a g u y a CCollegian THE
Cayuga Community College’s Only Student Newspaper
Vol. 53 Issue 5 February 28, 2005
The Legend Lives On... -Josh Cradduck, Editor-in-chief There are very few people in the teaching profession that, when their name is mentioned, words such as “legend” or “revered” follow. However, there was one man close to us all who fit the bill to perfection. . .the late Mr. Robert Brunell. There are also very few people who meet the dreams and goals of their child-
1954 would be the beginning of a grand era for Cayuga Community College, which at that time was known as Auburn Community College. He would join the language department and would later become the chairman. However, his position was not limited to just the English language, as he would teach German, French (his specialty), and Spanish. Such roles may have tired out other teachers, but not Professor Brunell. He would later serve on a number of boards and become the Dean of Students. Advising the Cayuga Collegian newspaper, the Nainrubua yearbook, Phi-Theta Kappa and the student-run school government were also things Professor Brunell enjoyed. Awards were certainly not anythin new to Professor Brunell, as he rec ived countless amounts year after year for his incomparable teaching skills. Most notably, he was presented the award for New York State’s Most Outstanding Older Worker by former first lady, Senator Hillary Clinton in 2003. Others include: the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in 2004 (also in 1974) and the Alumni Outstanding Educator Award from Colby College in 2003.
Professor Brunell hood, later in life. . .We all, at some point in our childhood, dream of becoming lawyers, astronauts, teachers or doctors. Clearly, at some point we begin to realize that the goals set by our young minds were too outlandish and impossible. Once again, such is not the case with Professor Brunell. At the age of six, he was asked what he wanted to do with his life. His response? According to an interview he conducted with ExperienceWorks.org teaching. Not even he could imagine what would become of his dream. Born June 5, 1922 in Massachusetts, Professor Brunell attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine during the start of World War II. He would become involved in the war as a French Interpreter for U.S. Army Intelligence, and kept the position for three years. Professor Brunell would later return to Waterville’s Colby College in 1947 and earn his bachelors degree in Foreign Language and English. Later that year, he would receive a French Consulate award and begin his career at Little Falls Central School. His educational journey would continue when he received his Master’s degree from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1949. He went on to Syracuse University to study and decided to make Central New York the base for his career, as he taught at SUNY Oswego for 2 years. His next position, of course, would be his last and certainly most spectacular.
Throughout all of his accomplishments, Professor Brunell remained down to Earth with his students, using his straightforward and somewhat intimidating teaching style until his final days. Never shy to use his natural wit in class, he knew when to let up on the work and inject a little life into a subject that would usually bore students. Long and tenuous essays were the norm in his classes, yet most felt compelled to try their best, as he enjoyed reading students’ work in front of the class. Upon initial inspection, newer students would see nothing more than an old man sitting with his legs crossed in a yellow chair in front of the chalkboard, with messy white hair, an oldstyle suit, and the occasional large glasses. They would wonder when the class would end and feel the urge to escape through the doors the moment he released you. Clearly, upon further inspection, he wasn’t just the old man sitting in the yellow chair – he was a legend in his own time. A great and classy gentleman that we wish was around for one more conversation. The classes of 2005 and 2006 still have papers to write for him. . .for he is the standard which all followers will be held to. The legend does, indeed, live on. . .
A guest book is set up in the hallway of CCC for people to leave their goodbyes and memories of Professor Brunell.
Remembering Prof. Brunell -Melissa Gauss, staff writer Just one semester into his 50th year at Cayuga Comunity College, beloved Professor Robert Brunell passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2004. It is obvious how many lives he touched not only by the somber mood around school but the loving thoughts and memories that were written in his memorial book that was in the lobby. ‘You’ve taught me so much and inspired me to make the most of my life,’ was just one of the comments written in his memorial tribute book. Asking a fellow student, who would like to remain anonymous, what it was if anything she got out of one of his classes she said “He was the man, he was just awesome. His appreciation for the written word and the visual arts just made you want to learn.”
of student’s lives, and serve his country, he also touched the lives of those throughout the community. His passion for music led him to be an accomplished musician. He played the organ for St. Lukes, and was not only the moving force of the K of C but also the Director for over 30 years. He also did the music for the Seward House for nearly 30 years. Brunell did near 20 performances a year at the area nursing homes and came to be known as ‘Mr. Cayuga Comunity College’ to the residents. “He touched many lives throughout the Community. Whenever he was called upon or needed he would drop what ever it was he was doing and lend a hand,” said friend Townsend. From Benefits to singing telegrams he was there.
