Fall 2014

New academic building opens (page 4)

An aerial view of Bob Boozer Field at Eunice Kennedy Shriver Stadium taken during the Courage Bowl on September 20, 2014. The football game featuring Brockport vs. St. John Fisher drew a school-record 9,316 fans. (Photo provided by Bob Cushman)

From the President .......................................2

Campaign for Brockport Update .................3

New Liberal Arts Building ............................4

Leadership Development Program .............6

An Inside Look at BASC ...............................8

Bill Steele ’62 ..............................................12

Checking in with the Class of 1936 ...........14

A Unique Research Opportunity ...............16

Alumni News ...............................................18

Spanning the Nation ...................................24

Class Notes .................................................26

First Person .................................................28

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A SpeciAl Journey

At the conclusion of my annual State of the College Address during our Faculty-Staff Convocation on August 19, I announced my retirement, effective the end of August 2015. Should you wish to review my remarks, they are available online at www.brockport.edu/president/stmts/conv-14-facstaff.html. This year culminates a 45-year career in higher education, with Brockport at the pinnacle. Kathy and I look back at our “capstone decade” at Brockport with fondness, and we look ahead with great anticipation to our final year at the College.

Providing students with a quality, multi-dimensional education that prepares them to be productive and

successful members of their communities is at the core of our institution. It’s a practice that has been woven into the fabric of our mission since the College first opened its doors as the Brockport Collegiate Institute in 1835. At every turn, our faculty and staff work to create the best possible experience for our students, both in and out of the classroom. Whether the focus is on academic programs, athletics, recreation, co-curricular activities or first-class facilities, the effort and pride put forth to make sure we offer the very best is evident. Each day the changes in our living and learning environment are palpable. We hear about it from students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors.

I am exceedingly proud of all that has been accomplished on behalf of student success during our tenure. In the following pages, you’ll see examples of those sources of pride. Stories include the completion of our new Liberal Arts Building, which is home to five academic departments. The Campaign for Brockport, Pursue Something Greater, continues to provide more and more opportunities for our students, and you’ll get an inside look at our award-winning Leadership Development Program – a priority in the College’s latest strategic plan.

These examples serve as a testament to some of the special qualities of our College, including our unwavering commitment to student success. We are fortunate, indeed, to be part of this journey.

Best wishes,

John R. Halstead, PhDPresident

KaleidoscopeVolume 27, No. 2, Fall 2014 Circulation – 75,000

PUBLISHER Roxanne Johnston

EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL TEAM Kerry Gotham Darby Knox David Mihalyov ‘87/’03

MANAGING EDITOR John McMahon

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Sam Nicolosi

PHOTOGRAPHY Richard W. Black Matt Yeoman

CONTRIBUTORS Charlie Cowling

COVER PHOTO BY Matt Yeoman, Manager, Brockport Photographic Services

SEND CORRECTIONS OR CHANGES OF ADDRESS TO:Division of Advancement 350 New Campus Drive Brockport, NY 14420 (585) 395-2451 kscope@brockport.edu

BROCKPORT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSWarren Kozireski ’82/’95 (President) Elaine Leshnower ’61/’98 (Vice President) Carl O’Connor ’07 (Treasurer) Allyn Hammel ’86 (Secretary) Catherine Appleby ’75/’83/’01, Marisa Ballara ’07, Jon Bell ’67/’69, Nick Catanzaro ’06, Joe Chesebro ’94, Kimberly Della Porta ’08, Joan Fenton ’79, Becky Gillette ’03, David Harris ’90, Glenn Johnson ’85, Lauren Kelly ’03, Ron Milon ’87, Donald Murray ’69, Betty Jane Nasca ’52, Karen Owen ’87/’91, Monique Rew-Bigelow ’09/’10, Harriet Sisson ’85, Adam Standish ’98/’00, Daniel Stinebiser ’76, Gary Sullivan ’80, Karen Webber ’09/’10President Halstead presents Cullen Wegman ’14

with the President’s Citation Award at April’s Honors and Awards Ceremony.

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PresidentHalstead

CAMPAIGNPRIORITIESWe established the following priority areas for campaign along with corresponding dollar goals. Our progress to date is noted for each area (as of 9/30/14).

PRIORITY Goal Raised %

Student Support $12 million $14.4 million 120%

Faculty, Schools and Programs $9 million $5.2 million 58%

Campus and Facilities Enhancements $2 million $683,894 34%

The Fund for Brockport $2 million $1.97 million 99%

As we move closer to our overall goal of $25 million, the College continues to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support it has received through the Campaign for Brockport, Pursue Something Greater. As of September 30, 2014, alumni, emeriti, faculty and staff, students and friends of Brockport have given more than $22.3 million. That’s more than 89% of our goal less than two years from our target date of June 2016!

CAMPAIGNFORBROCKPORT

$25,000,000(by June 2016)

$22,304,359(as of Sept. 30)

PROGRESS

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ATTENTION TO DETAILTrees cleared from the construction site

are providing the wood for hand-crafted benches; a bird-friendly design has been applied to the two-story windows which flood the interior with natural light but deter birds from hitting the glass; sun-shading blinds on the outside of the building aid in energy-conservation and climate control; and a wildlife-friendly bio-retention pond just off the back of the building contributes to the natural sweep of the landscape.

And those are just a few of the finishing touches.

The Liberal Arts Building, the first new academic building on The College at Brockport campus in 40 years, serves as the new home for the Departments of English, History, Modern Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, and Women and Gender

Studies — all programs in the School of The Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It will also house the offices of the school’s dean and faculty.

“The attention to detail that went into the planning of this building is remarkable,” says Dean Darwin Prioleau. “Associate Dean Ginnie Bachelor and the planning committee played an integral role in

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shaping a space that is visually stunning, welcomes collaboration, and is alive with creativity. This new building takes us a giant step forward in achieving our goal of bringing students and faculty together for meaningful interaction.”

A special gallery has been installed for the collection of E.E. Cummings paintings donated to the College several years ago. The restored paintings are displayed in cases that allow them to be enjoyed while protecting their fragile state. New works of art by various artists, chosen by the College’s Public Art Committee, grace other areas of the building providing a visually stimulating environment for all.

An array of classrooms and conference rooms, which includes a 200-seat auditorium that may be divided for smaller groups, are all replete with state-of-the-art technology to enhance teaching and learning. Two gathering places on the second floor are furnished with comfortable couches and chairs that invite students to meet for group projects, study

or chat with friends. Second- and third-floor overlooks provide open air seating on temperate days.

Brockport President John R. Halstead, PhD, says it’s no coincidence that the College’s first new academic building in years houses the liberal arts.

“The Liberal Arts are the foundation of a Brockport education,” said Halstead. “They are the building blocks that provide the critical thinking skills to help our students succeed, so it is more than appropriate that this beautiful facility is home to these vital programs.”

