Mount Saint Mary College Magazine Summer 2014 by Mount Saint Mary College

Mount Saint Mary College

magazine Newburgh, New York

Summer 2014

Celebrating the 51st Commencement A fond farewell to the Class of 2014 and President Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM

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Introducing Dr. Anne Carson Daly, the Mountâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th President

DO CE ME

IVER EM TAT

. B U R G H, N

The conclusion of the academic year was a time for many of us to prepare to commence forth. At the farewell event held for me, I said I truly believe that when one door closes in life, another door opens. Yes, this door at the Mount is closing for me, but another is opening: to pastoral ministry. When my appointment as president was announced in 2008, I was beginning to familiarize myself with the importance of a Mount education: exploring fundamental questions of life, of truth. It takes many people for a college to serve well. When I arrived, Dieter Bussigel was instrumental in what he proclaimed the Mount’s first truly Strategic Plan, building and benchmarking. Mary Hinton later brought her talents. It took many to craft and implement the 2009-2014 plan. Sr. Agnes Boyle’s role in Mission Integration was the precursor to the strategic Catholic and Dominican Institute, directed by Charles Zola with an advisory board of a dozen. The Mount provides focal points, including a new Physician Assistant program, a college-wide honors program, four Centers of Excellence, 20 sports teams, Knights in the Community, MSMC Serves, clinicals, fieldwork and co-curricular activities. Faculty and students helped launch literacy programs, a clinic for community nursing and other services. We secured reaccreditation for education and nursing; gained new specialized accreditation for our business programs; developed a technology and digital media program; promoted research;

MOU NT

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 36, No. 2

developed summer orientation; launched an online program; transformed the Dominican Center; and applied numerous other strategic initiatives. It has been my pleasure to participate in traditions, to celebrate new activities, and to engage in community boards. I have enjoyed mentoring Mount students, serving and shaking the hand of each new graduate, and greeting alumni. This magazine features many accomplishments. And, as happened six years ago, an article announces a newly-selected president. Dr. Anne Carson Daly is appointed to be inaugurated this academic year. I could go on and on. Instead, to paraphrase St. Paul: Every time I pray for you, I will pray with joy. Because of the way in which you have built up the Mount Saint Mary College community. God bless,

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM President

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

The Office of Marketing and Communications 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 COPYEDITING Matt Frey ’05 MSE ’10 Jane Hanley Mayde Pokorny CIRCULATION 8,000 ©2014 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

51st Commencement at the Mount 8 On the cover â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fr. Mackin gave two thumbs up to the Class of 2014 and colleagues Photo by Lee Ferris/Mount Saint Mary College

News from the Mount | Events, presentations, awards, and more

Authors on campus | Mount faculty and staff honored for published work

Fifty years of service | Cotter, Walsh, and Mackin recognized

Commencement ceremony | Mount celebrates 600 graduates

New graduates | Profiles of students in various fields

Farewell to Fr. Mackin | Mount thanks president and faculty

New president welcomed | Meet Dr. Anne Carson Daly

Philosophy workshop | Scholars present Thomas Aquinas on God

Athletics Awards | Knights honored

Hall of Fame | Alumni inducted and celebrated

MSMC Magazine online!

Profile | Anthony Donato â&#x20AC;&#x2122;91

Alumni notes | The latest from Mount graduates

Living the dream | Sibling Mount graduates run successful business 38 Friends of the Mount | Bell family honored, Academy news

www.msmc.edu/magazine Find more stories, photos and archived issues online.

40 www.msmc.edu

News from the Mount

Mentors share ‘formal’ spirit Ryan O’Grady, a business-marketing senior this fall, with his mother Elaine O’Grady ’89, dean of admissions.

Relay reaps funds for research

ount Saint Mary College’s Relay for Life recently earned $47,300 for the American Cancer Society – topping its 2013 total by nearly $10,000. The Relay committee of 26 student leaders, led by event chair Anthony Cona and MSMC Colleges Against Cancer president Kristen Maiberger, along with Student Activities, began planning seven months before the spring event. As Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, kicked off the Relay, more than 400 members

of nearly 40 teams began taking turns walking laps for 12 hours to honor those who have or were lost to cancer, and to raise money for a cure. Thirtytwo survivors were guests of honor. Diana Pernicano began her battle against cancer in fall of 2013, when she found a lump in her neck during a handson lesson in a Mount nursing class. She credits the course with saving her life. Pernicano received treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and is now free of the disease.

The Mount’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters recently held a formal for the Littles they befriended. Mount students collected dress wear for the children, and held an awards show with the Bigs presenting certificates/ superlatives to their Littles. “This year was really successful, and formal is a way to celebrate that,” said mathematics major Kailyn Zanella, BB/BS club president. She added that this year, the club doubled its student members. The formal was co-sponsored by the Mount’s BB/BS; Improvology, a campus acting troupe; and Rotaract and the Delta Leadership Society, community service clubs. Top right, Maggie Fallon (left) and Kailyn Zanella enjoy dinner. Top left, Alexander Florez and his Little celebrate their friendship.

Adult education honor society It was an exciting night for the 26 students recently inducted into Mount Saint Mary College’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, an honor society for adult students in higher education. For husband and wife Roberto and Iraida Ayala, who were born in Puerto Rico, the honor was even more special – Roberto is a first generation college student. “I feel very proud of myself and Roberto,” said Iraida. “Having two kids and being able to accomplish this is a dream for us.” Roberto is a Lt. First Class in the U.S. Army, and Iraida is a Sergeant. Both decided to seek business degrees

to further their military careers. The Ayalas have many of the same classes and professors. “They have different methods of teaching, so I’ve learned from each one in different ways,” said Iraida. Roberto agreed. “Every professor made class special.” “This is truly a stellar group of students,” explained Karen W. Ulrich, the society’s advisor and assistant director of advisement for adult degree completion programs. “These adult students balance academic, professional and home life, children, and more, and still manage to get GPAs higher than 3.5. I couldn’t be prouder of them all.”

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

Roberto and Iraida Ayala are inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda. The ceremony took place in the James Finn Cotter Library.

Mount recognized by New York Blood Center

Fr. Mackin receives education award Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, recently accepted The Mid-Hudson School Study Council’s 2014 Friend of the Council Award from the Council’s 2014-15 president, Roberta Greene, Superintendent of Washingtonville Central School District.

Mount Saint Mary College nursing students were honored as 2014 New York Mets College Blood Donor Champions by the New York Blood Center. (Left to right) Vanessa Saravia, Nursing Student Union president; Megan Green, vice president; and Jessica Orozco, 2014 student representative, attended an award ceremony at Citi Field, prior to a Mets baseball game. The Mount’s Nursing Student Union and other campus clubs have organized several blood drives. Blood donations are essential for surgeries, treatments and emergencies.

Mount Saint Mary College

CAREER CENTER CONNECTING COLLEGE AND CAREER

CO-OPS • INTERNSHIPS CAREER DEVELOPMENT AQUINAS HALL 845-569-3175

Free job listings Employers can submit their professional job and internship opportunities at no charge to the Mount Saint Mary College Career Center. Mount alumni and students are encouraged to sign up for a private sharing of these and other career connections. For further information, visit www.msmc.edu/connections

Events and presentations at the Mount MSMC Choir

Student science conference

The Mount Saint Mary College Choir marked the arrival of spring with rehearsals of American folksongs, spirituals and standards, which were performed at the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary in the Dominican Center.

Ten Mount Saint Mary College students presented their research projects in both poster and lecture presentations at the 68th annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference. The Mount students and their faculty mentors: Annie Dineen, chemistry, with mentor Jodie Wasacz, chemistry; Steven Doster, biology, with mentor Carl Hoegler, biology; Nathaniel Dziuba, biology/physical therapy and chemistry, with mentor Suparna Bhalla, biology; Adam Earle, chemistry, with mentor Janet Petroski, chemistry; Lara Guindi, biology/pre-med, with faculty mentor Suparna Bhalla, biology; Laura Leone, biology, with mentor Carl Hoegler, biology; Hannah Mulhall, biology/premed, with mentor James Moran, biology; Jessica Perk, human services and sociology, with mentor Colleen Kirk, marketing; Vanessa Rahanaev, biology, with mentor Carl Hoegler, biology; Melanie Hofbauer, biology/pre-med, with mentor Suparna Bhalla, biology. Earle, Guindi and Mulhall received awards for outstanding poster presentations.

Mindfulness conference

At a “Mindfulness Across the Lifespan” conference, Rezvan Ameli, a clinical trainer at the National Institute of Mental Health, taught a packed audience how to cultivate mindfulness: focusing on the present moment, including acknowledging one’s thoughts and feelings, while also keeping them in perspective in order to live confidently and creatively. The event was sponsored by the Mount’s Center for Adolescent Research (CARD), co-directed by professors Frances Spielhagen, education, and Paul Schwartz, psychology; and the Center on Aging and Policy (CAP), directed by psychology professor Lawrence Force.

MSMC Theatre

Directed by the Mount’s James Phillips, “Almost, Maine” explored love in many phases. Over the course of nine vignettes, love is lost, found and con-

founded. And the small town of Almost, Maine will never be the same. “It’s a different challenge for the actors,” Phillips explained. “They need to make very believable characters out of some quirky writing. Then they’ve got to be able to look at each other and say – and believe – ‘I love you.’” The nearly 20-member cast rose to the occasion. “They’re doing a great job,” Phillips said. The cast of “Almost, Maine.” Front row: Danielle Pilla, Meghan Hartnett, Rebecca Gordils, Liliana Peralta-Zapata, Alyona Molinary, Joseph Mastando, Joseph Certa, Brenna Cooney, and William C. Biersack. Back row: Alexander Florez, Anthony Cona, Alex Mayer, Rob Petrarca, Tomas Fallon, and Adrianna Gregory. Not pictured: Kimberly Sheamon.

www.msmc.edu

News from the Mount

Left to right: Charles Zola; Vivian Milczarski; Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM; Ludmila Smirnova; Frances R. Spielhagen; Jennifer Bready; Colleen Kirk; and Denise A. Garofalo.

Mount authors share their work, left to right: Jane Gangi, Mary Hinton, David Gallagher, and Moira Tolan.

Authors honored for books, articles, essays

ennifer Bready, associate professor of mathematics, wrote “A SemesterLong Project to Engage Students in Elementary Statistics,” in “Journal of Unified Statistical Techniques” 1(1). Larry Force, professor of psychology, penned “Guidelines for Structuring Community Care and Supports for People with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia” in “Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities” 10(1). Jane Gangi, assistant professor of education, wrote “Genocide in Contemporary Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Cambodia to Darfur,” Routledge. Denise A. Garofalo, assistant librarian for systems and catalog services, wrote “Building Communities: Social Networking for Academic Libraries,” Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2013; and “Empires of the Future: Libraries, Technology, and the Academic Environment” in “Robots in Academic Libraries: Advancements in Library Automation,” IGI Publishing. Mary Hinton, former vice president for academic affairs, wrote “Be Strategic on Strategic Planning” and “Commentary: Community College Campuses Provide an Accurate Reflection of Diversity” in “Inside Higher Ed”; “Leading Historically Black Church Congregations” in “Religious Leader-

ship: A Reference Handbook,” Sage Publications; and “The Vocational Cycle to Support Institutional Justice: A Pathway for Scholars of Color to Transform Institutional Life and Governance” in “Teaching for a Culturally Diverse and Racially Just World,” Cascade Books. Colleen Kirk, assistant professor of marketing, wrote “Impact of Brand Value on Firm Valuation: The Moderating Influence of Firm Type” in “Journal of Brand Management” 20(6). Vivian Milczarski, assistant librarian for collection development, co-wrote “Bullying and Single-Sex Classes” in “Debating Single-Sex Education: Separate and Equal?” 2nd edition, Information Age Press. Tracey J. Niemotko, professor of accounting, prepared “Anti-Corruption Laws and Remedies in the United States,” Volgograd Scientific Publishing House; “Accounting Basics: A Survival Guide for Students 2nd edition,” KendallHunt; “The Career Path of a Professional in the United States: A Brief Overview,” Volgograd Scientific Publishing House; and “Types of Business Organizations in the United States,” Volgograd Scientific Publishing House. Rebecca R. Norman, assistant professor of education, wrote “Diagrams, Timelines, and Tables, Oh My! Fostering

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

Graphical Literacy” for “The Reading Teacher” 67(1). Stephanie Pietros, assistant professor of English, wrote “Review, Clive McClelland, Ombra: Supernatural Music in the 18th Century,” in “Supernatural Studies,” 1(1). Ludmila Smirnova, professor of education, was recognized for “Engaged Learning: Integrating Technology and Collaboration for Pre-Service Social Studies Teachers,” in “Connecting Online for Instruction and Learning: International Perspectives,” WizIQ. Frances R. Spielhagen, associate professor of education, wrote “Disrupting Inequity: How Policy Change Can Foster STEM Access for Underserved Students (K-12)” in “Improving Urban Schools: Equity and Access in K-12 STEM Education for All Students”; and edited and contributed five topics in “Debating Single-Sex Education: Separate and Equal?” 2nd edition, Information Age Press. Roumen Vragov, assistant professor of information technology, wrote “The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on the Coasts of Democracy” in “Electronic Commerce Research and Application” 12(6). Charles Zola, assistant professor of philosophy, wrote “Prudential Elder Care: A Thomistic Approach” in “American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly” 87(1).

