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HappeningS Spring 2009 Volume 31, No. 1
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A letter from the President Dear alumni, stu students, tu ude dent nts, nt s, p parents aren ar ents en t and friends of Mount Saint Mary College, ts
These days at the Mou Mount unt aare re truly invigorating. And our magazine conveys examples. First year students ha have ave n nearly early two semesters under their belts. A “First Year Journal” section laun launches nche hess in this issue. Our senior students look look fforward orward to graduating in May. You’ll find some of them here, as well as facul faculty ullty aan and nd sstaff: nd taff: all engaged in the important work of education. And our graduates al also grace also gra r ce these pages. See “On the Job” which will be bringing readers a look at alumni allum umni n at ni at work, work, as well as current students engaged in timely programs, internship progra ams, aand ams, am n sservice nd erv er vice related to studies. “Good to know w” p w” pr rovi rovi vide d s ad de dvi vicce ce from administrators and faculty in many fields. know” provides advice Of course, you u ccan an fin d mo m ree aabo bo out their expertise, curricula and presentations nd more about on the Web.. forgget et SSports p rt po rtss fo or te team am sspi piiri rit, t, aand nd look in Alumni Notes for snapshots of the Don’t forget for spirit, accompliish shme ment me nts an and d ge gen nerosi nero siity ty o off gr rads near and far. accomplishments generosity grads yees,, we’re we’ e re also aals lso so going goin go ingg “greener” in “gre “g r en re ner” regarding reega g rding paper usage. And yes, stt H appe ap peni pe n ng ni ngss ma maga g zi ga zine ne rrea eade deers aare re aalumni, lu umni, parents and friends of Mount Saint Most Happenings magazine readers Maary ry College. Col olle lege le ge.. ge Mary You have Yo have h eellpe ped d to ssup uppo up port po rt tthe h o he ngoi ng oing oi n ssuccess ng uccce cess s and progress of the college. I You helped support ongoing appreciate your faith our appr ap prrec e ia iate te y you ourr fa ou fait ith it h in i o ur eefforts, ffor ff o ts or t , an and es and eespecially peci pe c allly ci l in the efforts of our students. We hope will hopee y you o w ou wil illl find ways way w ayss to ay to encourage enc ncou oura ou r gee tthe ra he ccollege olle ol leege ggoals lege oals of our students and their fami fa mili mi lies li es w who ho d ream re am o succ cces cc esss at tthe es h M he ount ou nt b utt h hav ave very modest means. av families dream off su success Mount but have This y ear’ ea r’ss Co r’ Comm mm men ence ceme ce m nt me nt w wil illl be m y firs rstt at tthe he M ou unt n , and I look forward to This year’s Commencement will my Mount, cong co ngra ratu tula lati ting ng tthe he C Cla lass ss o off 20 2009 09. congratulating Class 2009. K ep Ke p watching wat w a chiing ourr w ebs b itee ww www.ms msmc mc.e .ed du for or m moree ne news ws iinv nvol ollving Mount Saint Keep website www.msmc.edu involving Mary College. Col olle lege ge. Mary Wi w arme ar mest me st w wis ishe hess fo forr a bl bles esse sed d an and d ha happ ppy y Ea East ster er, si inc ncer e el ely, y, With warmest wishes blessed happy Easter, sincerely,
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Fr. Ke Fr. Fr Kevi Kevin vin vi n E. M Mackin, a kiin, O ac O.F.M. .F F.M .M.. President Pres Pr esid es iden id entt en
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MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE
HappeningS Volume 31, No. 1
The Office of Community Relations publishes Happenings for alumni, parents and friends of Mount Saint Mary College. Story ideas involving students, faculty, staff and alumni are welcome. PRESIDENT Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janet Gianopoulos Assistant to the President for Community Relations CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Vincent Begley ’03 Marketing Communications Brendan G. Coyne Public Information
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Peer Leaders Shape Community Resident assistants Amber Terwilliger ‘09, Angel Santana ‘10 and Jessica Garcia ’09 in front of the College Courts residences
Contents 2 4
President’s Message First Year Journal: Jessica Burns, Nursing
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Peer leaders shape community
Jane Hanley Web Editor/Writer Michelle Iacuessa ‘94 Alumni Affairs Justin Satkowski Sports PHOTOGRAPHY Vincent Begley ’03 Brendan G. Coyne Nihal Mahawaduge DESIGN AND LAYOUT
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On the Job: Book ‘em
Spectrum Creative Solutions CIRCULATION: 15,000 © 2009
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Around the Mount
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Good to Know
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Rapt with raptors: biologists are for the birds of prey
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Sports
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Alumni Notes
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Making time to teach: Fr. Kevin tackles the ultimate question
EMAIL: happenings@msmc.edu Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, NY 12550 845-569-3100 Fax: 845-569-3282
Whooo’s on 8?
Admissions: 888-YES-MSMC (888-937-6762 Admissions Fax: 845-569-3438 This issue, Volume 31 No. 1, represents a re-ordering of the volume numbers to be consistent with Volume 1 published in 1979. SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS
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FIRST YEAR JOURNAL » Our grads had a 100% pass rate on NCLEX Nursing Exam in May 2006, 2007 and 2008
Student: Jessica Burns, from Colonie, N.Y. Field: Nursing
» The Mount has the only four-year nursing degree program in the Mid-Hudson area » Our nursing program meets a huge need in society » 92% of MSMC nursing grads earn $50,000 or more six months after graduation!
brought me to an open house at Mount Saint Mary College, and I loved it. The nursing program, described during the session with faculty, was one of the best programs I’ve heard of. And Mount Saint Mary College offered me a Presidential Scholarship. My “Spend a Day” visit a year ago was a blast. I’m still friends with my host student. I visited classes in calculus, English and biology, which was taught by Dr. Suparna Bhalla: I can’t wait to take a class with her. I loved it. In August of 2008, I moved into Sakac Hall. I’m in a four-person suite with another nursing student and two education students. We share a private bath. Everything’s very convenient, just enough space. I love Sakac Hall’s accommodations. And each floor has a different type of lounge area: TV, study, fitness.
I’ve volunteered at a nursing home since I was 12 years old. My mom asked me to help with office tasks there. I also got involved in activities with the residents. So, I’ve been around nursing, and that motivates me. Obviously there’s the medical side, but essentially, it’s the compassionate aspect. Nurses are there to comfort people – to heal – and I really like that. People said to me, “You ought to be a nurse.” I was thinking of studying in Boston, maybe working at Massachusetts General. The fast pace of the ER appeals to me, and definitely the bedside aspect. But my mother encouraged me to consider a school in New York State. She 4
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What I like the most, what helps me, is the size of Mount Saint Mary College. The professors know me, which is definitely helpful. And when I have labs, I won’t need to share them with 20 other people.
» We offer state-of-the-art labs equipped with virtual simulation mannequins and crisis situation software – so students get exposure to real-life situations early in their education » MSMC partners with several tri-state area hospitals to offer our students great internships » New nursing video available on web - visit www.msmc.edu/nursingvideo
Sarro, a biology professor, wanted students to come to him to discuss things, rather than just handing back papers. He also brought cookies, and kept the café open late during finals week. Also, upper classmen nursing majors gave advice on how to plan, how to get things done. There’s always someone here to help you. Every time I go in the lab and get help, I’m glad I chose Mount Saint Mary College. It’s a tough program. But it’s going to be worth it. It’s one of the best programs. And there’s a high pass rate (Mount Saint Mary College graduates have a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX Nursing Exam). And I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Most of my days start with class. The Mathematics, Science and Technology Center is great. I’m taking anatomy and physiology with professors Hoegler and Gallo, chemistry with Dr. Wojciechowicz, microcomputers, and a session for development of nursing students with Dr. Sagar. When I’m not in class, I try to study as much as possible. And I try to spend time with my suitemates. One of the biggest challenges was learning to ask for help. For example, Dr. Tom
In anatomy class, instructor Rebecca Gallo shows students Zach Truncali from Marlboro, N.Y. and Jessica Burns places in the heart.