Three-stories tall and 61,000 square-feet, the Liberal Arts Building is east of Brockport’s Drake Memorial Library and attached to it by a second-story connector, bringing these two hubs of learning even closer together. The $29.3 million facility was funded through the SUNY Construction Fund. The building has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

For more information on naming a space in the Liberal Arts Building, visit www.campaignforbrockport.com/naming or call (585) 395-2451.

• Mccue AuditoriuM

• diAne ’77 And Jerry Mccue e.e. cuMMings gAllery

• glenn goldberg ’80 And FAMily bAlcony i And ii

• glenn goldberg ’80 And FAMily liberAl Arts PlAzA

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September’s grand opening of the Liberal Arts Building featured the dedication of the following named spaces as the result of generous gifts from Diane ’77 and Jerry McCue as well as Glenn Goldberg ’80 and Kim Burke.

Leadership education is not new at Brockport. It wasn’t until 2009, though, that the College revamped the way it provided those resources to students, and the Leadership Development Program was born. Kim Piatt is the program’s director and in her fifth year overseeing the burgeoning operation. From 199 students in that pilot year of 2009-10, more than 450 students took part in 2013-14.

“We take students who have this untapped potential, and we work with them throughout their time at Brockport to help them reach and exceed what they think is possible,” says Piatt.

The program is designed to enable students to develop their leadership skills and potential through a series of sequential levels. Components of the initial Green level include taking part in interactive workshops, attending campus events that challenge students to think critically about diversity, and participation in community service. Gold activities focus on group values, which require weekend seminars, a group project focusing on a social action plan and presentation of the project at Brockport’s

annual Scholars Day.Once students earn Green

and Gold certificates, they move on to the Presidential level where they are required to take a semester-long Leadership and Society course as well as an internship in a chosen career field. The final “Capstone” level includes serving as a mentor, group advisor or workshop presenter. It also involves taking an active role in planning the LDP’s annual Student Leadership Conference.

The focus on these specific levels of leadership growth is particularly important when analyzing the program’s success. Piatt says recent research suggests that, unlike previous models of leadership education, engaging students sequentially instead of simultaneously, is more effective. It’s a method Brockport instituted before the research validated it.

“Joining the Leadership Development Program helped me become more focused on my goals and what I wanted for my

future,” says Amisail Perez ’14, who is among the first group of students to complete all levels of the program. “Without that experience, I would have been less determined and not had the drive to push my limits and take myself out of my comfort zone.”

With so many students taking part in the program, how does Piatt make it work so well? She

says she couldn’t possibly do it without the faculty, staff and alumni.

“Because Brockport is this incredibly special place where people fully support the idea of student development, we end up with all of these faculty and staff members who are willing to donate and volunteer their time to help students grow,” she says. “That’s phenomenal to me.”

Almost 200 such volunteers took part in 2013-14. Responsibilities include mentoring students on an individual basis, serving on a variety of committees and

The rapid rise to national prominence of Brockport’s Leadership Development Program is as impressive as the number of volunteers who come together to make it one of the College’s true success stories. It’s one of the many ways the College provides its students with an enriching and meaningful education. In the end, the benefit to students is immeasurable.

Amisail Perez ’14

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In just its fifth year of existence, the Leadership Development Program is recognized as one of the best student affairs programs in the nation. In spring 2014, it was named the Grand Bronze winner of the NASPA Excellence Awards. That means it was distinguished as the third-best program among a handful of Excellence Awards winners.

• 2013-14 NASPA Excellence Awards Gold Award: Student Union, Student Activities, Greek Life,

Leadership and related category

Grand Bronze: Third-place among all Gold recipients in the Excellence Awards

• Additional Awards 2013 Program of the Year by the NASPA Student Leadership

Programs Knowledge Community Spotlight

2010 ACUI (Association of College Unions International) Region II Outstanding Community Building Program Award

presenting at the program’s annual conference.

“One of my mentors helped me discover my love of higher education, student affairs and my future career,” says Alyssa Mitchell ’14, who interned over the summer at Loyola Marymount University through the Center for Talented Youth of Johns Hopkins University. This fall, she began a position as an admissions assistant at Brockport.

Piatt gets calls from schools around the country seeking help and guidance when setting up their programs. Invariably, most marvel at how many faculty, staff and alumni volunteers are a part of it.

“The model we use has the potential to influence one of those trends that ends up revolutionizing the way we do student leadership development,” says Piatt. “I think we are on the cusp of helping to change the face of leadership development at higher education institutions.”

As the College developed its 2011-16 Strategic Plan, the Leadership Development Program was one of its priorities. Three years later, its success has been recognized well beyond the Brockport campus. In April, it received one of the most prestigious honors from the nation’s leading student affairs association. The Grand Bronze designation from NASPA means the

program is considered the third best student affairs program in the country.

“To have our program be something other schools look to as a model and as a best practice in the field is just amazing,” says Piatt. “It was a banner year for us. We not only received the overall excellence award, but we also received the spotlight leadership program of the year from NASPA’s leadership program knowledge community.”

The pride Piatt feels with the Leadership Development Program still comes down to the impact it has on the

students.“It’s a privilege to watch them grow and

develop into the type of leader they didn’t realize they had the potential to become.”

Alyssa Mitchell ’14

Become a VolunteerThe Leadership Development Program relies heavily on volunteers to maintain its award-winning excellence. As a member of our alumni community, there are a variety of opportunities ranging from being a mentor or advisor to a committee member or even a workshop presenter. If interested in becoming an LDP volunteer, please contact Kim Piatt at kpiatt@brockport.edu or (585) 395-2987. You may also visit www.brockport.edu/leadership/volunteer.

A History of Excellence

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Did you know?j Dining Services provides more than

5,000 meals per day across campus venues during the academic year.

j Brockport diners consume 80,000 hand-made pizzas per year.

j Dining Services employs more than 325 students — the largest student employer on campus.

j Garnishes caters more than 1,000 events per year, from coffee deliveries to the President’s Celebration of Philanthropy.

j Dining Services employs five full-time chefs: Executive Chef Richard Reynolds and Chefs Cody Butlin, Sean Foley, Tricia Miller and Tyler Wallace.

Not Your Father’s CafeteriaFor some, a college meal plan might

conjure up memories of mystery meat in brown gravy, instant mashed potatoes, and rubbery red Jell-O. However, at The College at Brockport, Dining Services and Garnishes Catering, part of the Brockport Auxiliary Service Corporation (BASC), offer calorie-conscious, healthy dining options alongside old friends like pizza and French fries — all with an emphasis on quality and value. BASC bakers arrive on campus every morning at 3 am to make sure there are enough cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, muffins, rolls and fresh-made pizza dough to get through the day. Chefs sit down weekly to review feedback from students and others and adjust menus

accordingly. Recipes are documented with care to ensure those with food allergies and sensitivities can make the right choices for their individual needs. There is even a nutrition consultant on staff to ensure that menus are healthy and balanced. “Our customers expect value as well as greater culinary diversity. More and more they think about where their food comes from, how it got here and how it’s prepared,” says BASC Executive Director Dana Weiss.