Not only was he an extraordinary professor, Brunell, born in Gardner, Massachusetts on June 5, 1922, was also a WWII veteran. For three years Brunell was part of the U.S. Army intelligence as a French interpreter. He also taught French to the army troops, participated in the DDay invasion, and in the Battle of the Bulge. “He was a staunch American and Proud Veteran,” said his good friend Linda Townsend. He kept his deep feelings for his country throughout his life. He would spend every summer in Vermont where he proudly drove his flag adorned car in the July parade. Though having such a great love for his country after 9/11 he was left with a heavy heart believing that our nation was not ready to deal with the threat of terrorism.
Not just an accomplished musician, Brunell was also an avid reader and very well read. He could do a New York Times crossword puzzle in three to four minutes. His love of books was something that he wanted to share with future generations. It was that love that led him to donate his private collection to the newly renovated Port Byron library.
Not only did Brunell touch thousands
Apart from the community and the college Brunell was also a family man. He was predeceased in 1980 by his wife, Catherine Clark Brunell. He is survived by his two children, son Lee H. Brunell, daughter, Reverend Martha Brunell, and four grandchildren. Touching lives of many people Robert Brunell will be greatly missed by young and old alike.
OPINIONS Losman - What’s in a Starter? By: Josh Cradduck, Editor-in-Chief Now it’s official - the Drew Bledsoe era for the Buffalo Bills has come to an abrupt end. After going 23-25 since the 2002 season, Bledsoe has been replaced by second year quarterback and 22nd overall 2004 NFL Draft pick J.P. Losman. Will a change at Quarterback finally get them over the hump and into the playoffs? Was this even
the right move? Of course, time will tell and only in mid-November may we know how good this decision made by Bills head coach Mike Mularkey and General Manager Tom Donahoe really was. With all of these questions, one may even overlook what they actually have at the Quarterback position in terms of skill and pure intangibles. The REAL question is: How good is Losman? Born March 12, 1981 in California, Jonathon “JP” Losman brings quite a bit to the table for any football team - whether it be the NFL or high school. Losman attended Venice (Calif.) High School, playing football for three seasons under coach Angelo Gasca. He certainly did more than warm the bench as he earned Parade AllAmerica honors, was rated the No. 3 quarterback in the nation by Prep Star, and was a member of the Dallas Morning News National 100. Soon after high school, Losman applied, and was accepted to UCLA. He, however, would not spend his college career there. . .he would transfer
to the “Green Wave” Tulane, in Conference USA. The move was considered a step-down by some, but not to J.P. “UCLA was just too close to home, and I had to get away,” he said in an interview with Pro Football Weekly. “I was not learning. I was not learning in terms of outside football. Football’s football, but when you’re a football player, you definitely have a life outsi! de of football. And while at UCLA, I was so bombarded with so much family pressure and friends coming up to the college. It didn’t really feel like I was in college. I realized I needed to get away. And so that’s what I did.” He sat out the 1999 season at because of NCAA transfer rules. He saw extensive action as a freshman in 2000, rotating with nowRedskins QB Patrick Ramsey. Eventually, with Ramsey off to the NFL, the starting job was Losman’s in 2002. He did not dissapoint. With 230 completions in 401 attempts for 2,468 yards, 19 TDs and only 10 interceptions, Losman posted one of the top passing and total offense seasons in school history. His 2003 season was even better, as he continued to make a claim for the first round of the NFL Draft. He completed 251-of-422 passes for 3,077 yards with 33 TDs and 14 INTs, one of the top three seasons in Tulane history. His 33 TD passes are the second-highest Tulane single season total. Losman is consistent too, as he threw at least one touchdown pass in every game that year; nine games with more than one and SEVEN with three or more. He finished his career ranked in the Green Wave all-time top 10 in 18 categories and his great performances on the fi! eld would not go unnoticed — as he was one of seven Finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Davey O’Brien Award and was an AllAmerican candidate.
a g u y a C Collegian THE
Editor-in-chief: Staff Writers:
Advisor:
Josh Cradduck Melissa Gauss Caryn Purdy Jare Smith Tim Meyer Mary Gelling Merritt
The Cayuga Collegian is published on announced publication dates during regular semesters at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street, Auburn, NY 13021. Our phone number is 315-2551743. The Cayuga Collegian is funded by CCC’s Faculty-Student Association through student activity fees. Opinions expressed in columns, news stories, features, interviews or letters to the editor are not necessarily those of the college administration, faculty, staff or students at CCC. The Cayuga Collegian is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.
