Union College Magazine, Summer 2023

UNIONCOLLEGE

Nearly 100 student performers enthralled an audience that filled the Nott Memorial for the annual Lothridge Festival of Dance as part of the Steinmetz Symposium May 12. The hourlong show, created by Dance Program Director Megan Flynn and Assistant Director Laurie Zabele Cawley, featured 14 works in an array of dance styles. To read more about Steinmetz and Prize Day, which followed May 13, see pg. 13.

UNION COLLEGE

ON THE FRONT COVER

The Powering Union campaign has had an incredible impact on every aspect of campus life, and will continue to do so for decades into the future.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Mark Land

EDITOR

Erin DeMuth Judd demuthje@union.edu

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Charlie Casey

Christen Gowan

Tina Lincer

Phillip Wajda

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Buckowski

Shawn LaChapelle

DESIGN

2k Design

PRINTING

Fort Orange Press

UNION COLLEGE

is published twice a year by the Union College Office of Communications, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308. The telephone is (518) 388-6131. Non-profit flat rate postage is paid at Schenectady, N.Y., and an additional mailing office.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Office of Communications, Union College, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308-3169.

Alumni who want to inform the College about changes of address should contact the Alumni Office at (518) 388-6168 or via e-mail at alumni@union. edu. The same phone number and e-mail address should be used to correspond about ReUnion, Homecoming, alumni club events, and other activities.

IN THIS ISSUE:

18

Powering dreams: Campaign achieves historic success

When the Powering Union campaign concluded June 30, it had raised over $316 million—thanks to the generosity and dedication of thousands of alumni, families, friends, faculty and staff. As we celebrate the College’s most successful campaign ever, we want to share some examples of the profound difference it has already made. For students. For faculty. For Union.

30

Homecoming turns 100

Symbols of Resolve

If I were a younger or different person, I would have a tattoo of a blue and yellow unicorn on my calf. The unicorn is the symbol of the Boston Athletic Association and the Boston Marathon, a race I nearly finished in 2013, and finished in 2014.

For me, the unicorn represents the luckiest day my family will probably ever have. And it stands as a symbol of resolve in challenging times.

On April 15, 2013, I should have been crossing the finish line on Boylston Street when the first bomb exploded. Fortunately, my pace was a bit slower than expected and I was still a couple of miles away. Even more fortunately, my wife Anne and our three daughters, waiting for me at the finish line, were among the lucky ones who escaped unharmed.

A year later, I ran the race and finished, this time with enthusiastic support every inch of the way.

I told this story to our graduating seniors at the Baccalaureate ceremony in June to make a point about the importance of symbols.

Members of the Class of 2023 were almost two thirds of the way through their first year at Union when their world was upended by the pandemic. Many were unsure about what the future held for them or their time at Union. They faced the disappointment of canceled sports seasons, study away experiences that didn’t happen, and missing two consecutive SpringFests. But they, along with other members of the Union community, persevered through online learning, hybrid classes, testing swabs, social distancing, isolation and finally, vaccinations.

The phrase, “Nott Today, COVID,” became a catchphrase on campus and all were determined not to let the pandemic dictate their Union experience. In fact, the “Nott Today, COVID” T-shirts were sellouts at the bookstore and can still be seen across campus regularly. Many alumni bought them as gifts for friends and family.

At Commencement, my wife, Anne, and daughter, Maya, presented each graduate with a “Nott Today” pin to remind our newest alumni that they came together and thrived—not just survived—during an uncertain time.

That phrase—“Nott Today”—was embraced throughout the Union community. And through it, we emerged to be reminded of the joy that comes from being in a tight-knit learning community like ours.

Of course, the pandemic reached everyone, everywhere. I was continually impressed to hear from alumni who also overcame and thrived—the health care professionals who responded so courageously, the educators who re-imagined the learning process, everyone who re-invented a career or a relationship.

I often recall a conversation I had in the fall of 2020 with a student who said she was looking forward to a time when life would be predictable again. I gently responded that when it comes to life, uncertainty is a feature, not a bug. But by thriving through COVID, she had developed a resiliency to thrive no matter what the future holds. When the next challenge comes along, she can remind herself, “You’ve got this.”

Our newest graduates go forward into multiple tomorrows having discovered what our alumni already know: there will always be challenges and uncertainties that threaten to define us. The phrase “Nott Today” should be an emblematic reminder that “You’ve got this.”

I hope the “Nott Today” pin reminds our recent grads of their Union journey during an uncertain time. And that, like my imaginary unicorn tattoo, it stiffens their resolve in challenging times.

DAVID R. HARRIS, P h .D.

Remembering

Donald Thurston

Imust express my joy in reading about Professor Donald Thurston in the spring issue of “Union College.” His magnificent gift is but the latest in a generous legacy to Union, for he was an outstanding, five-star professor—brilliant, incisive, witty and eloquent. To the College’s everlasting credit, and to our great benefit, he was joined at the time by equally impressive political science professors, including professors Robert Sharlet, Byron Nichols, Charles Gati, Joseph Board and several others.

ROBERT G. WAKEMAN ’75, ESQ. Slingerlands, N.Y.

Professor Donald Thurston passed away June 5, 2023, at 93. He will be further remembered in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

Here’s to U, Charlie

Records—vinyl—were a big part of Charlie Casey’s teenage years. He’d read the liner notes for whatever album he had on the turntable, right before opening the latest copy of the Union magazine (sent to his father, Dr. Clif Casey, Class of 1949).

“As Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ or Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’ played, I was absorbed by the news from Union and the connection that alumni feel for the place,” Casey said. “It’s amazing to think that all those years ago, this was the spark of a 36-year career.”

Casey, who joined the College in August 1987, retired this summer from his position as director of constituent communications in the Office of Communications and Marketing. Over the years, he has served in a number of other roles, including director of publications, news editor and, for 18 years, editor of this magazine.

He also coached Union’s track and cross country teams in various capacities for a dozen years.

“I loved to run every day with the team and not just because I’m an endurance junkie; I really enjoyed getting to know my runners and their families,” he said. “But I also treasure the times I went AWOL with colleagues to get a story. My favorite memories are about people and their devotion to Union and our students.”

Beyond his fondness for the Union community and a good story, Casey is known for his love of a good run and a long bike ride. He’s run seven marathons and owns some crazy number of road

36 years working in Union's Office of Communications and Marketing

» Visit us online at www.union.edu/magazine

and mountain bikes. (Five is what he’d willingly admit to.) His longest ride in a single day was 180 miles, the first leg of a three-day, 400-mile pedal to Maine.

Casey, who lives in Alplaus, N.Y., plans more epic rides in retirement, plus travel adventures with his wife, Barb, and their two grown kids, Sarah and Andy.

“At Commencement recently, I realized that I’ve seen about 18,000 students become alumni over the past 36 years,” Casey mused. “I’ve always appreciated those ceremonies, where graduates speculate about what comes after Union. Now, for me, it’s time to find out.”

Casey’s affable nature, thoughtful leadership and expert storytelling will be missed.

Congratulations, Charlie, and enjoy whatever comes next.

18 years as editor of Union College magazine

18,000 students he has seen become alumni during his career

U AROUND

Celebrating the Class of 2023

Sunday, June 11, under a clear blue sky, 475 members of the Class of 2023 graduated during Union’s 229th Commencement.

Seven members of the class received special recognition. A record six students shared the distinction of valedictorian: Matthew Beazoglou (biology), Jing Chen (computer science), Shizhe Li (economics and mathematics), Aidan O’Brien (interdepartmental chemistry and psychology), Olivia Pachla (neuroscience), and Karson Saunders (English and sociology). Caitlin Boice (interdepartmental English and Japanese) was the salutatorian.

In addition to the highlights here, the College awarded an honorary doctorate

of letters degree to Arnold Weinstein, the Edna and Richard Salomon Distinguished Professor at Brown University. President David Harris also delivered his annual charge to graduates and Timothy Stablein, associate professor of sociology, was announced as the winner of the Stillman Prize for Faculty Excellence in Teaching. Donald Rodbell, the John and Jane Wold Professor of Geosciences, is the winner of the Stillman Prize for Faculty Excellence in Research.

For more on Commencement, including full remarks from speakers and spotlights on the valedictorians, salutatorian and student speakers, visit union.edu/news.

In a twist from tradition, Sophie Brown and Melissa Murphy chose to share student speaker duties. They talked about the bond they created when they arrived on campus and the differences between them, from their majors and activities to their food choices.

The featured speaker was Stanley Andrisse, an endocrinology researcher and assistant professor at Howard University College of Medicine. A once convicted felon, he is also founder and executive director of the non-profit Prison-to-Professionals (P2P), which seeks to change the lives of people with criminal convictions through advocacy, mentoring and policy. He received an honorary doctorate of science degree.

Meaningful words and genuine conversation were a big part of this year’s ReUnion, which brought more than 800 visitors to campus.

Take Doyin Richards ’98 and Ilene Landress ’83, who shared personal experiences that listeners won’t soon forget.

2023: Good conversations, good times

Doyin Richards ’98

Richards, who studied psychology at Union, is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, anti-racism facilitator, TEDx speaker, Slate columnist and mental health advocate. May 18, on the eve of ReUnion, he delivered “Real Talk about Mental Health and Racism” in a packed Nott Memorial.

He shared some hard truths—his own and those of the world.

Richards, who said he has clinical depression, drew on his life to discuss racism, mental health and the way they intertwine. He recounted how he was 9 years old the first time a White person directed a racial slur at him.

The last time this happened? The very day of his talk—in an email he received.

“This happens probably three or four times a week. Do you have any idea how damaging that is to my mental health?” Richards asked. “So damaging.”

“One in four adults has some form of mental illness,” he continued, adding that Black people are 20 percent more likely to experience mental health problems, but are less likely to seek treatment.

Richards had some words of advice for addressing this—racism, as well as the stigma that prevents many people with mental illness from getting help. He used a honeybee (anti-racist person) and fly (racist person) to illustrate his point.

“Bees don’t waste a single second trying to convince flies that honey tastes better than poop,” Richards said.

Why? Because a fly is a fly—that’s its nature.

“Your job is to build the anti-racism hive, not convince the flies to change. Find the other bees. That is the best way to protect your mental health around racists,” said Richards, who celebrated his 25th ReUnion.

Ilene Landress ’83

Landress, who celebrated her 40th ReUnion, shared her career success and lessons learned along the way during a lively conversation May 19.

Landress is an Emmy award-winning executive producer at HBO. Her credits include “Succession,” “Girls,” “The Sopranos” and “Mildred Pierce.”

But television and film, which have always fascinated her, weren’t where she initially planned to end up. Landress majored in biology and psychology at Union and when she graduated, had been accepted to medical school.

While she’s still interested in science and biology to this day, she ended up deferring medical school to see if she could get a job in the movie business.

“I just knew there were credits at the end of every movie, and I thought I should figure out how to get one of those jobs,” Landress said.

She did, after seeing scenes for “Crocodile Dundee” being filmed on the streets of New York City.

“I just went up to the crew and asked

for a job,” Landress recalled. “They sort of hired me on the spot.”

She had no experience but learned as she worked, which is a point she pressed home with her audience. Landress told the students in attendance not to shy away from pursuing a career just because they lack background in it.

“The truth of it is—with on-the-job training—a lot of it you can learn yourself.”

Also at ReUnion

The following classes were recognized during ReUnion.

The Class of 1973 had the most attendees at 63 and received the Anable Cup, while the Class of 1963 had the highest percentage of living alumni in attendance at 15 percent and received the McClellan Cup.

The Van Voast/Class of 1941 Award for best parade apparel went to the Class of 1998 for its “98% chance of rain” T-shirts. (It rained on their Commencement.) Burk Ketcham ’48 received the Class of 1943 ReUnion Award for best overall ReUnion effort.

The Class of 2018 was the top GOLD class with the most donors, 46. The Class of 1973 had the most donors, 119, and raised $4,203,541 in honor of its 50th ReUnion. The Class of 1998 raised $249,191 in honor of its 25th ReUnion.

Other highlights of the weekend celebration included:

• Engineering Welcome Home Reception: Alumni, faculty, staff and students celebrated the return of civil engineering after 21 years, and the addition of environmental engineering.

• Looking Back to Go Forward: Dr. Aaron Feingold ’72, in conjunction with

Chabad at Union, shared items from his Judaica collection, which has been exhibited around the world, including in the White House.

• Leadership in Medicine: Dr. Ajay Major ’12 spoke with students about his research and experiences after Union. A graduate of Albany Medical College, he is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he specializes in lymphoma. He is also a physician-publisher in the medical education and narrative medicine spaces.

• Fireworks: This year’s display followed a celebration of the successful conclusion of the Powering Union campaign.

For more photos from the weekend, visit facebook.com/unioncollege. ReUnion video highlights are also available at instagram.com/p/Csj0p0hsDk3/

We look forward to seeing you at ReUnion next year (May 17-19, 2024).

The following alumni were recognized for their outstanding commitment and service to Union College.

ALUMNI GOLD MEDALS WERE PRESENTED TO:

Thomas Ackerman ’63 has supported Union for more than 60 years as a lifetime member of the Alumni Council; an integral part of his class ReUnion efforts and the Class of 1963 Internship Endowment Fund; and as a head agent for The Union Fund. He is also a member of the Terrace Council and Ramee Circle Society, and has worked as an alumni admissions representative for many years interviewing prospective students and attending college fairs. He is retired after a career in investment management.

Patrick DiCerbo ’88 is the former chair of the Union Fund, Terrace Council and Annual Business Campaign. He was a member of the President’s Council before he joined the Board of Trustees in 2012, serving until 2016. He serves on the Campaign Steering Committee and has been actively involved in class ReUnion efforts, among many other initiatives benefiting the College. Pat is a wealth management advisor for Northwestern Mutual.

LeAta Jackson ’88 has been a dedicated alumni volunteer for decades, assisting with her class ReUnions, the Alumni Council, Union College Choir, Ebony Union, the Union Fund, and so much more. In 2013, she received the Alumni Special Appreciation Award for service and loyalty to the College and Alumni Council. As a student, she was the first woman of color to receive the Bailey Cup. She is an independent technical business analyst.

AN ALUMNI RISING STAR AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO:

Kate Foley ’13 is GOLD Committee (Graduates of the Last Decade) co-chair and an engaged member of the GOLD Network leadership. She is a steadfast supporter of the Union Fund and a regular contributor to alumni and student events. Foley, who majored in history and studio fine arts at Union, was captain of the women’s crew team and a member of Tri Delta. She is senior designer at Vineyard Vines, where she works on the company’s women’s wear and jewelry collections.

Introducing your …. Garnet Chargers!

After a months-long effort that included soliciting feedback from a broad range of alumni, students, faculty and staff, the College recently announced its new nickname.

Throughout the process, it became clear that our community has a strong affinity for including “garnet” in a new nickname, given its standing as Union’s official color for more than 150 years. This is why each of the four finalists presented to the community in May included the word. The new name was the top choice of more than 1,000 Union community members who rated the finalists, which came from among more than 400 unique naming suggestions.

Garnet Chargers ultimately was selected, in part, because it denotes energy, speed and a relentless desire to move forward—all attributes of the Union community. It also offers a strong sense of place by honoring Schenectady’s history of invention and its legacy as the “Electric City.”

“We entered into this work asking the question, ‘Could we find a nickname and mascot that would better serve the College today and into the future?’ We’re excited that we have landed in a good place,” said Mark Land, vice president for communications and marketing.

“Garnet Chargers rose to the top of a long list of suggestions from our community, and we are deeply appreciative of the feedback and support we have received throughout the process.”

A campus celebration to formally launch the nickname and mascot is planned for early in the fall term.

Go Garnet Chargers!

Union welcomes new VP for Student Affairs

Annette Diorio recently joined Union as vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students.

ABronx, N.Y., native, she was previously vice president for Student Life at Lafayette College, a position she held since 2012. To learn more about her accomplishments at Lafayette, visit union.edu/news.

At Union, Diorio will lead a broad portfolio of student-facing services and operations including the residential experience; dining; health and wellness; student activities; student conduct and athletics.

To get to know her better, or learn how alumni can support Student Affairs, check out a Q&A at union.edu/magazine-diorio.

Professor Mary Carroll ’86 takes the helm at ACS

Mary Carroll '86 P'20 P'21 has always worn a lot of hats in service to her students, the College and her profession. Her newest hat—president-elect of the American Chemical Society—tops them all. Carroll recently began a three-year transition to lead the world’s largest scientific organization with more than 173,000 members and associates.

To learn more, watch a video interview at union.edu/ marycarroll-acs.

A WOMAN OF FIRSTS: Julie Greifer Swidler ’79, P’14 becomes board chair

woman) to receive the Grammy Foundation’s ELI Service Award in 2016, given to music attorneys for advancing and supporting the music community through service. In 2022, she received the President’s Award from Music.Biz for Outstanding Executive Achievement and most recently was listed in Variety’s Women of Impact NYC in Entertainment for 2023.

A mother of three, Swidler also serves as a vice chair of the board of the T.J. Martell Foundation, which funds innovative medical research to find cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. She joined Union’s Board of Trustees in 2015, becoming vice chair in spring 2022.

Below, Swidler shares some thoughts about her alma mater and her role as chair.

