A Newsletter published by the Brooklyn College Alumni Association • Fall 2009 • Volume 11, No. 1 Telephone: 718.951.5065 • Fax: 718.951.5962 • E-mail: [email protected] • http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu

Message from the BCAA President

taught science at the Yeshivah of love promoting Brooklyn and its fabulous Flatbush from 2001 to 2009. history and diverse neighborhoods and, The religious and ethnic makeup of of course, Brooklyn College. the Borough of Brooklyn can easily be Now, seventy-nine years after the seen in the student body at Brooklyn Brooklyn branch of the City University College. Our diversity and how began, Brooklyn College is going strong everyone gets along was the subject of and getting stronger. Our alumni have a front page story in U.S.A. Today, on excelled in every kind of endeavor all August 15, 2007. The article began: over the country and the world. The “What is it about Coney Island Avenue? Brooklyn College Alumni Association is That’s what Brooklyn College sociologist dependent on its members. There has Jerry Krase wonders as he rides the never been a better time to become B68 bus along this five-mile commercial active and support the many activities strip, which is populated at various offered to Brooklyn College alumni. In a 1905–1906 publication of the stops by pockets of West Indians, I have been a member of the Brooklyn Brooklyn Teachers Association, a three- Latinos, Pakistanis, Indians, Orthodox College Alumni Association Board of page article gave the pros and cons on a Jews, Chinese, Russians, Israelis, and Directors since 1994. For the past two Brooklyn branch of the City University. Ukrainians. How do so many different years I was vice-president. Now, as Finally, in 1930, Brooklyn College was kinds of people live so closely yet president of the board, I look forward to established at 66 Court Street. The so peacefully?” This is what makes working with alumni as well as current Midwood/Flatbush campus opened in Brooklyn and the college so special. students, and, of course, with Brooklyn 1937. When we entered college, hopes College’s new president, Karen L. Gould. Comparatively speaking, it took and dreams for the future were in front me eight years to establish myself. of us. As alumni, the education we Sincerely, Attending BC mostly at night, I received received and continue to receive from Ron Schweiger, ’70 my B.A. in 1970. I went back to school Brooklyn College professors serves us and received a master of science degree well and is second to none. for elementary school teachers in 1975. I ­­am a lifelong Brooklyn resident and I taught science at P.S. 219, in East have, over the years, studied Brooklyn’s Flatbush for thirty-one years (1970– vast history. In 2002, Borough President 2001). I retired from the Marty Markowitz, ’70, appointed me the Board of Education in 2001 and then Official Brooklyn Borough Historian. I Brooklyn College Welcomes New President by Virginia M. Alonso-Rainsford The Alumni Association extends a warm welcome to the new president of Brooklyn College, Karen L. Gould, who comes to us from California State University, Long Beach, where she had been provost and senior vice-president for academic affairs since March 2007. Prior to that appointment, President Gould served as dean at the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007, and as dean at the College of Arts and Letters at Old Dominion University from 1996 to 2001. In addition, she has held tenured faculty positions and administrative appointments at Bowling Green State University, Virginia Polytechnic University, and Bucknell University. President Gould, who received a B.A. from Occidental College in 1970, a degree from the Sorbonne, and a Ph.D. in Romance languages from the University of Oregon in 1975, is an internationally known scholar in the field of French-Canadian literature. We know that our alumni—in New York City, across the country, and abroad—wish her a successful tenure as the college’s ninth president and as the first woman to hold this position. In the coming months, many of you will have the opportunity to meet President Gould at alumni events.

