Mount Saint Mary College
magazine
Fall 2011
Students assist in migration study
Health professions | Technology in the classroom | The latest faculty books
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This autumn at the Mount, we welcomed some 455 freshmen and over 150 entering transfer students. Most hail from the Northeast, where we’re becoming known for our nationally accredited status and specialized programs. We also have a sprinkling of freshmen from the Midwest and West. Our alumni reside in all 50 states and half a dozen countries. Of a total enrollment exceeding 2,700 men and women, we have a growing residential population. It is “the dream” of many prospective students to attend Mount Saint Mary College. This year, we provided institutional scholarships to nearly 300 freshmen. I am also grateful that some Mount alumni and friends have established endowed scholarships. As with any endeavor in higher education, the study of college campuses should occur regularly; even by those of us who have lived on campus for decades. First and foremost, teaching and learning are the central functions at Mount Saint Mary College. Our purpose is to be a place where people share goals and work together to accomplish them. We offer preparation for many of the career fields students want to pursue. We have also been developing quality co-curricular programming. We celebrate the legacy of the Mount, and affirm changes such as “going greener” with a new pedestrian spine in the center of campus, and energy saving projects. We help some of our best and brightest students grapple with off-campus work schedules, sports, spiritual and service activities that call
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Dear alumni, students, parents and friends of Mount Saint Mary College,
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A letter from the President
INT MARY C SA
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine Volume 33, No. 3
them to become well-rounded masters of time management. It’s all part of our strategic plan, “Advancing a Legacy of Excellence, Leadership and Service.” Yet, even as we work to serve more students, the executive vice president of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, Susan Johnston, writes: “The current debates about the federal budget and the growing deficit include the future of federal financial aid for college students…the Pell Grant, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Perkins Loan, and Federal Work-Study programs…The answers will not be easy.” I ask that you follow the budget debates and become advocates for our students. The stakes are truly high. And I invite you to read more about our people, programs, news and events at our website, www.msmc.edu God bless. Sincerely,
Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM President
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
The Office of Community Relations prepares this magazine for alumni, students, parents and friends of the College. EDITOR Janet Gianopoulos ART DIRECTOR Dean DiMarzo CONTRIBUTORS Sheila Kimball Joan Gambeski Michelle Iacuessa ’94 Justin Satkowski PHOTOGRAPHY Spencer Ainsley Dean DiMarzo Lee Ferris Sheila Kimball Joan Gambeski COPYEDITING Sheila Kimball Jane Hanley CIRCULATION 8,000 ©2011 EMAIL magazine@msmc.edu MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-0800 ADMISSIONS 888-YES-MSMC (888-937-6762)
Contents
Eel count Mount students helped survey glass eel population
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On the cover Professor Suparna Bhalla’s team of Mount freshmen counted eels for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program.
Student journal | Pre-med preparation Health professions | Looking to the future News from the Mount | New courses, conferences and more New faculty | The Mount welcomes people from around the globe Technology in the classroom | It’s not just for geeks anymore Town supervisor | Mount alumnus manages emergencies Publishing professors | Books penned by Mount faculty Athletics | Golf tournament a success Summer camps | More than 200 happy campers Alumni profile | Christopher McCracken ’02 Alumni notes| The latest news from Mount graduates Saratoga meetup | Alumni went off to the races Planning is key | Protecting assets and helping others Top-ranked advisor | Mary M. Deatherage ’74 shares her knowledge Invitational golf tournament | Fundraising and fun
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Putting it all together STUDENT JOURNAL I like how “science, math, biology, chemistry and physics all come together.
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By Michael Del Rosso ‘12 Major: Chemistry | Minor: Biology and Mathematics Honors Program, Pre-Med
y guidance counselor in Washingtonville, N.Y., recommended the medical profession. I chose Mount Saint Mary College because it’s close to home. I knew the nursing program was good, and I figured the sciences should be good. I saw the labs, simulators, and I knew the Mount was getting a new president, Fr. Kevin Mackin. I saw positive change. My grades got higher and higher, and I decided to pursue medicine. The fact that I have very bad seasonal allergies, and a few other health problems, played a role; my doctors handled my problems very well. They were good people and good role models. Our pre-med advisor at Mount Saint Mary College is Dr. Suparna Bhalla. You take the required courses—organic chemistry, etc.—and then they try to help when you take your MCAT. I like how science, math, biology, chemistry and physics all come together. I think that’s the best part. In microbiology, you learn about bacteria and work with it, like streptococcus: you see it and know that’s what is in “strep throat.” With Dr. Moran, we’ve worked
with e coli. And one of the first things you learn is proper lab procedures, like sterilizing needles and washing down surfaces. Leadership is also encouraged in the pre-med program. I tutor with the Chemistry Honor Society. I’ve definitely built confidence, and a seminar course helped with public speaking. Another big emphasis is time management. I played soccer for three years, in addition to classes, study, labs, and work: putting it all together. I have some fields of medicine in mind. I shadowed a podiatrist one day and I’ll go back to see some foot surgery. Dermatology is another scenario where a doctor helped me out. I liked that feeling, and I’d like to pay that back. I’m also interested in radiology. There’s not much down time, but I make family time. My twin sister, Stefanie, is also a Mount student, studying math. In addition, I work as a toll collector on the thruway. At the toll booth, some people get panicked when they get lost. You just try to help. Also, you hear a lot of different accents. You learn to listen. It all helps.
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of Mount Saint Mary College freshmen pursue health professions. The most popular majors are nursing and biology (physical therapy focus, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, or general).
THE Health professions From the lab to the real world
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rancesco Criscuolo was always good in science. “To me, that was the only thing worth studying,” he observed. “There are new discoveries every day.” He decided to aim for medicine. “I started shadowing my family’s doctor. I said to myself, I want to know what he knows.” Now a Mount Saint Mary College senior with a double major in biology and chemistry, Criscuolo has appreciated the campus, the small classes, and the honors program, “giving me a chance to do more of what I like to do, in the lab as long as I want.” Medical schools recognize the importance of a strong foundation in the natural sciences. “The pre-med/ pre-professional curriculum at the Mount follows course requirements recommended by the American Association of Medical Colleges,” explained Suparna Bhalla, who chairs natural sciences at the Mount. It is also expected that Mount nursing and pre-professional students will be altruistic and make ethical decisions. There are many advantages to being a pre-medical or nursing student at the Mount, including supportive study groups, serving as peer tutors, leading community activities, and engaging in research. “The Mount’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience is an excellent opportunity to do research with a faculty mentor, and to present your findings,” said coordinator James Moran. Mount students have interned at sites including the Wadsworth Center
Nursing students gain superior training in the field and in the college’s Kaplan Family Mathematics, Science and Technology Center. Left to right above: Amy Schaefer, Patchogue, N.Y.; Fred Harries, Kingston, N.Y.; Christy Calderon, Maspeth, N.Y.; and Jessica Orozco, Maybrook, N.Y.
professor told “usThe to watch the egg and the sperm. I sat there for 45 minutes just looking. Science is my field.
