Fall University Semester, of 2003 Rochester

hronicleInside History Afloat This Issue Amistad, the Freedom Jack Collins gally purchasing captives from Africa Student Editor in , its Cuban owners used its inner hull to hold the captives while On September 13, 2003, a group of it sailed to another location at the far students and faculty left the University eastern underbelly of . of Rochester campus to board a ship But six weeks prior to La Amistad’s docked at the harbor inlet of Buf- seizure by the U.S. Coast Guard, the falo, NY. This ship, named Amistad: captive Africans aboard escaped Freedom Schooner, despite minor confinement from the inner hull, near modern adaptations, is the historical Cuba, seized control of the men who replica of the Spanish schooner La enslaved them, and attempted to sail Amistad which was captured near the back to the northwestern coast of Cover Story shores of , NY in 1840. Africa. But at night while the Africans Amistad: Freedom Schooner

Events Congress on Campus...... 3 Meliora Weekend...... 6-7

Programs Creation of the Chronicle...9 Engineering Prep...... 10

Students Academic Achievement....4 Kudos Korner...... 11 All who visited it were able to be on slept, the Cuban overseers, who still board with the weight of this momen- controlled the helm, navigated their A Look Back tous story in a shared American and way up the American coast where First Minority Faculty...... 4 African history. slavery was still a legal practice. Upon Running ten feet longer than the their recovery in American waters, the Alumna Megan Sesma...... 5 original to incorporate a modern die- two slaveholders were set free with sel engine, the deck area was surpris- possession of La Amistad, while those ingly small, roughly equal to the length who had recently fought so gallantly of a large school bus. From its narrow for their freedom were placed back in dark navy hull and the side placard shackles. rimmed in gold that reads Amistad, That history was popularized in this ship proudly dedicate its voy- 1998 by the film “Amistad” by Steven ages to the honor and the memory of Spielberg and many who came to all those denied their freedom in her visit the ship docked in Buffalo had keep. previously seen it. But they were still The Spanish-inspired ship was interested in gaining more insight originally designed as a short distance into the story beyond the scope of cargo-carrying vessel. But after ille- see Amistad, page 8 l Norman B. Burnett, Asst. Dean I am pleased to welcome you ing student developmental services are available through back for your fall semester. I OMSA: leadership training, educational workshops and am also delighted to share with symposia, scholarship and internship referral resource, you some important informa- tutorial assistance, academic advising and counseling sup- tion about the Office of Minority port, and study skills referral and support. Student Affairs (OMSA) and our More specifically, we have been engaged with many current mission. First, under the members of the college community in promoting diversity OMSA umbrella, we aim to create as an important educational value. We help to create an a warm and nurturing environ- environment that embraces and appreciates diversity as ment for all the students we serve a means to creating a truly inclusive community. In fact, and provide them with a comprehensive array of sup- OMSA is actively involved in the identification of diversity port services and activities designed to augment both speakers, the planning of community dialogues, the train- their academic and social interests at UR. Secondly, ing programs for students, as well as serving as a clearing- OMSA helps facilitate opportunities for students of house for diversity resource materials. color in their quest to connect and engage with the In one of our more recent achievements this fall, with diverse and wide array of resources available to all collaborative support from the Student Activities Office Director’s Korner Director’s members of the educational community. and Residential Life, we began a pilot program called the It is our ultimate desire to create a lasting impact on all “Emerging Leaders Program.” The ELP is designed to those who come to this university. We promote educa- increase the effectiveness of minority student leaders and tion of others not just by sponsoring services, but also organizations on campus, and to prepare them for leader- by encouraging our students to involve themselves in ship in the twenty-first century. We are particularly excited the greater community. In turn, we enjoy watching those about this program as it is tailored to the specific issues students come into their own through their proven accom- confronting minority student leaders. It is our strong desire plishments. We could not be more proud of our students that participation in this program will impact personal and our work. We are well on our way towards creating development, leadership style, networking opportunities a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive learning and living with other emerging leaders, awareness of the full range of environment through the work of our office and the work college and university resources, development of life-long of the student community. Based on our experience and transferable skills, career development, and encourage collective knowledge of retention-based strategies nation- the confidence of each student to become more active in wide, we know that this is the right formula for retaining campus-wide leadership opportunities. students, as well as assisting them reach their full aca- Getting involved in organizations and giving back demic potential. through activities is important not only for mere comfort Please know that OMSA is committed to providing sake, but also in your efforts to explore career options and these support services as a means of ensuring that stu- making future plans. Also, with so much prestige, students dents achieve their academic, personal, and career goals can be proud to support activities of the College Diversity at the University of Rochester. Specifically, the follow- see Dean, page 4 OMSA/HEOP Staff OMSA Chronicle Staff Phone: 585-275-0651 Fax: 585-473-6494 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.rochester.edu/College/OMSA Editor-in-Chief Director: OMSA/HEOP Ben Ojala, ‘95, ‘98 Yvonne Bilinski Norman Burnett [email protected] [email protected] Office Support: Student Editors Assistant Director: HEOP Linda Colburn Jack Collins ‘04 Yvonne Bilinski [email protected] Jessica Stoll ‘06 [email protected] Karen Horton Counselors: [email protected] Gladys Pedraza-Burgos Student Office Asst.: [email protected] Jorge Quiroz, ‘04 Thomas Crews Julia Elder, ‘04 [email protected]