New handbook on transcultural nursing Professor Priscilla Limbo Sagar’s new book, “Transcultural Nursing Education Strategies” (Springer Publishing Company), is the first to fulfill National League for Nursing/American Association Colleges of Nursing mandates on cultural competencies in education and practice, and can benefit both practicing and pre-service nurses. The comprehensive guide provides a variety of creative strategies for academia and practice, as a separate transcultural course, or across existing courses, such as foundation and lifespan courses, mental health, pharmacology, nutrition, research, community health, critical care and concepts in simulation. Pedagogical tools include cultural assessment instruments, self-learning modules, role plays, unfolding case scenarios, continuing education, lesson plans, course syllabi, critical thinking exercises and evidence-based practice information. Why is transcultural nursing so important? “We’re getting intensely and increasingly multicultural in the United States,” she explained, “and we are truly living in a global society. We need to be able to provide culturally congruent care to patients, and exercise culturally congruent practices when we interact with our students and coworkers. It can help improve health outcomes and decrease health disparities.” Contributors to the book include Mount professors Ann Corcoran, Debra Hrelic, Teresa Hurley and Nancy Owen, as well as two 2013 Mount graduates: Mollie Bowman and Toni Ann Cervone. “There is great expertise right here on campus, and I wanted to use my colleagues’ scholarship,” Sagar explained. Sagar extended acknowledgement in the book to “all contributors from Mount Saint Mary College…specifically to Fr. Kevin Mackin and many others who create a climate of faculty and staff

From Left, Drew Sagar, Priscilla Limbo Sagar, and Nancy Owen. scholarship, creativity, and productivity.” Sagar’s husband, Drew Sagar, and former Mount professor Barbara Joslyn, also provided their skills. “Transcultural Nursing Education Strategies” is a companion piece to Sagar’s 2011 book, “Transcultural Health Care Models: Application in Nursing Education, Practice, and Administration.” The nearly 500-page new book took about two and a half years to write, edit and publish. It was time well spent, said Sagar. “I think transcultural nursing is as essential as water.” She also recently wrote a chapter titled “Transcultural Nursing Certification: Its Role in Nursing Education, Practice Administration, and Research” in the new edition of Leininger’s “Culture Care Diversity and Universality: A Worldwide Nursing Theory.”

Kahana explores politics, law of 18th and 19th century In his new book, “The Unfolding of American Labor Law: Judges, Labor, and Public Policy Across Two Political Generations, 1790-1850” (LFB Scholarly Publishing), Jeffrey Kahana, assistant professor of history, examines the connection between politics and the legal process. “How we think legally and how we think politically are not as separate as sometimes is thought,” Kahana explained. “I looked at this idea from the standpoint of labor law.” The book chronicles how American

labor law diverged from English common law, and introduces the element of contingency in Lemuel Shaw, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. “American labor law in this period unfolded alongside the parallel unfolding of American political history, in which Shaw emerged as a bridge between two generations of Americans: the Founders and the Jacksonians,” explained Kahana. “He accommodated the value of regulation that informed the Founders’ worldview with the values of associational freedom that triumphed by the 1830s and 1840s.” The result, Kahana revealed, was “a distinctly American labor law that sought to harmonize individual freedom with social responsibility.” The book culminates research Kahana began several years ago, when he noticed that two of Shaw’s seminal rulings seemed to contradict – one could be considered anti-worker, while the other, involving unions, was proworker. Study and writing the book enhanced Kahana’s knowledge, which informs his teaching. “I tried to understand American history in the context of two important political generations,” he noted. “That’s something I can pass along to students.” www.msmc.edu

News from the Mount

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, front left, celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Ordination with Franciscan friar classmates David McBriar, Martin Bednar, Edward Flanagan, Neil O’Connell, Gabriel Scarfia, Paul Osborne and Richard Biasiotto.

James Finn Cotter, pictured circa the 1960s, is a linchpin for literature studies.

Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP, in her habit, circa the early 1970s.

Golden years of service Cotter, Walsh, and Mackin recognized for 50 years of devotion

hree dedicated education leaders recently reached an impressive milestone: half a century of faith-filled service. English professor James Finn Cotter was honored for his committed service to Mount Saint Mary College since 1963. The Villa Library was dedicated in his name. “Faith has been a great part of my experience here,” Cotter explained. “After my father’s death, I started to reexamine my own priorities and religion – that was in 1973. I started to go to mass here every morning.” The professor cultivated “wonderful friendships” with the Mount’s chaplains over the years, including the current chaplain and director of campus ministry, Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm. Cotter’s legacy is what he and coworkers have done to strengthen Mount Saint Mary College. “I certainly hope that the Mount continues to thrive,” he said. He thanked former presidents Fr. Kevin E.

Mackin, OFM, and Sr. Ann Sakac, OP, for “their excellent leadership.” Cotter also applauded the efforts of local businessman and philanthropist William Kaplan, whose donations to the college have made possible major improvements to Aquinas Hall and the Dominican Center. Cotter’s colleague and friend, communications professor Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP, recently celebrated five decades as a Dominican Sister, a community in the worldwide Order of Preachers (OP). “It’s a life that has its challenges, just like any other life,” revealed Sr. Walsh. “But I can only remember the rewards.” During her postulant year in 1963, she lived on campus in Guzman Hall, taking college courses (she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1970) and learning more about the faith. “To use a cliché, nothing has ever been the same,” she said. “As a group of young sisters, we laughed; we cried; we became fast friends; we loved the

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

religious congregation.” With her new role came more than a few surprises. “I was fascinated by what I didn’t know about religious life, including study, prayer and other responsibilities,” she said. “One of my surprises was how warm the veil got, but how comfortable the habit was.” During her half century with the Dominican Sisters, Sr. Walsh saw many changes: in religion, politics, and even in the way she and other nuns dressed. Several of her peers left the religious life. Sr. Walsh, however, never wavered. “I believe in the religious life,” she said. “I find the four pillars of Dominican life very enriching.”

The pillars are: Study: “Study is a deeper way of understanding life,” said Sr. Walsh. “Study is the soul of our mission of preaching.” Prayer: “Prayer in community and reflection on the gospel is the source of our truth seeking,” Sr. Walsh explained.

“We are called to deepen our relationship with our God and then to be the incarnational presence of that God in the service we give.” Service: “The ability to grow and give all kinds of service is a gift to me,” she said. “I love teaching.” Community: “I live with four fabulous women,” Sr. Walsh explained. “They have been instrumental in helping me grow as a person. Living in a community, you learn your shortcomings, and they help you grow as a leader and a person.” After teaching seventh grade at St. Mary of the Assumption in Deal, N.J., and St. Mary’s School in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sr. Walsh taught at Bishop Dunn Memorial School in Newburgh, where she would eventually become principal. She began teaching part time at Mount Saint Mary College in 1983, and took on her communication arts role in 1985. She departed in 1991 to serve on the leadership team of her congregation. In 1995, she became the first prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. The consolidation of three branches of Dominican Sisters – Newburgh, N.Y.; Ossining, N.Y.; and Fall River, Mass. – had been in the works since 1988. As prioress, it was Sr. Walsh’s responsibility to help them meld the traditions of the three branches into something new, yet familiar. “It was a process,” she explained. “We had to help three cultures become one. We had to find new ways of doing things, like celebrating jubilees, and finances. We weren’t just making policy decisions, we were changing lives.” The key to good leadership, she said, was “constant communication among all of the councilors and myself.” Sr. Walsh returned to teaching at the Mount in the year 2000. As she continued instructing, she noted that her own education is never-ending. “It is with deep joy and gratitude that I celebrate 50 years of learning to be a Dominican,” said Sr. Walsh. “It’s a privilege.” Cotter and Sr. Walsh are in good company: Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, the fifth president of Mount Saint Mary

Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP, recently celebrated her Golden Jubilee of entrance into the Sisters of Saint Dominic. A special mass was held at Founders Chapel. Pictured at right is James Finn Cotter, and at left is Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm., Mount chaplain and director of campus ministry. College, was ordained a priest five decades ago. He has served as a Franciscan friar, professor and executive for more than 50 years, including as president of Christ the King in East Aurora, N.Y.; Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.; and Mount Saint Mary College. “I have had great joy serving at the Mount,” said the educator, who noted that Saint Dominic de Guzman and Saint Francis of Assisi had met in the early 13th century as their congregations

began to grow. Under Fr. Mackin’s direction, the College launched “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign for the Dominican Center” in 2012, to raise $10 million for the transformation to a new, truly stateof-the-art library and living-learning environment. “Students are absolutely thrilled with the opportunity the Dominican Center presents,” said Fr. Mackin, who arranged for Cardinal Timothy Dolan to visit for a blessing this September. www.msmc.edu

51st Commencement Celebration

Commencement a new beginning

ount Saint Mary College recognized more than 600 graduates, three honorary degree

recipients, and outgoing president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM at its 51st annual commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 17. A baccalaureate mass began the day, celebrated in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary by Fr. Mackin and Fr. Francis Amodio, O. Carm., chaplain and director of campus ministry. Graduating seniors and students of various class years assisted as altar servers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Fr. Amodioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homily focused on the theme of doors, leading to various opportunities. Outdoors, a bagpipe skirl filled the air. James Finn Cotter, longtime Mount English professor, once again bore the ceremonial mace, and led a long procession into a tent filled with families and friends of the graduates.

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

Preparing to join the Commencement procession (left to right): Dr. Albert J. Gruner, Rosanna Scotto, Robert R. Dyson, Senator William J. Larkin, Jr., and Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM.

51st Commencement Celebration Professor Durward Entrekin led beautiful music at baccalaureate mass. With the Newburgh Symphony that week, Entrekin on organ “entered powerfully but subtly, merging into a dialogue with the strings…At last the organ thunders forth…” trumpeted a review.

Fr. Mackin, marking his sixth commencement at the college, continued his welcoming tradition of inviting the graduating class to “give yourself a hug” for a job well done. He encouraged them to continue using their skills of mind and habits of heart. “You will not always know the outcome of your good outreach to your fellow human beings,” he said. “So be mindful of life, of your gifts, of opportunities every moment to make a difference for the better in the lives of our fellow human beings.” Fr. Mackin added that he felt blessed to have welcomed thousands of students, and to have given a commencement greeting and handshake to thousands. “And now we prepare to depart,” he said. “You don’t need me to tell you that you are going forth into changing and

“...Be mindful of

life, of your gifts, of opportunities every moment to make a difference for the better ....”

—

Fr. Mackin

challenging times. But each of us is on a pilgrimage: always in the presence of an awesome God who wants us to grow in faith.” The graduating students then heard from honorary degree recipients Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5 News anchor and anchor of “Good Day New York”; Robert R. Dyson, chairman and chief

executive officer of The Dyson-KissnerMoran Corporation; and William J. Larkin Jr., New York State senator. Rosanna Scotto began by surveying the graduates, smiling and exclaiming, “Good day Hudson Valley!” Scotto, a member of WNYW-FOX 5 News for nearly three decades, engages in a wealth of research, writing and reporting. Scotto won a string of coveted assignments. She also led FOX 5 News to the forefront in getting Marty Tankleff a new trial, and was granted an exclusive interview with him in jail. After 17 years of wrongful imprisonment, Tankleff ’s conviction was overturned. Scotto has won three Emmys for anchoring “FOX 5 News at 10” and “Good Day New York,” and is the winner of three Associated Press Awards. She encouraged the students to take what they have learned at Mount Saint Mary College and use it to make the www.msmc.edu

51st Commencement Celebration

Mount students “give themselves a hug” for graduating, continuing a tradition of Fr. Mackin.

world a better place. “Your stories start right now,” Scotto said. “Time is precious and not to be wasted. There is an urgency to ending poverty, creating new jobs…and providing education for all. We can all do great things together.” Robert Dyson thanked Fr. Mackin and the college for honoring him. “I’m deeply appreciative of receiving this degree,” Dyson said. He then congratulated Fr. Mackin for his “exceptional leadership. His many successes on this campus are lifechanging for this institution…He is not only a beloved and respected member of the college community, but of the greater mid-Hudson community.” Dyson told the students to seize opportunities as they come, including doing civil service, volunteering and taking on professional challenges. “Remember, the world is made up and run by those who show up,” he said. He also urged graduates to be thankful to their families for supporting them through the years. The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation was founded by Dyson’s father,

“To those of you graduating today, congratulations and best wishes!” — Sen. William J. Larkin Jr. Charles H. Dyson, in New York City. Robert Dyson owns and manages private investments such as Dyson Racing in Poughkeepsie. The businessman, who lives in Millbrook, N.Y., personally garnered two wins in the Daytona 24 Hour competition. He is also chair of Health Quest Systems. In partnership with the New York State Government and other funders, the Dyson Foundation spearheaded and spent close to $17 million on the Walkway Over the Hudson, which has attracted 1.8 million visitors. At Mount Saint Mary College,