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Francesco Criscuolo Biology/Chemistry major
state health laboratory at Albany; the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; and SUNY College of Optometry. The Mount offers collaboration with other institutions in physical therapy (leading to a doctorate in physical therapy from New York Medical College), and podiatry (leading
to a doctorate in podiatric medicine from New York College of Podiatric Medicine). Mount Saint Mary College graduates serve as nurses, medical doctors, veterinarians, podiatrists, optometrists, dentists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and more. Criscuolo’s advice to new students: “The teachers will help with anything. And the honors program gives you a lot more experience in the lab. Use it to its fullest. Think of what extra you can do.” www.msmc.edu
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News from the Mount Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, welcomes students.
Launched 2-Design Fundamentals, taught by Michael Garland, blends traditional art technique and digital software to teach students principles of two-dimensional design for the digital age. Mount Saint Mary College arranged a joint degree program with Fordham University in social work. Students completing this program receive a B.A. degree in human services from the Mount and an M.S.W. from Fordham. The Center for Student Success is designed to increase student achievement, drawing from practices that have demonstrated success and building on the resources of academic advising and developmental instruction. Thermodynamics and Newton’s laws of motion and light will be illustrated through food and cooking in a new course taught by Margaret Larrousse, assistant professor of mathematics, science and technology.
From left | Ashley Wittens, Dylan Dorrian and Rebecca Kenol use science to make foolproof holiday gravy.
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Christmas Vespers are held in the chapel of the Dominican Center.
Building purchase brings room to grow The Dominican Sisters of Hope sold their 13.1 acres on Powell Avenue to Mount Saint Mary College. The Sisters spent 128 years at the Mount and built their former convent, with its distinctive Chapel of the Holy Rosary, in 1927-28. “Our mission of education began here in Newburgh when four Sisters of Saint Dominic traveled from New York City in 1883 to establish Mount Saint Mary Academy,” recalls Sr. Lorelle Elcock, OP, prioress of the community, in Ossining. “Mount Saint Mary College
was later founded by the Sisters as a natural extension of its mission. In 1973, the Sisters formally separated the college from the congregation and subdivided the campus.” Preliminary master plans, while keeping the beloved chapel, include residential space for the growing college population, dining, and a stateof-the-art library/learning commons. Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, college president, said this is “a unique opportunity that will help us fulfill our strategic plan, design a better livinglearning environment, and add some parking and green space.”
College appoints administrators
Art Criss has been named vice president for enrollment management. Mary Hinton is the new vice president for planning and assessment. Alice Walters is Art Criss Mary Hinton Alice Walters associate dean for academic affairs. Other new administrators include Courtney McDermott, graduate recruiter; Caitlin Houlihan, assistant director of student activities; Kristy O’Brien, academic coach in the Center for Student Success; Dina Sedore ‘98, nurse practitioner; Stephen Sosler ‘99, men’s baseball coach; and technology staff Wisdom Atsunyo, Robert Monte, Michael Rojas and Johnna Touma.
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
Sara Baloga
The “Thomas Aquinas and Contemporary Philosophy” workshop.
World class conferences • Scholars from several countries converged recently for a workshop on “Thomas Aquinas and Contemporary Philosophy.” Charles Zola, Ph.D., director of the Mount’s Catholic and Dominican Institute, noted, “This workshop fostered collegiality among world class scholars committed to the Catholic and Dominican intellectual tradition, and also clearly demonstrated the commitment to quality of so many of our campus family.” • A lecture held October 5, sponsored by the Institute and the Mount’s Division of Natural Sciences, focused on contemporary cosmology and evolutionary biology and how they are used to deny the doctrine of creation. The invited speaker was William E. Carroll, Ph.D., the Thomas Aquinas Fellow in Theology and Science at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford, England. • Summer Undergraduate Research Experience students presented their findings September 21. Guest speaker George L. Wimberly, Ph.D., director of social justice and professional development at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), was invited to culminate the symposium with a talk promoting sound scientific research. • For more information about conferences, see www.msmc.edu
Artists on the Campus show drew 57 exhibitors Sara Baloga, a Mount Saint Mary College history/education student, won a first-place ribbon in the 36th annual Artists on the Campus Show, Hudson River Valley Scenes category, for “Winter on the Hudson.” Baloga’s parents exhibited the piece, as Sara was studying abroad in Florence, Italy at the time. The busy sophomore from Binghamton, N.Y., said she enjoyed learning about the Medici family and art history.
In memoriam
On August 16, 2011, Virginia Davidson, Ph.D., professor of English, was killed in an automobile accident at her home. Tears and remembrances flowed, despite a reminder at a memorial that Ginny was all about joy. Ginny began teaching courses in writing and literature at Mount Saint Mary College in 1986, became a full-time faculty member in 1991, and rose to the rank of full professor. A beloved teacher, valued colleague, and friend to many, she was committed to helping Mount students become better writers and better people. She derived great pleasure in seeing students progress from basic writers to successful communicators. Ginny Davidson contributed to the college in many ways during her long and distinguished career. The Mount has lost a dedicated, caring teacher who loved life and always saw the good in people. With the support of her family, Mount Saint Mary College is establishing the Virginia Davidson Memorial Scholarship. For more information, visit the college website at www.msmc.edu/advancement www.msmc.edu
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New faculty hail from
around the globe Arts and Letters
Langstedt
Eric Langstedt, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of communications. He has taught at the University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University. His research interests include the relationship between personality traits and media consumption, and advertising and public relations strategy.
Business
Xiao
Ying Xiao, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of finance/economics. Her research and teaching interests include empirical corporate finance, business statistics, and corporate governance. She has taught at the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Oklahoma.
Mathematics and Information Technology
Lazarevic
Bojan Lazarevic, Ph.D., assistant professor of information technology, taught at the University of Nebraska and the University of Belgrade-Serbia. He is the lead researcher for Web 2.0 Instruction: Teacher’s Competencies for the 21st Century Classroom, being conducted at universities in the U.S., Austria, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey and the Republic of Georgia.
Natural Sciences Wasacz
Jodie Wasacz, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of chemistry. She has taught at Manhattan College and the University of Northern Colorado. Among her presentations are structural characterization of phenyl-cored thiophene dendrimers for organic photovoltaics, and organic chemistry preconceptions.
Nursing Lashlee
Spear Owen
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Marilyn Lashlee ’01 and Nancy Spear Owen hold master’s degrees from Lehman College and Pace University, respectively. Lashlee, who earned a D.N.P. degree at Northeastern University, worked as a clinical nurse specialist in oncology at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and as an adjunct instructor at the Mount.
Social Sciences
Thuy Linh Nguyen, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of history. Her teaching experience includes the University of South Florida, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Foreign Studies in Vietnam. Her fields of interest are modern Southeast Asia, East Asian transnationalism and comparative European empires.