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A Strong Foundation Patricia M. Farrell ’92, BSN, MSN, RNC Director of Cardiac Services Long Island Jewish Medical Center The Mount’s small class size and exceptionally qualified nursing professors taught me how to integrate both the art and science of nursing theory into my day-to-day clinical nursing practice.
pedic medical surgical unit, nurse educator, RN coordinator for bed management and clinical practice coordinator. I currently hold the title of director of cardiac services.
While at the Mount I was afforded the opportunity to serve as vice president to my nursing class and a resident assistant to the freshman class. These opportunities gave me a strong well-rounded foundation which I have built upon since graduating in 1992.
In 2003, I completed my master’s degree in nursing administration with informatics, with honors from Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon chapter. I am an active member of the American Heart Association, and received the “Outstanding Service Award” in 2007. In 2008, I was recognized by the North Shore Long Island Health System, and was asked to participate in the high potential performer program.
I began my nursing career at Long Island Jewish Medical Center upon graduating from the Mount and have held such positions as a staff nurse on an ortho-
Exceptional Care Timothy Graves ’07, BSN, RN Intensive Care Hartford Hospital Initially, when I graduated, I was not sure where I stood compared to my peers from other nursing programs. In time, I saw I was armed with the foundation for critical thinking, critical decision making and the ability to find any answer that I do not know. These tools have allowed me to fast-track my career, and take exceptional care of my patients. Every day I am reminded of my education at the Mount. It has allowed me to engage in conversations confidently about a range of topics from religion to politics to my professional field of nursing. When it comes to my field, I am able to make critical decisions
in an expeditious fashion and stand behind them with confidence. My education at The Mount comes through in my everyday life and has made me a better person. Since 2007, I’ve worked at Hartford Hospital, a level one trauma center, in the emergency department. I then transferred to the surgical trauma intensive care unit, where I still am working. I have taken special interest in our liver transplant population, and spoke at Hartford Hospital’s transplant symposium about the management of the post-operative liver transplant in the ICU.
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Academic Investiture It may look like Commencement, but Academic Investiture, during Parents Weekend in February, formally welcomes first year students as official degree candidates at Mount Saint Mary College. President Fr. Kevin Mackin, OFM, blessed the tassels that VP for
academic affairs Iris Turkenkopf and dean of students Harry Steinway handed to the candidates for their mortarboard caps. The ceremony also honors the college’s Aquinas Scholars (named for St. Thomas Aquinas, a theologian whose “Summa Theologica” enriches
the Catholic intellectual tradition) and Ralph Scholars (named for Sr. Mary Vincent Ralph, OP, co-founder of the college and its first academic dean), as well as Dean’s List students.
Service awards of human resources, was master of ceremonies. Fr. Kevin Mackin, OFM, president, announced the honorees and presented them with gifts of appreciation. Leading the way with 45 years: James F. Cotter, professor of English (pictured with Fr. Kevin). Fr. Kevin spoke eloquently of the gratitude and respect that the Mount community shares for the professor. Dr. Cotter, a published poet and author who co-wrote the Mount’s Alma Mater, told attentive faculty and staff of the changes that he’s seen over the course of almost half a century, and the important things that have stayed the same. Mount Saint Mary College recently honored 33 employees who have served 10 years or more. Lee Zawistowski, director
Sr. Agnes Boyle, OP, assistant to the president for mission integration, arrived at the Mount 45 years ago as well. (More
about Sr. Agnes in the upcoming 50th Anniversary kickoff issue) Also honored, for 40 years: Sr. Barbara Hamilton, OP. 30 years: Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP. 25 years: James N. Beard, Ann Damiano, and Rosario Edic. 20 years: Traci Bakal, Sr. Marion Beagan, OP, and Margaret Bussigel. 15 years: Kathleen Goff, Lynn E. Maelia, Nancy Mazza, Randy Prizzia, Beth Roeper, Susan Trieste, Gregory Callahan and Rimma Vilshanetskaya. 10 years: Mary Jo Amerkanian, Jill Brennan-Cook, Fr. Mark Connell, Faye Denisar, Durward Entrekin, John Grimm, Jayni Joyce, Kathleen Harrington-Wright, Jill Hubert-Simon, Mark A. Lewis, Sharon Mankiewicz, Priscilla L. Sagar, Lisa Johnson, Donna Perk and Eileen Rose.
Getting their Irish up Sr. Margaret Murphy, OP, a professor of religious studies at Mount Saint Mary College, served as Aide to the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City this March. Her prior honors include a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction Award. Sr. Peggy’s pictured with fellow aide Denis
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Mulcahy, who founded Project Children: an American-Northern Ireland partnership dedicated to showing Protestant and Catholic children that they have much to gain from each other. Mulcahy was presented with a Trustees Award from the Mount in 1988.
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AROUND THE MOUNT
You will see people at their absolute lowest…they will be sick, they will be in pain, they will be afraid, they won’t always treat you well; but in the end you will treat them well, from something as absolutely exhilarating as performing a life saving procedure to something as simple as a touch on the arm as you leave their room to say ‘hope you feel better’ you will treat them well....”
Pinning hopes on patient care A special keepsake for a nursing graduate is a pin symbolizing the profession, presented by loved ones. Eric Paolilli ‘08 (pictured receiving his pin) was keynote speaker for the December ceremony for accelerated program graduates.
“Tonight marks the culmination of a long journey,” Paolilli noted about himself and fellow non-traditional grads. “Being a nurse is, in some very striking ways, similar to the job that I currently have (he is chief of the City of Newburgh Police Department).
Most common major fields (2008)
Police work remains his focus for now. But, like his fellow graduates, Paolilli has gained a new degree of competence. For information about the tuition available for accelerated program adult learners, check www.msmc.edu
Nursing 15% Business 13%
Education certification 18%
English 12% Psychology 12% History 11% All 14 Other Majors 37%
Time of his life Student Activities presented “American Idol” winner David Cook on March 1 in a sold-out Aquinas Hall Theatre
performance. Millions watched Cook clinch the TV competition handily. A week after the win, 11 of his songs debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including “The Time of My Life.” Cook’s on the cover of the current World Almanac and Book of Facts, alongside “a couple of guys named Obama and McCain” reports the singer’s website.
Short takes Teaching – It’s a Class Act! an information conference for high school sophomores and juniors in the region considering a career in education, is planned for Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in the Mathematics, Science & Technology Center at Mount Saint Mary College...
The Religious Studies program, the Mount Alliance for Green Initiatives on Campus, and the Dominican Sisters of Hope offered a series of Sunday evening presentations on eco-spirituality and sustainability. Sr. Lorelle Elcock, O.P., coordinated the series. For more about
events at Mount Saint Mary College, check the Web at www.msmc.edu... Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, has been elected to the board of directors of Pattern for Progress, serving New York’s mid-Hudson region. SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS
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The data on how many birds fly where and when is fed into a national census analysis related to survival and endangered species. It’s much more than numbers for researchers such as Sarro, who exercise their knowledge of species and coloration (for example, younger peregrine falcons have more markedly spotted bellies). Sarro enjoys watching the skilled raptors ride the updrafts, angle their wings, and use their birds-eye view to zero in on potential prey. The birds caught the interest of Mount biology student Tina Ruggiero ’09, who wanted to do honors independent research on animal aspects of the Hudson Valley. “Dr. Jerry Wyant suggested I speak with Dr. Sarro,” she recalls. Ruggiero decided one of the smallest raptors – the Northern Saw-whet owl – would be a great honors project. Sarro pointed her to Vassar owl expert Dr. Glenn Proudfoot, who guided the research of the Queens, N.Y. native. A peregrine falcon peers into Dr. Tom Sarro’s camera lens.
Rapt with raptors
Dr. Thomas Sarro is on a steep slope. It’s not where you’d ordinarily look for a Mount Saint Mary College professor who’s served the college for 33 years.
Biologists are for the birds of prey
People in Corpus Christi, Texas, have witnessed close to 300,000 in a day, Sarro says.
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Owls are amazing hunters because of their keen senses. Their eyes provide binocular vision, Ruggiero explains in her research paper. “Their eyes are not round, but elongated tubes held in place by bony structures called sclerotic rings. This makes it impossible for an owl to move its eyes. However,
But this teacher is also a researcher, at the Mohonk Preserve. Birds of prey –hawks, kestrels, falcons, eagles -- are his special interest. He has been climbing the cliffs and counting them for more than 15 years. His record tally: around 3,000 broad-winged hawks in one 8-10 hour day.