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Dyson provides the Dyson Leadership Scholarship. William Larkin is in his 35th year in the New York State Legislature, having served in the Assembly from 19791990 and State Senate since 1990, and is Republican Conference Whip. Larkin resides in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y. and his district includes parts of Orange, Rockland and Ulster Counties. “I stand here before you humbled and thankful for this honor,” Larkin said. “To each of you who has stood by me on this long trail, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.” He added, “To those of you graduating today, congratulations and best wishes!” Larkin told students that when asked where they went to college, “stand up tall and say, ‘I graduated from Mount Saint Mary College, the best there is.’” The United States Army veteran with 23 years of active service asked students to remember those who have fought for American freedoms. “Before you go to bed tonight, take a minute to think about the men and women in the armed forces who serve

51st Commencement Celebration

in harm’s way,” said Larkin. “They’re there so you can enjoy the day and graduate.” The senator established the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in the Hudson Valley, and spearheaded a nation-wide effort for the United States Postal Service to issue the permanent Purple Heart “Forever” stamp. Also this year, a Faculty Award was presented to Louis P. Fortunato, professor of accounting, who has served on the faculty since 1987 and is faculty senate chair. Professor Fortunato is a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant, with a practice in Newburgh, N.Y. With a handshake and a beaming smile from Fr. Mackin, the candidates excitedly strode across the stage and transitioned from students to alumni. The final recognition was a surprise. Fr. William Scafidi, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, had proposed to honor Fr. Mackin for his involvement in the

region. William Kaplan, who serves as Newburgh Armory Unity Center chair, was invited to present a plaque dedicating The People’s Garden to Fr. Mackin. Kaplan escorted Andrew Scalard, who is focusing his Eagle Scout project on the Garden, as Dr. Albert J. Gruner, chairman of the board, read the announcement. The garden, near St. Mary’s Church, enables city residents to grow their own healthy fruits and vegetables at little cost. The 2013-2014 yearbook is also dedicated to Fr. Mackin. As a “devoted leader and mentor…his leadership has made a mark on each of the students of Mount Saint Mary College,” wrote student body president Mary Bocskocsky of Mohegan Lake, N.Y. New graduate Megan Capurso of Mahopac, N.Y. said that Fr. Mackin “has devoted his life to God, education, and the people he comes in contact with, particularly the students.” She added, “While many know Fr. Kevin because of his lecturing skills, his ability to

fundraise, and the vast academic accomplishments he has earned, the majority of students lovingly know him [for his] ‘put your left hand on your right shoulder; your right hand on your left shoulder’ hug when they graduated.” In the days leading up to commencement, events provided for the graduating class included housing in the Dominican Center and the “Life After College” brunch, which featured useful tips from the Mount’s Career Center. “The entire Mount community came together today to celebrate our students and their accomplishments,” wrote Mary Hinton, former vice president for academic affairs, to faculty and staff after the commencement ceremony. “I am thankful to everyone who gave of their time and energy to welcome our students and families to campus and to be a part of this very special occasion.” To view photos from the commencement ceremony, visit www.msmc.edu/ commencement2014

Rosanna Scotto, Robert R. Dyson, and Sen. William J. Larkin Jr. each complimented and advised the Class of 2014.

www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Arts & Letters Steven Saverino and Gabrielle Fanizzi take a bow at their recent fashion show. The event raised more than $1,400 for diabetes research.

Success in style

Mount Saint Mary College’s Hudson Hall recently hosted a stylish fashion show that raised more than $1,400 to battle diabetes.

or event co-organizer Steven Saverino, a May graduate who double majored in public relations and media studies-journalism, wowing more than 100 audience members with outfits donated by local boutiques was a dream come true. “It was a lengthy process,” said Saverino of the yearlong project. “It was wonderful when we saw the whole thing come to life.” Saverino’s passion for fashion motivated him to seek an internship at Glamour Kills Clothing LLC in New York City, where he was mentored by Mount alumnus Michael Muñoz ’09, domestic production manager. As a social media intern, Saverino helped manage the company’s Face-

book, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram posts. He also worked with digital sources to promote the company’s clothing worldwide. “I learned that social media is the best way to communicate with people around the world quickly and effectively,” he explained. On campus, he worked with Alumni Affairs planning special events. Saverino obtained both internships through the Mount’s Career Center. “Those jobs taught me that what I really want to get into is special event planning,” he said. Both of Saverino’s parents are hearing impaired, and his experience of growing up in a deaf household motivated him to succeed in college and the work world. “I used to be very reserved because I

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Saverino (left), at his internship with Glamour Kills Clothing LLC in New York City. Pictured with him are his mentor Michael Muñoz ’09 (center), domestic production manager at the company, and Alex Rivera ’13. was brought up in such a quiet environment,” he said, “but at the Mount, I was inspired to be friendlier and take on new responsibilities.” It didn’t take long for Saverino to immerse himself in the Mount’s many student-run activities. He was secretary of the Latino Student Union and a member of the Diversity Club. He also studied abroad in Rome for the fall 2013 semester. “It was an amazing experience,” he said. None of his accomplishments would have been possible without his hardworking professors. He cited communications professors Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP, and James Beard as “excellent teachers.” Beard, he added, was a catalyst for changing his major to public relations.

New Graduates: Arts & Letters Stephanie Weaver researched the Irish Literary Renaissance with Daniel Shea, associate English professor.

At the Center for Student Success, Saverino thanked Dante Cantú, director, and Keino Isaac, former associate director, for “always being there for me and giving me great advice.” Saverino is aiming for a public relations position in New York City. “I’m really interested in the behind-the-scenes promotional work,” he explained. Stephanie Weaver, another recent Mount graduate, has quite a way with words. An English major with a minor in psychology, Weaver was an intern at Thornwillow Press Ltd. in Newburgh, N.Y., where she learned the ropes of the trade from company president Luke Pontifell. Weaver’s responsibilities included archiving the special collections library and writing a small book on travel. She obtained the internship through the Career Center. “As someone who’s looking into the publishing field, it was an excellent experience for me,” she said. “I love books, and seeing them created right in front of me was exciting.”

Weaver teamed up with associate English professor Daniel Shea in the Mount’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), spending two summers researching Irish literature. During the spring 2013 semester, Weaver studied at the University of Redding in England, and headed to Dublin to compile primary sources of the Irish Literary Renaissance (1865-1923). “It was really cool to experience and learn from another culture,” she said. At the Mount, Weaver was an editor and writer for the Literary Society; a writer for The Mount Messenger newspaper and Knight Life blog; president of the Mount’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English honors society; a member of the Alpha Chi general honor society; and chair of the Honors Program Student Council, which acts as liaison between students and faculty. She was also a resident assistant for three years. “It was a great experience working with students,” she said of her RA position. “I loved it.” The devoted Catholic has been a

familiar face with campus ministry. “Campus ministry is fantastic, and it’s strengthened my faith,” she explained. “A.J. [LaPoint, former assistant director] and Fr. Francis [Amodio, O.Carm., director of campus ministry and campus chaplain] have given us students a wonderful spiritual community. That sense of family is what I love about this college, and one of the major reasons I chose the Mount.” Campus ministry has provided many service opportunities. For example, Weaver lent her social media skills to the local Newburgh Ministry. She said the experience “was a great way to give back.” During her four years at the Mount, Weaver was named a Ralph Scholar and an Aquinas Scholar, joining other students in the top percentages of their class. She also earned the Virginia Joyce Davidson Scholarship for English, and the Dominican Sisters of Hope scholarship for three years. To top off her accomplishments, Weaver was recently presented with The Father Michael J. Gilleece Memorial Award for exemplifying integrity on campus. Her gratitude is as expansive as her student résumé. Weaver noted that in her freshman year, Shea helped guide her to become an English major, a decision that changed her life. Professor James Cotter molded her writing talent in his American authors and creative writing courses. “He was an invaluable support and guide toward developing my writing skills,” she said. “His wisdom and guidance helped me determine that I wanted to be a professor. He is a rock at the Mount and I am lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him.” Weaver added that Ellen Bourhis Nolan, director of career development at the Mount’s Career Center, aided her in researching scholarships and finding a graduate school. “She made me see that I have the potential to make a great résumé and look for a job anywhere I choose,” she said. Weaver’s hard work was rewarded: She was accepted into the doctor of arts in English program – her ultimate goal – at St. John’s University in New York City. She continues to explore opportunities, including applying for a Fulbright scholarship. www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Natural Sciences Laura Leone discovered her love of biology through the Mount.

Biology building blocks

for life and careers

ecent Mount Saint Mary College graduate Joseph Henain juggled studies, service and a high-flying career as a student-athlete. It was all in a day’s work for the humble biology/pre-med major. “We all have potential to do great things,” he said. “We can’t waste that potential.” Preparing for a basketball game is a lot like preparing for a science test, Henain explained. “If I slip up in the classroom, it’s from that small detail I don’t understand,” he said. “It’s the same on the basketball court – if there’s one little thing I don’t understand about another player’s tendencies, I could be costing my team a potential win because I’m not prepared.” A co-captain of the Knights team, Henain is the college’s best career shot blocker. He was also named to the inaugural

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Allstate NABC Good Works Team and Allstate WBCA Good Works Team, representing Division III. The award recognized basketball student-athletes who have made outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement, while excelling in the classroom. “It was very humbling,” he said. “I was so honored that they picked me.” Born in Egypt, Henain and his family moved to the United States when he was three years old, in order to practice Christianity and to obtain “a better life,” he explained. His parents are his biggest role models. “If there was one person I hope I could be like, it’s my father,” he said. “He’s humble, loving, and he sacrifices for the good of our family nonstop.” Learning from his father, Henain’s goals are to “lead a simple life, love everyone, and love God above all.”

New Graduates: Natural Sciences On campus, Henain was treasurer of the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society chapter, secretary for the Gamma Sigma Epsilon chemistry honor society chapter, and a member of Alpha Chi, the honor society for general excellence. He also tutored Mount students in organic chemistry. One of his greatest academic accomplishments was his Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) project with assistant chemistry professor Jodie Wasacz. The pair searched for a procedure to convert active ingredients in over-the-counter pain relief creams to aspirin. They continued the research through an independent study course, and presented their findings at an American Chemical Society meeting in Philadelphia. The enthusiastic graduate was accepted into Albany Medical College and will begin studying this fall to become either a pediatrics or primary care doctor. His success was thanks to many people, he said. “All the credit goes to my parents and professors for supporting me, and to God – science is the language that God used to create the world,” he explained. Henain says the Mount was “the best college choice” for him. “Small class sizes, the athletics program, professors that care about their students. I can’t ask for anything more in a college.” Suparna Bhalla, associate professor of biology, nurtured his love of science even when studies were most difficult. “She’s an amazing professor,” he said. “She taught me how to think logically, in a medical sense. If something goes wrong in one area, what’s the next to be affected? That’s helped me a lot.” Another Mount biology graduate, Laura Leone, says that her robust courses have made her ready to pursue a master’s degree in neuroscience from The College of Staten Island. Thanks to the Mount, Leone discovered her passion for biology and its potential for curing disease. “My father is a nurse, and growing up, science was huge in our house,” she explained. “I knew I wanted to do something to help people like my father does, but I didn’t want to be a nurse. Once I got to my sophomore

Joseph Henain inspired as a star on the court and in the classroom.

“Once I got to my sophomore year, I fell in love with the lab aspect of biology.” — Laura Leone

year, I fell in love with the lab aspect of biology.” Carl Hoegler, professor of biology, encouraged Leone to continue beyond her bachelor’s degree. “He has so much information at his fingertips,” she said. “I learn so much from him every time I see him. He’s the coolest guy in the world.” Wasacz, Leone’s organic chemistry teacher, “helped me see the value in chemistry as well,” Leone explained. Leone chose the Mount for its breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and its small class sizes: the college boasts an average 14-to-1 studentfaculty ratio.

“You can ask the professors as many questions as you need,” she said. She received the Dominican Sisters Founders Endowed Scholarship when she first came to the Mount, and later became a member of the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society. Like her classmate Henain, Leone participated in sports. She was a member of the Knights softball team for the majority of her college career. Also like Henain, her father is one of her best role models. “I want to be just like my dad,” she said. “I love that he’s out there helping to save people’s lives.” After earning her master’s degree, Leone plans on working in a research lab. Her goal is to search for a cure for multiple sclerosis, in honor of her aunt, who has the disease. Courses in earth science, organic chemistry, physiology, biology and more are the core of strong Mount degrees in the natural sciences. The Mount prepares students for graduate study; medical, veterinary or dental school; and careers in industry or education. At the college, students find supportive study groups, service opportunities and research with faculty. www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Business

Jeremias Ramos (left) and Stephen Lawrence aid a Newburgh resident in preparing her taxes.

Leanne O’Reilly (right) tests the blood pressure of Jaimee Lubniewski at the Mount’s recent health fair. O’Reilly puts her marketing skills to use for Skonberg Family Chiropractic.

Stellar seniors enter the business world O ne of the hardest working tax preparers this spring offered his services for free. Career advancement wasn’t the only motivation for Jeremias Ramos in serving low- and mid-income families through the AARP TaxAide Foundation, the Mid-Hudson CASH Coalition, and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. “It’s a good experience in my field,” said Ramos, who graduated from the Mount this May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. “Plus I get to volunteer and help others, which I like. That’s a big incentive for me. Clients are really grateful and they appreciate the service.” Ramos and his peers trained for at least 40 hours, then passed an IRS certification exam before sharing their accounting skills. Serving the community is a constant for Ramos. He was president of the college’s Change for Charity student organization, which partners with local non-profits to raise funds using the best business practices that students learn in the classroom.

