Oswego Parents - Fall 2009

O S W E G O A Publication of the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations

Parents F

he Village townhouse community will open its doors in fall 2010 with students able to apply in spring 2010 semester.

SUNY Oswego’s newest buildings will be home to 350 upperclassmen in four- and six-person units.

Each townhouse will feature two floors with a main common area that includes a kitchen and a The Village townhouse community will feature plenty of green technology. living room.

The new townhouses target but not RA [responsibilities] in the trastudents considering moving off ditional sense,” said Renee Landers, campus by helping them find an associate director of residence life alternative to living in traditional and housing. residence halls.

The building of the new townhouses “It’s somewhat like living in dorms without the dorm-room setting,” said will be Leadership in Energy and Tom Simmonds ’84, M ’88, associate Environmental Design, or LEED, vice president for facilities. A key resi- certified, which is the industry dence hall-like feature will be student standard for sustainable development.

The steps the college is taking to security with carded access to the houses, additional lighting on nearby ensure the certification include items like powering the townhouses with sidewalks and specially trained resismall wind turbines and photovoltaic, dent assistants.

“There will be staff there for security, or sun, cells.

The townhouses also are designed with water- and energy-saving fixtures that continue SUNY Oswego’s green initiative.

“This is going to be quite an addition to the college,” Simmonds said.

Advertising for room selection of The Village will begin this coming spring. Residence Life has not yet determined how students will be The project is expected to be ready for the selected. fall 2010 semester.

— Jose Terrero ’10

Welcome from the President

Welcome to another academic year at SUNY Oswego!

To those of you whose children are freshmen, a special welcome as you join the Oswego family. And to those whose students are returning, welcome back to a year of learning and discovery.

Just as you experience a new beginning, so did our SUNY system, with new leadership at the helm.

This summer our students, faculty and staff gathered to welcome another very special person to our campus: our new SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

We greeted her with our traditional Oswego enthusiasm and school spirit.

And we joined with her to share our thoughts and hear her vision for SUNY as it goes forward.

Chancellor Zimpher is demonstrating her commitment to public higher education that stresses access, quality and affordability for all, values that are as important to us at SUNY Oswego as they must be to you and your families.

Oswego continues to offer tremendous value while preserving and even enhancing our most important priorities — our high academic standards and the quality of the student experience.

As parents you hold a special place in the Oswego campus community. I hope you will visit campus on Family and Friends Weekend — or any time — and I hope to meet you then.

Deborah F. Stanley President

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IN THIS EDITION: • Family and Friends Weekend • Education and Science Upgrades • Important Dates Office of Alumni and Parent Relations King Alumni Hall SUNY Oswego Oswego, NY 13126

O S W E G O Parents

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O S W E G O PA R E N T S

Long Distance: Alaska Family Calls Oswego Great

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KUDOS

To Benjamin Allocco ’09, Elizabeth Enwright ’11, Michael Koes ’10, Liam Quinn ’10, Steven Rutherford ’10 and Kimberly Ann Saunders ’10, who were named winners of the 2009 New Voices playwriting competition.

ow do you lure an Alaskan to Oswego?

In the case of Emi Williams ’11, hockey is a good start.

Diana and Chet Williams wanted their daughter to play college hockey, but they weren’t sure about the high school standout coming to Central New York or a Division III school that Chet, Emi ’11, Sam and Diana Williams are happy to be couldn’t offer athletic scholpart of the Oswego family. arships. That began to change student experience beyond tuition, when they made their initial visits. providing for academic programs, “We liked the campus a lot,” Diana research opportunities, scholarships, said. “It’s a good size – not too big library resources, technology or too small.”

Emi, a broadcast communications upgrades and more.

“It’s a good school and I like to major, was scouted by the Oswego support where my kids go,” said women’s program at tournaments Diana, who also has a 16-year-old she played in Minnesota and son, Sam. Connecticut. Some Division I If there are any complaints, it’s the schools were also in the mix, but distance between Chet, Diana and that level of play would require a their daughter … and the snow, considerable time commitment believe it or not. “In Alaska we don’t and lead to an exclusive schedule typically get so much snow at one of hockey and books. time,” Diana said.