With nine different venues to choose from including two full-service dining halls (Brockway and Harrison) and Union Square, with its wide variety of “grab and go” and made-to-order options, it’s very hard to go hungry at Brockport. In

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What is BASC?The Brockport Auxiliary Service Corporation (BASC) is a non-profit, 501c(3) corporation located on the campus of the State University of New York College at Brockport. BASC is contracted by The College at Brockport to provide and manage dining services, the bookstore, catering services, laundry services, parking and transportation services, vending services, ATMs, events and conferences, campus ID services, and a debit card program

fact, Union Square was revamped in time for this fall and has been renamed The Square. “Each venue has its own unique feel and followers. Hours, menus and atmospheres vary,” says Executive Chef Richard Reynolds. “By a campus survey, Jitterbugs, the coffee shop tucked into the Union, is the most popular, but TRAX is the busiest, offering late-night pizza, wings and milkshakes.”

Serving You Best by Knowing You First

There is more to Dining Services than meets the eye — and the palate. BASC employees contribute to the campus

community and the student experience in unexpected ways. With the addition of their new tagline, “Serving You Best by Knowing You First,” BASC has made it a mission to create a “people-first” culture.

“One of the key ways we provide a positive experience is by delivering extraordinary customer service by connecting with our customers during our various interactions throughout the day,” says Assistant Executive Director Anna Hintz. “In many cases we serve the same customers two, three, four, or more times a day. By taking the time to get to know our customers, we not only build positive relationships, but we also understand their needs and wants and are able serve them in the best possible way.”

This frequent and personal contact makes it possible for BASC employees to get to know their customers — their names, their favorite foods, even the classes they are taking. In some cases, close relationships blossom. Lisa DiClemente, an employee in the Brockway Dining Hall, discovered that she and a student were both from Long Island. This common bond became a foundation for friendship, and when the student’s parents were unable to attend an awards dinner where the student was to be honored, she invited DiClemente. Another Brockway employee, Diane Staub, baked cookies for the football team before every home game unbeknownst to her supervisors. At the end of the season, the football players surprised Diane by presenting her with flowers, a card and a team photo.

With so many moving parts, BASC’s impact goes well beyond satisfying a morning caffeine fix or quick bite between classes. Through its dedicated staff and hundreds of student workers, it has become a part of the campus culture. Whether it’s a chef, a caterer, a student working his or her first job or one of the thousands it serves, BASC’s reach leaves a lasting impression on both sides of the counter.

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Joelle Clark ’15 Garnishes Student Manager

Joelle Clark is poised and articulate, exuding a quiet confidence. A nursing major with a dance minor, she is unabashed about pursuing her interests and taking advantage of what Brockport has to offer. Clark also just completed her second semester as a student manager for Garnishes Catering. She began working at Garnishes in the spring of 2012, learning how to balance the demands of nursing classes, dance rehearsals, work, and “me” time. “BASC is very supportive and flexible. I’ve learned how to manage my time and stay on track,” says Clark. Another unexpected benefit of working in catering is that she is more comfortable with people. “Food service has been good for my bedside manner. Guests can make unusual requests. Catering has taught me how to be flexible and professional — and be nice all the time.” Asked about her favorite events, Clark is quick to mention Writer’s Forum, an intimate event with students in the Writer’s Forum class and a visiting author, but she goes on to say that this year’s Celebration of Philanthropy “pulled out all the stops. The ballroom was unrecognizable!”

Anri Ebihara ’14Originally from Kanagawa, Japan,

Anri Ebihara called Brockport her home away from home after trans-ferring here from Alfred State to pursue a degree in marketing. In her native Japan, she enrolled in a special high school to learn English and prepare for college in America. Her favorite thing about Brockport is the people, especially in Brockway, one of two student dining halls on campus where she worked for three semesters. “I feel like people know me and care about me here.”

“Brockway is crazy busy,” she says, “and communication is critical on the food line but people are kind and open to diversity.” She has also found that the managers are passionate about food and open to new ideas. In fact, she proposed several favorite tofu recipes from her native Japan, and now new tofu dishes are a regular occurrence on the Brockway menu.

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Kelly Pratt Customer Connection Specialist

With her wide-open smile and a kind word for everyone, Kelly Pratt has a gift for making people feel like they matter and embodies BASC’s mission of “Serving you best by knowing you first.”

“What can I do when I see someone having a bad day?” she says. “That’s how I think about it.” Kelly has made a family out of her regular Aerie Café customers and the Café’s student employees. “It’s bittersweet,” she says about the graduating seniors. “I know they are fulfilling their dreams, but I miss them when they’re gone.”

The Aerie Café is a retail kiosk located in Drake Memorial Library. With glass walls on two sides, it lives up to its name. Students stop in for coffee on their way to study, colleagues meet for lunch, and some students, it seems, stop in to chat with Kelly, who inevitably keeps up on their comings and goings. “I love the College and the campus,” says Pratt. “I look forward to coming to work every day.” Never without her camera, Kelly documented the construction of the Liberal Arts Building, even putting together a photo book of the project to go along with other cheerful photo collages in the Café.

Andy Fogg Food Preparation Specialist

Andy Fogg is a familiar face at the Union Grille at The Square. Seldom without a smile, Fogg has worked for BASC since 2002. He describes his managers as “excellent,” his co-workers as “well-connected and fun,” Executive Chef Richard Reynolds as “innovative and involved,” and many of the customers as “regulars” with whom he has built a great rapport. “We are like a big family,” says Fogg. “We rely on each other and work as a team.” Student employees are also a big part of the Union Grille operation. “We get to train and mentor students and work with them side by side. Some of them stay for all four years. They work hard and the staff appreciates that.” It is clear Fogg enjoys his position with BASC. “I’m proud of the work we do and to have the opportunity to serve the College.”

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You could say the past two years have been a whirlwind for Bill Steele ’62 when it comes to his Alma Mater. In September 2012, he joined his former classmates for their 50th class reunion. However, the significance of that experience went well beyond the typical reunion. It was the first time he had been back to campus since graduating all those years earlier. A year after returning to campus, Steele was inducted into the Brockport Athletics Hall of Fame. This spring, the student-athlete weight room was named in his honor as the result of his generous gift to the College.

The son of first-generation

Americans, Steele grew up in Queens, NY. His father spent his entire career working as a conductor for the Long Island Railroad. When he was a senior in high school, Steele recalls his father telling him that he could get him a job working with him on the railroad.

“This is before I even thought about college,” says Steele. “I hesitated and I said ‘Dad, you’re not going to like what I’m going to tell you. I don’t know what I want to do in life, but I know I don’t want to do that.’ ”

Steele earned an elementary education degree from Brockport and also starred on the basketball team. He set freshman records for points scored as well as most points in a game. He went on to score 1,006 points in his varsity career, joining fellow teammate Dick Kraft as the only other Golden Eagle to surpass 1,000 career points up to that point.

