THE EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017 Inside SPRING 2017 ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com Photo Credit: at SaratogaHospital surgical telemetryunit director ofamedical/ Christine Santangelo’14, On theCover

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DEPARTMENTS 2 Alumni 24 Portfolio 22 Profile 13 6 2 Achievements President’s Message and p. 10 Student News The State University of New York Empire State College Magazine Volume 42 • Number 1 • Spring 2017 FEATURES Produced by the Office of Communications Managing Editor 3 Changes in the Academy Mary Caroline Powers Editor

10 The New v Student Information Center Maureen Winney Writers Helen Susan Edelman 14 Role of Chief Diversity Officer Grows Hope Ferguson Mary Caroline Powers in Importance on College Campuses Kirk Starczewski Designer 16 Doors Open Wide for SUNY Empire’s Lorraine Klembczyk Copy Editors Nursing Grads in Burgeoning Field Mallory Holman Photographers Patrick Castania, Canal Town Photos Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein Gary Gold Marty Heitner ’92 David Henahan Tom Stock, SaratogaPhotographer.com Pedro Tavarez Production SUNY Empire State College Print Shop More Content Online

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College Websites www.esc.edu | www.esc.edu/Alumni

Cover Photo: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com PHOTO CREDIT: Marty Heitner p. 21 p. 15

Photos from left, 2016 Student Art Competition winner Maria Rizzo with President Merodie Hancock; center, students Kristina Borovkova and Anastasia Latenkova #Rally4Empire with faculty members Tanweer Ali and Eva Lebduskova in Prague; Rochester area faculty member Donald Milton ’01 at the dedication of the memorial garden honoring his late brother, Robert Milton, who served the college as a dean and a vice president. PHOTO CREDIT: Canal Town Photos www.esc.edu 1 FROM THE PRESIDENT

Our promise is to continuously make our academic and support programming more relevant and available to many more learners … ”

Creating the Forward Progression of Empire State College

As you are well aware, SUNY undergraduate associate deans In these pages, you’ll also Empire State College fulfills a and the exciting work they are meet Elliott Dawes, the college’s unique mission, which blends undertaking. You also will meet first chief diversity officer for the individualized and student- our new dean of academic and institutional equity and inclusion. centric approach of a small liberal instructional support, who is I think, that as you get to know arts college with the impact, leading a collegewide team of him during his visits around the access and innovation of a large, professionals working to enhance college and attendance at alumni nontraditional state institution. the experience our students have events, you’ll quickly come to with their studies and further understand the strengths he This mission requires constant develop our wrap-around academic brings to this important and inquiry and introspection to ensure support services. valuable work. we continue to serve the needs of our current and future students. One story I am particularly All of these initiatives are We have been referred to as excited about is the feature on centered around one thing: the “SUNY’s Best Kept Secret.” While our nursing education program. Empire State College student. we take pride in the work we have To further build that out, we Our promise is to continuously done over the past 45 years, we have appointed one of our make our academic and support now are creating opportunities to faculty to lead the effort to create programming more relevant make sure that we are no longer new academic offerings around and available to many more a secret and that we can take our health professions, with an initial learners – regardless of age or well-deserved place as New York’s undergraduate program in Allied life circumstance. We make public flagship open-access college. Health. This was made possible in this commitment at the time part with the support of a SUNY of orientation. It continues Our forward progress toward High Needs Grant awarded to throughout a student’s enrollment this goal will rely on the many the college last year. This is a with us, and we carry it through talents of our dedicated faculty and significant growth area for the state graduation and into our staff, new and long serving. In this and SUNY Empire will be leading relationship with our alumni. issue, you will get to meet some of the way in offering relevant and our leaders who are shepherding in flexible degrees in this discipline the next generation of innovation that blend with programs offered at SUNY Empire. by our partner colleges and In this issue, we are delighted employer programs across Merodie A. Hancock to introduce you to our five New York. President

2 www.esc.edu PHOTO CREDIT: Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein

Changes in the Academy by Mary Caroline Powers

nder President Merodie A. Hancock’s ESC 2.0 reorganization of SUNY Empire State College, the structure of the Office of Academic Affairs has changed in some very significant ways, all meant to benefit students. The new organizational configuration has faculty clustered together in their areas of expertise, concentrating theU college’s vast array of academic talent in groups of people with shared interests. “The new structure will foster the formation and growth of statewide communities of scholars and practitioners from related disciplines. This, in turn, should help them pass along the most current and innovative knowledge to the students they teach,” says Megan Mullen, the new associate dean for Humanities. This clustering also affords students opportunities to acquire mastery of specific subject matter, in addition to important critical thinking and writing skills. “ESC’s reorganization to a discipline-based, one-college model will greatly enhance the opportunities for students to work with our expert faculty across the state. For instance, a student in Jamestown interested in environmental conservation could work with a hydrogeology mentor based in Saratoga and our marine ecologist in Manhattan,” says Brian Hagenbuch, the newly named associate dean for Science, Mathematics and Technology.

www.esc.edu 3 The new structure will

foster the formation Joining Mullen and Central New York Center. Adding another element to Hagenbuch on the team the re-engineered organizational structure of the Office and growth of statewide of five associate deans of Academic Affairs is Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein, who communities of scholars is Julie Gedro, who has has been named dean of Academic and Instructional been with the college Services, also a new position. (See page 13, “Profile.”) and practitioners from since July 2003 and Another exciting change has been undertaken to will now oversee the related disciplines. This, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Office of Business, Management the Registrar, and also to ensure the college is positioned and Economics faculty. in turn, should help to be a national leader in assessing and credentialing She is excited about learning. To that end, the functions that for many years them pass along the most what this change means have been housed in the Office of Collegewide Academic for her colleagues. Review are being distributed into two new units: current and innovative “For as long as I have • Transfer, Degree Audit and Graduation Services knowledge to the served at Empire State within the Office of the Registrar, will oversee College, we have pined evaluation and articulation of pre-evaluated students they teach.” for opportunities to advanced standing (transfer, military, standardized connect more closely examinations, etc.), degree program concurrence, with our colleagues to degree audit and academic clearance for graduation. share knowledge, research, and teaching and mentoring practices,” says Gedro. “This new structure has the • A new Center for Leadership in Credentialing potential to foster these collaborations in ways that we Learning (CL2) is charged with providing internal have imagined, and are yet to imagine.” and external leadership in the areas of prior learning Also on the associate deans team are Frank assessment, professional learning evaluations, VanderValk, who is leading the expansive group now competency-based education and other related known as Social and Behavioral Science, and John practices that support the credentialing of pathways Lawless, who will oversee the clustering of faculty in to enhance students’ economic opportunities, social Community and Human Services, and is particularly mobility and talent development in workplace and excited about the benefits for Human Services students. in educational settings. “ESC 2.0 will bring together a diverse and strong pool of Human Services faculty, professionals and In the wake of all this centralizing of services for staff,” Lawless says. “This will help ESC students to students, some have asked what will happen to the develop Human Services programs to achieve their college’s physical locations around the state. Many are goals to further their careers, attend graduate school getting much needed physical improvements and face or meet personal goals.” lifts. Each is being assessed within the scope of a strategic plan for matching the college’s physical footprint across Another bit of magic about the group is that they are the state with its enrollment strategy for growth. And not all located in the same place; like the faculty they will all of them are morphing into places where students guide, they are sitting in offices around the state. from across the state can gather, in person and virtually, Gedro and Mullen are located in the college’s new regardless of what, where or how they are studying. New building in Rochester, Hagenbuch has an office in technology-based approaches to delivering learning will Latham, VanderValk is working from Saratoga Springs enhance these spaces for students who wish to engage and Lawless, who kiddingly says his home office is I-90, with other students and with college faculty and staff for actually is operating from Syracuse. learning, academic support and socializing. These five leaders oversee and guide the academic Associate Dean Frank VanderValk nicely summed activities of the majority of the college’s undergraduate up the anticipated benefits of all these changes. “It will faculty members under the leadership of Nikki be exciting to see how the reorganization of the college Shrimpton, who is in the newly created role of dean better connects students to our outstanding faculty and of undergraduate studies, having previously served the to all of the exciting academic opportunities we have college as a member of the faculty and dean of the to offer.”

4 www.esc.edu Getting to Know the New Deans

Five associate deans are now leading the following undergraduate academic areas that the college has been approved to offer by the New York State Education Department.

Business, Management and Economics is led by Julie Gedro, who has been at the college since July 2003, is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Society for Human Resource Management and formerly was a human resource management and development practitioner in finance, technology and telecommunications. She holds a B.A. in Economics and English from the College of William and Mary, an MBA in Information Systems from Kennesaw State University and a Doctorate of Education in Adult Education and Human Resource Development/Organizational Development from the University of Georgia. Julie Gedro

Community and Human Services is led by John Lawless, who has been with the college since September 2006 and has served as an associate professor and mentor, as well as a faculty associate and director of outcomes assessment. Formerly, he was an assistant professor at Drexel University and a clinical supervisor in mental health centers. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University, an M.F. in Counseling Psychology from SUNY Albany, an MPH in Public Health from Drexel University and a Ph.D. in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia.

John Lawless

Humanities, including The Arts, Cultural Studies and History Studies is led by Megan Mullen. Previously, she was associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she spent 17 years in a variety of roles before joining Empire State College in July. Mullen earned her B.A. at Bucknell University in French and Canadian Studies, an M.A. in Canadian Studies at Carleton University, an MLS at the University at Albany and a Ph.D. in Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas-Austin.

Megan Mullen

Science, Mathematics and Technology is led by Brian Hagenbuch, who most recently served as program director in the Natural Sciences at Excelsior College. Previous to that, he was dean of Math, Science, Technology and Health at Schenectady County Community College and served in various environmental science and sustainability roles at Hartwick College. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science from the University of Florida, both in entomology, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Antioch University-New England.