On the Mount’s cross-country team, Ramos was co-captain until tax season, when he increased his tax preparation services. Also during tax season, Ramos flourished at an internship at Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, and thanks to his experience, he will begin working there this fall. He interned at Central Hudson Gas & Electric as well, aiding with internal auditing. Both internships were obtained through the Mount’s Career Center. The Presidential Scholarship he was awarded has been put to good use. On campus, he was a tutor at the Center for Student Success, which provides academic coaches and helps students monitor their progress. He was senior class treasurer, as well as treasurer of the Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society, and vice president of the Political Awareness Club. Ramos consecutively earned the titles of Ralph Scholar and Aquinas Scholar, and achieved the dean’s list each semester. In his junior year, Ramos helped to form the Mount Knights accounting team, which finished in the top 20

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nationwide in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants annual competition. The Mount’s was the only team from the northeast in the top 20. As part of the college’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), Ramos and associate economics professor Rezaul Hossain studied “The Cost and Benefits of Immigrant Population on the U.S. Economy.” Ramos presented on the subject at the 40th Annual Northeast Business and Economic Association Conference in New Hampshire. Of Louis Fortunato, accounting professor, Ramos revealed, “He really helps his students succeed.” He added that accounting professor Tracey Niemotko is “an incredible teacher” who was instrumental in his evolution as a student. Niemotko “pushes students to go above and beyond.” Just days after receiving his bachelor’s degree, Ramos returned to the Mount to begin his accelerated master’s in business administration. Accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the Mount’s academic business

New Graduates: Business

Students of accounting professor Louis P. Fortunato dressed for success. programs are relevant to the needs of the business community as well as students, through relationships with the college’s Business Advisory Council and with organizations such as The Solar Energy Consortium. Mount business students develop critical thinking and communication skills. It was a busy four years for Leanne O’Reilly, a business marketing major who graduated in May. O’Reilly sharpened her skills in an eclectic collection of internships, from the ball field and the gridiron to local business. Last year, through the Mount’s Career Center, she stepped up to the plate for the Hudson Valley Renegades’ Pitch for Kids program. She was in good company — Mount grad Tyler Tumminia ’00 manages dayto-day responsibilities for five

Ramos, an accounting graduate, will also pursue the college’s MBA degree.

minor league teams, including the Renegades. O’Reilly recently headed to MetLife stadium in New Jersey to help promote the Jets NFL team, interact with fans, and ask how to make their experience even better. She also promoted Army football at West Point. A co-op experience with Beautiful Outdoors, a landscaping company, had O’Reilly designing postcards, doing database work and promoting the business at a tradeshow. Recently, her career path took a gratifying turn. While attending an event organized by communications students, O’Reilly connected with a representative of Skonberg Family Chiropractic in Newburgh, N.Y. She was quickly offered a marketing position. At the Beth Roeper Health and Wellness Fair at the Mount, O’Reilly described Skonberg Family Chiropractic services as she read the blood pressure of participants. “I never thought I would be working for a chiropractor,” said O’Reilly, “or wearing scrubs. It’s a little different from what I’m used to with sports marketing, but it’s the same core concept of marketing that I learned at the Mount. I’m really enjoying putting my marketing skills to use like this.” Upon graduation, O’Reilly increased her responsibilities at Skonberg Family Chiropractic. “I’ve learned a lot,” revealed the Aquinas Scholar. “I’ve done things I’ve never thought I could do. It’s helped me develop a lot of management skills.” O’Reilly said it wouldn’t have been

possible without her professors, including former business professor James Griesemer. “She’s an excellent student,” said Griesemer. “She’s smart and she’s hard working. Combine it with her personality – the attitude and the willingness to do different things – and she could pretty much do anything she wanted in the marketing world.” O’Reilly cited Colleen Kirk, assistant professor of marketing, as another major factor in her success. Kirk taught O’Reilly’s first marketing class, in which O’Reilly quickly “fell in love” with the field. Kirk inspired O’Reilly to become president of Delta Mu Delta, the national honor society in business administration, and a member of the Alpha Chi general excellence honor society. O’Reilly was also president and founder of the Mount’s Student Business Association, which she and Kirk designed. The student-run group strives to aid local businesses through accounting, marketing and other Mount-taught skills. The Student Business Association recently invited Jack Belsito, CEO of Voss of Norway and formerly of Snapple, to campus, to discuss “Building a Brand: The Role of Marketing Strategy.” O’Reilly’s advice to incoming freshmen is simple and potent. “It sounds cliché, but find what makes your heart warm,” she said. “You’ll know what you’re supposed to do when you find that passion.” The successful grad knows from experience. “The Mount helped me find who I am.” www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Education

Mount grad Justin Lewis taught first graders at Fostertown Elementary School in Newburgh, N.Y.

Mount grads at the

head of the class I

t sounds like the perfect ending to a game show, but it’s the beginning of a career. Recent Mount Saint Mary College graduate Justin Lewis of Spring Valley, N.Y., near the Hudson River, is headed for the warm waters and blue skies of Hawaii. Two weeks before his graduation in May, Lewis, who earned a master of science degree in education from the Mount, accepted a teaching job at Waianae Elementary School on the island of Oahu, beginning in July 2014. “It feels amazing to have gotten a job right out of college like this,” Lewis said, “and I know I’ll enjoy teaching in Hawaii.”

The Mount readied him for his career, he revealed. “I definitely feel prepared,” explained Lewis. “Thanks to the Mount, I know I’ll be a good teacher.” Lewis says that in the classroom, “planning is key, but so is improvising.” Even though he could spend a great deal of time preparing a lesson plan, he explained, he may need to extend or shorten the lesson in the interest of time. “Sometimes students will ask lots of questions and that leads to going in a slightly different direction,” he said. “You need to plan, but also be prepared to respond to the moment.”

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Lewis noted that education professor Dolores Berlinghoff, with her expertise in behavior management, and professor Ludmila Smirnova, who “is a great teacher,” were major influences in his evolution as a student. While pursuing his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Mount, Lewis spent time helping to educate future teachers. At a recent conference on “Engaging Challenging Youth with Children’s and Young Adult Literature,” Lewis discussed the uses of hip-hop music in the classroom, and how it could be used in conjunction with lessons on poetry. Students from the Mount and other area colleges

New Graduates: Education also explored the educational use of novels with “comic”-like illustrations, children’s and young adult literature, art conversations, drama and reader’s theater, writing, poetry, blogs, and choral reading. His dedication to his craft doesn’t stop there. As part of the Mount’s Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL), Lewis and other students, along with Jane Gangi, associate professor of education, developed a list of more than 150 suggested books to include in New York State’s K-5 Common Core standards. The texts were recommended by educators across the nation, or had won multicultural awards. They recently presented their findings for K-5 students at the New York State Reading Association Literacy for All Learners conference in Albany, N.Y. “Reading these books will help all children,” said Lewis. “In America, we are multicultural. To be successful, you have to know about other cultures, especially in the business world.” Mount Saint Mary College has been renowned for teacher education for more than half a century. Around 11 percent of current first year students at the Mount aim for careers in education. The college is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, is registered by the New York State Education Department, and has specialized accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. While Lewis is crossing the continent to the Aloha State, another Mount graduate, Brittni Troy of Montgomery, N.Y., found her paradise much closer to home. Her field experience included a special education class at Raymond C. Cramer Elementary School in Goshen, N.Y. “Special education is really where my heart is,” she said. “Students with disabilities are life’s greatest teachers. They teach you about determination and perseverance.” Earlier in her Mount studies, the earthen smell of the Mohonk Preserve

Brittni Troy, a recent Mount graduate, discusses how caterpillars become butterflies, at Raymond C. Cramer Elementary School in Goshen, N.Y. forest and the warm summer sun set the backdrop for Troy’s participation in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). Troy surveyed the entire southern half of the nearly 7,000-acre preserve, performing an observational study of the forest understory. Using a small iPad-like device, Troy recorded the species, density and height of the vegetation. She created a map to be used in land management decisions, such as where and when to set controlled burns, assisting the forest to thrive. She said the hands-on research experience was a major boon to her teaching skills. “To teach science you need to have the students involved,” explained Troy. “I hope to get the children out in nature and use the scientific method to solve problems. That kind of thinking will not only help them in science, but a variety of subjects.” She added, “There’re so many awesome things in this world that can be explained through science. It’s so fascinating, and kids really enjoy that as well. Science is a great way to engage their natural curiosity in the world.” Honing her leadership on campus, Troy was president of the Mount’s Sigma Tau Chapter 451 of Kappa Delta

Pi, an education honor society; a member of Beta Beta Beta, a national biology honor society; and an admissions ambassador for incoming students. Troy began her Mount career by earning the Transfer Honors Scholarship and the Dominican Sisters of Hope Scholarship. Has the Mount primed Troy as an educator? Without a doubt. “I have nothing but the best to say about the Mount’s education program and professors,” she explained. Mount Saint Mary College’s nationally accredited education program is distinctive in that fieldwork is embedded in coursework starting in sophomore year. The program earns high marks in preparing well qualified teachers and administrators. For her scientific studies, Troy said that Lynn Maelia, professor of chemistry, “really showed me that I can excel in science.” And James Moran, associate professor of biology and division chair, “helped me build a lot of confidence.” The future looks bright for the recent grad. Currently, she is a community and home support mentor tutoring young students with disabilities, and a substitute in the Valley Central and Wappingers Central school districts. www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Philosophy & Religious Studies Megan Capurso, lighting candles, has been an altar server for several years.

Faith shapes Mount grads

egan Capurso strives to exemplify her Catholic ideals and values. God has provided for her in return, she said. She began her college journey without a declared major, but was drawn towards religion from her first day as a student at the Mount. With Hurricane Sandy looming on move-in day, her parents had to drop her off and return quickly to Mahopac, N.Y. to beat the storm. The freshman was feeling overwhelmed. To the rescue: Fr. Francis Amodio, O. Carm., chaplain and director of campus ministry. “Fr. Francis saw me, and I think he could tell I was upset,” Capurso recalled. “He knew that I’m an altar server and asked if I would serve at mass the next day.” When Capurso suffered an eye injury after mass, Fr. Amodio cancelled his plans, in order to stay with her at the hospital.

“His kindness reaffirmed that I was in the right place with the Mount community, and it made me want to continue with campus ministry,” she explained. In addition to being an altar server, Capurso was a sacristan, setting up for mass, training lectors and altar servers, and replenishing inventory. “Megan has faithfully offered her services as sacristan,” said Fr. Amodio, and “she is always willing to help.” A recipient of the Dominican Sisters of Hope Endowed Scholarship, Capurso declared an interdisciplinary major, with a concentration in religious studies and psychology. “I have a passion for it,” she said. “I considered a career in English, but my religion is what I always came back to; it’s what I’m never tired of reading and learning about. I love Catholicism, and I think its history is beautiful.” Thanks to college credits earned while in high school, Capurso is graduating early. She plans on “giving

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that fourth year back to God” through a year of service with Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries. Beginning this August, Capurso will live with seven other volunteers who minister to students in eighth grade through college, and help grow their faith and leadership skills through retreats, parish ministry, and community service. Capurso will serve locally, as well as in Boston and in the southern U.S. With her eye on a master’s degree in theology – her plan is to become either a professor of religious studies, or a campus minister – Capurso says the service experience will inform her future endeavors. Mount professors have been invaluable in helping Capurso navigate her academic journey. Fr. Amodio’s New Testament course was a real eye-opener for her. “Every class was incredible,” she revealed. Along with fellow altar server Emily DiBiase, Capurso and assistant religious studies professor Robert Miller studied “right speech” in the Bible, and how it

New Graduates: Philosophy & Religious Studies

Anthony Krueger shared the message that “there is some one looking out for you.” can lead to holiness, using a Hebrew translation of the Old Testament and a Greek translation of the New Testament. Another familiar face at campus mass has been Anthony Krueger. The English major with a minor in public relations often read from the Bible at Sunday mass. “Anthony has a generous heart,” observed Fr. Amodio. “He offers his time to be of service no matter what is needed, from the most mundane task to the extraordinary in campus ministry.” Added Alexander LaPoint, former assistant director of campus ministry, “Students like Megan and Anthony make serving on campus ministry a joyful and life-giving experience.” Krueger went on several retreats, celebrated Catholic Youth Day, and engaged in service projects such as coat collections, food drives and the Christmas Giving Tree, which collected and distributed more than 1,800 toys to local families in need during Krueger’s college years. “My sense of service comes through

Local Bishop Dominick J. Lagonegro (center) with Mount students (left to right) Adam Earle, Megan Capurso, Nimmy James and Emily DiBiase.