Migration is prompted primarily by the birds’ search for food. Ruggiero enjoys examining a Saw-whet owl. (inset) Even the little Saw-whet’s toes and legs are covered with feathers.
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because of the 14 vertebrae in its neck, it can rotate its head 270 degrees, almost all the way around (Lewis, 1999).” The owl’s retinas are very large and have many rod cells, which are very sensitive to light and movement. In addition, their pupils have a wide range of adjustment. Another amazing asset is their hearing, reports Ruggiero. Owls can pinpoint sounds because their ears are asymmetrically spaced. One points up while the other points down. Some owls can change the shape of their facial disk to focus sound into their ears (Kaufman, 2007). Owls have excellent flight control, as a result of the curve and flexibility of their wings. They are also stealth flyers, mainly due to a comb-like feather and fluffy down feathers which quietly smooth passing air. By banding and recovering owls, researchers can follow the path of migration. By determining old and new feathers, banders can estimate age.
Sarro stakes his view in the Mohonk Preserve. Photo courtesy Times Herald-Record.
Ruggiero’s field research was done from 7 a.m. to midnight or later. Large numbers of Saw-whets migrate during the first two to three hours after sunset and during the four hours before sunrise. A sound broadcaster attracted the Sawwhets. “We would catch the owls in nets,” she says, “several owls each hour. We would weigh them, measure their wings, estimate their age, and take DNA samples
In addition to coursework at Mount Saint Mary College, she was a work-study student at Kaplan Recreation Center. “I worked the lines at volleyball games, videotaped basketball, was a ball retriever, anything they needed me to do. Michelle Ross coordinates work-study students there, and she’s a great friend and mentor who has affected my life in many ways.”
In the honors program, “it’s very enriching to be able to go out on field experiences. Learning about what – Tina Ruggiero ‘09 went on historically in the area, has made to better determine their sex; female Saw- me appreciate the area,” she reflects. whets are usually larger, but the DNA is “And Dr. Sarro is my advisor and a big part more precise.” of the New York Medical College program. “And we banded them so if they were He’s helped me a lot. I’m looking forward caught by other researchers, the migra- to getting my diploma and starting the tion patterns can be seen.” professional part of my schooling.”
"…it was so great to be that close to nature.”
Ruggiero, who’s aiming for a career in physical therapy, cited a dozen works in her research paper. But the personal experience of field research was instructive on many levels. “They were very, very easy to handle,” she observed of the little wild Saw-whet owls. “We would manipulate their wings, study them. And they would just sit on my finger, not trying to leave.” A Saw-whet is so small it can fit into an orange juice can, which is what Proudfoot’s team used to carry them. “I was surprised how small they actually were, when you think of great horned owls,” says Ruggiero. “Also, being a wild animal, how docile they were.”
Her favorite part of the experience? “When we were done, I would just go outside and hold them and pet them before they’d go back to the woods. They were so soft. And it was so great to be that close to nature.” Now that the 21-year-old is bound for New York Medical College, she feels her undergrad years have gone by quickly.
Owl expert Dr. Glenn Proudfoot displays wing coloration which indicates age.
Sarro is a firm believer in Mount Saint Mary College’s approach which “teaches you how to learn.” He tells Open House audiences that a Mount education offers “Jeopardy knowledge”: something about many things, general as well as in a particular field. “With changes in the job market,” he notes, “the person who will survive has the ability to SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS relearn and retool.”
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Making time to teach Fr. Kevin tackles the ultimate question Considering his many administrative duties on and off campus, one might not expect to find Mount president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, in the classroom. But there he was, in Hudson Hall 103 as the spring semester began, teaching the “History of Christianity.” And his students enjoy having the college president as their teacher. “It’s awesome,” said Patrick Daily, a Mount Saint Mary College first year student from West Haven, Connecticut. “Having the president teach my class makes me feel more connected to the college. Father Kevin makes the class fun.”
Fr. Kevin teaching his History of Christianity course (inset) Fr. Kevin explains a fine point to Jeremiah Markuson
continued to do so while president of Siena from 1996-2007. Believing that “the president should be in the forefront of the learning process,” Fr. Kevin intends to teach a course every year. He said that teaching helps him understand students.
degree in sacred theology, a master’s degree in religious education, a licentiate of sacred theology, and a doctorate in sacred theology.
The Mount’s fifth president is a dynamic teacher, constantly in motion, walking up and down the row of desks, gesturing, and engaging his students. He “I enjoy getting students’ perspective on uses the latest teaching tools, including a Smart Board, an interactive white board, and Moodle, a means of conveying the course syllabus and notes, and a mechanism for interac– Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM tion among professors and students. life, getting their perspective on issues. Teaching is a learning experience for me He has his students work in groups on as well as them.” contemporary moral issues.
“Teaching is a learning experience for me as well as them.”
“I was pretty excited to get into Fr. Kevin’s class,” said Jeremiah Markuson, a business major from Wallkill, N.Y., “and a little intimidated. I thought it might be difficult but he presents the material well.”
“Our primary purpose is teaching our students, so I think the president belongs in the classroom,” said Fr. Kevin. He’s in familiar territory. He started his academic career teaching religious studies in the 1970s at Siena College and
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Fr. Kevin has been a student as well as a teacher all of his adult life. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in history from Siena. He holds four credentials from Catholic University of America: a bachelor’s
“Religious studies attempt to offer us an opportunity to reflect on the ultimate meaning of life,” he explains. “Religious studies attempt to address the question, “Why are we here?”
—Brendan Coyne
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COVER STORY
Leaders experience self-growth Lindsay Valentin’s vigorous college career as a business administration major has included serving as vice president of the Student Government Association
When Lindsay Valentin was a student at the Newburgh Free Academy, she learned about the Mount’s Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) through her teacher, a former Mount student. Valentin came to the Mount four years ago as a freshman, and was soon mentored by a “Super Senior.” Now Valentin is a senior, and a mentor or “big sister” to freshmen. She is majoring in business administration, with a concentration in international business and a minor in sociology.
Mentoring is a key ingredient in Mount student success “HEOP students tend to reach out to mentor as part of our process, because we’re a community within a community,” said Valentin. “We’ve all been helped and encouraged along the way by others. We come here as freshmen from different boroughs and backgrounds and at first all we see are our differences. Our mentors help us see what we have in common, and how the success stories that came before us were just like us, at one time.” HEOP students understand the meaning of receiving and giving back. They are movers and shakers at the Mount: presiding over the freshman class, serving as
vice president of the SGA, working with students as Resident Assistants, leading the women’s basketball team to NCAA semi-finals, and earning academic honors and dean’s list placements each semester. The close of the Fall 2008 semester saw two HEOP students on the Dean’s list, nine with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and 18 students with a 2.9 or higher GPA. HEOP seniors: standing from left are Andy Espinoza, Keewana Grant, Michael Munoz, Kareem Donaldson and Rocio Guzman. Seated are Miosoti Madera (red scarf), Wendy Henri (white t), Arletty Paulino (wearing blue) and Kenia Velazquez (in black and grey). The Mount’s first president, Mother Leo Vincent Short, OP, is seen looking over their shoulders in photo on wall.
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COVER STORY
Structured and Organic Mentoring The HEOP staff recently implemented a structured mentoring model that pairs the more senior students with freshmen as “big brothers and big sisters.” This model of mentoring draws from a mix of learning theory, student development, and leadership theory through identity development. The goal is an empowerment approach that stresses collaborative leadership. Yet even before this formal model existed, there was a more organic form of mentoring that occurs naturally among HEOP students. Two years ago, Aleschia Johnson took two trains from Brooklyn to Beacon alone for her first visit to the Mount, because her mother was very ill at home. Johnson was the last freshman accepted in the HEOP program that year. Wasting no time, she jumped into her first year of college by being elected president of the freshman class. Today, Johnson is a sophomore majoring in psychology, with a minor in public relations. She has definite goals of being a marriage and family counselor. And Johnson is a “big sister” to Jasmine Jonas, a freshman psychology major from Brooklyn, who came to the Mount through the same counselor that advised Johnson. As a mentor to Jones, Johnson provides everything from a “shoulder” to social direction, advice on classes and schedules, study time, and getting acclimated. In paying it forward, these students pay it back, too, and everyone wins. 24/7 examples More than 800 students live in Mount Saint Mary College’s residential community. Among them are resident assistants (RAs), keeping their doors open for fellow students who sometimes experience the speed bumps and doubts of young adulthood.