Brian Hagenbuch

Social and Behavioral Science, including Education Studies, Human Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Affairs and Social Sciences is led by Frank VanderValk, who joined Empire State College in 2005 as an assistant professor and academic area coordinator. In 2011, he was promoted to associate professor. He previously taught at SUNY Oneonta, the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, the College of Saint Rose and Schenectady County Community College. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University at Albany. Frank VanderValk

www.esc.edu 5 ACHIEVEMENTS

Richard Savior, assistant Karen Tanski Hewison has been named senior director professor of Business of marketing and creative services at SUNY Empire. Management and Economics She will be responsible for managing the marketing in the Metropolitan region, has and creative services team. In addition, she will be been named a Fulbright Specialist developing, in collaboration with several OEM teams, Scholar. The Specialist Program, the college’s recruitment and retention efforts, as well funded by the U.S. Department as improving and strengthening the college’s brand by of State, serves to promote the ensuring marketing efforts and creative services are Richard Savior international engagement of strategically aligned and supportive of the college’s academic scholarship by building links between U.S. and overall strategic mission and vision. She previously overseas institutions. In awarding this scholarship, the worked as a marketing manager for Sprint for 11 Fulbright Commission recognized a professional and years, managing national digital and print marketing academic career that has taken Savior to more than 25 campaigns for its mobile division. countries across four continents. Artist Barrie Cline ’01, ’04, an Luis Camacho, visiting assistant professor in Business, alumna who also oversees The Management and Economics, at the Staten Island Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center location, presented the research paper, “Impact of for Labor Studies’ Workers Art Synchronous Virtual Classrooms in Graduate Business Coalition and teaches at the Students,” accepted by the peer-reviewed Latin Labor Center, had a fellowship American Council of Management Schools conference. in Jerusalem and kept a public, The article also was published in the CLADEA academic online journal about her Barrie Cline journal. The conference was held in Medellin, Colombia. experience. She formed the Workers Art Coalition in 2014, dedicated to engaging Metro Mentor A. Tom Grunfeld in art and movement-building projects that take place delivered the keynote address within the public realm. at an international conference titled, “International Symposium Mentor Peggy Tally’s recent book, “The Rise of the Anti- on Cultural Inclusion: Dimensions Heroine in TV’s Third Golden Age,” was showcased by of Cultural Security for Ethnic Cambridge Scholars Press in its marketing campaign. and Linguistic Minorities,” held at the Sorbian Institute in Mentor Valeri Chukhlomin presented on the basics of A. Tom Grunfeld Bautzen, Germany. MOOC-making and the lessons derived from developing a series of Coursera MOOCs at the SUNY Center for Andrea Hennessy has been named associate Online Teaching Excellence conference. vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing. She has served as associate professor in Associate Professor Sewon Kim, the Adult Programs Division at Nyack College, and Business, Management and later as academic dean there, overseeing admissions, Economics, published two articles financial aid, registrar and academic offices for the in refereed academic journals. Adult Programs Division. She also developed Nyack’s The co-authored articles included curriculum for the Master of Science in Organizational “Perceived managerial and Leadership and the distance-learning program for the leadership effectiveness within institution and was vice president of Enrollment and South Korean and British private Sewon Kim Marketing. At SUNY Empire, Hennessy will develop sector companies: A derived etic strategies and execute the vision for marketing and comparative study,” in Human Resource Development enrollment management efforts for the college. She Quarterly; and “Enhancing work engagement: The roles will oversee marketing, the Office of Veteran and of psychological capital, authentic leadership, and work Military Education and the college’s 1 Stop Student empowerment,” in the Leadership and Organization Services initiative. Development Journal. He is the current chair for the Academy for Human Resource Development Malcolm S. Knowles Dissertation Award.

6 www.esc.edu Long Island Mentor Joe Welfeld presented at the Fall Assistant Professor of Business, Management and Managed Care Forum in Las Vegas. The forum was Economics Sarah Hertz attended the Northeast sponsored by The American Association of Integrated Business and Economics Association conference. She Healthcare Delivery Systems, The American Association presented her paper, “Implications of Pension and Other of Managed Care Nurses and the National Association Post Retirement Benefit Recognition Biases on Leverage of Managed Care Physicians. Welfeld’s topic was Ratio Components,” which was recognized with the Best “Value-Based Payments and Post-Acute Care: Dynamic Paper Award. Challenges and Solutions” and focused on how value- based payments being introduced across the spectrum Associate Professor and Academic Area Coordinator are emphasizing smooth care transitions. Nicola Marae Allain’s translation of Philippe Beck’s “Poésies didactiques” has been released by Univocal Professor Bidhan Chandra Publishing. French poet Beck won the French Academy’s received the Altes Prize for Grand Prix de Poésie in 2015. Exemplary Community Service for promoting global cultural Associate Professor Kim Stote diversity awareness initiatives has been appointed interim throughout SUNY Empire State associate dean for Health College and beyond the state’s Professions. Stote has successful borders. “I am very pleased and records in both teaching and Bidhan Chandra humbled by this great honor,” scholarship, as well as experience said Chandra. “I strongly believe in global cultural with new program development at Empire State College. She diversity. This makes our world more beautiful and Kim Stote exciting. We would be living a very boring world if has engaged in accreditation everyone looked and behaved exactly the same way activities, managed small and large grants and has in a social or work context.” Chandra coordinates working knowledge of outcomes assessment. Stote and teaches undergraduate courses in the area of now is part of the Office of Academic Affairs leadership international business and management in the college’s group and will work closely with the Office of Enrollment division of business. Management, the associate deans and the deans for the School for Graduate Studies and the School of Nursing A collaboration between undergraduate alumna Anne to identify and build health-related programs. Whiting ’13, a mentee of Anant Deshpande, associate professor and academic area coordinator in Business, Members of the Empire State College community Management and Economics, has resulted in publication contributed to the fourth issue of the annual publication of the article “Towards a Better Understanding of “Explorations in Adult Higher Education.” This occasional American Disability Act and its Implications” in the paper series, developed by Editor Alan Mandell, college International Journal of Management and Applied professor of adult learning and mentoring, Associate Science. Whiting is project manager at AnnieKaze, an Editor Karen LaBarge, senior staff assistant for faculty entrepreneurial marketing, management, and content development, and colleagues from within and outside development company. She earned a Bachelor of Science SUNY Empire, features writings based on the college’s in Strategic Marketing Management at the college and Revisioning Adult Higher Education webinar series, has published in print and digital publications. which explored opportunities and challenges in higher education today. Cover artwork, “Untitled Translation II,” Mentor Elana Michelson received (2014), a gelatin silver print, was created by Steven the 2016 Cyril O. Houle award for Phillip Harris ’12. Writing was contributed by faculty Outstanding Literature in Adult members Peggy Tally and Gina Torino, Joseph Moore Education in recognition of her (former president of both Empire State College and book, “Gender, Experience, and Lesley University), Jacob Remes and Lynne M. Wiley, Knowledge in Adult Learning: visiting associate professor. Alisoun’s Daughters.” The award was established in 1981 Melinda Blitzer, associate professor for Human Elana Michelson to honor the scholarship and Development in Old Westbury, presented a paper at memory of Cyril O. Houle, professor of Adult Education the Joint International Conference themed On at the University of Chicago. It is given annually by Knowing and Being Known, in Reykjavik, Iceland. the American Association for Adult and Continuing She presented on a panel called, “Transference Education for a book published the previous year that and Countertransference in Helping Patients Know reflects universal concerns of adult educators and Themselves.” Her paper was titled “The Analyst’s exemplifies outstanding literature in adult education. Courage and Vulnerability in Countertransference.”

www.esc.edu 7 Lisa Parkins, Arts mentor and MALS core faculty, Mentor Mark Soderstrom presented his paper, “Native presented at the International Conference on the Arts in Suns: Colonialism, Race, and Resistance in Speculative Society 2016 at UCLA, Los Angeles. Her presentation was Fiction,” at the Marxist Literary Group Institute on a performance workshop titled, “Towards an Ecological Culture and Society. Chorus: Ritual Voices in the Theatre of Nature.” Community and Human Services Rosalind October-Edun, a mentor in Community and Mentor Shantih E. Clemans, Human Services, completed her doctorate in Advanced as part of the International Behavioral Studies at Capella University. Her dissertation Association of Social Work with is titled, “The Lived Experience of Counselors Working Groups annual symposium at With English-Speaking Caribbean Immigrant Parents NYU, presented a paper titled Who Use Physical Discipline With Their Children: A “The beauty and complexity Phenomenological Study.” This study contributes to of teaching and mentoring Shantih Clemans the area of Caribbean Studies and Individual and adult students in study groups: Family Studies, exploring the importance of counselors Reflections on identity, authority, flexibility, community, receiving education and training in cultural sensitivity and learning from experience.” and cultural competence to better serve English- speaking immigrant parents who use physical discipline David Starr-Glass, a mentor with International with their children. Lear Matthews, a colleague/mentor Programs (Prague), published two chapters in in CHS, and October-Edun co-authored a chapter in edited books released by IGI Global. “Prior Learning his edited book that addresses issues of English- Assessment: Accelerating or Augmenting the College speaking immigrants. Degree?”, is included in René Cintrón, Jeanne Samuel and Janice Hinson’s (eds.) new volume “Accelerated “Becoming and Staying Relevant Opportunity Education Models and Practices,” and in Today’s Turbulent Global “The Pedagogic Possibilities of Student-Generated Case Economy” was the topic Anita Studies: Moving Through the Looking Glass,” appears DeCianni-Brown ’12, ’15, in in “Case Studies as a Teaching Tool in Management the Office of Student Affairs, Education,” a volume edited by Dominika Latusek of discussed on Vox Pop on WAMC Kozminski University, Poland. radio. She touched on job search strategies, recognizing shifts Rhianna Rogers and Menoukha Case are co-authors Anita DeCianni- of a chapter in “50 Events That Shaped American Indian Brown in workforce demands, career ladders and career nets, and the History: An Encyclopedia of the American Mosaic,” importance of adding layers of skills and connections to published by ABC-CLIO. The chapter, “Haudenosaunee/ transition between work environments. Iroquois Influence on the U.S. Constitution, 1789,” explains, “For the better part of U.S. history, very few Rosalyn Rufer, associate professor in the School outside of Indian Country, academia, and the U.S. for Graduate Studies’ Business, Management and federal government were aware of the Haudenosaunee/ Leadership Division, was named interim associate dean Iroquois’ influence on the development of American of the School for Graduate Studies. Rufer has been with governmental systems. In fact, many foundational Empire State College for more than 15 years, teaching works in the field of American government have, courses in marketing and strategic management. She consciously or unconsciously, excluded references to brings experience in program development, assessment Haudenosaunee/Iroquois contributions.” Case also and accreditation and will be working to strengthen published an extensive encyclopedia entry on “Gender existing graduate programs and expand into new areas in Yoruba Culture and Religion” for The Wiley Blackwell and degree levels. Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Master of Adult Learning Mentor Dianne Ramdeholl School for Graduate Studies gave two paper presentations at conferences in faculty member Jason Russell the United Kingdom and Austria. She co-presented ’02 was elected president of the “Austerity and Adult Literacy: At What Cost and to Canadian Committee on Labor Whom?” at the Standing Conference on the University History at the organization’s Teaching and Research in the Education of Adults in meeting in Calgary, Alberta. Leicester, U.K., as well as a paper at the University of Russell also was part of a panel Vienna titled, “Talking Back: Resisting Neoliberalization in at the Canadian Historical Jason Russell the Academy through Feminist/Womanist Lenses” at the Association Conference while International Sociological Association in Vienna. in Calgary titled “Canada’s History of Capitalism: New Directions and New Narratives.”