One of the most powerful dealmakers in music today, Julie Greifer Swidler '79, P'14 is executive vice president of business affairs and general counsel for Sony Music Entertainment, where she oversees legal, business affairs and governmental matters on a global level.

Appointed this spring, she is also the first woman to chair the College’s Board of Trustees. She succeeds Robert Bertagna ’85, who will remain on the board.

A graduate of New York City’s Cardozo Law School, where she was a member of the Cardozo Law Review, Swidler studied political science at Union. During her time in Schenectady, she contributed much to the campus as an orientation advisor, residence advisor and DJ at WRUC. She ran the Union College Coffee House and was a member of the Speakers Forum and the College Conduct Committee. Swidler received a Meritorious Service Award at Prize Day her senior year for “service to the College above and beyond the call of duty.”

That was just the first of many accolades. Swidler’s numerous awards include appearing on the Power 100 and Top Women in Music lists for Billboard Magazine She was the first label executive (and first

What is your top priority as the new chair? Higher education is facing many challenges over the next decade, from a demographic cliff to financial headwinds. My top priority is to support President Harris and the rest of the Union community, as well as the Board of Trustees, as we face these challenges and come up with solutions on how Union can continue to move from strength to strength for our long-term sustainability.

What do you see as Union’s strengths as a player in the regional/national scene?

If you look at where Union graduates go, you can see that throughout our history our graduates have moved all over the country contributing to their communities in ways large and small, regardless of their major or where they started. I believe that is partly rooted in the understanding that the founders of Union knew that science and technology do not work without the liberal arts and vice versa. That notion is more important today than it has ever been. That seems to be our special sauce. Whether it be politics, entertainment, investment banking and finance, medicine, science and technology or entrepreneurship, Union alums make a difference! That is something that we should be incredibly proud of.

“It is not a secret that there are serious stresses on institutions of higher education that mirror the stresses on society. These are not easy times, but it is more important than ever that we continue to educate the next generation of leaders to tackle these issues in knowledgeable and ethical ways. As the first woman to chair Union’s board, Julie brings a new perspective to addressing these challenges. I look forward to seeing Union continue to thrive and flourish under her leadership of the board.”

– Judith Dein '76, trustee and federal magistrate judge (Massachusetts)

You’re the first woman to chair Union’s board. What does this distinction mean to you?

It will not be the first time that I am “the first.” While I understand the responsibility of being the first to do something, for me it has always been about doing my best and making a difference regardless of my gender.

What inspired you to become more involved with your alma mater over the years?

Union and my Union community have always been extremely important to me. Whenever I receive the call, I can’t say no.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do? Favorite activities, music, movie, book etc.?

I think that these days I am spending a fair amount of time with Union. I also love music, movies, books (I guess I would fall into the pop culture nerd category), cooking, traveling and spending time with family.

Six join the Board of Trustees

Peter Raymond ’80, a retired partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, is a senior advisor to business and government on infrastructure and digital technologies and their political, economic and societal impacts. He also serves as a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). His greatgrandfather, Dr. Andrew Van Vranken Raymond (Class of 1875), served as Union’s president (1894-1907). His grandfather and father are also graduates, and his son, Tom, is a member of the Class of 2014. Raymond was elected alumni trustee.

Dr. Shari MidoneckPochapin ’85 has practiced internal medicine at MD² Park Avenue since 2013. MD² is a provider of personalized medicine in which physicians dedicate their practices to just 50 families. Previously, she served as associate dean of academic affairs at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is a clinical associate professor of medicine and continues to teach at the medical college. She earned her M.D. from the Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Midoneck-Pochapin is the immediate past chair of the Union College President’s Council, and in that capacity served on the board. She has been appointed term trustee.

Jay Freeland ’91 was president, CEO and board director of FARO Technologies for 11 years before retiring in 2015. Prior to FARO, he spent 12 years as an executive at GE. Freeland continues to be an active leader in his community with organizations like the National Down Syndrome Congress, and as an angel investor and advisor to companies improving the lives of others, like My Gene Counsel. He chaired the Powering Union Campaign Steering Committee and is chair of the President’s Council, of which he has been a member since 2012.

Jason Kellman ’99 is a managing partner and chief investment officer at Pinnacle Asset Management. He has served as a member of the President’s Council and participated in the Walk Down Wall Street program. He frequently assists Union graduates in obtaining employment, providing springboards for their careers. He was appointed term trustee.

Eastwood Yeboah ’25 is majoring in psychology and Africana Studies with a Seward Fellowship minor. From Montgomery County, Maryland, he’s an active member of the campus community. Yeboah serves on the Student Forum E-Board and as secretary of Red Cross, a Kenney Community Center volunteer and ODK philanthropy chair. In his free time, he loves listening to music, especially collecting records from different genres to put on his wall. He was elected as this year's student trustee.

Krisanna

Scheiter is an associate professor of philosophy and department chair. She specializes in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. Her work currently focuses on emotion and imagination in Plato and Aristotle. She is interested in questions in both ancient and contemporary discussions regarding the ontology of emotion and the moral significance of emotions, especially ethics of anger, revenge and forgiveness. She was elected faculty trustee.

The College would also like to thank the following trustees, who concluded their service to the Board this spring. Union is grateful for their dedicated stewardship of the College and the invaluable leadership they provided during their tenure.

They are Alexis Henrikson ’23 (student trustee), Andrew Morris (faculty trustee), Betsy Modest Brand ’82, David Henle ’75, Roy Jackson ’82, Frank Messa ’73, Stanley O’Brien ’74 and William Wicker ’71.

THIS SPRING, UNION ALSO WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD:

Students, alumni win prestigious awards

Ahandful of students and alumni were recently awarded highly competitive national fellowships or scholarships.

They join more than 150 Union students and alums who have received such honors over the past five years.

“Each of these individuals was selected for a hands-on opportunity in a field they are passionate about,” said Lynn Evans, director of Fellowships and Doctoral Pathways. “Though they applied for very different awards, they all share a desire to make an impact. Their respective fellowships are the next step for each toward creating the change or progress they want to see in the world.”

Ebyan Abshir ’24: Judge Reginald C. Lindsay Fellowship from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Caitlin Boice ’23: Japan Exchange and Teaching Program

Emma Devaney ’22: Fulbright U.S. Student Award (Montenegro)

Adenike Hickson ’22: Fulbright U.S. Student Award (Taiwan)

C’Lannye James ’25: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

Sebastian Koch ’23: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals Fellowship

Grace Levins ’23: Thomas J. Watson Fellowship

Melissa Lucano ’22: Fulbright U.S. Student Award (Taiwan)

Caroline Monaco ’25: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

Unglid Paul ’22: Fulbright U.S. Student Award (Cote d’Ivoire)

To learn more about the winners and their awards, visit union.edu/news

New Nichols Fellows in a garden state of mind

Angela Commito, senior lecturer in the Department of Classics, and Stacie Raucci, Frank Bailey Professor of Classics, have been awarded the seventh Byron A. Nichols Endowed Fellowship for Faculty Development. Together, they will lead a three-year project, “Ancient Roman Gardening: Cultivating Interdisciplinarity, Community and Well-Being,” which launches in September.

Learn more at union.edu/news.

Students shine at Steinmetz and Prize Day

The 33rd annual Steinmetz Symposium (May 12) featured more than 400 students. The day included a diverse lineup of oral presentations, poster sessions and exhibits highlighting student research as well as dance and musical performances, an art exhibit and other activities.

The symposium showcases the type of hands-on, faculty-mentored research that is a staple of the Union experience. Following tradition, classes were canceled for the day to allow faculty, staff, students and family members to attend presentations and performances.

Steinmetz coincided with Prize Day (May 13). More than 100 awards were given to honor students for achievement in academics, leadership and community service.

Abigail Smith ’23, who received the Frank Bailey (1885) Prize, and Brandon Mitchell ’23, who received the Josephine Daggett Prize, captured the top two awards.

To learn more about this year’s symposium or Prize Day, visit union.edu/news

Celebrating Union women

In March, Union celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8) with some special events that recognized the contributions of all who identify as women, and supported efforts to eradicate gender discrimination through conversation and celebration.

Like the Women’s History Month Wall Project, organized by Anouk Verheyden, senior lecturer in geosciences and Stable Isotope Laboratory manager. The project, created by students, faculty and staff from different departments, featured posters of influential women in various fields. These posters adorned walls and halls across campus.

“For Women’s History Month, I wanted to do something that gave some recognition to the challenges that women have faced in the past and are still facing today,” Verheyden said. “I’m so grateful for all those who have contributed to this project.”

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:

• All who identify as women were invited to participate in a special photo on International Women’s Day. The Women of Union photo was taken in front of the Nott Memorial.

• Embracing Equity in our Community: Organizations Serving the Women of Schenectady: This community resource panel with local nonprofit leaders addressed social and economic inequities primarily affecting women and other marginalized genders.

• Special Collections and Archives curated an exhibit featuring prominent and (relatively) unknown women at Union College, and from around the world.

• A screening of the film “Leftover Women” was followed by a discussion with a faculty panel that included Joyce Madancy (Asian studies/history), Megan Ferry (Asian studies/modern languages & literatures), and Erika Nelson Mukherjee (gender, sexuality & women’s studies/ modern languages & literatures).

Stories of U and the women of Union

Sienna Dunham ’25 has had an unforgettable sophomore year, thanks in part to two Stories of U events.

Organizing the Women’s History Month Faculty Panel (March) and the Storyslam with female trustees (May) has given her the chance to be part of something special—making meaning and finding purpose through personal stories.

That’s what Stories of U is all about. The Mellon Foundation-funded grant project invites members of the Union community to explore who they want to be through the power of reflection.

During the faculty panel, Stories of U asked professors to share their paths, from their time as undergraduates to their work here at Union. Participants also discussed the challenges and successes of being women in academia. Faculty included Kathryn Feller and Kathleen LoGiudice (biology), Erika Nelson (German studies), Ellen Gasparovic and Brenda Johnson (mathematics), Joanne Kehlbeck and Ellen Robertson (chemistry), Anouk Verheyden (geoscience) and Carol Weisse (psychology).

Storyslam featured women who serve on the College’s Board of Trustees, including Linda M. Abriola, the Joan Wernig and E. Paul Sorensen Professor of Engineering at Brown University; Kathryn S. Barry ’01, partner at Isaacson, Miller; Betsy Modest Brand ’82, founder and principal of Brandmark Studios LLC; Kathleen R. Browne ’88, chief investment officer at Denison University; Julie Greifer Swidler ’79, executive vice president for business affairs & general counsel at Sony Music Entertainment; and Jennifer Sconyers Lawton ’85, executive vice president at Bolster. The trustees shared career and life advice, their professional experiences, insightful personal stories and recollections from their time as Union students.

A biology major and Spanish minor, Dunham took some time to discuss just how meaningful her participation in Stories of U has been. From Latham, N.Y., she hopes to one day become a pediatric doctor.

How and why did you get involved with Stories of U?

As a first-year, I started working in the Office of Intercultural Affairs, where I hosted facilitated conversations on diversity issues. One of my coworkers suggested I get involved with Stories of U. As someone who values making space for the silenced to speak, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to combine my DEIB knowledge with Stories of U. Joe Johnson, the director of Writing Programs, has been a great mentor during all this. And it’s been fun working with Katelyn Olsson ’23, Haydn Russell ’25, Fiona Xu ’23, Elaine Fryer ’24 and Amy Aranda ’24, who are all involved with various aspects of this project, too.

What was it like organizing and attending the faculty panel?

Organizing the panel was honestly a whirl-wind of activity. Every time I spoke to someone who I thought would be interested, I was referred to others who were also working on Women’s History Month projects. The behind-the-scenes were very telling of the culture and interaction of women on campus. Everyone has such high levels of leadership and involvement. At the event itself, I felt so empowered. The whole event was just so intimate. There were so many smiles and feelings of belonging. It was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had here.

Alumni who would like to participate in Stories of U are invited to email Sienna Dunham ’25 at dunhams@union.edu.

Storyslam featured women who are both leaders at the College and in their fields. How beneficial is it for young women like yourself to meet and hear from Union’s female trustees?

As a small school, Union prides itself on its community building and connections— connections that are elevated and strengthened by storytelling. The trustees’ stories empower young women to feel capable of their leadership abilities, no matter the obstacles they face. I learned that challenges do not stunt us, but rather provide us with new perspectives to change our academic and future paths in the most beneficial way possible.

What is the importance and value of events like these and of Stories of U? Why do we at Union need them? Why does the wider world?

As Union works to increase the amount of women in the student body, it’s important to continue to shine light on the additional challenges women face in the world. Too often, issues are not spoken of directly and are then translated into insignificance. We’ve simply made it too easy to turn a blind eye to injustices and therefore have limited the ability to change. If we take away the option to ignore the issues, we as a school and a world in general will have to face the problem, which is the first step in making a difference.

What’s your Union experience been like so far?

I’ve honestly loved my experience at Union! I made friends easily and I love my jobs on campus. Living in Maker Theme House, working in the Office of Intercultural Affairs and being in the Scholars Program helped me find people I relate to and people who support me. I have a strong sense of belonging from the community I have built myself.

SCHENECTADY SCENE

A fun (and flavorful) weekend tradition

The Schenectady Green Market, held outdoors every Sunday (April – November) in front of City Hall, is a weekly tradition for many county residents. Featuring live music; hot fare from local restaurants; artisanal crafts and beverages; and fresh meats, cheeses, produce and bread from area farms and bakeries, there’s something for everyone. The market’s mission is to become “an integral part of downtown’s cultural landscape, connecting farm and city to create a responsible, sustainable food system.”

Learn more about the market, established in 2008, at schenectadygreenmarket.com

POWERING DREAMS:

CAMPAIGN ACHIEVES HISTORIC SUCCESS

On June 30, 2023, the Union community completed Powering Union: The Campaign for Multiple Tomorrows, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s 228-year history.

Surpassing the initial goal of $300 million nearly a year early, more than 23,000 donors from around the globe contributed over $316 million to support key priorities in the College’s strategic plan:

• Ensuring Access

• Propelling the Liberal Arts and Engineering

• Developing Students Beyond the Classroom

• The Union Fund

Nearly half the gifts will be invested in the College’s endowment to support scholarships, study away programs, professorships, academic programs, research, internships and student programming for generations to come.

$51 million

largest gift to Union College, given by Class of 1980 graduates

Mary and Rich Templeton

8,000+ donors made a first-time gift to the College

15,000+ donors contributed $500 or less

70+ donors gave $1 million +

Among those is a transformational gift from Mary '80 and Rich Templeton '80. At the campaign launch in February 2020, they announced a $51 million commitment. The largest gift ever for the College, it will integrate engineering and computer science with the liberal arts through the creation of the Templeton Institute for Engineering and Computer Science. Ashok Ramasubramanian, professor of mechanical

engineering, and Andrew Burkett, associate professor of English, were recently named co-directors of the institute.

Powering Union is propelling the College to new heights that will benefit today’s students and shape the future for countless generations. We are deeply grateful to the Union community for joining us on this exhilarating journey,” said campaign co-chairs and trustees

Kathryn Barry ’01; David Breazzano ’78, P’07, P’11; and Guy Logan ’90.

Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to developing every student to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage, in ways large and small, now and across multiple tomorrows.

To learn more about the Powering Union campaign, visit union.edu/ powering

ENSURING ACCESS

Schuler Access Initiative:

Union was among the first five schools in the country to partner with the Schuler Education Foundation and participate in the Schuler Access Initiative, a special fundraising challenge that aims to enroll more economically disadvantaged students at top liberal arts colleges. After generous alumni and friends helped Union raise $20 million, Schuler will provide a $22 million match for $42 million in total scholarship funding for Pell Grant-eligible students. This partnership allows the College to leverage financial aid resources and deepen its commitment to welcoming a student body that more closely resembles the broader population and the students coming of age today.

Susan (Sherman) Davis and Gustave Davis ’59 are among those who supported the Schuler initiative. They established the Davis Sherman Family Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to Pell Grant-eligible students attending Union.

Making U Possible General Fund:

Launched by President David Harris, the Making U Possible initiative is about ensuring that students from all backgrounds can afford to attend Union and take full advantage of the range of learning opportunities available to them outside the classroom. Many students struggle to realize their dreams due to financial demands beyond tuition, room and board. Making U Possible quickly became a central part of the Powering Union campaign. Donors have continually and generously supported Making U Possible programs—from study away, internship stipends and summer research to pre-orientation and other experiential learning opportunities.

Making U Possible helped Bailey DeCocco ’23 (right) and Rebecca LaVenture ’23 (left) present their research on “Chaotic Waveforms for Medical Imaging” at the national Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers Photonics West Conference (San Francisco, 2023).

I was able to attend Union College with the help of a New York State Regents’ Scholarship, New York’s Grand Street Boy Foundation and Union College’s Goldstar Mothers Scholarships. Adding to these financial resources with funds earned by waiting tables and short-order cooking during the school year and vacations, I was able to finance my Union undergraduate education without debt—something virtually impossible to do today. The success of Union College is contingent on admitting the best students, regardless of financial or social status. We just received letters from our scholarship students; we wept with gratitude for their success and love of Union, and our ability to help them.”

— Gustave Davis ’59

Making U Possible is a valuable program that allows students to engage in activities that they would otherwise not experience on campus or within the classroom. Not only were we able to travel to a place we had never been before, but we also shared our research with a wide scope of people and showcased the wonderful education we received at Union College. We absolutely could not have attended the conference without the Making U Possible program. We’re incredibly thankful to all the donors who have supported the initiative.”