He was still carving his path in life after graduating from Brockport and signed up for the Air Force Officer Training School. Steele would spend the next four years in the military. His initial orders sent him to Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, TX. His last assignment was at Incirlik Air Base in Adana, Turkey.

When he left the military, Steele returned to Long Island and took a job with what was then called the Grumman Aircraft Engineering

His TickeT To success

Bill sTeele ’62

Bill Steele ’62

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Corporation. His next stop was with the American Courier Corp., a division of Purolator, where he was instrumental in overhauling its operations. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 33, Steele became president of Purolator’s newly acquired armored truck company.

“I realized I had a knack for knowing how to turn companies around,” he says. “I was able to find their weaknesses and build upon their strengths.”

Steele worked for several other transportation companies until taking the position of president of Carolina Trailways. He was just the fifth president in the company’s history and worked there 15 years before retiring in 2000.

At that point, he was still more than a decade away from reconnecting with his Alma Mater. Then, in August 2012, he received a call from Hannelore “Hanny” Heyen ’62 asking him to come to their 50th class reunion. Steele said yes and traveled to Brockport the following month with fellow classmate Bill Spring ’62.

In 2013, Steele was back on campus being inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in honor of his accomplish-ments on the basketball and tennis courts.

“That was a big day for me,” he says. “It still is.”

When Steele looks back on his time at Brockport, his appreciation for his Alma Mater is stronger than ever. He says his degree prepared him for virtually any situation he came across in the business world.

“Seeing all of my old friends who I went to school with was really good for me, and I’ve been thankful for that,” says Steele. “I’ve also been thankful to stay close to the College. I’ve realized what Brockport gave me was what I call ‘the ticket’ and it’s the ticket that allowed me to compete in today’s world.”

In April 2014, he was on hand when the Bill C. Steele ’62 Student-Athlete

Weight Room was formally dedicated in the Tuttle Athletic Complex. It was the result of Steele’s gift to the College to support equipment upgrades, the basketball program and the Endowment for Innovation.

“I’m very appreciative of the ‘ticket,’ the college degree, and what it’s done for me and how well I’ve been treated coming back to Brockport,” Steele says. “I got letters from some of the student-athletes thanking me for the improvements that are going to happen in that building.”

It’s been nearly 60 years since

Steele told his father he was going a different direction in life, and it was a decision that led to a lifetime of accomplishment.

“The idea of turning down that job my father recommended was a very good decision for me,” he says. “I sent home sports clippings and things of that sort from Brockport, and he was very proud of me. He talked to his commuters every day about how I was doing so it turned out great.”

Above: Bill Steele is joined by President Halstead (left) and Director of Athletics, Erick Hart (right) at April’s dedication of the Bill Steele ’62 Student-Athlete Weight Room. Below: Head football coach Jason Mangone talks to Steele in the newly named facility.

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The year was 1933, and the Brockport State Normal School was welcoming its incoming freshman class of approximately 135 students. It was also one of the most challenging periods in American history. Four years earlier, “Black Tuesday” ushered in the start of the Great Depression. In Europe, Hitler was setting in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to World War II.

Many of those freshmen went on to become part of the Brockport Class of 1936. Among those are Bernadine Beyer Whalen, Fern Poelma Pellett and Betty DeLano Vary. It’s been 81 years since they took their first class at Brockport, but they still share many of the same memories and fondness for their Alma Mater. All three enjoyed careers in education before retiring in the early ’70s.

A Classroom in a Firehouse“I am so grateful for my education

at Brockport. It gave me a lifetime of enjoyment,” says Fern Pellett. “We got a wonderful education at no cost at all. When we left there, we knew how to teach. I loved teaching.”

Pellett started her career at Kendall Central School where she was hired to teach fifth grade. The newly centralized district had yet to finish its new building in time for

classes to begin in the fall of 1936.

“I was in the firehouse,” recalls Pellett. “They backed the fire engines out and put my

45 desks in the firehouse. That

was fine until December came. Firehouses aren’t built for warmth. They’re built for fire trucks.”

Pellett stayed at Kendall for five years before moving on to the Webster Central School District where she taught for 25 years. She retired in 1973.

“I’ve been retired for 41 years, and I worked 30,” she says. “How do you like that?”

From One-Room School House to Central School

Upon graduating from Brockport, Bernadine Whalen began her career in the Victor Central School District. Like Pellett, her district had also just centralized with children coming from one-room schools to a centralized location for the first time.

“I had gone to a one-room school myself and understood the problems of getting the new students acclimated and up to grade level,” says Whalen. “Working with those students was one of the most challenging but rewarding tasks of my entire career.”

Whalen taught eight years at Victor and, after marrying and raising three children, returned to teach 14 years in the Rochester City Schools before retiring in 1972. For over six decades, she stayed in touch on a regular basis with her Brockport classmates.

“We gathered for lunch at various locations along Routes 5 and 20 at least once a year,” she says. “My last trip to campus was several years ago for a family reunion near Brockport. I am proud of the way my Alma Mater has grown and changed over the past 81 years.”

“My grandson graduated from Brockport,” says Whalen. “I want the next generations to have the same quality education available for them as I had for me.”

Building the School of Her Dreams

Betty Vary’s career began as a teacher at Seneca and Iroquois Schools in West

Irondequoit. She then went on to

Hilton Central School where she served as the first female principal and a curriculum

coordinator. When the time

came for the district to build a new school, the super-intendent leaned on her diverse educational background and asked her to list all of the things she would like to see in a “dream school.”

“Northwood Elementary School that opened in 1967 was the result of that list, and I consider it a living example of what I learned at Brockport,” says Vary. “It was my third child. Three of my family members have since taught at Northwood, and now I have two great-nephews who attend there.”

Vary was honored with the Brockport Alumni Association’s Hall of Heritage Award in 1991. Recipients are selected based on their contributions to the association, the College and/or the community.

A Lifetime of ppreciationA

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1933 • Work on Golden Gate Bridge begins

• Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated as 32nd president

• Pittsburgh Steelers (known as the Pirates until 1940) play their first game

• The 21st Amendment is ratified to repeal the 18th Amendment (Prohibition)

• Albert Einstein arrives in the U.S. as a refugee from Nazi Germany

• A five-year old Shirley Temple lands her first studio contract and appears in first movie the following year in Stand Up and Cheer

1934 • Alcatraz officially becomes a federal prison

• “Cocktails for Two” by Duke Ellington hits #1

• Donald Duck created by Walt Disney

• Bruno Hauptmann is charged with the 1932 kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. He’s convicted of murder in 1934 and executed in 1936.

1935 • Babe Ruth plays his final game and retires from baseball

• The board game Monopoly goes on sale for the first time

• World’s first parking meter installed in Oklahoma City

• Social Security Act becomes law

• Porgy and Bess premieres in New York

1936 • Hoover Dam (then known as Boulder Dam) is completed

• Germany hosts both the winter and summer Olympic games. Three years later, WWII would begin when Germany invaded Poland.