8 www.esc.edu Nazik Roufaiel, area coordinator Eric Strattman ’99 has joined of Accounting and professor the Office of Academic Affairs of Accounting and Finance, as the new academic projects presented two papers and specialist. Strattman comes to chaired two main sessions at Empire State College from MIT the International Conference on administration. He manages Management, Leadership, and OAA’s academic content Strategic Development held in on websites and in college Nazik Roufaiel Eric Strattman St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. publications, and coordinates The conference was organized and hosted by the academic publication development. Global Institute for Leadership and Management Development. Her presentations were titled “Women Mentor Gennaro Bonfiglio, battalion chief in the in Leadership, Politics, Business and the Boardroom: Fire Department of New York, participated in the Imbalance and Inequality” and “The Role of Emotional Naval Post Graduate Schools’ seminar on homeland Intelligence Leadership Theory in Today’s Business security in Monterey, Calif. He collaborated with deans, Communication and Its Impact on Leadership Quality faculty and higher-education professionals across and Motivation.” Roufaiel is the recipient of the Gold the United States and abroad to discuss threats and Medallion of Leadership sponsored by the Institute of solutions in homeland security, including cyberterrorism, Management Accountants. social media-based radicalization of Americans and active shooter/suicide bomber attacks. Nan Travers, director of the Center for Leadership in Credentialing Learning, Tai Arnold, interim vice provost Three staff members who created an automated for academic administration, Mentor Diane Gal, Faculty early-alert system to identify at-risk students at Instructional Technologist Nathan Whitley-Grassi, the beginning of the term and provide follow-up Director of Academic Support Services Aimee Woznick intervention received SUNY Empire State College’s and Mentors Michele Forte and Donna Mahar have James William and Mary Elizabeth Hall Award for received SUNY IITG (Innovative Instructional Technology Innovation. Carl Burkart, director of student and Grant) funding for projects designed to position SUNY academic services, Metropolitan region, Brett Sherman, as a leader in innovative instructional practices, while director of academic support, Metropolitan region, and enabling the system to take programs that work at one Stephen Simon, assistant director for new applications campus and expand them across SUNY to benefit more and hosted systems, Information Technology Services, students and faculty. Their projects include: developed a survey system that helps identify students at risk of failing in time for staff to address their issues • Travers: Designing Competency-Based and help them succeed. PLA Pathways to Scale Up Completion and Learner Success Amy Tweedy has been named • Arnold and Gal: The Programmatic Learning director of outcomes assessment Environment Prototype in Decision Support. Tweedy will • Whitley-Grassi: STEM Open Educational oversee analysis and research Resources (OERs): Development and Integration in collaboration with faculty, of STEM OERs Across SUNY administrators and professional • Woznick: Using Targeted OERs to Develop staff to support continuous Core Academic Skills in the Disciplines Amy Tweedy improvement of the teaching and • Forte and Mahar: Scaling the Metaliteracy learning environment, as well as Badging System for Open SUNY: Collaborative assess initiatives and data management, with particular Customization for Teacher Education Programs, attention to Middle States accreditation requirements, with a University at Albany-led team and conduct research to support assessment initiatives. She also will provide consulting support to SUNY Empire’s business faculty presented at the 76th administrators, faculty and staff to ensure best practice Academy of Management Annual Meeting in Anaheim, of assessment and program delivery involving student Calif. Professor Alan Belasen, MBA Program, chaired engagement, student success and student retention. a refereed paper session and was the discussant of “Management Education and Development for a Better Mentor Desalyn De-Souza and, together, mentors World” on the topics of responsible management, Dana Gliserman Kopans and Kim Stote have been positive business ethics and leadership for sustainability. named Scholars Across the College for 2016-2017 and Belasen also was the recipient of the Outstanding are available to share their ideas, research, reading, Reviewer Award by the Management Education and writing and professional activities with members of Development Division, his fifth in 15 years. the college community.

www.esc.edu 9 PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com

The New v Student Information Center

by Kirk Starczewski

en years ago, the college’s Student Information Center (SIC) launched its first decade of service to students, answering their T questions and connecting them to the right people and resources to make their educational journey a success. Since those early days, SIC has enhanced service with new technology, new ideas and new programs, meeting student needs more efficiently and effectively.

10 www.esc.edu Staff always try The staff includes six members in Saratoga Springs, director of financial to give a student one in Syracuse and one in Latham. Team members aid, considers SIC “our in Saratoga Springs include Deborah Usas, Kristen front line for students’ the best answer; Barkenhagen, Andrew Conroy, Kylen Clark, Shayne questions. Their triage Aldrich and Interim Director Kristin FitzSimons. of requests and their sometimes it takes Stacy Ballo, is located in Old Westbury. knowledge of financial aid lets them direct three minutes, A number of former SIC staff now hold other roles in any request to the right the college, including founding staff Susan McFadden, sometimes it staff member, saving us special events coordinator, and Erin White, coordinator all time and providing of student services in the School of Nursing, as well as takes 30 … ” satisfaction faster.” Jennifer Howk in Financial Aid. The longest tenure in SIC is held by Stacy Ballo and Deborah Usas, each for The calls do vary, eight years. depending on the time of year. “Staff always try to give a student the best answer; sometimes it takes three “It takes a special person to work in SIC,” states minutes, sometimes it takes 30,” FitzSimons explains. FitzSimons, who worked in the call center before. “You “Emotional aspects play a part in the call, and staff need have to sustain a high level of alertness and service all day to pull out what is really needed by the student and long. It’s amazing to watch how quickly they all work to determine the best person to address the issue. There is a provide students satisfaction quickly.” FitzSimons adds high degree of finesse in this. In the spring, we also have that staff members are generalists on all aspects of the a lot of calls from students about to graduate. They’re so college, especially financial aid. excited and thankful, you can feel their joy and it just FitzSimons manages the call center, provides a bit makes our day knowing we were a part of it.” of marketing and develops the transition of the college Andrew Conroy chimes in, “I love being the answer to the 1 Stop Student Services initiative. She joined man, figuring out what the student wants and giving the SIC in March, after serving as the assistant director right answer quickly.” Barkenhagen, who also serves as of admissions. editor for the SIC’s SharePoint knowledge base, also says During its first decade, SIC representatives responded most of the students calling in are thankful. “They just to more than 1.2 million calls for assistance – an average want to get through the application process, complete of 750 inquiries per day. The busiest times of the year are their education and get better jobs. They all have September and January, when each representative will individual, unique needs,” she adds. field about 120 calls a day. They answer student questions SIC uses a number of tools and technology provided about admissions (applications, official transcripts, by the college’s Information Technology Services – immunizations), registration (transcripts, loan deferments, including email and cloud computing tools SharePoint, withdrawals), financial aid (awards, grants, scholarships, OneDrive, OneNote and Skype – to ensure that staff student loans, appeals), student accounts (billing, have access to the same information, SIC’s SharePoint balances, payment plans, residency), and more. knowledge base. According to Conroy, all changes to the Most questions deal with functional service areas college’s staff contact information are recorded in the of the college. The largest number of questions (65-70 OneNote directory. The SIC knowledge base – college percent) are about financial aid. Kristina Delbridge, policies and procedures – are housed in SharePoint.

left, Kristin FitzSimons, interim director of the Student Information Center with staff member, Kylen Clark. right, Student Information Staff, Andrew Conroy, Kristin FitzSimons, Deborah Usas, Kylen Clark, Kristen Barkenhagen, Shayne Aldrich and Stacy Ballo. SIC training has changed since the beginning, when office. Quantifying these calls will give SIC a better the original crew – mostly hired from outside with little picture of success. previous knowledge of the college – was given two weeks “No one at the college is faster at adapting to change,” of training before staffing the phone lines. Now, new staff states FitzSimons. “I’m proudest of their work on the 1 members go through two to three months of training Stop program. They are always thinking of ways to make before answering calls. the development of 1 Stop work better to serve students.” The plan is to use the new CRM system for case What is the one thing they wish they could change management, so calls can be tracked as they move on about SIC? “That’s easy, our phone number,” laughs to resolution. Most times, staff does not know the final Kristen Barkenhagen. “It’s one digit off from Geico’s. outcome once a call has been handed off to the proper That lizard should give us a commission for all the people who call us first and we send them to him.”

This site touches on just about every office across the college, providing a seamless process to answer and satisfy a concern.” PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com Shayne Aldrich answers students’ inquiries.

