O S W E G O A Publication of the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations
Parents S
2013 ‘Among the Most Talented Classes’ Ever
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… And They’re More Likely to Stay College officials celebrated a major mile-
his year’s incoming class is one of the stone this fall—exceeding the 80 percent “most talented” and diverse ever, said benchmark for freshman-to-sophomore Joseph F. Grant, vice president for sturetention. dent affairs and enrollment. Mehran Nojan, director of institutional research, calculated the rate for last year’s Oswego received more than 10,500 freshfreshmen returning this fall at 81 percent. man applications, up 38.8 percent just That is near the 81.7 percent average for since 2005. This means the college has “selective” public institutions, as described been more selective with admissions, by ACT in its annual report “National accepting 47 percent this year compared to Collegiate Retention and Persistence to 56 percent four years ago. Degree Rates.” “Not only did we have a larger pool to “This is a tribute to the dedication of our draw from but, frankly, it was also one of faculty who are committed to working with Freshmen were welcomed to campus with the the most talented collections of applicaour students. It reflects the hard work of Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony, sponsored by tions we’ve ever seen,” Grant said. many, many people across the college,” the Oswego Alumni Association, in August. Oswego’s SAT score average of 1110 is said President Deborah F. Stanley. Many factors influenced the statistic. not only above the 1016 national mean but high above the 987 average in New York Among those within the college’s control, state, Grant said. Stanley cited Oswego’s many initiatives for The 198 Presidential Scholars in the freshman class had a mean 1240 SAT composite and freshmen—from the first-year advisement 94.4 high school average. program to the small-class initiative to the Meteorology major Patrick Cavlin ’13 came to campus for its beauty, unique weather and first-year residential experience—as well as his Presidential Scholarship. The honors student said he has enjoyed his experience so far. the extensive improvements in campus facili“I’m coming from a high school where I wasn’t in honors classes,” said Cavlin, a ties, buildings and grounds; the admission of native of Long Island. “They’re not harder, but they are more stimulating. The professors students who are better prepared academically; are excellent. They go out of their way to help you, some really nice individuals.” and the increasing collaboration of faculty Cavlin is already applying himself outside of the classroom as well, doing weather with students on scholarly and civic projects. broadcasts for WTOP-TV and WNYO-FM. He hopes to get more involved with the theatre The freshman-to-sophomore retention department as a lighting technician. rate is widely used as a key indicator for keeping students on track to their degrees. “Summer Orientation was a good sign that the quality of our entering class was quite Oswego’s has always been above the roughly strong,” Grant said. “The students were well-prepared, very articulate, very interested in 70 percent average for all public master’sbecoming involved in the college community.” level institutions. — Julie Harrison Blissert With a shrinking pool of graduating seniors statewide and increased efforts to attract a broad range of students, more are coming from farther away. The largest FRESH FACTS: home county among freshmen is Suffolk County on Long Island, which supplied more than 10 percent of the Class of 2013. 1,410 freshmen enrolled this fall. Having students from farther afield contributes to a larger and more diverse 10,500 applied residential community, Grant said. For example, 16 percent of incoming freshmen identified themselves as people of color. 765 freshmen received some level of merit Around 4,040 students took up residence on campus this fall. Grant estimates scholarship, including 198 Presidential Scholars that is about 800 more than a decade ago. “That vibrant residential community creates a lot of excitement and opportunity The overall academic profile for incoming for connections,” he said. students rose to an average high school Total head count enrollment in fall was more than 8,200 students, with around GPA of 90 and 1110 SAT score. 7,200 of them full time. — Tim Nekritz M ’05 Shane M. Liebler contributed
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Jim Russell ’83
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Cert no. BV-COC-981466
IN THIS EDITION: • Oswego Recognition • Olympic Spirit • Internship Success • Important Dates Office of Alumni and Parent Relations King Alumni Hall SUNY Oswego Oswego, NY 13126