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Johnson (left) and Jonas (right): both Brooklynites major in psychology
“It’s not just a 24 hour job, it’s a 24 hour responsibility,” observes Angel Santana, an RA in the Mount’s College Courts. “Elsewhere, you go ‘off duty.’ We’re ‘on’ 24/7.” RAs mentor each other. “We usually put a senior RA with a new RA, so it eases tension,” he says. Santana, from the Bronx, is in his junior year. On a pre-law track, he’s focusing his studies in business, history and political science courses. In addition to being an RA, he has served as vice president of the Latino Student Union, and has helped with Habitat for Humanity construction projects.
Resident assistants Terwilliger, Garcia and Santana
Each RA mentors in different ways. The students come from diverse backgrounds, and serve the college community and beyond in various capacities. “We’ve gained a lot from each other,” agrees Amber Terwilliger, a senior from Ballston Lake, N.Y. Terwilliger, majoring in information technology, has focused on childhood education, special education, and education technology studies. Her extracurricular service, in addition to Residence Life Council, includes being an Ambassador for admissions, and leading a vibrant Big Brothers/Big Sisters chapter.
RAs mentor by virtue of being active role models for learning and living.
Terwilliger has been an RA for two and a half years and works in the Elmwood residence hall.
“We try to get people to talk to each other and to be involved in the community,” says Santana.
The residence life staff and assistants prepare as thoroughly as possible, and the climate is supportive, she explains.
That’s worked for Jessica Garcia, an RA from Monroe, N.Y. The confident senior leader has gained business management and advertising/marketing skills: both academic and in student leadership experience.
“We conduct drills of mock situations, to see how we handle them, and then there’s constructive criticism,” she says. “I know I can call on others to help.”
“When I first started, I was a shy, awkward girl,” Garcia recalls. “As an RA, I became active and able to deal with different personalities. I can take that into the workforce.” “Everyone’s watching every move you make as an RA,” Garcia explains. “People expect more from you. At first, it can seem overwhelming. But you become used to it, and when you do follow expectations, people respect you at the end of the day.” Garcia has made time for Student Government Association and Habitat service, in addition to her academic and RA responsibilities.
“If we do a good job,” Terwilliger adds, “if we encourage good behavior, I’ve definitely seen a student who’s not academically driven, not interested, see what RAs do and then make it their goal.” Debra Waller-Frederick, director of residence life, praises students for taking the added responsibility of being RAs. It’s a service that stays with the students in many ways. “Even though I’ve transferred between buildings,” says Garcia, “people still keep coming to me!”
—Jane Hanley, Janet Gianopoulos
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ON THE JOB
Book ‘em Students, alumni help make printer special Tucked away from the high-profile, seasonal bustle of Newburgh’s revitalized riverfront is the Liberty Street corridor that is making its own strong contribution to the rebirth of the city. Anchored by Washington’s Headquarters, the area boasts restaurants, a florist, antique shops, a produce market, an arts supply store and the Newburgh Artisans shop. And in the midst of this burgeoning business district is Thornwillow
Press, Ltd., which produces fine stationery and handsome, handmade books. There, Mount Saint Mary College students and graduates are making their own contributions to the health of Newburgh, bringing their skills, creativity and energy to this specialty printer and publisher on Spring Street. Kimberly Posa and Alicia Brancato, both from Monroe and both English majors who graduated from Mount Saint Mary College in 2008, work at
Thornwillow. They started as interns, as have five other Mount students, majoring in public relations, information technology and English, since the summer of 2006. Posa and Brancato design and edit books and appreciate the opportunity to work on all phases of the printing process. “If you want to go into printing, you can’t beat interning at Thornwillow,” said Posa. “It’s very hands-on.”
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ON THE JOB
“From the moment a project is born, I get to see how the process works, and I am involved in every stage. I have learned how to lay out a book, design its cover and pages, prepare the project to be printed, and see our idea become a concrete work of art people can hold in their hands. I love the types of projects we do - they are really special and something to be proud of.” Brancato points to Thomas Jefferson Illuminated as her favorite accomplishment. “At first it was a little daunting being in charge of such a big project, but I am proud of the result,” Brancato said. The book is a limited edition of only 300 copies; each book sells for $1,500. “Right now I’m laying out Barack Obama’s inauguration speech for a book,” said Brancato. “I wrote a short introduction for it as well, so I am very excited about this project.” She said that she puts the copyediting course of Virginia Davidson, Mount Professor of English, to good use at Thornwillow.
“I’m constantly checking layouts for spelling and punctuation mistakes. Dr. Davidson, one of my favorite teachers, was always supportive but challenging in the classroom. Even when I read leisurely at home and come across an error, I can’t help but think of her class. “My digital photo class has also helped me with the design work for logos and artwork.” Thornwillow owner Luke Ives Pontifell started the company, named for a family home in West Stockbridge, MA, in 1985 while still in high school. Inspired by old books in his parents’ library and a course in printing and binding, Pontifell set out to produce books himself. He printed his first book, a children’s story by a family friend, and bound it on the kitchen table. “In a world where the written word is becoming increasingly disposable, we create beautiful books that we hope readers will cherish forever,” said the New York City native. Pontifell bought the Newburgh site, set back from the street amid residences, in April 2005, soon after the Loring Coat Factory ceased operations there. The huge brick building has housed a number of businesses since being erected in 1905. Thornwillow’s office area is still evolving. The large back room hums with presses; a few sewing machines sit on the sidelines. The expansive second floor, where the binding work takes place, is brightly illuminated through its many windows. As tucked away as it may be, people do find Thornwillow. Its clients include the White House, singer/actress Bette Midler and comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Special projects, special place. And there, too, they find Mount students, writing, designing, creating.
—Brendan Coyne
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VOLUME 31, No. 1
3/10/09 6:32:48 PM
GOOD TO KNOW
Don’t hit the economic panic button There’s no escaping news about economy. Whether you call it a slump or a debacle, Lou Fortunato, professor of accounting, says, “Don’t hit the panic button.” Fortunato’s advice comes from years of experience as a professor and as a practicing CPA. He understands the economy. He also understands how people respond emotionally to a situation that impacts their lives and their retirement investments. “It’s virtually impossible to not react emotionally when you open up your quarterly annuity statement and see a loss in your investment. But keep in mind, while the loss might be real, it is not necessarily permanent. The economy does swing.”
Fortunato recommends that people take a step back and review their current financial situation. “Before you do anything,” he says, “meet with your financial advisor and take a professional’s word to heart. After reviewing your pension funds, for example, your advisor will do just that. Give you advice on what to do, when to do it and how to do it.” A representative from TIAA-CREF, a national annuity organization, had this to add when looking at a portfolio. “Granted,” he said, “your stocks might not be worth as much as they had been a year earlier, but remember if you continue to invest the same amount in your portfolio, you’ll be able to buy more stocks at a lower price. When the economy begins to improve, you’ll begin to notice a difference in the bottom line.” When asked if the economic forecast will reveal the sun behind the clouds, Fortunato said, “Things will get better. How long will it take? I’m only a CPA, not a fortune teller.”
Maintaining body weight: A personal conundrum Dr. Iris Turkenkopf, biologist, shares her insight: While newspapers and magazines may at times exaggerate reality to increase sales, there is concern among nutritionists about the increasing prevalence of obesity in our society, because obesity is an important risk factor associated with diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and arthritis. Moreover, each of us, wanting to remain vigorous and healthy, is concerned each time we step on a scale and see our weight increase.