— Bailey DeCocco ’23 (right) and Rebecca LaVenture ’23 (left), biomedical engineering majors with minors in electrical engineering and mathematics

Fraternity and Sorority Opportunity Fund:

Established in 2022 by Ivy and David Cohen ’88, this fund makes Greek life more equitable and accessible by providing grants to cover membership fees—ensuring that anyone may join, regardless of financial ability.

Greek life at Union was critical to my personal development. Phi Sigma Kappa gave me a ‘home’ and sense of belonging. It allowed me to become a leader in our chapter house and on campus. These skills are easily transferable to many facets of the ‘real world.’ Also, an academic paper co-authored by Professor Stephen Schmidt suggests that fraternity membership significantly increases future income opportunity. My hope is that Union continues to support Greek life by increasing opportunities for students to join. Fraternity is for life. My Phi Sig brothers remain my closest friends.”

— David Cohen ’88

PROPELLING LIBERAL ARTS & ENGINEERING

The Integrated Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC):

The College’s award-winning Integrated Science and Engineering Complex was the largest and most ambitious building project in the College’s history. The 142,000-square-foot complex was completed in 2020 with generous support from over 70 donors. The project included the renovation of three sections of the existing Science and Engineering Center, which dated to 1971, and the addition of Ainlay Hall. All of the campus science and engineering buildings have direct access to ISEC, making it a truly integrated complex.

The ISEC renovation has fundamentally improved the Union College experience for faculty and students. By creating a building that promotes the seamless connection between departmental offices, teaching labs, research labs, shared equipment and student study spaces, there is a greater sense of community among faculty and students. These connections facilitate faculty synergies that have led to the development of interdisciplinary scholarship and creative new courses. Furthermore, the glass design enables students in introductory biology labs, for example, to observe older students working in upper-level lab classes as well as in faculty research spaces. This ability to ‘envision’ themselves progressing in the major has created excitement for students and enhanced our teaching and mentoring.”

— Scott Kirkton, professor of biological sciences

The ISEC building has transformed our teaching and research spaces to enable more collaboration and easier access to specialized equipment. The classroom designs provide much better spaces for our students to work in during class and between classes. The close proximity of our research labs to our teaching spaces is helpful for student research projects, and the glass walls strengthen our sense of community by making us more aware of the outstanding and innovative work that is going on throughout the department and across disciplines.”

— Cherrice Traver, David Falk and Elynor Rudnick-Falk Professor of Computer Engineering

J. Harold Lesh Memorial Fund:

Professor of Mathematics Kathryn Lesh established this fund in memory of her father, Hal Lesh, a journalist, economist, translator, educator and an accomplished musician. Lesh and her family are carrying forward his love for music by supporting talented students as they pursue their musical goals. The fund supports an award for the winner of the Music Department’s annual concerto competition, the J. Harold Lesh Concerto Competition, and a merit scholarship to support music lessons for a student. The most recent recipients of fund awards are Ann Zhang ’24 and Kristina Yuan ’26.

Classical music, especially the piano, was an important part of my father’s life. And his generosity was legendary. He paid for music lessons for many of my relatives who had musical talent but could not afford lessons. Establishing this fund in his honor was a natural way to honor his legacy and to recognize our students for their hard work and talent.”

— Kathryn Lesh, professor of mathematics

Professor Twitty J. Styles Memorial Fund for Faculty Development:

Twitty J. Styles, professor emeritus of biology, influenced countless students during his 32-year career at Union (1965-1997). The first African-American faculty member to earn tenure, he was revered as a teacher who challenged his students, respected as a mentor who made lifelong friendships and admired as a leader whose vision helped forge a welcoming community that celebrates difference. When he passed away in August 2021, many former students, and some who never took a biology class with him, created this fund in his name to support faculty development.

Kirk Campbell ’03 and Rosanmi Morel Campbell ’03 launched the fund along with the Class of 1972, which chose the fund as their 50th ReUnion gift to the College. A gift that directly invests in Union’s faculty members is a particularly fitting tribute to a man who inspired so many.

This gift celebrates Twitty Styles and the influence he had on us as undergraduates and throughout our professional careers. He, like many professors, continued to show great interest in his students long after they graduated. My 1972 classmates Harris Ginsberg, Joe Schwartz, Len Solomon, Gary Starr and Bill Silver, and our ReUnion committee, are proud that we can honor Twitty and support the professional development of future faculty members. Union’s professors have had a deep and lasting impact on our lives, and we’re immensely grateful.”

— Robert Michaelson ’72

Ann Zhang ’24

Kristina Yuan ’26

Twitty Styles

DEVELOPING STUDENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Internship Funds:

Inspired by the longstanding Community Service Internship endowed by the Class of 1973 and the College's Making U Possible initiative, several classes and numerous individuals have committed to making internship experiences more accessible. The following funds help ensure all students can participate in these professional development opportunities by providing stipends for unpaid or underpaid internships.

• Class of 1963 Annual and Endowed Internship Funds (led by Tom Ackerman ’63, Neil Kleinman ’63 and Cliff Mastrangelo ’63)

• Class of 1971 Endowed and Expendable Internship Funds (led by Jay Blitzman ’71, Mark Boylan ’71, Guy Caruso ’71, Henry Fein ’71, Robert Fischman ’71, Richard Gallucci ’71 and Paul Ramsey ’71)

• Class of 1991 Internship Fund (led by Jennifer Brandwein ’91 and established in memory of 1991 classmates Christian Kadak, Wendy Kaplan, Roberta McCaffery and Andrew Rice)

My internship at the Boys and Girls Club was a highly valuable experience that I will not forget. I learned a lot about the hard and soft skills necessary to be successful in a career related to helping and working with others, especially children. I regularly employed empathetic and active listening skills with my summer camp group, helping to resolve problems and engaging with my campers (3rd and 4th graders) whenever they had issues. These are transferable skills I can strengthen and they are utilized by professionals like licensed mental health therapists, and addiction and rehabilitation counselors. I truly enjoyed my experience in summer 2022 and more importantly it helped me learn more about myself, specifically by solidifying my interest in a therapeutic-related career!”

— Eastwood Yeboah ’25, Class of 1991 Internship Fund recipient, psychology & Africana Studies major, Seward Fellowship minor, student trustee

Student Mental Wellness Fund:

Established by anonymous donors, this expendable fund supports student mental wellness, including telehealth and other initiatives, through the Eppler-Wolff Center for Psychological Services (Eppler-Wolff Counseling Center). The fund is an important example of Union’s holistic approach to developing and caring for the whole student, ensuring their mental, physical, social and educational potential can be met.

The Student Mental Wellness Fund has been an invaluable resource to expand clinical offerings to students who have not historically accessed traditional counseling services. The fund has allowed us to enhance the work done on campus by expanding access to a wider array of treatment modalities, as well as access to diverse clinicians across New York.”

— Marcus Hotaling, director, Eppler-Wolff Counseling Center

Locker room renovation:

The alumni brothers of Delta Upsilon, the Gridiron Club and Bill Larzelere ’71, P’12, P’14 funded the renovations of the locker rooms in the Achilles Center in fall 2022. More than 300 student-athletes from seven of Union’s 26 varsity teams use these facilities each year. The teams are men’s football and baseball; men’s and women’s lacrosse; and women’s field hockey, softball and soccer.

We are incredibly appreciative of the generous donations that allowed the idea of an upgraded locker room to become a reality. Our studentathletes spend countless hours in the locker room preparing for training sessions, hydrating/fueling their bodies, and bonding with their teammates. The renovations have enhanced this space and created a safe, comfortable environment to promote these important routines.”

— Kelly Harchetts, head field hockey coach & strength and conditioning coach

THE UNION FUND

The Union Fund keeps the heart of Union College beating, supporting its operating budget and advancing its educational mission. Its generous donors keep the lights on in laboratories and the ice cold in the rink; they fund unique scholarships and make student dreams come true. Through restricted and unrestricted giving, there’s nothing The Union Fund can’t do for students and the College. Here are just three examples of how true that is.

The Dip and The Shinebarger Memorial Scholarship:

The Dip, the student-led Colleges Against Cancer annual fundraiser, became a Union tradition in 2013. It was inspired by the grace and determination of Kristen Shinebarger, daughter of a Union staff member, who lost her battle to cancer in 2018. The Shinebarger Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate courage in the face of adversity. Recipients are generally those who have utilized or are expected to utilize the Office of Accommodative Services and require financial assistance to attend Union. (While the scholarship is an

Unrestricted giving:

Unrestricted gifts to The Union Fund allow the College to allocate resources to the areas of greatest need, from academics to facilities. These gifts help ensure the College remains a top liberal arts school, with programs, experiences and opportunities that continue to attract the best students. Jessica ’09 and Greg Jaffe ’10 understand the importance of unrestricted giving and have made it a priority of theirs. Together, they have supported The Union Fund every year since graduating.

Union has such a rich history, and we want to see its important legacy continue to grow. Union is also such a special place to us. We not only met here but fostered lifelong friendships and obtained an education that has helped us to be successful both professionally and personally. We are committed to The Union Fund as we want to ensure current and future students can have a similar experience.”

— Jessica ’09 and Greg Jaffe ’10

endowed project and not directly part of The Union Fund, it is an excellent example of an effort that thrives, in part, because of fundraising and other support provided by The Union Fund.)

We are so grateful for the generosity and empathy of our peers. Supporting one another is how we create more room at the table for outstanding classmates, teammates and leaders to join our community.”

— Alicia Slavit ’23 and Bridget Walsh ’23, co-presidents, Colleges Against Cancer (Union chapter)

Edinburgh Festival Fringe:

Restricted giving to support Union’s dancers made it possible for students to grab a life-changing opportunity with both hands. This summer, they participated in Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In addition to giving four performances, Union’s 12 dancers and student stage manager attended performances, workshops and dance classes, and toured historical and cultural sites.

Union dancers had the opportunity to explore their artistic voices while collaborating with a larger global community. Our hope is for them to see the arts as a powerful tool to unite us beyond our personal and geographical borders.”

— Laurie Zabele Cawley, assistant director of dance

Anna Zusi ’26, a member of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Ensemble, rehearses “Collecting Moments” by Zoe Watson ’23.

HOMECOMING turns

Way back when,

Homecoming

was known as Alumni College Day. The first one—held Nov. 2-3, 1923—included some familiar weekend favorites. Football. Food. A chance to visit classes and mingle with alumni and students.

As the Concordiensis reported Oct. 23, 1923: “The most elaborate plans have been laid for an innovation in the usual routine of alumni and undergraduate gatherings, and this year marks the inauguration of Alumni College Day. The object of the Graduate Council in instituting this meeting is to enable ‘Old Grads,’ as well as those who left their alma mater in recent years, to see the college functioning in its primary object—education. The other purpose is to enable the graduates to gather with the students, to join with them in their enthusiasm, and to cheer the varsity as they did ‘in days of yore’—on to victory against Hobart, whose eleven will clash with the Garnet on November 3.”

Alumni College Day, or College Day as it was also sometimes called, was held every fall until 1939 when World War II interrupted it, according to the Encyclopedia of Union College History Festivities resumed in 1946 under a new name: Homecoming.

The weekend has always included a football game against a rival school, banquets and more informal meals, visits with students and, in the early years, parades and smokers. For those unfamiliar, smokers were social gatherings for men only, at which smoking tobacco was allowed.

Which campuses had more COVID?

Study finds surprising result

Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that COVID infection rates are higher in poorer communities.

But is that true for college communities, too? Sophia Zacher ’21 and Lewis Davis expected the answer to be yes.

It wasn’t.

“Without question the most surprising thing we found was that COVID infection rates were higher at richer schools,” Davis said. “That completely turned our original thinking on its head.”

Zacher and Davis, along with Stephen Schmidt, analyzed data collected by The New York Times from 1,069 U.S. schools during the 2020-21 academic year. They combined this with additional data (like tuition rate, enrollment and endowment per student) from IPEDS, a major source of comparative information on U.S. educational institutions.

Their analysis showed greater infection rates at colleges and universities with higher endowments per student and higher tuition— the wealthier schools. It also showed more illness at more selective schools.

“Taken together, these findings suggested that schools were not solely at the mercy of the pandemic but had some flexibility in how they responded and were, to some degree, choosing to tolerate higher COVID infection rates,” Davis explained.

Zacher and Davis also discovered that politics can’t easily be separated from case numbers.

“Infection rates were higher by a third at public institutions in states with Republican governors relative to similar institutions in

states with Democratic governors,” Davis said. “That result is either totally shocking, given that viruses are not partisan actors, or totally commonplace since nearly everything in our society appears to be politicized.”

So why don’t infection rates on campuses mirror society at large? Why are they higher at richer and more selective schools?

“This a great question and one that we didn’t really try to answer,” Davis said. “To some degree, I think privilege didn’t translate directly into lower collegiate infection rates because relatively privileged students had other things they valued more, namely the quality of their educational experience.

“It probably also matters that students are a relatively mobile population—they can always take a year off, transfer, stay home—giving their preferences a great deal of weight in college decision making.”

COVID was certainly something Zacher thought a lot about. Her senior thesis inspired this study, published recently in the Southern Economic Journal

“As a junior and senior, COVID was an unavoidable part of my everyday college life and impacted my experience drastically,” said Zacher, who majored in economics and statistics, and is now a research manager at an expert network firm. “I talked with multiple friends at other universities across the country and realized that their COVID college experiences drastically differed from mine.

“I was curious how these differences affected the spread of COVID or the number of cases.’”

LEWIS DAVIS, Thomas Armstrong Professor of Economics and Chair, Economics Department (With Stephen J. Schmidt, Kenneth B. Sharpe Professor of Economics, and Sophia Zacher ’21)

Ever wonder what Union professors are up to when they aren’t teaching?

Just about everything, as it turns out. Nothing is beyond their collective reach or curious minds. Here’s a glimpse of the diverse and intriguing work they do.

BURK KETCHAM ’48

Off the Grid?

Green Hollow Press

Off the Grid? is the fourth and final novel in Ketcham’s Dyken Falls series, which traces the evolution of a fictional upstate New York city from fading backwater to home of a paper mill and vibrant arts center. As the town transitions from fossil fuel to solar and wind energy, planners grapple with a possibility: what if there is no sun or wind? After three years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Ketcham graduated from Union and went on to get a master’s degree in planning from the School of Architecture at Columbia University. As a planning consultant, he is the author of over 100 planning reports and plans for cities and towns throughout the United States. His deceased wife, Helen Schmid Ketcham, was a published novelist, playwright and actress. Both of their sons are married and are college professors. One is a retired teacher of risk management and ethics. The other is an artist who teaches drawing and painting.

DR. ANDREW LEVITAS ’68

The Third Book of Samuel Amazon

In the summer of 1962, at two neighboring summer camps in upstate New York, teenagers Madie Doyle (Catholic daughter of a wealthy Westchester political figure) and Samuel Jacobson (a Jewish boy from Brooklyn) have an unlikely meeting on the shores of Silver Lake. They strike up a clandestine, doomed summer friendship that breaks every rule of their camps, and of their upbringing. Seven years later, caught up in the turmoil of the Vietnam War and the counterculture, they have another unlikely meeting on the road to Woodstock. In the paradise of the Three Days of Peace Love and Music, their friendship ignites into a passionate relationship. Society, culture and history conspire again to force them apart after an irrevocable act with life-changing consequences for Sam, consequences for which Madie feels herself responsible. Ten years later, in a very different America, trapped in a life she does not want, Madie finds herself with the power she needs to undo that act, and to go in search of the boy she had loved. Her search may lead them both to a most unlikely understanding and definition of the concept of “Paradise.”

RAYMOND ANGELO

BELLIOTTI ’70

Italian Rebels: Mazzini, Gramsci, and Giuliano Farleigh Dickinson University Press

In his 26th book, Belliotti philosophically analyzes the role of positive duties in moral theory; the efficacy of theocratic republicanism; viable strategies for political revolutions; the implications of an enduring Sicilian ethos; and the profits and perils of the individualcommunity continuum. He does so in service of distinctive interpretations of the lives and ideologies of Giuseppe Mazzini, Antonio Gramsci, and Salvatore Giuliano. Il Risorgimento Italiano, the national unification movement, refers to the period from 1821 to 1870. The movement and its aftermath hovered over the lives of the Genoese republican prophet of Italian liberation and unification, the Sardinian communist political theorist imprisoned by The Black Shirts, and the Sicilian separatist murdering and fighting for his life and the honor of his island. By dissecting the lives and philosophies of Mazzini, Gramsci, and Giuliano, and by extracting moral, political, and existential lessons from their aspirations and enterprises, we may confront the people that we are and reimagine the people we might become.

KATE WHITE ’72 Between

Two Strangers

HarperCollins

Between Two Strangers (May 2023) is a pulse-pounding psychological thriller about a struggling artist named Skyler Moore who receives a bewilderingly large, lifechanging inheritance from a man she spent a single night with twelve years ago—and she has no idea why. As Skyler digs for the truth, overwhelmed with a desire to understand the man’s motivation, it becomes clear that he might have taken other secrets to the grave, secrets that could have terrifying consequences for her. It’s the 17th suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author Kate White, the former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan

Collected Poems (1968-1923)

PMB

This collection spans 55 years in the work of Dan Valenti, one of America’s most accomplished poets and writers. In this definitive gathering, Valenti selects poems from the years covering the late 1960s up to today. These works provide personal perspectives of the times, of the people and of the poet.

