Mount Saint Mary College Magazine Fall/Winter 2013 by Mount Saint Mary College

Mount Saint Mary College

magazine Newburgh, New York

Fall/Winter 2013

A blessed season of lessons and carols

MOU NT

As we celebrate the Christmas holidays, I realize a deep sense of gratitude for all the gifts and graces I have experienced. Foremost are my many experiences supporting our students, in the classroom and at a growing number of co-curricular, recreational and ministerial activities. I pray that our students continue to develop skills of mind and habits of heart. We are culminating Mount Saint Mary College’s first Strategic Plan. We have hired faculty and are improving organizational practices. We’ve established new strategic programs including the Catholic and Dominican Institute, with faculty and staff on its advisory board and collaborating with various divisions of the college. We are carefully developing current and new academic programs. Based on student demand, the college has also invested in its athletics fields and facilities. And a successful capital campaign is transforming our Dominican Center property. On the cover of this issue of Mount Saint Mary College Magazine, you see the beautiful, historic Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary. With the Dominican Center, we have a unique opportunity to increase our residential population and actively engage in living and learning communities. Equally important is that we further embrace our identity; the cornerstone is our core curriculum, currently being explored. Each area on campus has priorities, including admissions, finance and advancement/alumni relations. Yes, I am grateful for all of the

DO CE ME

IVER EM TAT

. B U R G H, N

Dear alumni, students, parents and friends of Mount Saint Mary College,

E LEG OL

A letter from the President

INT MARY C SA

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine Volume 35, No. 3

work we do for our students. But we’re not just workers or students. As with the person for whom Mount Saint Mary College is named, we are also called to pray and to be alive in service with the community. Our ongoing services with the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Newburgh Ministry, and many other community connections are a testament as research venues, as service-learning opportunities, and as growing branches for the entire Mount family to be involved. Read more about our people, programs, news and events in this magazine and on our website, www.msmc.edu I wish the Mount Saint Mary College community a Merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year. God bless,

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM President

The Office of Community Relations prepares this magazine for alumni, students, parents and friends of the College. EDITOR Janet Gianopoulos ART DIRECTOR Dean DiMarzo MBA ’13 CONTRIBUTORS Matt Frey ’05 MSE ’10 Joan Gambeski Michelle Iacuessa ’94 David Spiegel PRODUCTION DESIGNER Sten Miller Perkins PHOTOGRAPHY Lee Ferris Matt Frey ’05 MSE ’10 Joan Gambeski COPYEDITING Matt Frey ’05 MSE ’10 Jane Hanley Mayde Pokorny CIRCULATION 12,500 ©2013 WEBSITE magazine.msmc.edu EMAIL magazine@msmc.edu MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-0800 ADMISSIONS 888-YES-MSMC (888-937-6762)

Contents

Garraghan honored with service award

On the cover — Christmas Vespers in the Dominican Center’s Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary Photo by Lee Ferris/Mount Saint Mary College

Student Journal | Nursing major wears many hats

Applied learning | The Mount’s nursing program gives students an edge 3 News from the Mount | Awards, business, service and more

New faculty | The Mount welcomes several scholars

Student teaching | Inspiring future generations

Diversifying | Expanding views in the elementary classroom

Spirit of the Mount | Celebrating our Dominican heritage

SURE | Students present research findings

MSMC Theatre | Improv from the olden days

Bible on the silver screen | Robert Miller discusses faith and film

Sabbaticals | Faculty share academic adventures

Centers of Excellence | CARD, Center for Aging and Policy

Sports | New golf team, season roundup, community service

Alumni and friends | Alumni and Family Weekend, alumni notes

32 MSMC Magazine online! www.msmc.edu/magazine Find more stories, photos and archived issues online.

www.msmc.edu

STUDENT JOURNAL Nursing student wears many hats

’ve always had a desire to help others, so nursing studies came naturally. The choice wasn’t easy; I also considered human services and teaching, but I know that nursing is the correct path. With AP biology courses in high school, I developed an interest in the medical field. That’s what really tipped the scales in favor of nursing. As a Christian, the spiritual aspect of my life is very important to me. Every time I help others, I feel like I’m doing the work of Jesus Christ. I started to pursue volunteerism with my church, and also though community service such as becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Garrison Volunteer Fire Department. I’m a freshman, but I’m already involved in a lot of activities here at the Mount. Twice a week, I head to Newburgh Ministry and help out any way I can, from cleaning and interacting with patrons to teaching young children at the “Jumpstart” Saturday sessions. I really love teaching the children, because they have a great time learning with me and the other volunteers. I got started at Newburgh Ministry

Martinez is ready to battle blazes as a volunteer firefighter with the Garrison Volunteer Fire Department.

By Diana Martinez ’17 Major: Nursing Garrison, New York

Diana Martinez studies at the Mount.

through campus ministry’s MSMC Serves initiative. In Christian Fellowship, I’m a worship leader in music and singing. I’m also a student ambassador for groups of potential students during open house events, and a work-study student with security in Hudson Hall, where I complete paperwork, authorize parking passes, and other tasks. Even though I’m busy with community service and campus ministry, academics always come first. I love to study on the hill overlooking the Villa and Aquinas Hall. It’s a beautiful view, and it helps me to focus. The Mount has helped me overcome a few academic challenges. Though I love biology, chemistry was a stumbling block in high school because of the math component. I was afraid I’d do poorly in intro to chemistry, but assistant professor Jodie Wasacz helped me understand the concepts. She gives awesome examples

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

that I’ll never forget, and she makes chemistry something that I want to learn, not just something I have to learn. The Center for Student Success changed my life. As a Higher Education Opportunity Program student, I worked with Dante Cantú and Keino Isaac extensively over the summer, and they opened my eyes to broad new possibilities in my education. With the tools I got, I was even more motivated to become a well-rounded student who wants to succeed. When I become a nurse, I’d love to practice in different countries and in Spanish-speaking areas. One step is heading to Mexico in December on a Christian mission trip. I’m also planning on becoming fluent in Spanish through courses here at the Mount. I’m really looking forward to making a difference all over the world, because everyone matters.

Applied learning helps give nursing students an edge You get to jump right into what you’re going to school for. That’s something I really appreciate – I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I decided to become a nurse.

— Erik Grazier

ount Saint Mary College nursing majors don scrubs and take up stethoscopes in sophomore year, performing exams on eyes, ears, and throats, checking pulses, and recording important data. The extra preparation, with solid external experience, enhances careers, says Andrea Ackermann, nursing division chair. “The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, as well as major nursing studies, have indicated that increased time in the clinical setting helps to reinforce learning, develop clinical reasoning, and improve student’s communication and nursing skills,” Ackermann explained. At the Mount, “five semesters of clinical, labs, and simulation helps provide the experiential learning necessary to be safe, competent nurses.” Sophomores such as Samantha Hansen agree. “To get this experience earlier is an advantage,” she said. “It’s better for building our skills, and I feel more prepared for what my career is going to entail.” Her lab partner, Erik Grazier, added, “You get to jump right into what you’re going to school for. That’s something I really appreciate – I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I decided to become a nurse.” Debra Hrelic, associate professor, says her sophomore students are very enthusiastic. “It’s important to get the students into nursing as soon as possible,” said Hrelic. “They’re excited about it, and we’re excited to integrate them into the profession and get them involved in practical lab work.” The Mount’s bachelor’s degree

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Top left: Samantha Hansen and lab partner, Erik Grazier, agree Mount courses are thoroughly preparing them for their future careers. Above: A group of sophomore nursing students ascend the steps to the Dominican Center. program for nursing was established in 1967, and the labs have been upgraded to state-of-the-art ever since. More than 37 percent of first year students at the Mount aim for health professions. Working with 30 to 40 hospitals, the Mount offers the only nationally accredited four-year nursing degree program in the mid Hudson Valley, and boasts an NCLEX-RN passage rate that consistently exceeds the state average. For adults 24 and up, the college provides accelerated programs, and a fully online RN to BS program. The Mount also offers master’s degree programs and post-master’s nurse practitioner certificates. Success is common for Mount graduates who work as registered nurses in hospitals in the Northeast and beyond. Ryan Folken ’13 serves at Stony Brook University Medical Center. He got a head start though a summer

nursing externship there, obtained through the Mount’s Career Center. Susan L. Davis was president and CEO of Vassar Brothers Medical Center, and at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Conn., before her current Ascension Health leadership in New York/Connecticut and Gulf Coast/Florida. Top Washington officials are learning from the book “Nurses in War: Voices from Iraq and Afghanistan,” written by Mount nursing graduates Elizabeth Scannell-Desch, a retired Air Force colonel, and her sister, Mary Ellen Doherty. Jill Sussman, assistant professor of nursing, notes the passion of Mount nursing students for their future careers. “It’s evident that students are enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated to the program,” she said. Ackermann added, “And so are the professors: We love what we do.” www.msmc.edu

News from the Mount

Kudos to Mount faculty, students

Professor Janine Bixler received the Mid-Hudson School Study Council’s Educational Leadership Award for her excellent teaching skills and her work with the Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL). In a CELL project at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, college volunteers help children explore books in various ways. Professor Priscilla Sagar received the Leadership in Professional and Allied Organizations Award from Teachers College Columbia University’s Nursing Education Alumni Association. She was also featured in an article in Minority Nurse titled “Culturally Competent Care for Hmong and Southeast Asian Populations.” Colleen Kirk, assistant professor of marketing, was given the Best Reviewer award at the Direct/Interactive Marketing Research Summit in Chicago. Kirk’s “Entrepreneurial Passion as Mediator of the Self-Efficacy to Persistence Relationship” will be published in “Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice.” At the international Transcultural Nursing Conference, professors Priscilla Sagar, Debra Hrelic, Teresa Hurley and Nancy Owen did podium presentations, and Dianne Murphy presented

Janine Bixler, professor of education and director of CELL a poster. Hrelic and Hurley did a poster presentation at the American Academy of Colleges of Nursing conference. Accounting professor Tracey Niemotko presented research to law students at Volgograd State University, Russia, via Skype. Her study, “AntiCorruption Laws and Remedies in the United States,” is being published in the University’s Monograph. The second edition of her book, “Accounting

Basics: A Survival Guide for Students,” was published by Kendall-Hunt. Xiomara Loarte, a senior history/ political science major, received the New York State Cooperative and Experiential Education Association Student of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding achievement. She’s interned with New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.