Prelaw Advisory Council Off to a Judicious Start The second meeting of the Brooklyn numbers of future lawyers and physicians. employed at key law schools. College Prelaw Advisory Council took Dean Donna Wilson presented the In recognition of their generous time place on June 8. The council is a key action items from the November 5, and support, the college would like to forum in which legal professionals meet 2008, inaugural meeting, which identified thank the following council members with faculty and administrators to review the need for a writing tutor, LSAT prep, who attended our inaugural and second the college’s prelaw offerings, and to and an increase in the number of BC council events: Professor Ashar Sameer; consider ways to provide the best student law school applicants. Professor Sally Bermanzohn; Alan Blum, possible undergraduate preparation for Professor of Political Science Sally Esq.; Professor William Hellerstein; Barry careers in law. Bermanzohn reported on the upgrading Hill, Esq.; Assistant Professor Sarumathi A key aspect of the council is of BC’s prelaw education and shared the Jayaraman; the Honorable Sterling representation from diverse areas of the list of suggested new courses, spanning Johnson; Associate Professor Catherine law, including public interest, commercial, political science to chemistry. Kemp; Betty Lugo, Esq.; Professor Martin and environmental law, and jurisprudence. Associate Professor of Philosophy Mendelsohn; Carmen Pacheco, Esq.; Among the notable members of the Catherine Kemp discussed providing Chief Justice Deborah Poritz; Myra council are Alan Dershowitz, Felix informal career counseling to students Rochelson; Professor Manouska Saint Frankfurter Professor of Law, Harvard through various resources, including Gilles; Marla Schreibman; Vice-President University; Barry E. Hill, senior counsel lawyers and law professors. Professor for Institutional Advancement Andrew for environmental governance, Office of Kemp discussed a concern that not all Sillen; Phylesia Steele; Provost William International Affairs, U.S. Environmental self-identified prelaw majors may possess Tramontano; the Honorable Jack B. Protection Agency; Chief Justice Deborah academic readiness to earn competitive Weinstein, and Dean of Undergraduate Poritz, the first woman attorney general LSAT scores and successfully complete a Studies Donna Wilson. of New Jersey (1994–1996) and first law education. We would also like to thank Alan woman chief justice of the Supreme Among the many action items that Dershowitz and Robert Oliva, director Court of New Jersey (1996–2006); and emerged from the discussion are of the Magner Center for Career the Honorable Jack Weinstein, senior (i) the need for a fine-tuned and Development and Internships, who U.S. district judge, eastern district of New updated prelaw website; (ii) a flowchart were unable to attend the meetings, York. delineating pathways of guidance in but whose support and participation are At the meeting, Provost William LSAT prep and completion of law highly appreciated. Tramontano discussed the college’s school applications; and (iii) better historical role in producing significant tracking of BC legal alumni who are 2 Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu President Kimmich

When President Kimmich assumed the most beautiful urban campuses. office of president in February 2000, Under Kimmich’s visionary leadership our alma mater has he set his sights on a term of ten taken its rightful place as a nationally renowned institution years. Kimmich, who studied history of higher learning. We now boast among our alumni two at Haverford College and Oxford Rhodes Scholars, a Truman Scholar, and the youngest University, came to Brooklyn College person ever to win an Emmy Award. Our graduates include in 1973 and was appointed provost many who have made significant and lasting contributions in 1988. After serving as interim in practically every field of endeavor. President Kimmich’s chancellor of The City University of commitment to an excellent education for all of our students New York from 1997 to 1999, he provides a legacy that will certainly continue for generations to returned to Brooklyn College as its come. eighth president. As we come to the end of President Kimmich’s tenure, During his tenure there have been many changes we know that for him it is not just a conclusion but the and continual growth. The faculty has been rejuvenated, beginning of a new and exciting future, a new work, enrollment has increased, and we have an academically and new phase of life. And so, the Brooklyn College strong and award-winning student body. In addition, new Alumni Association thanks President Kimmich for all he’s construction and renovations have taken place on campus accomplished and offers a toast to his good health, success, on a scale unseen for decades. While the Brooklyn College and happiness. We know that his heart will always be at landscape has changed, it still continues to be one of the Brooklyn College.