Our efficiency in burning calories (metabolic rate) does change with advancing age, and especially for women, hormonal changes associated with menopause lead to changes in body fat distribution. There is scientific evidence to support the notion that there is a genetic component to obesity. Furthermore, large boned individuals have more muscle mass and will weigh more than someone with a slight body build.
The proliferation of various diets and the search for a “silver bullet” to cure obesity continues unabated because many people want a relatively simple solution to a complex problem.
Lastly, illness does affect the way in which our bodies, utilize calories. When challenged with disease, cells may require additional energy but after recuperation, the same consumption of calories may lead to weight gain.
Many factors determine an individual’s body weight, some under our control and others not. Certainly what you eat and how much you eat plays an important role. There is a rather basic equation that all nutritionists hark back to, that for body weight to remain constant the amount of calories consumed must equal the amount expended.
Concern about body weight is appropriate, provided it doesn’t become obsessive and destructive. Understanding more about our bodies and their needs is the key to a healthy lifestyle.
But, what are some of the other factors? Age, gender, genetic predisposition, body build and state of health are all important factors that influence body weight. SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS
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GOOD TO KNOW
Living off campus: A decision not to be made lightly Many Mount students find residence life to their liking. Eventually, a percentage look for a different living experience.
Responsibilities that come with living off campus might be too much for a student to handle. The student has to be capable of paying multiple bills (rent, cable, heat, etc.) while maintaining an environment that is conducive to living and studying.
Deb Waller-Frederick, director of Residence Life at the Mount, is a pro at helping parents and students navigate the often unexplored path to off campus living.
If parents decide that their son or daughter is mature enough to handle the responsibilities of living off campus, there are many more steps before moving in.
“It’s all about making an informed decision,” she says. “The idea of living off campus is one thing. A romantic notion, perhaps. The reality is often something very different…If the parent and student approach the process with a clear head, they can avoid the nightmare and achieve something closer to the romantic notion.” Waller-Frederick recommends a logical and systematic approach based on honest reflection and research. Maturity is number one on her list.
Both parents and student have to do some fact-checking on the intended apartment or house. Waller-Frederick recommends doing a background check on the landlord. She goes on to urge the parent to carefully read the lease and if they don’t feel comfortable signing it, bring the lease to a lawyer. Other items on Waller-Frederick’s checklist include: a cost analysis (on-campus room and board vs. 12 months rent, food, etc.); roommates; hidden charges; academic impact (will being off-campus have a negative impact on academic achievements); meals. Waller-Frederick’s pros and cons approach is the intelligent nt decision. way to make such an important
Perils of Web posting What happens on one of the growing number of Web social network sites does not necessarily stay on those sites. An “innocent” posting can have serious career repercussions because it can pop up somewhere else on the World Wide Web. Ellen Bourhis Nolan, director of career development, says “students take a big risk when they post something on a social networking site because more and more employers are including a web search as part of their screening process. A quick search of the internet might uncover an inappropriate photograph, blog or comment that could preclude a student from further employment consideration. “And even if a student’s personal web page is appropriate, linking to a site that contains questionable material can also come back to haunt you.” Employers readily admit they take advantage of easy access to personal information on the web because the potential employee has posted it in a public way. “An easy rule of thumb,” Bourhis Nolan says “is if you would
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be embarrassed to show your personal website to your mother, take it down. Inappropriate material has no place anywhere, especially where it can be read by anyone.” Bourhis Nolan suggests students should also “google” their name to see where else it might appear and in what context. Employers are doing it. “If for some reason you can’t delete material that you might consider an impediment to being hired,” Bourhis Nolan advised, “be prepared to honestly explain the material if it comes up during the interview process.” Potential employers don’t just react to personal web content, they also make judgments based on email addresses. “Your personal email account might include a nickname or some other ‘cute’ expression,” Bourhis Nolan said, “but such names don’t have a place in the professional world.”
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3/10/09 6:32:57 PM
SPORTS
Darry Thornton Hired as Mount Saint Mary College Men’s Lacrosse Coach Mount Saint Mary College director of athletics John Wright is pleased to announce the hiring of Darry Thornton as the head coach for the newly established men’s lacrosse program. “I am very excited to have Darry join our staff at Mount Saint Mary College as the men’s lacrosse coach,” said Wright. “When starting a new program, it’s important to have someone with previous coaching experience and a dynamic personality, and Darry has both. I am confident that he will have a tremendous impact on our athletic program, grooming the lacrosse talent already on campus in addition to recruiting high-caliber studentathletes to the college. I look forward to our men’s lacrosse program becoming a prominent member of the Skyline Conference.”
coordinator for Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. During the 2007 season, Thornton was an assistant coach and the defensive coordinator at Hartwick College. He also served as an assistant coach at Oneonta State College in 2003. “It was a privilege to work with such experienced head coaches at Oneonta,
be competing for an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. “Starting a program from scratch will certainly be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it with the support of the administration and the college community,” said Thornton. “My immediate goal is to recruit student-athletes who will make positive contributions, both on and off the field, to Mount Saint Mary College. I want to put the College on the map for men’s lacrosse and be highly competitive in the Skyline Conference.”
"I want to put the College on the map for men’s lacrosse and be highly competitive in the Skyline Conference.”
Thornton, a native of Schenectady, New York, brings several years of coaching experience to Mount Saint Mary College. Most recently, Thornton served as the head assistant coach and defensive
A 2003 graduate of Oneonta State, Thornton played two years of varsity lacrosse for the Red Dragons, competing as a goalie. He also played for two years at Hudson Valley Community College before transferring to Oneonta. Thornton holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Oneonta and an associate’s degree in physical education from Hudson Valley Community College.
– Darry Thornton Hartwick and Queens,” said Thornton. “The knowledge I’ve accumulated in my time as an assistant coach is priceless.” Thornton began in January with the goal of recruiting student-athletes for a club season in 2009-10 and for the initial varsity season in 2010-11. The Blue Knights will be the eighth member of the Skyline Conference for men’s lacrosse and will
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SPORTS
First to 2,500 Points Mike Hoyt’s senior season began innocently enough. During the opening weekend of the 2006-07 men’s basketball season, Hoyt scored 29 points in a win over the Albany College of Pharmacy and then totaled 26 points in a loss to Westfield State College. His best game of the first semester came against Manhattanville College on December 6 when he poured in 34 points. Hoyt closed calendar year 2006 with a 28-point performance against Division I Davidson College on December 15. The senior averaged 25 points per game through the first nine contests. And then, Hoyt exploded. Over the course of the final 17 games, the senior averaged 39.6 points per game, accounting for more than fifty percent of the team’s scoring. He shot 49.3-percent from the field, connected on 40.2-percent of three-point attempts, and made 175-of-208 foul shots. Fourteen times, he reached 30 points. Ten times, he scored 40 points. Four times, he went past 50 points, setting a new NCAA record for 50 point games in a season. Hoyt topped out at 59 points against Farmingdale State College on January 27, but the most memorable performance came on the final day of the regular season, against the Stevens Institute of Technology in front of a packed house on Parents Weekend. Hoyt drained shots from seemingly everywhere on the court and coolly sank 18 consecutive free throws. His line: 16-for-31 from the field with seven three-pointers, 18-for-18
from the free throw line, 57 points. The final score: Mount Saint Mary College 95, Stevens 77. Sometime during the middle of January, Hoyt’s quest to lead the nation in scoring turned into an all-out assault on the NCAA record books. The senior finished the season with a scoring average of 34.5 points per game, leading the next highest player in the nation (Division I, II, or III) by nearly six points per game. His scoring average was the sixth highest in the history of Division III basketball. And the records didn’t stop there. His season total of 898 points ranked him sixth all-time. His career total of 2,586 points placed him eighth on the all-time scoring list. And his career total of 372 made three-pointers ranked him fifth in the record books. Hoyt was named the Skyline Conference player of the year, the ECAC Metro Region player of the year, the D3hoops. com Atlantic Region player of the year, and was also honored as a D3hoops.com first team All-American, becoming the first basketball player in school history to earn first team All-American status. Mike Hoyt, a 2007 graduate of Mount Saint Mary College and a native of Florida, New York, earned his degree in elementary education. He is currently teaching elementary school as a leave replacement in the Minisink Valley school district. He is also an assistant coach for the Minisink Valley girls’ varsity basketball team.
