved with the College.
So join the ranks of over 800 alumni volunteers; we’d love to have you! All it
takes is 2 to 10 hours each year. You’ll be helping your alma mater, having fun
and making great memories at the same time.
Visit www.union.edu/alumni/volunteer/ or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (518) 388-6168.
When it comes to mentoring current students, rallying support
for the College or planning the best regional events, alumni
volunteers—like U—are better qualified than anyone else.
Union sends heartfelt thanks for your time, energy and wisdom.
U
SUSANNA RYAN BERGER ’99
“I worked with a
great team to
establish an alumni
club in Boston,
bringing together
Union’s family and
friends in an
exciting way.”
MATT COHEN ’98
“Union is far more
than our college
years alone.
Volunteering helps
us stay connected
and share our love
for Union while
giving back.”
LARRY SWARTZ ’73
“It borders on cliché
to say I have an
obligation to
support Union
because I was
supported by those
who came before
me, but it really is
that simple.”AP
PR
EC
IAT
E
EN
GA
GIN
G
ME
MO
RA
BL
E
CLIFF MASTRANGELO ’63
“The benefits I have
accrued for my
voluntary time are
immeasurable, it’s
been sheer enjoy-
ment. You will be
amazed how
gratifying it is to be
a volunteer.”RE
WA
RD
ING
V O L U N T E E R
THE REWARDS
OF VOLUNTEERING
ARE MANY.
YOU CAN:
•
Reconnect with
your classmates
•
Expand your
Union network
•
Give back to Union
in a whole new way
Office of Communications807 Union StreetSchenectady, NY 12308-3169
Please recycle
See this fall!
October 11–13, 2013
• Pre-game tailgate cookout and kid’s carnival
• Attend the harvest dinner with your family
• President’s welcome reception
• Generation U young alumni reception
• Traditional Sunday brunch
• Union College athletic events
• Departmental receptions & gatherings
• Alumni lectures
W E E K E N D A C T I V I T I E S :
www.union.edu/hfw
We look forward to seeing back!U