Anthony Sclafani, ’66, Director of the Psychology Feeding and Nutrition Lab Entering James Hall to Professor Sclafani credits Professors Meyers and Raab as his interview Dr. Anthony most influential mentors at Brooklyn College. It was they who Sclafani, I felt a flutter of focused his interest on brain science. When Sclafani returned excitement. Among this to his alma mater to teach, he inherited Professor Meyers’s lab. distinguished professor of His dream team comprises two senior scientists, two doctoral psychology’s honors are students, two research technicians, and two undergraduates. a NIH Merit Research Their work revolves around the psychology of appetite. Using Award, a National Institute rats and mice they study the role of sweets and fatty taste in of Mental Health Research food choice. The sweet tooth of rodents shares similarities Scientist Award, and the with humans—they are attracted to sugar, just as we are. Manheimer Award for Professor Sclafani and his team want to know what areas of Career Achievement in the brain are involved. Chemosensory Sciences. He In collaboration with St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center, has authored or coauthored more than two hundred scientific a new technique, called translational research, has been articles in national and international journals and books. developed to measure appetite in humans. Professor Sclafani Born and raised in Staten Island, Anthony Sclafani traveled continues to develop new methodologies to study the by ferry, train, and bus to get to Brooklyn College. As an human appetite. Patents and grants are pending for these undergraduate, he took courses in political science, only to find new advances. it too abstract. Seeking to better understand human behavior, In the United States, a spotlight is now focused on diabetes he switched to psychology. Sclafani became interested in and obesity, and the quest for a cure. Professor Sclafani and how the brain functioned. He began his research career in his team may be the knights in shining armor who will discover a Brooklyn College lab and pursued it at the University of answers that will benefit us all. Chicago, where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on the dynamics of the brain controlling appetite. He has been working in this area ever since.

Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu 3 A Dozen Questions for Mr. Brooklyn, Borough President Marty Markowitz, ’70

I majored in political science. I was have been married fifty years or longer active in a house plan and was president with a champagne-toast gathering at the of the evening student government Brooklyn Marriott Hotel. In addition, an organization [SGS] for seven years. annual restaurant week and a program to “Dine in Brooklyn” are on the What keeps you feeling so strongly agenda. about Brooklyn? I really believe that America will look like You are chairman of the Brooklyn Brooklyn in years to come. Brooklyn League of Yiddish Sons of Ireland. has character and characters. It never What is this about? gets boring in Brooklyn. It is a Jewish-Irish group that walks every year in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mr. What do you feel was your greatest Mann and his wife, Rosie, started the accomplishment as state senator? group, which was a labor group of Jews Creating two of New York City’s largest Interview conducted and edited by born in Ireland. When Mr. Mann died, and longest-running free concert series. Arlene Lichterman, ’53 Rosie took it over. When she passed In addition, I cosponsored a bill against away, I had the files and continued this No one works harder for Brooklynites mandatory retirement. than Marty Markowitz. Enthusiastic, tradition as a way of demonstrating motivated, determined—his goal As borough president, how do you my respect. influence tourism? is to ensure that all of us have the What do you see for Brooklyn’s By working with the cruise line industry opportunity to share in the historic future? and Gray Line New York bus tours, I renaissance of the borough. I had a I see continual growth. People are have been able to promote Brooklyn. It chance to ask Markowitz about himself coming to Brooklyn for a better quality is now listed in books for tourists. and what led him along the road to of life and a better place to raise success. What other important projects have children. I see it as a mecca, with large What are your fondest childhood you spearheaded as Brooklyn borough growth in the population of many ethnic memories? president? groups. Lots of people enjoy living near My fondest childhood memories are the I will be bringing the New Jersey Nets an ocean. Brooklyn will be the best! to a new downtown arena, which Brooklyn Dodgers winning the World Who are the people most supportive will include housing around the site Series in 1955; Sid’s Deli on Empire of you? and a new park and amphitheater in Boulevard, eating with my mother and I appreciate everyone’s backing. Many the Atlantic Yards project. In 2010, I Sid; the Famous Cafeteria on Sundays; different ethnic groups have supported hope to bring back the Loew’s Kings and sleep-away camp. me. My wife, Jamie, who is the greatest as a totally restored theater. I will thing that has happened to me, is my What experiences in your childhood continue to help restore Coney Island as staunchest supporter. influenced your journey into politics? “America’s favorite playground.” From the earliest time, I can remember What comes after Brooklyn? Your enthusiasm is contagious. What volunteering and joining groups and After my next term, I will end my public motivates you to get so involved and activities. I started volunteering in career. I will continue to work on health what other programs do you have in kindergarten. and other key issues. But whatever my the works? future is, it will be in Brooklyn, and that What experiences at Brooklyn College I love my work. To me it is not includes Green-Wood Cemetery! led you down the political trail? work— it’s my life. I always include When I entered Brooklyn College I health initiatives. On Valentine’s Day, knew I wanted to be in politics and we celebrate couples in Brooklyn who