Lost City

Self-published

In the uncharted depths of space, challenges await that will push them beyond their limits. Only the previously discovered scrolls have the key to their current mystery and finding their missing crew. They also hold a revelation so astonishing it will lead to something no human ever thought they would see. Lost City is packed with breathless action, intriguing mystery and nail-biting peril. The second book of the young-adult series Serendipity, it will keep lovers of a good sci-fi quest turning the pages right to the very end.

The Quest

Self-published

Know that one of you will not return. These are the ominous words spoken by the Oracle of Atlantis as it sends the intrepid Samantha and her teenage crew on their toughest challenge yet: relive the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. Devising an ingenious method for working out where to head to follow in the footsteps of the Sumerian antihero, they face a series of challenges, each of which hides a lesson. Do they copy Gilgamesh or learn from his mistakes? For learn they must to collect the seven holy keys that will lead them to a prize yet unknown. Packed with mystery and intrigue, The Quest is the third in the young adult sci-fi series Serendipity. It’s an epic in its own right that will appeal to lovers of adventure of all ages.

MELISSA

Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem

Random House Studio

This fascinating nonfiction picture book filled with stunning illustrations details the end of life for a whale, also known as a whale fall, when its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea. When a whale dies, its massive body silently sinks down, down, through the inky darkness, finally coming to rest on the silty seafloor. For the whale, it’s the end of a 70-year-long life. But for a little-known community of deep-sea dwellers, it’s a new beginning. First come the hungry hagfish, which can smell the whale from miles around. Then the sleeper sharks begin their prowl, feasting on skin and blubber. After about six months, the meat is gone. Year after year, decade after decade, the whale nourishes all kinds of organisms from zombie worms to squat lobsters to deep-sea microbes.

DAN VALENTI ’74

TOPHER KALER ’86

TOPHER KALER ’86

STEWART ’90

DR. BELINDA C. BASACA ’92

Mom, I Wanna Be a Fighter!: An Eye-Opening Guide to the Speed Bumps, Gut Punches & Miracles of Life

Self-published, Amazon

If you think this is a book about boxing, the joke’s on you. In fact, you are what this life-changing story is really about. How you will navigate the obstacles in front of you. How you actually have the strength to do it when you’re feeling most vulnerable. How it’s been you all along who can recognize life’s most valuable lessons when your best-laid plans go completely off the rails. A true story of conviction and commitment, with just the right amount of love, humor and pulling at your heartstrings. Mom, I Wanna Be A Fighter! brings out the conqueror in all of us—to stand for what we believe in, to teach our children well, and to leave legacies worth fighting for. This book will help you learn about young adult parenting and neuropsychology; empowerment, breakthrough and self-confidence; interpersonal communication and relationship skills; interfaith parenting and family dynamics; biracial parenting and family ties; first generation Filipino parenting; Asian American biography and motherhood; and more.

ALLYSON F. SHORTLE ’05 (co-author)

The Everyday Crusade: Christian Nationalism in American Politics Cambridge University Press

What is causing the American public to move more openly into alt-right terrain? What explains the uptick in anti-immigrant hysteria, isolationism and an increasing willingness to support alternatives to democratic governance? The Everyday Crusade points to American Religious Exceptionalism (ARE), a widely held religious nationalist ideology steeped in myth about the nation’s original purpose. The book opens with a comprehensive synthesis of research on nationalism and religion in American public opinion. Making use of survey data spanning three different presidential administrations, it then develops a new theory of why Americans form extremist attitudes, based on religious exceptionalism myths. The book closes with an examination of what is next for an American public that confronts new global issues, alongside existing challenges to perceived cultural authority. Allyson Shortle is an associate professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma.

SALADDIN AHMED

Visiting assistant professor of political science, visiting professor of Arabic

Revolutionary Hope After Nihilism Bloomsbury

The current moment in human history is gloomy, and widespread nihilist pessimism is part of the gloominess. Revolutionary Hope After Nihilism is a philosophical theory of postnihilist hope that negates instead of denies, and transcends instead of mystifies. In a thorough description and application of what Ahmed calls “dialectics of hope,” he advances three main philosophical propositions. First, hope is created most forcefully and meaningfully under conditions of hopelessness.

Second, in order for us to know what is wrong and negate it, we do not necessarily need to know what is right.

Third, the negation of systems of domination and their internalized exclusionary ideologies is a necessary condition for the realization of an alternative world, not vice versa. The book’s ultimate objective is to articulate a non-reductionist and intersectional critical theory for transforming the current

historical moment. Part I of the book explores the bleakness of the present historical moment in terms of ecological–political–societal crises, and the absence of a popular ideology capable of mobilizing democratic forces to form a solidarity front with marginalized populations. Part II lays out what Ahmed calls a postnihilist philosophy.

CONSIDERATION

Media, formerly Bookshelf, features new titles by or about alumni and other members of the Union community. To be included, send a copy of the work (book, DVD, CD) and synopsis to: Office of Communications Union College Schenectady, NY 12308

Or send synopsis and high-resolution image to: magazine@union.edu

Alumni Clubs

The NYC Alumni Tavern Tour, hosted by Sean Reilly ’14, was a hit.

NEW YORK CITY

Alumnae enjoy the NYC Wollman Rink event in March.

NEW YORK CITY

Kelly Williams ’86, David Breazzano ’78, Denise Breazzano, President David Harris and Andrew Forsyth attend the Palm Beach Powering Union campaign event.

PALM BEACH

Katherine Beale ’14 and Joshua Davis ’14 at the NYC Wollman Rink event in March.

Alumni attend the San Francisco Powering Union campaign event with President David Harris.

SAN

Alumni attend the Los Angeles Powering Union campaign event with President David Harris.

LOS ANGELES

GOLD alumni enjoy the Boston Spring Reception at the Bell in Hand Tavern.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT of the ALUMNI COUNCIL

GREETINGS FELLOW ALUMNI,

There are so many great ways to get involved with Union.

This fiscal year was filled with alumni gatherings throughout the country. We have hosted more than 70 events in 26 cities in 10 states. If you’d like to help the Alumni Office plan an event in your area, contact Ashley Breslin and Damond Heath at alumni@union.edu.

Once again, we were thrilled to offer our challenge of $1,000 for #ADAY4U, through which we encouraged 100 new donors to support Union. Thanks to each one of you who gave to this fiscal year. As you may or may not be aware, the number of alumni donating counts toward our US News and World Report rankings. So, it’s not the amount that is critically important but rather showing our support for Union through participation.

The Alumni Council has the privilege of hosting an election among graduates for term trustee. We are pleased to announce that Peter Raymond ’80 is our newest alumni trustee. He joins Peter Haviland-Eduah ’10, John Johnson ’85 and myself. Thank you to Betsy Modest Brand ’82 for her work as an alumni trustee and valued member of the Alumni Council. And congratulations to Peter Raymond.

As always, we are looking for new members to serve on the Alumni Council. If you are interested, email alumni@union.edu. We host two virtual meetings a year and one in-person meeting. Our next meeting will be Sept. 30, 2023, before the kick-off of Homecoming & Family Weekend activities.

– Vin Mattone ’06, President, Union College Alumni Council

70 events

26 cities 10 states

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Carol Shotzbarger ’08 Alumni

Carol Shotzbarger ’08 earned a B.A. in history from Union. Her first job after graduation was in the College’s Office of Annual Giving, where she learned how important alumni are to their alma mater’s success.

“It is true that every donor and every dollar makes a tremendous difference for the College,” Shotzbarger said. “I continue to stay involved as the Class of 2008 head agent of the Union Fund, ReUnion Committee chair, Alumni Council member and Philadelphia Alumni Club member.”

She has devoted her career to education since joining Teach for America in 2010. In 2012, she graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a master of sience in education.

Shotzbarger spent 12 years in public elementary schools within the Mastery Charter network in Philadelphia. She finished her first year in a private high school at The Phelps School in Malvern, Penn. Carol lives with her husband, Carl, and miniature dachshund, Cooper, in Pottstown, Penn.

Which of these activities has been the most meaningful?

I enjoy working with the Alumni Council. It is amazing to come together with alumni from all different years who are dedicated to Union. We develop programming, sponsor events, hear updates from the school, and give feedback on different initiatives to the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. I encourage you to participate in meetings if you are interested, because they are open to all graduates.

What was your most formative experience at Union?

I believe that having a broad liberal arts education over four years was formative. I was exposed to multitudes of information and new ways of thinking in all subject areas. It was exciting to create my own academic experience by following my interests in different fields as a student. Now in my career, I have a breadth of knowledge about many topics and feel comfortable talking with people in multiple contexts.

Favorite Union memory

My favorite memory was visiting Union for the first time. My dad and I planned a two-week road trip to tour colleges in the summer. He decided to take a detour on the final leg of our trip, because he heard

there was a cool building in Schenectady. It turned out to be the Nott. I immediately felt at home as soon as I stepped foot on campus, even though I had never heard of Union, and it became my first choice. It is hard to believe that a small change in plans caused a big change in my life.

Best advice you received

The best advice I have received is to challenge myself and not play it safe.

Best advice you share with young people

College is a place with people from diverse backgrounds and a tremendous selection of courses, lectures, activities and athletics. You can choose to engage as little or as much as you want. The best advice I can share is to experience as much as you can and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

Fun fact about yourself

The 2014 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship took place in my hometown of Philadelphia. I was able to get tickets to both the semi-finals and finals at the Wells Fargo Center. The atmosphere was electric for all of the alumni in the building when we took home the trophy for the Frozen Four, but it was even more emotional for me since it happened where I grew up.

Council member

Parents Circle

Union has been an integral part of our family for decades. As an alumnus, brother of three alumnae, brother-in-law to two spouses, and now parent of two students (Julia ’23 and Kyle ’26), we have Union connections through multiple generations. Our complete family reunions have often been held in Schenectady—tied to a Homecoming or ReUnion weekend!

What is most exciting is that each of us has a completely distinctive personal experience. Each major; different, meaningful faculty mentors; unique extracurricular ties.

Union’s Parents Circle is a parent philanthropy group, whose members become College insiders and investors in its success, ultimately developing stronger ties to their student’s Union experience.

We invite all parents and families to join with us in supporting the educational programs and activities that will make your child’s Union experience extraordinary.

With Julia and Kyle’s participation in athletics (volleyball and football), our Union horizon has expanded even more. Of the Union hats Emily and I have worn, the most gratifying and influential is parents to two student-athletes navigating coursework, meeting their great friends, agonizing over nail-biting last sets and final quarters. Even Emily, a Northeastern graduate, has switched her alliance. Our extended family is 9-for-9 in love with this great College!

– Mark '88 and Emily Webster P'23 P'26

To learn more about the Parents Circle, please contact: Noelle Beach Marchaj '05, Director of Parent and Family Philanthropy Cell: 860-655-2875 | marchajn@union.edu union.edu/parents-families

Mark ’88 and Emily Webster P’23 P’26 with children Julia Webster ’23 and Kyle Webster ’26

Garnet Guard

Alumni who have celebrated their 50th ReUnion.

GARNET GUARD

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

John Honey ’61 121 Waterside Dr., Box 1175 North Falmouth, Mass. 02556 jahoney@msn.com

1944

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Seymour Thickman thickm@icloud.com

1949

Jen Memmelaar writes, “My dad, Adam Filipowski, passed away in October at the age of 96. He had nine children and spoke very fondly to all of us about his time at Union, especially as part of the basketball team. We went by a few years ago and had to stop in so he could see the campus.” Adam is further remembered on p. 58.

CLASS NOTES U

1951

Frank Rapant ’07 writes, “My father, Frank Rapant Jr. ’51 (civil engineering), of Rotterdam, N.Y., died March 6, 2023. He also held an M.S. from R.P.I., and operated his professional engineering and land surveying business throughout the Capital Region for over 50 years. An avid outdoorsman and champion marksman, he was president of the Rotterdam Rotary Club, served on the board of WMHT, and chaired the Rotterdam Pop Warner Football League. Union had a huge effect on my dad. He was first in his family to go to college, and since then eight more of our family members over three generations have attended Union College. My father spent a great deal of time reminiscing about his days at Union and held them as some of the best times in his life. This picture is from the 2016 ReUnion

parade. His granddaughter, Ella Rapant, saw him in the parade and ran over. He scooped her up and finished the parade like that.” Frank is further remembered on p. 58 of this issue.

1953

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Hubert Plummer

21 Temple Road Setauket, N.Y. 11733 (631) 941-4076 whp@plummerlaw.com

Bill Holzapfel writes, “On January 1, I completed my 30th year as city attorney. The city of Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in the State of New Jersey with a population of over 137,000.”

April 18, The Bar Foundation of Union County presented Bill with its 2023 General Litigation Award.

1954

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Avrom J. Gold

19702 Bella Loma, Apt. 9-102 San Antonio, Texas 78256 (908) 581-1455 avromgold@gmail.com

1955

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Ken Haefner

1346 Waverly Pl. Schenectady, N.Y. 12308 kbhaefner@gmail.com

1956

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

William Deuell

2666 Steeple Run Lane Manteca, Calif. 95336 whd2923@gmail.com

Bill Deuell writes, “Nancy and I are very proud of our grandson, Ryan Baum, who has accomplished all of the requirements for Eagle Scout, the highest level of achievement in scouting. According to his scoutmaster, only 4 percent of the scouts who try for Eagle make it to the end. One of the many requirements is a community service project. Ryan chose to participate in Grateful Gatherings, a nonprofit organization locating good condition furniture and delivering it to underprivileged people who have a place to live but no household furniture or supplies. This is a very active organization in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Barry Wolfensohn and Norm Bartner met for lunch in Brooklyn. Barry came from New Jersey and Norm from eastern Long Island. They perused yearbooks and enjoyed the time like fraternity brothers should. Barry played soccer and Norm was swim captain, so they were confused by the many coaching changes.

Bob Hodges writes, “Roger Likewise, 87, our classmate and good friend, passed away peacefully March 11, 2023, in

Adam Filipowski ’49

Frank Rapant Jr. ’51 and granddaughter Ella Rapant. Frank died Mach 6.

Placitas, N.M., under the care of Hospice, with his family at his bedside. At Union, he was vice president of the Circle ‘K’ Club, as well as a member of the Outing Club and the ROTC drill team. After earning his B.S. degree in psychology in June 1956, he served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force for three years, and afterwards continued serving in the Air National Guard for a combined total of more than 20 years. He retired from the ANG as a full colonel and commander of a hospital unit. In his civilian life, Roger and his family lived in Connecticut. He was employed by the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company for many years, where he became chief underwriter in the individual life department before retiring. Roger, a native of Elizabethtown, N.Y., and his wife Diane, a Russell Sage graduate, spent the beginning of their retirement years in Jay, N.Y., and then built a house in Placitas, N.M., where they lived for the last 23 years. At Union, Roger was a member of the Sigma Phi Society, one of the Union triad of fraternities, and the first one to become a national fraternity. He served as president of Sigma Phi in his senior year. Roger will be missed by his family, fraternity brothers, classmates, and all who knew this perfect gentleman who was admired

and respected by all.” Roger is further remembered on p. 58.

1957

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Paul Mohr

140 E Duce of Clubs Ste A Show Low, Ariz. 85901 dadtired@frontiernet.net

1958

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

David C. Horton 68 Paul Revere Road Lexington, Mass. 02421 paulrevereroad@aol.com

1959

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

William “Dal” Trader 5361 Santa Catalina Avenue Garden Grove, Calif. 92845 daltrader@earthlink.net

(310) 629-8971

1960

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Charles E. Roden kiw702@aol.com

Joel Kupersmith, M.D. jk1688@georgetown.edu

Peter Giustra writes, “I met Betsy at Green Mountain while a junior at Union. We courted for four years, married my third year of medical school in Brooklyn. After 45 years, I retired from a very enjoyable practice in radiology here in mid-coast Maine. But no one escapes. Having been together for 61 years, Betsy died from the ravages of dementia in September 2019 after suffering for five terrible years. I remain on our 325-acre farm in Warren, Maine, but no longer have cattle, horses and other domestic creatures, but keep egg-laying chickens and my dog Gus. Frank, Class of ’59, and I swam competitively for over 30 years. I quit five years ago when Frank died suddenly.

I still ‘pub’ and play poker regularly—habits and skills honed while living in Phi Delta Theta.”

Bob Hoffman writes, “I retired after 36 years of teaching American history, economics and AP psychology at Jericho HS in Jericho, N.Y. I tried to pattern my teaching style after my great history professor at Union, Fred Bronner. I’m currently entering my 22nd year as a Nassau County High School track official, as well as the director of the Jericho Hall of Fame. As a member of the Lions Club, I help distributing food at the homeless shelters in the area. I walk and attend the gym daily. Keeping busy is my elixir.”

Arthur L. Friedman writes, “My wife and I are enjoying a snowless winter here in Atlanta, but we are looking forward to a road trip to upstate New York and New England with a stop in Schenectady for the May Reunion. Hopefully, a few members of the Class of 1960 will also be attending, and we might get together at least at the picnic.”