• First players elected to Baseball Hall of Fame. Later that spring, Joe DiMaggio makes his major league debut.

One of her proudest memories of Brockport was when she served as the Alumni Association president from 1965-67. She is also proud of the fact her daughter and daughter-in-law are both Brockport alumni.

“We worked so hard to make the Alumni Association a viable part of the college, and of course it has now become that because of all of the wonderful things that have happened since,” she says. “We achieved our purpose in making it a real live part of the College.”

While it’s been 78 years since the trio graduated from the Brockport Normal School, they haven’t stopped their com-mitment to supporting today’s Brockport students.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for my association with Brockport since 1933,” says Vary. “There isn’t a breath I take that isn’t somehow connected to Brockport. It’s just incredible. And now, even though I can’t get there anymore, I’m happy to support the College.”

It was a different world, indeed,when Bernadine Beyer Whalen, Fern Poelma Pellet and Betty DeLano Vary attended what was then the Brockport State Normal School from 1933-36. Here is just a sampling of some of the “current” events of the day.

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One of the most valuable experiences for any undergraduate is the opportunity to take part in research. Not only does it give a student a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding of his or her field of study, but it also becomes an important part of their resume when it’s time to consider graduate schools.

A new and unique program at Brockport not only provides an undergraduate research experience, but it takes it a step further by sending a student to a major research university. The Golden Eagle Summer Scholars program was founded by Jane Clark ’68 and Robert Gold ’69/’71 and provides an innovative research experience for a student majoring in Health Science or Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education – both of which are programs in the School of Health and Human Performance.

Clark is currently the dean of the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, a post she has held since 2012. After graduating from Brockport, she went on to earn a master’s at the University of Washington before obtaining her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin. In 2008, she received the Brockport Alumni Association’s

Hall of Heritage Award. She says the Golden Eagle Summer Scholars program is an opportunity to find the next generation of scholars.

“This program opens up a door to students. It’s like study abroad, but in this case they’re studying science someplace else,” says Clark. “I wish this had been available to me. Public universities are a wonderful asset in the United States, and I’m the product of public institutions and have also worked at several. The students who attend a public institution should have the opportunity to find out about more than just what goes on at their campus.”

Gold is a nationally recognized expert in the application of technology in health education and health promotion. He became the dean of Maryland’s College of Health and Human Performance in 2002 before leading its transformation into the School of Public Health in 2007. He was the new school’s founding dean before Clark was appointed to the post in 2012. Gold is currently the chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

“One of the things I have learned personally is the importance of early exposure to excellence in research,” says Gold. “Here at Maryland, we have had a number of very successful programs in which we’ve introduced undergraduates to new and exciting research opportunities. When Jane and I talked about doing something at Brockport that would represent an opportunity to give back, it was a natural for us to want to create a model program in which talented undergraduates may be able to be exposed to exciting new arenas in which to work.”

Kyle Netherton ’15, a health science major concentrating in health care administration, received the inaugural award this past summer and conducted research at the University of Maryland.

“The opportunity was invaluable. To be able to work with colleagues from similar health care backgrounds has been something I never thought I’d be able to do,” says Netherton. “The experience of being able to work as a student researcher

has broadened my knowledge of issues relating to cancer prevention, well water quality, and various ethical issues in conducting research with human subjects. The program at the University of Maryland is typically something that you only think of as available to graduate students, so the ability to participate in such an intensive program was an honor.”

Frank Short, dean of Brockport’s School of Health and Human Performance, played a critical role in facilitating the launch of the Golden Eagle Summer Scholars program.

“Brockport is increasingly valuing undergraduate research,” says Short. “If you go back 15 to 20 years, it wasn’t something you saw commonly on this campus. Increasingly we’re seeing it as a really important factor in student engagement, for the students to really roll up their sleeves and get involved with a topic that might help change their direction in terms of the kinds of things they want to study.”

Gold is confident the program will have a lasting impact on each student.

“I firmly believe the students who participate in this program will have their future altered in a positive way,” he says. “They may not know how their futures were affected until many years later, but I’m convinced they will be.”

program at BrockportA new and unique

Robert Gold ’69/’71

Jane Clark ’68

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“How would you feel about going to Maryland for the summer?” These words took me by surprise, as I had no idea what Dr. Patti Follansbee, was talking about at the time. During my first foray into applying

for scholarships, I found that I had inadvertently signed up for something called the Golden Eagle Summer Scholars program and was being considered for the scholarship. I was convinced mostly by my wonderful mentors Dr. Cynthia “Sam” Booth and Dr. Briana Jegier, that I would find this to be a fantastic opportunity and it would provide me with a new, possibly life changing experience. I hadn’t had much experience in public health research and thought that having the ability to utilize the resources of a large research school would allow me to garner the much needed experience graduate schools and employers are looking for. Who knew that something so wonderful would derive from a mistake I would repeat over and over if I could?

In no less than a month, I was being whisked away to the University of Maryland to represent The College at Brockport in a program called UM STAR, a summer research internship designed to give students the experience of conducting research in the field of public health. As a Health Science major with a concentration in Health Care Administration, I was strongly encouraged to seek out laboratories which gave experience of project development and management while advancing public health research. I was able to settle into the area of Community and Behavioral Health, where I assisted in current research projects.

The main task in the lab was to conduct educational interventions in African American communities in regards to breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer screenings. Literature that the research is based upon states that African Americans have the highest mortality rate for cancers,

yet consistently have the lowest screening rates. It was Dr. Cheryl Holt’s idea that going into the communities and presenting information on how/when/why to get screened would increase the numbers by which African Americans get screened. Thus far, the research has shown an impact has been made, but it is very early in the data gathering process to make a definite conclusion. Working with Dr. Holt and being able to provide assistance in increasing chances of survival of cancers is something that I’ll never forget.

Throughout the course of the summer, I was exposed to various research opportunities not just in one lab but in many others as well. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a biologist, but I took a great interest in helping a fellow cohort review data for well water quality within the surrounding counties in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Other projects included the effects of sounds on cognitive load in subjects and increases in various stimuli within the body during and after exercise. Exposure to these research projects was incredible, and being able to offer support to other labs made me feel that I was truly making a difference.

Outside of research, the program offered a plethora of new and exciting adventures that I never thought I would be able to experience. I was able to attend my first

Major League Baseball game (I’m now a die-hard Washington Nationals fan.). I attended the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Library of Medicine (where I was offered a shadowing opportunity) and visited all of the major memorials in Washington. Perhaps one of the most important experiences was the ability to tour the US Capitol building with the assistance of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter’s office and attend a Senate hearing on the funding of public health research at the NIH. Seeing public health being discussed on the floor of the Senate gave me hope that regardless of party affiliation, disease prevention will be discussed by lawmakers as a whole and will hopefully lead to increased support of public health issues facing our country.