Innovative 1 Stop Shop is Up and Running

The Student Information Center is now at the questions, obtain forms and request services. Students center of the college’s innovative 1 Stop Student also can obtain information by dropping in to the nearest Services, continually improving the college’s services college location, or by phone, email and, eventually, to its students. Skype, chat and other modes of telecommunication. This program provides each student a single point of The long-term goal is to create a structure by which contact to access information and services, through a students can obtain their information and answers combination of virtual and person-to-person channels. virtually, 80 percent of the time, saving time and Located at 111 West Ave., in Saratoga Springs, it empowering them to obtain information and service comprises the Student Information Center, Admissions without “waiting in line.” The remaining 20 percent will Office, Business Office, Financial Aid, Office of the be handled through person-to-person interactions, using Registrar, Student Accounting, the Office of Veteran and various communication modes. Military Education, the bookstore and retention service “This site touches on just about every office across specialists. The program also collaborates with student the college,” adds SIC Interim Director Kristin academic services and academic support. FitzSimons, “providing a seamless process to answer The program’s webpage offers 24/7 virtual self-service and satisfy a concern.” features, where students can search for answers to their

12 www.esc.edu PROFILE by Mary Caroline Powers

Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein

Current position: Dean of Academic and Instructional Services, responsible for oversight of a network of academic and instructional services including academic support, curriculum and instructional design, disability services, instructor development services and the library. Hometown: Town of Fort Salonga, North Shore of Long Island, N.Y. Her parents still live in her childhood home. Previous experience: Director of Academic Support at ESC, director of the Academic Excellence Program at the United States Military Academy and coordinator of academic support services for the student-athletes at American University in Washington, D.C. Education: Ph.D. and M.S., in Language Education, TESOL Certificate, Indiana University – Bloomington; B.A., English and General Literature, Binghamton University. Path to education: She was the first in her family to go to college. Started as a political science major, then changed to English. Went into a master’s PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com program in Renaissance and Medieval Literature, Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein ultimately switching to education because, “I loved teaching more than medieval tapestries.” Doctoral the huge responsibility for the health and safety of research about how people, particularly first- those in your charge. generation women, successfully learn in college. Bucket list: To spend a month in Cambodia with Favorite food: My mother’s enchiladas and husband and son, who was adopted when six arroz con pollo. months old in 2001, from Cambodia. At the time, Favorite color: Purple. they spent a week in the capital city, Phnom Penh, Favorite literary genre: Science fiction, fantasy. and fell in love with the Khmer people. Now wants to return to really explore Cambodia and learn Outside interests and activities: An avid nature more about the culture and people of what her son photographer particularly interested in close-ups calls his “born country.” of flowers, animals and insects. She also enjoys taking photos of all the players at sporting events Best advice gotten: “My father has always advised for her son’s teams. Started taekwondo two years that we need to do what is right, not necessarily ago, working toward a blue belt. Has sparred in two what is easiest, and to give 1,000 percent effort.” tournaments and took first place in board breaking Why ESC: “I love the mission of the college, the at her first competition. flexibility of learning for our students. My mother is Little known fact: She drove a campus bus to an ESC graduate. She earned an associate degree pay her way through the last two years of her when she was in her 60s. I fell in love with what ESC undergraduate degree, where she learned about did for her.”

www.esc.edu 13 Role of Chief Diversity Officer Grows in Importance on College Campuses

by Hope Ferguson

Pressure also has come from the inclusivity and excellence, not just students themselves, sometimes in for students but also for faculty and the form of grassroots protests and staff,” Medina said. “It helps us to sometimes as formal requests, leading figure out how to attract and keep many institutions of higher learning diverse students, faculty and staff, to put diversity front and center and to help them feel they belong as an institutional goal. The State and can succeed.” University of New York is among According to The New York those institutions. SUNY Provost Times, 75 people with the title and Executive Vice Chancellor have been hired by colleges and Alexander Cartwright, in addressing universities in the last 18 months the attendees at the Association alone, one of them by Empire State of Council Members and College College. The college welcomed Trustees in early October 2016, made its first chief diversity officer for SUNY’s commitment crystal clear: institutional equity and inclusion “Our Equity and Inclusion Policy last fall. Elliott Dawes (see sidebar) goal is to make SUNY the most comes to SUNY Empire after a inclusive university in the world.” distinguished career in law, civil PHOTO CREDIT: Pedro Tavarez Scene from a New York City demonstration The SUNY Equity and Inclusion rights and academia. following the 2016 presidential election. Policy came after the establishment There have been critiques of the in 2007 of the Office of Diversity, resources spent on such positions. In Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), to Many colleges and universities The Atlantic, David Frum, former provide leadership and strategic George W. Bush speechwriter, were building portfolios for chief direction to all 64 SUNY campuses. diversity officers in the years prior wrote that these positions are part Under the leadership of Carlos N. of bureaucratic bloat, contributing to the election of President Donald Medina, vice chancellor and chief J. Trump. to the high cost of a college diversity officer for SUNY, the office degree. However, in light of the The move is largely in response to was charged with strengthening surprise election of Trump, who a rapid diversification of the United diversity as “an integral component ran a campaign based in part on States, due to increased immigration of academic excellence,” covering restricting immigration that many from black and brown countries, all aspects of the university felt was intolerant, there’s heightened coupled with a high birth rate among experience from hiring, tenure and awareness of the importance of Latino Americans. Since 2012, affirmative action, to access and giving resources to offices that most babies born in the U.S. are accommodations. A diversity policy have diversity and inclusion as of color, foreshadowing a nation of was adapted by the SUNY Board their charge. Some campuses have many colors, with no overwhelming of Trustees in 2015, mandating seen acts of outward racism since majority group. the establishment of chief diversity the election; yet even “micro- officers across the SUNY system. From a pragmatic standpoint, aggressions,” defined as small acts of if colleges cannot reach out to the “Chief diversity officers at every incivility, can make someone feel as burgeoning group of young people single campus give us an opportunity unwelcome as more overt actions do, who are increasingly of races other to have people dedicated to doing particularly if the institution has no than white, their institutional futures this work, to providing platforms policies in place and is not leading could be imperiled. for meaningful dialogue, creating

14 www.esc.edu from the top on issues of diversity commitment to the ideals of free in open discussions without fear and inclusion. speech, and to equity, inclusion and of repercussions about difficult pluralism,” Hancock wrote. “This issues facing society. Each space has Merodie A. Hancock, president commitment has been a part of the guidelines for use that emphasize of the college, issued a statement Empire State College fabric since the expectation that participants last November acknowledging that Ernest Boyer, Nelson Rockefeller conduct themselves with civility, many people across college campuses and James Hall first envisioned and remain respectful of divergent were feeling a heightened sense of this innovative college dedicated to opinions, differing ideas and the fear and intimidation following the access, inclusion and, above all else, richness of the various cultural election. The Southern Poverty Law student success. … While the college norms individual members of the Center logged some 900 incidents of is changing as the world changes college community value. hate tied to the election, according to around us, this charge is perhaps as the Huffington Post. For those who believe such spaces relevant as it has ever been.” may not adequately address their “In a time when values we hold Hancock has supported the concerns, New York’s Gov. Andrew dear are being debated and people establishment of online “safe Cuomo, has set up a hotline for do not feel safe for a number of spaces,” where Empire State College residents to report cases of bias and reasons, we, as an institution of students and, separately, members discrimination at 888-392-3644. higher education, must reaffirm our of the faculty and staff can engage

New Chief for Diversity and Inclusion Joins College

In September, the college named segments of the community, respects dissenting and civil rights attorney, professor and alternative perspectives and values civility and respect. academic/student administrator Q. How do you institutionalize diversity and inclusion Elliott Dawes to the newly policies and practices in a way the college community created position of chief diversity will embrace with both their hearts and their minds? officer for institutional equity and Elliott Dawes A. In bridging the gap between theory and practice, inclusion. Dawes brings wide- an effective chief diversity officer should solicit the ranging experience in higher education and law to the ideas, perspectives and input of diverse members post, having served as university director of The City of the college community when developing and University of New York’s Black Male Initiative, assistant implementing new programs, policies and practices dean for multicultural affairs at Hofstra University that are related to equity, diversity, inclusion and School of Law, associate professor in the Department of opportunity. I hope to host ongoing and continuous African American Studies at CUNY’s John Jay College formal and informal discussions, workshops, of Criminal Justice, associate attorney for a law firm and trainings, lectures and seminars on equity, diversity, trial attorney in the Educational Opportunities Section, inclusion and opportunity for the college community throughout the academic year. I expect that new ideas Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice. will emerge from these campus discourses that will Q. How do you define diversity and why is it good inform future diversity-related policies, practices and to take concrete steps at a policy level to increase program activity. diversity at a college like SUNY Empire? A. I believe that the public goods associated with Q. What drew you to Empire State College? diversity, equity and inclusion are directly aligned A. I see my role here at SUNY Empire as a continuation with the access and opportunity mission of Empire of my past academic/student services work that has State College. I tend to think of diversity, equity supported many undergraduate, graduate and law and inclusion in higher education in terms of students, particularly first-generation students from outcomes, which include fostering the inclusion of underrepresented populations. Because of my great people from traditionally excluded groups, providing admiration for the college’s mission, I am grateful for support for members of groups that continue to this professional opportunity and thank President be underrepresented in higher education, and Hancock and the search committee for selecting me encouraging a free exchange of ideas and information as the college’s inaugural chief diversity officer for throughout the college that uses and includes all institutional equity and inclusion.

www.esc.edu 15 PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com

Doors Open Wide for SUNY Empire’s Nursing Grads in Burgeoning Field

Education Means Opportunity

by Helen Susan Edelman

n September 2008, 40 registered includes 140 undergraduate and registered nationwide, up from about nurses became the first students 60 graduate nursing students. 1.7 million in 1980. That is almost in Empire State College’s With Dean Bridget Nettleton four times the number of physicians. IBachelor of Science in Nursing at the helm, the burgeoning program And, the U.S. Bureau of Labor program – the RN to B.S.N. – boasts an 80 percent retention Statistics projects nursing will grow a rigorous curriculum designed rate and 350 alumni with wide- more than any occupation in the specifically for registered nurses ranging careers, such as bedside nation between now and 2018. wishing to advance professionally nursing, missionary work, nursing Because many nursing students by earning baccalaureate credentials. administration, teaching and health also are working adults, SUNY In January 2014, 30 registered industry entrepreneurship. Empire’s flexible, affordable, online nurses with bachelor’s degrees The astounding growth in School programs are designed to be enrolled in the college’s new Master of Nursing enrollments reflects the completed, part-time, within two to of Science in Nursing Education. rocketing trajectory of the profession. three years, according to Nettleton. By September 2016, there was a Nurses comprise the largest health Clinical or capstone experiences combined total of 1,175 students in care provider group in the United take place in the student’s home the School of Nursing’s bachelor’s States, with more than 3.1 million community. B.S.N. students who and master’s programs, which

