Focus

Dr. Stuart F. Blum ’58, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Oct. 25, 2020. He was 82.

Paul J. Snyder ’58, of Saugerties and Ulster Park, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Army and volunteered for duty in Korea, Feb. 14, 2021. He worked in product engineering and microprocessor component procurement at IBM in Poughkeepsie from 1958 until retirement in 1987. A member of United Methodist Churches of Saugerties, Town of Esopus and Clinton Avenue, he was treasurer of Chestnut Hill Cemetery for many years. Paul enjoyed raising animals on his farm and liked hunting, sports, postcard collecting, card games and genealogy. He was 89.

Dr. Arnold W. Goldschlager ’59, of San Francisco, Calif., who served in the U.S Air Force and graduated from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Aug. 13, 2020. He practiced medicine and cardiology in San Mateo County for 50 years and taught at UCSF for 40 years, rising to associate professor of clinical medicine. Arnold helped found the Air Ambulance in California and Hawaii, and held leadership roles in organizations including the Mzuri Safari Club and the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation. A lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, he was a knight officer in the International Order of Saint Hubertus and a member of the St. Francis Yacht Club. He was 81.

Jed Fierberg ’59, of West Hartford, Conn., who transferred to UConn and served in the U.S. Army in Korea as part of the military police, Dec. 17, 2020. Vice president of Morris A Fierberg Company and later president of Industrial Mechanical Corporation, he enjoyed traveling, dogs and wildlife. Jed and his wife were members of the first class of Bushnell volunteers. A resident of Hoffman Summerwood Community, where he sang in the Summerwood Singers, he was 89.

William J. Hoder ’59, of Bridgeport, Conn., who served in the U.S. Navy and held a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut, Dec. 13, 2020. He worked for General Electric and then Norden, a division of United Technologies in Norwalk. Bill later taught at Sacred Heart University and Norwalk State Technical School, and was manager of the village store at Covenant Living of Cromwell. He enjoyed woodshop and playing ping pong. He was 91.

Peter B. Ellis ’59, of Clifton Park, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Navy and spent 30 years with Verizon, Jan. 25, 2021. Later the area operations manager of Aquatic Development Corporation, he held leadership positions at Shaker Ridge Country Club and Albany Country Club. A lover of golf, he was also a board member and committee chair at King of Kings Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was 87.

1960s

Paul L. Wollman ’60, of Schenectady, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam and attended Albany Law School, Dec. 19, 2020. He practiced law in Amsterdam, served as Amsterdam City Court judge, and was attorney for the Valley Rural Housing Corporation as well as a member of the board of directors. Also attorney for the AIDA and MCIDA for many years, Paul loved to golf, ski and travel, and was passionate about his Austin Healy. He was 82.

Carl A. Nelson ’61, of Springfield, Mass., who was a mechanical engineer for the U.S. Navy Laboratory before retiring in 1994, Nov. 11, 2020. He was a graduate of Technical High School in Springfield, Mass. He was 81.

Dr. Donald C. Durbeck ’61, of Lake Meade, Penn., who graduated from Albany Medical School and served in the Public Health Service during the Vietnam War, Jan. 8, 2021. Co-founder of Associated Cardiologists, he served as cardiology department chair at Polyclinic Hospital (Harrisburg) and won several teaching awards for his work with residents and other practitioners. Don later oversaw CSL Plasma Labs and examined recruits at the Department of Defense’s Military Entrance Processing Stations. He enjoyed family, fishing, boating and skiing. He sang and played saxophone and clarinet in big swing bands. Don was 80.

George E. Hartwell Jr. ’62, of Midland, Mich., who held master’s and doctoral degrees in inorganic chemistry and was a NATO postdoctoral fellow at Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, Nov. 4, 2020. An associate professor at Indiana University (Bloomington), he later joined the Dow Chemical Company as a research scientist who authored 36 publications and received 30 patents. George, who enjoyed railroading, genealogy and coin and stamp collecting, was 80.

John W. Charlton ’62 died Nov. 5, 2020. He was 80.