Photo Credit: Justin Justin Satkowski 18
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VOLUME 31, No. 1
3/10/09 6:33:00 PM
March Madness Blue Knights reach NCAA tourney The Mount Saint Mary College women’s basketball team was on pace to lead the country in field-goal percentage defense for the second consecutive season. Last year, the Blue Knights limited opponents to just 30.6 percent shooting from the field. This year, they held opponents to just 30.4 percent shooting through 19 games, made it to the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament, and concluded the season with a stellar 24-5 record. Eight times in 2008-09, the Blue Knights have held opponents under 30-percent for a game. In a season-best effort on January 22, the Mount limited Yeshiva University to just 10-of-53 from the floor, or 18.9-percent. The Blue Knights held Bard to just 20.9-percent on January
20 and Sage to only 21.7-percent on December 2. Want a more telling statistic? Not once this season has an opponent shot better than 40-percent. William Paterson was the closest, connecting at 38.9-percent during a 61-58 defeat of the Mount on December 13. Want one more? In 12 games against Skyline Conference foes, no opponent has eclipsed the 35-percent mark in field goal shooting. The result: a perfect 12-0 conference record for the Blue Knights through February 4. As the saying now goes at the Mount, field goal percentage defense wins championships.
A big part of the Mount’s defensive effort in 2008-09 has been junior Jess Tice. A six-foot guard/forward, Tice poses incredible match-up difficulties for opposing players. Quick enough to defend on the perimeter and tall enough to defend on the inside, Tice has often been asked to guard the other team’s top scorer, big or small. As a combined result of Tice’s height, and defensive skill, she’s blocking shots
Another Milestone On February 4, senior Chris Harrison became just the tenth player in the history of Mount Saint Mary College men’s basketball to score 1,000 career points. During an 89-78 defeat of the Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Harrison put
at a record-breaking pace. Through the team’s first 19 games, Tice had blocked 37 shots, an average of nearly two blocks per contest. The school record for blocked shots, set in 2005-06 by LaSheena Brown, is 44. Brown blocked 44 shots in 29 games, however, an average of 1.5 per contest. Tice, a member of the class of 2010, is studying psychology.
List of 1,000 point scorers (since 1992-93) back an offensive rebound at the 2:59 mark of the second half to reach 1,000 points. The senior finished the game with 21 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Blue Knights to a Skyline Conference win. Harrison, a native of Baldwin, New York and a four-year starter for the Blue Knights, is majoring in business administration.
Mike Hoyt (2007) – 2586 Brendan Twomey (2004) – 1503 Tom Fuller (1997) – 1395 Eric Moore (1996) – 1335 Charles Knapp (2001) -1326 Craig Newton (1998) – 1292 Roberto King (2005) – 1224 Brandon Weldon (2006) – 1106 Ken Lane (2005) – 1051 Chris Harrison (2009) – 1000
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Lacrosse Camp, June 29th through July 3rd Soccer Camp, July 13th through July 17th Tennis Camp, July 6 through 10th. (2 sessions per day, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The courts are located at Cronomer Hill Park in the Town of Newburgh.)
Volleyball Camp, July 13th through July 17th Baseball Camp, July 27th through July 31st Basketball Camp, July 27th through July 31st Basketball Camp, August 3rd through August 7th SoÄžball Camp, August 3rd through August 7th Swim Camp, August 10th through August 14th
Experience Positive Learning Environment
Boys and Girls Ages 6 through 17
Training by College Coaches & College Players
$225 per week $125 for tennis $250 for Basketball Multiple camp discount
CertiÂżed Athletic Trainers Individual Training Group Training Team Training
Come Moin us for a fun Âżlled day of golf food drink and contests! We are currently accepting foursomes or individual players. Numerous sponsorships are also available..
Enter online at Enter on line at msmcbluekmsmcblueknights.com nights.com or call or 845.569.3594 call 845.569.3594
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The Camp
Indoor Swim Time Lunch Buffet Included Free Tee Shirt &gear * Depends on sport
8:00 am arrival 4:00 pm departure Limited enrollment Early registration recommended Apply on the Web at: msmcblueknights.com or call 845.569.3594
We teach the game and you have fun doing it!
VOLUME 31, No. 1
3/10/09 6:33:02 PM
Alumni Notes Dear Fellow Graduates: Often when I am at Mount alumni events I hear alumni speak of wanting to get involved and help their alma mater. While there are many ways to get involved, two ideas that come to mind can have a profound impact on a current Mount student’s academic growth. As a graduate of Mount Saint Mary College, you are in a wonderful position to affect the professional development of a Mount student. Internships are important opportunities for students to gain experience and training related to their professional and academic interests. If you or your company hires interns, consider taking a Mount intern under your wing and have a hand in a student’s professional growth. For more information please contact Janet Zeman, executive director of the Mount’s Career Center, at zeman@msmc.edu or at 845-569-3175. Another way to have an impact on a current Mount student is to join the Alumni Mentoring Network. The Alumni Mentoring Network is a group of alumni mentors from different professional fields willing to help students define their career objectives, and help shape their academic program to achieve their goals. Most commonly, alumni provide information about their profession and provide advice on how to get started in their field. By sharing your own career experiences with students, you can have a meaningful impact on their academic and professional growth. Your involvement won’t demand a lot of your time and you will know that you contributed in an important and tangible way to students and your alma mater. For more information or to register online to be an alumni mentor please visit the Alumni Affairs page of the Mount’s website at www.msmc.edu/alumni. Of course, as always, if you know of a college-bound high school junior or senior or an adult – perhaps someone in your family, a neighbor, a friend, a business colleague - who could benefit from a Mount education please refer them to us. As Mount graduate, you understand the value of the Mount experience! Warm regards,
Michelle A. Iacuessa ’94 Director of Alumni Affairs
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ALUMNI NOTES
Career & Personal Updates 1964 Rose Tomanelli will be retiring in June as vice principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School in Bloomfield, NJ. 1966 Pasqua-Theresa (Madera) Festa is currently retired. She has three beautiful grandchildren: Allesandra (6), Isabella (4) and Salvatore (2). Following the loss of her loving husband, Frank, two years ago, her daughter, Adriana, and son, Thomas, have been her strength! Kathy (Gardella) Garth retired from teaching in June ‘06. She is enjoying time with her husband of 40 years, Lance, their four grandchildren and her 94 year old mom. Kathy will always be grateful to the Mount for her education and the support. 1967 Sr. Mary Ella Morrison, O.P. is currently ministering as a chaplain for Hospice Care in Elkins, WV. She travels through a large three-county area caring for patients. Mary (Castiello) Peduzzi and her husband Alfred love to travel and volunteer at different charities and at their church. Their son Joe, an attorney, recently married; and their daughter Joan is a firstgrade teacher. 1969 Elizabeth (Mooney) Safford is teaching religion full-time at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, NY. She and her husband of 35 years, Bruce, have five grown children and six grandchildren. God Bless all! Linda (Oppermann) Youngren is in her 25th year as a math teacher and dean of studies at Preston High School in Bronx, NY 1970 Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, O.P. is the art and spirituality coordinator at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield, CT.
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Miriam (Schillinger) Oppenheimer continues to teach yoga at 79 years old. She states that yoga has slowed down the aging process of her mind, body and spirit! Miriam was one of the first older students at the Mount and graduated in 1970 at the age of 40. 1971 Lorraine (Hernandez) Publow and husband, Chris, continue to live in Las Vegas, where they enjoy family, including two grandchildren! They love golf and were fortunate to hike in the Himalayas once again this fall - a terrific experience! Rosanne (Iorio) Stockhofer is a Pre GED teacher at Otisville State Prison in Otisville, NY. 1972 Dr. Mary Ellen (Scannell) Doherty and her family recently moved to Ridgefield, CT where she is an associate professor in the nursing program, teaching both graduate and undergraduate nursing students, at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. Her expertise is in maternal-newborn nursing and midwifery. 1974 Mary Ann Kadera-Klicka continues in her position as a professor of mathematics in the dept. of math, science, & technology at Bucks County Community College. She is also on the Board of Directors of the PA Association of Developmental Educators. John Vincent Klicka, son of Mary Ann Kadera- Klicka and her husband, Vincent, was married on April 1, 2008. Mary Ann has four step-daughters she helped to raise, all of whom are now married. She and her husband are now empty nesters! Patricia (Schmidt) Kehoe has two daughters in college; her daughter Danielle Kehoe is currently a nursing student at the Mount.