2 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 3 Congress on Campus Jessica Stoll group of African American by Professors Gerald Student Editor representatives. They were Gamm and Valeria elected to the US House in Sinclair-Chapman “Thirty years ago, there the late nineteen-sixties and presented at the stu- were nine African American early seventies, and both dent panel on topics members of the U.S. House have since died. ranging from Fenno’s of Representatives. Today, Fattah and Tubbs-Jones research methods there are four times that are currently serving in the to the motivations of number. And therein lies a House. Originally, both were each of the profiled story of political accom- to come to a lunch with pro- representatives. plishment in America.” Fenno So begins Professor called Richard Fenno’s latest Fattah a book, Going Home: “policy- Black Representatives intensive” and Their Constitu- representa- ents. Professor Fenno, tive. His who this year retired driving after a long tenure goal has in the Department been to get Going Home, Professor Fenno’s of Political Science, legislation latest book on congressional held a discussion and passed. representation, was discussed student panel on his The issue by Fenno, Fattah, and students new book this Meliora he has during Meliora Weekend, 2003 Weekend. spent much Fenno’s book dis- of his career African American involve- cusses the careers of working on is ment in politics, but are also four African American education. His biggest more than symbols—they representatives: Louis accomplishment in are politicians in their own Stokes of Ohio, Barbara fessors and students, then this area is GEAR UP (Gain- right who are always work- Jordan of Texas, Chaka a discussion of the book, ing Early Awareness and ing to better their con- Fattah of Pennsylvania, and Tubbs-Jones would go Readiness for Undergradu- stituencies and the entire and Stephanie Tubbs- to the student panel. Un- ate Programs), which tries country. l Jones of Ohio. Stokes and fortunately, Tubbs-Jones’s to “increase the access to Jordan were part of what husband died suddenly in higher education for very- Fenno termed the “Pioneer the week before the event, low-income children for Cohort,” that is, an early so she was absent. whom the opportunity to Since his attend college is not even wife had on the table (Fenno 156).” recently given He is currently work- birth, Fattah’s ing on legislation to target attendance was children even earlier and to also in doubt, let them know they can go but arrange- to college—and the govern- ments were ment will be there to help finally made so them. that he could Fenno’s book draws attend the dis- attention to the changes in cussion, though African American represen- not the lunch or tation since the Civil Rights the panel. movement. Fattah and Congressman Chaka Fattah, Eight stu- Tubbs-Jones, as Stokes Pennsylvania, spoke on the dents from Congressman Chaka Fattah, left, and and Jordan before them, need for available education classes taught Professor Emeritus Richard Fenno are symbols of the rise in at Meliora Weekend 2003

Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 3 Academic Achievement Dean: Raquel Antonious Crystal Cusimano Marcia Bailey F’Tyna Dearring Spring 2003 Getting Zakia Barnes Vicente Ditto Deborah Marilyn Lopez Stephan Krystle Dixon Grodzicki Eren Magri Barrientos Ling Dong involved, Antonio Haynes Kofi Mensah John Hernandez Vyna Nguyen CONGRATULATIONS Telva Hernandez Luiz Ortiz giving back to our students who Cory Hunter Opemipo- maintained a GPA of 3.4 or Zipporah- Osonde Osoba continued from page 2 higher! Lakshmi Inniss Arlene Peralta Roundtable, Frederick Douglass Insti- Puiny Joa Joshua Pollard tute for African and African American Tamara Jones Cecilia Ponce Studies, McNair Program, and Ke- Jordan Bell Carl Du Pont Lidza Kalifa Laura Porterfield arns Center. You will find being a role Danielle Beyer Kenessa Edwards Stephen Kleene Cecilia Ramos model in these arenas to be an invalu- Denise Brown Sasha Eloi Ashley Latimer Hisham Rifaey able experience. After all, it is a wise Christopher Calo Fabiana Ferracina Meliza Del Juan Rodriguez investment to talk and interact with Tara Carrozza Stephanie Carmen Lemus Andrew Patrick others about your academic interests, Charlesa Ceres Fitzpatrick Carmen Lewis Ross your projects, and your future plans. I Vanessa Charles Jhovanny Daniel Lioy Valerie Rozak hope you will begin (if you have not al- Dan Xia Chen Germosen Avril Little Colin Ryan ready) to make connections with your Yude Chen Jeremy Goico Rong Liu Craig Searle classmates and expand your network Edgar Cuji Zalika Green Maritza St. Vil here. Jessica Stanton With all this in mind, I hope you Julie Stenger know that each of you impacts this Apryl Steverson university community around us. In Charles Stumpf your day-to-day progressions on Marisol Taub the prestigious path of education, Nichlas Taylor reiterate to yourself the words of the Nina Thomas Reverend Jesse Jackson when he Richard Tipton said, “leaders change things.” Don’t Ivan Trevino hesitate to discuss, exchange ideas, Sandra Vanegas and stimulate education in the peers Courtney Vargas around you. You are all the future Tatiana Vargas leaders of your communities, so stand Kyle Vaughn up and be heard as you take your Lin Zheng place in the world. Meliora! l

Hey did you know... info courtesy of Nancy Martin, University Archivist

who the first minority faculty member was?

Professor Jose I. Nieves taught tation is entitled “La Novela en Puerto of the Hispanic Society of America in here for only one year—1945-1946. Rico,” but it was not yet completed 1944 by the American Association of He was a Spanish instructor. He was when he was at UR. Nieves was a Teachers of Spanish (New York Chap- born in Manate, Puerto Rico on No- member of the American Association ter) for research. He died in August, vember 11, 1917. He graduated from of Teachers of Spanish, the Sociedad 1975. At that time, Professor Nieves the University of Puerto Rico in 1940. Geografica de La Paz, Bolivia, and the was a member of the Department of From there he went to Columbia Uni- Hispanic Institute in the . Foreign Languages of the versity for graduate work. His disser- Nieves received the Huntington Medal Center of Long Island University. l 4 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 5 My Hands Were Singing Megan Sesma career, but also to the ability the benefits of an improved they were unrelated to my UR Alumna to help others through my integration. Among other goals for the future. Parallel career. goals, I encouraged better to that to this point, I shied Before I came to UR, I Coming into Rochester communication and in- away from the harp on oc- volunteered a few of my I was very focused and creased activities between casion because I was afraid summers in Iowa, detas- determined, I had already the two schools. I would not be able to make seling corn in the fields as decided on an academic I spent my free time at an impact on people. So many immigrant youths path. I chose to pursue UR supporting the Interfaith harp music became just a from around the country do a five-year dual program Chapel as a chaplain’s as- secondary concentration of for a living. It was a hum- at UR and the Eastman sistant and as an assistant my academic pursuits. But bling experience for me. I School of Music concen- wedding coordinator. The after two summers work- saw first hand the difficult trating on economics and chapel was a second home ing without it, I knew it was lifestyle of a migrant worker, harp performance. The pro- for me and opened my eyes my true calling, specifically moving each season in gram allowed me to explore to the importance of each musical harp performance. search for work that only the two disciplines to the religion though contact with Performing is intense, minimally compensates best of my ability until I was URCF, Hillel, PCC, Muslim, difficult, and challenging. their toils. Due to their certain which career path I and Newman communities. Each performance is a new societal-imposed Mentors such experience. It involves all poverty, many as Rev. Greg aspects of your body: the of them are not Osterberg physical, the mental, and given the op- taught me how the emotional. To give a portunity of even my musician- good performance, one minimal educa- ship with the must be confident both in tion. harp could be skills and in presentation. After my fam- of service to But even when I knew my ily moved away others. I in turn junior year I could attain my to Las Vegas, contributed heart’s desire as a profes- Nevada, I didn’t many harp sional harpist, I believed have the chance performances I was not entirely ready. to help them on the wings Hence, again, I seized every any further. But of charitable experience, every oppor- born from those functions such tunity to improve my own experiences was as the Roch- musicianship. my passion to ester AIDS I spent a portion of make the most Foundation. summer 2000 in Mexico of my educa- Using UR’s City with my family, and tional resources. resources, I attended the fourth Latin I used school as found summer American Harp Encounter. a jumping board internships at While there, I visited the and seized every the Nevada Conservatorio Nacional opportunity avail- Test Site in Las de Musical, and had the able to push my- Vegas, NV, on unexpected opportunity to self to succeed. Capital Hill in spend time with a professor Concordantly, , of harp, Mercedes Gomez, as more sum- DC, and at and her students. It takes mers passed, my Xerox. After my a lot of determination and dreams of higher would choose. final internship, love of music for the stu- education became stronger During this time I also I realized my interests were dents at CNM to advance and more realistic. Given served on the Presiden- narrowing and becoming in their studies given that my experiences in Iowa, I tial Cabinet. As a student more specific. Although I only three in 10 students felt the need to achieve cer- of both UR and ESM, I gained invaluable experi- have harps at home. The tain goals that would lead strongly felt that students at ence through my work in other students awake at not only to a successful those summers, I realized both campuses would reap see Music, page 9