16 www.esc.edu Our nursing programs

are designed to prepare organizations, public with a master’s or doctoral degree nurses to function as health agencies, in nursing or a related field, more primary care clinics, than doubling since 2000 to about leaders and full partners on home health care, 30,000 nationwide, with demand nursing homes, nonetheless far outstripping supply interdisciplinary teams … ” outpatient surgery for RNs prepared for advanced centers, nursing school- practice, clinical specialties, teaching operated long-term care and research roles. SUNY Empire’s need general education credits centers, insurance and new master’s programs in nursing may enroll at SUNY Empire or managed-care companies, schools, education and nursing administration any regionally accredited institution mental health agencies, hospices, the are designed to flow into that ever- to earn them. In addition, military, industry, nursing education expanding pipeline. requirements can be met through and health care research. As the health care environment prior learning assessment, In 1980, almost 55 percent of has become more complex, the independent study or successful employed RNs held a hospital National Advisory Council on completion of selected examinations. diploma as their highest educational Nurse Education and Practice The nursing curricula at both credential, 22 percent held the has recommended that at least the bachelor’s and master’s levels Bachelor of Science in Nursing, two-thirds of the basic nurse are developed by teams of nursing and 18 percent an associate degree. workforce hold baccalaureate or faculty, curriculum and instructional But, by 2008, a diploma was the higher degrees in nursing. Indeed, designers and subject matter highest educational credential for Nettleton points out, the National experts, and include both required only 13.9 percent of RNs, while the Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and elective courses, such as number with bachelor's degrees had and Medicine Health and Medicine Pharmacology, Nursing Informatics, climbed to 36.8 percent, with 36.1 Division (formerly called the Professional Issues and Leadership percent holding an associate degree Institute of Medicine), in its report and Multigenerational Nursing. as their top academic preparation. “The Future of Nursing: Leading To support students, the nursing In 2010, 22,531 RNs with diplomas Change, Advancing Health,” called program now comprises seven full- or associate degrees graduated from for 80 percent of nurses to have a time faculty members, a clinical B.S.N. programs in the U.S. B.S.N. by 2020. Many hospitals coordinator, two academic advisors, already are adopting those standards, Today, more than 61 percent of a curriculum instructional designer, further motivating nurses to advance registered nurses have B.S.N.s and a student services professional and their education, credentials and many are enrolled in Master of support staff. clinical knowledge. Science in Nursing Education or Historically, RNs prepared for Nursing Administration programs, The reasons the pressure is on licensure through associate degrees both of which are available at SUNY for nurses to continue studying earned at community colleges or Empire. According to the U.S. are well-documented, Nettleton hospital-based diploma programs, Department of Health and Human points out. According to a report and were hired for jobs in hospitals, Services, Health Resources and from the Tri-Council for Nursing, private practices, health maintenance Services Administration, there has representing the American been a remarkable Association of Colleges of Nursing, surge in the American Nurses Association, numbers of RNs American Organization of Nurse

upper left, Christine Santangelo ’14 with a patient at Saratoga Hospital.

bottom left, Bridget Nettleton, dean, Empire State College School of Nursing; Cathy Catrambone, president of Sigma Theta Tau International; Mary Lee Pollard, dean, School of Nursing, Excelsior College.

PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com www.esc.edu 17 Nursing students attend induction ceremony for the Tau Kappa at-Large Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com

Executives and National League coordinate patient care as part of – or promote critical thinking, social for Nursing, hospitals with higher head of – a team that might include responsibility and lifelong learning,” percentages of bachelor’s-trained a physician, social worker, physical she says. “Our nursing programs nurses have lower rates of mortality therapist, respiratory therapist, are designed to prepare nurses to from congestive heart failure and occupational therapist, psychiatrist, function as leaders and full partners fewer decubitus ulcers, postoperative RN, licensed practical nurse, or on interdisciplinary teams in complex deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary others involved in an integrated health care environments within emboli. And, an average reduction treatment plan for hospital- or a global community. Our students of 2.12 deaths out of 1,000 patients community-based patients who may and graduates are at the center of is associated with each 10-point have complicated or multiple medical everything we do.” increase in percentage of inpatient conditions needing coordinated care. Nettleton, a Capital District RNs holding B.S.N.s. In one It is no surprise, then, that the region native and resident, knew landmark study, researchers at the American Association of Colleges she wanted to be a nurse by age 16, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing counts about 700 when she took a job in central of Nursing found that a 10 percent RN-to-B.S.N. programs and 160 supply at St. Peter’s Hospital in increase in the proportion of RN-to-M.S.N. programs in the Albany, N.Y., restocking floors and nurses with a bachelor’s degree was United States. And, it is no surprise interacting frequently with nurses. associated with a 5 percent decrease that SUNY Empire’s success is Her comfort level in the health care in the likelihood of surgical patients accelerating at high speed with delivery environment was already dying within 30 days of admission. the indefatigable Nettleton at its high, and her curiosity piqued, by Nettleton adds that the length helm. She has established for the the many nurses in her family who of stay in the hospital is shorter School of Nursing wide-ranging had attended diploma programs. and community-based care is less goals, including seamless academic They urged her to get a bachelor’s expensive in settings where nurses progression, collaborative and degree. “‘It will serve you well,’ have at least a B.S.N. Also, she adds, dynamic learning environments they told me,” she recalls. “It was nurses with advanced credentials through mentoring relationships an understatement.” are happier in their jobs, which and technology, promotion of Nettleton attended the University improves performance. professional values, including at Albany’s nursing program, which lifelong learning and professional The nursing profession has has since been phased out, then role development, enabling students evolved far away from the traditional worked as a nurse doing hands-on to reach their full potential, faculty stereotype of nurses being physicians’ patient care at St. Clare’s Hospital development, and the expansion helpers. Today’s nurses are expected in Schenectady, Albany Medical of accessible, affordable programs to demonstrate independence in Center, and Samaritan Hospital, of study to meet the needs of the clinical decision-making and case in Troy, N.Y., working with a wide adult learner. management, perform traditional spectrum of patients and their clinical care, educate patients and “Our mission is congruent with families in roles from diabetes their families. They also may be the college’s mission to create and educator to helping post-surgical called on to design, manage and foster learning environments that patients. She also taught across the

18 www.esc.edu nursing curriculum for nine years, organization that seeks to advance also indicates nursing involvement in first at Albany Medical Center and world health and recognize nursing data collection and decision making then at Samaritan Hospital’s School excellence in scholarship, leadership in patient care delivery. of Nursing, where she also served and service. To become a member, “B.S.N. in 10 would carry the as director for three years. Her next a student must maintain a 3.5 or same message of professionalism professional leap was to Excelsior better grade point average, a as the requirement that teachers College, where she led the School significant achievement. get a master’s degree,” Nettleton of Nursing for eight years, until One vision Nettleton hopes to says. She is further excited by the 2011, when she accepted the see drive nurses to seek B.S.N. and prospects for nurses completing deanship at Empire State College’s M.S.N. credentials is “B.S.N. in 10,” M.S.N.s, in either education or School of Nursing. a proposed nationwide initiative to administration, which enables them “I knew, based on my legacy benefit patient care and RNs’ careers to join teaching faculties and work at Excelsior, that I could grow that would require RNs to earn in top management positions in the RN to B.S.N. program and a B.S.N. within 10 years of being the health care industry. As people develop master’s degrees in both licensed. Both the New York State live longer, she anticipates needs for nursing administration and nursing Nurses Association and New Jersey more nurses in the areas of end-of- education,” she says. Nettleton, who State Nurses Association have been life and hospice care and chronic also is a certified nurse educator, tireless in their determination to gain illness, noting that nurses will have has a doctorate in Educational legislative support for the initiative, important roles in the assessment of Administration and Policy Studies efforts Nettleton worries might be such patients and in ensuring their from the University at Albany, thwarted by politicians. She explains quality of life. She also sees potential where she focused on the reliability B.S.N. in 10 would be especially for more nurse involvement in the of faculty rating nursing students’ important going forward as more health and wellness arena, with clinical performance. hospitals achieve “magnet status,” Americans’ waxing enthusiasm for an award given by the American physical fitness. Nettleton points at the high- Nurses’ Credentialing Center, an status reputation of a SUNY degree, “I tell my students that medicine affiliate of the American Nurses accreditation by the Middle States is about ‘cure’ and nursing is about Association, to hospitals that satisfy Commission on Higher Education ‘care’. And there is a difference. a set of criteria designed to measure and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing is not just a paycheck,” says the strength and quality of their Nursing Education, visible success Nettleton. “Nurses make a creative, nursing. At a magnet hospital, nurses of alumni, excellent faculty, as well day-to-day difference for patients deliver excellent patient outcomes, as the college’s affordability and and their families, it’s hard work, but have a high level of job satisfaction, flexibility as factors propelling nurses often feel their work is an a low turnover rate and appropriate enrollments. Also, students can start avocation. I, myself, love nursing.” grievance resolutions. Magnet status their coursework in both September and January, an idea Nettleton piloted, which doubled enrollments. “We let colleagues in the field Nursing Studies Scholarships know about our wonderful degrees Dyson Foundation Scholarship in Nursing and the students came,” she said. “It has mostly been word of mouth that Fred and Floy Willmott Foundation Scholarship in Nursing has brought them here.” Hohenhaus Family Nursing Scholarship And, the college has attracted Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship high-achievers. Now, the School of Nursing, jointly with Excelsior Mohawk Valley Medical Associates Scholarship College, is affiliated with the Tau Nancy C. Harvin "Bless Your Heart" Scholarship Kappa at-Large Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International New York Community Bank Foundation Scholarship in Nursing Honor Society of Nursing, an Stat Staff Professionals Nursing Scholarship T. Urling and Mabel Walker Endowed Scholarship in Nursing

These scholarships are made possible by generous donations to the Empire State College Foundation. For more information, go to www.esc.edu/scholarships Christine Santangelo: Transformation through Education

by Helen Susan Edelman

Now director of a medical/surgical With her back-up, two members telemetry unit at Saratoga Hospital, of her staff have become nurse Santangelo already had risen high in practitioners and four with B.S.N.s the ranks before she returned for the are going for their master’s. B.S.N., a testament to her clinical “This means there are nurses skills and interpersonal instincts, but, at the bedside with master’s she says, “With further education, degrees,” she points out. “It’s very my leadership style changed. Earlier, good for patients. You can see the I felt I had to do everything myself. difference in nurses who go back I learned to let go and enabled to school – they become much my staff to grow personally and more critical thinkers.” professionally, as I had.” She credits her own success to One aspect of her student “others who saw something in me I experience that Santangelo found didn’t see in myself: leadership skills.”