Inc.; Jennifer George and Tom Weddell, Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP; Dan Gruner, Rose and Kiernan Inc. Insurance; Wilbur Higgins, general manager, Mill Creek Golf Course; Kathleen Kazakoff, MD, MS, CPC, CMPE, The Hudson Valley Heart Center; Ed Kellogg, Kirchhoff/Consigli Construction Management; Harold King, executive director of The Council of Industry; Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, president of Mount Saint Mary College; Mary Madden, president and CEO of Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union; Michael Oates, CEO of Hudson River Ventures, LLC; Peter M. Olympia, Jr., Strategic Alliance, LLC; and Jason Siegel, Wells Fargo Advisors.

Carl E. Meyer addressed the third annual Hudson Valley Manufacturing Conference, titled “The Resurgence of Manufacturing in New York State,” October 4 at the Mount.

Good business The Mount’s expanded President’s Advisory/Business Advisory Council helps provide support for the college’s business programs and feedback about characteristics that employers need. Members include Carl E. Meyer, chair, The Solar Energy Consortium; Andrew Weiss, secretary, business division chair at the Mount; Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations, Inc.; Lou Bach, president of Spectrum Pension & Compensation Inc.; Joseph A. Catania Jr., Tarshis, Catania, Liberth, Mahon & Millgram, PLLC; William M. Cummings, retired executive, Texaco Inc.; James Drohan, Donoghue, Thomas, Auslander & Drohan, LLP; R. Abel Garraghan, president of Heritagenergy,

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

A Halloween treat

embers of the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters student organization took a dozen “littles” to pick pumpkins at the Manza Family Farm in Montgomery, N.Y. The 20 Mount “bigs” on the trip were Christina Antico, Nicole Bosi, RoseMarie DiStefano, Lauren Epstein, Maggie Fallon, Tom Fallon, Alex Florez, Dorianna Gross, Sarah Hospodar, Malaina Hynes, Maggie Jones, Amanda Luciano, Emily Oetjen, Russell Pagano, Ashley Pellicci, Samantha Popel, Anna Salvatore, Kayla Stevens, Jeanine Verderosa and Kailyn Zanella.

Mount students attend human rights conference Students run flu clinic at West Point Eighty-four Mount students, supervised by Nancy Owen, offered a flu clinic for cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In preparation, the nursing students took a two-hour training course with information about influenza and the flu shot (and nasal ministration), and then performed a competency test. Explained senior Amanda Rolfs, “We ask them if they filled out their form, wash our hands, clean the site, and we pretended to inject the site with a syringe without a needle. After we performed everything, the member from West Point told us what we did well and what we can improve on.” In their clinical experiences, depending on the type of patients, students get to administer medication including injections, so most have done so before.

Animals blessed at the Mount Mount Saint Mary College president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, blessed creatures great and small on September 29. Alumni, faculty, staff and area neighbors accompanied their furry companions to the patio outside Founders Chapel. The blessing celebrated Saint Francis’ praise to God for all creation. About 40 dogs, cats and people attended: among them Chet Dziobkowski, who teaches chemistry at the Mount, and Merlin, his English springer spaniel, and Debra Hrelic, associate nursing professor, and Caroline, her Yorkshire terrier. Above, Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, blessed pets including Merlin, with Chet Dziobkowski.

The Lower Hudson Valley Catholic College and University Consortium sponsored “Tackle Trafficking: Sex, Drugs and Shopping,” a one day conference on October 18. The program aimed to increase awareness and foster activism by focusing on sexual exploitation, forced labor and other forms of involuntary servitude. Professors Charles Zola, Jenifer Lee-Gonyea and Rae Fallon brought 14 Mount students. Above, from left, Mount students Rachael Cirulnick, business; Stephen Etherton, business; Amanda Federico, business; Caitlyn Motter, business; Shanice Robe, business; Lisbel Tavarez, sociology-criminology; Michael Truffi, business; Jaileene Velez, business; and Angela Zhu, business Correction: Sabrina Valdez advises she was born in New York City, not in Puerto Rico as reported in the Summer 2013 magazine. www.msmc.edu

News from the Mount Hinton named new VPAA

Professor Lynn Maelia and students

Children celebrate science About 40 third- through fifth-graders and families participated in “Energy: Now and Forever!” taught by Mount students and faculty. The college’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society sponsored the event, held in honor of National Chemistry Week.

“Mount Saint Mary College gave me everything I needed in an undergraduate program,” says Joseph Henain, a biology major in his senior year on the pre-med track. “It gave me every opportunity that a big university could, and some more.” Viewers can see the Mount through the eyes of Henain and classmates Asma Neblett and Rachel McGinty in “The Mount Experience,” a short video showcased at www.msmc.edu/experience

Vietnam Vignettes Navy veteran Paul J. Upham discussed his memoir “Vietnam Vignettes” at Mount Saint Mary College’s latest Steinthal Lecture. Upham is the owner and principal of Wesley Associates, a global human resources consulting firm. He has been an adjunct instructor at the Mount since 1998. The Steinthal Lecture, in memory of noted physician Dr. Eric Steinthal, who taught at the college for 27 years, was funded by his son, Nicholas.

Kane, Kennedy, Douse, Levya, Molina, Borden, and Robin Rosenberg, outside court.

Law and order Robin Rosenberg of the college’s Career Center accompanied Joseph Borden, accounting; Teddy Douse, interdisciplinary; Trevor Kane, business; Patrick Kennedy, sociology-criminology; Brigitte Levya, undeclared; and Stephanie Molina, Hispanic studies, for a behindthe-scenes look at the judicial process at Orange County Family Court. Judge Carol S. Klein explained the functions of a family court, and students witnessed several proceedings, including child custody and neglect cases. The visit included a study of the judges’ chambers, a discussion of the functions of court employees, and more.

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

Mary Dana Hinton, PhD, is vice president for academic affairs. Serving since 2011 as vice president for strategic planning, she has guided the development of the Center for Student Success, works with all accreditation requirements, and was instrumental in developing an assessment process with the academic business division to garner specialized accreditation. In addition to having taught at the college level, maintaining an active research agenda and publishing articles, she also has experience in identifying and replicating successful practices, and in delivering entrepreneurial training curriculum. Hinton earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.; her master’s in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.; and a PhD in Religion and Religious Education with High Honors from Fordham University.

Hoomkwap named new Trustee Kekuut J. Hoomkwap, elected to the Board of Trustees of Mount Saint Mary College for an initial three year term, is lead product development engineer at Intel Corporation in Hudson, Mass., and has a track record of leading teams in the semiconductor industry across multiple geographical locations. She has designed, developed and supported digital signal processor applications; developed a digital testing system; and taught a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design lab. She is originally from Nigeria.

Mount welcomes new full-time faculty Sonya Abbye Taylor, EdD, instructor of education, taught at Summit School in Queens, N.Y.; P.S. 145 in Brooklyn; and P.S. 48 in the Bronx, with students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. She later was a faculty member/chair of the education department at the College of New Rochelle, and was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Fallsburg and Pawling school districts. Her research includes successful co-teaching. Barbara Erin Fairweather, PhD, is an assistant professor of economics. During seven years as a litigation consultant, she provided expertise in securities fraud, financial markets, and intellectual property. Her research focuses on risk aversion. She is also interested in control fraud, income inequality, and gender and race. “I am very excited to join the Mount community,” she said. “My colleagues have been supporting and welcoming, and my students have been working hard.”

Sharon Lennon, instructor of nursing, graduated from the Mount in 1986 and was soon hired as a registered nurse at Westchester Medical Center. While working full-time, she earned a master’s degree and became a nurse practitioner. Lennon began working as an adjunct at the Mount in the fall of 2012, before being hired full-time. She anticipates completing her doctorate degree in the spring.

Daniel Peña, PhD, is a visiting assistant professor of biology. The son of immigrant parents was born and raised in Queens, N.Y. He has taught at Wayne State University, Dutchess Community College, and Mount Saint Mary College as an adjunct. He was also a consultant for Molecular Innovations, Inc. and Midwest Analytical Services. “I can say without question that the Mount has been the most enjoyable teaching experience that I’ve had,” said Peña. Linda Ruta, a registered nurse, joins us as an instructor and director of the master’s in nursing program. She began teaching at the Mount after retiring from Westchester Medical Center, where she was an ER staff nurse. She received her master’s degree from the Mount, and is certified in emergency care, advanced cardiac life support, basic life support, trauma, pediatric emergency and pediatric advanced life support. “I love my new job at the Mount,” she said. Roger Tsai, PhD, with a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science, is an assistant professor of information technology. He was a research scientist for IBM for nearly three decades. He received the IBM Bravo Award – Research Division for the impact of his statistics and data mining work. He has authored or co-authored many papers in journals and books, and more than 10 U.S. patents. Kathleen Venable, instructor of mathematics, began teaching at the Mount in 2010 as an adjunct in two courses. She has a master’s in education, and is pursuing her doctorate degree. As a full-time faculty member, Venable hopes to continue to learn and thrive for many years to come. Her academic interests include teaching using technology, and mathematical modeling. Roumen Vragov, PhD, assistant professor of information technology, specializes in design principles of digital economic systems: auctions, exchanges, negotiation and prediction markets. He has published articles in many prestigious journals, presented research at international conferences, participated in consulting projects for businesses and agencies including the FCC, FAA, Microsoft, and Epic Technologies, and received several research grants. His current interests are P2P networks, C2C internet auctions, and sponsored search advertising. www.msmc.edu