4 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 5 there were few if any faculty to model herself after. The truth is, there are dra- matically fewer minorities Meliora Weekend represented in the scientific fields of study across the Jack Collins and laughter from old “when you come from a country. That gap will con- Student Editor friends reuniting. Alumni place like I have come tinue to grow as the Ameri- spreading from the mid- from, you don’t expect to can middle class continues Multicultural Luncheon 60’s to the late 90’s were do much else with your to shrink. Tucked into the ar- well represented around life. You don’t think you Hrabowski did not ask ray of events this Meliora the spacious and elegantly can.” Despite the harrowing that every child around the Weekend was the first an- decorated room. Those obstacles she faced country be a spokesperson nual Multicultural Luncheon who attended were not growing up, for other minority students hosted by the Office of only given a well-pre- she will to follow. Rather, he urged Minority Student Affairs. pared meal and an graduate them to greatly desire to Originally intended to help opportunity to sit with this year become the very best of gather together OMSA legendary dance the best, to greatly over- alumni who have since choreographer come what is expected graduated, it served the Garth Fagan, but of them. greater purpose of creat- were also fortu- “In order to suc- ing a collective voice for nate enough to ceed, one needs to these former students in be graced with believe in one’s self, front of President Jackson, the invigorat- regardless of race,” he Dean Green, and many ing and mind- said. trustees who were present ful words of the He reminded for this momentous occa- keynote speaker of students that yes, it is sion. Highlighted by the the day, Dr. Free- easy to feel ‘just aver- remarks of alumnus Francis man A. Hrabowski age’ in an institution of Price (68’) who urged UR to III, current president higher learning like this continue to pursue the solid of the University of one when surrounded establishment of minority Maryland in Balti- by such successful and alumni affairs, the gathering more County. intelligent peers, but proved to be a consider- able stepping-stone in the pursuit of that goal. The event began at mid- Multicultural Luncheon and day with open embraces Noted as one of the from Hrabowski’s university despite that feeling they country’s leading educa- with a 3.9 GPA in Computer are still the top one per- tors, Hrabowski began his Science. cent of minority students talk with a moving state- The purpose of this in this country receiving ment from a young African story was not to dishearten such a rare educational American student from the audience but rather to opportunity. But educa- Michigan who he’d inter- stress the importance of tion requires more than just viewed two years earlier. both the higher She was raised in a drug in- education of minor- habited, impoverished black ity children and the neighborhood with crime on increasing need for October 10 every corner, the antithesis educated minor- of a prosperous community. ity role models in When finally she was on the our nation’s top scholarly eager students — it needs verge of graduating high institutions. This student active educators to encour- school, she was shocked at pursued a Computer Sci- age those students. So on how much she had accom- ence degree in a field with a the other side of the coin, plished. few other African American he asked that the new task “You see,” she said, students in her class, but of professors not just be to JR Carter, Jessy Sepulveda dictate knowledge to their 6 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 7 students in front of a large He was ie namely room, but to truly make honored because an effort to reach out and to be Hijuelos’ educate others with more included clarity in individual attention. 