Stewart E. Walls ’62, of Pawleys Island, S.C., who served in the U.S. Navy, spent 20 years in the reserves and graduated from Boston University School of Law, Jan. 16, 2021. An attorney in the aerospace industry for General Electric and Lockheed Martin, he was active in MetroInterfaith Housing in Broome County, N.Y. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in S.C. and built block houses in Nicaragua with Bridges to Community. Stewart sailed around the Horn of Africa, completed a five-week camping trip across Europe and went on safari in Kenya. An avid reader, he was 80.

Robert J. Osekavage ’62, of Mahwah, N.J., who spent 35 years as an aerospace engineer with Bendix Corporation, where he worked on the Apollo and Saturn projects, Feb. 14, 2021. A resident of Mahwah for more than 50 years, Bob volunteered as a Cub Scout leader and a little league soccer, baseball and softball coach. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He was 80.

William B. Kenney ’63, of Orange Beach, Ala., who served in the U.S. Army and worked for Standard Oil in many capacities, Nov. 20, 2020. President of a heating oil subsidiary and president of the Chevron Land Development subsidiary, Bill later worked in legislative and government affairs. He retired from the corporate headquarters’ business planning department. Bill loved to ski, boat and fish with his wife, and he enjoyed all types of music and being outdoors. He was 83.

Morris Ziehm G’63, of Rotterdam, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Army and held a B.S. from the University of Buffalo School of Engineering and an M.S. in engineering from Union, Jan. 16, 2021. An associate professor of mechanical technology at Illinois Central College, he later spent 29 years as an engineer at GE Large Steam Turbine. A member of Zion Lutheran Church who was active on the church council for many years, he was 88.

George W. Ball ’63, of Wayland, N.Y., who held a Ph.D. in mathematics from Syracuse University and an M.S. in computer science from RIT, May 11, 2020. A professor of mathematics and computer science at Alfred University for 38 years, he was 79.

Robert S. Garver ’64, of Princeton Junction, N.J., who held a master’s degree from Pace University and spent 35 years in corporate lending and private banking, Dec. 19, 2020. Bob worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, Chemical Bank and Chase Bank before retiring from J.P. Morgan Chase. Active in his community, Bob was trustee, lector and Eucharistic minister at St. David the King Roman Catholic Church. Also a talented photographer, he was an avid fly fisherman who shared his love of the outdoors with his children. He was 78.

Peter J. Grandstaff ’64, of Ballwin, Mo., an Eagle Scout who served in the U.S. Air Force and held a Ph.D. in economics from Duke University, Dec. 14, 2020. He spent decades as an economist and data analyst for AT&T and its predecessors. Peter, who loved being outdoors, anything to do with trains and bird-watching, was 78.

Frank D. Carey ’64, of Albany, N.Y., who served 24 years in the U.S. Army and Air Force, Jan. 16, 2021. An investigator with the Department of Labor, he loved woodworking and reading and had a large collection of books. A huge Boston Celtics fan, he was 78.

Anthony A. Gallo ’64, of Olean, N.Y., who earned a doctoral degree in biochemistry from Tufts University and taught at Case Western Reserve Medical School, Jan.15, 2021. Later a chemist for Hysol Corp., he earned 15 patents and was active in the Genesis House and Olean Food Pantry. A member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, he supported the Friends of Good Music for many years. Anthony, who enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening, was 79.

Robert L. Townsend Jr. ’65, of Springfield, Vt., who was an Eagle Scout and served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam, Nov. 22, 2020. Robert, who held an M.S. in forestry from the University of Massachusetts, spent his career with the University of Vermont Extension Service (1974-2000). He started the first VT Travel Industry Conference in southern Vermont and received many awards for his UVM Extension work. Active with the Windsor County Agricultural Fair, in retirement he worked part-time with Huffer Forestry Associates. Robert, who built the Townsend Family Sugaring Operation with his family, was 77.