So he certainly had a great college career. That doesn’t mean it will automatically transfer into the National Football League. When examining J.P., one notices many significant weaknesses that must be improved before he steps on the field this coming September. Losman does not have the best mechanics around, he seems to fade away when he passes and doesn’t step into his throws. He needs to keep his feet more active in the pocket as he tends to stand flat-footed too much (or with his feet apart). Losman relies on his arm strength way too much, which means he doesn’t seem to think he has throw a mechanically correct football at times. He will take chances while on the field, that is for sure. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. . .great quarterbacks such as Brett Favre and Jim Kelly (two quarterbacks he is often compared to) took large gambles everytime they took the snap. He will likely struggle to read NFL defenses for a year or two. Positives for J.P.? He certainly has a lot of them. As mentioned, Losman has an NFL arm that will help when the ball needs to be shredded through the howling Buffalo wind at Ralph Wilson Stadium. He is making strides as a leader and will need to become one this coming September. . .He has a great mind for the game and is absolutely dedicated to being the best man on the field - which he thinks he is - as he certainly has the brash and cocky confidence any NFL coach would want in a quarterback. Oh, and boy does he have speed for a quarterback. His 40-time was 4.48; mobility will help him behind a porous, but improving Bills’ offensive line. The bottom line then becomes: is he ready? We don’t know that yet. Neither does head coach Mike Mularkey, offensive coordinator Tom Clements, quarterbacks coach Sam Wyche or Losman himself. We can’t look into the future and see how well he will do facing teams such as the Falcons, Patriots and Bucs this upcoming season. We do know he has the talent, but how well he transfers it onto the field will be the big issue. Better than Bledsoe? J.P. Losman seems like the best for the job and the Bills won’t be taking anymore risk with Losman than they would by keeping Drew Bledsoe under center for one more year. He was a mistake waiting to happen. His incredible lack of mobility and slow decision making became increasingly evident as opponents discovered the most effective way to stop the Bills was to blitz the heck out of Drew. If he wasn’t being sacked, he was forcing terrible, low throws. Either way, he was susceptible to a turnover and they came at the least opportune times. Bledsoe continued to show throughout the season that he doesn’t always locate open receivers quickly enough. He took too long to set up and usually did his trademark “pat” on the ball everytime he lost track of the defense. Drew Bledsoe was a class act and he did much to restore the Buffalo Bills in 2002 after an awful 2001 season. The franchise’s credibilty was brought back once he stepped the field. However, times change. He looked like a 95-year old trying to use a computer - very slow and confused. If anything, at least J.P. Losman will be quick and confused.