Patricia Russell volunteers as an ESL teacher at Mercy Center in the South Bronx. Kathleen (Kelly) Kachmor’s daughter, Rebecca Kachmor, will graduate from Mount Saint Mary College this May with a certification in Elementary Education/ Special Education. 1975 William Best received a doctor of ministry degree from Gordon Conwell Seminary in Boston, MA in 2006. Kathleen (Becker) Nicholsen is currently volunteering at Hospice and loving it. She speaks on behalf of Hospice to encourage volunteers and donations throughout Florida. Linda (Bushek) Remolino earned her second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the College of St. Elizabeth, in Morristown, NJ. Linda is currently the director of school counseling services for the North Plainfield, NJ school district. She is also an adjunct professor in School Counseling at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. 1977 Jeanette Maliha-Nebus joined 475 colleagues attending Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society’s 2008 Leadership Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana in September, 2008. Jeannette is a charter member of the Society’s Mu Epsilon chapter at Mount Saint Mary College. Her article, “Industrial Pollution: A Nurse Fights Back”, which was published in Reflections on Nursing magazine, is being showcased at the International Center for Nursing Scholarships, Sigma Theta Tau headquarters, on the campus of Indiana University. Mary Lou Sgro has been appointed faculty fellow for program review at Westchester Community College. She assists the curriculum chairs in providing assessment data from Westchester Community College to SUNY.
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ALUMNI NOTES
1978 Mary (Barnett) Giannino is currently living in Newburyport, MA with her husband and two children, Spencer (21) & Nicholas (16). Mary works full-time as the special education coordinator for the Newburyport Public Schools. 1980 Ramute Kemeza-Kazlauskas is presently working at Loyola University Health Systems in Ambulatory Surgery as the OR ENT team leader as well as the OR charges nurse. She is also resident of the Chicago Chapter of SOHN (Society of Otorhinolaryngology HeadNeck Nurses). The 32nd SOHN Nursing Congress and Symposium will take place in Chicago September 19-23 2008.
Ramute will be presenting as speaker on the topic “Has sinus congestion met its match: Balloon Sinuplasty.” 1982 Susan Bach is happily married to Gary Farkas and living in Warwick, NY. She has been working with her brother, Lou, for the past two years doing actuarial work, after working for Russ Berrie & Co. in Oakland, NJ for 23 years. Michele (Laporta) Freeman has a daughter, Danielle Freeman, who is currently a freshman at the Mount enrolled in the education program. 1995 Chris Dougherty is proud to have been part of Mount service trips to Florida,
Grandchildren
Marriages
1964 Mary Ann (Kennedy) Fitzpatrick has six grandchildren, ranging in age from 3 to 19 years. Her daughter Kelly and husband John have four children. Her daughter Tammy and husband Bill have two children. Her time is divided between Highland, NY and Sun City Center, Florida.
1997 Teresa Paulucci married Robert Stephen Sussman on October 26, 2008, at The Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Bridget (Bernhard) Romani ‘96, Elizabeth (Horn) Samber ‘96, and Allison (McGovern) Dyer ‘97 were among the bridesmaids. Also in attendance were: Deanna (Roudis) Guevara ‘96 and David Samber ‘94. Allison (McGovern) Dyer’s daughter Meghan, who is Teresa Paulucci’s godchild, was the flower girl. After honeymooning in Maui, Hawaii and Bora Bora, French Polynesia the couple is making their home in New York.
1984 Stacie (McMahon) Ferry recently became a grandmother! Her granddaughter’s name is Ava Theresa Ferry.
Illinois and Washington D.C. while a student. He counts this as part of his inspiration for helping lead Archbishop Molloy High School’s service trip to Lourdes, France, and the school’s first service trip to Peru last summer. 1997 Margarita (Rios) Knight is currently teaching at Liberty Central School (her alma mater). 2006 Norman Pedersen has been working for the past two years for Easter Seals, a non -profit agency, working with 4 year olds that have special needs and neurotypical children.
Births 1994 Diana (Penn) Francia and her husband Vinny announce the birth of their daughter, Adileen Noelle on December 19, 2007. She joins her big sister Eleeana at home in Clinton Corners, NY.
1996 Andre Loubier and his wife Susanne announce the birth of their daughter, Kara Marie, on Sept. 19, 2008. Kara joins big sister, Christa at home.
1997 Becki (Parkhurst) Lynn & husband, Stephen, welcomed a daughter, Abigail Kelley Anne Lynn, on March 20, 2008. She joins her brother Jake who will be two in November. SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS
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ALUMNI NOTES
Alumni Award Nominations Sought The MSMC Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award and the President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the College to be presented during Alumni Weekend, September 25th – 27th. The Distinguished Alumni Award has been given since 1976 to an alumna/us who has contributed to society through his/her work - professional and volunteer. Alumni must not have served on the Alumni Council or Alumni Association Board of Directors in the last five years to be eligible for the award. Will Grignon ’82, (2007) is a blind, senior litigation associate at the firm of Kirkland & Ellis, in their Los Angeles office. His practice consists mainly of large commercial litigation, but Will finds time to participate in pro bono activities. Will is a member of Kirkland’s firm-wide Diversity Committee and is a liaison with the Alliance for Children’s Rights guardianship program. In addition, he represents many parents through the adoption process. He is a member of the Disability Rights Law Center’s Young Professionals Board, a Commissioner on the American Bar Association Commission for Mental and Physical Disability and the Law, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Braille Institute of America.
Theresa Murray-Clasen ’82 (2006) volunteered as a member of the United States Peace Corps and was stationed in Republic of Palau in the South Pacific. Theresa also worked for the State of Vermont Department of Public Service where she created the state’s first “Electrical Energy Affordability Program.” The program was designed to protect economically disadvantaged Vermonters through deregulation. This plan was adopted by Vermont’s Governor, Howard Dean, and later the Department of Energy, under the Clinton Administration. The President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the College was established in 1983. The alumna/us demonstrates outstanding service to the Mount through alumni work and benefactions for the support of the College. All alumni, including those who served on the Council or are serving on the Board of Directors, are eligible for this award. Past President’s Award recipients include Frank Guglieri ’01 (2007) who has lent his time and talents in many ways to Mount Saint Mary College. While pursuing his undergraduate degree Frank served as president of the student body, was a member of the tennis team and participated in the Mount’s
Dr. Cotter, Will Grignon, Meghan Grignon and Lynne Ejercito ‘77
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alternative spring break. After graduation, while pursuing a master’s degree, he worked as a graduate assistant for Campus Ministry from 2003 to 2005. Frank volunteered his time for the Mount’s Outcomes Assessment Office by tutoring students. He also worked on small independent projects with various faculty and staff. As an alumnus Frank has volunteered his time for Admissions working on Open Houses and New Student Day. Sr. Frances Berski ’66 (2006) was posthumously awarded the President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the College. Sr. Frances began her teaching career at the Mount in 1972. During her 30 years at the Mount, Sr. Frances also served as Chair of the Division of Education and Coordinator of the graduate program in education. In 1984, she received the Mount Saint Mary College Faculty Award. Both award recipients must exemplify the standards, ideals and objectives of the College. Past nominees are asked to submit updated resumes. Please submit nominations by August 25, 2008 to: Office of Alumni Affairs, Mount Saint Mary College, 330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Frank Guglieri and Dad, Sr. Ann, Irene and Joe Nunnari
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MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE
ALUMNI NOTES
Alumni Weekend 2009 - September 25th – 27th Save the Date!
Joe & Tom Ferrigno with Sr. Catherine
Alumni take a cruise on the Hudson River
When was the last time you caught-up with Sr. Pat, Dr. Cotter, Sr. Leona, Dr. Schwartz or Mr. Beard? How long has it been since you have been back to the Mount? If you can’t remember or your answer is graduation, it has been too long! Come back and see how your alma mater has grown and remember what it is like to be apart of the Mount Community.