Technology across the curriculum High tech isn’t just for ‘geeks’ anymore
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o matter the major, the common denominator for today’s college student is across-thecurriculum use of technology. Tech advances such as smart classrooms, clickers, tablets, patient simulators, ecology simulation software, and digital editing equipment are some of the strategic investments that Mount Saint Mary College has made to ensure that students are preparing for their careers with cutting-edge technology. More than 50 Mount classrooms have projection, multi-media, multiple computer connections and software to enhance the learning environment. The first college in New York to offer campus-wide wireless, the Mount is continually upgrading to meet today’s tech needs, said Dakin Roy, instructional media coordinator. The college’s technology infrastructure includes a dynamic fiber optic-based campus-wide data, telephone, and
wireless network. Peter Witkowsky, associate professor of English and director of freshman writing, noted he and many colleagues no longer collect piles of student papers to grade. Last year, he collected all papers electronically. Students, who’ve grown up with computers, are on board with the system. “The practical benefit,” said Witkowsky, “is I’m chasing after papers far less. They all arrive electronically.” The college has renewed its subscription to Turnitin, a plagiarism detector used by teachers and students for academic integrity. Related tasks include an online function for professors to add comments to their students’ papers, choose from a list of common errors and explanations, and use templates for qualitative and quantitative rubrics that can be customized and attached to papers. Other useful features include grammar check and PeerMark, which
Students can access the college’s resources through computer labs across campus, including this one in Curtin Memorial Library. They can also use their own computers on the wireless network.
Clickers in the classroom are used for surveys, instant feedback on class materials, and for testing review.
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facilitates the distribution of papers among students anonymously. Witkowsky said 35 Mount instructors used Turnitin last academic year, with 5,166 reports generated. “I expect the numbers will be even higher this year,” he confirmed.
The Mount’s video studio and editing suite features state-of the-art, non-linear editing equipment.
Specialized software Labs in the Kaplan Family Mathematics, Science and Technology Center are equipped with LanSchool, allowing professors to monitor student work in real time, viewing what each student is doing, said Roy. Science classrooms have smart boards, laptops, digital microscopes, and spectrometers which allow Mount students—like career scientists—to detect and record data about gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet waves, infrared waves, microwaves and radio waves. Ecology simulation software helps students learn by designing and conducting their own virtual experiments and analyzing data, said Margaret Larrousse, assistant professor of mathematics, science and technology. Nursing students augment their external clinical experiences with training on computerized patient simulators in a state-of-the-art lab, said Andrea Ackermann, chair of the nursing program. The “Sims family” of nine can be
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Nursing students hone skills in the simulator laboratories. programmed to duplicate human conditions and responses for assessment and care, including voices, vital signs, pulses, even tears. Around 33 percent of Mount freshmen are aiming for healthcare
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall 2011
professions. Adults can earn nursing or business degrees through hybrid online programs, blending the best of classroom instruction with convenient online learning. About 22 percent of Mount freshmen plan to pursue certification as teachers. For future mathematics teachers, a TI-smart view with smart board projects a large graphing calculator that interacts just like a handheld graphing calculator would, said Lee Fothergill, associate professor of mathematics. The graphing calculator, required on New York State assessments at the adolescence education level, provides a career skill for use in actual classrooms. Business management software is a linchpin. Mount accounting professor Louis Fortunato, a certified public accountant, gives students a workout regarding tax preparation. Thanks to a gift from Carl and Mary Meyer, Mount Saint Mary College has created the new Meyer Business Research Center, which will achieve a number of objectives, including developing computing and database resources needed for students and faculty to conduct quantitative and empirical research. The social sciences also benefit from technology at the Mount. Click-
Science classrooms have smart boards, laptops, digital microscopes, and spectrometers Students conduct research and collect data in the Kaplan Family Mathematics, Science and Technology Center labs.
ers in class help professors check discreetly if students are understanding the lecture, or collect student opinion, determining which topics of interest to explore, said Amanda Maynard, associate professor of psychology. Maynard noted SPSS Statistics software lets students complete quantitative research, an experience that can make them highly marketable. In the psychology lab, students receive hands-on experience that a psychologist uses in practice. For example, inverted perception goggles measure or alter sensory processes. Computers provide for the collection and analysis of data and for laboratory performance tasks such as simulated driving conditions.
Technology even finds a place in philosophy and religious studies. Michael Fagge, assistant professor of religious studies, connects with numerous materials that bring a subject to life. “What really made an impact was whirling dervishes,” he said. “There’s only so much you can say to describe it, but a video of Sufi mystics shows the meditative dance.” He’s also used audio to study preaching styles. Fagge is excited that Google Earth shows churches around the world. “For example, in Ivory Coast, Africa, a cathedral that’s Italian design, Polish run, 10 feet taller than the Vatican, but in a really remote location.” Frame-based, student-directed learning is utilized by Ed Teall, profes-
sor of philosophy. Switching the usual order, Teall’s students do homework in class, and view lectures online outside of classroom time. The drag and drop feature of the online lecture allows immediate feedback on whether students are grasping concepts. Communication/media production boasts the new Knight Radio station featuring high tech equipment in the control room, studio and server room. The Mount’s rigorous and expanding media studies production program also features a video studio/editing suite with the latest non-linear editing equipment. And Curtin Memorial Library, the center of research and information services at Mount Saint Mary College, provides information resources and research tools in an environment with more than 60 computer workstations. Numerous electronic databases, such as Lexis-Nexis, Science Direct and the World Factbook, are available for Mount Saint Mary College student research as the college library moves into the 21st century.
Mount receives grant from TD Bank Charitable Foundation
The number of special education teachers is expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, Mount Saint Mary College will better meet this need by further developing its special education programs, part of the college’s nationally accredited teacher education curriculum. The grant provides for assistive technology equipment for use with special education students in public schools. Studies show that assistive technology in the classroom benefits students by enhancing learning and building life skills. From left | Reva Cowan, education chair; Fr. Kevin Mackin, OFM, president; Thomas S. Curcio, vice president, commercial lending, TD Bank; Dee Berlinghoff, education professor. www.msmc.edu
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From left | Paul Overton of Pine Bush, N.Y., Melissa Molyneux of Bayonne, N.J., and Kaeley Miller of Newburgh, N.Y.
Science students get their feet wet Mount Saint Mary College students benefit from a wealth of natural opportunities for study and service in the mid-Hudson Valley region. Students and faculty were recently the first to scientifically assess juvenile eel migrations on the Quassaick Creek. The toothpick size, nearly transparent glass eels are born in the Sargasso Sea north of Puerto Rico, and every spring arrive in tidal estuaries like the Hudson River near the college. They live in freshwater streams and lakes for up to 20 years before returning to the sea to spawn and die. Professor Suparna Bhalla’s team of Mount freshmen counted more than 200 young glass eels as part of their fieldwork service for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program. The students checked a cone-shaped “fyke net” designed to catch the slim eels, counted and released the eels, and also recorded environmental data on temperature and tides.
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Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall 2011
Clockwise from left | Measuring creek width; collecting eels; Professor Bhalla with students; measuring temperature; Chris Bowser, science education specialist from the Department of Environmental Conservation; checking samples.
www.msmc.edu
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Deerpark Town Supervisor Karl Brabenec ’01 describes his post as “the best job ever.”