Charles Roden writes, “Once again, hard to believe 63 years have gone by. Leslie and I continue to enjoy our 10 grandchildren. We finally have one who entered Union as a freshman. We continue to make home between New York and Florida. Just completed a knee replacement and the doctor assured me that I will regain my former eight handicap (right). Speak to Paul Wintrich and Mike Lawrence, who are doing well. This summer we once again plan to return to Capri. Love to hear from everyone.”

J. Dixon Bergman writes, “It took a while, but I finally became a full-time artist in 2019

after working as a one-man advertising agency for too many years. My Union mechanical engineering background helped me mesh with my industrial clients and now enhances my thinking as my artwork moves off the canvas onto 3D wall hanging art.”

1961

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

John Honey jahoney@msn.com

1963

At its January 2023 conference, the Alliance of Holocaust Organizations presented Bob Skloot with a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the National Jewish Theater Foundation. Bob is a retired professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a teacher, stage director and administrator. His play, “If the Whole Body Dies: Raphael Lemkin and the Treaty Against Genocide,” has been produced in many languages around the world.

Thomas R. Zentall, a professor in the Department of Psychol-

Roger Likewise ’56 died March 11, 2023.

J. Dixon Bergman ’60 with his table sculpture called “octa-Viola.”

ogy at the University of Kentucky, visited Union in February. He gave a public lecture relating to his research with cognitive behaviors in animals. The lecture was titled “An Animal Model of Human Gambling Behavior: It’s All About the Size of the Potential Reward, Not its Probability and the Excitement of Winning.”

Dan Schwarz is Frederic J. Whiton Professor of English and Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow at Cornell University, where he teaches literature and Holocaust studies. He has written 18 books on a wide variety of subjects, including the Holocaust, the New York Times, and NYC culture between the World Wars. In fall 2023, he will be teaching and celebrating his 56 years at Cornell.

1964

Dr. Edward N. Smolar was recently presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who. Edward is a successful private practice physician and endocrinology specialist who is aligned with the Preste Medical Group in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Specializing in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, he is a part of a small team of experts dedicated to the wellbeing of patients. Edward is also affiliated with Holy Cross Health and Broward Hospital in Fort Lauderdale.

1966

Paul Bilder writes, “I have lived in Roseberg, Ore., since 1976 and continue to practice medicine as an internist/ pulmonary specialist. Was inducted into the Oregon Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2018. I was fortunate enough to be

at the National Lacrosse Championship in Connecticut last year and met with several lacrosse players from the division championship team of 1966 at the tailgate. Union played well and hopefully will get back there soon. The Union experience was life-changing.”

Neil Tischler writes, “I delayed my retirement for 2-1/2 years to help design the new award-winning ‘Solea’ dental laser for a start-up company, Convergent Dental (www. convergentdental.com). This laser will change the way dentistry is practiced by allowing pain-free, blood-free, multi-quadrant dentistry. It eliminates the need for anesthesia for over 95 percent of patients, offering them a sensation-less experience. For the dentist, it yields major time saving with the ability to perform hard and soft tissue procedures anywhere in the mouth in one visit. This highly successful instrument nicely concludes my long career as a product design consultant. I have adjusted to retirement by spending more time on my nature photography (www. neiltischler.com), playing percussion in the Concord Band (member since 1972), gardening, and kayaking and traveling with my wife, Regina, whom I met at Penn State. We live in Acton, Mass., just 25 miles west of Boston, which gives us access to the rivers, mountains and ocean beaches of New England. It’s now time to really explore our region, savoring good food as we go.”

1967

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Joseph Smaldino

6310 Lantern Ridge Lane Knoxville, Tenn. 37921 smaldinoj@comcast.net (815) 762-5984

Jeffrey Hedquist writes, “Featured speaker at the annual convention of the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas 4/17/2023. Two workshops: ‘How to Use Testimonials to Sell for Your Radio & TV Stations’ and ‘Storytelling Secrets that Skyrocket TSL and Sell in Spots.’”

1968

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

John Dresser Etna, N.H. jdressernh@gmail.com

1969

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

George Cushing Delanson, N.Y. pinyachta@gmail.com

Ray Pike Salisbury, Mass. rnwpike@comcast.net

1970

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Frank P. Donnini Newport News, Va. fpdonnini@aol.com

1971

CLASS CORRESPONDENT Henry Fein, M.D. Rockville, Md. hgfein@aol.com

1972

CLASS CORRESPONDENT Fred Levy glida1@icloud.com

Fred Levy writes,” After a 46-year career as a clinical social worker, with 26 years in solo practice as a psychotherapist, I retired in April 2020 to become a full-time poet. This past March, I have had two poems published in the Lullwater Review, the literary magazine of Emory University.

One poem concerns the trauma my uncle incurred being captured by the Germans in World War II, and the other relates to Hatzer, an Israeli archeological dig, which reveals over seven different civilizations, which I visited in 1973 when I lived in a kibbutz. I spend time with my wife, who is also retired. We have been married 43 years. I am also busy leading Torah study at my local synagogue. My son is a researcher in the Department of the History of Science and Technology of the Library of Congress in D.C., and is married to a Japanese woman who works at a television station. Helping to represent the Presbyterian side of our two-religion family, my daughter and son-in-law co-pastor a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.”

Howard Haimes writes, “Officially retired with limiting consulting engagements. We are off to SE Asia (Cambodia and Vietnam) with an extension to Japan to visit our grandsons. Max will turn 8 and loves to ski and has completed first grade in an all-Japanese school. He is fluent in Japanese and loves to read and write. Silas is 4 (preschool) and loves taking piano lessons. The boys have a wonderful life and enjoy school, museums and

Howard Haimes ’72 submitted this photo of his daughter, Elana, IP lawyer and son in-law Mike, and grandsons Max and Silas.

exploring the varied landscapes and venues. We continue to enjoy the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts, a national treasure. In the fall we traveled to Morocco and enjoyed the sites, cuisine and explored the seashore, mountains, deserts, museums, casbahs and of course the local souks.”

1973

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Larry Swartz Niskayuna, N.Y. larry.swartz@agriculture.ny.gov

1974

CLASS CORREPSONDENT

Cathy Stuckey Johnson San Mateo, Calif. caj1080@hotmail.com

Bob Linden writes, “My wife, Caren Fox Linden, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Dec. 25, 2022. To her kids, grandkids and husband, Caren was super mom, super grandma and super wife. To Union, she was a stalwart in the school’s first official class of women. She majored in computer science, another first for women and back when mainframe computers were the technology of the day and occupied entire rooms. Although a former beauty queen and cast in the dance and crowd scenes in the movie, The Way We Were (filmed on campus in 1973), Caren was a shy, quiet, caring soul. She and I met when she was working at Cornell Medical College. We married in 1976 and after I finished my internship and residency at the University of Tennessee, we moved to Connecticut to start my medical practice and a family. Caren was a mother to Jeremy, Beth and Todd, and grandmother to Oliver, Lucy, Charlie, Ziggy and Mabel. Caren will be sorely missed by

her family, friends and the multiple others she touched in her rich and warmhearted journey through life.” On May 19, Caren’s birthday, a celebration of life was held. In attendance were classmates Chris Kelly, Jim Brennan, Kevin Donnelly, Bill Breg, Jack Rosko (by Zoom), Marie Bednar MacDonald, Cathy Stuckey Johnson and John Van Horne. Pete Tavino and Jim Walker were present in spirit, as they could not attend in person. Caren is further remembered on p. 61.

honors. In my campus life, I lived at Sigma Chi house, Fox (Room 315!), and, in my senior year, was part of the first inhabitants of Webster House, which was the former Schenectady Library. I shall cherish those years always.”

Nina (Wolff) Luxenberg writes, “I recently moved to Tucson with my partner Ernie. We are enjoying hiking, designing a vegetable and fruit garden on our new property, and getting active in local civic groups.

Bucky

’74 writes, “Inflation: (1974) Midweek, student discounted, full day lift ticket at Killington, Vt., $0.50. (2022) Full day lift ticket at Deer Valley, Utah, $198.00.”

This year Chad Luxenberg ’74 and I celebrated, along with our extended families, the marriage of our son.”

Dan Valenti writes, “I have had three books published in the past year. Third Person Singular (Planet Media Books) came out in February 2022. Write It Real: A Practical Guide for the Prose Writer (Lang Publishing) debuted in August 2022 and Collected Poems (1968-1923) was published in March (PMB). I also publish, write and edit Planet Valenti, a news and commentary blog (www. planetvalenti.com) on local, regional, state, national and international topics. The Planet is now in its 13th year. My Union years (B.A. English) were profoundly influential on my writing career. Without the guidance and encouragement of Professors Sam Ullman, Frank Gado, Ruth Stevenson, Richard Peck and Elizabeth Mansfield, my future would have been far different. I was a transfer from Massachusetts, worried that I was out of my league. With their help, however, I achieved a Nott Scholar award and also the Blatchford Medal for Oratory, Commencement Address, along with many department

Dr. Mark Zullo writes, “After 40 years in family medicine practice, retired in September 2022! Enjoying more time with family and more time out surfing the waves of Rhode Island. Looking forward to our 50th (!) ReUnion next year.”

1975

Jim Heller has relocated to Longmont, Colorado, with his wife, Nancy. They are both retired and enjoying hiking, skiing and community activities.

1976

CLASS CORRESPONDENT Paul Boyd

pboyd@yahoo.com

Charles Becht IV writes, “The failed retirements mentioned in the fall edition inspired me to write. I have no retirement plans but have set up companies to run without much of my intervention. Becht (formerly Becht Engineering Co.), where I have worked for the last 37 years and presently serve as

Nina (Wolff) Luxenberg ’74 with partner, Ernie.

Rulon-Miller

William Mahlum ’75 and Brenda Mahlum attending a recent Union hockey game with son Gregory ’08.

Caren Fox Linden ’74 died Dec. 25, 2022.

CEO, consults to the energy industry worldwide. Operations are run by my son, Charles Becht V, president, and his leadership team. We started Becht Industrial Group, a mechanical contractor, a couple years ago and it is growing very rapidly. I am chairman of the board, but all operations are run by a very experienced team. My son, Derek, moved from Becht to Crossbridge Energy Partners, where he is serving as COO. I am on the board of directors. They are acquiring traditional refining assets and transitioning them to net zero energy parks. My wife and I have started travelling extensively since our youngest child, my daughter Kristen, went to college. She is working at Becht managing our central engineering platform, BechtConnect and Technical Training. While COVID put a major crimp in our travel plans, we are back with a vengeance with six vacations planned for 2023 to various places around the world: Southeast Asia and New Guinea, Canadian Rockies, Antigua and Europe. Spending a lot of time on the golf course while home in New Jersey or snow birding in Florida. We have nine grandchildren, seven of which live within a few miles of us in N.J.”

1977

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Leila Shames Maude LeeShamesMaude@alumni. union.edu

Nancy Murphy was recently featured at tweakspoetry.com. The article focused on her poem “The Space Carved by the Sharpness of Your Absence.”

1978

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jeff Laniewski, Florence, Ariz. jlaniewski4@gmail.com

1979

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Kurt Hamblet San Luis Obispo, Calif. kurthamblet@gmail.com

Richard Monda writes, “I continue to progress in my second career. I have received tenure and have been promoted from instructor to assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, N.Y.”

1980

David Gregg writes, “After a short stint as a banker in Albany, I joined the Air Force and was a B-52G pilot until the Cold War ended. I then joined American Airlines—33 years and 25k flight hours later in 727, 737, 757, 767. I retire as a Boeing 787 captain. I look forward to not flying anymore, ever. My wife and I live in NOVA (northern Virginia).”

1981

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Sue Barnhart Ferris sferris59@gmail.com

1982

Tim Mara is founder and president of 3Chairs Mediation Group. The national, virtual and in-person complex commercial, alternative dispute resolution company. Tim is still practicing trial and appellate law in federal and state courts nationwide. Although he litigated the losing side for the government, he’s proud of the outcome of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections v. Yeskey, 524 U.S. 206 (1998). In Yeskey, the United States Supreme Court held the Americans With Disabilities Act applies to

prison inmates, and disabled inmates can be eligible for programs that disqualified them due to disability—reducing the time they spend behind bars. Though Tim is predominantly a civil practitioner, in 2022, he graduated from the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute, the annual, invitation-only, residential program for 50 accomplished American and international trial lawyers. He was recently recognized for his tenacious pro bono representation of the aged, the incarcerated, the mentally ill, crime victims and the chronically unemployed.

1983

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Cory Lewkowicz Needham, Mass. corylewkowicz@gmail.com

1984

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Linda Gutin Durham, N.C. lindagutin@hotmail.com

Bart Brooks writes, “After 39 years in heavy equipment industry with Caterpillar (24 years) and John Deere (15 years), it’s time to hang ‘em up. I retired recently and am going to spend more time travelling with Esther and with our family—particularly our two granddaughters—and take it easy.”

Laura Modlin writes, “My dad used to say that he thought maybe his sons would follow in his footsteps to Union. Instead, it was me, his daughter. Here we are at my graduation, after four years of good times together when he would visit what would become our shared alma mater. My mom

Laura ’84 and Howard Modlin ’52 at her graduation.

Tim Mara ’82

and dad would take me out for dinners on their way to ski weekends in Vermont. We would visit relatives in Albany. He would go to alumni council meetings and we’d take long walks around campus. My dad, Howard Modlin ’52, was a big part of my college experience. He passed away Feb. 10, 2022 and is now in heaven with my mom.”

Linda Gutin writes, “In early 2023, two years after Andrew Casciano ’88 hired me to rewrite his résumé and LinkedIn profile, I invited him to team up with me to transform ‘my’ career services business into ‘our’ career services business! So far, so good. Plus, we’ve also been helping three other Union alums—two from ’84 and one from 2017 (the child of an ’84 grad)!”

1985

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Timothy Hesler

timothy.t.hesler@gmail.com

David Neiblum writes, “After many years as the managing partner of my gastroenterology practice near Philadelphia, I stepped down two years ago after we merged with several other practices to become one of the largest groups in the US, and happy to only work part-time. As our three girls are all in college with two graduating in ’23, (alas none were convinced to go to Union despite my trying), we have a lot of time now to travel. In the last year, we’ve been to Denmark, Greece, Italy and the Caribbean. Next year takes us to New Zealand, Prague, Budapest, Germany and Japan, and possibly Iceland!”

1986

Kelly Williams ’86, an emerita trustee at Union College, received the prestigious Frederic Church Award from the Olana Partnership April 19. The award honors individuals who make extraordinary contributions to American culture. Kelly is a widely recognized leader in the alternative investment space, having founded the Customized Fund Investment Group in 1999. In 2015, Kelly established the Williams Legacy Foundation. This independent charitable organization uses a dynamic approach to philanthropy to support effective programs, innovative partnerships and investments designed to further opportunities for women, minorities and underserved communities. Through the Foundation, the Williams family promotes fellowship and constructive engagement in order to strengthen and empower communities and combat isolation. The Foundation also supports education, social responsibility and diversity in the arts. Learn more about Kelly’s work and watch a video of the awards ceremony at olana.org/gala2023.

1987

CLASS CORRESPONDENT Drena Root drena.kr@gmail.com

Mike Raymond writes, “Hello from frigid Canada! I am happy, healthy and loving life with my wife, Franny, and our dog, Archie, and cat, Poopsie. Sometimes I run into alumni in my myriad travels all over the world, and never, ever cease to be amazed at how instantly they become brothers or sisters under our school rubric. The older I get, the more Union (and the wonderful people I met there) means to me. Wild Phil, Harry, Hedgie, Bobo, Da Boove, Dandy Don. I consider myself lucky not only to have known you maniacs, but to continue to keep in touch. I am

currently working and successful, but who cares about that? Am I right? In a few months, my wife and I will cash in and travel the world over and over again, looking for the perfect game of Whales Tales or Beer Pong (which makes my liver quiver). I do not do Facebook, TikTok, TokTik, Ding-Dong or Bing Bang. I like email. If you want to get in touch with me, go old school at mraymond7777@rogers.com. I am immensely happy, pretty healthy, and have led a wonderful and blessed life. However, having said that, my four years at this beautiful institution were fantastic and unforgettable. Cheers! Stay happy and healthy, and I hope to get the chance to sing ‘Darlin’ with y’all somewhere down the line! Peace out. P.S.: Hi Kidstah.”

1988

Lisa A. Pratico was recently featured in Architecture & Governance’s Women in Architecture Spotlight. She is VP of enterprise architecture and enterprise integration services at HP, Inc.

Andrew Casciano writes, “I’ve been living outside of Raleigh, N.C., since 2011. After 34 years of uninterrupted corporate work and 11 with the same company—as a banker, learning and development professional, and sales enablement strategist, I was asked by Linda Gutin ’84 to partner with her to help scale her career services business. I’ve helped others create opportunities and manage risk as a business strategist for years, and now I’m going to try

Alumni Admissions volunteer John Morgan ’89 represented Union at the John Jay Senior High School College and Career Fair March 24, 2023. John Jay students showed interest in Union’s Leadership in Medicine (LIM) Program and 3 + 3 Accelerated Law Program. In addition to prospective students, the Union College booth was visited by Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk and New York Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. John Morgan is the president of Mountain View Strategic Wealth, LLC.

my hand as a principal. It took a Union connection to help me make the jump!”