Inspiring future generations Allison Cowan taught third grade students at Vails Gate High Tech Magnet School in New Windsor, N.Y. Inset, Ashleigh Longo, a math teacher at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in the Bronx

athematics leapt to life for Allison Cowan’s third grade students at Vails Gate High Tech Magnet School in New Windsor, N.Y. The Mount Saint Mary College senior had her first long-term student teaching experience in the inclusion classroom of Julie Dominquez-Post ’06 and special education co-teacher Nancy Kirkwood ’08 and ’11. Cowan utilized a bevy of techniques, from working with students in small groups, to energetic lessons for the entire class. It’s all in a day’s work. “I absolutely love it,” she said. “I’ve learned so much in this placement, and I’m going to use all of these methods in

my own classroom.” Cowan improved her behavior management skills, and refined the way she explains directions and expectations to her young students so it’s easy for them to understand. Working with Dominquez-Post helped Cowan to polish her teaching skills. “She’s always there to answer any questions that I might have,” Cowan explained. “She gives me suggestions to improve my lesson plans and lets me try new ideas. She’s definitely made the experience very educational for me.” According to Dominquez-Post, the benefit was mutual. “Allison is very well prepared. She interacts well with the

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

children and she implements the modules easily.” A Hispanic studies graduate, Dominquez-Post said the Mount’s teacher education program “gave me a strong foundation in language and literacy. Many times, I go back and look at my Mount lesson plans for inspiration.” Kirkland, also a Hispanic studies major, credited professor emerita Karen Eberle-McCarthy with much of her success. Kirkland’s bilingual skills are of great value, she said, and helped her get

Erica Southern, a math teacher at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in the Bronx

the job. Cowan cites Joan Miller, professor of education, as instrumental. Miller’s response intervention course was critical to her success. “It was one of the best classes I’ve taken, because it was informative and authentic,” she revealed. “It showed how to assess students and how to perform interventions to help them learn. That’s a huge part, I’m finding, of teaching.” The Mount’s academic excellence and value is immediately apparent to Cowan. “The best thing about the Mount’s childhood education program is that we are exposed to the classroom our second semester,” she said. “We have countless opportunities to see how a classroom runs, to engage with the students. The progression of engagement in the classroom has done a world of good in preparing me for student teaching.” Cowan maintained great confidence throughout her placement, even when dealing with occasional hurdles. “The hardest thing when you’re student teaching is getting the stu-

“The progression of engagement in the classroom has done a world of good in preparing me for student teaching.” — Allison Cowan

dent to respect you as a teacher, especially in your first placement,” she explained. “You really have to be kind of stern in the beginning. But once they respect you, you can begin building more of a personal teacher/student relationship.” After she graduates in May 2014, Cowan hopes to enter the Mount’s master’s degree program. She can’t wait to teach the accountants, nurses, historians, mathematicians, educators, scientists,

poets, and philosophers of the future. Elsewhere in the college’s large network of student teaching sites, Justin Christensen, a math major, felt at home at Carmel High School. Christensen is a former student of his cooperating teacher, Richard Nordt, who has been with the district for 16 years. But it’s not just the familiar setting that makes Christensen comfortable. His execution, subject knowledge, and rapport with students make him a natural in front of the class, said Nordt. “Justin is doing a great job,” he explained. “He was supposed to observe for a week, but on day three, he asked to teach the class. I can see he’s going to be a great teacher.” The Mount’s education program primed Christensen for the classroom. “I really have a great grasp on my content and everything I have to teach,” said Christensen. “And knowing the lesson plan format – having goals and objectives before hand – has helped tremendously with my teaching.” “Dr. Miller taught me so many techwww.msmc.edu

Education

Michelle Watch, a science teacher at St. Jean Baptiste High School in Manhattan niques,” he explained. “It’s a lot more than direct teaching where I’m showing my students math problems – you need to get the students involved.” Also, Lee Fothergill, associate professor of math, opened many academic doors. “We took math and combined education – it was high school math teachers in the making,” explained Christensen. Christensen’s student teaching experience is more proof that he has taken the correct career path. “I really enjoy the content that I teach, and I enjoy helping people,” he said. “I get to help students all day with something I’m good at, so it makes sense being here.” More than 13 percent of Mount students aim for careers in education. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It is also registered by the New York State Education Department. David Gallagher, associate professor of education, explained why the Mount’s education program has earned its reputation for academic excellence. “Mount undergraduates gain a broad liberal arts education, a focused major in an academic discipline, and a nationally accredited teacher preparation program that fully prepares and supports students to be effective teachers in today’s changing classrooms and schools,” he said. Graduates and undergraduates focus on the latest research-based teaching practices for today’s classrooms, and the college provides friendly environments for candidates to learn. “The supportive instruction starts

Justin Christensen, a math major, student taught at Carmel High School.

“I really enjoy the content that I teach, and I enjoy helping people.” — Justin Christensen

during the second semester at the college when students begin faculty supervised fieldwork,” Gallagher explained. “They work side-by-side with classroom teachers and college faculty, practicing the latest research-based techniques.” Mount class sizes are small – an average 14-to-1 student to faculty ratio – allowing teacher candidates to work closely with their professors. Mount preparation programs are guided by the most recent standards for teacher preparation, emphasizing inclusive methods for general classrooms, the latest methods for technology integration, and research-based instructional practices. “When teacher candidates enter into the program, they come in wanting to make a difference in their students’ lives,” said Gallagher. “With the support and coaching of the faculty, teacher candidates become competent and practiced teachers who make a positive impact in the lives of their students.” Mount Saint Mary College has produced plenty of successful educators. Scott Tabone received his BA in Eng-

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

Lauren Halverson, a math teacher at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in the Bronx lish in 2008, and his MSE in literacy in 2011. He is currently a teaching assistant at Peekskill Middle School in Peekskill, N.Y. His fiancée, Elizabeth Damiano MSE ’10, is an art teacher at the same school. Three May 2013 graduates recently landed jobs as math teachers at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in the Bronx, N.Y.: Lauren Halverson, Erica Southern and Ashleigh Longo. “It is such an amazing experience so far,” said Longo. “The administration, coworkers and students make coming to work every day very rewarding.” She added, “The Mount has really shaped my experience here. When I’m planning, I refer back to formatting a lesson plan, which I learned at the Mount. Also, there have been many times that a situation reminds me of a class I took at the Mount. Just the other day I was making a test, which I would not be as effective at doing were it not for my courses.” Michelle Watch ’13, who majored in biology at the Mount, is now a science teacher at St. Jean Baptiste High School in Manhattan. “I love kids and I love discovery,” said Watch. “It’s so enjoyable to see them interested in something, to be able to encourage learning and help them discover that learning is a lifelong process.” The Mount’s courses were vital in Watch’s evolution as a teacher. Chemistry professor Lynn Maelia “had a great influence” on her, she explained, adding that all of her professors encouraged her to succeed.

It’s elementary Diversifying the Common Core J ane Gangi, an associate professor of education active in the Mount’s Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL), along with student contributors, presented their findings on multicultural literature for K-5 students at the New York State Reading Association Literacy for All Learners conference in Albany.

“To be successful, you have to know about other cultures.”

— Justin Lewis, graduate student

They followed up with a presentation for Hudson Valley teachers, students and parents on November 13 at the Mount. Gangi discussed the importance of children seeing people whose appearance resembles theirs among their learning materials. Out of 171 recommended texts for elementary school students in the English Language Arts Common Core, 18 are from authors of color. “In the same way that children need mirror and window books, they need mirror and window authors,” said Gangi. “Kids of color need to see that some authors and illustrators look like them.” Good readers, she explained, make text-to-world, text-to-self, and textto-text connections. That can be more difficult for children if the majority of books they read feature only characters of one race. “It’s got to be so much more than Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King,” she said. Recently, David Coleman and Sue Pimental, architects of the English Language Arts Common Core Standards, sent representatives to Mount Saint Mary College’s CELL program, requesting suggestions for literary diversity. Gangi, Bishop Dunn Memorial School fourth grade teacher Nancy Benfer, and 10 Mount student annotators developed a list of more than 150 book suggestions to include in K-5 Common Core standards. The texts were recommended by educators across the nation, or had won multicul-

Jane Gangi, associate professor of education, discusses diverse literature with project contributors (left to right): Mount students Alexandria Hercules, Anthony Hazzard, Lauren Feliciano; Bishop Dunn Memorial School fourth grade teacher Nancy Benfer; and Justin Lewis, graduate student. tural awards. “This is one of the first times that I saw myself in texts,” said annotator Lauren Feliciano, a history major on the childhood and special education track. “That was a really big deal for me. That made me want to read more.” Justin Lewis, a graduate student in literacy for K-sixth grade students, added, “Reading these books of color will help all children. In America, we are multicultural. To be successful, you have to know about other cultures, especially in the business world.” Other Mount education faculty who

have participated in the CELL program are director Janine Bixler, Reva Cowan, David Gallagher, and Matt Hollibush. English professor Peter Witkowski recently lent his skills to the program. Other CELL programs include Mount book clubs offered at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. College volunteers help their young students to explore books that reflect various cultural backgrounds and interests of the Newburgh community. Children actively share their own ideas and stories as well. www.msmc.edu

Fr. George Coyne, SJ spoke about astronomy and religion.

Emily Blew examines her new honor cord.