2003 writing and in their As classrooms continue collec- vivid stories tive efforts to transfer so establish tradition easily to the big screen. for generations The novel concerned the that have not yet lives of two brothers, Ce- sar and Nestor Castillo, come. l Oscar Hijuelos who move from Havana to New York at the begin- Oscar Hijuelos chismo. Exhilarating, ning of the 1950s. The two On October exuberant and passion- men form an orchestra, 10th as part of rocked,” praised the New write the music that brings the Neilly Series, York Times. But the greater them the title of Mambo visiting Pulitzer importance of the novel for Kings, and appear with Desi Prize-winning Hijuelos didn’t concern his Arnaz on the hugely suc- author Oscar own growing popularity. Hijuelos delighted members of the audience with a detailed and Author Oscar Hi- poetic journey through his cessful “I Love Lucy” televi- Rather, he was proud that creative writing sion show. it brought to life the sights process which It was a tremendous suc- and sounds of an era in mu- he called “From cess for Hispanic American sic and an unsung moment Anecdote to Raul Rodrigues-Hernandez novelists as he was in American life. Student Speculation: The the first to win the listener Jessy Sepulveda small and large to grow around the country, Pulitzer Prize for ‘04 also felt that the over- details of life that inspire teachers and professors Fiction. “The novel looked value of his award one’s fiction.” It is not ev- should make the effort to is a propulsive bal- was that it brought eryday one gets to explore place themselves in the lad of Cuban- further awareness someone else’s stream of shoes of their students American to other great thoughts, but Hijuelos did — to help them discover fraternal Hispanic figures just that for his listeners by what makes each individual ma- both around reading aloud memoirs from special. If this is done, each the nation and his childhood and youth. student will come to genu- to the Hispanic Although enjoyable enough inely enjoy education and community in its own right, the will choose to pursue it on itself. purpose of his talk was an individual basis. “It was to secure a greater ap- “After all,” he said, “the inspiring for preciation for the vivid purpose of educating one- him to come to yet overlooked details self is not solely to make campus because that surround our money — it is to leave a we have a minor- lives — that perhaps path for others to follow.” ity population that we don’t look often In his closing remarks, needs to learn enough for the easily Hrabowski left the audience about its culture,” uncovered particulars with much enthusiasm for she said. that give our lives such the future. He commended Thanks to reward. the efforts of the Alumni Hijuelos, many Hijuelos’ second Relation’s staff once again walked away with novel, Mambo Kings for taking the initiative to the near authentic Play Songs of Love, change UR’s long-standing sights, sounds, was an international tendency of “passive rec- and flavor of His- bestseller turned mov- ognition” of minority alumni. Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III panic culture. l 6 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 7 Amistad: From Fetters to Freedom continued from page 1 able eight- the fi lm. They got just that. foot mini- Somewhere in the midst of mum. The walking the small area of deck has the polished outer decks also been and silently descending outfi tted into the dark inner hull, one with two- becomes more and more foot high aware of just how severe side railings. the conditions were for the Despite captives. its modi- Of course the Freedom fi cations, Schooner has since been Amistad: modifi ed from the harsh Freedom construction of the original in order to be “sea legal,” Amistad provides felt had passed, the stu- dom Schooner is to learn or rather, so us with an Schooner dents and faculty were able about history’s injustices it follows all important still pro- to see the larger importance and teach it to others so the current vides us of promoting education. that human beings ought construction lesson in dignity with an im- “I hope that this tragedy not to repeat them, ever. l codes that and forgiveness. portant les- teach- are required son in both es the of it. To dignity and world achieve that, forgive- to be a fl at fl oor in ness. more the inner hull stands where “The lasting feeling was ac- there was none before, and relief, because the cap- cept- the ceilings were raised tives made it through their ing, from four feet to a comfort- struggle. But toler- ultimately ant, I hope that and other stu- less dents walked igno- away with rant,” a feeling of James dignity and said. pride for Per- where they haps came from, the never to most deny their impor- heritage,” tant sophomore lesson Jamella one James said. can So upon take seeing the with Amistad this them September, upon after the see- anger and ing the sadness all Free- Thomas Crews and Natalie Baptiste Norm Burnett on deck see Meliora Weekend, pages 6-7 8 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Offi ce of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Offi ce of Minority Student Affairs 9 Creation of the