1989

(See photo above.)

1991

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jen Brandwein jenbrandwein2@gmail.com

Kimberly Keller Vlasseman writes, “After 24 years of teaching in The Netherlands, we have decided to have a new life experience—in Malaysia! My husband and I have accepted jobs at Mont'Kiara International School in Kuala Lumpur, starting in July 2023. I will be teaching MYP mathematics in middle school. If you are passing through SE Asia, please stop by for a visit!”

1992

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Laurel Mullen jay.mullen@comcast.net

1993

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jill D. Bernstein New York, N.Y. jilldbernstein@yahoo.com

Jennifer Bennett writes, “After a lengthy career in international education, I returned to Union and earned my master of arts in teaching from Union Graduate College in 2012. I was then hired by Shenendehowa Central Schools in Clifton Park, N.Y., to teach German and have since added courses in English as a New Language. My work outside the classroom focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion, and enabling students to broaden their horizons through travel and education. I serve as the faculty advisor for our district’s UNICEF club, and I am looking forward to leading another 20 students on a tour of Germanspeaking Europe in February. I have also greatly enjoyed teaching at the University at Albany, and recently qualified to conduct workshops in

combatting implicit bias in the classroom for NYSUT. I am the extremely proud mother of my son, Max, who will be graduating from George Washington University the weekend of our 30th ReUnion, so I will miss seeing you all in Schenectady that weekend. Speaking of Schenectady, I purchased an 1850s Victorian in the Stockade in 2021, and am thrilled to be back in our old neighborhood.”

1994

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Randall Beach

Schenectady, N.Y.

rsbeach72@gmail.com

1995

Matt Baumgartner recently received the Spirit of the Industry Award at the Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival. The award honors the unending generosity, commitment to the community and professionalism of the region’s chefs and restaurateurs, and the sincere spirit of giving back.

1996

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Daimee Stadler-Isralowitz daistu@optonline.net

Ramsey Baker has been named senior vice president of Aggregate Sports, an industry leader in helping best-in-class sports properties maximize their value. He previously served as executive director of U.S. Figure Skating (USFS). Ramsey works out of Aggregate Sports’ new Colorado Springs office to serve the needs of the company’s National Governing Bodies of Sports partners based in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.

David E. Fusco writes, “I’m delighted to report that, even though I didn’t think I’d leave my private equity firm, a close friend approached me to lead several functions for him at a clinical trials company, familiar territory. It speaks to the power and importance of network. He was a few years out of UPenn Medical School and I was leading HR for the Americas at Novartis 14.5 years ago. Fast friends and all these years later, he is CEO and I’m the EVP & Chief Human Capital Officer at Clario. We are a $ billion-plus global trials and data management company; services drug development and pharma biotech trial data management around the world. Back into global and back traveling but to work for a friend and an inspiring leader was all the inspiration I needed. Proud to be part of healthcare science knowing what we do makes an impact on quality of life. Anyone looking for a career in this space, reach out! I continue to live and work out of Boston

Jennifer Bennett ’93

Ramsey Baker ’93

’05

Before the 1970s, Shortle said, white evangelicals thought that getting involved with politics would sully their commitment to God. But political participation by evangelicals rose as conservative coalitions took advantage of the religious right’s ability to organize. “[Religious] ideologies have always existed,” Shortle said, “just not by people who participated in politics.”

Shortle, who earned her Ph.D. from Ohio State University, used survey data spanning three presidential administrations to develop an understanding of American national identity and the exclusionary ideologies that have emerged.

Talking Christian nationalism

When Allyson Shortle ’05 and her colleagues began to write about the convergence of the alt-right and Christian nationalism about a decade ago, their work was widely dismissed as extremist.

Today, it’s fair to say they were right.

“We had been working on this topic for so long, and people did not think this was an ideology that existed or would have an impact on American politics,” said Shortle, an associate professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma.

Beginning in 2011, when she and her colleagues began writing articles, only a handful of sociologists “had our backs and said ‘this is very real,’” she added.

Shortle is co-author (with Eric L. McDaniel and Irfan Nooruddin) of a book, The Everyday Crusade, which describes American Christian Nationalism, a widely-held religious nationalist ideology steeped in myth about the nation’s original purpose. The authors write that this ideology is attached to anti-immigrant

hysteria, isolationism, and an increasing willingness to support alternatives to democratic governance.

Shortle was on campus this winter for a talk in the Nott Memorial. She also visited classes during the day. Her book is detailed in the Media section on p. 35.

She said that the insertion of religion in government is unprecedented. “We’ve had a long history of people implicitly being religious in politics, but now … people are not hiding their intentions to insert Christianity into the federal government, which is essentially theocratic,” she said. “Our democratic norms always promoted the separation of church and state. We see that a lot of Americans are tolerating this erasure of the wall between church and state.”

The forces that led to the attempted insurrection on January 6 have existed for centuries, she said. In 2021, however, they had elite support. “These things can happen if you have the right actors in charge and organization by the various groups,” she said.

Shortle earned her B.A. in political science from Union, where she was a summa cum laude graduate, member of Phi Beta Kappa and a Union Scholar. She hosted an eclectic show on WRUC with her friend and roommate, Georgina (Serroukas) Smith ’05. Shortle played Motown and classic rock. Georgina gravitated toward punk. Shortle also worked as a server at the Van Dyck restaurant and jazz club, often with her roommate.

Her interest in immigration politics began as a work-study in Becker Career Center, where she helped international students with visa problems.

Her love of research was nurtured at Union by Prof. Terry Weiner, who told her to “be scrappy” and “hit the pavement” for her senior thesis on education administrators’ opinions about the federal “No Child Left Behind” program. “The most memorable part of my senior thesis was seeing that people were really passionate about things,” she recalled.

During her campus visit, Shortle joined Prof. Zoe Oxley’s class on political psychology for a discussion about her book and life as a grad student. “They were engaged and excited,” she said. “I felt like I was teaching my Ph.D. students.”

ALLYSON SHORTLE ’05

with my beautiful wife, Melissa, and bundle of joy and energy Mario, our 3-year-old! Life never stops inspiring and moving forward.”

installment of System Insight Engineering, in which he discussed his journey to becoming president of Drummond Scientific Company.

2002

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Elise DiBenedetto elise.dibenedetto@gmail.com

Daniel Flint recently won Best History Teacher of the Year for the entire state of Florida. Firstcoastnews.com recently wrote about his teaching and this achievement. Daniel teaches history at Westside High in Jacksonville.

1997

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Sara Amann Garrand Ballston Lake, N.Y. sgarrand1@nycap.rr.com

1998

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Ryan T. Smith Jupiter, Fla. ryan.smith@thebenjamin school.org

1999

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Kellie Forrestall BeeBee Lowell, Mass. forrestkj@hotmail.com

2000

Richard Fox recently received the American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry’s Mid-Career Investigator Award. He is scientific director at Bristol Myers Squib.

2001

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Erin Grogan erinlgrogan@gmail.com

Christopher Strohsahl was recently featured in an

2003

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Katrina Tentor Lallier Shrewsbury, Mass. katrinalallier@gmail.com

Desiree Plata, MIT associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, was recently featured on “Curiosity Unbounded.” The podcast is a conversation between MIT President Sally Kornbluth and newly-tenured faculty members.

Smitesh Bakrania recently received the President’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Instructional Delivery from the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering at Rowan University, where he is a mechanical engineering professor.

2004

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jon Berman jonathancberman@gmail.com

Samantha (Mann) Raphael writes, “Aaron Raphael ’00 and I are happily living in Massachusetts with our two girls! In May of 2022, I was elected to school committee in a town-wide election. It has

been an amazing experience and one I will enjoy for the next three years!”

2005

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Annette C. Stock annettecstock@gmail.com

2006

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Sarah T. Heitner New York, N.Y. sarah.t.heitner@gmail.com

Mike Pieciak was recently featured in a Manchester Journal article, “Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak pumps $100 million into housing fund.”

2007

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jackie Siedlecki Murphy jaclynrenemurphy@gmail.com

2008

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Dana Cohen Bernstein New York, N.Y. dana.lynn.bernstein@gmail.com

2009

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Gabe Kramer Los Angeles, Calif. kramerg3@gmail.com

Carl S. Winkler New York, N.Y. carl.s.winkler@gmail.com

2010

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Deanna Cox deannac88@gmail.com

Dr. Andrew Palermo recently opened Embrace Orthodontics in Delmar, N.Y. The practice offers a full range of orthodontic treatments for children and adults. Embrace Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art practice that provides the latest orthodontic technology with a compassionate approach to treatment.

2011

Annora (Brennan) Olavson writes, “I am a co-founder of OMRA, a modest movement company and wellness app offering daily movement, meditations and workouts for all levels of ability and experience. This is a dream project of mine and couldn’t wait to share in with my Union family. You can check out what we have to offer at www.omralife.com.”

2012

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Anna Meiring annameiring@gmail.com

Benjamin Engle benjamin.engle@gmail.com

Erin Whitney Cicchetti is a partner in the tax department

Annora (Brennan) Olavson ’11

Mario, son of David E. Fusco ’96

Samantha (Mann) Raphael ’04 with her daughters

at Nutter. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals rely on her to advise them on a variety of domestic, state and international tax matters. Erin is a member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Program Class of 2022 and a member of the Women’s Bar Association. She earned her LL.M. from New York University School of Law and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

2013

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Cristina Vazzana Boston, Mass. vazzanaca@gmail.com

Ethan Loew, an MD/PhD student at UMass Chan Medical School, was recently featured on umassmed.edu. He is tracking changes in cognitive symptoms in older adults alongside changes in their gut microbiome.

Dr. Smita Carroll was recently interviewed by Newsweek for the story, “Texas Judge’s Mifepristone Ruling Questioned by Doctors.” She is an OBGYN in New Mexico and a Physicians for Reproductive Health fellow.

2016

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Lauren Woods Watervliet, N.Y. 2016@alumni.union.edu

2017

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Jake Ulrich jake.ulrich@duke.edu

2020

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

Kayla Fisher kaylafisherny3@gmail.com

Omarra Hannibal-Williams ohannibalwilliams@gmail.com

Serving the people—and parks—of the Big Apple

Anthony Perez ’11 is grateful to his city. Even as a boy, he understood the value of everything New York City offered his family. Now grown with a family of his own—still living in this same city—none of that’s changed. Except today, he’s the one providing what people need.

“I was raised by a single mother who emigrated from the Dominican Republic in the early 1980s and has been a teacher’s assistant at a local elementary school for over 25 years,” Perez said. “I was born in a public hospital, grew up living in public housing and went to public schools. We couldn’t afford a car so we depended on public transportation to get around.”

“I’m indebted to the city that did so much for my family—the city that put a roof over our heads, provided my mom with a dignified career, took care of us when we got sick, helped put food on the table when money was short, and educated me from pre-school to high school,” he continued. “Public service is my way of paying that debt. I’ve dedicated my career to helping others and helping my city.”

Since graduating from Union, where he studied political science, Perez has held a number of roles with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, where he managed public-private partnerships and special projects. He also served as executive director of The Bronx Democratic Party, and was deputy chief of staff at the New York City Council, where he was a strategic advisor to the council speaker on key legislative priorities.

In September 2022, he joined the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation as Manhattan borough commissioner.

Day to day, he leads more than 500 “parkies” in managing Manhattan’s 400-plus neighborhood parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and community gardens. He also oversees more than 120 construction projects on the island and unique programming at 13 recreation centers, 22 public pools and almost 3,000 acres of urban green space.

It’s a complex, but fulfilling, job.

“Some of the biggest challenges I deal with in my role are balancing varying uses

ANTHONY PEREZ ’11

Anthony Perez ’11 speaks at an event Oct. 13, 2022, to celebrate the re-opening of Anne Loftus Playground in Upper Manhattan after a $4.2 million renovation.

of limited space and balancing competing priorities with limited funding. New Yorkers are passionate about their neighborhoods and parks, and they’re not shy about letting you hear what’s on their minds,” Perez said. “What’s most rewarding is getting to be part of the solution.”

“To lead negotiations among various stakeholders and to find consensus in a path forward for helping fellow New Yorkers is all part of the victory for me,” he added. “The beauty of it all is in the process of making government work for people.”

And that is more important than ever now in some ways. Consider shared space, the COVID-19 pandemic and New York—a place jammed with massive buildings, busy trains, congested traffic and 8.5 million people.

“All of this has been compounded in the aftermath of the pandemic, when New Yorkers really saw the impacts of being cramped in small apartments with almost no time outdoors,” Perez said. “People are now really starting to realize the value of investing in our outdoor public spaces and re-imagining how we fit wellness, fitness, exercise, recreation and relaxation into our lives in the Big Apple.

“It’s an exciting time to work at the city’s Parks Department, helping to take advantage of recent momentum by advocating

for more investments in our green infrastructure and urban green space.”

Outside of work, Perez is involved with his community on a number of levels that strengthen his commitment to public service. He’s a board member of the NYC Economic Development Corporation and trustee at the New York Botanical Garden, among other roles.

“Public service is a 360-degree commitment and doesn’t end when I’m off the clock,” Perez said. “When we talk about equity and giving back to underserved communities, it’s deeply personal to me.

“I’m raising my daughter in the same neighborhoods where I volunteer. These parts of my life are intrinsically intertwined and impossible to separate.”

Perez began learning how inextricably linked life and service could, and arguably should, be at Union. He served as president

of his class, president of his fraternity and chair of the Union Schenectady Alliance, a student group focused on improving the relationship between the College and surrounding community. He also spent two years as a student trustee.

“My time at Union had a profound effect on my path after college and set the foundation for my career. Serving in student government gave me early exposure to understanding how to leverage procedures to advance an agenda and run efficient, effective public meetings,” Perez said. “Serving as a student trustee, I met an alum who gave me an internship at the Schenectady District Attorney’s Office. Another alum gave me an internship at a startup firm.”

“These are experiences that prepared me for the real world, more so than any quick book or online course ever could.”

Anthony Perez ’11 participates in Mulchfest 2023 at Washington Square Park, a two-week event where the NYC Parks Department invites New Yorkers to recycle their holiday trees at over 70 locations citywide. This year, over 58,000 trees were recycled. The generated mulch was used at parks, community gardens and dog runs around New York City to deter weeds, retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.

People are now really starting to realize the value of investing in our outdoor public spaces and re-imagining how we fit wellness, fitness, exercise, recreation and relaxation into our lives in the Big Apple.

’15

A rock-star response to climate change

Claire Annie Nelson ’15 Ph.D. is turning the most infamous greenhouse gas into harmless rock.

Wait, you’re probably thinking. What?

It’s true.

At Cella, she’s storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere away inside volcanic rocks.

“I was inspired to start this company because the climate emergency is far too urgent to perfect the science behind these solutions—we need to take action now,” explained Nelson, who majored in geology and minored in environmental engineering at Union. “We urgently need to develop and commercialize carbon capture and storage technology, both to circumvent current emissions from reaching the atmosphere (from things like power plants), and to remove ‘legacy carbon’ that’s been emitted over the last couple hundred years.”

Cella, which comes from a Latin word meaning, “a safe chamber underground used for storage,” is living up to both its name and mission.

The company is harnessing the geologic carbon cycle, which naturally converts CO2 from a gas into a solid.

Rocks have their own brand of photosynthesis—similar to plants taking in CO2 and using it to build leaves and stems, Nelson explained. “Volcanic rocks, specifically, chemically react with CO2 and essentially ‘breathe it in,’ transforming it into a solid form that becomes part of the rocks themselves.”’

“We’re speeding up a natural chemical reaction by injecting CO2 from the air into volcanic rocks underground,” Nelson added. Why?

Because taking CO2 out of the air goes a long way toward addressing climate change, but only if it stays out of the air. Only if you can safely put it somewhere else.

“As a carbon storage company, we partner with companies that use technology like direct air-capture machines,” Nelson said. “These are basically giant fans with little filters on them that suck CO2 out of the air.”

And Cella can store this CO2 pretty much “anywhere there is basalt,” Nelson added. “This common volcanic rock makes up about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface.”

It’s all over Hawaii and Iceland and prevalent in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington), for instance, as well as India’s Deccan Trapps and Kenya’s East African Rift.

And Kenya is where Cella, launched in December 2022, recently began its pilot operation.

“There are tons and tons of basaltic rock in the East African Rift, and because it’s a volcanic region, there’s lots of available geothermal energy,” Nelson said. “And we need renewable energy to power this process in order to get the most climate benefits.”

Still, challenges do exist to storing CO2 in basalt.

“To be honest, this is a very new technology and we need to do a lot of research and development,” Nelson explained. “The really big question mark is how do we get this to the scale we need?”

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports make it clear that the planet needs a carbon removal industry twice the size of the oil and gas industry by 2050 in order to meet climate goals.

“It’s been proven to work in small experiments and can really rapidly turn CO2 from air into a rock underground. And luckily, there is plenty of volcanic rock out there so capacity isn’t a factor. It’s just, how quickly can we do it?”

One other hurdle is cost.

CLAIRE ANNIE NELSON ’15 Ph.D.

The innovative technology Cella is working on can make this process very cost competitive—$10 per ton of CO2, Nelson said. Recent historic legislation from the Biden administration enacted a tax credit that offers $180 per ton of CO2 removed by this method, but the rest of the world has yet to follow suit putting a price on carbon.