As a result of this experience, I have fully dedicated myself to resolving issues of public health and fully intend on continuing my education as well as convincing as many people as I can to continue the support of this program. The opportunities the program has given me are something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, and I’ll never be able to repay Brockport back fully for what they’ve done. I can only hope to take this chance and make a difference in the world that will impact generations to come.

In His Own WordsKyle Netherton ’15 reflects back on his experience of being the inaugural Golden Eagle Summer Scholar.

In a visit to the UM STAR program, Dean of the School of Health and Human Performance Frank Short (left) visited Jane Clark, Bob Gold and Golden Eagle Summer Scholar Kyle Netherton (right).

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Michael Cavalcanti ’64 (right), who headed up the Class of 1964 gift committee, presents President Halstead with a check for $52,000 toward the Class of ’64 Scholarship. To date, the class has raised more than $54,000. If you’re interested in contributing to the scholarship, please contact Mike at mcavalcanti58@gmail.com.

The Hartwell Society Luncheon featured the induction of the Class of 1964. Jeanette D’Agostino Banker ’53, the class advisor, received a bracelet from her class to match the pearls they gave her at graduation in 1964.

Rosemary Fontaine ’63 (right) received a surprise from Alumni Relations staff members Betsy Standish and Tiffany Jewell. Fontaine, who was joined by her husband Andre, a member of the Class of ’64, was served specially prepared Zweigle’s hot dogs at the Alumni Dinner. The local favorite, which is not available near their Virginia home, is one of Rosemary’s fondest memories of attending Brockport.

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Members of the Classes of 1964 and 2014 joined President Halstead for the ceremonial tree planting along Alumni Walk.

David ’64 and Diane Robak Keller ’64

Mary Brei Merle ’64 shares a moment with Joey Jackson ’88 prior to his induction into the Alumni Association’s Hall of Heritage.

Norman Jeche snaps a photo of Class of ’64 members (l-r) Patricia Sincock Mesolella, Sandi Forno Eichhorn, Pat Donohue Vinette, Sylvia Duffy Connolly and Patricia Schindler Jeffe (Norman’s wife).

Ike Eichhorn ’63 (left) with President Halstead.

Kay VanNostrand ’64 (left) and Susan Orr (right), associate professor in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, prior to the Alumni Awards Dinner. VanNostrand was one of three alumni inducted into the Hall of Heritage.

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Ralph Bell ’64, Ruth VanCise Rath ’64 and Jeanette D’Agostino Banker ’53 recite the alma mater at the Hartwell Society Luncheon.

At the sneak preview of the Liberal Arts Building, students (l-r) Alexander Howland, Janes Ives and Kevin Plinzke donned the Avenue Q puppets.

(L-R) Bill and Nicolette Ferguson ’94 with Don ’64 and Denise ’89 Bartalo

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The Class of 1964 was the latest to be inducted into the Hartwell Society.

REUNION WEEKEND IS NOT THAT FAR AWAY! HAVE YOU MADE YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS YET? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

June 12-14, 2015READY FOR REUNION WEEKEND?

Reunion Weekend 2015, June 12-14, provides a great opportunity to rediscover what made Brockport “home” for you and to renew your lifelong connection to this special place. All members of the classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010, as well as all Hartwell Society members including those milestones from 1960, 1955, 1950 and so on, are invited back to campus for a giant-sized celebration of friendships, fond memories, and fun. Classmates and friends from other classes are also welcome to join in on the festivities…the more the merrier!

THE SLATE OF ACTIVITIES WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THE WEEKEND INCLUDES:

• Golf outing

• Hartwell Society Luncheon, including induction of the Class of 1965

• Class parties to reconnect and reminisce

• Alumni Institutes to get you back in the classroom

• Reunion picnic (family friendly)

• Alumni Awards presentation

• Special deals/coupons from the merchants of the Village of Brockport

• Campus tours

• And more…

DID YOU KNOW? You can stay overnight right on campus in our suites and residence halls.If you have any questions regarding the weekend, please contact the alumni office at (585) 395-2068 or email alumni@brockport.edu.

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Dear Brockport Alumni,I am honored to once again be

serving as your alumni association president for the upcoming year. I have been so impressed with the dedication of our board members who represent a wide variety of decades…yet all share the same passion for this

place that means so much to them. They give their time, effort and energy, bring different ranges of life experiences, a little humor, and an overall positive attitude to help you stay connected. I am encouraged to take on this role because I’m surrounded by such dedicated alumni.

My overall goal as a leader in this organization is to promote the alumni association, raise the profile of the College, and keep you, our alumni, engaged. We all love the college. For that reason, I choose to stay informed and involved. Since graduation, my pride in the college has only grown. I am excited about the new facilities and programs, but most importantly, the continued support for students from so many caring faculty and staff. Like a fine wine, the college keeps getting better with age.

I enjoy making connections with alumni from other generations and sharing stories about what we value from our Brockport experiences. Each of us on the alumni board is energized about another great year and all the opportunities it presents.

We look forward to continuing to collaborate with departments on-campus, as well as alumni to continue to look for ways to support the mission of the College and tap into the power of those alumni stories and experiences. We will also continue to create relationships with our current students, the next generation of alumni, who will soon join our ranks.

We would love to hear your feedback and ideas. Better yet, we would encourage you to become a member of our board, a member of a committee, a connection in our career network, a regional volunteer, and more! Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations if you have an interest in being more involved in the life of the College.

Forever a Golden Eagle,

Warren R. KozireskiPresident, Brockport Alumni Association

Are you looking for An opporTuniTy To give BAck To your AlmA mATer?

now’s THe Time!

AlumniNews

BrockporT Alumni AssociATion

The Brockport Alumni Association (BAA) works to promote lifelong relationships between our alumni and their alma mater. The Association is dedicated to serving and representing the alumni and friends of the College and seeks to partner with the College in activities that support the mission and goals of the College.

How cAn i geT involved?

Alumni BoardThe BAA leadership group, Board of Directors, is always looking for new membership to help guide the direction of the association.

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President Halstead was on hand in May for the Senior Toast, which is organized by the Liaison Committee.

The Recognition Committee oversees the selection of the annual Alumni Awards.

Our Committees • The Alumni House and

Heritage Committee oversees the maintenance of the Alumni House, plans and implements Alumni House programming, maintains responsibility for the accession of non-monetary donations to the Alumni House, and archival materials.

• The Campus Liaison Committee provides opportunities for alumni to volunteer in the life of the College, develops programs for alumni and student interaction, and assists with planning and coordinating of multiple alumni events to increase overall alumni connectedness.

• The Nominations/Recruitment Committee is responsible for soliciting alumni candidates for membership on the Board of Directors. The committee assists in recruitment of volunteers for all BAA committees.

• The Recognition Committee plans and organizes a recognition program that includes solicitation of nominations and determination of recipients for Alumni Association awards and collaborates with the Office of Alumni Relations to plan the Hartwell Society Luncheon and the Alumni Awards presentation.