Chronicle Yvonne Bilinski Jessica Stoll comes with two years Chronicle Managing Editor of experience working for her high school paper where her work entailed How does the OMSA Chronicle assigning and editing stories, design- come into existence? Osmosis? ing layouts for the front page and con- Transference? Or just plain old hard tributing as a featured columnist. One work? You guessed it—plain old nice addition is that she has interned hard work on the part of two student on a state senate campaign where she editors and OMSA staff. This year designed letterhead, business cards OMSA is fortunate to have two superb and push cards for the campaign. students working on this fall issue Jessica is a native of Houston, TX. — Jack Collins ’04 and Jessica Stoll The OMSA Chronicle is known for ’06. Both students have extensive its excellence in terms of stories cov- journalism experience—reporting, ered, featured sections that include layout designing, writing. alumni, faculty, students, student Jack is an Economics major and programs and ways to acknowledge will be here next year as a Take Five the outstanding academic records of student. On campus he has been an OMSA, HEOP and ECO students. athlete—track, club volleyball, bas- So, if you should get a call or an ketball, and football to name a few. email asking for input to a story, As a musician, he’s played guitar and or asking if you will write some- issues of the Chronicle. If you have performed at the Campus Pub and thing—please give it all serious a story to tell or wish to contribute Coffee Shop. Jack served two years consideration. Without your input, we in any way—please let Jack, Jessica on the UR’s Student Senate as well would have a much smaller newslet- or Yvonne Bilinski know—all can be as on the Undergraduate Research ter. However, with so much going on reached through the OMSA office in Council and as Hall Council president, here at the University of Rochester Morey Hall. and now as an OMSA student editor. and with students, the real question Meanwhile, enjoy the Fall 2003 is- He is a native of Albuquerque, NM. is what to cover in the Fall and Spring sue of the Chronicle! l Music: From UR to the Coast Guard continued from page 5 ultimate step in this direction was to to improved health care and access to five in the morning and commute half become a member of an orchestra, so education. For many of these students an hour to rehearse before and after I began to audition. My first audition it was their first time hearing classical class. Their combined passion and was open to applicants from across music, let alone seeing a harp. It is at discipline gave me the inspiration to the country for a newly created harp moments like these where my play- be even more precise with my studies. position in the Coast Guard for the ing fills me with unspoken feelings of With that in place, it fell upon the fall of 2002. I won that audition and pride. My hands were singing. I had faculty at ESM to sharpen my talents accepted the position. I am currently accomplished my dream. for a career in music. Professor Kath- the first harpist of the US Coast Guard So after all that I have done, I must leen Bride taught me that musicians’ Band since its creation in 1925. say that my work, my activities, and talents lie in versatility. Through her As active-duty members of the my struggles to get where I am today mentorship I became a teaching as- United States Coast Guard, our were well worth it. There is no greater sistant for a harp studio (13 students) touring group has brought music to feeling than that of self-accomplish- and a harp teacher to UR harpists stages across the country. On Octo- ment. Whether it is through leader- (four students). This was the experi- ber 9th, 2003, I performed on stage in ship, teaching, or just plain rewarding ence where my view and goals as a Washington, DC as part of a confer- group activities, I encourage all of you musician felt complete. ence celebrating Latino civil rights to use your talents and the resources I went on from UR to receive a activist Bert Corona. It was a monu- available to you to the best of your full tuition scholarship as a graduate mental achievement as 150 migrant ability. Then hopefully one day you’ll assistant at the Thornton School of and immigrant youth from around the do the same for another person, add- Music at the University of Southern country joined ranks in front of gov- ing another link in the long and great California in Los Angeles, CA. The ernmental officials to ask for their right legacy before you. l