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Dear Editor, I, like most other students, hold a part or full time job to pay for the cost of living and education. What many understand is that from every paycheck received a certain percentage is removed to pay for state and federal tax or health benefits is so desired by the employee. At the end of the tax season, one might receive a much anticipated tax refund in the mail. Yes, I as well as everyone else look forward to this time of the year. What many may not realize is that 6.2 percent of my wage earnings, as well as another 6.2 percent from my employer is paid to Social Security. This total of 12.4 percent applies to the first $76,200, which means that I, who only works part-time, have a lot of time to put in before I reach those earnings. Although these deductions may not seem that bad right now, when we reach the golden age of retirement will Social Security benefits be available to us? In 1940 when the first Social Security check was issued, there were over 40 workers for every retiree. Today that number is under five and by the time we reach retirement, there may only be one or two active workers for each retiree. Since the money to pay for our Social Security benefits is generated from the payroll taxes of active workers, it is inevitable that our taxes, as well as our children’s taxes are going to rise and that our future retirement benefits will be reduced under our current Social Security plan. I want action now! It my be 40 plus years before I reach my retirement age, but I want to see action before it is too late. This has become a campaign issue. However, I have not heard a logical resolution that will benefit citizens of my age. Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan has also expressed his views on the issue. He pitches the idea of an increased retirement age or a raise in the Social Security tax. There are many options on the table to solve this matter: such as those discussed by our current government officials, altering the benefit formula to reduce benefit payments, or a restriction of eligibility and funding that can be increased for the Social Security program. Though these options may be beneficial to some age groups, I think the greatest solution would be a complete restructuring of the program. Workers should be allowed to save money in private accounts that yield higher returns than the current Social Security program. Whatever the chosen option, action must be taken immediately. The government must look ahead to benefiting our future! Sincerely, Keith A. Labbe
Talk to Josh Collegian Editor-in-Chief
Wednesdays
3-6 PM Collegian Office
Activities Tuesday, March 1, 2005 11 AM Fulton Campus Facts & Snacks
Location: F147
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 11 am - noon Engineering Tech Club Meeting - Auburn ECR Friday, March 4, 2005 Mardi Gras Celebration 2005 to benefit the program of Unity House and the Cayuga Community Action Agency, 7 PM - Midnight at the Holiday Inn-Auburn. Donation $20. Features a costume contest, That 70’s Band and WSTM Meteorologist Chris Brandolino as Master of Ceremonies. Friday & Saturday March 4 & 5 7:30 PM Marcellus High School presents “Grease” Saturday March 5, 2005 Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the programs of the Marcellus Boy Scout Troup 66. St. Francis Church activity center, South Street, Marcellus. Tuesday, March 8, 2005 Deadline to order Easter Lilies or Hyacinths from Phi Beta Lambda. Call Matijas at X2317 for more information. Tuesday, March 8, 2005 Alumni Phone-a-thon begins Wednesday, March 9, 2005 Massage Therapy - Fulton Campus Wednesday, March 9, 2005 10 am - 1 pm Resume & Interview Cafe outside Student Development Center Friday, March 11, 2005 7 :30 PM Syracuse War Memorial CCC Night with the Syracuse Crunch. Limited tickets available. Own transportation required. Sunday, March 13, 2005 2 PM Seneca County Arts Council presents a “Celebration of Women’s Music” with Soprano, Ester Hardenberg and pianist Ross Barentyne-Truluck. Tickets $10. 140 Fall Street, Seneca Falls Wednesday, March 16, 2005 Massage Therapy - Auburn Campus Monday, March 21, 2005 10 am - noon Alcohol Awareness Event
Main Foyer
Wednesday, March 23, 2005 11:15 - 11:45 AM PBL Chapter Meeting in Distance Learning Room
Spring Break March 24 - April 3 Saturday, March 26, 2005 2:00 PM CCC Men’s Lacrosse v. Monroe
New Web Program
Crow Problem
Cayuga Community College is offering MyCareer, a free Web-based career service that showcases the qualifications of participating students and alumni to potential employers.
-Jare Smith, Staff Writer
Through a pilot program developed by Chicago-based StaffCV, students and alumni can enter their educational profile and employment preferences in a searchable system for prospective employers. Standardized criteria permit accurate comparison of candidates’ qualifications by employers, and help level the playing field for job seekers. Employers of any size and type can register with Cayuga Community College to use the MyCareer system. The employer provides screening criteria to generate a “short list” of qualified candidates for a job opening. During this screening phase, a candidate’s identity is confidential. Personal information is not revealed until the job seeker chooses to do so. The system automatically sends a confidential query to job seekers whose qualifications and preferences match the opening. Those interested in applying or interviewing for the position can indicate their willingness online. FedEx Ground in Syracuse is the first local employer to use MyCareer; the company is recruiting package handling employees. The system, accessible from the college’s website at www.cayuga-cc.edu/mycareer, complements counseling and other programs offered by Cayuga’s career services office to assist students and alumni with job and career placement and internships. One of five colleges in central New York to offer MyCareer during the spring 2005 semester, Cayuga is joined in the pilot program by SUNY Cortland, Le Moyne College, Onondaga Community College, and SUNY Oswego. If successful, MyCareer will be offered to campuses across the SUNY system.