God, and my faith has definitely been strengthened at the Mount, thanks to Fr. Francis and A.J. LaPoint,” said Krueger. “They are very welcoming to everyone, including those who have a different faith. Sometimes when I’m at work, they’ve discussed a modern topic through a Catholic lens, and it really helps me prepare myself for life outside of college.” Through various roles, Krueger cultivated leadership skills: as an orientation leader for new students; a member of Student Government Association senate; programming board officer of the Student Activities Council; treasurer of the student newspaper; and vice president of the Mount theatrical society, Different Stages. He also served as vice president of the Knight Notes, the college a capella group which he helped form. God was there to help him every step of the way, said the busy student. “Faith to me is the peace of God,”

Krueger noted. “You might not have complete control over everything, but there is someone looking out for you. Everything really does happen for a reason.” He credits Fr. Amodio with molding his faith, and thanks arts and letters professors James Beard, Daniel Shea, Nancy Von Rosk and Marie-Therese Sulit with molding his writing. Krueger plans to earn a master’s degree in business administration. “I’d like to help the community,” he said, of his plans after college. “With campus ministry and student activities, I’ve learned that helping fellow students doesn’t feel like a burden.” He added, “What a lot of people have told me is that if you enjoy doing something, it’s not work. And I enjoy it.” Krueger has some advice for incoming Mount students: “Take every opportunity you can at the Mount, because it will better your experience and help prepare you for life after college.”

Identity in ministry Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm, says pastoral counseling or offering spiritual direction is a time he sees “the Carmelite” come forth. Offering a deeper way through silence is attractive to many. “For example, campus ministry introduced Prayer and Praise, praying the Liturgy of the Hours before the Blessed Sacrament. This contemplation, the charism of Carmel, really does help students to know themselves and therefore grow as a mature person. Another way is the course I

teach, introduction to New Testament. Modeling how to interpret the spiritual meaning of the parables, teachings of Jesus, helps students see the Gospels as living rather than words on a page. So I not only teach about the history of the text, but how to reflect on the Word of God.” The popular chaplain-in-residence observes that campus ministry is basically presence: “Being present to those I see, to those I teach, helping people articulate that God is real and active in our midst.” www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Mathematics & Information Technology

Math skills give Mount grads the edge

ay graduate Karen Borst recently had youngsters enthusiastically making and breaking secret codes through a quick study of cryptography. Borst was one of more than 30 Mount students who treated 300 eager children and their families to fun mathematics activities at Pine Tree Elementary School in Monroe, N.Y. Math isn’t just her career path, but a passion she hopes to instill in future generations. “Math is intriguing,” Borst said. “I want to be the change that gets more students to enjoy going to school.” Borst, who is active in the community, was vice president of the Mount’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Last year, she and about a dozen classmates spent their spring break building and rehabilitating homes in Dickinson, Texas, in collaboration with Bay Area Houston Habitat for Humanity. She also excelled in an internship with the Newburgh, N.Y. chapter of Habitat. Borst and a handful of other students, led by math professor Lee Fothergill, surveyed more than 300 homes and used the statistics to analyze which areas were most in need of rehabilitation. “The internship had us doing math outside of the classroom,” she explained. “We didn’t think we’d need such intense math skills to complete the project; it involved variables and creation of our own formulas. I’m proud that the work we did helped the Newburgh community.” Through campus ministry, “I have a stronger faith because of the people I’m surrounded by and the things we do on campus,” Borst added, including collecting coats and food for those less fortunate. For her dedication and skill, she was recently presented with the Student Affairs Award for Outstanding Service to the Class of 2014.

Karen Borst led high school students on a tour of the Mount campus. The Aquinas Scholar (top five percent of her class) is a member of the Kappa Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society, the Alpha Chi Honor Society for general excellence, and Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. Her experience as an admissions ambassador for the college since her freshman year helped her win a Career Center Apprentice competition, out of a pool of about 100 passionate Mount students. She was also vice president of Colleges Against Cancer, and Relay for Life committee chair for survivorship. Borst will always look fondly on her time at the Mount. Her experience as a dedicated Math Club member instilled public speak-

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ing and leadership skills, and professors such as Fothergill challenged her with new and exciting mathematical principles. In the education division, Monica Merritt is “always willing to help and never afraid to challenge” her students, Borst said. She added, “I love that we started fieldwork so early. It was good preparation to see what happens in the classroom.” Student teaching placements at schools like Newburgh Free Academy and Bishop Dunn Memorial School showed Borst that she would like to teach middle school students. She will also pursue a master’s degree in literacy. Joseph Stabach shares Borst’s passion for math.

New Graduates: Mathematics & Information Technology

Joseph Stabach read with elementary school students during a recent student teaching experience.

A recent Mount grad, Stabach has been a dynamo both in the classroom and on the basketball court. The math club member played on the Knights team since freshman year, assuming the role of co-captain for junior and senior year. He finished third in all-time scoring in basketball at the Mount with 1,441 points. Stabach volunteered in the community at Hoops Express in Newburgh, N.Y. Through the Mount’s Knights in the Community program, he and his teammates hosted Newburgh Boy Scout Troop and Pack 105 at the Kaplan Recreation Center. The scouts competed in games of Hot Shot and Knock-Out, as well as some three-on-three challenges during their time in the gym. Each participant received a basketball jersey signed by the Knights and coaches. “It’s a really good time and the kids love it,” said Stabach. “It’s great to give back to them.” The service component of the college’s athletics programs, Knights in the Community, encompasses all athletic teams. Student-athletes volunteer their service, with each team helping various organizations. Imparting the ins and outs of bas-

Mark Botta recently took children of Pine Tree Elementary School in Monroe, N.Y. on a trip down “Even and Odd Street,” where they had a blast learning place values.

ketball to local children has made him a better teacher, Stabach discovered. He finds education to be “very rewarding.” Plenty of professors aided him in his path to teaching. Perhaps his biggest influence was math professor Fothergill, whom Stabach describes as an “excellent mentor.” In the education department, Stabach noted that professor Janine Bixler “really helped me learn to be a teacher.” Strong faculty and small classes, along with state-of-the-art equipment, prepare Mount students for careers in educational technologies, networking, web technologies and many other fields. For future math teachers, a SMART board develops skills required for New York State assessments. Students graduating with mathematics or information technology degrees work as financial analysts, actuaries, bank managers, statisticians, researchers, programmers, and many other fields. Stabach currently tutors elementary school students in reading, math and more at Elias Bernstein Intermediate School 7 in Staten Island, N.Y. “I like teaching kids,” he explained. “When I can make them smile, it makes my day and hopefully theirs.”

Annual Knight Race

Mount math enthusiasts exercised brain and brawn at the annual Knight Race, just a few weeks before Mount Saint Mary College’s commencement this May. Seven teams in colorcoordinated athletic garb were given two hours to complete 10 mathematical challenges around the campus. With a 10 minute limit per challenge, students had to hustle between stations to complete their tasks on time. Above, The purple team, led by Alexander Florez (center, wearing headband), is off and running.

www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Nursing May 2014 nursing graduates at the pinning ceremony.

Nursing grads ready for service

atie Kenny, a May graduate of Mount Saint Mary College, is delighted to join the staff of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She received the job offer to be a clinical nurse in the mixed hematology/oncology unit weeks before graduation, and looked forward to returning to the hospital where she completed a summer internship last year. “I’ll have the opportunity to constantly improve patient care,” Kenny revealed. “I’m going to enjoy this.” Kenny built her skills at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., and at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. She also completed clinical work at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, N.Y.; Danbury Hospital in Connecticut; Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and other hospitals. Mount professors have been “a huge

inspiration” for the enthusiastic graduate. “Every professor I’ve come across has been helpful, and they care very much about their students,” said Kenny. “That’s why I like the small class sizes; teachers can really get to know their students.” Associate professor Teresa Hurley was there for Kenny when the student was having a challenging time. “She told me that she’d help me get through that class and the semester,” Kenny explained. “From there, I developed a close connection to the college and the professors.” Kenny made the most of her years at the Mount, attaining the dean’s list every semester; becoming an Aquinas Scholar; being inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing honor society; joining the Mount’s Nursing Student Union; and earning the Moira Rovere Beyer ’81 Memorial Endowed Scholarship and the Vassar Brothers Medical

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Center Nursing Scholarship. Finally, she was honored with the Senior Class Award for Service and Involvement in the Community. Kenny enjoys aiding patients, but said, “I don’t do it because it makes me feel good, I do it because people need care. For me, nursing isn’t just a paycheck, it’s a calling.” Ché-la Devonshire is another grad poised for a bright future. She was recognized with the Mount’s Senior Class Award for Outstanding Leadership within the College Community. Service comes naturally for Devonshire, who researches the major health issues facing patients of Newburgh Ministry’s free clinic, Ministry Medical Link, launched with the help of Mount students. Her aims: reduce the spread of disease and improve public health through patient education, including easy-to-read pamphlets. “One of my biggest goals as a nurse

New Graduates: Nursing

Ché-la Devonshire assesses a patient during one of her many clinical experiences. is making sure that people get the care that they need,” said Devonshire. “I want to provide them with as much accessible information as possible to maintain a healthy state.” Yet another stellar graduate is Christopher Bernadino, a member of the Nursing Student Union and Sigma Theta Tau. The commuter student earned the Elvira LaBue & Helen Ostlund Memorial Scholarship. He was also vice president of the Mount’s Literary Society. Bernadino has a personal interest in oncology; his mother passed away of cancer when the Mount grad was 15 years old. “This is my way of honoring her life,” he said. “She was also a nurse.” He added, “Taking care of people is the best way to get them on track to having happy, holistic, rich lives.” Bernadino completed clinicals at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y.; Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center; and Wallkill High School, where he focused on preventive healthcare. He also administered flu vaccinations to cadets at West Point. At Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, he shadowed a registered nurse in the bone marrow transplant unit. He gained the placement through the Mount’s Career Center. Bernadino notes that the Mount instilled the skills to be successful. He cited instructors like Hurley, Jeanne

Katie Kenny is joining the nursing staff of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Christopher Bernadino said Mount courses thoroughly prepared him.

Roth, Pricilla Sagar and Ann Corcoran as pivotal. “Our professors prepared us for everything that we’ve come across, and for a lot of things that they didn’t think we’d have to deal with. They love what they do and it makes us more passionate.” He plans to eventually earn a master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner.

“Many of you have contributed greatly to Mount Saint Mary College and the surrounding community.” Vanessa Saravia, president of the Mount’s Nursing Student Union and recipient of the School of Nursing Leadership Award, gave her reflections. “We have demonstrated perseverance in our nursing school journey,” she said, adding that the Mount had prepared them for their careers. She thanked all of the professors. Emily Blew earned the General Excellence in Nursing Award, and Christian Plaza won the Spirit of Nursing Award. Both were enthusiastic at the ceremony, but admitted they would miss the Mount camaraderie. Megan Green was honored with the award for Clinical Excellence, the Sigma Theta Tau Leadership Award, and the ANA-New York Future Nurse Leader Award. Students were also full of praise for their families. Rachel Berglund, who accepted a position at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Conn., said she couldn’t have graduated without the support of her parents. “I would also like to thank the MSMC faculty for an exceptional education,” she emphasized. Samantha Killmer will work at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y. “It was such a great nursing program, and I wouldn’t be where I am without it,” Killmer explained about her Mount Saint Mary College base.

Mount awards nursing pins Mount Saint Mary College recently held a pinning ceremony for 84 new graduates of the college’s school of nursing. Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, enjoying one of his final ceremonies as president, gave an invocation and blessed the pins, which were presented to the graduates by chosen family members and friends. The pin displays the college seal. Professors Jill Sussman, Jeanne Roth and Andrea Ackermann offered the graduates words of encouragement and advice. “The journey to become a professional nurse is not an easy one,” Sussman recognized. “There is no doubt that a tremendous amount of pride and relief is in this auditorium today.” Roth said that the hours spent preparing her students for their future careers had been worth it. “This class has a special place in my heart,” she said. “They are a bright, dedicated, fun and highly-motivated group.” Ackermann agreed. “The class of 2014 has many deserving nursing students,” she said.

www.msmc.edu

New Graduates: Social Sciences

Social sciences aid college, community J

essica Perk strode confidently across the commencement platform this May and received her degree with a double major in human services and sociology. The accomplished grad was president of the Mount Saint Mary College chapter of Tau Upsilon Alpha, the national human services honor society; a member of the college’s Aging United organization; and an integral contributor to the Mount’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), where she studied and presented on “consumer psychological ownership” with Colleen Kirk, assistant professor of marketing. Perk is also legally blind. She had perfect 20/20 sight until she was about seven years old, when her vision in the center of both eyes began to fade due to a macular degeneration known as Stargardt disease (fundus flavimaculatus). Only her peripheral vision remains, now at 20/500, with diminished color. But that never stopped her from reaching for her potential. “The more difficult it got, the more determined I became,” Perk said. “Being visually impaired is just one small section of my life.” Perk’s high school grades enabled her to receive a Presidential Scholarship coming into the Mount. She was awarded the Dominican Sisters of Hope Scholarship, and achieved Dean’s List each semester, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. All that while serving as a dance instructor at Footworks Dance Center in New Windsor, N.Y. One of her favorite soundtracks is Frank Sinatra. “I wasn’t going to stop doing all the things I loved just because I lost my sight,” she explained. Perk was a guest lecturer to many of the Mount’s special education classes about her vision impairment, helping to inform pre-service teachers of the challenges and triumphs they may face