“She wanted to have a little more Especially now that Emi helped the than that to remember her four years hockey team to its first post-season by,” Diana said. appearance since the program was Oswego has certainly provided relaunched three years ago, none of that in addition to a merit scholarthe Williamses can imagine her anyship, which softens the already reawhere else. sonable price for college, she said.

“Now when she calls, she says, ‘I The Williamses make contributions can’t believe there’s only two years to the Parents Fund in tribute to left!’” Diana said. their positive Oswego experience.

— Shane M. Liebler The Parents Fund supports the

To Harrison Yang, professor of curriculum; Ding Zhang, Professor of management; Robert Hageny ’86, ’99, M ’06, Campus Technology Services; and Kristine Hyovalti Bushey ’72, office of dean of students, for winning Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.

Family and Friends Welcome!

To R. Deborah Davis, professor of curriculum and instruction, who received a grant from the state Education Department’s Teacher Opportunity Corps.

isit Oswego on a weekend especially for you! The annual Family and Friends Weekend is set for Oct. 16 to 18. Many activities are scheduled to showcase the academic, athletic and creative talents of Oswego students.

Experience the excitement of our men’s and women’s hockey teams in the Campus Center Arena or take advantage of the open skate yourself. Take in “The War of the Worlds” in a theatre department production or enjoy a performance by entertainer Craig Karges, who uses his extraordinary mental capabilities to do tricks and engage the audience.

Meet Oswego faculty, staff and administrators at the Faculty-Staff Craig Karges and his mind tricks will be a part Coffee Hour Saturday morning, of Family and Friends Weekend Oct. 16 to 18. sponsored by the Oswego Alumni Association. Look for your Family and Friends Weekend registration form in the mail. Be sure and make your hotel reservations early as accommodations fill up quickly.

For more information, call Campus Life at 315-312-2301 or visit http://oswego.edu/familyandfriends.

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To Professor Taejin Jung of the communications studies department whose paper was selected as one of the top three competitive papers in health communication at the 100th annual Eastern Communication Association conference.

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To Aleithea Abbott ’09, Christopher Hill ’09, Andrew Camelio ’09, Paul MacMahon ’09 and Cathleen Richards ’09, who earned Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence.

To Maynah ’09 and Maggie Goble ’10, who recorded the song “You Can’t Do It Alone” to benefit the Music Department Excellence Scholarship Fund.

To Shawn Merlin ’10 and Jenny Van Etten ’10, who earned two first-team All-American honors and Eric Messina ’12, who earned two honorable mentions at the NCAA Division III swimming and diving championships.

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To Lt. Kevin Velzy ’83 of University Police, who was one of the recipients of the Oswego Elks Lodge 271 Public Safety Officer Awards for 2009.

To Professor Robert Card, who received the 2009 President’s Award for Scholarly and Creative Activity at the Research and Scholarly Awards Ceremony.

To Alfred Frederick, professor of curriculum and instruction, who received a Post-Standard People of Achievement Award.

To Jamie Loughlin ’10, who won the Audience Choice Award for her film “Rolling Stoned” at the SUNY-Wide Film Festival. Christa Haley ’12 and Elizabeth Crouch ’11 received honorable mentions.

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OSWEGO PARENTS Published each semester by the SUNY Oswego Office of Alumni and Parent Relations Shane M. Liebler, Editor Michele Reed, Director of Alumni and Development Communications Jim Russell ’83, Photographer Robert Bump ’10, Contributing Photographer Julie Harrison Blissert, Contributing Writer Jose Terrero ’10, Contributing Writer Midstate Litho, Production and Printing Office of Alumni and Parent Relations King Alumni Hall SUNY Oswego Oswego, NY 13126 Betsy Oberst, Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations and Stewardship Phone: 315-312-2258 FAX: 315-312-5570 E-mail: alumni@oswego.edu www.oswego.edu/alumni/

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Education and science buildings will get major upgrades

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n the next capital plan for SUNY, $22 million has been allocated in critical maintenance funds for Park and Wilber halls, said Tom Simmonds ‘84, M ‘88, associate vice president for facilities.

Now connected by hallway bridges, the two buildings — totaling about 165,000 square feet — house five of the School of Education’s six departments, with the counseling and psychological services department located across campus in Mahar Hall.