PHOTO CREDIT: ©2016 SaratogaPhotographer.com gratifying was working with the Christine Santangelo ’14 discusses a patient School of Nursing to plan her Returning to school, she case with a Saratoga Hospital colleague. educational program, “so that I emphasizes, requires family and knew exactly what was expected, and employer support. She praises when, from the moment I started Saratoga Hospital, which hristine Santangelo ’14 with my first course, right through offers tuition reimbursement already had decades behind to graduation. The planning process and scholarships, as well as her as an RN with an allowed me to reflect on the essence free certifications in areas of associate degree when she enrolled in C of nursing, really invigorated me specialization and on-site, college- Empire State College’s Bachelor of and was very fulfilling. When I level education. The hospital’s Science in Nursing program. needed guidance, I always got it and hiring practice is to “look within “I tried other colleges, but was now I participate in administrative first,” encouraging its own nurses treated like a new nurse, fresh out decision-making at the hospital, to go back to school, rather than of school. Empire State College mentor my staff of 95 and still do automatically recruiting from outside. acknowledged and valued my years patient care on the unit. I have the “Nursing has become more of experience and I was able to apply best of both worlds – on the floor complex and nurses need to be it,” she says. “I had been worried I and in my office.” prepared to respond to that,” says didn’t have the self-discipline for She is a strong advocate for the Santangelo. “We have to educate online study, or that I might not educational advancement of the patients and their families to manage have the computer skills, but the nurses she supervises, wanting them health care after discharge, as we technology helpdesk at Empire State to be able to manage the unit in her don’t want patients to need to be College was extremely supportive. absence, participate in evaluations, readmitted, which impacts health And, because online courses are hiring and disciplining personnel and and healing, raises costs and, under modules with structured timeframes, advance their own credentials. new Medicare regulations, can I knew my deadlines. When I reduce hospital reimbursements.” traveled, I brought my computer and “I don’t just encourage them, did not fall behind. Empire State I accommodate them,” she says. “My message to nurses seeking to College was perfect for me.” She “I will do anything to support my further their education is, ‘You can completed the program in two years. staff. I’m a nurse, a director and a do this.’” real person to them.”

20 www.esc.edu David Theobald, RN, B.S.N. ’13: Nurse-Entrepreneur “Walks the Walk” by Helen Susan Edelman

avid Theobald wanted to for the inherent dignity, worth and “walk the walk,” so the uniqueness of every individual. registered nurse turned Stat Staff employs about 100 Dentrepreneur, with an Associate in nurses for per diem and contract Nursing from St. Elizabeth Hospital assignments, and works with 300 in Utica, N.Y., enrolled at Empire more through subcontractors. State College in 2011 to earn a Theobald believes so strongly in Bachelor of Science in Nursing. the importance of nurses earning It made perfect sense. Theobald, bachelor’s degrees that he offers founder of three successful health scholarships to employed RNs who care-related companies, felt that go on for more schooling, as well as in his leadership position in the free recertification training, tuition industry, he needed to be a role reimbursement, reimbursement model for his hundreds of nurse for gym membership, a 401K and

employees, as well as a business paid time off. The benefits attract PHOTO PROVIDED owner who could show health and retain professionals who can David Theobald ’13 leads three health care executives that he knows be choosy because of the market care related companies. the future of nursing and better demand for highly skilled nurses. owner. He tried at one point to study patient outcomes require advanced As Stat Staff grew, Theobald at SUNY Institute of Technology education. Theobald also had recognized an unfilled niche in (now SUNY Polytechnic Institute), delivered hands-on care to patients community health and in 2008 but found it too stressful. at Samaritan Hospital, in Troy, established Adirondack Health and N.Y., and appreciates nurses’ Wellness to provide RN-staffed “Empire State College offered daily challenges. corporate wellness services to area a local solution, distance learning, His first undertaking, Stat Staff businesses, such as on-site flu clinics, a good education and flexibility, Professionals, established in 2002, wellness screenings, CPR classes and so I could continue to focus on addresses the nursing shortage by automated defibrillator instruction. family and business as I studied,” he says. “It was time for me to earn placing registered nurses across the His most recent endeavor is the the B.S.N., to be a frontrunner in country in acute and intensive care innovative Davin Informatics, a my own industry. I understand the units and emergency departments. company that creates unique custom pressure.” Undaunted, he is currently “Through collaboration and hard management software systems to enrolled in SUNY Empire’s Master work, we turn staffing challenges manage health care facility staffing, of Science in Nursing Education into opportunities that drive change,” credentialing, reporting and billing. program and his wife, who works Theobald says. All three companies are with him, also is enrolled at Stat Staff promotes “ethics in headquartered in Saratoga Empire State College, working nursing,” a cornerstone of what Springs, N.Y. toward an MBA. Theobald calls, “one of the most As a boss and a clinician, “My nursing education has trusted professions in today’s world.” Theobald understands the difficulty given me versatility,” says Theobald. The Guide to the Code of Ethics of returning to school as an adult. “I highly encourage RNs to think for Nurses by the American Nurses The hiatus between his own degrees like entrepreneurs: collaborate, create Association states that a nurse should reflects competing claims on his time and innovate to improve our health practice compassion and respect as a husband, father and business care system.”

www.esc.edu 21 PORTFOLIO by Hope Ferguson

Friends in Times of Need Jacob Remes Former faculty, New York City Region With recent floods in Louisiana and fires in California, Americans have grown accustomed to disaster on their television screens. Former Historical Studies Mentor Jacob Remes uncovers the dynamics of disasters in his “Disaster Citizenship: Survivors, Solidarity and Power in the Progressive Era” (University of Illinois Press). The book is a social history of two disasters on the Canadian-American border: the Salem Fire of 1914 and the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Remes uses his study to explore the natural networks that spring up during disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, where neighbors assisting neighbors often prove to be more effective, at least in the beginning, than trained social workers and government agencies. Labor historian James Green writes, “Remes has revealed the power of informal networks and solidarities that existed in poorer communities, particularly during disasters, and he has highlighted the ways agents of state intervention failed to understand these strengths and their domestic significance.”

Fingering the Keys to Classic Jazz Paul Serrato ’95 New York City Region Close your eyes and listen to Paul Serrato’s latest jazz CD, “Urban Fingerprints,” and you are immediately transported to a cool downtown jazz club in New York City. Serrato’s virtuoso piano playing weaves through all 10 of the featured compositions, eschewing anything jarring or discordant. In turn playful, thoughtful, energetic and joyful, the entire album displays his classical piano training and the respect the composer and arranger has for classic jazz. Teaming up with bassist Hilliard Green, Serrato’s influences include jazz giants Art Tatum, Eddie Palmieri, Tom Jobim and Horace Silver. “Urban Footprints” is Serrato’s 10th CD and was recorded at the Broome Street Studio in New York City. “The Broome Street lower East Side New York neighborhood instilled a charged energy that couldn’t help releasing creative juices” said the Omaha, Neb. native. Produced by Graffiti Productions, his CDs are available at CDBaby.com.

The Many Perks of Puttin’ Up Garry Allen ’00 Hudson Valley Region Gary Allen ’00 has added a new gastronomical book to his previous volumes on food, “Can It! The Pleasures and Perils of Preserving Food” (University of Chicago Press). He covers the history of preserving foods through canning or pickling, the reason (to make food for times of scarcity), and the result (often a savoriness the Japanese call umami – think ketchup and soy sauce) to boost flavor. “The preservation process fundamentally altered the food, creating new and different textures,” he noted to his hometown newspaper, the Kingston Times. Sometimes early experiments in preservation led to food we know and love today, like milk to cheese, which was called “milk’s leap into immortality.” Allen is an avid canning and pickling aficionado, having recently concocted habanero apricot preserves. Allen worked at the Culinary Institute of America for 13 years and earned his degree in gastronomical design and literature.

22 www.esc.edu A Brave Woman’s Moving Memoir Emma Gomez ’79, ’81 The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies Emma Gomez ’79, ’81 has penned her memoir, “Emma Gomez: A Courageous Woman Displays ‘True Grit.’” The self-published book, describing the challenges and rewards of being a Hispanic woman working on labor issues, was suggested to her decades ago by her mentor. One of 10 children, Gomez emigrated from Puerto Rico to New York City and enrolled in college in her early 40s, where she earned a degree from The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies. She was a groundbreaker and strong Hispanic woman “in a world not quite ready to accept her and her high aspirations,” her book blurb reads. Through marriage, motherhood and work on labor issues affecting women, Gomez is described by reviewer James G. Nolan as someone who has “given unselfishly of herself to all without prejudice, seeking to give rather than receive.” Gomez was valedictorian of her class in 1981, the first Hispanic, Puerto Rican and woman to have accomplished this.

Childhood Trauma Leads to Advocacy Paula Czech ’89 Northeast Region Paula Czech has published what a reviewer termed, a “mesmerizing” account of how she overcame the trauma of childhood abuse. In “The Black Leather Satchel,” Czech details how she found “angels” along the way that helped her to overcome the emotional trauma of abuse by her stepfather, whom she was able to stand up to at age 11. Each “angel” showed her that there was a way out – from a landlord who became a surrogate parent and advocated for the girl to leave home to attend school, to neighbors and college professors who, through their support, gave her the confidence needed to go on. Czech grew up to become a registered nurse, with a career that spanned 50 years, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Human Services, with a concentration in mental health from Empire State College. Now in retirement, she still advocates for victims of childhood sexual abuse and tries to convey that survivors can find peace after the devastation.