Jessica Perk presented a SURE project on psychological ownership. in future classrooms. The idea was born in a public speaking course taught by James Beard, professor of communication arts. Daryl Collymore (center) discussed peer In addition, education instructor Jennifer Smalley pressure with young teens during volunteer invited Perk to speak at the work with the Relatives as Parents Program October 2014 meeting of the in Orange County. Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators taught by psychology professor Paul in Milton, N.Y. Schwartz as a pivotal time in her Having given the speech nearly a Mount career. As a part of the class, dozen times, Perk said any fear of pubPerk was given the opportunity to lic speaking has faded away. “It’s second mentor Newburgh youth through the nature to me now,” she revealed. Center for Hope. For the past two There’s a long list of Mount faculty years, she has counseled on the merits who have molded Perk’s academic of a college career and other important progress, including Susan Vorsanger, aspects of young adult life. associate professor of human services, She also served in a domestic and Margaret Bussigel, professor of violence prevention program at sociology. “They’re two of the profesSafe Homes of Orange County. Perk sors who not only are great teachers, shadowed clients in family court, but they also force me to really think,” conducted screenings for admission to Perk explained. “You can tell how the shelter, and answered callers to the much they know about their subjects. organization’s hotlines. Currently, she’s It’s amazing.” a member of the respite staff for Safe Perk cited a counseling course Homes. In the future, she’d like to work

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New Graduates: Social Sciences

Sara Baloga, a new graduate of the history program, also enjoyed studies in art and psychology, and serving as senior class president, admissions ambassador, proctor for students with disabilities, and on the cheerleading team. “I’ve learned a lot,” she said. “Beyond the classroom, it’s about growing as a person, learning about myself.”

with victims of domestic violence, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Perk will pursue a master’s degree in social work. While Perk honed her social work skills as a Mount student, senior Daryl Collymore was preparing for a career in psychology. Collymore was one of several Mount volunteers who co-led the Teen Leadership Conference at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County. The teens are part of the Relatives as Parents Program in Orange County (RAPP); each teen is being raised by a grandparent or other relative. In the RAPP project, Collymore helped about two dozen 12- to 19-yearolds develop important leadership and communication skills. “It was a great first-hand experience with my major,” explained Collymore. The Mount volunteers engaged in training before interacting with the teens. The group provided a safe atmosphere in which the teens discussed their experiences and concerns about peer pressure. They also talked about how to make moral choices, even when those around them disagree.

Psychology professor Lawrence T. Force, director of the Mount’s Center on Aging and Policy (CAP), facilitated the leadership conference. For the past two years, Collymore has been a research associate for CAP though the work-study program. He also worked with young students during an internship at Braeside Camp in Middletown, N.Y. As a camp counselor during both daytime and overnight shifts, Collymore addressed the psychosocial needs of the campers over several weeks. Collymore said he couldn’t have increased his academic and leadership skills without a rigorous Mount education. Professor Force, he explained, “is very outgoing, passionate about his classes, and he wants the best for his students. I’ve never had a dull moment with him. I’m also glad he told me about RAPP, because that experience was invaluable.” Psychologists Paul Schwartz and Rae Fallon also helped Collymore to succeed. “Dr. Schwartz always pushes his students to ask and answer important questions,” explained Collymore. “Dr. Fallon was very helpful in making sure I

was a good psychology student as well.” He added, “All of my professors make us students apply what we learned. They stress using our knowledge in real-world situations.” Collymore plans to utilize his degree in the sports psychology field, a decision informed by his three years with the Knights on the cross country/ track and field teams. “Many college and professional athletes struggle with performance anxiety,” he notes. “I’d like to give them a helping hand.” He will also consider the mental health field, and plans to obtain a master’s degree in psychology within five years. Mount social science students receive a strong foundation in research techniques and analysis using statistical software to complete quantitative research: a highly marketable skill. In the psychology lab, students gain hands-on experience that a psychologist uses in practice. As part of their coursework in social sciences, students are able to utilize the Center on Aging and Policy (like Collymore did), as well as the Center for Adolescent Research and Development (CARD). www.msmc.edu

From left, Mary Bocskocsky, student body president; Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM; and Joseph Valenti, vice president for college advancement. Below: William Kaplan (left) was among many greeting Fr. Mackin at the reception.

Farewell to a

beloved president

n enthusiastic crowd of hundreds gathered to show their appreciation for Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, who stepped down as president after the conclusion of the 2013-14 academic year. College trustees, campus personnel, student leaders and regional leaders/ partners such as Sen. William J. Larkin Jr. and businessman and philanthropist William Kaplan were present in recognition of Fr. Mackin’s service to the college and community. Fr. Mackin, the fifth president of Mount Saint Mary College, served for nearly six years, and as a Franciscan friar, professor and executive for more than 50 years, including 11 years as president of Siena College where he holds the title of president emeritus. Among those who praised Fr.

Mackin during the program in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary were Joseph Valenti, vice president for college advancement; college chaplain Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm.; Louis Fortunato, professor of accounting, speaking as chair of the Faculty Senate and observing the president’s responsibility on campus “24/7 and 365”; and Sr. Ann Sakac, OP, president emerita, who spoke for the Dominican Sisters of Hope and gave a benediction for the special gathering. “Fr. Kevin has served a truly diverse college community,” said Valenti, “but he’s never forgotten that at the heart of this community is our students.” Student body president Mary Bocskocsky thanked the esteemed educator for his commitment to strengthening the Mount community.

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Fr. Mackin “is a passionate, innovative and dynamic leader,” she said. “On behalf of the student body, we thank you… your dedication to your students will forever be remembered and cherished. You will truly be missed at Mount Saint Mary College, but your legacy will live on through the loving community.” Dr. Albert J. Gruner, chairman of the college’s Board of Trustees, said that Fr. Mackin’s excellent leadership is evidenced in accomplishments such as the college’s recently launched physician assistant program, the accreditation of the business school, and an atmosphere

that consistently fosters true academic growth. “I have personally witnessed opportunities for students being created on this campus that are difficult to find elsewhere,” he revealed. Gruner presented to Fr. Mackin a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis and other farewell gifts from the Mount community. Under Fr. Mackin’s direction, the Mount purchased the Dominican Center, and launched “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign for the Dominican Center” in 2012, to raise $10 million for the transformation to a new, truly state-of-the-art library and living-learning environment. Since 2008, the college achieved an online RN to BS degree program, an interdisciplinary major in technology and digital media, and a new sports management concentration. The college is currently taking applications for its new physician assistant program (pending accreditation – provisional). Students will be immersed in the Mount’s rigorous natural sciences undergraduate curriculum for three years. Following completion of the undergraduate requirements, successful applicants will complete their studies in two years, graduating from the Mount with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in physician assistant studies. “The program in the Dominican Center chapel was truly heartwarming,” said Fr. Mackin. “I especially carry with me Sr. Ann’s summary as quoted in the Times Herald-Record: ‘You believed in the promise of the Mount,’ Sakac said. ‘You pushed everyone to try harder, and they did.’ Sincerely, we have accomplished much, at – as Sr. Ann noted – a relatively young college. I am grateful for the comments of each speaker, and of the many people who greeted me at the reception afterward.”

Left to right, back row: Fr. Mackin, James Griesemer; front row: Joan Miller; Sr. Patricia Sullivan, OP; and Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP.

More fond farewells at the Mount Mount Saint Mary College bade farewell to four outstanding faculty members with more than 130 years of service between them, president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, and a Mount vice president selected to lead another college. James Griesemer, associate professor of business, taught at the Mount for 19 years. Prior to that, he spent 23 years working for the International Paper Company in its technology division. Griesemer holds a doctorate in professional studies in management from Pace University, an MBA from Long Island University, a master of science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a bachelor of science from the SUNY College of Forestry at Syracuse University. Joan Miller, professor of education, retired as chair after teaching prospective and practicing special educators for almost 40 years at the Mount. She completed her bachelor of arts in English at the Mount, as well as NYS certification in teaching elementary grades (all subjects) and students with mental retardation (all grades), followed by a master of arts in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a doctor of philosophy in special education from the University of Virginia. Miller was granted the title professor emerita. Sr. Patricia “Pat” Sullivan, OP, professor of mathematics, is a Dominican Sister of Hope who taught at the Mount for 41 years. She was in the first graduating class of Mount Saint Mary College in 1964, earning a bachelor of arts in mathematics. She went on to complete a master of arts at Ohio State University, and a doctor of education from

Columbia University. She is a member of the board of the local charitable organization, Newburgh Ministry. Sr. Sullivan was granted the title professor emerita. Mary Hinton Sr. Catherine Walsh, OP, graduated from the Mount with a degree in English and certification in education. She holds master’s degrees in corporate communication and education from Fairfield University, and a doctorate of education from Fordham University. She taught elementary and junior high school before returning to Newburgh to teach at Bishop Dunn Memorial School, where she later served as principal. At the Mount, she was responsible for developing the media studies major and implementing the public relations major. She retired as chair of arts and letters, and is now on the leadership team of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. Additionally, Fr. Mackin reported that the trustees of the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota had chosen Mary Dana Hinton to be their 15th president. “I applaud their decision,” said Fr. Mackin. “At Mount Saint Mary College, Mary has overseen academic affairs, strategic planning, academic assessment, institutional research, retention and more. She guided plans for the Center for Student Success, and has been a valued member of the administrative council. Mary assures me that the annual goals for academic affairs and institutional research are on track. Please join me in congratulating Mary and wishing her and her family joy in her new endeavor.” www.msmc.edu

The Mount’s New President

Dr. Anne Carson Daly M

ount Saint Mary College’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Anne Carson Daly to be the college’s next president, effective July 14, 2014. Dr. Albert J. Gruner, chairman of the Board of Trustees and former chairman of Ulster Savings Bank, heralded her appointment. “Dr. Daly has proven herself an outstanding leader and manager throughout her impressive careers in academia, government and business. Her strong academic credentials will build on the college’s legacy of excellence, while honoring our Catholic and Dominican traditions.” In accepting the appointment, Daly praised Mount Saint Mary College as an invaluable asset for New York, as an educational institution. “The Mount students excel in business, education, the health professions, media and the social sciences. I look forward to working with the faculty and all members of the campus community to build on the college’s impressive history and achievements.” Daly most recently served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina since 2007. In that capacity, she led more than 160 full- and part-time faculty; oversaw the educational program of almost 1,700 students; supervised more than 50 majors, minors and concentrations; and managed the staff, budgets and programs of all academic departments. She raised funds for the Thomas More Scholars, the Honors Institute, faculty development and the music program; oversaw expansion to three campuses; supervised a nearly 40 percent increase in enrollment in the adult degree program; helped to lead the college through its 10-year re-accreditation; completed the college-wide revision of core curriculum in 10 months; restructured all majors in one year; revitalized

the First Year Symposium; hired its first director; and led the committee that created a new mission statement for the college. Daly earned her BA in English and History from Mount Holyoke College and her MA and PhD in English Literature from Johns Hopkins University. She has taught at Johns Hopkins, the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University. During part of the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations, she served as the second-in-command at the National Advisory Council on Educational Research and Improvement, which advised the President, the Congress and the Secretary of Education on educational matters nationwide. From 1994-2000, at Pfizer, Inc., the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, she supervised policy communications on five continents. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she co-translated a major work on the founding of the Jesuits from French to English, and has penned more than 80 articles and reviews on a wide array of topics, including literature, religion, architecture, education and business. She has also given more than 100 lectures throughout the United States and Europe.

Presidents of Mount Saint Mary College 1960–1964

2008–2014

Mother Leo Vincent Short, OP, first president & co-founder

William T. O’Hara

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM

1964–1972

1976–2008

2014–

Sr. Mary Francis McDonald, OP

1972–1976

Sr. Ann Sakac, OP

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Anne Carson Daly

Candace Vogler of the University of Chicago presented “Divine Goodness.”

Fr. James Brent, OP, spoke on “Foundations of Philosophical Knowledge of God in Aquinas.”

Scholars enjoy philosophy workshop

he Catholic and Dominican Institute offers many thoughtful programs at Mount Saint Mary College. In spring, Sr. Laurie Brink, OP, from Catholic Theological Union, visited with “Fire in My Bones: Biblical Foundations of the Dominican Charism.” Bestselling author Stephen Mansfield discussed his book, “Killing Jesus.” Rabbi Alan Brill, from Seton Hall University, explored Jewish-Christian relations since Vatican II. “CatholicJewish reconciliation, overcoming 2,000 years of anti-Semitism, is concrete proof of its value,” said Rabbi Brill. “This revolution occurred in just the last 50 years, and it went a long way in healing… It is quite possibly the most important cultural achievement in America and Western Europe in the 20th century.” Established as an initiative in the college’s strategic plan, the Institute promotes the Mount’s heritage of Saint Dominic; advances the Dominican charism of study and service; provides a forum for discussion of contemporary ethical issues; and enhances Catholic and Jewish dialogue.