Spirit of the Mount R

enowned astronomer Fr. George Coyne, SJ, former director of the Vatican Observatory, took listeners on a journey through space and religion in a recent lecture. The expert explained that the universe is about 14 billion years old, and that it has 10 thousand billion billion stars. As stars go through their life cycle, they create elements, such as carbon, nitrogen and silicon. Over billions of years, enough carbon was formed to create the beginning of life as we know it. “Did God do it?” Fr. Coyne asked. “There’s no way I can know from science.” But, he offered three points of interest: If I believe in God, the universe, as science sees it, also tells me about God. God is not an engineer who designed the universe. God, as the universe reveals, is a loving parent. “Having accepted God as a gift of love to me – and I think that’s what faith really is – then I respond from everything I know, including science,” said Fr. Coyne. Recent Catholic and Dominican Institute presentations have included author Stephen Mansfield exploring religion’s deep significance to Abraham Lincoln (co-sponsored by social

sciences), and Dr. Jeffrey P. Bishop examining end-of-life care (co-sponsored by nursing). Fr. Coyne’s talk, cosponsored by natural sciences, was a fitting prelude to Spirit of the Mount Week: Living the Tradition, which was part of a yearlong effort of the Catholic and Dominican Institute titled Remember, Reflect, and Renew: The Dominican Heritage of Mount Saint Mary College, an invitation for all members of the campus community. “At a Mid-Knight Mass, each class was presented and blessed with a banner of the patron saint for their activities and events,” explained Charles Zola, institute director. “A fire was blessed in Founders Chapel, and was used to light the bonfire that week.” Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm, college chaplain, provided a quiz for a Spirit of the Mount Game Show. Scholarship was celebrated with student posters. As another highlight, Sr. Diane Kennedy, OP, vice president for Mission

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

Mount

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Celebrating scholarship Front row: Devon O’Brien, Angela Wise, Sara Baloga, Nicole Havrilla, Sr. Diane Kennedy, OP, Fr. Mackin, OFM, Stephanie Weaver, Rebeka Mitchell and Megan Green. Back row: Nicole Speranzo, Jeremias Ramos, Joseph Henain, Charles Zola, Allison Cowan and Emily Blew.

How well do you know the Mount? 1. Guzman Hall is named after what Dominican Saint? a. Catherine b. Dominic c. Francis d. Thomas 2. The Mount motto is Doce Me Veritatem. What is the translation of the Latin word “Veritatem?” a. Knowledge b. Perseverance c. Truth d. Wisdom

Annual Bonfire Top right: Each class year was given a patron saint banner: St. Dominic de Guzman - Sara Baloga ’14, senior class president (pictured); St. Catherine of Siena - Liz Duong ’15, junior class president; St. Martin de Porres - Hanna Sheppard ’16, sophomore class president (pictured); St. Thomas Aquinas - Chris Delveccio ’17, freshman class president

and Ministry at Dominican University, visited a reception for the college’s Ralph and Aquinas Scholars. Sr. Kennedy discussed the college’s Dominican heritage, and its tradition of study and academic excellence. “A tradition is a precious living legacy that gives us our identity,” she explained in her talk to students and faculty. “That identity is not dependent on a white habit, but rather on the collaborations of persons who share the vision, who understand the meaning and the history and the grace of the tradition, and who have a similar passion for truth, for study, for contemplation, for community. That’s why you’re here.”

She told the scholars that while they are the beneficiaries of the college’s traditions, it is also up to them to continue those traditions. “Become men and women who are rooted in, and transformed by, and nurtured from, that tradition,” she said. Other Spirit of the Mount Week events included student activities such as Mount Olympics, and a collection for the Thanksgiving food drive. Summarizing Spirit of the Mount Week, Zola said, “I think that we made huge strides” inviting students – and faculty – to embrace together the college’s mission and identity.

CDI hosts annual philosophy workshop Scholars from 24 states and Europe converged at Mount Saint Mary College to discuss “Free Will & Virtue.” Participants were welcomed to the four-day Thomas Aquinas Philosophy Workshop by Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, Mount president, and Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, director of the Thomistic Institute, Washington, D.C., which co-sponsored the event. For information about the June 2014 Philosophy Workshop, see www.msmc.edu/cdi

3. Aquinas Hall is named after what Dominican saint? a. Catherine b. Dominic c. Francis d. Thomas 4. The shield in the foyer of Guzman Hall has what symbol in it? a. An open Bible b. A dozen roses c. A rosary d. Words written in Latin 5. One phrase that is in the Alma Mater song is: a. Teach us and make wise b. Do not forget us c. Holy God we sing d. Along the Beacon River 6. Who founded the Dominican Order? a. Albert the Great b. Dominic de Guzman c. Catherine of Sienna d. Thomas Aquinas 7. The Four Pillars of Dominican spirituality are: prayer, study, ministry and ________. a. Community b. Missionary c. Higher learning d. Politics 8. The initial after a man or woman Dominican’s name, OP, means Order of __________? a. Prophets b. Preachers c. Philosophers d. Pilgrims 9. Mount Saint Mary College celebrates the Founding Day the Sisters came to Newburgh. When is Founding Day? a. January 1, The Mother of God b. October 7, Feast of the Holy Rosary c. March 17, St Patrick’s Day d. December 25, Christmas Day For the list of 20 questions and answers, visit magazine.msmc.edu Questions compiled by Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm. www.msmc.edu

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Mount students present research findings

Keynote speaker Bernard McSherry, a 33-year Wall Street veteran, learns about early childhood literacy from Asma Neblett.

he earthen smell of the Mohonk Preserve and the warm sun set the backdrop for Brittni Troy’s recent research.

As part of her Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), Troy, an interdisciplinary science major, performed an observational study of the forest understory. She surveyed the entire southern half of the nearly 7,000 acre preserve in Ulster County, N.Y. Using a small iPad-like device, Troy recorded the species, density and height of vegetation. She created a map to be used in land management decisions. The aspiring teacher and president of the Mount chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society said the hands-on experience was a major boon to her teaching skills. “To teach science you need to have the kids involved,” she explained. “I hope to get the kids out in nature and use the scientific method to solve prob-

lems. That kind of thinking will not only help them in science, but a variety of subjects.” Through SURE, Mount faculty serve as mentors to Mount students in subjects such as science, mathematics, education, the arts, business and more. The college recently received a grant of $10,000 for the program from TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank. More than 20 students participated this summer, and recently presented their projects at a public symposium. Professors James Moran and Suparna Bhalla supervised biology/ pre-med major Hannah Mulhall, who researched immune responses of lab mice to the cutting-edge blood substitute, OxyVita. Mulhall presented her findings to

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

Brittni Troy conducts an observational study at Mohonk Preserve. the OXYVITA Corporation’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals, including founder and CEO Hanna Wollocko. The undergrad masterfully fielded the scientists’ questions. They inquired about her research process, suggested new parameters for further testing, and congratulated her on a job well done. “I’m looking forward to continuing this,” said Mulhall, active as vice president of the local chapter of the Beta Beta Beta national honor society for biology. “It’s really interesting to me.”

At the SURE culminating event, keynote speaker Bernard McSherry, a former governor of the New York Stock Exchange, discussed “Connecting the Dots and Looking Backwards: The Importance of Personal Interests in Motivating Research.” McSherry advised students to research what they love – something he learned firsthand while working on his doctorate degree. “What makes you happy? What makes you excited?” he asked. “If you’re going to take on a research project…it takes a long time and a lot of emotional investment. Find out where your heart is taking you, and if you’re not feeling it, find something else.”

With advisor Janet Petroski, Adam Earle, a chemistry major, researches nanoparticles.

SURE presentations 2013 Meghan Bauer, advisors Rebecca Norman and Nancy Benfer: The Effectiveness of Using Diagrams, Cross-sectional Diagrams, Tables, Captions and Flow Charts in the Science Curriculum Jordyn Catapano, advisor Lynn Maelia: A Study of Physalis Longifolia with Related Physalis Species and their Potent Anticancerous Activity Annie E. Dineen, advisor Jodie Wasacz: Soda as a Solvent? A Greener Synthesis of Aspirin from Salicylic Acid Lara Guindi, advisor Suparna Bhalla: Alternative Cancer Treatments: Using ISLLicorice Root Extract on HeLa Cancer Cell and L6 Muscle Cell Lines Melanie Hofbauer, advisor Suparna Bhalla: Alternative Treatments for Cancer: The Selective Effect of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde upon HeLa and L6 Cell Lines Nicole Zazzero and Katie Kelder, advisors Janine Bixler and Rebecca Norman: Literacy Conversations, Session I

Lindsay Bordonaro, advisor Ludmila Smirnova: iPadagogy: The Expanding Use of iPads in the Classroom Rachel McGinty and Jennifer Kurtz, advisors David Gallagher and Matthew Hollibush: Graduate Students’ Experiences with Teaching Disciplinary Literacy Nathaniel Dziuba and Eric Berlinghoff, advisor Lynn Maelia: A New Analysis for Iron and Spinach Using Microwave Digestion and Spectroscopic Analysis Emily DiBiase, advisor Stephanie Pietros: The “Sound” of Music: The Significance of Songs and Meaning of Songs in Poetry in the 16th and 17th Century Boys’ Plays Troy Mahon, advisors Zachary Kudlak and Janet Petroski: A Complete Mathematical Treatment of the Vibrational Modes of Carbon Dioxide Angela Wise, advisors James Griesemer and Colleen Kirk: Creative Economic Development in the Hudson Valley

Asma Neblett, advisor Janine Bixler: Literacy Conversations, Session II

Brittni Troy, advisor Tom Sarro: An Observational Study of the Forest Understory at Mohonk Preserve

Kellie Stevens, advisor Jill Brennan-Cook: Health Assessment of Mount Saint Mary College

Carlos A. Luis, advisor Jodie Wasacz: Investigation of the Products Formed by Acid Catalyzed β-elimination of Menthol

Clarisa Rosario, advisors Bojan Lazarevic and Ludmila Smirnova: Engaging Students in the Classroom with Web 2.0

Joseph Borden, advisor Colleen Kirk: A Case Study: Psychological Ownership and Constituents of a Not-for-Profit Organization