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Oswego in Sync with Family’s Expectations f ice is an important part of your college experience, Oswego is a good place to look for it. Rachel Gottlieb ’10 wanted to attend a college where she could continue synchronized skating and pursue her academic goals. Rachel’s mother and Parents’ Fund Chair Diane Gottlieb said she found the right place. Rachel Gottlieb ’10, left, and her mother, Diane, are all smiles about Oswego. “It’s really been fabulous for her,” Diane said. “Oswego really has so many opportunities for experiential learning and internships.” Rachel started out as an education major, but has since migrated to psychology. The learning environment offered at Oswego has encouraged her to grow, Diane said. “It just offers so many opportunities for all different kinds of learning that you don’t get at other schools,” she said. Rachel interns with a school psychologist and also received credit for her summer job as a camp counselor. She also competes as a synchronized skater on the Oswego club team. Diane, who herself is a full-time student pursuing a career in secondary education at Hofstra University, said the small class sizes that encourage close studentprofessor interaction are a key Oswego feature. The Parents’ Fund strives to preserve such campus characteristics. The fund supports academic programs, research opportunities, scholarships, library resources, technology upgrades and more. “Especially now with the economy and budget cutbacks, giving is so important,” Diane said. — Shane M. Liebler
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Oswego’s Compass Recognized n industry-wide career advising handbook includes Oswego’s Compass as an exemplary practice in integrating career and academic advising. The newly published Jossey-Bass/NACADA book The Handbook of Career Advising devotes a section to detailed descriptions of programs at nine colleges and universities, including the Compass, which opened in the central portion of the Campus Center in 2007. “Its inclusion as an exemplary practice is an honor as the monograph editors and reviewers chose only the ‘best of the best’ in serving the career and academic advising needs of students,” said Charlie L. Nutt, executive director of the National Academic Advising Association, in a letter to SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley. Christy Harrison Huynh ’98, M ’08, assistant director of student advisement, nominated the Compass to be included in the book. When it opened, Kathy Smits Evans ’84, associate dean of students, described the Compass as unique and innovative. The NACADA recognition bears her out. “It’s great news for us,” she said recently. The Compass brought together six offices Christy Harrison Huynh ’98, M ’08, responsible for advising students about variwho works in the Compass in ous aspects of the life in and after college, SUNY Oswego’s Campus Center, including Student Advisement, Career nominated the innovative program to be included in the new book Services, Experience-Based Education, The Handbook of Career Advising. Community Service and Service Learning, First-Year Programs and Transfer Services. The six units had formerly been scattered among various buildings and still span two divisions, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Located in Room 142 of the Campus Center, the Compass lies at a busy crossroads for students, near student organizations as well as classrooms and academic offices. Visit oswego.edu/compass for a full list of student services. — Julie Harrison Blissert
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Great ‘News’ SUNY Oswego is among a select group of “Top Up-and-Coming Schools” in the most recent “America’s Best Colleges” issue of U.S. News & World Report. Only 28 public colleges and universities made the list nationally. In the northern region, Oswego is one of just two public master’slevel colleges selected for the distinction, along with the College of New Jersey.
U.S. News also recognized Oswego on a list of just 30 well-regarded colleges nationally that offer small classes without high prices. “Attending a big, affordable public university doesn’t doom a student to huge lecture halls. U.S. News has found dozens of lower-priced colleges in which at least half of all classes have fewer than 20 students,” the magazine’s Kim Clark wrote in the Nov. 24 issue. — Julie Harrison Blissert
Jim Russell ’83
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 Julie Harrison Blissert, Contributing Writer Tim Nekritz M ’05, Contributing Writer Jessica Pascal ’11, Intern 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 oswego.edu/alumni/
SPRING 2010
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Student-Athlete Accompanies Olympic Flame
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after the Canadian team won gold in the 2002 Olympics, knows this responsibility will cause her to miss nearly three weeks of classes in the spring semester but promised to do everything she can to work with her professors to make things as smooth as Meagan Big Snake ’11 possible. Attendants like Big Snake will guard and accompany the flame around the clock as it makes its 27,900-mile journey using modes of transport that will include seaplane, dogsled, Haida canoe, zipline and tall ship. A public justice major on the SUNY Oswego Deans’ List, Big Snake realizes the importance of her role and all that she represents. “This is so exciting because not only am I representing myself and my achievements, but my parents and my family who supported me, my community, the Aboriginals of my country and all over the whole world, and especially Oswego State and the Lakers,” Big Snake said. She will be part of the “envelope” around the runner with the flame, along with a security detail that includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Big Snake said. “We encourage them along the way and let them know it’s their moment,” she said of the torchbearers. At least one of those torchbearers will have a SUNY Oswego connection as well. John Egan ’86 will carry the flame during day 100 from Whistler to Merritt, B.C. The two have exchanged e-mails and plan to meet each other after Egan’s turn with the torch. — Tim Nekritz M ’05