Charles Pankenier ’65, of Ridgefield, Conn., who had a 30-year career in communications and marketing with IBM, Dec. 3, 2020. A docent and board member at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, he published monographs on the community’s Civil War experience and notable resident Cass Gilbert. Charles was an avid traveler who enjoyed playing bridge and following the Green Bay Packers and Boston Red Sox. He was 76.

John R. “Dick” Phillippe ’69, of Niskayuna, N.Y., who was a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch before joining Tucker Anthony, Jan. 31, 2021. At Tucker Anthony (eventually RBC Wealth Management), he became a first vice president. A member of the First Reformed Church and Mohawk Golf Club, Dick served almost 50 years on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady. He was a founding member of Girls Inc. Foundation Trust of Schenectady and served on the board of directors of Schenectady County Community College. A recipient of the Higher Education Service Award from the Hudson Mohawk Association of Colleges and Universities, Dick was 74.

Richard H. Marchant ’69, of Gloucester, Mass., who was an Army medic and psychiatric counselor during the Vietnam War, and held an M.A. in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Jan. 13, 2021. Dick worked at the Social Security Administration, retiring as assistant regional commissioner for the New England region. An avid fisherman, scuba diver and underwater photographer, he also enjoyed birdwatching and traveled to more than 50 countries on six continents. Don loved his dogs and gardening, and was a trained watercolor artist. He was 73.

1970s

Theodore N. Anderson Jr. G’70, of Batavia, N.Y, and formerly of Albion, who held a master’s degree from Union and taught science at Pembroke High School for 32 years, Nov. 6, 2020. Theodore also taught

8

PROF. JAMES UNDERWOOD

James Underwood, who by many accounts “bled garnet” over a four-decade career as professor, department chair, dean of faculty and interim president, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a brief illness. He was 83.

“Jim” was known for his loyalty to Union, his wide-ranging involvement across campus, his strong connections with alumni and his deep interest in College history.

“I feel lucky to have known Jim,” said President David Harris. “He was widely respected for his loyalty to the College; his warm rapport with colleagues, students and alumni; and his tireless energy as a teacher and administrator. He was also a keen student of Union history, and one who directly affected much of Union’s history.”

Underwood joined Union in 1963 and retired in 2003 as the Chauncey H. Winters Research Professor of Political Science and dean of faculty emeritus. In retirement, he remained highly active on campus. He kept an office in the College's Emeritus Center; attended many College events with his wife, Jean; and continued to advise students. He taught a class the year after he retired on one of his favorite subjects, Eliphalet Nott, Union's president from 1804 to 1866.

His vast experience made him a natural choice to serve as interim president in 2005. “Jim was extremely helpful during a critical time for Union, working diligently to pull the Union community together,” said Stephen Ciesinski ’70, who was chair of the Board at the time of Underwood’s appointment. “He was respected by all, including faculty and alumni, as an exceptional researcher, teacher and spokesperson for Union. I was truly appreciative for his agreeing to serve as interim, and I know he enjoyed his role.”

Underwood served as dean of faculty from 1988 to 1994, chair of Political Science from 1978 to 1984, chair of the Social Sciences division, and director of the General Education program. He was the longest-serving current faculty member when he retired from full-time teaching in 2003.

Roger Hull, who served as president from 1990 to 2005, said he was pleased to have Underwood continue as chief academic officer for the first five years of his administration. “Not only was he a very good dean, but Jim also was what anyone serving in an administrative position definitely wants and clearly needs—loyal and honest. Always loyal, Jim never hesitated at the same time to give me his unvarnished thoughts on all issues. For that loyalty and honesty, I was always, always, grateful.”

Clifford Brown, the Robert Porter Patterson Professor of Government, recalls that his friend and colleague “first and foremost, considered himself to be a teacher, and he would be most proud of the accomplishments of the hundreds (or thousands) of students whose lives he touched, and with many of whom he kept in contact long after graduation.”