Brandon Annabel, advisor Jodie Wasacz: Explorations into Safer, Alternative Reduction Conditions in the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives Stephanie Weaver, advisor Daniel Shea: Literary and Aesthetic Traditions in Ireland Caroline Nina’ang’a, advisor Colleen Kirk: Brand Authenticity and Psychological Ownership Jessica Perk, advisor Colleen Kirk: Pride and Prejudice Rosemarie Whyte, advisor Yasmine Kalkstein: Using Internet Discussion Boards to Explore Pregnant Women’s Decision Making Adam Earle, advisor Janet Petroski: Using Nanoparticles as a Catlyst in the Oxidation of 2-Butanol Hannah Mulhall, advisor James Moran: The Evaluation of the Immune Response in Balb-C Mice to the Blood Substitute OxyVita After Multiple Exposures Nathaniel Dziuba, advisor Douglas Robinson: The Social Behavior of African Clawed Frogs in Kin and Non-Kin Interactions Mary Kehoe, advisor Marie-Therese Sulit: Filipino American Authors – Manuel Buaken, Carlos Bulosan, and Jessica Tarahata Hagedorn www.msmc.edu

MSMC Theatre

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Madness of Isabella

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earts and swords clashed in the comedy “The Madness of Isabella,” performed at Mount Saint Mary College in November. The play was compiled by Flaminio Scala, an actor and company manager of the late 16th century. The scenarios were designed as cues for improvisation in a style known as Commedia dell’Arte. “All of the staging and dialogue is created by the performance company,” explained director James Phillips, assistant professor of theatre, adding that viewers had fresh surprises in every performance. The story found dashing men fighting over the affection of a woman, but, Phillips explained, “Like any good comedy, the story isn’t as important as the complications.” While performers exercised their acting skills, they also exerted their physiques; the characters are mainly

“... It’s fast, it’s physical, and it’s really funny.” — James Phillips, assistant professor of theatre

defined not by what they say, but by how they move. “A lot of it comes from precision of the physicality,” said Phillips. “Everything that is felt, everything that is expressed, has to be done so physically. Joy, anger, hate, disappointment, whatever it is, it has to be manifested from the toes up. The humor comes out of that.” While the main characters appear with their faces uncovered, servants – as per the play’s tradition – wear

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

strange, comical masks. It’s a good visual gag, says Phillips, but it also further emphasizes the performance’s full-body acting style. True to the play’s origins, the costumes and set guided viewers on a trip back in time. Depicting a street and several houses, the set was small, but the play was big on action. Cast members at the Mount were William Biersack, Joseph Certa, Brenna Cooney, Rebecca Gordils, Joyce Hausermann, Thomas Kellett ’13, Alex Mayer, Liliana Peralta-Zapata, Robert Petrarca, and Kimberly Sheamon as Isabella. Also taking the stage was Phillips’ daughter, Langley. The assistant director was Alexander Florez. The stage manager was Anthony Cona. “It’s just great fun,” said Phillips, of the play. “You’re not going to learn the truths of life and the universe, but it’s fast, it’s physical, and it’s really funny.”

The Good Book on the silver screen

ould there be religious themes in a Charlie Chaplin comedy? In a Disney cartoon? Absolutely, says Robert Miller, assistant professor of religious studies at Mount Saint Mary College.

Miller’s theology and film course has introduced students to applying theological knowledge in the examination of film, and to various methods of film criticism. “The use of art, the use of image, is a whole other way of teaching,” Miller explained. “Engaging in these images and symbols draws people together as part of God’s family. Doctrine, tough moral issues – all of this can be addressed in film.” The movies included Sleeping Beauty, The Passion of the Christ, City Lights, Saving Private Ryan, Babette’s Feast, A Man for All Seasons, Fly Away Home, Gran Torino, Shane, The End of the Affair, Life is Beautiful, and What Dreams May Come. Each film offered a different expression of religion. For example, Miller notes that Fly Away Home mirrors the Parable of the Lost Sheep: The main character, while training a flock of geese to fly, heads off to find a single injured goose, just as Jesus leaves the 99 sheep to find the one that is lost. City Lights, directed by Charles Chaplin, delivers an illuminating contrast between material and spiritual wealth. Miller’s rigorous, accelerated course utilized a textbook and a copy of the Bible to help immerse students in analysis and theology. Theology and film can attract students who otherwise may not have considered taking a theology class, Miller explained. And by demonstrating the connection between fields, students receive a “more complete liberal arts education,” he said. The course offered insights to Miller, as well.

Miller discusses films and faith “There were several times when my students saw an image that I didn’t,” he revealed, such as the concept of a Christ-like figure giving up not his life, but instead his wealth. According to Miller, the church has long encouraged artists to use their talents – such as filmmaking – to bring glory to God. “It’s the idea of beauty being intertwined with goodness and truth. If you encounter one, you encounter all three,” said Miller. “These are the transcendentals. They go beyond this world to the very nature of God. If God is

truth and goodness, God is also beauty.” Miller looks forward to offering the class again in January, this time as both an accelerated course and a traditional course. He will include clips from a variety of movies, and analysis of additional full-length films. “I’m really going to enjoy teaching the course over an entire semester,” he said. Miller is examining for inclusion The Lord of the Rings, Castaway, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Pay it Forward, Sophie’s Choice, Scrooged, Finding Nemo, We Were Soldiers, Blackhawk Down, Fly Away Home, Bloodsport, Bedazzled, Les Misérables, Dead Man Walking, Monsters Inc., Hotel Rwanda, Braveheart, Rudy, Happy Gilmore, The Prince of Egypt, and The Power of Forgiveness.

www.msmc.edu

Sabbatical journeys focus on research, education and writing

ount Saint Mary College professors take on a variety of academic adventures to keep current the knowledge they share with students. On sabbatical this academic year, Dee Berlinghoff, professor of education, is serving as a visiting scholar in residence in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and providing class coaching and modeling for teachers in the areas of content enhancement and classroom management. This, she explained, will directly enhance the special education courses she teaches at the Mount. Priscilla Sagar, professor of nursing, is seeking external funding for a multicultural center at the Mount. The project, says Sagar, “is an extension of my work and passion for diversity and cultural competence. The population of the United States is getting more diverse and there is increasing need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services for all.” Sagar is also working on her second book, “Transcultural Nursing Education Strategies,” to be published in December 2013. The book contains chapters by six Mount faculty, one former faculty member, and two 2013 Mount graduates. Stanley Pycior, chair of social sciences and a longtime Mount history professor, spent weeks poring over the League of Nations archives in Geneva, Switzerland. It was the experience of a lifetime for the dedicated historian. “While working in the archives, I took a self-portrait and noticed the painting of [United States President] Woodrow Wilson behind me,” Pycior noted, realizing, “He was looking over my shoulder as I reviewed League records.” In 1918, Wilson, hoping to avoid the bloodshed of another World War, outlined 14 points for world peace. The League of Nations, formed in 1920, was based on Wilson’s ideas,

Sr. Peggy Murphy, OP, professor of religious studies

and was a forerunner to the United Nations, established after the second World War. Education professor Frances Spielhagen spent her recent sabbatical as a visiting scholar in residence at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. She crafted a longitudinal study involving her former high school students, now approximately 30 years old. “When I was their teacher, I involved them in problem-based

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

Frances Spielhagen, associate professor of education

Margaret Bussigel, professor of sociology and human services

Priscilla Sagar, professor of nursing

Stanley Pycior, professor of history

Dee Berlinghoff, professor of education

service-learning activities that resulted in significant community problem solving,” she explained. “I have been interviewing these young people to determine the possible effects of their involvement.” All of the former students perform regular community service. “They attest to the importance of the servicelearning activities they did in my classes,” said Spielhagen. Spielhagen also conducted a seminar for doctoral students at William and Mary, detailing content analysis of qualitative interviews, and presented emerging research on service-learning at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association in San Francisco, Calif. She spoke on various topics at the University of Muenster in Germany, and at the Association for Middle Level Education in Portland, Ore., and revised and enhanced her book, “Debating Single Sex Education,” published in July 2013. She also served as editor-in-chief of the Middle Grades Research Journal. In addition, Spielhagen co-edited a book based on the Mount’s Center for Adolescent Research and Development conferences, along with psychology

professor Paul Schwartz. The book, “Adolescence in the 21st Century: Constants and Challenges,” contains chapters written by several Mount scholars, and was published this fall. Sociology professor Margaret Bussigel stayed close to home during her recent sabbatical, engaged in research. In addition to developing an honors component to the introduction to sociology course at Mount Saint Mary College, Bussigel completed an analysis of Medicaid data over the last five years, and surveys of providers and homeless clients. The project was funded by the Department of Social Services in Orange County, N.Y. She also designed a new program for adolescents who have been classified as persons in need of supervision. The research, continuing over the next three years, will evaluate the effectiveness of nine specific programs in eliminating recidivism and maintaining adolescents in their family home. “The research will involve collecting data from the agencies serving the adolescents, as well as surveys of the adolescents at entry and exit from the programs, and interviews with a sample of their families,” explained Bussigel.

Finally, she researched family justice centers across the United States for the purpose of identifying the range of goals they have, and determining the extent to which these centers represent a consistent and innovative approach to the problem of domestic violence. Religious studies professor Sr. Peggy Murphy, OP, said of her recent sabbatical, “The gift of time has been wonderful.” Sr. Murphy headed to Ireland’s Glendalough retreat house, one of the earliest foundations of Christianity in the country, where she increased her already expansive knowledge of the faith. She also received a scholarship sponsored by the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education of Seton Hill University, for the 2013 Summer Institute in Israel at Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies, and Hebrew University’s Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism. The National Catholic Center focuses on historical dimensions and moral and philosophical issues, in response to the call of Pope John Paul II to promote the necessary studies which concern the whole of humanity today. www.msmc.edu

Centers of Excellence

Professors Frances R. Spielhagen (left) and Paul D. Schwartz (right), CARD co-directors, discuss “Social Media and Adolescent Risk Behaviors.” Other presenters included Ludmila Smirnova, professor of education (seated, far left) and Alex Valentin, director of information technology (seated, far right).

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Dr. Martin L. Kutscher, MD, PLLC, spoke about ADHD from childhood through adulthood.