Charles Zola; Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP; and Anna Halpine, a Mount trustee and founder of the World Youth Alliance. More than 90 scholars explored the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas at the “Aquinas on God” philosophy workshop in June at the Mount. Participants contemplated how Thomist philosophy addresses metaphysics of creation and divine providence, how it is possible to speak philosophically about God, and how metaphysical knowledge of God relates to ethics. The scholars were welcomed by Charles Zola, director of the Catholic and Dominican Institute and assistant professor of philosophy at the Mount; and Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP,

director of the Thomistic Institute, Washington, DC. “The thought of the great Dominican philosopher and theologian St. Thomas Aquinas is gaining renewed interest for a new generation of philosophy students,” Zola observed. Fr. White explained that “St. Thomas offers us a vision of human reason that harmonizes with faith. It shows the dignity of the human intellect and its natural capacities, and at the same time, a high estimation of faith, and the way that Christianity casts light on humanity.” The fourth annual workshop was sponsored by the Mount’s Catholic and Dominican Institute, the Thomistic Institute of the Dominican House of Studies and The Notre Dame Center for Ethics & Culture. Presenters included Fr. James Brent, OP, Catholic University of America; Candace Vogler, University of Chicago; William E. Carroll, Oxford University; Fr. Michael Dodds, OP, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology; Edward Feser, Pasadena College; Reinhard Huetter, Duke Divinity School; and Fr. White.

Making connections Mount professors Jennifer Bready, Mike Daven and Lee Fothergill presented a paper to participants from other Dominican colleges and universities at the Dominican Colloquium in June at Molloy College. The theme: “Making Connections on Your Campus.” Finding that students have the best opportunity to learn when they are actively engaged in the process, Bready, Daven and Fothergill looked

for creative ways for students to develop a deeper understanding and put studies into context. They described several activities and assignments in which they have engaged students in content areas and helped them to form connections with the Dominican heritage. “Through these activities, our students learn about the founding of the college and realize their own part in the history of the Mount,” they note. www.msmc.edu

Spring Sports highlights

Track Softball & Field Baseball

Lacrosse

Knights honored with Athletics Awards

losing the 2013-14 academic year, the annual Athletics Awards Ceremony recognized exceptional student-athletes with five award categories.

Rookie of the Year The student-athlete who, in his or her first year as a college athlete, had the most impressive season at the Mount Male - Adam Al-Haraizeh, Cross Country/Track and Field Female - Katie Gattoni, Lacrosse

Scholar-Athlete of the Year The best effort in the classroom as well as stellar effort on the field of play Male - Stephen White, Lacrosse White earned a cumulative GPA of 3.68, with 3.92 last fall. He made the dean’s list nearly every semester. He is an Aquinas Scholar, president of SAAC and treasurer for Tri Beta and Gamma Sigma Epsilon. He is graduating with honors with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, with a psychology minor. He is the team’s top faceoff taker, with program records in faceoff wins, ground balls, games played and games started, and ranks 7th in career scoring.

Female - Victoria Goldbach, Softball Goldbach earned a 3.92 GPA last semester and continues to excel in both the classroom and on the playing field. She certainly goes the extra mile to ensure her success in academics and athletics. She earned Second-Team All-Skyline recognition after posting a 2.04 ERA and striking out 99 batters.

and has allowed just 34 goals in 61 career games. She holds four program records, including 23 career shutouts and career goals against average with 0.65 goals allowed per game. She also holds singleseason records. This season, she did not allow a single goal in regular season to a Skyline opponent.

Senior of the Year

The student-athlete who performed the best in his or her sport among all of our student-athletes

The student-athlete who has accomplished the most in his or her sport throughout his or her tenure as a Knight Male - Greg Jacob, Tennis Jacob is a four-time All-Skyline Team member including three First Teams. The Knights went from 9-16 in two seasons before his arrival, to 47-24 in his years on the team, including playoffs all four seasons and three Skyline runnerup finishes. He owns records for total career wins (79) and career doubles victories (43). He went 18-12 overall this season and 9-3 in Skyline matches. Female - Jacquelyn Mancini, Soccer Mancini, a three-time All-Skyline First Teamer, was named a 2013 ECAC Division III Metro Region First-Team All Star. She has an overall record of 42-12-2

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Athlete of the Year

Male - Matt Garcia, Soccer Garcia was named to the All-Skyline First Team, the ECAC Division III Metro Region All Star First Team and the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men’s All-East Region Second Team. He led the conference with 17 goals and tied for the Skyline lead with 42 points, both program single-season records. He ranked 15th in all of Division III with 2.1 points per game and 18th in the nation with 17 total goals. He also scored five game-winning goals. Female - Tara McDermott, Soccer McDermott, one of the most highly respected student-athletes at the Mount, was named to the Skyline Academic

Tennis

Athletics Awards recipients Honor Roll. She made the All-Skyline First Team for four seasons, was picked for the ECAC Division III Metro Region All-Star First Team and made the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Women’s All-East Region Third Team. She anchored a defense that allowed just 16 goals in 22 games this season to help her earn Skyline Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Year, as well as ECAC Division III Metro Region Defensive Player of the Year. She made it to the Skyline Conference Finals for four consecutive seasons and went 8-0 in conference play in each of the past three years.

Knight of the Year Best represents the Mount Saint Mary College Athletic Department, as well as the college as a whole. The Knight of the Year has all of the qualities of a student and an athlete, and goes well above and beyond the call of duty.

Lacrosse Male - Joe Stabach, Basketball Stabach has been the epitome of what all Mount athletes should strive for. He has had tremendous success in his sport individually, and at the same time sacrificed individual gain for even greater team success. He has excelled in the classroom with a GPA over 3.0 for his career and will undoubtedly have success after he graduates. He has participated in multiple community service events, he has worked for the athletic department all four years in game management and has been a fixture at many other athletic events to show his support for his fellow student-athletes. He finished his career as one of the top players in program history for his sport. He was the Skyline Rookie of the Year and ECAC Metro Region Rookie of the Year in his freshman campaign, as well as an All-Skyline Team member. He helped the men’s basketball team to the best single-season record, two-year record, three-year record and four-year record in program history, going 82-32 alongside his fellow seniors. He finished third all-time in program history with 1,441 points and third all-time in three-point field goals made with 285. Female - Danielle Rodriguez, Swimming Rodriguez is the very definition of perseverance. She has overcome sig-

Track & Field nificant tribulations and was one of the hardest workers on the Mount women’s swimming team. She is a pre-med major who started as a nursing major before deciding she wants to become an ER doctor. For the past two years, she has worked 20 hours per week at Orange Regional Medical Center as an ER scribe alongside physicians, writing up patient charts, giving medications and performing tests and diagnoses. She has even trained new staff. She holds a 3.6 cumulative GPA, including a 3.8 this past semester, and was voted “Team Scholar.” She is in the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society and is up for the chemistry honor society. She is a tutor at the Mount and also volunteers to help her teammates. She has been a youth group leader at St. Augustine’s Church in Highland, and has participated in countless community service projects. She had the largest drop from last year’s swim times to this year’s of anyone on the swim teams. She was part of the First-Team All-Skyline Conference 400-freestyle relay team that set a new record at the Skyline Conference Championship. She was a finalist in an individual event and a relay event at the Metro Championships. She is a Leadership Scholar and is in the honors program. She was also a Skyline Sportsmanship Award winner. www.msmc.edu

Hall of Fame The Mount celebrates Hall of Fame inductees

his year’s Athletics Hall of Fame induction celebrated some of the Mount’s finest coaches and student-athletes in college history. Honorees, fellow alumni, families and friends filled the Kaplan Recreation Center atrium, where the Hall of Fame wall is proudly displayed. Louis Arrotta was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his baseball coaching for more than 40 years at nearly every level, including semi-professional, Little League, American Legion and collegiate. Arrotta spent 12 years coaching the Knights. He was named Skyline Coach of the Year in 2000 after leading the team to the title. He led the team to a 46-29-1 overall record in two years as head coach. He continues as coach emeritus at the Mount. “Coach Lou” enjoys accentuating the positive. “When someone tells you they learned so much baseball from you, but more importantly, how they learned to be a good person and accept responsibility for what they do both on and off the field,” he said, “it’s a great satisfaction.” Matthew Dembinsky ’96 made some of the largest contributions to the Knights baseball team. He was a three-time New York All-Region Team member, a four time All-Skyline and All-Knickerbocker Conference Team member as a pitcher and designated hitter, and Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Year in 1996 and 1997. One of his biggest accomplishments is starting the 1994 Knickerbocker Conference Championship Game at Shea Stadium as a freshman and throwing a shutout. He also was head baseball coach for eight seasons, and an assistant for four. He holds the program record with 32 wins in a season. Thomas Fuller ’97 participated in the first Skyline Championship in Mount men’s basketball history. He averaged 14

Louis Arrotta accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award Watch a video of the Hall of Fame inductions at www.msmcknights.com

points per game over his career, including 18.1 per game in 1995-96 and 17.3 per game in 1996-97. One of his most memorable moments was scoring his 1,000th career point on a dunk. He earned First-Team All-Skyline honors, and NCAA Division III Metropolitan Region All-Star recognition, and finished with 1,395 career points. He was later an assistant coach with the Mount women’s basketball team, and helped guide that team to championships. Jamie (Bruzzi) Murphy ’96 is one of the most prolific scorers in Mount women’s basketball history. She finished as leader in career points, and still ranks second all-time with 1,590 points. She owns seven program records, including points in a single game (37) and single season (572). Her proudest moments as a Knight were reaching the 1,000-point milestone and breaking the all-time program scoring record. Her husband Michael Murphy also graduated from the Mount in 1996. Craig Newton ’06 owns every assist record in Mount men’s basketball. In 199697 he set the single-game assists record

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

twice (14), single-season assists (216), and single-season assists per game (average of 8.0). His per-game ranked fourth in the nation. One of his proudest moments was sinking an overtime buzzer beater to beat New Jersey Institute of Technology. Newton finished his career with 499 assists, the most in program history. He was a member of the 1996-97 Skyline Conference champion Knights. He stands second in program history for steals (252). Melissa (Anghelone) Tackabury ’05 was a two-sport star. An offensive powerhouse in softball, she was a two-time All-Skyline student-athlete and holds the Mount record for runs scored in her career (100). She was twice named MVP (’04 and ’05). In 2004, she ranked 25th in the NCAA with a .472 batting average, and 28th with 0.4 doubles per game. Also one of the best players in Mount women’s volleyball, she was 2004 Skyline Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and ranked third nationally with 8.12 digs per game. Her name appears six times in Mount volleyball record books. Her husband, Jay Tackabury, played baseball and graduated with Melissa in 2005.

Mount Alumni

Career goes global for Anthony Donato ’91 ALUMNUS PROFILE Anthony Donato ’91

ith an adventurous spirit and passion for his work, Anthony Donato is making the most of his Mount education. Currently the director of finance for 70 Park Avenue Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel in New York City, he is entering his 23rd year in the hospitality industry. Donato’s career has taken him around the world. “When I was in my 20’s and 30’s, I was fortunate to have worked with hotels such as the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Fairmont Hotels, Jumeirah, and Starwood Resorts and Hotels,” he recalls. “When I was part of the pre-opening team for the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona, Spain, I fell in love with the Basque country area. It’s simply beautiful just riding around on my road bike along the rolling hills of the Pyrenees Mountains.” He added, “It was nice to be able to take a break from time to time, as opening hotels require being available 24/7 and working very long days, weeks, and months at a stretch.” “The hotel industry is a very small industry, especially in the Northeast,” Donato explained. “Everyone knows one another, especially if you have worked for one of the larger chains.” Born in the Philippines, Donato immigrated to the United States with his sister and his mother, who held dual citizenship in the U.S. and the Philippines. “The Mount prepared me well and encouraged me to pursue what I enjoy doing which, for me, was traveling and working in the hotel industry,” he said.

Anthony Donato at the entrance to 70 Park Avenue Hotel in Manhattan. Inset, Donato competing in the French Alps. “My recommendations for current Mount students are to be patient with their career choices and devote their time to what they really love to do. So many people seem half-asleep even when they are busy doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things.” Appreciating the opportunities he was given as a student, Donato decided to make a leadership gift to support the Mount’s Campaign for the Dominican Center. “I’m happy to be able to give back and help students today and in the future,” he explained. “I still keep in touch with many Mount friends, including Chris Curry ’90 and Tyrone Middleton ’92, who is retiring from the NYPD. Chris and I met during our Mount placement tests in 1986. As it turns out, we were both from the same neighborhood in Man-

hattan. We’ve been friends ever since.” Donato started cycling competitively after graduating. A veteran of one-day Division 3 races in Mallorca, Tuscany, Provence, New Zealand, Croatia, and Norway, plus local Criterium races in the 50 states, today Anthony enjoys riding in countries where he has never been as well as in the Hudson Valley. “When the days are longer, I ride from New York City to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. I usually lead a group of riders from the New York Cycle Club and we stop by the Mount for a rest break before we head over to Beacon and board the train for Grand Central,” Donato said. “I have so many special memories from my time at the Mount. But I’m happy and content that I have found my best friends at the Mount that will last a lifetime.” www.msmc.edu

Mount Alumni Alumni Notes 1965

Church in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Marvin has been married for 28 years to his wife, Phyllistine, and has three sons: Andrew (28), Philip (26), and Joshua (18).

Joan Macey made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February. “With the insight and scripture-driven commentary of a Jerusalem-born Catholic guide, I came home with a renewed and enriched belief in Christ and in my Catholic faith and heritage.”