At the eye of the storm
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hile he once thought of being a weatherman—a memory that surfaced recently during Hurricane Irene—Karl Brabenec ’01 decided he could make the biggest contribution by entering the political arena. When Irene hit, with the Neversink River flooding roads and power out, Deerpark N.Y. town supervisor Brabenec became chief of the Emergency Operations Center. “Under a state of emergency, the supervisor has total control and emergency powers over the town,” he explained. “I was responsible for critical decisions to operate the emergency management effort during and after the storm.” Constituents normally seek him out daily for a variety of issues, even if it’s not part of his job. “I love to help,” he
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said. Often coming in early or staying late—and he admits he’s slept in his office when necessary—he oversees a town of 8,500 at the rural intersection of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Brabenec, at 32 the youngest town supervisor in Orange County, describes his post as “heart and soul the best job ever.” Accomplishing things at an early age seems to be part of his style. He was given special permission at age 14 to join the Young Republicans of
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
Orange County, a group for 18 to 40 year olds. “I walked in wearing a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase,” said Brabenec, who quickly rose in the ranks, eventually holding a national office in the organization. While at Minisink Valley High School, Brabenec met gym teacher Ed Diana, who was running for reelection to the county legislature. They started a Young Republican group at the school. Brabenec later served as Diana’s staff assistant.
Brabenec chose Mount Saint Mary College because he loves Orange County and could easily commute. Plus, Stefan Neuhaus ‘96 highly recommended the Mount. Both majored in history/political science. “The political science program at the Mount provided top notch math, science, social science and history classes that helped me gain the knowledge necessary to properly run a municipality,” noted Brabenec. John Reilly served as his academic advisor, and Brabenec described Stanley Pycior as “one of the best.” His Mount career provided Brabenec with opportunities both on and off campus. Attending classes by day, he served as headquarters manager for the City of Newburgh Republican Committee at night. He spearheaded a successful campaign to get the City of Newburgh to repair pot holes. Brabenec used onthe-job experience with the city for his internship, and organized a concert featuring top entertainer Kenny Rogers as a fundraiser to maintain city parks. During senior year, Brabenec worked as executive director of the Downing Park Planning Committee, where he interfaced with Mount accounting professor Louis Fortunato. Brabenec subsequently earned a master of public administration degree from John Jay College at its West Point extension. He now serves as Deerpark’s chief fiscal and chief executive officer, maintaining a complete, accurate accounting of all money spent and received, and submitting reports to the state comptroller. He presides over town board meetings, having one vote as part of the five-member legislative body. One of his chief concerns is saving taxpayers’ money. He has cut costs and reduced the budget by switching insurance carriers. He has also been busy with repaving roadways and serving as police commissioner. He passes his expertise on to students at SUNY Orange County Community College, where he teaches part time. “I like to share from my experiences,” noted Brabenec.
picked up projects “Matthew and just ran with them ”
From left | Orange County Radiological Officer Casey Karsten and Mount student Matthew Bucco at the county’s Emergency Services Center in Goshen, N.Y.
Orange County internship inspires Mount student A 15-week internship at Orange County Department of Emergency Services, Division of Emergency Management, served as an inspiration for Matthew Bucco ‘12 to begin serving as a volunteer during incidents or emergency events. Bucco, a senior in business management, noted that his internship was anything but typical; he had the opportunity to interact with emergency professionals at all levels, including emergency managers, planners, dispatchers, police, fire, and medical personnel. These events led him to offer his services to the county when needed during emergencies. “Matthew picked up projects and just ran with them,” said Orange County Radiological Officer Casey Karsten. “He was a great help to us.”
Hurricane Irene had Bucco busy monitoring various weather stations and reports. He attended briefings and helped formulate Incident Action Plans which included communication procedures and organizational charts. Bucco checked each workstation at the center, verifying that computers, phone lines and radios worked. He also conducted research from past storms to see which municipalities suffered flooding and coordinated with geographic information systems to obtain missing maps of those areas. Bucco, who chose Mount Saint Mary College for its “excellent business program and small class size,” said that his internship gave him a good overview of emergency management protocols. www.msmc.edu
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New faculty books Frances Spielhagen The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform: Completing the Equation
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rances Spielhagen, associate professor of education, offers compelling evidence that algebra for all students “can be done” in her latest book The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform: Completing the Equation (June 2011, Teachers College Press, Columbia University). Spielhagen, a career educator with 30 years of experience as a middle school and high school teacher, noted that algebra is a civil right and that her book signals an alarm that “we dumb down math from the start. We don’t have to. Children are naturally curious. They can get it.” Her new book came to fruition at the Mount, where she joined the faculty in 2002 after earning a Ph.D. from Fordham University. Spielhagen studied access to advanced mathematics instruction during a postdoctoral research fellowship from the American Educational Research Association at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform: Completing the Equation is based on nine years of research that began in 2000 with underserved populations. It led to studies in the Chesterfield Public Schools in Chesterfield, Va., a district of more than 58,000 students. Spielhagen’s book chronicles the success of a large school district that changed the way mathematics was delivered. It changed policy from the ground up. The Algebra Solution proves that no child needs to be left behind, although math curriculum change is a multi-year process. The topic also translates over-
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seas; in August, Spielhagen traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, to present the findings in her current book. In addition to conference presentations, journal publications, and her current book, Spielhagen was the principal author and editor of the book Debating Single-Sex Education: Separate and Equal? (December 2007, Rowman & Littlefield, 144 pp.) She is also co-founder and co-director of the Mount Saint Mary College Center for Adolescent Research and Development.
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
How to order Visit: http://store.tcpress.com to order The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform: Completing the Equation (June 2011, Teachers College Press, Columbia University, 102 pp.)
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Hot off the presses and into the hands of teachers, nurses, students and policy-makers are two new books from Mount Saint Mary College education and nursing faculty.
Priscilla Sagar Transcultural Nursing Theory and Models: Application in Nursing Education, Practice and Administration
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rofessor of nursing Priscilla Sagar’s new book is the first to examine the application of transcultural nursing (TCN) theory in nursing education, practice and administration. Transcultural Nursing Theory and Models: Application in Nursing Education, Practice and Administration, (September 2011, Springer Publishing Company) is a comprehensive text for master’s and bachelor’s level nursing students. Sagar’s book features case studies, care plans, initial role-playing exercises, and implications of TCN concepts. Nursing theory and models used by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Faculty Toolkit in integrating TCN in nursing curricula—such as Leininger, Purnell, Campinha-Bacote, Giger and Davidhizar, and Spector—are included. As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, “clients need culturally congruent care that fits their values and life ways,” said Sagar, who has been teaching at the Mount since 1998. She previously taught at Mount Vernon (N.Y.) Hospital’s Dorothea Hopfer School of Nursing, where she earlier worked as a registered nurse. As coordinator of the Community Health Nursing program at Mount Saint Mary College, Sagar puts TCN into practice. Community health students comprise an active part of the more than 50 percent of Mount students involved in service. Working individually with supervision in departments of health, schools, nursing homes and hospices, they interact with cross-cultural populations. Sagar also teaches Human Diversity/
Transcultural Nursing and is developing another transcultural healthcare course as an elective for students in nursing, premed and other disciplines. Transcultural nursing is not new, said Sager, noting that Dr. Madeleine Leininger, whose work inspired her book, has spent almost 60 years spearheading the development of the current body of knowledge and practice. Sagar presented her research at the international Transcultural Nursing Society’s conference in Nevada in October, on “Applying Transcultural Nursing Theory and
How to order Visit: www.springerpub.com to order Transcultural Nursing Theory and Models: Application in Nursing Education, Practice and Administration, (September 2011, Springer Publishing Company, 192 pp.) Models in Nursing Education, Practice, and Administration: A Call to All Nurses.” www.msmc.edu
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Sports events 1
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Athletic Department Golf Tournament a success
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early 120 golfers competed in the third annual Mount Saint Mary College Athletic Department Golf Tournament on Friday, August 12, at the Casperkill Golf Club in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Excellent weather conditions prevailed as the tournament kicked off at 9:00 a.m. Lunch was served at the turn and a steak dinner followed the tournament, along with a raffle and an auction. Director of Athletics John Wright partnered with Rick Zolzer, Voice of
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the Hudson Valley Renegades and owner of Zolz Entertainment, to host the awards ceremony. Members of the men’s and women’s basketball 1,000-point club were recognized as the honored guests of the tournament. Only ten men and eleven women have reached the 1,000-point plateau in their time as basketball players at Mount Saint Mary College. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the athletic department and the 17 intercollegiate teams at the Mount.