• The Scholarship Committee directs the announcement, application procedures, review and selection of recipients for student alumni scholarships.

Please reach out to us. Give us a call at (585) 395-2068, email us at alumni@brockport.edu, or visit our website and complete the volunteer interest form at alumni.brockport.edu. It is a great time to be involved!

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The Scholarship Committee handles all facets of the student alumni scholarship process.

BROCK PORT

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Buffalo(6,352)

New York City(7,068)

Syracuse(4,006)

Rochester(31,369)

Albany(3,927)

Washington, D.C.(1,707)

Miami/Fort Lauderdale

• Baltimore

Brockport’s Alumni Chapters: The Complete StoryMuch like a novel whose individual chapters unite to form a complete story, Brockport’s alumni chapters combine to form a great representation of the alumni narrative. And similar to the chapters of a book whose significant content warrant its own section, each of B-Port’s alumni chapters also merits its own attention. The alumni office is working to build stronger and more connected groups in our regional efforts, and we need your help to make it happen!

Be a part of the story – get connected and get involved today!

How do I become a member of the chapter? • Quite simply, almost nothing! Upon graduating

from Brockport, all alumni automatically become members of the Alumni Association and if you’re living in or around any of the chapter cities (Albany, Boston, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, Washington DC), then you are in the mix. Visit the alumni site for more details and to join your chapter Facebook group.

What do the chapters do for Brockport? • Alumni participation in the chapters supports

the work of the College by providing social and educational programs; career networking; encouraging prospective students; promoting financial support; and enhancing the reputation of The College at Brockport through added visibility in the community

How do I get involved in a chapter? • Contact your chapter alumni volunteers or the

alumni office. We are always looking to increase our volunteer base.

What if I’m not near a chapter? • Although the chapters are in specific areas, the

alumni office still wants to provide opportunities for alumni in other areas. Are you interested in helping to connect alumni in your area? Please contact the alumni office at alumni@brockport.edu

alumni.brockport.edu

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PittsburghCleveland

DetroitPhiladelphia

Naples/Fort Myers

Jacksonville

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Dallas

PhoenixSan Diego

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Sarasota•

Raleigh

Charlotte

Atlanta

BinghamtonBoston

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Buffalo(6,352)

New York City(7,068)

Syracuse(4,006)

Rochester(31,369)

Albany(3,927)

Washington, D.C.(1,707)

Miami/Fort Lauderdale

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Orlando

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PittsburghCleveland

DetroitPhiladelphia

Naples/Fort Myers

Jacksonville

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Syracuse(4,006)

Rochester(31,369)

Albany(3,927)

Washington, D.C.(1,707)

Miami/Fort Lauderdale

• Baltimore

ALUMNI BY CITY

• Up to 250

• 251-500

• 501-1,000

• Over 1,000 (Chapter Cities)

Where have you gone?

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1990sSean Murphy ’94 recently graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with an MSN in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program… Lesli E. McCollum Gooch ’95 finished third in the June primary for the 31st Congressional District of California. She came within 209 votes of advancing to November’s general election… Dan Connelly ’96 was promoted to Director of Branding and Programming for WSUN-97X at Cox Media Group in Tampa, FL… Corinda Crossdale ’96 was nominated by Governor Cuomo to be Director of the State Office for the Aging…Lloyd Matt Landers ’99 was selected as the Assistant County Manager for Genesee County in New York… Joe Scalise ’99 is the new Director of Physical Education and Athletics at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School district.

1970sJonathan Raymon ’70 retired after 36 years as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City and White Plains Hospital Center in White Plains, NY… Carl Wahlstrom ’71/’77 retired after teaching full-time for 37 years. He continued to teach as an adjunct at both Genesee Community College and SUNY Geneseo and also co-authored several college textbooks throughout his career and most recently co-founded a higher education consulting group… Bruce Jacobs ’72 was the recipient of the Emeritus Award, one of the highest honors from the Association of College Unions International… Robert Bunnell ’73 has been named Dean of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies at Neumann University in Caston, PA… Joe Doody ’74,

formerly President of Staples North American Commercial, was named Vice Chairman of Staples. In May, he delivered the undergraduate commencement address at Brockport…Frederick Stoss ’74 was selected as the inaugural Friends of the National Library of Aruba Award recipient… Daniel F. Korn ’76 was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars… Sean McCrossan ’77 is the new Vice President of the Chair-Nominating Committee at the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame… Rodger Friedman ’78 joined the Washington, D.C., office for Steward Partners Global Advisory LLC.

1960sLarry Mosher ’68 was the recipient of the Emeritus Award, one of the highest honors from the Association of College Unions International…Don Murray ’69 was inducted into the Nassau Community College Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the fifth class of inductees… Ralph Spezio ’69 was honored by the Environmental Protection Agency for his work on reducing lead.

1980sMark Craft ’80 received appointment by the New York State Board of Chiropractic… Stan Van Gundy ’81 was named the new head basketball coach of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons… Phil West ’81 was selected as the new chairman of the Washington-based law firm, Steptoe & Johnson… Robert Luke Lewis ’86 was named president of the board of directors for The Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation… Liz Banner ’89 was selected for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2014 Music Educator Award for her work as a music teacher and choral director at Brockport High School… Pete Rogers ’89 served on the support staff for the USA Men’s Hockey Team at the 2014 Winter Olympics. He is the full-time equipment manager for the Nashville Predators… Mark M. Stier ’89 earned his PhD in higher education from the University of South Florida.

2000sJeff Commaroto ’02/’03 was selected as the Ad Operations and IT Manager at Tipping Point Communications… Amy Zieziula ’05 was selected as Assistant Dean of Student Integrity at Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA…Marisa Ballaro ’07 choreographed Barefoot From Buffalo that was performed at The Riverside Theatre in New York City on June 26 and 27…Jamie Caldwell ’07 joined Goldberg Segalla in its Rochester office as a member of the Workers’ Compensation Practice Group.

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ClassNotes

John W. Fingar ’10 and Sarah Fannis Fingar ’09 were married on August 17, 2013.

Joseph Seroski ’10 and Diana Daniel were married on October 26, 2013.

AlumniRachel Audi ’89

Betty Bohrer ’60

Keith Buttles ’59

Louise Callard ’38

Doris Carson ’57

Marcia Cleary ’59

Robert Cramer, Jr. ’75

Cindy D’Amico ’82

James Dash ’51

Ronald Davis ’55

Anthony DeStefano ’90

Alexander DiPasquale ’72

Anthony Drago ’52

Raymond Flint ’67

Darcy Frisina ’02

Rose Hathorne ’54

Ruth Hutton ’78

George Jurik ’49

June Karassik ’01

Walter Kennedy ’50

Paul Klch ’51

Michael Kohut ’62

Vernon Lown ’62

Ruth Lucey ’60

Albert Maerz ’73

Richard McNulty ’81

Dorothy Muldoon ’73

Ann M. Ott ’70

Craig Porter ’64

Marriages

In Memoriam

2010sEmily Marullo ’11/’13 is the recipient of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Genesee Valley’s 2014 scholarship to the annual regional conference… Melissa Carlson ’12 was promoted to service account executive with the Memphis Grizzlies… Elissa Rowley ’12 is this year’s recipient of the “Young Person on the Move” award from the National MS Society: Upstate New York chapter… Maria Sgro ’12 has joined Cooper/Haims Advisors LLC, a Rochester-based wealth management and tax consultation firm, as a client services assistant…Matt Stone ’13 joined the audit department of EFP Rotenberg LLP in Rochester.