“What’s expensive is getting CO2 out of the air,” she added. “You have to suck a lot of air through those machines, which takes a lot of energy, as CO2 is only .04 percent of air.”

Nonetheless, Nelson is excited about Cella’s future and the difference it can make. The company recently won a pre-purchase agreement with Frontier Climate Fund.

“Frontier is a fund that is an advanced market commitment (AMC) for carbon removal,” Nelson said. “AMCs basically buy things before they exist (pre-purchase) in order to catalyze growth in a new industry.”

“Frontier is widely known as the most prestigious ‘stamp of approval’ for new carbon removal technology, because the

application process is extremely competitive and involves rigorous technological review by experts in the field,” she continued.

Cella received a $1.5 million commitment in revenue through its purchase agreement with Frontier. Cella sold the first engineered carbon removal credits from the continent of Africa.

“Our goal is to become a global carbon storage provider by deploying our technology wherever possible,” Nelson said. “We hope to partner with both carbon dioxide removal companies to generate and sell carbon removal credits, as well as partner with industrial CO2 emitters to help countries achieve net zero.”

If not for Union, these plans for the future might be very different.

“I would absolutely not be where I am today without Union’s Geology Department,” she said. “I was never a ‘science kid’ and was intimidated by hard science, but my professors encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone, which gave me the confidence to take the leaps that I have since.”

To learn more about Cella, visit cellamineralstorage.com

Cella’s first pilot site in Northern Kenya.

Porous and reactive basaltic rock from Kenya.

Providing unique opportunity for students

Peter Torpey ’74 was initially attracted to Union’s strong science program, but there was an additional hurdle. As a blind student, he was looking for a small school he could navigate. Union was the perfect fit.

“Union gave me a great foundation. It was a launching pad for graduate school and ultimately my career,” he said.

Peter and his wife, Nancy, both hold PhDs in physics. They worked as research scientists at Xerox, where they met.

Grateful for his experience, Peter and Nancy have always supported Union. They gave annually for many years before learning there was a way to make a gift that was even more impactful and meaningful.

That’s when the Torpeys created a bequest to endow a summer research fellowship.

“We thought it was a neat idea. Union educates people for the real world. If we can help facilitate that, we feel good about that. We’ve always had a portion set aside for charitable things, but this is a more concrete way to make sure we’re doing something specific,” they said. “If we can use this to support a student with a visual or other physical impairment, then that adds extra meaning to us.”

Peter and Nancy hope their gift provides more than financial support.

“We see it as a motivational boost too,” Nancy said. “If Peter could do it, they can too.”

And their gift helps them stay connected with the student body: Each year when the fellowship is awarded, their children will receive information about their student recipient, and how their gift is creating an impact.

“There’s comfort in knowing our heirs will see what we’ve done—and maybe even be inspired.”

Through their foresight and generosity, Peter and Nancy are supporting the things most important to them. You can do the same.

Developing students beyond the classroom, a focus of the recently concluded Powering Union campaign, continues to be a priority of the College. Think internships, well-being and career workshops, undergraduate research, travel and experiential learning opportunities.

The fellowship created by the Torpey’s gift perfectly aligns with Union’s mission to provide unique opportunities for students. We’d love to hear what’s most important to you so we can help you create the gift that matches your intentions.

The Torpeys remain dedicated to science and to educating young people. They are proud of the podcast they’ve done weekly for over ten years. Through “Eyes On Success,” www.EyesOnSuccess.net, they share special features, stories of the visually impaired and new technologies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about bequests, or to establish your own, contact:

Steven

Jo, Director of Gift Planning jos@union.edu | 518-388-6156

rameecircle.org/cga

2008

Shannon (Davi) Wamser and Shawn Wamser welcomed their second child, Seamus Christopher, Jan. 20, 2022. He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. He joins his big sister, Willow, who is excited for her new playmate!

Dana (Cohen) Bernstein and her husband, Daniel Bernstein, welcomed their second daughter, Scarlett Drew, June 28, 2022, in Westport, Conn. She joins big sister, Olivia (born Dec. 2019).

Ashley (Kilstein) Scire writes, “Mike and I welcomed Catherine (7 pounds, 2 ounces) in November of 2021. She has been a Union hockey fan from Day 1!”

2009

Jessica (Stein) Jaffe and Greg Jaffe ’10 welcomed their second child, Hazel James Jaffe, on Oct. 20, 2022. She joins big brother, Ryder (4).

2010

Emelia Rose Pappas was born to Lauren McCartney and Chuck Pappas ’11 May 16, 2022.

THANK U!

This year, more than 2,700 alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends contributed over

$850,000

to The Union Fund, athletics, fraternity and sorority life, teaching and learning, student experiences, scholarships and other programs.

We’re grateful to our volunteers and advocates, all the generous donors who created challenges, our student callers and, of course, you!

Thank you for saying yes to today’s students and thank you for helping us power tomorrow.

How did we stack up?

225 student advocates

87 alumni, staff and faculty advocates

1,008 volunteers sent emails

$157 was the average gift size

The Union Fund was the top designation for gifts

ApplePay was the most popular payment type

Seamus Christopher Wamser (’08)

Scarlett Drew with big sister Olivia (Bernstein ’08)

Emelia Rose Pappas (McCartney ’10)

Catherine (Scire ’08)

Hazel James Jaffe (Jaffe ’09)

’07

2007

Eric Strader and his wife, Erica, celebrated their wedding in the Florida Keys on Oct. 8, 2022. Union friends, including a number of Sigma Chi brothers, in attendance were Christine (Dunn) Longden, Chris Longden, Colin Farril, Nick Salvatoriello, Morgan (Hurley) Salvatoriello ’05 and Todd Sifleet

2009

Elise Wakeland and James E. Nelson Jr. wed in Elise’s hometown, Kennebunkport, Maine, Oct. 8, 2022. James and Elise met in September of 2019 at the Union College wedding of Katie (Nielsen) Coleglazier and Gareth Coleglazier. Coincidently, James comes from a long line of Union College alums,

including James’ father, sister, maternal uncle, cousin and grandfather. Attendees included Jenna Frisch, Caroline (Nelson) Blackburn ’07, Megan Bordino, Elizabeth Zamore, Jillian (Bannister) Shaheen, Lyndsay (Wehrum) Damo, Mallory (Mason) Sakats, Gordon Burdis ’08, RC Atlee ’07, Elizabeth (Stanford) Zulick, Alan Zulick ’10 and James E. Nelson ’70.

2010

Kerry Hanson married Chris Trahon in Boston on Dec. 3. Alec Rosen officiated the wedding with Lizzy Rosen as a maid of honor. In attendance were Emily Black ’11, Brandon Bartell, Rosie Martel-Foley ’09, Alex Greenan, Nancy Dugan, Cristina Liquori, Katie Smidt, Joe Martel-Foley ’08 and Alex Loli.

Alumni attend the wedding of Eric Strader ’07 and his wife, Erica.

2013

Ariel (Gomberg) Gluck and Phillip Gluck ’14 were married Aug. 27, 2022, in White Plains, New York. They write, “Union has been such an integral part of our relationship. While we did not meet while we were both at Union, both of our fathers are Union alums (Mason Gomberg ’78 and Ian Gluck ’74). And we were

introduced by Bryan Grover ’14, who was the best man at our wedding and one of the Union alums in attendance.”

Shelby Marks and Andrew Strohmeier were married in Golden, Colo., May 14, 2022. Alumni in attendance included Brian Marks ’82, Katie McLean ’11, Caroline Clark, Tess Skoller, Michaela Amroliwalla ’13, Michael Marks ’78 and Yvonne Lavender Marks ’77.

Alumni attend the wedding of Elise Wakeland ’09 and James E. Nelson Jr.

’09

Alumni attend the wedding of Kerry Hanson ’10 and Chris Trahon

’10

Alumni attend the wedding of Shelby Marks ’13 and Andrew Strohmeier.

’13

The wedding of Ariel (Gomberg) Gluck ’13 and Phillip Gluck ’14

’13

1940s

Nelson Heyer ’47, of Waretown, N.J., who served in U.S. Navy abroad the USS General J.H. McCrea and USS Cadmus, Jan. 18, 2023. He spent 39 years at IBM, first in field engineering and later in human resources, and held an industrial management degree in industrial engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. He was 97.

Adam Filipowski ’49, of Greenwood Lake, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was active in his community with several organizations, Oct. 23, 2022. He retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance and Prudential Insurance Company, and then bought and expanded W.B. Phillips Insurance & Real Estate Agency. He was 96.

Col. Leonard C. Humphrey ’49, of Chester Springs, Penn., who served in the U.S. Navy, enjoyed a career in the Air Force, and held a master’s degree from Ohio State, Oct. 15, 2022. He held a Ph.D. from Cornell University and co-founded Mars Hill Broadcasting. Leonard went on to hold patents, work with NASA and become a consultant to NATO. He was 94.

1950s

Aaron L. Coplon ’51 , of Memphis, Tenn., who served in the Army Air Force during World War II and held a master’s degree from Columbia University, Dec. 14, 2022. At IBM, he played an essential role in the development of the 1401 computer. He later spent 25 years in management of computer operations for the banking and financial services industry. He was 95.

Frank Rapant Jr. ’51 , of Rotterdam, N.Y., who held an M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and ran a professional engineering and land surveying

IN MEMORIAM

business in the Capital Region for more than 50 years, March 6, 2023. An avid outdoorsman and champion marksman, he was president of the Rotterdam Rotary Club. He was 93.

Dr. Richard A. Wagner ’51 , of Johnstown, N.Y., who graduated from Albany Medical College, served in the U.S. Army and received the WWII Victory Medal, March 17, 2023. He ran a private practice before working in the Nathan Littauer Hospital emergency department and founding NLH’s first primary care clinic. Also medical director of Wells House, he was 96.

Edgar Chandler ’52, of Media, Penn., who held a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and spent 37 years as an electrical engineer with General Electric, Dec. 25, 2022. Edgar, who was awarded three patents, was a member of Media Presbyterian Church for 50 years. He was 92.

Dr. Marvin Englebardt ’52, of Longmont, Colo., who graduated from NYU dental school and served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, Dec. 28, 2022. Marvin practiced dentistry in Schenectady, N.Y., for 34 years and volunteered with the Schenectady JCC. He was 91.

Pasquale “Pat” Gallo ’52, of Vista, Calif., who served in the U.S. Navy and earned a civil engineering degree, Jan. 24, 2023. He worked for the State of California, holding contracts with the Army Corps of Engineers, and on military projects, including the San Clemente Island military establishment and as a civilian contractor in Vietnam. Pat and his wife of 73 years shared three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was 94.

Dr. Martin Portnoy ’52, who graduated from NYU medical school and was in private practice for 30 years in Manhattan, March 7, 2023.

Warren S. Tillapaugh ’53, of Forest, Va., who devoted his final years to teaching third grade scholars to read and expand their vocabularies, Feb. 3, 2023. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he created a merit scholarship for Schoharie High School and generously contributed to Union College. He was 90.

Dr. Robert M. Lewis ’56, of New Rochelle, N.Y., who graduated from Albert Einstein Medical College and served in the U.S. Army, Dec. 7, 2022. He delivered more than 1,000 babies during his 36-year career as an obstetrician. He was 86.

Col. Roger Likewise ’56, of Placitas, N.M., who served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard for more than 20 years, March 11, 2023. Outside the military, he worked at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, where he became chief underwriter in the individual life department before retiring. He was 87.

Edward J. Cloos Jr. ’57, of Rochester, N.Y., and Seagrove Beach, Fla., who was first a reporter and then an editor for The Rochester Times Union for most of his career, Jan. 1, 2023. A vintner, Edward owned and operated a vineyard overlooking Canandaigua Lake. A devotee of opera and theater, he was 87.

Theodore L. Smith ’57 died Dec. 12, 2022. William Brener Jr. ’58, of Amsterdam, N.Y., who held a master’s degree from RPI and served in the U.S. Air Force, Jan. 3, 2023. An environmental engineer with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, he was an accomplished golfer and Adirondack 46er. He was very involved with dog rescue and environmental protection.

Joseph J. Hoder ’58, of Mahwah, N.J., and formerly of Park Ridge, who served in the U.S. Air Force, Feb. 24, 2023. He worked in sales, hotel management, real estate and

for the Park Ridge Town Hall. An active parishioner and choir member at the Church of the Presentation, and a Knights of Columbus member, he was 86.

John D. Hatheway ’58, of Schenectady, N.Y., who graduated from Siena College and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, March 4, 2023. He spent more than 40 years with General Electric as an analytical chemist and was a member of the Mayfield Yacht Club. He was 86.

Theodore Gundlah ’59, of Kane, Penn., who held a graduate degree from George Washington University and served in the U.S. Army, Dec. 14, 2022. He was hospital administrator/CEO at Olean General Hospital for more than 30 years and was a professor at the University of Tampa. He was 85.

Thomas F. Flynn Jr. ’59, of Delmar and Albany, N.Y., who graduated from the College of Saint Rose, the Albany College of Pharmacy and Union College, Dec. 2, 2022. Active in his church, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, model railroads were his passion. He was 89.

Herman C. Brown ’59, of Grand Isle, Vt., who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran Vietnam helicopter pilot, Dec. 10, 2022. Also a presidential helicopter pilot for Lyndon Johnson, he later was assistant deputy director for the Marine Corps Museums and was in charge of the Marine Corps Aviation Museum (Quantico). He was 85.

William T. Allen Jr. ’59, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Army and held master’s degrees in sociology and secondary school administration, Oct. 5, 2022. He worked in admissions at Union College, Yale University and Skidmore College before becoming a guidance counselor at South Glens Falls Junior High School. He was 85.

1960s

David J. Brennan ’60, of Stoughton, Mass., who held a master’s degree from Syracuse University, Jan. 18, 2023. He was a systems analyst at Stone & Webster, had also worked at Polaroid Corporation and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is survived by son Michael and daughter Julia (Camp); five grandchildren; sister, Julia Gehring; and two nieces. A former communicant of Immaculate Conception Church, he was 83.

Robert B. Mitchell Jr. ’61 , of Key West, Fla., and Glass Lake, who graduated from Newark College of Engineering and founded Baird Industries, Feb. 28, 2023. Bob loved boating and collecting antique vehicles, as well as cruising and traveling the world. He was 83.

Merril A. Mironer ’62, of New York, N.Y., who graduated from Columbia University Law School, Dec. 25, 2022. He had a long and distinguished career as a labor and employment attorney with Rosenman and Colin (later Katten Muchin Rosenman).

Edward A. Shapiro ’62, of Newton, Mass., who graduated from Boston University Law School, March 4, 2023. A partner and founder of Shapiro, Israel and Weiner, he was also founder of the New-EnglandIsrael Chamber of Commerce. President of the fundraising arm of Club de Madrid, Judaism provided the framework for his life. He was 82.

Dr. Robert S. Sherwin ’63, of Hamden, Conn., who was the C.N.H. Long Professor of Medicine (emeritus) at Yale School of Medicine, March 31, 2023. A worldrenowned endocrinologist and diabetes researcher, he was director of the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation. A graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, he was program director for the Endocrine Fellowship for 20 years. He was 80.

Robert Squire ’63, of Bradenton, Fla., who was an Eagle Scout, Dec. 31, 2022. Bob began his career with Bethlehem Steel before joining Curtis Screw Co., where he was company president until his retirement in 2001. He was 82.

Arthur D. Rheingold ’64, of Stamford, Conn., who attended NYU Law School, March 7, 2023. A member of the New York State and Connecticut bar associations, he practiced environmental law for more than 35 years. He was associated with the firm Phillips, Nizer, and the Olin Corporation. Arthur was 81.

Charles V. Beckers Jr. ’66, of Newport, R.I., who held a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, Dec. 1, 2022. An engineer at Raytheon and KVH Industries and an environmental engineer at HDR, he also owned and operated a tugboat towing company, East Passage Marine. He was 79.

David H. Wilson ’66, of Topsham, Maine, who had an extensive corporate executive and managerial career in the apparel and creative products industries, Jan 2., 2023. He worked for companies that included CF Hathaway and Caroll Reed. A member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Mount Washington Observatory, he was 82.

Fred Frank G’66, of Rotterdam, N.Y., who held a master’s degree from Union College, Jan. 13, 2023. Frank served as director of data processing from the New York State Police and deputy commissioner at the NYS Department of Social Services. He was 80.

Peter Gamber Jr. G’67, of Annville, Penn., who held a master’s degree from Union College, Jan. 27, 2023. He taught science and math at Lebanon High School, AnnvilleCleona High School and Hersey Derry Twp. School District for 37 years. He was 96.

PATRICIA COLGAN

Patricia Colgan, an assistant and close advisor to three presidents over a 28-year career at Union, passed away Feb. 5, 2023 at her home in Columbia, S.C. She was 85.

At once warm and assertive, Pat efficiently navigated the vagaries of academe and the often competing demands of its constituents. Her humor and gentle sarcasm made her a welcome presence at innumerable meetings. Colleagues also recall her as a generous and personable mentor.

She joined the College in 1977 as personal secretary to Thomas Bonner, a post she continued during the tenure of John Morris from 1979 to 1990. She was named assistant to the president by Roger Hull in 1991.