4 Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu Brooklyn College Theater Alumni Helm Worldwide

Project has been described as visceral and important, with an energy that is unique in ontemporary American theater. As organizer and executive producer of the festival, the Barefoot Theater Company will lead more than fifty theater companies from nations around the globe, including: France, Italy, Greece, the Czech Republic, Scandinavia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea, Romania, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Canada, Scotland, and England in readings and Members of the Barefoot Theater Company (left to right): Michael LoPorto, ’04; Stephen fully staged productions. Gracia, ’01; Francisco Solorzano, ’01; and Victoria Malvagno, ’00. A number of Brooklyn College alums will be working with Barefoot on this On March 31, 2009, the Barefoot Brooklyn College theater students: project, including: Luke Leonard, ’98, Theater Company embarked upon Nicole Haran, ’00; Michael LoPorto, ’04, and Andrea Paciotto, ’97, in Italy; Si-Joon the 70/70 Horovitz Project, a yearlong, associate director; Victoria Malvagno, Yoon, ’00, in Korea; Nessim Al-Yafi, ’02, worldwide festival celebrating the ’00, managing director; and Francisco in Saudi Arabia; Yuki Nishiyama, ’01, in seventieth birthday of noted American Solorzano, ’01, producing artistic Japan; and Euripides Laskaridis, ’ 02, playwright Israel Horovitz with readings director. They were joined in 2006 in Greece. and staged productions of seventy of by yours truly, Stephen Gracia, ’01, Here in New York, Barefoot Theater his plays. Horovitz is the author of the literary manager. Since its inception, Company will present over thirty titles award-winning The Indian Wants the the Barefoot Theater Company has as readings, staged readings, and full Bronx, which introduced Al Pacino and successfully presented more than thirty productions, including the opening and John Cazale in its 1968 NYC premiere, productions, including original works and closing nights. and Line, which introduced Richard readings, as well as contemporary and A schedule of events, several of Dreyfuss. classical plays. which are free to the public, is available The Barefoot Theater Company The company found a natural fit at http://www.barefoottheatrecompany. was founded in 1999 by a group of with the work of Horovitz, which org/.

When you speak of a loyal, dedicated Helene was an education major and after Brooklyn College alumna, the name of graduation she became a teacher. She soon Helene Garbow Mandel, ’50, immediately joined the Alumni Association and became comes to mind. Helene, who died this an active member of the board of directors. year, was the embodiment of an alumna Throughout the years she served on several who took pride in her background and committees and worked with the Activities became involved in matters academic. Committee, which planned many of the Helene and her husband, Elliot, ’50, social functions of the BCAA board. She both attended Brooklyn College. They are was an active member of the Broward- survived by their daughter, Sherry Mandel Dade Chapter of the Alumni Association Copeland, Ed.D., ’73; son, Gary, ’80; and and reported regularly on its programs. three grandchildren. Helene was looking Her participation as well as her many forward to the birth of her first great- endearing qualities will be greatly missed by grandchild. all who knew her.

Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu 5 2009 Spring Alumni College Day Homecoming—Alumni by Virginia M. Alonso-Rainsford Three special alumni and three outstanding students were Reunion Dinner Dance honored at BCAA Alumni College Day on April 26, 2009. By Arlene Lichterman, ’53 Agnes Ford, ’69, assistant vice-president, Contract Department at Guy Carpenter and Company, and former president of For those of us who attended the 2009 Alumni Reunion the Brooklyn College Alumni Association, and Don Lemon, Dinner on April 27, it was a night to remember. ’96, anchor of CNN’s primetime weekend newscasts and It was a sparkling event held on Stage 6 at Steiner Studios CNN Newsroom with Don Lemon were presented with in the heart of the old Brooklyn Navy Yard. We enjoyed Distinguished Achievement Awards. Arlene Lichterman, ’53, cocktails, dinner, and music as we sat overlooking the the former treasurer and current corresponding secretary of Manhattan skyline. the BCAA and president of the BCAA Manhattan Chapter, The spectacular view was matched by our sensational was the recipient of the Jerome S. Milgram Award in honorees. We saluted the 2008 and 2009 Alumna and recognition of her many years of service to the BCAA. At Alumnus of the year, 2009 Young Alumni, the Classes of 1968 the association’s Annual Meeting BCAA Student Awards and 1969 (celebrating their 40th reunion) and all the alumni of were presented to Jennifer Sarhis, ’09; Jia Xin Huang, ’11; and the School of Education. Cassana Fisher-Ramos, ’09. What a stellar group we had. Recipients of BCAA Awards are pictured below, left to right: Young Alumni Awards Jerry Goldstein, ’93, and Young Jean Lee, M.F.A., ’05; Alumnus of the Year Awards Irwin Schneiderman, ’43, for 2008, and Fred M. Gerson, ’71, for 2009; and Alumna of the Year Awards Hannah

Spring Homecoming Alumni College Day

Save the Date

Saturday Evening, April 17, 2010

Reunion of the Class of 1970, Class of 1980, and Class of 1990 at Brooklyn College

Alumni College Day

6 Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu Greetings y’all from the newly formed A Sunday brunch at an Austin official Central Texas Chapter of the restaurant also proved to be a successful Brooklyn College Alumni Association effort. In January our outreach strategies BCAA s (CTC/BCAA). Who could have known culminated in a Sunday brunch at that so many BC’ers were lurking in the home of a member, which was the Lone Star State? We’ve met a enjoyed by twenty-six other alums, who wonderful, successful, and supportive appreciated a presentation by a noted BuzzNews from Chapters and Affiliate group of alumni. music educator. Other members are SERENDIPITOUS INDEED! now involved in planning events for the Harvey, ’55, and Sandra Seigel, chapter, and thanks to another pair of ’58, Pikoff, and Jack, ’49, and Irene dedicated volunteers, we now have a Danzker, ’52, Deitch, all recent Texans, Google website. were invited to form and cochair an Our group is diverse in years of Alumni Chapter in Central Texas. The graduation (from the late 1930s to BC Alumni challenge of a Brooklyn College Chapter 2007); geography (Central Texas, “out here” was appealing, and we Northwest Austin, South/Southwest News from the remain mindful of what we as alumni Austin, San Antonio, Waco, Houston, can do for other alums living in Texas. and even Dallas); and background Central Texas The Pikoffs and the Deitches (professional, business, education, arts). Chapter met, liked each other, and found that This has been a year filled with activities they shared a commitment to the to attract and retain membership in by Irene Danzker Deitch, ’52 mission. Sandy and Irene collaborated our new chapter. We must thank an on the organizational process. Each enthusiastic group of volunteers for volunteered to host two brunches at a great chapter startup, including our her home. Then Iris, ’65, and Barney group photographer. To celebrate our Groten hosted a brunch. Each event first anniversary Texas-style with tacos attracted a different configuration of and margaritas, we enjoyed a Sunday alumni, and resulted in a gradual increase brunch at Iron Cactus North in Austin. in the number of participants. Several Hasta Luego! couples spontaneously met for dinner prior to a comedy club performance by another alum’s wife.