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall 2011
1. From left to right, Chris Harrison, Tom Fuller, Craig Newton, Ken Lane, and Brendan Twomey were honored as members of the basketball 1,000-point club. 2. Harry Steinway (at right), vice president for student affairs, teamed up with Mike Lehmann, the newest graduate assistant for athletics. 3. Fred Callo, the head coach for men’s and women’s cross country and track and field, rolls in a putt.
Thirty-six campers attended the swim camp with head coaches Gene and Mary Damm.
Summer Camp wrap-up The Mount Saint Mary College athletic department wrapped up another successful year of summer camps. The Knights kicked off the summer with week-long soccer and volleyball camps, followed by two weeks of basketball camp, and finished with a week-long swim camp. The women’s lacrosse team also hosted a one-day clinic.
Campers were trained by the college coaching staffs and current student-athletes. More than 200 children attended the camp sessions.
Men’s basketball head coach Ryan Kadlubowski presents a jersey during the camp’s awards ceremony.
The Knights hit YouTube The Mount Saint Mary College athletic department is pleased to announce the launch of a Knights Athletics YouTube channel, as well as the relaunch of our Athletics Facebook page. Be sure to follow both sites for news about your favorite Mount teams. Access the YouTube channel through a link at the right-hand side of the athletics website, msmcknights.com
Our aspiring show, titled Mount Minutes, will feature player and coach interviews, game highlights and updates throughout the season. Also be sure to like our page on Facebook. You can also access the page through the link at the right-hand side of the website. www.msmc.edu
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Mount Alumni Education at the Mount an invaluable tool ALUMNI PROFILE Christopher McCracken ’02
C
hristopher McCracken participated in a co-op his senior year at Mount Saint Mary College with Atech Center, a sister company of Advance Testing Company, Inc. Atech tests construction materials to ensure they meet project specifications. McCracken was interested in a technology-related co-op. Atech was looking for help in developing training programs. Upon graduation, McCracken was offered a full-time position, working on the development of training programs. He also got involved with Advance Testing’s marketing and information technology departments. “My education at the Mount was an invaluable tool because of the variety of courses I took,” said McCracken. “Skills such as writing, communication, critical thinking and technological ability were part of my undergraduate curriculum. They helped me to succeed in a variety of different positions within the company.” When asked who had the greatest influence on him as a student at the Mount, McCracken couldn’t “pinpoint a single person as my greatest influence at the Mount, because the Mount community as a whole allowed me to grow. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful professors that helped me to expand my horizons. Also, having the chance to gain so many new lifelong friendships with students from all types of backgrounds was an unexpected and welcome outcome.” McCracken credits his father as being one of his key role models. “One of the most important mentors in my life and my career has been my father. Throughout my childhood, my adolescence, and into adulthood, my father
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always pushed me to keep trying to do better in everything. He taught me the value of doing good work and exceeding expectations by working harder and smarter than your competition.” “James Smith, Jr., the president and owner of Advance Testing, has been a mentor to me as I’ve grown professionally,” added McCracken. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn about running a business successfully while taking care of your employees and the surrounding community at the same time.” Today, McCracken serves as Advance Testing’s director of business development. “I manage the department responsible for researching, tracking and following construction projects from their planning stage,” he said. “Our role is to determine whom the project participants are and to communicate our interest in the project and our firm’s qualifications.” One of the major projects Advance Testing is working on is the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. “One of our assignments over the past several years has been the testing and inspection of many of the World Trade Center properties, including One World Trade Center (previously known as the Freedom Tower), the 9/11 Memorial, and several surrounding structures. We have been fortunate to
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
have several of our employees provide services such as project administration, document control, inspection and testing of materials, and a variety of laboratory services.” Did working on the project change his perspective on the future? McCracken replied, “The reconstruction of the World Trade Center has given Americans, and New Yorkers in particular, a sense of hope that we can come back even from the worst of days.” “Advance Testing is a growing company, and over the next several years, I see myself working with the company to expand our presence across the East Coast,” said McCracken, adding that he enjoys his job very much. “As we’ve grown,” he continued, “it’s been a pleasure to meet new employees and pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gained with the company.” McCracken’s advice to current Mount students: “get to know your professors, the faculty and your peers equally. The more people that you develop friendships and relationships with, the wider your professional network will be upon graduation. Take advantage of the co-ops as they are, at minimum, a way to gain valuable professional experience before graduation, and in some cases, the beginning of a successful career with a company.”
Alumni Notes 1965
Joan Macey is retired from a fulfilling career in marketing and sales. She credits her education at Mount Saint Mary College for her success. Joan looks forward to receiving news about her alma mater.
1966
Kathy (Gardella) Garth reports “With a bittersweet feeling, I retired from teaching in 2007. I often thought of how much I owe the Mount for helping to make my dream to teach come true. My husband Lance and I have just celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary, have two wonderful sons and two fantastic daughters-in-law who have given us to date four grandchildren. They live in Dartmouth, so we are fortunate to see them grow up happy and healthy.
Marriages
What a gift! I am fortunate to still have my mom who will turn 97 in December, and is quite healthy for her age. Regards to all in the Class of ‘66.” Patricia Murray’s husband, Alan Lacy, has retired from teaching German at Marquette University. They have put their house on the market and plan to move near Charleston, S.C.
1967
Bobbi (Lancaster) Allen – “By now you have probably heard that Janet Kelly Kerrs ’67 passed away in July of cancer. She died three weeks after the diagnosis with dignity, faith, her sense of humor, and with her loving family by her side. Janet and I have been friends and confidants for almost 60 years. We shared special occasions,
Capecci - Rosen
1977 | Cheryl Iadarola married Paul M. Mynahan on December 26, 2010 with family in attendance. As they celebrated, a blizzard raged outside! 1988 | Sabrina Capecci married Michael Rosen on May 22, 2011. Donna (Wehrberger) Laudicina ’88 was a bridesmaid and guests included Lisa (Turk) Kappes ’88 and Cheryl (Hughes) Jaeb ’89. Kathleen Niezelski married Richard Clark in 2007. 1997 | Angela Brust and Tunde Balogun were married on May 22, 2011 in Latham,
N.Y. The nondenominational ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Nigel Pearce of Grace Congregational Church of Harlem, N.Y. and featured traditional Yoruba blessings. The couple resides in Green Island, N.Y. Angela is the educational coordinator for a YouthBuild program in Troy, N.Y. 2002 | Ursula Tort married Kevin Callahan on June 4, 2011 at Saint Mark’s Church in Sea Girt, N.J. A reception fol-
families, the Mount experience, and our daily lives. She was an amazing friend, mother, and woman of faith—a true joy to have gone through life with. Janet loved her time at the Mount—from her classmates and faculty, to her first roommate, Bunny Smith Stewart. May you all have happy memories of Janet; I sure do.”