Underwood was also proud of his role as academic vice president, when he presided over the creation of a nationally recognized General Education program. He led the creation of the Africana Studies and East Asian Studies programs, which complemented Gen Ed, and was instrumental in the organization of the President's Commission on the Status of Women. He also contributed to the planning for the Yulman Theater and Schaffer Library expansion.

As interim president, Underwood’s accomplishments were also extensive. He presided over Union's initial participation in the POSSE program, formed a commission to promote civility on campus, launched a major self-study as the basis of the College's 2006 strategic plan, formalized the status of lecturers, filled 12 vacant endowed chairs, launched a reform of the merit system, and (ever mindful of students) instituted several measures to enhance student safety.

Underwood loved the beauty and history of the College grounds. “Jim was very proud of the Union College Ramée campus,” Brown said. “He worked diligently on the committee that developed the materials for celebrating its bicentennial in 2013. He was a quiet patron and defender of Jackson's Garden, and was responsible behind the scenes for saving a serious amount of open space at its east end when the Reamer Campus Center and access road was planned.”

Underwood helped organize an invaluable resource to future historians of the College, an oral history project that has interviewed dozens of emeriti faculty.

Underwood said his most fulfilling years at Union were those when he returned to teaching after serving as dean. He was refreshed and wiser, he said, from reading about teaching styles from many tenure reviews. He also noted that the quality of students had improved over the years, an observation that drew a playful rebuke from a former student who had become a judge. “I sent him back what I think was a Solomonic answer: ‘I have more students who are like you,’” Underwood said.

He taught a range of courses including Contemporary American Politics; Political Leadership; PolicyMaking and American Society; the Environment, Energy and American Politics; Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; and Seminar in American Politics.

Underwood often compared teaching to acting. “You are a performer in the classroom, just as you are on the stage,” he said in a retirement interview with Union College magazine. “A lot of actors and faculty are shy, but not on the stage or in the classroom. Both need a response. When you've struggled, you leave exhausted. When everything has gone well, you leave with a quiet euphoria; there's no feeling like it. I think both actors and teachers feel as though we're really only as good as our last performance, and that's one of the things that drives you.”

He was an advisor to many students in the College's internship programs in Washington, D.C. and Albany. He had long-standing friendships with a number of alumni who have gone on to distinguished careers in law, politics and diplomacy. By the end of his teaching career, he had taught a number of children of former students including one whose parents were both students.

His areas of professional interest included political leadership, administrative systems, environmental and energy policy, and New York State politics. He was a consultant to the Subcommittee on Executive Reorganization in the United States Senate, and to the New York State Education Department. He also served on Congressional staffs as a recipient of an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship.

He was the co-author (with William Daniels) of Governor Rockefeller in New York: The Apex of Pragmatic Liberalism in the United States, and published articles in Policy and Congress and the Presidency. In 1971, he co-authored Science/Technology—Related Activities in the Government of the State of New York, a study funded by the state Office of Science and Technology. He wrote and lectured extensively on former New York Governor Mario Cuomo. He wrote an article, “Lincoln: A Weberian Politician Meets the Constitution,” in the June 2004 issue of Presidential Studies Quarterly. His entry on William H. Seward, Union Class of 1820 and Lincoln's secretary of state, was published in the Encyclopedia of the American Presidency.

He was a popular speaker at alumni events across the country, usually speaking on Union historical figures such as Nott, Chester Arthur and William Seward.

A graduate of Franklin and Marshall, he received his M.P.A. and Ph.D. from Syracuse University. He was a member of the American Political Science Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Ever the teacher, he has donated his body to Albany Medical College.

A native of Irwin, Pa., he is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Karen (Fred) and Carolyn (Warren); and four grandchildren, Connor, Griffin, Grace and Anna.

Shortly after her husband’s passing, Jean Underwood said simply, “Jim was a husband, father, teacher and friend extraordinaire.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Professor James E. and Jean A. Underwood Endowed Scholarship, established in 2007 by Richard Ferguson ’67, to support Union students with financial need. Prof. Underwood is remembered by his friend Prof. Martin Strosberg ’68 on p. 47.

A campus memorial service was planned for Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.