Professor Frances R. Spielhagen, education, and Alex Valentin, director of information technology, discuss digital research before the conference. connectedness, and how do we define that interaction?” she asked. “That might be a challenge for our digital natives moving forward.” At least, that’s the way it can appear. “I wonder if, in fact, adolescents still have their best buds, and they are redefining what it means to be connected,” Spielhagen said. “That’s the question we’re all facing: What does this mean?” What it could mean for educators, according to Smirnova, is a new way to reach their students. “The environment of teaching has changed dramatically in significantly different, but potentially supportive ways,” she explained. “Our students have changed as learners. With the right preparation and understanding, teachers can use the power of student learners, enhanced by technology.” For example, Smirnova demonstrated a program called Nearpod for mobile devices, which can engage students with classroom surveys. The program produces instant results, so it can be used to assess prior knowledge before beginning a new unit, or as a way for students to express opinions during a roundtable discussion. Valentin presented a brief study on social media, blogs, wikis, and other tools “to enhance your classroom and teaching experience,” he said. “Apps can be fun and open new roads to connected learning.”

ADHD across the lifespan More than 200 faculty, students and guests of Mount Saint Mary College sharpened their knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with “ADHD Across the Lifespan.” Professor Paul Schwartz, of the Mount’s Center for Adolescent Research and Development; professor Lawrence Force, of the Mount’s Center for Aging and Policy; and Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, president of Mount Saint Mary College, gave the opening remarks at the event. Dr. Martin L. Kutscher, MD, PLLC, examined the effects of ADHD throughout childhood, adolescence and adult life. Kutscher, who specializes in behavioral neurology, has written several books on ADHD, including “Organizing the Disorganized Child” (with Marcella Moran, a licensed psychotherapist), “ADHD: Living without Brakes,” and “The ADHD Book: Living Right Now.”

An international lecturer, he has also spoken about learning disabilities, Asperger’s, and tics – sudden repetitive motor movements or vocalizations. After Kutscher’s presentation, a panel discussed ADHD’s effects on childhood, ADHD in adolescence, and ADHD in adulthood. The talk was sponsored by the Center for Adolescent Research and Development, the Center on Aging and Policy, and the Kaplan Family Foundation. As part of their coursework, Mount social sciences students are able to assess situations utilizing the Center on Aging and Policy’s resources, as well as those of the college’s Center for Adolescent Research and Development. The centers provide psychology majors, and students of other disciplines who are interested in the field, with many opportunities to expand their knowledge in psychological, social, cultural, educational and health-related issues.

The ADHD Across the Lifespan program included: Cristina Kraemer, special education teacher at Lakeland Central School District, Shrub Oak, N.Y.; international speaker Dr. Martin L. Kutscher, MD, PLLC; Paul Schwartz, CARD; Melissa Smith, high school guidance counselor, Lakeland Central School District; Lawrence Force, Center for Aging and Policy; and Dr. Geraldine Abbatiello, dual certified nurse practitioner. www.msmc.edu

Celebrating scholarship

Nearly 100 named scholarships were awarded to deserving students.

Mount Community Service Award

r. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM presented R. Abel Garraghan with the prestigious Mount Saint Mary College Community Service Award during the Academic Convocation this fall. Garraghan, who was on the college’s board of trustees for nearly a decade, is president of Heritagenergy, a distributor of home heating oil, propane, and Exxon/Mobil and Citgo gasoline. The award recipient has a lifelong history of commitment to the community. Garraghan has chaired or co-chaired the Benedictine Hospital Cancer Center Capital Campaign, the Kingston Waterfront Revitalization Commission, the Economic Development Zone Formation, and the Ulster County Development Corp. He was a director of Hospice for Ulster and Dutchess Counties, the Kingston-Newburgh Enterprise Community, the Kingston/Ulster Development Corp., and Mid-Hudson Patterns for Progress. After receiving the award, Garraghan addressed Mount scholarship recipients and the generous donors, and thanked his family for allowing him time to participate in community service. He added that he would like more young people to be involved in serving their communities. “I ask everyone to stand and say hello to those around you,” Garraghan requested, and the audience exchanged smiles and handshakes. “This is the beginning of community service. The opportunity to develop relationships with people, their hearts and minds, can accomplish

R. Abel Garraghan, (center) former chair of the Mount Saint Mary College Board of Trustees, was congratulated by Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, college president, and Mary Dana Hinton, vice president for academic affairs. something bigger than themselves.” Garraghan said that a network of in-person contacts and friends is more powerful than social media like Facebook and Twitter. “Rewards of community service are the accomplishments, and no one can ever take away from the personal fulfillment that you can realize,” he explained. After Garraghan’s inspirational speech, the Mount conferred nearly 100 scholarships to students studying language arts, nursing, communications, science, history, business, education and more, and thanked the donors who were present. Mount students across disciplines volunteer at many sites in the region, including the Newburgh Armory Unity

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

Center, lending their skills to reading programs for children, English as a second language courses, and more. Mary Hinton, vice president for academic affairs, explained afterward that the college has a long and significant history of making contributions to the local community. “This reflects not only our desire to support Newburgh and beyond, but it also provides important learning opportunities for our students,” said Hinton. “Mount students develop leadership skills, garner first-hand knowledge of the importance of being active in one’s local community, and recognize that learning happens both within and outside of the classroom.”

Internships Leanne O’Reilly in the stands of Dutchess Stadium.

Mount student hits a home run with internship

eanne O’Reilly, a business marketing major at Mount Saint Mary College, spent a lot of time pitching at her internship with the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team – and helping local children’s organizations hit home runs. O’Reilly stepped up to the plate for the Renegades’ Pitch for Kids program, which supports groups “that make a positive change in youth, their families and the community.” While the boys of summer swung away at Dutchess Stadium, O’Reilly was in charge of running the Pitch for Kids booth, which reaches out to the community, disseminates information about the program, and hosts carnival-like games for young fans. O’Reilly handled cash, customer service, and personal interaction, while managing several other interns. She also lent her skills to special Renegades events, such as home run derbies. With fans packing the stands, O’Reilly explained, “As a marketing major, I like being out here in the community. It’s been both exciting and challenging.” She surveyed the field with a smile. “I used to come to Renegades games when I

“I used to come to Renegades games when I was a kid, so it feels natural being here.” — Leanne O’Reilly

was a kid, so it feels natural being here.” O’Reilly began her internship with the Renegades during the off season. Opening day in June marked her transition to the more community-oriented position. The internship has given her valuable experience she can use in the future, O’Reilly said. “I’ve learned a lot,” she revealed. “I’ve done things I never thought I could do. It has helped me develop a lot of management skills.” She admits she couldn’t have done it alone. O’Reilly named Colleen Kirk, assistant professor of marketing, as a major factor in her success. “I took my first marketing class with her,” O’Reilly explained. “The way she taught made me

fall in love with marketing. She’s such an amazing woman.” Kirk was also the inspiration for O’Reilly becoming a member of Delta Mu Delta, the national honor society in business administration, and Alpha Chi, a general excellence honor society. The roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat have long been music to O’Reilly’s ears, and she is aiming for a career in sports management. She’s in good company; Mount grad Tyler Tumminia, with degrees in public relations and business administration, manages day-to-day responsibilities for five minor league teams, including the Renegades. Education involves more than just class time, noted Andrew Weiss, chair of the Mount’s business division. It also includes experiential learning, such as O’Reilly’s internship. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills to use in the fields of management, finance, economics, and marketing. Mount Saint Mary College’s business programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). www.msmc.edu

Sports events

Golf comes to MSMC

Mount’s 20th team tees off

he Mount Saint Mary College men’s golf team had a successful inaugural season in the fall 2013 semester, paving a foundation for the future. Head Coach Steve Sosler earned his first Skyline Conference Coach of the Year award for men’s golf, with the average finish between third and fourth place in five events. His team finished fourth out of seven teams at the Skyline Conference Championships, with a two-day team score of 652 (+92). “The players really have done a great job for this coaching staff,” said Sosler. “I am so proud of the effort they have put forward. Anchored by Owen Heath in the championships, we had a true shot at second place. We fell a little short of that mark, but we fought to the very end. We are so excited for the future of this program.” Heath was named to the 2013 Skyline Men’s Golf All-Conference Second Team for his performance

at the Championships and for his accomplishments throughout the season. Heath averaged 79.83 strokes (+9.83) per round. The Knights’ first golf match was hosted by Farmingdale State College at Bethpage Red, followed by a match at the Purchase College Invitational at Old Oaks Country Club. The Mount’s third match was its first home event: the Mount Saint Mary College Fall Invitational at the Powelton Club in Newburgh on Oct. 4. With excellent services at the Powelton Club, which was very hospitable in providing the Knights with a home course and a place to practice, the day was a great success. The Knights followed up their first home event with their best performance of the season. By shooting a team score of 342 (+62), the Mount took second place out of six teams at the St. Joseph’s Golden Eagle Invitational, held at Island Hills Country Club in Sayville, N.Y. Three Knights finished the day in the top

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2013

Top, Golf team: Back row, left to right: Anthony Bollela, Stephen McGrory, Owen Heath, Angelo Biondo, and Coach Stephen Sosler. Front row, left to right: Kyle Bitsco, Mike Balokoz, Steven Etherton, James Mcquade. Not pictured: Trevor Kane, Gregory Jacob, and James Nakashian. Middle: Mike Balokoz takes a swing on the golf course. Above: Coach Stephen Sosler and assistant coach Mike Coppolino

five, leading to a great finish in the last match before the Skyline Conference Championships. Steven Etherton finished the season with a round average of 84.0 (+14), while Mike Balokoz was close behind with 84.2 (+14.2). Stephen McGrory averaged 86.5 strokes (+16.5) per round, and Kyle Bitsco finished with a 90.83 (+20.83) average. Anthony Bollela shot 88 (+18) at the Mount Saint Mary College Fall Invitational. The Knights golf team fared well in its first season as a varsity program.