1969
Geralyn (Long) Peterkin and her husband Roger continue to go to Italy each year as they love the people, the atmosphere, and the food! Geralyn is active in the Woods Hole Theatre and she is currently acting in the cast of Blithe Spirit. She also continues to teach an adult class once a year in Shakespeare. “This year the class voted to do an unusual
lowed at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, N..J. In attendance were Mount alumnae Annie (Ruvolo) Warchol ’02, Mary Benson ’03, Jennifer David ’02, Jacqueline (Nipitella) Abrew ’02 and Kimberly (Callen) Kedzielawa ’02. The couple lives in Red Bank, N.J. 2004 | Audra Woodruff married Courtney Smith in Mayersville, Ky., on September 10, 2011. Fr. Mark Connell officiated. Audra and her husband met in Los Angeles and they both work in television production in New York for the Food Network. Audra is a producer and Courtney is an editor for the new Rachel Ray
play, Troilus and Cressida! “
1974
Agnes Poillucci has retired after 33 years of teaching middle-school students at Bishop Dunn and Rombout School in Beacon. All Agnes can say is “retirement is awesome!” Mary Ann (Kadera) Klicka was awarded the Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators (PADE) Professional Development Scholarship of $1,500 in April. Mary Ann, who is nationally certified as a developmental education specialist, used this scholarship to attend the Advanced Kellogg Institute at Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C.
1975
Virginia “Ginny” Baresch has
vs. Guy Fieri Celebrity CookOff, due in January. 2005 | LeAnne Renaud married John Labeck Jr. in Bermuda on April 11, 2011. 2006 | Patricia Huggler married Frank Hitchcock III on July 7, 2007. They have a set of twins, Laina and Wyatt, born on October 28, 2008. Patricia and Frank recently welcomed their third child, Aubrie Faith, on June 21, 2011. Jennifer Velez married Jeffrey Rudloff on November 12, 2011 in Marietta, Ga. The happy couple resides in Atlanta, Ga.
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Mount Alumni Births 1992 | Buffy (Riordan) Horan and her husband happily announce the birth of their son Michael Dennis Horan on September 28, 2007, and daughter Sophia Ophelia Horan on December 14, 2009. 1996 | Sean Hollywood and his wife, Nicole, welcomed their first child, Annabelle Ruth, on July 9, 2011. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long. Katherine (Ballas) Warner and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed a baby girl on May 6, 2011: Natalie Ann Warner. Natalie joins big brother Cole Patrick. Katherine is currently working at L’Oreal USA. Andre P. Loubier and his wife, Susanne, welcomed their third child, Daniel Michael, who was born on April 19, 2011. Daniel joins big sisters Christa (4) and Kara (2).
been living in Kigali, Rwanda since May 2010 as the deputy director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program. “We have approximately 40 staff, most from Rwanda and other African countries. The major focus of our work is HIV/AIDS. We work inside the U.S. Embassy and I am enjoying learning about and working with foreign service professionals. I have been lucky to have visited Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa since I have been here. One of my favorite things to do is to go on safari to watch the wildlife. I am super excited that my two daughters - Eliza-
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daughters – Toni (7) and Kate (5) welcomed twin brothers Jack Stephen and Joseph Anthony on November 14, 2010.
Hollywood family 1997| Shannon (Troy) Ervin and her husband James are proud to announce the arrival of their third daughter Rhema Carys. She was born on August 15, 2011, in Boeblingen, Germany weighing in at 9 lbs. 13 oz. and was 20 ½ inches long. She joins big sisters Ryleigh (4) and Rhiannon (16 ½ months). The Ervin family is stationed at Patch Barrack, Germany. Thomas Fuller and his wife Carla celebrate the birth of their son Elijah Thomas Fuller born on July 2, 2011. Elijah weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 ¼ inches long. Cristy (Martin) Meyer, husband Joseph and
beth and her husband Trey, and Alexandra are coming to visit soon. I was sad to miss my 35year reunion last year with my classmates and hope to be in the U.S. for the 40th.”
1976
Anna (Gadler) Pratt earned a certificate in virtual worlds from the University of Washington, Class of 2011.
1977
Patrice Fogarty would like to know where her classmates from CC14 are and would like to get together in Newburgh. Nancy, Cheryl, Linda, Terri, Lori, Rosie, Karen, Nancy, Debbie,
Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
1998 | Caroline CamayaKruszewski and her husband Peter Kruszewski ’97 welcomed a baby girl on July 5, 2011. Amanda Caroline was born at 2:29 a.m. weighing 8 lbs. and 2 oz. and measuring 20 ¼ inches. She joins big brother Devin Piotr (2). Caroline teaches kindergarten in Natick, Mass. and Peter works as a technical engineer at EMC in Hopkinton, Mass. 2003 | Christine (Buckman) Carrolla and husband Peter, welcomed daughter Sarah Elise Carrolla on May 20, 2011. Sarah joins big sister, Kate (3).
a baby boy, Macklin James, born on March 23, 2011 weighing 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches. 2005 | Maynard Schmidt and Amanda (Gilleo) Schmidt welcomed a baby boy, Cooper James, on December 29, 2010. He joins big brother Nicholas (5). The family lives in New Windsor. 2006 | Christina (Papale) Ramiza and her husband Evan Papale welcomed daughter Margaret Ann on July 14, 2011. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. Big sisters Victoria and Sophia are thrilled! 2007 | Meghan (Longo) Earley and her husband David welcomed their first child, Lilly Anastasia, in September 2010.
2004 | Adreena (Cuenin) Neugebauer and her husband Robert welcome
Maggie, Brenda, Hartnet and Jean-where are you? Lou Pietrogallo recently retired from the Wallkill Central School District after 25 years of service. He served three years as an assistant principal at Wallkill High School, three years at John G. Borden Middle School, and most recently as principal of Plattekill Elementary School for the past 19 years. He has returned to Mount Saint Mary College as an adjunct professor and looks forward to teaching at the college that prepared him for his career.
1978
Lorelei (Linger) Pitt is happy to announce that her daughter, Meghan Kelley, married Michael Lofstedt on August 18 in New York City. Lorelei’s daughter, Stephanie Pugh, is a recent graduate of Mercyhurst College in Erie, Penn., and is employed by the Department of the Treasury in Virginia. Lorelei’s daughter Lindsey Pugh, is studying to be a classical ballet dancer.
1980
Hilary (Hallas) Mitchell completed her M.B.A. at Quinnipiac University in July 2011. She is the director of employee health
absences at Pitney Bowes Inc. Hilary and her husband Paul live in Wilton, Ct. Their son Alex, is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan. Doris Hettinger-Mackey reports that the Mackey family is preparing for the 2011-2012 school year. Charles and Julia are now in the 11th grade, looking at various careers and colleges. The Mackey family wishes all a season of good wishes and good health. Sharon (Di Genio) Wulftange is working in the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Ct.