By now the overpopulation problem with crows in Auburn should be no secret. Due to the abundance of these birds Auburn decided to call in some help. The help they got came from the USDA in the way of fireworks and recordings of crows in distress. This was what they called hazing the crows. Before the biologists from the USDA started their hazing they estimated the crow roost to be around 63,800. After they set off their pyrotechnics, played their recordings, and used some laser
effects the roost was said to have dropped nearly ninety-eight percent. But a question arises, “Will the crows stay gone?” If a person were to stand outside your front door with a shotgun firing shots into the air, it’d be pretty easy to sneak out of your back door. Once the gun-toting psycho left most people would just return to their home. Dr. Kevin J. McGowan of Cornell University has a web-page answering frequently asked questions about crows. http://birds.cornell.edu/crows/ crowfaq.htm. Dr. McGowan stated that crows can learn to recognize people as individuals. Knowing that, what if the crows that left saw the members of the USDA in the midst of their hazing. Isn’t there a chance that the crows would notice that the biologists left?
Callers Needed for Annual Alumni Phonathon The Auburn/Cayuga Community College Alumni Association is accepting applications for its annual spring phonathon, set to begin March 7. The College’s students are very much invited to support the effort. Goals include strengthening relationships with alumni, updating alumni records, and encouraging giving to the College’s foundation for college and alumni association programs and services. A commitment to serve parttime in the evening will be necessary, along with “good people skills and a sunny disposition,” according to Elisabeth Hurley, director of alumni affairs. Interviews for paid and volunteer positions will be scheduled soon. If you are interested to be considered, please sign up in the Alumni Office – M238.
You have a voice. Join the Collegian staff. We need representatives from all clubs and teams. Email Josh Cradduck @ Collegian@cayuga-cc.edu
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More at the Mall -Caryn Purdy, Staff Writer Ready for more construction? Even more traffic? The Finger Lakes Mall area sure is. Springhill Suites, a division of Marriot Corp., will begin construction this July on an $18 million hotel at the Finger Lakes Mall between JCPenney and Aldis. The fourstory, 119 suite building will have a swimming pool, exercise room, spa, guest laundry, valet and small meeting rooms, with daily rates averaging $109 per room. Attached to the this giant hotel complex will be a Houlihan’s restaurant, along with a 10,000 square foot conference center that will seat up to 250 people.
Congratulations to the CCC Mens’ Basketball Team for a great season!
Join the staff of The Cayuga Collegian email us @ collegian@cayuga-cc.edu
It seemed like just yesterday the Finger Lakes Mall was in peril, as establishments such as Friendly’s, the skating rink, and Mr. Topps were struggling to survive. However, that all changed with a bang when Bass Pro Shops moved in and established their ‘destination’ shopping experience store. Many people feel Bass Pro Shops has benefited more than the mall itself. Still many new businesses are moving into the Auburn area now, and the Finger Lakes Mall has definitely become a center point of it all. In the past, many stores have come and gone leaving the mall a faded out, dying place. Bass
Pro Shops looks like it’s here to stay. In response, Finger Lakes Mall’s management has performed several renovations, including the removal of the fountain, which resulted in the expansion of Café Square. The Square was also redecorated with new tables, lamps, and even a new floor that carries on the feel of Bass Pro Shops. The mall is thriving now, and one would hardly believe it is the same place it used to be. Gina Speno, General Manager at the Finger lakes Mall, is enthusiastic about these changes. She says many new businesses have been eager to make a home in this mall now, including: puppy store Maxie Biggs; Steve and Barry’s, a big hit for it’s low prices; the cleverly named “You Can Stuff It”, which allows customers to make-your-own teddy bear; and several trademark stores, each of which give the mall an entirely new feel. “We’re looking forward to 2005 being just as busy as 2004, if not more” Speno says with great confidence. With positive steps forward like this, the business at Finger Lakes Mall can only grow larger. Still to come this spring is a new restaurant, Fiesta Taco, and Pacific Sun will open April 29.
Keeler Wins CCC Award The Cayuga Community College 2004–5 Faculty Award for Excellence has been given to Steven R. Keeler, chair of the division of humanities and director of Cayuga’s broadcasting and electronic media program. Announcing the award, College president Dennis Golladay noted that the criteria include consistent excellence in teaching and professional service, as well as outstanding contributions to the College. Keeler, who joined the Cayuga faculty in September 1987, has been instrumental in developing recording, production, and broadcasting facilities for radio and television degree programs.
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The Cayuga Collegian