8 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 9 Lisa Norwood: From Start to Finish

Jack Collins Assistant Dean of Undergraduate of intimidation stepping into classes Student Editor Engineers where, as she describes, as the only minority in the room. So, her main job function is to be a part using her influence as the Assistant Lisa Norwood has been a mem- of student’s lives at UR from start to Dean of Undergraduate Engineering, ber of the UR community for over 20 finish. To be more specific, she works she encourages more diversity within years. Coming to UR as an under- with admissions on recruitment, as- the sciences. She dedicates much of graduate in 1982 from the Kingston, sists with freshmen orientation, serves her energy to organizations like the NY area, she distinguished herself as a faculty advisor, helps students National Society of Black Engineers in many ways. Aside from her study network, and aides in the university’s (NSBE) and programs much like the in Geo-Mechanics, Norwood served efforts to retain both minority and On Track To Engineering Prep Pro- as coordinator of the 1985 Fresh- female students. gram (OTEPP), which focus on the man Orientation Program, worked as When asked why she has been so mastery of critical mathematics skills a minority peer counselor, served as active in student’s lives both in and and the exposure to the educational captain of both the track and cross- out of UR, Nor- country teams, and was a member of wood says that her the Meridian Society. Norwood was dream is to replace characterized as a ‘doer’ not a ‘talker,’ herself by building and was cited for her energy, gregari- a legacy that will ousness, and organizational skills. In assist minority stu- reward for her excellence as a com- dents in their efforts munity member, Norwood was given to achieve higher the Fanny R. Bigelow Prize - one of positions within the university’s highest awards for stu- education. Indeed, dent service by women. she has already After graduating with a Geo-Me- provided so much chanics degree in 1986, Norwood for the students in worked briefly outside the university Rochester. Norwood for Procter and Gamble. She returned helped create the to work in the Office of Alumni Rela- Industry Practicum tions and Development while earning Program, developed a Masters in Higher Education Ad- a day-long program ministration from the Warner School for the Girl Scouts of Education. She has used that to in engineering and become Associate Director for the science, developed Center for Academic Support and engineering out- requirements for engineering careers reach programs for local high school so that participants can map out the OTEPP students meet on campus on students, wrote for grants to launch a courses needed to prepare their ca- Monday and Wednesdays, 3:30-6: new outreach program with the Baden reer choice. 00pm, in Wilson Commons 121 to St. Settlement for high school stu- Norwood’s accomplishments for hands-on science activities followed dents, served as president of the local our students – present and future by tutoring in some core academic Society of Women Engineers chapter, – and her personality have distin- subjects. OTEPP is always looking and is on the board of the Mary Ca- guished her to be a most important for opportunities to have UR engi- riola Children’s Center to name a just resource. For her tireless enthusiasm neering students interact with the a few. But after listing the multitude of and work above and beyond the call OTEPP students in the capacities her lifetime achievements, Norwood of the average educator, she was they can. If you or your organiza- still believes her greatest accomplish- awarded as the 2003 SEAS Outstand- tion would like to learn more about ments come from helping individual ing Staff Member. She is an invaluable becoming involved with this one-of- students succeed. and integral part of this university. a-kind program in Rochester, please Very few African American or She has helped establish a legacy for contact the program coordinator, Ms. female faculty members were at the all to marvel. Lastly, to speak directly Robyn Carter-McFadden, at robyn_ university while she pursued her at her goal of having another person [email protected], 279-0508, or Geo-Mechanics degree as an under- ‘replace’ herself, well frankly Lisa, that 275-3954. graduate. She remembers her feelings could never happen. l