Alumni Weekend is a great opportunity to renew old friendships, catch-up with your former professors and reminisce about time spent at the Mount.
Anne Ruvolo, Dean Steinway and Frank Guglieri
Alumni Weekend is for all alumni from all classes. As is our custom, this year we will recognize the Classes of 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004.
For the latest information on Alumni Weekend please visit the Alumni Weekend section on the Alumni Affairs page of the Mount’s website at www.msmc.edu/alumni.
Dr. Paul Schwartz & Alumni
In Memoriam Frank Bushek, brother of Linda (Bushek) Remolino ’74, died on April 21, 2007.
Mary Kadera, mother of Mary Ann Kadera-Kilcka ’74, died on September 5, 2008.
Dianne (Shunk) Rimkus ’80, spouse of Peter Rimkus, died on September 22, 2008.
Joseph E. Cavanagh, father of Patricia Cavanagh ’74 and Colleen CavanaghBendernagel ’77, died in January, 2009.
Joseph Miller, father of Joan Miller’69 & Mary (Miller) Thalacker ’78, died on January 5, 2009.
Daniel Robinson ’90, brother of Janine McQueen, died on October 9, 2008.
Raetta Decker ’71, spouse of Harold Decker, died on August 8, 2008.
Jeannette Oberrieth ’86, spouse of Richard Oberrieth, died on June 25, 2008.
Thomas Festa, husband of Pasqua-Theresa Festa ’66, died two years ago on Nov. 8, 2006.
Hyman Sherman, father of Ken Sherman ’73, died on January 27, 2009. Georgia Stanaitis, mother of Lynn Stanaitis-Maschi ’87, died on February 27, 2008.
SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS
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MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE
SPRING 2009 HAPPENINGS
ALUMNI PROFILE
increase in the numbers of cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials. Since last year, Norwalk Hospital has been joined by Hartford Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute through Bridgeport Hospital and The Bendheim Cancer Center at Greenwich Hospital, all of which support this initiative on a local level, she said. This effort has also received the support of the Association of Community Cancer Centers, the Connecticut Partnership on Cancer Control, local chapters of the American Cancer Society and numerous cancer centers across the country. At Norwalk Hospital, Mrs. Versea, Jennifer Long, APRN and the other members of the cancer research team have had great success in making the most cutting-edge cancer clinical trials available to patients treated at the center, including Phase I, II and III research trials.
Efforts recognized by governor Linda Versea ’96, APRN, a nurse practitioner and Oncology Research Coordinator at the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, is passionate about helping cancer patients find new and better cancer treatments in clinical research trials. She is leading a state-wide effort in Connecticut called the “Clinical Trials Initiative”. Her efforts were recognized by Governor Jodi Rell who, for the second consecutive year, declared December as “Clinical Trials Initiative Month” in the State of Connecticut. “Clinical trials are essential for the FDA to approve a new cancer therapy,” Mrs. Versea explained. “Yet, despite the efforts of the National Cancer Institute and other leading organizations to raise awareness of clinical research, too few 26
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patients are offered clinical trials by their oncologists and too few patients participate in these studies across the country. I saw the need for cancer clinical research to have its own awareness month, like individual cancers have. This would provide the opportunity for every cancer center and oncologist to unite to promote something important to all of us. Still, I wanted it to be more than just awareness, so we came up with the concept of an initiative month,” she said. In an article Versea published in the journal Oncology Issues, she outlined the Clinical Trials Initiative and, encouraged each oncologist to offer at least one patient an opportunity to participate in a cancer clinical trial during the initiative month of December. The goal is to obtain a significant
Mrs. Versea is involved with several national cooperative groups overseen by the National Cancer Institute in conducting clinical trials and is also a member of the Society of Clinical Research Association, The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society. She holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Mount Saint Mary College and a master’s degree from Western Connecticut State University. She is the author of several research articles published in scientific journals and has been honored for her contributions to the profession of nursing. “We are deeply committed to contributing to advances in cancer research and improving the lives of our patients through clinical research,” said Mrs. Versea, who was just awarded a grant to create a formal research nurse network to improve cancer research and resources within the state.
VOLUME 31, No. 1
3/10/09 6:33:30 PM
THE MSMC ANNUAL FUND… ADVANCING THE MOUNT EXPERIENCE When you give to the Mount Saint Mary College Annual Fund, you help to advance educational opportunities for students like Caitlin, Michael, and Amy.
Caitlin Bish, ‘11 Poughkeepsie, NY Majoring in Social Work with a minor in Public Relations “From the minute I stepped onto the Mount campus, I knew it was the place for me. I was so sure that I didn’t even apply to any other schools! The determining factor was the Mount’s caring and encouraging faculty and staff, who showed a genuine interest in me as an individual.” Now, Caitlin is fully immersed in her Mount experience. The recipient of a Presidential Scholarship, Caitlin is one of the founders of a new campus club, Aging United, which connects students with the elderly in the community. She is a Resident Assistant and vice president of the Resident Livi Council. She has Living wo worked as a teaching ass assistant in the Mount’s Ge General Education Pr Program, and this year, wa elected Sophomore was Cl President. Class
Amy DeSouza ‘11 Poughkeepsie, NY Majoring in Nursing “I want to be a nurse. After comparing the nursing programs at a number of colleges, I decided that the Mount’s program suited me best. I love working with the patient simulators. The clinics are small, interactive and very hands on, which is a great way to gain the skills I will need to become a professional nurse.” The Mount’s nursing program is rigorous and demanding, but Amy is involved as a Resident Assistant. She is treasurer of the Fashion Club, which will be hosting a fashion show during spring break to raise money for Women for Women, an organization that helps women who are survivors of war rebuild their lives. She is also the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship. The MSMC Annual Fund is an important source of revenue that directly benefits all Mount students. Whether it’s funding for Presidential Scholarships, grants, equipment for nursing and science labs, cultural programs, library resources, athletics, or advanced technology - the MSMC Annual Fund enhances the educational experience for every Mount student.
“For me it’s the people that make this school - the faculty is caring and supportive. The close interaction with professors and the small class size make learning more personal.”
Michael Redmond ‘09 Stone Ridge, NY Majoring in Mathematics with a Certification in Adolescent Education and a minor in Psychology.
Michael loves baseball, but when he was trying to decide what college to attend, he almost decided to give it up to attend another school. Mount baseball coach, Matt Denbinsky ‘96, persuaded him not to. Now Michael is happy that he changed his mind. Michael has pitched for the Blue Knights for four years and was named team captain this year. Michael is the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship, a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the Math Honor Society, and works as an Admissions Ambassador.
Make your gift to the 2008-2009 MSMC Annual Fund online at www.msmc.edu/annualfund or call Valerie McCloskey ’04, director of annual giving, at 845-569-3355.
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Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID Newburgh, NY Permit No. 229
2010 Directory Helps Mount Saint Mary College Alumni Reconnect Alumni are scattered across the country, and even around the world. But no matter where their lives have led them, our alumni all share a common bond– and that’s the college where they started out. That’s why the Mount Saint Mary College Alumni Association is working on a new publication designed to help alumni reconnect with each other. This new alumni directory will include comprehensive biographical listings with contact information, career overviews, and family highlights for more than 12,000 of our graduates. Plus, a special section about Mount Saint Mary College will help you reminisce as you read about our past and learn what’s in store for the future.
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Harris Connect is the largest print directory publication company in America and has more than 40 years experience researching and publishing alumni and membership directories. Mount Saint Mary grads will be contacted – by phone, e-mail and mail – over the next few months to verify and update their contact and career information. We would appreciate your cooperation in updating your contact information. All updates are returned to Mount Saint Mary College so that our database remains current. Harris Connect is only collecting information for purposes of the directory. Your information will not be released to any third parties. You decide whether or not your personal
information is direci i published bli h d iin the h di tory-make your wishes clear to the representative with whom you speak. Please help us make sure this directory is full of the latest information about you and your fellow alumni. It is a great way to stay connected to the Mount Saint Mary College alumni community!
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