At the end of the renovation in a few years, said Dean of Education Linda Rae Markert ’76, the school hopes to have all six departments in the new complex, and to have Park and Wilber connected to each other by a three-story addition.

Wilber and Park halls are up next for renovation.

The expansion and renovation of nearby Piez Hall that will bring the six science departments under one roof is scheduled to proceed at the same time as the renovations to Park and Wilber — and to connect to those buildings.

The entire science project essentially reconstructs Piez Hall and adds new construction around it to transform the 46-yearold building into a 262,000-square-foot state-of-the-art science facility that would house the college’s existing biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, physics and math departments, plus new programs in engineering. A new laboratory space is expected to front the existing Piez Hall on Takamine Street.

The facility will be built to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold standard in line with SUNY Oswego’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

“The final, consolidated science, math and engineering facility will showcase “We want to be the best in SUNY with regard these disciplines on our campus and to preparing math and science teachers.” allow us to attract more high-perform— Linda Rae Markert ’76 ing students, recruit top-notch faculty members and produce well-prepared graduates who can put their learning to work in businesses and industries in the region,” President Deborah F. Stanley said.

The first phase of the project will be a 50,000-square-foot addition to the 80,000-square-foot Piez Hall. Ground breaking for that phase is scheduled for 2010.

The science building project’s total cost is estimated at $110 million to $120 million.

Oswego’s science and math departments are now in Snygg Hall, which dates from 1968, and Piez, which was finished in 1962. Neither building has undergone significant renovation since its construction.

“We want to be the best in SUNY with regard to preparing math and science teachers,” Markert said. “Can we work collaboratively and team-teach some courses [and can] that be a new way of thinking about preparing teachers?”

Electronics, circuitry, robotics and energy systems laboratories could be shared by the technology department in the School of Education along with the engineering and applied physics programs next door in Piez Hall will become a state-of-the-art science complex.

Piez, she suggested.

— Julie Harrison Blissert ROBERT BUMP ’10

Several hundred seniors, friends, family, faculty members, college leaders and alumni passed around candlelight May 15 at the 74th annual Commencement Eve Torchlight Ceremony, hosted for the first time in the Campus Center convocation area.

“There will be graduates among you tomorrow who will accept their degree and walk off into Oswego’s great sunset never to be heard from again — what a mistake,” Master of Ceremonies Saleem Cheeks ‘01 said during the dinner that preceded the Torchlight Ceremony. “Our college has generations of highly successful graduates throughout our state and nation — seek them out.”

Members of the Class of 2013 are invited to participate in the Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony Aug. 28.

ARTSwego brings new season of culture to campus Fall semester will bring breezy weather and a variety of cool performances to campus courtesy of ARTSwego.

Renowned theatre musician and composer Emmett Van Slyke pays homage to Edgar Allen Poe in his multimedia music and dance performance, “Reflecting Poe” Sept. 12 and 13.

The urban funk sounds of The Holmes Brothers collaborate with Oswego’s gospel choir to bring a fusion blues to the masses Sept. 18.

“There’s a tremendous number of things going on around campus,” ARTSwego Program Director Mary Avrakotos said. “These great programs are right here in our backyard.”

The Oswego arts program is also undergoing a revamp of its Web site. Linking to other social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, the upgrade is looking to accomplish a more content-driven Web page with a community section for events going on beyond campus.

ARTSwego also will join forces with WNYOFM to deliver its second semester of the Oswego Indie Series, bringing underground artists to the college spotlight. Although no definite artists have been confirmed for the series yet, ARTSwego will release the information once musicians have signed on.

For a full listing of the events and performances from ARTSwego and the Oswego Theatre Department, please see page 4 of this issue or visit www.oswego.edu/arts.

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O S W E G O PA R E N T S

Campus Clips FILE TO GRADUATE! The Registrar’s Office has sent letters to prospective graduates with instructions and information on how to file online for graduation. Deadline filing dates are Sept. 30 for December 2009 graduation and Feb. 15 for May 2010 graduation.

Students are not automatically placed on a graduation list; it is the student’s responsibility to make sure he or she files online by the appropriate deadline or contacts the Registrar’s Graduation Area for help. Students must file by the deadline dates in order to be sure that their names will be printed in the Commencement program.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE It’s not too early to begin thinking about scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year. More than 150 are available through the Oswego College Foundation.