Nicholas Lind ’13 and Elissa Mesler Lind ’13 were married on April 5, 2014.

Dr. Michelle Mauro ’71 and Edward Meara were married on May 17, 2014.

Kyle Amendola ’09 and Lindsay Geyer ’09 were married on May 31, 2014.

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Michael Pratt ’87

Sally Roberts ’54

Monica Scanlan ’46

James Schupner ’77

Shannon Scott ’86

Doris Miller Sullivan ’42

Jacquelyn Trobia ’62

Donald Van Lare ’66

Keith Welch ’83

Robert Woolston ’65

Gary Young ’62

Mary Anne Zawada ’77

Emeriti & RetireesBarbara Ames

Donna Bellamy

Joan Benati

Stephen Chan

Marguerite Fellows

Margaret Hafner

Norma Lawrence

Peter Marchant

Thomas Nugent

Stefan Pribil

Calvin Rich

William F. Stier, Jr.

John Szyikowski

Marilyn Tucker

Do You Remember?We had an overwhelming response to our inaugural “Do You Remember?” section in our Spring issue.

Congratulations to Tom Sylvester ’74, who submitted one of the 120 correct responses. The apartment style living complex depicted in the photo on the right was Stage XVI. It opened in the fall of 1973 and closed in the spring of 1991. Thank you to everyone who e-mailed us with their memories of Stage XVI. We’ll be sending Tom a special gift from the Alumni Relations office.

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(Photos provided by Charlie Cowling, The Rose Archives)

Do you remember these two individuals in the photo to the left?

They should be a pair of familiar faces to a great number of our alumni community. All you have to do is name at least one of the individuals in the photo to be entered into our drawing. If you name both, you’ll be entered twice! Only responses from Brockport alumni will be considered.

If you know who they are, e-mail us at kscope@brockport.edu.

Be sure to include your name and class year. We’ll announce the winner in our next issue.

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Psychologist John Money coined the term “love map” to explain why individuals fell in love with their life partners. He posited that there is something about our genetic makeup, combined with our earliest experiences that shape the characteristics we look for in an ideal mate and with whom we gel. If there are love maps, there must be “place maps” – places with characteristics that support our deepest, almost secret wishes for what the life of our dreams could be. The College at Brockport does that for me. It accepts who I am with all my quirks (and I have A LOT of quirks!); it surrounds me with stimulating, brilliant, interesting, humorous people (some of whom are faculty) who share my goal of helping students achieve their dreams, and the College provides me with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It is the ethos of the College to do this for everyone: student, staff, faculty, alike. Note that students always come first at The College at Brockport. It is in our mission statement: Student Success is our Highest Priority.

It takes a very long time to walk anywhere on campus because the campus is sticky. Wherever I walk are friends and students who want to stop and chat. The campus is very welcoming, very friendly, very appreciative and desirous of being a true university in the sense of having a diverse community. We have students and faculty from around the globe. One summer, I was amazed that in a class of 16, I had not one but two students from the former USSR. The College at Brockport is all about access, a welcoming campus for first-generation college students, for non-traditional students, and for underrepresented groups. A myriad of services and groups exist to provide the right academic and social support for success: the Equal Opportunity Program, the Student Learning Center, the Office of Students with Disabilities, the CStep and McNair Program, Association of Latino American Students, Caribbean Student Association, Organization for Students of African Descent, and Sexual Orientations

United for Liberation. Prior to Brockport, my entire academic

career had been spent at sprawling land grant universities – The University of Illinois, Indiana University and Penn State University. Brockport seemed tiny in comparison. I quickly learned there were advantages with small. First is the sense of community, which is the foundation of the College’s culture. We are a mid-size college with a small-college feel. We consistently work together to cut through red tape to make things happen for the good of the student and college community as a whole. People at Brockport work as a team to remove any roadblocks that might appear and make things happen for the students.

There is a critical mass of people at the College who share the perception and work to maintain the reality Brockport is a special place that launches student careers and nurtures those of its faculty and staff.

The College has provided me with countless opportunities to grow professionally. I lived in McFarlane Hall as a faculty in residence and participated in the social life of the residence hall, which not only opened my eyes to the out-of-class joys and stresses of college students, but introduced me to how student affairs and enrollment management professionals are the architects of much of what makes The College at Brockport special. The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

supports/encourages faculty to improve their pedagogical skills and practices. Most recently, my department has invested in a new program of research I launched this fall with lab space, software and new laptop computers.

Just as the College supports its employees’ growth, we provide students a wide variety of opportunities for engagement. Psychology students collaborate on faculty research, resulting in authorships on professional presentations and/or publications. Our study abroad program is among the largest in the SUNY system with students either taking classes or placed in internships in over 100 programs on all seven continents. Student jobs across campus become precursors to professional positions, here and away. Resident assistants from my years in McFarlane now hold professional appointments in Admissions and Health Promotions. We have an award-winning student leadership development program. Students can further hone their leadership skills as well as make lifelong friends through participation in Brockport Student Government and its 60-plus clubs. Students who do not find something that interests them are encouraged to start new organizations, such as Swing Dance Society, Dumbledore’s Army and the Humans versus Zombies Club (one can never be too prepared for the Zombie apocalypse). A student was recently the driving force behind the reconstitution of the Brockport Symphony Orchestra, providing performance opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members. This year, the orchestra performed Carmina Burana in collaboration with the Community Choir.

Essentially, Brockport is special because we are a community of dreamers who help one another achieve their heart’s desire.

Melissa Brown is in her 22nd year as a member of Brockport’s Department of Psychology faculty.

Melissa M. Brown, PhD Assistant Professor, Psychology

FirstPerson

A SpeciAl plAce

Reunion 2015 will be here before you know it. Plan now for the weekend of festivities and rediscover what made Brockport “home” for you while renewing lifelong connections to this special place.

Alumni and friends from all classes are welcome to join us. We’ll provide more details on Reunion 2015 as we get closer. If you have any questions, please contact Alumni Relations at (585) 395-2068 or alumni@brockport.edu

alumni.brockport.edu/reunion

Change Service Requested

Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains an address at your home, please send a current address to us at alumni@brockport.edu.

Division of Advancement 350 New Campus DriveBrockport NY 14420

201520152015June 12-14