10 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 11 Well

Congratulations Done! lKorner to six HEOP students KudosGood job Richard Tipton, who spent the who participated in the summer conducting research on the legal Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Pro- underpinnings of the University of Michigan gram’s 11th Annual Summer Research Conference Supreme Court affirmative action cases. He presented some of his findings on November 5 Dan Chen presented “Activity Level Measurements in Clinical Depression,” mentored by Krystel Huxlin. at UR.

Ling Dong presented “Efficient Modeling of a Knee Kudos Gladys Pedraza Burgos ‘04, who Joint from MRI,” mentored by Amy Lerner. received her Masters in Counseling from the Warner School this fall. LaShara Evans presented “Controversy and Confusion; Hans Selye’s Stress Model in Rela- Congrats tion to Disease: 1945-1975,” mentored by Ted Yvonne Bilinski Brown. Congrats! who will be moving to Rene Herbert presented “Who Uses the Ithaca, NY to Health Start Center and Why?” mentored by Ann Dozier. begin her new position as Associate Director of Student Services and Emily Medina presented “‘Are We Talking on the Same Operations in Level Here:’ Communication Between Physicians and the American Patients: A Biopsychosocial Approach,” mentored by Ted Indian Program Brown. at Cornell University. Olga Medina presented “Does the Need for Anti-Per- We’ll miss sonnel Landmines Make it Acceptable to Violate Human you! Rights?” mentored by James Johnson.

Bon voyage to four OMSA students are studying abroad this semester!

Francisco Echevarria is studying in Barcelona, Spain.

Nadia Rozet, Shantiqua Tabron and Stephanie Fitzpatrick are studying in London.

And welcome home to Cecilia Ponce, who studied abroad this past summer We Want YOU! with the Oaxaca Kudos! Program. to send us your kudos Bravo to Colin Won an award or scholarship? Going Ryan for receiving the Lyle “Spyke” Garnish scholarship for academics and athletics. somewhere? Published something? New project? Exciting summer plans? We Well done Kerryanne Robinson for spending this past want to hear about it! E-mail kudos to summer working on the government-sponsored RARE project, assessing HIV risk behavior in African-American [email protected] or drop them off in and Hispanic-American women. the OMSA office, 310 Morey Hall.

10 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 11 Minority Groups

Black Students’ Union (BSU) On Campus Aims to provide social, cultural, and educational terests of minority focused equality. [email protected] relevance to the needs of Greek organizations. President: Moises DeJe- black students at the uni- Chair: Alexis Leslie sus Sigma Beta Rho versity. [email protected] [email protected] Liaison: Ajay Kuriyan President: Joi Rhodes [email protected] [email protected] National Society of Black Spanish and Latino Stu- Engineers (NSBE) dents’ Association (SALSA) Sororities Charles Drew-Health Promotes the increase Helps create awareness Professionals Society in the number of culturally of Spanish, Latin American, Delta Sigma Theta Aims to heighten aware- responsible black engineers and Caribbean cultures. Liaison: Beverly Guity ness and understanding of who excel academically, President: Jhovanny [email protected] health-related fields, while succeed professionally, and Germosen focusing on increasing the positively impact the com- [email protected] Lambda Pi Chi participation of under-repre- munity. Liaison: Zuli Castillo sented minorities. President: Davinah Fraternities [email protected] Chair: Vishwala Kasbekar Walker [email protected] [email protected] Alpha Phi Alpha Omega Phi Beta Liaison: Richard Morrison Liaison: Frederique Minority Student Advi- Society of Hispanic Pro- [email protected] Thomas sory Board (MSAB) fessional Engineers (SHPE) [email protected] Chief Coordinator: Promotes the devel- Lambda Upsilon Lambda Joshua Pollard opment of hispanics in Liaison: Jonathan Malave Zeta Phi Beta [email protected] engineering, science, and [email protected] Liason: Alexis Leslie technical professions and [email protected] Multicultual Greek Coun- aims to achieve educa- Phi Iota Alpha cil (MGC) tional excellence, economic Liaison: Anthony Gon- Oversees the greater in- opportunity, and social zalez

University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs 310 Morey Hall, Box 270445 Rochester, NY 14627-0445

“As I look back now over my life I do not recall that I ever became discouraged over anything that I set out to accomplish. I have always begun everything with the idea that I could succeed, and I never had much patience with the multitudes of people who are always ready to explain why one cannot succeed.” —Booker T. Washington

12 Fall Semester 2003 University of Rochester Office of Minority Student Affairs