She also served as director of institutional studies during the Hull administration. She was named special assistant to library collections in 2005. She retired a year later as assistant to the president and director of institutional studies emerita.

Despite never earning a college degree, she worked closely with the leadership at three colleges. Before joining Union, she worked for James Phinney Baxter III, president of Williams College. She also worked at Yale University with George Evelyn Hutchinson, an eminent professor of zoology who was known as “the father of modern ecology.” She worked for John Metz at Custom Management, a firm that would become the largest privately-owned

food services company in the country.

Those who worked in the President’s Office and Institutional Studies recalled her loyalty and the interest she took in their lives away from work. Long before the days of working remote, she helped one employee juggle a schedule that included classes at Union and motherhood. That employee would go on to graduate summa cum laude. When another employee and his wife lost their apartment in a fire, she organized a collection to replace their household goods.

“I first met Pat during Union’s presidential search in 1990; I instantly liked her,” recalled Hull. “When I

became president, I asked Pat to be my assistant, with one caveat: I wanted her always to tell me what I needed to hear, not what she thought I wanted to hear.

“During our 15 years of working together, Pat never disappointed me and always spoke ‘truth to power.’

“I miss Pat, but I take solace in knowing she made a major difference in the lives of her family and mine and in the life of Union College,” Hull said.

Hull said the two remained close friends after they both retired, and stayed in touch through monthly phone calls after she moved to be with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in South Carolina.

Born and raised in New York City, she lived in New Haven, Conn.; Williamsport, Pa.; and Wilkes-Barre, Pa., before coming to Schenectady.

She loved reading, her Yankees, Giants and Rangers, playing bridge and above all, spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her family, most recently to Scotland and the mountains of North Carolina.

Survivors include her son, Eric Tappa; daughter-in-law, Kim; and grandchildren, Lucas and Naia. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles (Charlie).

Memorial contributions may be made to the Patricia Colgan Memorial Endowed Book Fund in care of College Relations, Union College, 807 Union Street, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308.

Gordon E. Howe ’68, of Clifton Park, N.Y., who attended Hudson Valley Community College and Union College, Jan. 11, 2023. He began working as an engineer for the NYS Health Department Air Pollution Control Division, which later became part of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, from which he retired. He was 80.

Joseph Perretta ’68, of San Antonio, Texas, who graduated from Cornell University Law School, May 8, 2022. He was an attorney with the State of New York in Albany and retired in 2002 as an assistant attorney general. Joe later worked in the legal department of the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio. He was 75.

Dr. Robert M. Kisabeth Jr. ’68, of Knoxville, Tenn., who was an Eagle Scout and graduate of the medical school at the University of Tennessee, Feb. 19, 2023. He was director of Duckworth Pathology Group and founded MedExpress before becoming medical director of Mayo Medical Laboratories. He was 76.

Robert Sheil ’69, of Hyannis, Mass., who graduated from Vermont Law School, Nov. 28, 2022. He spent 28 years as a supervising attorney in the Office of the Juvenile Defender in Vermont’s public defender system. Honored by the Vermont legislature in 2016 for his exemplary public service, he served on the boards of several nonprofits. He was 73.

Dr. Leonard M. Kagan ’69, of New York, N.Y., died Dec. 12, 2022.

1970s

Richard M. DuPerre G’72, of Portland, Maine, who held a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and spent his career as a mechanical engineer with General Electric, Dec. 12, 2022. He loved golfing, his vegetables gardens, and practicing and teaching karate. A communicant of the Catholic Church, he was 89.

Thomas J. Hadjis G’72, of Lake Placid and Delmar, N.Y., who owned Tommy’s Coffee

Shop and graduated from New York University, Albany Law School and Union College, March 5, 2023. He served in the U.S. Navy, was assistant district attorney of Essex County, and had a private law practice. He was 84.

Joseph DiPietro ’73, of Rotterdam, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Army and retired from GE as an electrical engineer, Dec. 2, 2022. Active in his community, he volunteered at the Schenectady Museum and was a member of many organizations. Also a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mr. Carmel Church, he was 92.

William H. Clark III G’73, of Delmar, N.Y., who held a bachelor’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a master’s from Union College, Jan. 27, 2023. Bill, who loved to tell jokes, spent many years with the NYS DOT before retiring from the NYS Thruway Authority. He was 80.

Dr. Susan L. Rattner ’74, of Media, Penn., who attended Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and held an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania, Dec. 22, 2022. During her career, she practiced internal medicine, was assistant dean for student affairs at Hahnemann University and vice dean for academic affairs at Jefferson Medical College. She was 70.

Caren (Fox) Linden ’74, of Niantic, Conn. who was a super mom, super grandma, super wife and super friend, Dec. 25, 2022. Caren sat on multiple non-profit boards, including Temple Emanu-El’s Temple Board and Sisterhood, the Jewish Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, the East Lyme Puppetry Project and the East Lyme Library Foundation. Along with being the treasurer for most of them, she was also an accomplished pastels artist. Caren was 70.

Artur H. Fickenwirth G’74 died Jan. 12, 2023. He was 89.

Bruce R. Weber ’75, of Mansfield, Texas, and formerly of Vestal, N.Y., who attended St. Jude’s Catholic Church and loved to

golf and watch football and baseball, Nov. 25, 2022. Bruce, who also loved to study military history, was 69.

Gary M. Lovett ’75, of Clinton Corners, N.Y., who held a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College, Dec. 17, 2022. A forest ecologist and senior scientist emeritus at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., where for worked for 35 years, Gary was an active leader and collaborator in many communities and initiatives. He was 69.

Robert D. Carlson ’76, of Troy, N.Y., who was former mayor of Watervliet and a licensed NYS professional engineer who spent 36 years with NYSDOT, Feb. 13, 2023. The longest-serving democratic committeeman in Watervliet at more than 50 years, Bob was 83.

Paul M. Corwin ’76, of New York, N.Y., who graduated from NYU Law School, March 15, 2023. He worked with two law firms before co-founding an independent practice, Goldberg Corwin LLP. Paul, who held communal leadership roles in several organizations, including Park Avenue Synagogue and UJA Federation of New York, was 68.

Richard Debertolis ’77, of Altamont, N.Y., who spent 40 years with General Electric and retired as manager of controls engineering of the large steam turbine generator, Jan. 9, 2023. Rick served in the NYS Air National Guard and was a member of several organizations, including the ELFUN Society and the Church of St. Adalbert. He was 74.

Julie Epstein ’77, of Boca Raton, Fla., who joined the National United Jewish Appeal before pursuing a real estate career and becoming a principal in government bond brokerage, Jan. 13, 2023. A generous person, she was dedicated to religious freedom, racial justice, gun control, reproductive rights and ending hunger. She was 67.

John V. Berdy ’77, of Albany, N.Y., who held an M.A. from Vermont College of Norwich University, Jan. 10, 2023. Executive director of the Haven Grief Counseling

HILARY TANN

Hilary Tann is being remembered as an engaging and devoted teacher, mentor and colleague who chaired the Music Department for 15 years.

She was also internationally known as a prolific composer whose work evoked a range of natural settings that she loved to visit, from the quiet reverie of the Adirondack forest to the lush valleys of her native Wales. Her work was also heavily influenced by music from Japan.

She died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at the age of 75.

She joined the College in 1980 and retired in 2019 as the John Howard Payne Professor of Music Emerita.

“Hilary retired from the Music Department in 2019, but her presence is still felt in our halls every day,” said Jennifer Matsue, professor of music and department chair. “She tirelessly advocated for the construction of Taylor Music Center, spearheading the establishment of the College's first facility dedicated to musical studies.”

Taylor is a 14,000 square-foot all-Steinway facility that includes the renovated 1814 North Colonnade and a 120-seat recital hall, Emerson Auditorium. The project was completed in 2006.

Matsue continued, “She was passionate about her own musical life as a composer and cultivating the artistic possibilities in all her colleagues and students, inspiring alumni to establish the Wilson-Tann student

lesson scholarship in her honor. She was a big presence and personality who impacted us all and will be terribly missed.”

She taught courses in music theory and composition, and was the founder of the Union College Orchestra.

She was the invited guest composer-in-residence for the 2011 Women in Music Festival at the Eastman School of Music, where her commissioned work, "Exultet Terra," had its world premiere. She also served as composer-in-residence at the 2013 Women Composers Festival of Hartford.

Tann recently announced the release of three new CDs. On March 5, RiverArts in Hastings on Hudson is to

present her work, “Nothing Forgotten.”

Her compositions were regularly performed internationally by a number of ensembles. Tann regularly arranged with a local ensemble, Musicians of Ma'alwyck, to record and perform works by her composition students.

Her honors included selection of her piano composition, "Light from the Cliffs," as a repertoire choice in the 2012 William Kappell International Piano Competition and Festival. She received grants from ASCAP Standard Awards, Meet the Composer, NEA, NYSCA, Welsh Arts Council, VW Trust, Holst Foundation, American Composers Forum and the Hanson Institute for American Music Awards.

An accomplished composer of haiku, Tann organized the College’s hosting of the 2015 Haiku North America, the largest and oldest gathering of haiku poets. More than 100 haiku aficionados from all over the world, including India, Japan and Australia, gathered on campus for a few days of poetry, autumn beauty and artistic camaraderie. The event got a shout-out from Peter King, then Sports Illustrated’s pro football columnist. King typically ended each weekly column with a haiku.

ReUnion 2019 featured a farewell concert for Tann. The Casals Trio performed her works and selected compositions of Bach, Elgar and Debussy. Tann hosted the concert and narrated “Seven Poems of Stillness” for cello.

In 2020, Kurt Glacy ’90 established

the Hugh Allen Wilson & Hilary Tann Annual Music Fund, which provides four to five students per year with scholarships to cover their instrumental or voice lessons.

Glacy, who has worked as a professional musician, business owner and business consultant, said he owes much of his career and life trajectory with music to Tann. “I took four courses with Hilary, basically everything she taught,” Glacy said in an earlier interview. “I often recall her Welsh chuckle, her German Shepherd, Georgia, who slept beneath the grand piano in her office and how she called me ‘Court’ (not Kurt)."

Born in Llwynypia, Glamorgan (Wales), she earned her bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Wales, and her M.F.A. and Ph.D. from Princeton University.

In a 1986 profile of Tann in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Lawrence Biemiller wrote, “In an age when many take music for granted— half-ignoring Mozart in the car, Prokofiev in the kitchen—Hilary Tann sets her students an example that, in breadth and enthusiasm, makes a strong case for treating music with respect.”

Tann lived with her husband, David Bullard, in the historic Marshall House in Schuylerville. The couple often hosted tours and programs in their home, which dates to the Revolutionary War, when it served as a refuge for wounded British troops.

Center in Schenectady, he and his wife later ran private practices in Ashville, N.C., and Twin Cities, Min. He was 72.

James McDonald G’78, of Newburgh, N.Y., who held a master’s degree from Marist College and spent 32 years with IBM, Dec. 6, 2022. A life member of Dan Leghorn Fire Department, he drove for West Point Tours in retirement. He was 80.

Charlton Barrett G’78 died Dec. 12, 2022.

Gail V. Chatman ’79, of Schenectady, N.Y., who worked for Head Start and Albany County before joining the New York State Assembly, Dec. 27, 2022. Later, she worked as a child protective specialist within the NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. An avid gardener, she was 67.

Dr. Earl W. Chilton II ’79 died July 19, 2022.

Dominick A. Mancini ’79, of Irondequoit, N.Y., who held a master’s degree from RIT and spent 21 years with Eastman Kodak, Feb. 8, 2023. He later joined Postler & Jaeckle as COO, retiring in 2019. An avid New York Giants and Mets fan, Dom loved to travel. He was 66.

1980s

Andrew D. Gagliardi Jr. ’80, of Mechanicville and formerly of Clifton Park, N.Y., who worked for General Electric and spent 37 years in the field of engineering, Dec. 22, 2022. A model train enthusiast and lover of fast cars, Andy was a former volunteer fireman with Mechanicville’s Nielson Hose Co. #4. He was 71.

Ellen G. Cobleigh ’81 , of Sachse, Texas, who held a master’s degree from Fordham University, Jan. 24, 2023. She worked in education and Internal Revenue Service collections, and was a health and safety officer for Paragon Services and wine consultant at Goody Goody. A champion of liberal causes, she was 63.

Charlotte Montillo G’84, of Newton, Mass., who graduated from Regis College and held master’s degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Union College, Dec. 23, 2022. First a chemist at IBM, she later spent many years working as a computer programmer with the company. She was 80.

1990s

Peter M. Empie ’93, of Schenectady, N.Y., who studied at Hudson Valley Community College prior to Union, Feb. 14, 2023. An engineer at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for more than 35 years, he was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace (Rotterdam). He was 78.

Patrick S. McQueeney ’90, of Wilton, N.Y., who worked for FE Fanuc before enrolling in Schenectady Community College’s culinary program and becoming a chef, Dec. 8, 2022. An executive chef for many years, during his time with Chez Sophie, the restaurant was honored frequently. He was 55.

William S. Clark Jr. ’99, of Maricopa, Ariz., who worked for Verizon Wireless for 21 years, Dec. 1, 2022. He loved spending time with his wife and son, and was passionate about food, superhero movies, football and baseball. He was 45.

2000s

Michael M. Hamelink ’04, of Glenville, N.Y., who held two associates degrees from Schenectady County Community College, March 16, 2023. He worked in the NYS Office of Information Technology Services for the last 18 years, most recently as I.T. supervisor. Mike, who loved nature and received the Employee of the Year Award for Creativity and Innovation, was 44.

Friends of Union College

Loretto T. Early, of Schenectady, N.Y., who graduated from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Dec. 3, 2022. She was an assistant librarian at Union College for 30 years. She was 81.

Frankie L. McLaurin Jr., of Schenectady, N.Y., who was an electrician with Union College and GE, Dec. 17, 2022. Frankie, who learned the trade from his father, loved music, fishing and most of all, riding his motorcycle, was 59.

Mary Grace Savona, of Schenectady, N.Y., who worked at General Electric and Union College, Dec. 18, 2022. A talented seamstress, her most important role was being a mother and a nonnie. She was 76.

Faith E. Keller, of Amsterdam, N.Y., who retired in 1989 as assistant director of Schaffer Library, March 18, 2023. She was a member of Woestina Reformed Church and a number of other organizations, including Norge Star and Women’s Guild for Christian Service. She was 95.

RANDY WYATT

Randy Wyatt, associate professor and chair of theater and dance, is being remembered as a prolific playwright and director, a welcoming mentor and an advocate for theater for social change.

Wyatt, who served as artistic director of Yulman Theater, passed away May 10, 2023 after a long illness. He was 51.

Wyatt joined the College in 2019 after having served for 12 years as director of the theater program at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich. At Aquinas, he launched a major in theater for social change and developed programming with partner organizations that intersected with African-American, Latinx and LGBT+ communities. He also directed dozens of productions for theaters in the region.

“To all of us at Union, he was a role model for generosity, kindness, equanimity, and belief in the power of doing good in the world and in the vitality of theatre,” said Dan Venning, assistant professor of theater and dance. “Randy was a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA2S+ students at Union and made the Theater and Dance department a home for so many marginalized young people,” Venning added.

Wyatt taught classes in directing, playwriting and devising. He brought a number of artists to Union to work with students. Many of those artists had been mentored by Wyatt.

In his brief tenure at Union, he directed a number of productions including “The Sex Habits of American Women” and “Act a Lady.” During the pandemic, he developed an on-line reading of his new play, “Anne of Green Gables Murders Everyone,” and staged a pandemic performance of Euripides’ “The Trojan Women” in Jackson’s Garden with actors in masks.

A full list of Wyatt’s works as director and playwright appears on his website, randywyattportfolio.com.

A native of Marshfield, Mass., he earned a B.A. in English and speech from Cornerstone University, and an M.F.A. in directing from Minnesota State University–Mankato.

Survivors include two siblings, Michelle Thuma and Paul Wyatt; and his parents, Robert Wyatt and Corinne DeGraff. He was predeceased by a brother, Mitchell.

THE UNION COLOR CODE

Using the clues provided below, complete the Union themed color-coded puzzle.

Each of the colors represents a two-letter sequence. (Black boxes represent spaces.) Once you have completed an answer using the clues below, fill in all the other boxes of the corresponding color with the same letter sequence to help you find the remaining answers. Can you fill in all the answers?

1. Unrestricted fund that supports all student activities outside the classroom

2. Leadership giving society named for oldest campus structure

3. A popular major recently returned our academic offerings

4. Greek goddess, student housing

5. Recently completed campaign that raised over $300 million for Union

6. A donation made in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments

7. 1973 film shot at Union

8. Apps like PayPal, Venmo and Apple Pay that make supporting Union even easier

9. Graduate who gives back their time to support the College

10. Discretionary fund that supports all aspects of campus life

1.

2.

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3. CLUES

Student Experiences Fund;

Terrace Council;

Civil Engineering; 4. Minerva; 5. Powering Union; 6. Recurring; 7. The Way We Were; 8. Digital Wallets; 9. Alumni Volunteer; 10. Union Fund

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In May, Burk Ketcham ’48 received the Class of 1943 ReUnion Award for best overall ReUnion effort. The news brought down the house in Memorial Chapel, as fellow alumni, students and friends gave Ketcham a well-deserved standing ovation. Read more about ReUnion inside.