1989

1969

Geralyn (Long) Peterkin, who taught English at Newburgh Free Academy for 25 years, now teaches an adult class about Shakespeare in Cape Cod, Mass. Geralyn and husband, Roger, travel to Italy annually and spend winters in Florida. They have been married for 58 years and have four grown children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild – all doing well.

1972

Mary Ellen Scannell Doherty and Elizabeth ScannellDesch’s mother, Marie Murphy Scannell, celebrated her 100th birthday. In honor of Mrs. Scannell, family and friends made gifts to Mount Saint Mary College, where she will be recognized within the Dominican Center.

1979

Joseph Cambone has been hired by Salem State Univer-

Marriages 2009

Katie Coyne and Richard McWalters were married on March 28, 2014 at Saint Dominic Chapel in Oyster Bay, N.Y. The bridal party included Lisa (McWalters) Mallgraf ’99, Christopher Harrison ’09, Meredith (Paggi) Harrison ’11, Michele Bonagura ’09, Andy Harte ’09, Matt Cunningham ’09 and Alex Kucher ’10.

sity to lead its School of Education as dean. Joseph comes to Salem State from Lesley University, where he recently served as senior associate dean for strategy and innovation, and associate professor in Lesley’s Graduate School of Education.

1982

Karen Goepfrich is a public health nurse and tobacco treatment specialist in Fort Bragg, N.C.

Marvin Oliver is retiring after 30 years of teaching. He began in the Beacon School District before moving to the Peekskill City School District where he has taught for 20 years. “The Mount provided me with an outstanding education and preparation to become a teacher. My experience there was wonderful and unforgettable.” After retiring, Marvin will be a pastor at soon-tobe-open New Hope COGIC

Rhonda (Keenan) Altonen was promoted to library director for the Unification Theological Seminary and Barrytown College of UTS, a newly accredited four-year liberal arts college in Barrytown, N.Y. Rhonda and her husband Brian recently moved back to New York after eight years in Denver, Co., where Rhonda completed her master’s degree in library science and MS in instructional design and technology.

1995

Christopher Dougherty, inspired by past MSMC trips, led a weeklong service trip to Managua, Nicaragua with colleagues from Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, N.Y., during February break.

2005

Tanya (Anzalone) Miller received a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree on April 25, 2014. Thomas Quackenbush was a featured guest at No Such

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In Memoriam Convention 2014. The next novel in his Night’s Dream series, “Flies to Wanton Boys,” is due this year.

2006

Susanne (Lopez) Squires has been employed at Hedgewood Home for Adults as administrative assistant, quality control, and compliance officer since graduating from the Mount.

2008

Heating and Air Conditioning, to ensure growth. The initiative consisted of 14 New York City-based businesses vying for a grant of $50,000 for implementation of their business plan. After being selected as one of the top five finalists, Eric had to present his business plan in front of judges and a large audience. On the night of the awards ceremony, he was selected as a grand prize winner, based on the impact of the proposed business growth plan, its feasibility, and the ability to implement the plan.

for Professional Teaching Standards. Krysta recently completed her eighth year at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville, N.Y., where she teaches economics and U.S. history and government.

2009

Joseph Conroy is a manager at AutoZone in Timberlake, Va. Malinda Slayton Forman accepted a position as director of donor stewardship with United Way of the DutchessOrange Region. “Having lived in the Hudson Valley my entire life, I am very excited to have been part of the profound impact United Way makes on the community.”

2011

Eric Campione was recently accepted into an Industrial Growth Initiative with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, in which he participated in workshops and created a business plan for his company, P.A.C. Plumbing,

Krysta Weiss earned certification from the National Board

Dana (Conroy) Bomba graduated from SUNY Albany in December 2013 with a master’s degree in library science, and works as a public services librarian for Campbell County, Virginia, outside the City of Lynchburg.

Mount Saint Mary College

Office of Alumni Affairs & School of Nursing present

Expect the Unexpected Disaster Preparedness for Nursing and Health Care Professionals

September 26–28, 2014 Join us for a fun-filled weekend! For the latest information, please visit our website at www.msmc.edu/alumni to register today!

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 Garden City Hotel, Garden City, New York

Hear from experts about best practices for disaster preparedness. Learn about career opportunities and advanced degrees. Network with alumni and health care leaders CEU credits available. Learn more and register: msmc.edu/alumnisymposium

Joyce Birmingham ’80 passed away May 22, 2014. John Bortnowsky, father of Mary Ann (Bortnowsky) Hutchins ’86, passed away May 28, 2014. Katharina Bortnowsky, mother of Mary Ann (Bortnowsky) Hutchins ’86, passed away April 11, 2014. Florence (Celano) Dooley ’70, mother of Linda Mangan ’74, G ’92, passed away May 8, 2014. LeRoy E. Mohrman, father of Nancy Mohrman ’83 and Kathleen (Mohrman) Markisello ’87, passed away June 2, 2014. Jean Pettorossi, mother of Karen (Pettorossi) Soovajian ’79, passed away May 13, 2014. John P. Pratt ’77, spouse of Anna (Gadler) Pratt ’76, G ’02 and brother of Catherine (Pratt) Oberlander ’87, passed away April 12, 2014. Jeanne Sautner, mother of Kevin ’93 and Matt ’90, mother-inlaw to Mary (Hill) Sautner ’90, passed away May 18, 2014. Grace Spangler, mother of Kathy (Murphy) Spangler ’74, passed away May 23, 2014. Connor Robert Troy, son of Christopher ’92 and Kerry Ann (Ryan) Troy ’92, passed away April 16, 2013.

In Memoriam CORRECTION: Charles Hughes, father of John Hughes ’84, passed away April 3, 2014. Janice Banker, mother of Melissa (Banker) Kniffin ’02, G ’04, passed away June 19, 2014. www.msmc.edu

Mount Alumni The brothers Aguilar at Mobile Life Support Services, left to right: Kevin, Oswaldo, Hipolito and Angel.

Living the American dream First generation college grads make family proud

he Aguilar family of Newburgh, N.Y. is living the American dream. Originally hailing from Mexico, husband and wife Florina and Angel Aguilar immigrated to the United States in 1988 and have lived in Newburgh ever since. They have five sons. Hipolito Aguilar and his brother, Angel, graduated from Mount Saint Mary College in 2012 with degrees in business administration and accounting, respectively. Oswaldo graduated in 2013 with a degree in business administration. Kevin recently completed his freshman year as a history-political science major at the Mount. All four are first generation college students.

Their youngest brother, Fernando, is a high school junior. “Newburgh is a part of each one of my brothers and me,” Angel explained. Angel was the first in his family to study at Mount Saint Mary College. “The classes were challenging,” he noted, “and I wanted to succeed.” Professors gave each student, including Angel, individualized attention made possible by the college’s 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Kevin noted, “The professors know your name and like interacting with you.” Hipolito soon joined the Mount family as well. “They were the best educational years I had experienced,” he said. “Business professor James Gries-

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SPRING 2014

emer really helped me out,” Hipolito revealed. Griesemer “used his real-life experiences” to teach his students, “so when I headed out to the business world, I went into it with a better understanding.” Griesemer taught business at the Mount for 19 years before stepping down June 30, 2014. “The students are very appreciative when we mentor them with internships or independent studies,” noted Griesemer, “and also when we give them a hand understanding a concept or spend time hashing out course schedules. I enjoy aiding my students in any way I can.” Griesemer suggested that Hipolito take a minor in Hispanic studies. Even

“The professors know your name and like interacting with you.” — Kevin Aguilar, a sophomore this fall. though the student was already an accomplished Spanish speaker, Victor Azuaje, associate professor of Hispanic studies, showed Hipolito a new way of thinking about his native language. “I learned that in the business world, it is important to be bilingual or even trilingual,” Hipolito explained. The four brothers all work at Mobile Life Support Services in Newburgh. Hipolito began just a few days before his graduation. Thanks to the Mount, said Hipolito, “After I left the job interview there was a smile on my face…I had a feeling they liked what I could bring to the table.” Hipolito is now reimbursement services supervisor at the organization. “I see it like another chapter of my life, learning new things every day,” Hipolito explained. “I am grateful I was given an opportunity to prove myself and my work ethics at the Mount. I am still on a mission to better myself and those around me.” Angel took a different path to working at Mobile Life Support Services. “The Mount’s Career Center was very helpful,” said Angel. “It was the Career Center that would open the doors to my first internship in September 2011 with Mobile Life Support Services.”

James Griesemer was one of many professors Hipolito Aguilar credits for giving him a great education.

“Having the knowledge I got from Mount Saint Mary College really helped me stand out.” — Angel Aguilar

The internship continued Angel’s road to success. “Those years with my accounting professors prepared me for this moment,” noted Angel. “Having the knowledge I got from Mount Saint Mary College really helped me stand out.” Soon, the internship blossomed into a part-time job, and upon graduating, Angel was offered a full-time position as accounting specialist for Mobile Life Support Services. Kevin also obtained his position at Mobile Life Support Services via a Mount internship. He was promoted earlier this year, and now works in billing. “We come prepared and act profes-

sionally,” said Kevin of working with his three brothers. “At work, we’re colleagues. And at home, we’re family.” Accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the Mount’s business programs are relevant to the needs of the business community, as well as the students, through relationships with the college’s Business Advisory Council and with organizations such as The Solar Energy Consortium. Technology, international vision, and modern organizational science combine to prepare students for careers in a global economy. Mount business students develop critical thinking and communication skills to use in the fields of management, finance, economics and marketing. Angel plans to return to the Mount for a master’s degree in business administration. It was a simple decision. “I know none of this would have been possible without the knowledge and help from the entire Mount Saint Mary College faculty,” Angel said. “My parents never had the opportunity to attend school, and they are happy to see their kids graduate from college.” www.msmc.edu

Friends of the Mount

From left: Peter Bell, Roger Bell, Leonard Bell, Gladys Bell and Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM.

Bell family honored

ount Saint Mary College recently honored Gladys and Leonard Bell and their sons, Peter Bell and Roger Bell, for providing new period furniture and artwork for the admissions parlor and president’s office. “The Mount is a jewel on the Hudson and is so important to our com-

munity. The caliber of its students is excellent,” said Gladys Bell. As proprietors of the longeststanding independent Ethan Allen dealer in the world, the Bell family appreciates the opportunity to share their expertise and resources for the benefit of the Mount and its students. Former Mount president Fr. Kevin

SAVE THE DATE: Mount Saint Mary College 5th Annual Gala Reception Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6 p.m. Please join us for a memorable evening of recognition and celebration as we bestow the Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence upon John F. Rath, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at TD Bank and Carl E. Meyer, President and CEO of The Solar Energy Consortium.

Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SUMMER 2014

E. Mackin, OFM, thanked the Bell family and their business, The Bells’ Ethan Allen Design Center in Newburgh, for their generosity. “We were so happy to have the Bell family help transform this into a warm and welcoming space,” he said. “We are deeply grateful.”

Dominican Sisters of Hope in Mount Vernon

SAVE THE DATES Mount Saint Mary Academy/High School Annual Reunion Saturday, October 4, 2014

Seated (left to right): Sr. Mary Estelle Kilpatrick, OP (formerly Sr. Maris Stella); Sr. Mary Rita Sweeney, OP; Sr. Anne Stephen Hajducek, OP. Standing (left to right): Sr. Jean Lawrence Strack, OP; Sr. Hugh James Grabowska, OP; Sr. Mary Groves, OP (formerly Sr. Ann Benjamin).

arlier this year, a group of former students and colleagues from Mount Saint Mary Academy/High School and Mount Saint Mary College visited with Dominican Sisters who are among more than two dozen living in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Mount Saint Mary Academy alumna shares Longfellow book Beverly Marino Austin, an alumna of the Class of 1951 from the former Mount Saint Mary Academy/High School, presented library director Barbara Petruzzelli with “Voices of the Night: Ballads and Other Poems,” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and printed in 1887. The book is inscribed as an award to Miss Mary Mulligan for “Civil Government” on June 24, 1890. It was given to Beverly from Sr. Jean Meyer, OP, who had received it from Mulligan’s relatives.

Former students, faculty and staff from all years are welcome to join in the annual reunion celebration to be held in the Dominican Center at Mount Saint Mary College. For more information, contact: Eileen McDonald Sassmann MSMA ’62, President Mount Saint Mary Academy/High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 2174, Newburgh, NY 12550 845-297-2405 eileen@leverageinc.biz

Mount Saint Mary Academy Class of 1964 50th Reunion October 3-5, 2014 The members of the Class of 1964 have begun planning for their 50th reunion. For more information, contact the Reunion Planning Committee co-chairs: Rose Roscino Talbot 845-564-6581 rmtalbot1@verizon.net Mary Reed McTamaney 845-562-8419 newburghhistory@usa.com Kathleen Xanthis Maksomski 845-561-5224 dmaksomski@aol.com www.msmc.edu

Mount Saint Mary College 330 Powell Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550

Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament

Mount Saint Mary College’s 36th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament and 3rd Annual Invitational Tennis Tournament grossed more than $115,000 to help keep tuition affordable for students. This year’s golf honorees were Eric S. Najork and Kurt F. Najork. This year’s tennis honoree was Elizabeth “Beth” Stradar.