The fourth-place finish at the championships gives the team something to strive for next season. Sosler added, “Head coaches are only as good as the people that we surround ourselves with, and I have to give a lot of credit to Mike Coppolino for our success. Mike spent countless hours at the range with these guys, and his prematch preparation is second to none. I’m proud to be a part of this team who represented the school and themselves in such a good way.”

2013 Skyline Men’s Golf All-Conference Second Team

Knights in the Community

ach Mount Saint Mary College athletic team participates in community service, dubbed “Knights in the Community.” Studentathletes volunteer their time to serve, with each team helping different organizations throughout the year. In September, the softball team played ball with Special Olympics participants at Sprout Brook Park in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. “This experience was very inspirational,” said Amanda Barrese. “We all strive for goals, and the Special Olympians’ dedication makes us, as a team, want to work harder towards ours.” The team assisted with the softball skills portion of the Special Olympics. The Knights ran the stations, documented scores and encouraged the Special Olympians as they practiced and showed off their skills. Both the women’s and men’s soccer teams hosted Youth Soccer Day prior to and during their games on October 5. Youth soccer players from the community took part in pre-game warm-ups and introductions, and were able to play on the field during halftime of each game. The women’s soccer team volunteered at the Orange County Pumpkin Festival in October. Many local families enjoyed the hay rides, pumpkin painting and fresh local food. The student-athletes helped children paint pumpkins and make scarecrow crafts. The women also got to spend the afternoon with some of the youth who participated in the Youth Soccer Day earlier that month.

am members Left, Softball te cs Special Olympi played ball with rk Pa k oo Br Sprout participants at . .Y anor, N Knights in Cortlandt M in Coach D the Communit y anon’s e lementa buddy up with ry schoo l class. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a wonderful time. Coach Gina Danon’s women’s tennis The women’s lacrosse team helped the team members are participating in a Mount’s Campus Ministry with the annual buddy program with the students in her Thanksgiving food drive. Student-athletes Walden Elementary School class. “The and coaches helped purchase and deliver athletes will meet with the students a food to a local church for those in need. few times a year to share books, letters, Also through Campus Ministry, the writings, and drawings,” explained men’s and women’s swimming teams parDanon. ticipated in the Giving Tree event, which Many more Knights in the Commuincluded buying and presenting Christnity events were held this semester and mas gifts to families in the community. around the holidays. Mount Saint Mary College’s athletic The men’s and women’s cross country programs are committed to the Knights teams volunteered at the 5K Turkey Trot in the Community program. The teams in the Hamlet of Wallkill on November look forward to more events during the 24, benefitting Courtney’s Crusade for spring semester. Ovarian Cancer Awareness. www.msmc.edu

Sports Roundup

Fall season

highlights Men’s soccer wins Skyline title, women’s soccer snags second

Mount Saint Mary College was the host site of the First-Annual Skyline Conference Fall Festival on November 9, which included the Skyline Conference Championship Finals for soccer, and the semifinal and final matches for volleyball. The men’s soccer team won a penalty kick shootout against Purchase College, 8-7, after a thrilling nine rounds, sending the team to the Championship finals. Later, the team won its firstever Skyline Conference Championship. Midfielder Michael Ennis made the winning goal and earned Skyline Conference Championship Most Outstanding Player honors. By securing the title, the Knights team earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first

time in program history. The women’s soccer team, with a regular-season perfect 8-0-0 record and the top seed in the 2013 Championships, defeated Old Westbury, 4-0, to advance to the Championship finals. The women’s soccer team also won the Skyline Conference regular-season title in conference play and placed second in the Conference Championship. The Skyline Conference was very competitive in women’s volleyball, and the Knights put in a great effort to earn a spot in the Skyline Conference Championships. The volleyball team took down Mount Saint Vincent in straight sets in the Skyline quarterfinals. In one of the tightest matches of the season, the women’s volleyball team was defeated by top-seeded Sage Colleges in the Conference Championship

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2013

semifinals. Men’s golf finished fourth in their first-ever Skyline Conference Championship. Coach Steve Sosler was named Skyline Men’s Coach of the Year. Owen Heath was named to the All-Skyline Second Team.

Men’s soccer standouts The Mount men landed a conference-best five student-athletes on the 2013 Skyline Men’s Soccer AllConference Teams. Forward Matt Garcia, midfielder Sean Lockwood and defender Rob Thompson were named to the All-Skyline First Team, while forward Michael Ennis and midfielder Brandon Mincher made Second Team. Midfielder Michael Ennis beat a pair of defenders to the top of box and fired toward the right corner of the net,

beating the keeper with just 57 seconds remaining in regulation to earn the Mount Saint Mary College men’s soccer team (13-4-3) its first-ever Skyline Conference Championship with a 2-1 victory over Farmingdale State College (9-7-4). Ennis’ game winner earned him Skyline Conference Championship Most Outstanding Player honors. His goal was set up by senior midfielder Brandon Mincher, who fed Ennis with a pass to the top of the box.

Knights dominate women’s soccer awards Forward Shanice Robe took home her second consecutive Player of the Year honor. She shared the league lead for goals and ranked third in the conference with 50 points. Tara McDermott was named Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Frank Martini is Coach of the Year for the third year in a row. The Knights also landed a conference-best seven student-athletes on the All-Skyline teams. In addition to Robe and McDermott, goalkeeper Jacquelyn Mancini, and midfielders Brigit Burgio and Nicole Gianotti were named to the AllSkyline First Team. Forward Vanessa

DiSilvio and defender Jordyn Catapano earned Second-Team honors.

Two make women’s tennis All-Conference Second Team The women’s tennis team fought hard and earned a berth into the Skyline Conference Championships in its last match of the regular season. Unfortunately, the Knights were defeated in their semifinal matchup. Jaimee Lubniewski and Breanna Scott were both named to the 2013 Skyline Women’s Tennis All-Conference Second Team.

Cross country women place runner-up, men grab third The Mount Saint Mary College men’s and women’s cross country teams had an impressive outing at the Skyline Conference Championships. The women matched their best finish by taking second place, while the men set a new program record with a second place finish. Rachel Sleeter earned First-Team All-Skyline recognition with a fourthplace finish (20:32.10) in the 5K race. Nicole Zazzero and Brigitte Leyva landed on the All-Skyline Second Team. Leyva was also named Skyline

Conference Women’s Cross Country Rookie of the Year. Adam Al-Haraizeh led the Knights with an 8K time of 29:23.58 to take sixth place. His finish earns him FirstTeam All-Skyline honors, the first male cross-country runner to accomplish this feat in Mount history.

ECAC Championships results The Mount Saint Mary College men’s and women’s cross country teams had good finishes at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Championships held in Bristol, R.I. on November 9. The women finished 19th out of 47 teams with an overall score of 603. Nicole Zazzero led the women’s side with a time of 24:48.28, and was followed by Brigitte Leyva with 25:28.64 and Jennifer Boyle with 25:42.12. Rounding out the Knights top runners were Jenny Angileri, Tori Wresilo, and Jessica Cowell. The men were led by Adam AlHaraizeh, who finished with a time of 28:51.02. He was followed by Christopher DelVecchio with 29:06.05, and Ian Brink with 29:21.14. Rounding out the men’s top finishers were Scott Colello and Stat Willand. The Knights finished 28/46 overall, with a score of 901. www.msmc.edu

Mount Alumni

Classmates reunite at annual Alumni and Family Weekend

undreds of successful grads, spanning after receiving her degree, she has worked on telenearly five decades of Mount Saint vision shows like the new Bakery Boss on TLC, Mary College history, recently headand Destination America on the Discovery ed back to campus for the annual Alumni and Channel. Family Weekend. Kathleen Clark of Simpsonville, N.C., and Visit www.msmc.edu/flickr “I wanted to reconnect with the people I Jeanine Terwilliger of the Town of Newfor more photos from this haven’t seen,” said Karen Wyszinski ’02, who burgh, N.Y., both class of ’88, were wowed and other alumni events educates infirm children at NYU Langone with the upgrades the college has invested Medical Center in Manhattan. She was back on in. Clark is an elementary/special education campus for the first time since she graduated. “I teacher. Terwilliger is in customer service. love seeing all the changes.” Peter Kruszewski ’97, a history and political Chris Valentino ’03 of Brooklyn, a communications grad, science grad working in information technology, travis coordinator of recruitment for John Jay College of Criminal eled from Hudson, Mass. and enjoyed showing the campus to Justice in New York City. He began his career in admissions at the daughter Amanda and son Devin. Mount, and credits the college for making him successful. Newburgh historian Mary McTamaney ’68 enhanced a May grad Margaret Treacy ’13 of Montgomery, N.Y. works campus tour led by Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP, ’70 who just celebrated her 50th anniversary as a member of the Dominican at XCON Productions in New York City, where she manages Sisters. All can be proud of their alma mater. video footage. After beginning with the company the Monday

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Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2013

MSMC Class of 1967 together again

lumnae of the Mount Saint Mary College Class of 1967 traveled this autumn from Florida, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New York to visit campus, share memories with faculty, and begin planning their 50th reunion.

From left: Janet Seaman McCauley, Mary Anne Brickhouse, Kathleen Reineke Steenrod, Walter Tolley, Joan Kennedy Tolley, Mary Ann Lyons Bloom, James Finn Cotter, Roberta Lancaster Allen, Mary Castiello Peduzzi, Alfred Peduzzi, Sr. Agnes Boyle, OP (formerly Sr. Mary Charles) and Sr. Leona DeBoer, OP (formerly Sr. James Elizabeth)

www.msmc.edu

Mount Alumni

Alumni Notes 1973

Brenda Robinson High is currently blogging on the topic of how to obtain a debtfree education. Check out scholarshopmom.com Veronica (Hall) Barnhart is the pre-op nurse at Carlsbad Medical Center and a member of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses’ specialty practice group, Preoperative Assessment.