1981
Deborah Pariser has been married to Dr. Barry Pariser for over 51 years. They have three wonderful children and six even more wonderful grandchildren. Their oldest grandchild is engaged to be married. Deborah worked as an allergy technician for over 10 years and has since retired. Deborah has been very involved in the Jewish Family Services of Orange County, where she is currently vice president. Roberta (Ross) Gozza’s daughter Courtney was married on April 30, 2011, to Michael Amodie in Richmond, Va.
1983
Kerry (Lovelock) Bazany recently obtained an ABAapproved paralegal certificate and was hired at a family law practice near Chicago. After teaching for over 20 years and suffering two consecutive layoffs, Kerry decided to enter the legal profession and is certainly happy that she did! Kerry is also a contributing writer to a
local law review. Kerry’s oldest is now a senior in college, and life is beginning all over for her! Melody Eldred, professor and chair of the department of mathematics at SUNY Cobleskill, presiding officer of the faculty for two years, will be on sabbatical from January to August of 2012. Melody will be researching the relationship between the high school math courses students take and their success in a college elementary statistics course. She will also be taking courses in enrollment management at Capella University. Melody’s daughter, Vanessa Jamin Eldred, married Nathan Robert Banks on July 9, 2011. Vanessa is a Ph.D. candidate studying marriage and family counseling with a specialization in pre- and paranatal clinical psychology. Donna (Withrow) Lisewski graduated from the University of Hartford with a master’s in nursing in May 2011.
1985
Michael Caligiuri completed his second master’s degree in education, specializing in school library science. Michael is working as a school librarian in a K-8 public school. Lynette (Scianna) Debellis is now the curriculum chairperson for the department of nursing at Westchester Community College. Lynette is very happy to share the news that her daughter Julianna attends the Mount as a member of the Class of 2015.
1989
Peggy Ann CaraballoMcCarthy earned her M.P.H. from Lehman College and the
In Memoriam John S. Burzenski, father of Kathleen (Burzenski) Sendewicz ’74, passed away on March 24, 2011. Andrew Callahan, father of Patricia (Callahan) Brier ‘72, passed away on March 26, 2011. Marian Cooper Hannan H ’95, honorary doctor of humane letters recipient from Mount Saint Mary College, passed away on July 26, 2011. Richard Cupertino, father of Barbara (Cupertino) Baxter ’70, passed away on February 21, 2011. Dr. Virginia Davidson, beloved wife of Jim Davidson, mother of Michael and Meg, and professor of English at Mount Saint Mary College, passed away on August 16, 2011. Janet (Kelly) Kerr ’67, spouse of Bill Kerr, friend of Bobbi (Lancaster) Allen ’67 and godmother to Dan Allen ’94, passed away on July 17, 2011.
Clementine (Deloise) McIntosh ’73, passed away on April 11, 2011. Robert Niezelski, father of Kathleen (Niezelski) Clark ’88, passed away on July 15, 2011 Agnes Perry, mother of Mary Perry ‘78, passed away on December 25, 2010. Gregory J. Polvere, father of Joseph G. Polvere ‘01, passed away on June 28, 2011. Amolia “Mollie” Puleo, mother of Marie (Puleo) Lown ’78, passed away on July 21, 2011. Harry Raynor, husband of Cathy Gohring-Raynor ’83, passed away on May 28, 2011. Linda Seibert ’73 passed away on May 1, 2011. Christopher Zoeller, brother of Melissa “Missy” (Zoeller) Stender ’99 and Bravin Zoeller, her nephew, passed away on May 29, 2011.
Joshua Knieser ‘96 passed away on July 13, 2011.
CUNY School of Public Health in June and is working as a project associate at Montefiore CMO Network Care Management.
1991
Julie (Philips) Kaiser is the proud mother of four children, Jacqueline (15), Kenny (13), Timmy (10) and Henry (6). Julie
works part-time at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center in Syracuse, N.Y. Julie and her husband Ken ’93 have gone on several mission trips to Ghana, West Africa with their church, and they are planning additional trips.
1992
Kate Blain has been appointed www.msmc.edu
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Mount Alumni editor of the Evangelist, the diocesan newspaper in Albany, N.Y. Diane (Anderson) Boyle is living in northern New Jersey and has been married 11 years to her husband Kevin, a Jersey boy. They have two children, Shane (9) and Eileen (4). Diane is a high school guidance counselor and enjoys being a working mom. Diane is looking forward to the Class of 1992’s reunion in the fall of 2012! Ira Hancock is an educational therapist with private clients and an educational consultant for Aspen Country Day School in Aspen, Colo. Ira is always willing to speak with classmates or develop new acquaintances. Feel free to email him at irahancock@ hotmail.com. “Remember to reach for the moon because even if you miss you will be among the stars!”
1993
Stacey (Demirjean) Finn is living in Wesley Chapel, Fla. with her husband Tyler and daughters Taryn, Karlye and Loryn and son, Brody. Stacey is working as an RN in labor and delivery. She stays busy working full time, and the rest of her time is consumed with softball and soccer with her girls and hopefully soon with baseball and football with their son. Tricia (Pelletier) Belfonti and her husband Arnie have opened Castle Dreams Travel,
an agency specializing in Disney Travel. There is no fee for their services. Visit www. CastleDreamsTravel.com.
1996
Margaret “Meg” Dillon is teaching sixth, seventh and eighth grade students English and social studies in Everglades City, Fla. Meg’s daughter Casey and son Jay are both in college. Her husband Tom has been enjoying the slower pace of Naples these past 14 years and working parttime at St. William’s Church after his career at IBM. Wishing the master’s in education Class of ’96 health, faith and happiness. Christen (Lombardo) Baumbach, after 11 years of teaching high school special education at OFA in Owego, N.Y., now teaches at the collegiate level as an instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) in Dryden, N.Y. She was inspired to move on, in part, after going through the National Board Certification process and is looking ahead to having a positive impact on the lives of college students.
1998
Franz Constancio will be celebrating his 3rd anniversary with New York Life Insurance Company. Franz actively volunteers with many business organizations such as Business Networking International. Franz was the 2010-2011 president
for the local Newburgh chapter. Please contact Franz at fdconstancio@ft.nyl.com. Franz and his college sweetheart Nicole (Hacker) Constancio ’00 will be celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary this October. They also have a wonderful son, Markus, who turned four in July. Jamie Weingartner was married on December 29, 2007, and lives in Wethersfield, Ct. with his wife Kate and son Jake (2), born on April 14, 2009. Jamie works for OptumInsight, formerly Ingenix, as a software business analyst.
1999
Amy (Ackerman) McDonald graduated in May from SUNY New Paltz with a certificate of advanced study in school administration.
2000
Amy Peluso was named the principal of Scotchtown Avenue School (K-2) in the Goshen Central School District in Goshen, N.Y. Amy previously served as the assistant principal at Minisink Valley Intermediate School. Melissa (Valcarcel) Serrano and her husband Jamie have been happily married for six years and have a two beautiful little boys Jamie (2) and Jayden (1). Melissa is a producer at News 12 The Bronx, where she works on daily newscasts and produces special segments.