Jim Russell ’83
eagan Big Snake ’11 will represent the Laker women’s ice hockey team, her college, her culture, her country and the Olympic spirit when she accompanies the world’s most famous flame across Canada this winter. Big Snake, a defender and co-captain for the Lakers, will serve as one of 11 youth flame attendants guarding and running with the Olympic torch on its cross-country trek. She was one of six Aboriginal Canadians selected. While back home in Siksika, Alberta, this summer, Big Snake saw posters appear looking for nominees to run stretches of about 300 meters with the torch. She asked her parents if she could apply, but they pretended to dissuade her because her maternal grandmother Ellen Black already was submitting a nomination on her behalf. “My grandma received input from my parents, my two younger sisters, my family and the community” in crafting the nomination, Big Snake said. The letter so impressed officials that they sent it higher and, instead of becoming one of 12,000 torchbearers, Big Snake will join the small team accompanying the longest relay race to take place in any country. Big Snake flew to London, Ontario, the day after Christmas to join the 106-day torch relay as a guide and protector through its arrival in Vancouver for opening ceremonies Feb. 12. The Vancouver Organizing Committee is emphasizing First Nation, Inuit and Metis representation in celebrating the 2010 games in Vancouver. Big Snake is a member of the Siksika Nation, which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. The involvement of First Nation representatives “shows the importance of the flame to the Aboriginals is so strong, and is similar to the Olympic spirit and the actual flame which signifies hope, peace and friendship,” Big Snake said. The 20-year-old daughter of Curtis and Maria Big Snake was elected co-captain of the women’s ice hockey team this year. A regular blue line contributor, she said her teammates’ support for this endeavor has been “so awesome.” Big Snake, who became really interested in women’s hockey Tina Ruth
The Oswego Alumni Association coordinated a community portrait in the academic quad as part of the second annual Green and Gold Day celebration. The entire Oswego family was invited to join in by sporting green and gold on campus and around the world Sept. 4. The Future Alumni Network hosted an ice cream social and roller skate that evening to cap off the festivities.
Kristy Chen ’08 and David Joseph ’09 had little more than their degrees and dreams when they left Oswego after graduation. They returned this fall on the W.R. Grace & Co. corporate jet in the company of Chief Executive Officer and fellow graduate Fred Festa ’81. Not too bad for a couple of recent graduates who are only months removed from internships with the specialty chemical and materials company. There are two Festa Internships — one in finance and one in chemistry — available each year. While not every student converts his or her experience into a job, any Oswego student can copy the career paths of Chen and Joseph, said Troy L. Vincent, vice From left, Kristy Chen ’08, Fred Festa ’81 and president of human resources for W.R. Grace. David Joseph ’09 of W.R. Grace visited campus in “It’s a combination of timing and performance,” he said. September. A former W.R. Grace intern, Chen After participating in the 12-week internship during the summer after she recruited Joseph to do the summer program as well. They both later earned positions at the company. graduated, Chen decided to forgo an MBA at Oswego to become an internal auditor at W.R. Grace, based in Columbia, Md. “No. 1, it was a great opportunity that I didn’t want to miss,” she said. “Secondly, I wanted some work experience before I started on my master’s.” The job allows her to travel all over the world for the $3.3 billion, 6,300-employee company – a feature she finds particularly satisfying. Joseph is equally thrilled to be working in finance at the company’s offices in Columbia, Md. He called Festa an extraordinary CEO who takes time to get to know all employees. Their shared Oswego heritage is an inspiration to Joseph. “It puts the goal in mind for me,” he said. Chen and Joseph spent a day on campus this fall accompanying Festa to business classes and receptions. Recalling their time as students, they both agreed the Oswego internship program is essential to success after graduation. Oswego’s Experienced-Based Education Office helps place students in Festa Interships and what Director Paul Roodin calls “limitless” other opportunities. Find more information at oswego.edu/ebe. — Shane M. Liebler
Jim Russell ’83
Talent and ‘Grace’: Internships Offer Great Start
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Campus Clips Apply for Scholarships Alumni Legacy Scholarships are available to students who are children, stepchildren or parents of Oswego alumni. Candidates for the award must be current full-time students at SUNY Oswego and demonstrate a commitment to the excellence of the college and the community through academic achievements, leadership and involvement in campus clubs and organizations. The deadline to apply for 2010-11 Legacy Scholarships is March 26. Learn about more than 150 other scholarships by visiting oswego.edu/giving/ scholarships or calling 315-312-2258. Deadlines to apply for 2010-11 awards begin Feb. 1.