Marriages 2003

Brian Denisar married Emily Trout on September 21, 2013. The wedding was at National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C. and the couple honeymooned in Bora Bora, Tahiti and Healdsburg, Calif. Paul Basdekis ‘03 was best

man and Joe Nichols ‘02 and Mike Napoli were ushers.

2004

Amanda Nichols married Richard Smakal on July 13, 2013. Their bridal party included Carolyn (Saltzburg) Frye ‘04.

Births

1975

Brian Carrington and Denise (Slabicki) Carrington ’74 have been appointed to Hartford Hospital’s Transplant Program Patient Advisory Board for a period of two years. This is especially rewarding since, on August 6, 2013, they celebrated the tenth anniversary of Brian’s kidney transplant, with Denise being his donor. They continue to advocate for organ and tissue donation.

1977

Teri (Ferrante) Balicki has accepted a position as quality management specialist at Vassar Brothers Medical Center (HealthQuest) in the Quality Systems Dept. She lives in New Paltz, and has been with HealthQuest for 25 years.

1979

Isabella Clemente’s daughter, Emily Maria Clemente, recently graduated from Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School. In August, she began the 5-year masters program in occupational therapy, at Saint Francis University in Pa. Emily’s dream is to work with children with autism.

2004 Jonathan Mars and wife, Aimee, are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Autumn Brynn Mars, who was born on September 25, 2013. She entered the world weighing six pounds and three ounces.

Audra (Woodruff) Smith and spouse, Courtney, welcomed a daughter, Sunny Smith, into the world on February 13, 2013 at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City.

Rocco Damiano ’96, husband of Ann Damiano and father of Derrick ’95, Elizabeth ’10 and Bernadette Damiano, passed away July 24, 2013. Margaret Gamarra, mother of Mark Gamarra ’99, passed away August 17, 2013. William Hanstine, stepfather of Barbara Mason ‘88, passed away September 23, 2013. Sharon Iacuessa, mother of Michelle Iacuessa ’94,

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2013

1983

Laurie (Iuzzini) Lawrence is currently a collaborative teacher supporting gifted classes K-5 at Woodland Elementary in Stockbridge, Ga. Laurie also has designed and will be teaching the Identification and Assessment Module for Henry County Schools’ online Gifted Certification program. She lives in McDonough, Ga. with her husband, Dennis Lawrence ’86 and son, Andrew. Their eldest son, Michael, is in the Army National Guard and was married in 2011.

1987

In Memoriam Natalie Criscione, mother of Danielle Criscione ’96, passed away July 5, 2013.

Susan Strang-Mahan retired from the Monticello Central School District in June 2012. Her daughter, Katherine, is a family and consumer science and health teacher in Waterville, N.Y.

passed away July 27, 2013. James Mahan, husband of Susan Strang-Mahan ’79, passed away May 23, 2013. Margaret (Stevens) Muller ’88 passed away September 5, 2013. Grace Spano, mother of Joseph P. Spano ’77, and grandmother of Anthony J. Spano ’08, passed away August 19, 2013. Brendan Loughrey, son of Cathleen (Murphy) Loughrey ’75, passed away on May 13, 2013.

Dawn (Lamberti) Baker is a stay at home mom of three girls. Oldest daughter Lindsay, a junior at Savannah College of Art and Design, won the title of National Champion in the Intermediate Over Fences Division at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Nationals Competition.

1993

Richard Cahill has written a book, “Hauptmann’s Ladder: A Step by Step Analysis of the Lindbergh Kidnapping.” It is being published by Kent State University Press and is scheduled for release in May 2014.

A gathering of friends

1997

James Fiorio was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon by Timothy Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on June 8, 2013.

1998 is a proud partner of erty Mutual aint Mary College Alumni Association Maxine Lindsay-Shillingford RN, MSN, is the care team manager, pilot program supervisor and mentor for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center emergency room. Last year Maxine applied to be a part of President Obama’s jobs initiatives program for returning veterans. Her program, which was awarded by the initiative, was specific to the VAMC ER.

2003

From left: Gayle Tallardy; Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM; Mount Trustee Susan Najork; Joseph Valenti, vice president for college advancement; and Charles Tallardy III

ount Saint Mary College has been blessed with good friends who understand the importance of our mission, and who wish to see the college and its students thrive. A wonderful example of neighborly support took place when Susan Najork and Gayle and Charles Tallardy graciously hosted a reception for friends of the Mount. The Tallardy home served as a superb setting for friends and neighbors to hear the Mount’s president, Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, discuss ambitious plans for transforming the college’s Dominican Center into a

state-of-the-art library and residence hall. The presentation concluded with Joseph Valenti, vice president for college advancement, thanking the Tallardys for their pledge of $250,000 toward “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign for the Dominican Center.” The Mount is grateful to Najork and the Tallardys for their extraordinary support and for making the evening possible. Through their generosity, they are inspiring others to do what they can to help Mount Saint Mary College serve its deserving students.

al information about Liberty Mutual and our car Alicia (Hock) Plevritis is now a member of the Mahwenawasigh Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

surance, please contact us at 855-948-6267 or visit us Brian Denisar recently moved from Washington, D.C. to Florida to accept a new role with his company, HITT Contracting Inc., as senior vice president and head of HITT’s South Florida office.

tual.com/msmc. 2013

Kerilyn McNamara has accepted a nursing position at North Shore-LIJ Health System at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, N.Y. where she will be working on a neuro med/surge floor.

Share your news! Alumni Notes are a wonderful way of letting your classmates know about your professional and personal achievements. Just visit the website at www.msmc.edu/notes

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ages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. Please consult a Liberty Mutual sales representative for additional information. www.msmc.edu

Friends of the Mount Juanita Roberts Ramirez

Mount nursing students and faculty with Ramirez

MSM Academy and BDMS alumna speaks on the national HIV response in Liberia

ppointed by Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as a commissioner for the National AIDS Commission of Liberia in 2012, Juanita Roberts Ramirez, RN, MSN recently shared her experience with more than 80 student nurses and faculty members. “I am delighted to be back at the Mount, where I spent my formative years at Bishop Dunn Memorial School and Mount Saint Mary Academy,” said Ramirez, who returned to Newburgh to celebrate her 50th high school reunion. “My friends at the Mount and the Dominican Sisters were my second

family, my home away from home.” Ramirez earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Adelphi University and her master’s degree in nursing from Marquette University. In speaking to nursing students studying community health this semester, Ramirez discussed the cultural differences, global issues, and financial challenges impacting her native country. She noted the progress she and her colleagues are making to abolish HIV and AIDS in Liberia and beyond. She will keep the Mount community informed of their continued efforts. Ramirez’s work includes partnering

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2013

with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) to map HIV and AIDS actors and operators in West and Central Africa. Her contributions to the United Nations Children’s Fund include producing an acclaimed book on children’s views on war, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, called “Korta Speaks Out.” She collaborated on two books, “Positive Women: Living with HIV and AIDS in Liberia,” and the Global Fund Project’s “The HIV and AIDS Handbook for Parents: Information, Questions, and Answers.”

Mount Saint Mary Academy graduates Eileen McCarthy Bartlett (left) and Margaret Chou Cheng (right) with Clifford Bartlett in the new Dominican Center library, stand in front of a former classroom.

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, president, receives a gift of $30,900 from the Mount Saint Mary Academy Class of 1963 for “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign for the Dominican Center,” in celebration of the class’s 50th reunion.

Academy graduates Catherine Sheehan and Maria Impellittiere Colandrea

Proudly sharing their senior yearbook photos are academy alumnae Margaret Chou Cheng and Juanita Roberts Ramirez.

Mount Saint Mary Academy High School graduates gather on the front steps of the Dominican Center. Many graduates continued their education at Mount Saint Mary College.

From left : Academy reunion celebrants Christina “Jill” McDermott Martino and Valerie “Louise” Brooks Town pose with replicas of 1950-era Dominicans Mother Christina Marie McDonald, OP and Sr. Marie Francis Muirhead, OP.

Mount Saint Mary Academy/ High School celebrates reunion Former students, faculty, and staff from Mount Saint Mary Academy High School reunited on campus in October for a preview tour of the transforming Dominican Center, former home of the high school and convent. Following an alumni memorial mass in Founders Chapel, the group of 80 enjoyed reminiscing at a luncheon in Aquinas Hall.

Sr. Cecilia Murray, OP; Sr. Mary Angela Smith, OP; and Sr. Hugh James Grabowska, OP joined the festivities. www.msmc.edu

Mount Saint Mary College 330 Powell Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550

Mount names Distinguished Alumni

hristine Baker ’95 and Eileen Sassmann ’66 were recently presented with Mount Saint Mary College’s Distinguished Alumni Award for 2013. Baker, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, is president of CB Creative, Inc., an integrated consulting firm that works with small businesses, non-profits and higher education clients. She authored “Why She Plays: The World of Women’s Basketball” (University of Nebraska Press, 2008) and regularly lectures on the subjects of Title IX and women’s sports. She’s also a global columnist for Stay Thirsty Media, and has written hundreds of articles for publications such as Got Game Magazine, Full Court Press Online, Confluence, Beginnings Literary Magazine, and The Tipton Poetry Journal. In 2011, Baker launched Walk4Good, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring, educating and empowering people to practice kindness, and to pass that kindness on to others. Sassmann graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. She had a long and fruitful career at IBM as a systems programmer, where she worked on the company’s mainframe operating system in several capacities: designer,

From left, Christine Baker ’95, Eileen McDonald Sassmann ’66 and Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, president of Mount Saint Mary College. implementer, and service provider. Sassmann attained the rank of senior technical staff member. After retiring, Sassmann became involved in many volunteer activities: she was chair of the Village of Wappingers Falls Comprehensive Plan; chair of the Wappinger Creek Watershed Intermunicipal Council; secretary of the Wap-

pinger Greenway Trail Committee; and a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. In addition, Sassmann has been a Grinnell Library Trustee in Wappingers Falls since 2008. Sassmann is creating the McDonald Family Scholarship at the Mount, and is looking forward to meeting the recipients of that scholarship.