Lord House Alumni Subject of Documentary by Robert Sarnoff, ’59

The reunion of the Class of 1959 was unique in that it has soundtrack, punctuates the film, highlighting the fun, affection, become part of a documentary, entitled The ROMEOWS, and intensity of these weathered, vibrant, immigrant sons of Retired Older Men Eating Out Wednesdays. These old Flatbush, some first generation, as they continue to continue Brooklyn College friends have known each other for half their affirmation of life. a century, ever since they won the All College Trophy as For more information, kindly visit www.robertsarnoffilms. members of Lord House. Viewers will experience their com. armory of memories—comic, tragic, and dramatic. They sit at this round table, break pita, twirl pasta, and munch bok choy. When We Get Together, We Get Younger, an original

Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu 7 Brooklyn College Alumni Association Nonprofit Org. Brooklyn College U.S. Postage PAID The City University of New York Brooklyn, N.Y. Permit No. 4077 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11210 Alumni Association

BCAA Chapters and Affiliates Chapters Los Angeles/Southern California Chapter Affiliates Broward-Dade Chapter Phyllis Sponder Berger, ’58 BAABC Mildred Bialeck Cohn, ’43 310.394.4061, [email protected] or Craig Collins, ’98 954.925.6459, [email protected] or Manhattan Chapter 718.462.5662, [email protected] Diane Nadler Simon, ’52 Arlene Lichterman, ’53 B.A.-M.D. 954.475.1638, [email protected] 212.988.9471 Harold Parnes, ’81 Campus Chapter Mid–New Jersey Chapter 718.332.1999, Fax 718.332.4192 Roberta Rose Wallach, ’53 Abbie Gorin, ’73 [email protected] 917.593.6535 973.378.9523, [email protected] BC Former Athletes Central Florida Chapter New Mexico Chapter David Askinasi, ’50 John Banaghan, Sr., ’57 Barbara Rothman Vojta-Best, ’57 561.499.6601, [email protected] 407.339.9110, [email protected] 505.771.0143, [email protected] BC Latino Advisory Committee Central Texas Chapter Northern Metropolitan Chapter Barbara V. Pimentel, ’96 Sandra Seigel Pikoff, ’58 Joan Tartell Stupler, ’52 718.926.7117 512.468.7524, [email protected] or 914.968.3530, [email protected] [email protected] Irene Danzker Deitch, ’52 Palm Beach Chapter BC Managers for the Performing Arts 512.626.1424, [email protected] Eileen London Holiber, ’52, Neal Brilliant, ’93 Chicago/Milwaukee, Midwest Chapter Hilda Werner Hainer ’49 718.768.4937, [email protected] Larry Greenberg, ’70 561.738.6439, .570.775.6664 hildmar5250@ Millennium Alumni Affiliate 847.676.1999, [email protected] aol.com Brandon Bain, ’04 Israel Chapter San Diego Chapter [email protected], Dan Cook, professor emeritus of philosophy Matt Shakter, ’64 www.facebook.com/bcmillennium, 9.724.671.6073, [email protected] 760.931.0612, [email protected] or www.myspace.com/bcma Long Island Chapter San Francisco/Northern California Chapter ROTC Affiliate Marsha Zirn Elowsky, ’56, 516.349.8821 or Arnold Kaufman, ’59 Ralph Testa, ‘63 Claire Garfinkel Kerman, ’56 650.493.5287, [email protected] 860.523.9249, 860.922.7544 631.367.2833, [email protected] [email protected] Southwest Brooklyn Chapter Agnes Ford, ’69 School Pyschology Alumni Affiliate 718.332.8715 Cari Rose-Tomo, ‘97 516.781.0945, [email protected]

Coeditors: Agnes Ford, ’69; Arlene Lichterman, ’53 Staff: Virginia Alonso-Rainsford; Irene Danzker Deitch, ’52; Stephen Gracia, ’01; Dorothy Salwen Rabinoff, ’51; Robert Sarnoff, ’59; Marla Hasten Schreibman, ’87; Ron Schweiger, ’70; Marilyn Maten Spielman, ’60; Nicole Wharff.

Please visit our website, http://alumni.brooklyn.cuny.edu 8 Please visit our website,