File to Graduate Students must file to graduate by Feb. 15 if they plan to participate in May Commencement. Students are not automatically placed on a graduation list. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure he or she initially applies to graduate online by the appropriate deadline date or contacts the Registrar’s Graduation Office for help. Students must file by the deadline to ensure that their name will be printed in the Commencement program. Information regarding the graduation process and all deadlines are also available and linked from the Registrar’s Web site at oswego.edu/registrar.
Plan Ahead Future graduates can start planning for May 15 Commencement by making early reservations for the Torchlight Ceremony and Dinner May 14. The ceremony allows the graduating class to come together one last time as they are welcomed into the Oswego Alumni Association.
Calendar SPRING 2010 Jan. 21
Arrival of new students (all freshmen and transfers in residence)
Jan. 22
Orientation, advisement and registration for nonregistered new students
Jan. 24
Arrival of returning students in residence halls
Jan.25
Spring semester begins
Jan. 28
Final date to add courses
Feb. 2
“500 Clown Frankenstein,” 7:30 p.m., Waterman Theatre
Feb. 3
Final date to drop courses
The event includes a reception and dinner, along with passing on the light of knowledge to the new alumni. This year’s speaker is World Wrestling Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith ’82.
Feb. 25-27, “Songs for a New World,” March 5, 6 8 p.m., Waterman Theatre March 2
Li-Young Lee, poet, 7:30 p.m., Campus Center auditorium
For more information or to make dinner reservations call 315-312-2258 or e-mail seniors@oswego.edu.
March 7
“Songs for a New World,” 2 p.m., Waterman Theatre
Consider making a donation to the Class of 2010 gift in honor of your graduating senior and have your gift recognized in the Commencement program. Visit oswego.edu/seniors/gift for more information.
March 10
The Klezmatics, 7:30 p.m., Waterman Theatre
March 15-19 Spring recess March 21
All residence halls reopen, noon
March 24
Composer Tribute: George Tsontakis, 7:30 p.m., Sheldon Hall ballroom
March 26
Sessions are three, six and 12 weeks long. A two-week May Term is available for the first time beginning May 17.
“Collage,” music scholarship concert, 7:30 p.m., Waterman Theatre
March 27
Boston Brass, 7:30 p.m., Waterman Theatre
A course listing will be available via oswego.edu/extendedlearning in early February.
March 30, 31 Alex Escalante’s “Clandestino,” 7:30 p.m., Waterman Theatre
SUNY Summer It’s not too early to start thinking about Summer Sessions 2010. Take advantage of the opportunity to catch up, stay on schedule, or move forward by taking classes beginning May 24 at SUNY Oswego.
Jim Russell ’83
April 2
Good Friday, no classes
April 7
Big Band and Latin Jazz: Bob Washut and Guests, 7:30 p.m., Sheldon Hall Ballroom
April 12
College admissions open house
April 21
Quest, no classes
April 22-24, “She Stoops to Conquer,” May 1 8 p.m., Waterman Theatre
Dance troupe Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana performed Nov. 5 in Tyler Hall’s Waterman Theatre before an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, staff and members of the community. The dancers and musicians offered workshops, master classes and performances during their residency Nov. 4 and 5.
April 23
Honors Convocation, 3 p.m., Campus Center
May 2
“She Stoops to Conquer,” 2 p.m., Waterman Theatre
May 7
Last day of classes
May 10-14
Final exams
May 14
Torchlight Ceremony
May 15
Commencement