A Life Recalled Through Poetry Juanita Torrence-Thompson ’83 Long Island Region Juanita Torrence-Thompson’s newest collection of poems “When Morning Comes,” is written as a retrospective on a life – in particular, the life of an African-American woman who grew up in New England. A prolific poet and editor-in-chief of Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, Torrence-Thompson’s poetry has been translated into 15 languages and appears in 12 anthologies and dozens of magazines. These poems cross the decades, and, in the mode of a memoirist, according to one reviewer, recall relationships, childhood events, travel, celebrities, political concerns and, most poignantly, the loss of loved ones, including parents and spouse. Reviewer and award-winning poet Daniela Gioseffi writes that Torrence-Thompson “has an ability to charm her reader with a simplicity of expression, and an accessible style that brings back one’s own memories.”

www.esc.edu 23 Alumni and Student News

Center for resources coordinator. She Joshua Jacobs ’15 has been it away creates the illusion of Distance Learning worked in higher education honored by the Glens Falls Post stained glass. The movements and Lisa Brescia ’08, a noted for five years as a payroll and Star of upstate New York as one special effects created by these Broadway actor in such benefits administrator and senior of “20 Under 40,” celebrating methods are what attract many of performances as Elphaba in transportation manager, and also young leaders. He received his her clients to her artwork. has worked in human resources B.S. in Business, Management “Wicked” and “Mamma Mia!,” Katrina Kapustay ’15, who in the banking industry. She and Economics from the college. will make the move to academia, earned her bachelor’s degree earned her bachelor’s degree in Jacobs is the system administrator taking on a new “role” as assistant in Community and Human business administration from for Informz, specializing in professor of acting at Missouri Services, joined the Madison the college. information and technology State University’s Department of County, N.Y. Chapter of the services. He has special expertise Theatre and Dance. Kelly Eley ’16 has joined Alzheimer’s Association as in cloud computing and thin Loptr, an information security an associate program director, Sean Britton ’11 has been client technologies, writing company in East Aurora, where she is responsible for named director of public terms of service contracts N.Y., as a consultant. She delivering programs and services health for the Broome County and acceptable-use policies, works with Loptr’s leadership to the chapter’s 14-county area. Health Department in New and designing, configuring in building virtual security Kapustay was the community York. Britton started with the and installing VPN site-to- teams, security research and health advocate coordinator and department in August 2013 as site tunnels with 256-bit database development. She certified health care navigator the public health emergency AES encryption. preparedness coordinator. He holds her bachelor’s degree for the Greater Watertown Central New York Region previously served as deputy in information technology North Country, N.Y. Chamber from the college, and is working of Commerce. She earned director of public health. Chris Akin, a student, earned the toward a master’s degree in an associate degree at SUNY Britton has a bachelor’s degree data center architecture account cybersecurity through Mercy Cobleskill and a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human manager certification from Cisco. College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. in Community and Human Services with a concentration Akin is an account manager Services from SUNY Empire. in emergency management Lisa Feng ’14, ’16, who earned at Teracai, a North Syracuse, from SUNY Empire and is her Bachelor of Science in N.Y. provider of networking, Ted Daniels ’14, who earned an pursuing a master’s degree Community and Human Service, data center and services. The associate degree in Community in public administration at has joined AmeriCorps. She designation helps Teracai achieve and Human Services from Binghamton University. is a two-time AmeriCorps Cisco’s data center architecture the college, is a case manager Joseph Centanni ’16 is captain alumni and Segal Education specialization. Akin, who has for Catholic Charities. He is with the Inspectional Services Award recipient who has done been with the company for pursuing his bachelor’s degree, Bureau at the Troy Police community and youth service one year, is working toward his which will be completed in Department, a post he has held projects both professionally and bachelor’s degree in business, December 2016 in Community since 2014. He is responsible personally, and was recognized management and economics. and Human Services. “This is for her volunteer services during often an overlooked population for investigating confidential, Constance Avery ’02 exhibited Operation Iraqi Freedom of consumers. It is my hope disciplinary and personnel her acrylic ink paintings in a in 2007. She works in the and desire to help alleviate the matters, including unauthorized show, “As I See,” at the Central Centerville Community School discrimination and political use of force, theft of evidence, Arts Gallery in Syracuse in District with at-risk students barriers that these individuals narcotics use and officer-involved September. Avery has worn in a Title 1 school district in encounter on a daily basis. My shootings resulting in homicide. hearing aids from age five. She rural Iowa. She received four education, coupled with my Centanni began his law was an LPN for many years years of training and certification work ethic, is how I will help enforcement career in 1990 as a before being diagnosed with through the Corporation for to empower these individuals,” public safety officer at Rensselaer Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 30, National & Community Service, he wrote. Polytechnic Institute. In 1995, and later Usher’s Syndrome. a federal agency, in volunteer he joined the police department At 43, she decided to return to Genesee Valley Region recruitment, disaster response, in the City of Troy in New York, her first love, art, despite the citizenship, communication and David Inzana ’15 was named and was promoted to sergeant in difficulties with her vision. Her youth development. the director of security for 2001 and to captain in 2011. He latest body of work is in reaction Hilton Central School District earned his degree in Community Barbara File Marangon ’11 to experimenting with acrylic ink, in New York. Inzana previously and Human Services, with a will be teaching ballet at the expressive painting and images served as a captain with the concentration in criminal justice. University of Oklahoma on inspired by memories of stained Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office, a graduate assistantship. She glass creations by her youngest Rachel Enders ’13 joined retiring after 25 years of service. received the Ballet Russes brother, who also was an artist Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt, a He earned his bachelor’s degree Fellowship and earned her B.A. and struggled with RP/Usher’s. Syracuse, N.Y. engineering and in public administration from in The Arts from SUNY Empire. Applying the acrylic paints in architectural firm, as a human the college. varying consistency and wiping

24 www.esc.edu Jeanne Lindsay ’87 was profiled Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, scholarship covers movement, high scores for quality, safety in the Rochester Democrat Weston, Westport and Wilton. dance, politics and work. She and customer satisfaction with a and Chronicle a few months Cheeseman served as associate worked extensively with mentor minimum of 80 percent facility before her 90th birthday. The superintendent of schools in the Adele Anderson. Her final occupancy during the three-year article honored her prolific work Diocese of Rockville Centre, project was called, “Get a Foot period of review. as a watercolor artist. She has Long Island, and assumed his in the Door: The Dance of Penny Jennings ’03, ’06 has been received more than 100 honors new responsibilities in June. He Late Capitalism.” named commissioner of human and awards of the highest is responsible for more than Kathy Grimes’10, ’13, rights for Rockland County, standing for her botanical images, 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty administrator for the Highlands N.Y. Jennings graduated with including membership in the members in the 31 elementary Living Center, in Pittsford, N.Y., an M.A. in Social Policy. She Watercolor USA Honor Society. and high schools sponsored by was recognized last spring by went on to earn her doctorate at the Diocese of Bridgeport. He School for The American College of Health Northeastern University. also will chair the Diocesan Graduate Studies Care Administrators with the Eli Education Commission formed Judy Lekoski-Eurich ’10 is a Pick Facility Leadership Award, Steven F. Cheeseman ’10, Ed.D. in 2014 to reorganize Catholic major gift officer at University of which recognizes administrators is superintendent of schools education and lead a strategic North Carolina, at Charlotte. whose teams have achieved for the Diocese of Bridgeport, planning process, now underway, exceptional organizational Dana McClure ’03 was appointed Conn., which includes Bethel, to ensure its viability and vitality quality. Grimes was among 248 development coordinator for Bridgeport, Brookfield, Danbury, in the future. recipients honored for providing the Agricultural Stewardship Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Colleen Culley ’13, who exemplary leadership to their Association in Greenwich, N.Y. Georgetown, Greenwich, graduated with a Master of respective organizations. To She comes to ASA from The Monroe, New Canaan, New Liberal Arts degree, has been earn recognition, administrators Corporation of Yaddo, where she Fairfield, Newtown, Norwalk, appointed visiting assistant must have achieved exceptional served as development associate Redding Ridge, Ridgefield, professor at Alfred University results on three years of skilled for the past 11 years. She brings Riverside, Shelton, Sherman, for this academic year. Her nursing facility surveys, including with her a combination of data

“Supporting Empire State College gives people who might not otherwise have a chance to earn a degree the opportunity to do so.” – Anne Sonne ’89

Leaving a legacy. Creating a lasting impact.

A certified educator in Pennsylvania, where she taught junior high school French for many years, Anne Sonne ’89 chose SUNY Empire State College for her master’s when she and her family relocated to New York. The accessibility and flexibility of the college allowed Anne to go on to obtain her New York state teacher certification. As an alumna, Anne’s connection to SUNY Empire State College endured, and, when the time was right, she joined the Boyer Legacy Society. The Boyer Legacy Society honors our most committed donors, who have named Empire State College as the beneficiary of a planned gift. To explore ways you can join Anne in leaving a legacy and creating a lasting impact, you can visit www.esc.edu/PlanGifts, email Toby Tobrocke at [email protected] or call 800-847-3000, ext. 2372.