2001
Share your news! Alumni Notes are a wonderful way of letting your classmates know about your personal and professional achievements. Just visit the website at www.msmc.edu/notes
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Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
Jessica (Betancourt) Lorenzo is happy to announce that she has three wonderful children, two sons, Danny Jr. (8) and Jaydan (6), and a daughter, Isabella (3). Jessica has a wonderful husband, Danny, and is currently working in the health insurance field.
2003
Brett Arteta achieved his professional engineering license in New York State in January 2008. Brett was promoted to director of meter services at Central Hudson Gas & Electric in June 2011. Wendy (Collett) Civitello and her husband Jerod celebrated their second wedding anniversary on July 11. They bought their first home in 2009 and so far their family consists of two dogs, Isabell and Bluto, and their parrot Lucy. Mark Kelly is an associate marketing manager at Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, Wyndham World Wide. Mark married Cynthia (Anselmo) Kelly ’04 in June, 2010. Gina Scarimbolo has been teaching for Bartow County School system in Georgia for the past six years. Gina is teaching kindergarten, but has also taught first and second grade. She received her master’s degree from Kennesaw State University last year. Nicholas Shannon was promoted to manager of special events at the Saint Francis Health Care Foundation in December of 2010. He just “celebrated” his 10th anniversary at St. Francis Hospital.
2004
Jonathan Levine obtained a master’s in business administration in 2010 . He is employed by a government contractor in Albany, N.Y.
2005
Larry Vollmer manages the Internet division of a magazine and web publisher, Wainscot Media, after spending several years as
Inaugural alumni gathering at
Saratoga Race Course
A
lumni and friends gathered on opening day at Saratoga Race Course for a fun-filled day at the races, July 23. During brunch at the Inn at Saratoga, Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, Mount president, spoke about the future of the college. Former jockey, Richard Migliore, shared about the sport of horse racing
a senior web developer at The Journal News. Larry also provides freelance web development services for small businesses across the country.
2006
Yvonne (Law) Bartolo is happily married to her best friend and love of her life, Adam. They have an amazing son, Lucas, and a silly dog named Doug. The couple resides in Gilbert, Ariz. Yvonne is working at Athlos Traditional Academy – A Legacy Traditional School. This will be Yvonne’s first year in this district. Heather Lodini was named assistant director of social media for the Hartford Financial Services Group.
2008
Christina Buechel was recently hired at Integrated Enterprise Solutions in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. as a systems engineer. Christina is responsible for level one help desk support, which includes assisting users on site and remotely. Christina has been able to use the knowledge that she gained at the Mount and apply it to real-life scenarios in the world of business. Katelyn Biggane Moore welcomed her husband, Matthew, home in June after his year-long deployment to Afghanistan. Katelyn recently accepted a position as a high school Spanish teacher in Fort Hood, Texas.
Anthony Curti has successfully completed his law school studies and received his juris doctor degree from Pace University School of Law in White Plains, N.Y.
2010
Kristin Jordhamo has completed the Yale New Haven Hospital residency program for new graduate nurses. She concentrated in the medical intensive care unit. She is working on a master’s of science in nursing/family nurse practitioner program at the Mount. She works as an intensive care nurse in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
2011
Dana Conroy is currently working at Davis Vision in Latham, N.Y. as a customer service represen-
tative. Dana will begin her graduate studies at the University of Albany for library and information technology in the fall.
Honorary Degree Recipient James Taylor H’11, CEO of Taylor Biomass Energy, became the first member of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce to become certified as sustainable under guidelines of the chamber, SUNY Orange and Greenopia, a company that publishes lists of eco-friendly retailers.
Stay connected! “Like” us on Facebook at www.msmc.edu/facebook
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Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL 2011
One of Barron’s top-ranked financial professionals advises students
Mary M. Deatherage ’74, managing director and family wealth director of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, enjoys role as mentor
M
ary Moran Deatherage, named #10 in Barron’s 2010 “Top Ranked Women Advisors in America” poll and the #8 wealth advisor in New Jersey that same year, uses her personal experiences from Mount Saint Mary College in her everyday business dealings. “One of the greatest influences in my life was Dr. Margaret Dames, professor of French, who worked with me to develop a plan to reach my goals,” said Deatherage. “She encouraged me to push beyond what I thought was possible – even if that meant performing Godspell in French!” Deatherage’s original plan was to become an educator. “Women did not have as many choices then as now, so many opted to be either teachers or nurses,” she said. “After spending some years in the classroom, I thought that perhaps there was another career I would enjoy and subsequently went on to earn my CPA. While I enjoyed solving business problems, I missed the many degrees of interaction with people that is inherent in teaching. Helping people reach their personal and financial goals has been a simultaneously challenging yet thoroughly satisfying career for me,” said Deatherage. She leads a team responsible for more than $1.4 billion in assets, specializing in overall strategic, financial, and estate planning, asset allocation, manager selection and liaison, and tax strategies.
Helping students experience new dimensions in their fields This summer, Deatherage hired Nure Useinoski ’12 as an intern for her Little Falls, N.J. office. Useinoski is enrolled in the Mount’s 5-year master
Mary Deatherage, left and Nure Useinoski ’12
of business administration program and will earn his graduate degree in May, 2013. “Mary is a passionate, caring, and a devoted leader,” Useinoski said. “My internship provided insightful value to my academic progress, which I will hold onto forever.” A firm believer in the value of internships and in having tangible goals for students, Deatherage helps interns to develop the skills needed to succeed in a competitive business environment. “I was delighted to have the opportunity to offer a position to a Mount student. An accounting major, Nure has been a terrific asset to my team here at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney by assisting with evaluating portfolios and triaging files, among other projects,” said Deatherage. “Plus, his can-do attitude and excellent work ethic is commendable and reflects on him personally and the preparation he received at the Mount.” “The low faculty-to-student ratio was important to me during my years
there, as I knew I was appreciated as a unique person,” Deatherage continued. “I am pleased to know that this personal attention and the opportunity to expand one’s horizons continue to be a hallmark of a Mount education.” Deatherage’s classmates celebrated the 1974 commencement ceremonies without her, as she was at West Point that day getting married to her high school sweetheart William Deatherage, a United States Military Academy graduate. “I have always appreciated the importance and value of cultivating relationships in all aspects of life. My experiences at the Mount were formative, and I will always be grateful,” Deatherage said.
Learn how you can support the Mount Visit www.msmc.edu/giving or contact the College Advancement Office at 845-569-3215.
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Mount Saint Mary College 330 Powell Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEWBURGH NY PERMIT NO. 229
Mount Saint Mary College Invitational Golf Tournament
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record amount of more than $100,000 was raised during the 33rd Annual Mount Saint Mary College Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday, June 6. The funds will help to keep the cost of a Mount education affordable to young people of all backgrounds. Some 160 golfers took to the links for the event at the Powelton Club in Newburgh, NY. Honoree James Smith, Jr., former Mount Saint Mary College trustee, is founder and CEO of Advanced Test-
ing Company in Campbell Hall, N.Y. His firm provides both field inspection and laboratory analysis of construction materials for commercial, private and public organizations. David S. MacFarland, president and CEO of Riverside Bank, was also honored for his 33 years of service on the Mount Saint Mary College golf committee. The Mount Saint Mary College Invitational Golf and Tennis Tournament will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012. For information, call 845-569-3215.
ABOVE: Scenes from the 33rd Annual Mount Saint Mary College Invitational Golf Tournament.