The scholarship newspaper will be available late November in most academic departments, Penfield Library, Financial Aid and the Office of University Development.

Listings will also be posted online at www.oswego.edu/giving/scholarships.

Most have deadlines in February and April.

To request a scholarship newspaper be sent to your home, send your full name and mailing address to scholar@oswego.edu with “Scholarships” in the subject line.

SHOP FROM HOME Surprise your student with a little bit of Oswego at holiday giftgiving time. You can order from the College Store online. Just surf to www.oswego.edu/ student/services/college_store and check out the books, computers, clothing and gift items available there.

DINING DELIGHTS To send your student a sweet surprise, get a Plus Plan for snacks and other dining, check out menus in the dining halls or a host of other services, go online to www.oswego.edu/auxserv.

Heart science pioneer Dr. Ban An Khaw ’69 received an honorary doctorate of science from the State University of New York at this year’s Commencement May 16. “The solid education that I received here in Oswego enabled me to compete head-to-head with graduates of renowned educational institutions,” the George Behrakis Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston said during his remarks. “Oswego has given you the same opportunity that she had given me 40 years ago.”

DECEMBER GRADS FETED The Oswego Alumni Association will host a Commencement Eve Dessert Reception and Senior Toast for all December graduates and their families at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Join us and celebrate the Class of 2009’s passage from students to alumni, complete with an elegant dessert buffet, coffee, tea and a champagne toast. Call 315-312-2258 or visit www.oswego.edu/alumni/seniors for information about this and other programs for seniors by the Oswego Alumni Association. Make a gift to the Class of 2009 Eco-Fund in honor of your graduating senior. The fund will support sustainability intiatives on campus. To have your contribution listed in the December Commencement program, your gift must be received by Nov. 9. Make your donation online at http://www.oswego.edu/alumni/seniors/gift.

Calendar FALL 2009 Aug. 28

Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony

Aug. 31

Classes begin

Sept. 7

Labor Day, no classes

Sept. 12-13 “Reflecting Poe,” Waterman Theatre Sept. 16

An Evening of String Trios, Sheldon Ballroom

Sept. 18

The Holmes Brothers, Waterman Theatre

Sept. 28

Yom Kippur, no classes

Oct. 7

American Song, Sheldon Ballroom

Oct. 12, 13 School of Business Alumni Symposium Oct. 13-18

“War of the Worlds,” Waterman Theatre

Oct. 14

Dr. Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit, Sheldon Hall

Oct. 16-18

Family and Friends Weekend

WinterSession is slated for Jan. 4 through 22. About 35 intensive three-week courses give upperclassmen a chance to catch up or get ahead. Courses from across the college’s programs will be available at Oswego as well as the Metro Center in Syracuse, the Phoenix Center and on the Web. For a listing of available courses, visit www.oswego.edu/extendedlearning or call the Division of Extended Learning at 315-312-2270.

Oct. 22

“A Little Weill,” Sheldon Ballroom

Oct. 30, Nov. 1

Oswego Opera, Waterman Theatre

Nov. 5

Flamenco Vivo, Waterman Theatre

Nov. 11

Imani Winds, Sheldon Ballroom

Nov. 17-22

“Blood Relations,” Lab Theatre

CAREER HELP? JUST A.S.K.!

Nov. 23

“An Evening with Alan and Laurence,” Waterman Theatre

Nov. 25-29

Thanksgiving recess

Dec. 6

Feast of Carols, Waterman Theatre

Dec. 9

Homage to Violin Sonata, Sheldon Ballroom

Dec. 11

Last day of classes

Dec. 14-18

Final exams

Dec. 18

Commencement Eve Dessert Reception

Dec. 19

December Graduation

WINTERSESSION

If your student is looking for help in exploring a career, the Oswego Alumni Association A.S.K. (Alumni Sharing Knowledge) program links current students with alumni mentors who can answer questions about a career, offer a job-shadowing experience or help make connections. Your student can be part of Oswego’s powerful 73,000-plus alumni network. Call the Alumni Office at 315-312-2258 or visit www.oswego.edu/alumni/ask.

Spring 2010 Jan. 25

Classes Begin

Mar. 15-19

Spring Recess

May 14

Torchlight Ceremony and Dinner

May 15

Commencement