SU EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE management, event planning, Corning Community College research, reporting and analytic was aimed at girls ages 11 to 13 skills. McClure serves on the who were going into seventh board at Dunham’s Bay Fish and eighth grades. The program & Game Club and enjoys expands on the STEM (Science, volunteering for Odyssey of the Technology, Engineering and Mind and at Lansingburgh’s Vex Math) concept used in area Robotics competition. She earned schools. The STEAHM program her Bachelor of Science from the obtained a grant that enabled college in Business, Management organizers to offer the workshops and Economics and her MBA in free of charge to 24 girls. Next management from the college. year, organizers hope to secure The ASA is a nonprofit land trust enough grant money to double helping landowners conserve that number. farmland in Washington and Melva Visher ’83, ’96 was Rensselaer counties in the upper elected to The John R. Oishei Hudson River Valley. hank you. Foundation’s board of directors. T Tina Mueller ’09 was named She serves on the board of president of Integra Discovery trustees of several nonprofit Services, a Liverpool, N.Y. organizations, including the company that provides testing SUNY Empire State College services. She has been a forensic Alumni Federation. Visher is substance technician since 2012. clinical assistant professor and After earning her bachelor’s program director of Health Every year. Every gift. degree from SUNY Cortland, she Information Management at earned her master’s degree from Medaille College in Buffalo, Every day. Empire State College. N.Y. Her professional experience includes 38 years at Kaleida Miriam Romais, an MBA Health, from which she retired in On behalf of the students, faculty student, presented a photo January 2012 as vice president of and staff of SUNY Empire State project, “Hersteading: Cold community health. A successful Antler Farm” at Saratoga Arts, College, we thank our generous grant writer, she generated more last summer. An artist talk with donors for their support in 2016. than $45 million in local, state Romais and homesteader and and national grant funding author Jenna Woginrich, of Every year we create opportunities over the course of 10 years in Cold Antler Farm was featured. for thousands of deserving support of community health On her website, Romais said, programs at Kaleida. Visher students. Every gift has an impact. “Hersteading” is a photo earned a Bachelor of Science Every day lives are changed. It’s project about the energy, life, degree in business administration love and challenges of a young thanks to support from alumni, and a Master of Arts degree in woman building her dream life employees and friends of the Business and Policy Studies from on her own farm in upstate SUNY Empire. She completed college that we are able to provide N.Y. A renaissance woman, a two-year post-baccalaureate Jenna Woginrich is not just a the affordable, flexible and certification in medical record homesteader; she is an apprentice transformative education that administration at Daemen falconer, archer, fiddler, martial College (1988), an 18-month is our mission. artist, designer, author and fierce Health Leadership Fellowship believer in creating the life Visit The Fund for Empire State Program of the Community you want, even if others don’t College website at www.esc.edu/ Health Foundation of Western quite understand. SupportESC or call 800-847-3000, and Central New York. Carol Witkowski (C.W.) ext. 2337 to make your gift today Hudson Valley Region Turner ’12, a MALS student to support our students. whose final project consisted of Winnie Furnari ’92, RDH, M.S., a full-day workshop for middle FAADH, was recognized as the school girls, had its most recent Crest and Oral-B/American iteration in the Corning, N.Y., Dental Hygiene Association area last summer. The two-day educator of the year. She was Full STEAHM Ahead! (Science, recognized when more than Technology, Engineering, Arts, 2,000 people gathered for Health and Math) workshop at the 2016 American Dental

26 www.esc.edu Hygienists’ Association Center North Carolina – an innovative Long Island Region Northeast Region for Lifelong Learning at the experimental art program dating Gerard A. Geisweller ’16 has Wayne Getman ’75 is the 93rd annual session in June 2016. back to the 1950s, Teo’s goal is to enrolled in St. John’s University president of the Kuyahoora Furnari received her Bachelor of include a variety of Empire State School of Law. Valley Historical Society, that Science in Educational Studies College students and alumni encompasses he Kuyahoora and has worked toward her working across disciplines – from New York City Region Valley – which encompasses Master of Arts in Liberal Studies social engagement to traditional Nancy Azara ’74 took part in a Newport, Middleville, Norway, from the college art forms – to highlight the number of shows last summer Fairfield, Poland and Cold innovative nature of Empire Ryan Hunlock ’13 graduated and fall. The artist was one of Brook, N.Y., after retiring State College. The exhibition from The Sage Colleges, several artists to have work in “So from a 27-year professional is sponsored by the Metro Art Graduate School of Health Much, So Little, All at Once,” at career with the Boy Scouts of Club and ran from Dec. 9, Sciences, with a Master of Regina Rex Gallery in New York America. He earned his degree in 2016, to Feb. 18, 2017, at the Science in Forensic Mental City, in April and May. She also environmental sciences. Hudson Gallery at the college’s Health. He earned his B.S. from was part of the 32nd Fine Print Manhattan location. Nancy Keelen ’91, ’96 had her SUNY Empire, and his associate Fair at the Cleveland Museum watercolors featured at the degree in individual studies from International Programs of Art last September. Azara had Clifton Park – Halfmoon Public SUNY Ulster. a 17- by 14-inch printed recto Hady Aouad ’10, finance manager Library in Saratoga County, and verso (back and front), in Jeannette Provenzano ’93 with RAMACO and RAFA N.Y., in July. Keelen always the show. In addition, she was in was honored by the Ulster Group – based in Qatar, with loved painting, though it became “On Knowing and Unknowing: County, N.Y. Italian American branches in Lebanon, Cyprus a much bigger part of her life A Material Narrative,” during Foundation at an annual Italian and the United States – has after she was diagnosed with the month of October at Ortega festival in October. She was been appointed to the Alumni breast cancer in 2015 and was y Gasset Projects in Brooklyn, one of two Italian Americans Student Federation Board of bedridden for several weeks N.Y. “Nancy Azara paints, chosen for her achievement and Governors; the first alumnus after multiple surgeries. “I was carves, traces, cuts, and moves contribution to the community. from International Programs held hostage in my house, so around her materials in a way Provenzano is a former Ulster ever to serve on the board. The I brought out the watercolors that negotiates raw instinct County legislator. In her 26 years board takes a leadership role and the paints. It helped calm with thoughtful deliberation in the legislative body, she served in the fund-raising efforts of my nerves and take my mind with a very specific and intricate both as Democratic minority and the college, oversees student off the disease,” she told a local thinking,” said fellow artist Zahar majority leader. In addition, she groups and provides guidance newspaper that featured her story. Vaks. “The work embodies serious raised seven children as a single to the Alumni and Student play … There is a definite sense Niagara Frontier Region mother, while working full time. Relations Office on alumni of knowing the materials, yet the She earned her associate degree and student issues. It meets Terry C. Burton ’13 was forms and imagery continue to from the college. twice a year and has geographic appointed general counsel to unravel into the unknown.” representation, as well as Calamar. He earned his law David Mazzetti ’10, a member representatives from the college’s Julie Forlenza ’14 was profiled degree from the University of of the college’s foundation board areas of study. Aouad, who has on her hometown website, Staten Pennsylvania and holds a master’s and president of Mazzetti, previously worked for FedEx Island Live, for the pet-sitting degree from the University at Buscetto and Associates, in and PricewaterhouseCoopers, business she started, Rufflivin Buffalo. He earned undergraduate Poughkeepsie, N.Y., a financial said, “I am so proud of being a Services, that offers dog walking, degrees from both SUNY Buffalo advisory practice of Ameriprise graduate of SUNY Empire, and hand-drawn “doggie portraits” and Empire State College. Financial Services, Inc., was I am happy to give back to the and in-home pet sitting. She recently honored and is now Perry Dewey ’86 was named institution that helped me reach started her college education a member of the Ameriprise district superintendent for where I am.” at the Fashion Institute of Financial Diamond Ring Club. the Delaware Chenango Technology, later transferring to Advisors earn this prestigious Mazen Baajour ’03, who earned Madison Otsego (DCMO) SUNY Empire. distinction by achieving many his B.S. in Business, Management BOCES in Central New York. years of consistently high and Economics, is a business Marvenia Knight ’12 had an He was superintendent of performance that includes an development manager at the exhibit at the King Manor Madison Central School. “I’m exceptional commitment to National Establishment for Museum of photographs of really looking forward to the financial planning and superior Agricultural and Industrial wildlife at Baisley Pond, Jamaica, challenge,” Dewey told a local client service. Diamond Ring Sulphur. He enrolled in Cyprus Queens. Knight was born in newspaper. He started his post Club members make up less after completing three full years Sunbury, N.C., a small rural in early October 2016. than seven percent of the entire and majored in management town surrounded by nature, Dawn Hunt ’11 was selected Ameriprise salesforce. information systems from Saudi which inspired her dedication for a 2016 SUNY Chancellor’s Arabia, he reports that it is to capturing natural aesthetics. Suzi Teo ’16 is the curator for the Award for Excellence in “going well.” She studied graphic design and interdisciplinary art exhibition, Classified Service at SUNY photography at Parson New “Interlude.” Using the example Fredonia. Hunt joined that School, as well as at Empire of Black Mountain College, campus 13 years ago, and has State College.

www.esc.edu 27 Letters to the Editor served as a secretary 1 and School of Nursing The following messages were received by various staff the “face of the office,” in the members associated with the production of the summer Patrice Chunilal ’15 BSN is Department of Biology since issue of Connections. employed as an Emergency/ 2009. Hunt previously received Trauma ICU nurse in Bellevue the Barbara Saletta Meritorious Hospital in Manhattan. The new issue of Connections is really one of the most attractive Service Award, established alum mags I have seen anywhere. The theme of food and through the Fredonia College Eoin Coffey ’16, who earned wine is a winner, and the way you have integrated the people Foundation. She earned her her Bachelor of Science from and activities of the college is informative about the college. associate degree in Business the School of Nursing, was Possibilities for graduates are inspiring. Good show! Management and Economics published in the Worldwide LeGrace Benson from SUNY Empire and Leaders in Healthcare, joining ESC faculty emerita completed the medical office the prestigious ranks of the Ithaca, N.Y. assistant program at Jamestown International Nurses Association. Business College. In Memoriam Terrific job with the magazine. I really enjoyed reading it, Michael Kessler ’01, a business Associate Professor of Business, especially the opening column. unit manager, has retired from Management and Economics Tony Esposito Cutco Cutlery Corp. He joined Deborah A. Noble, Ph.D., Empire State College Council member the company in 1977 as a originally from Belleville, Ala., materials manager and oversaw died Sept. 30, 2016, in New York I just received my copy of the ESC magazine. A homerun – warehouse operations in 1979. City after a long illness. Kessler earned an associate great content and design! She first joined Empire State degree from the college, and his Please share kudos with your team. College in 2003 as an adjunct bachelor’s degree from Houghton instructor in the Verizon Cheers, College in Western New York. Dan Lundquist Corporate College Program, Retired vice president for marketing and enrollment Brandon Vizzi ’10 was named following a successful career in management at the Sage Colleges. Previously served at Union one of “30 Under 30” by increasingly high-level positions College in Schenectady and at the University of Pennsylvania Buffalo Business First. The in Verizon and its predecessor designation recognizes young telecommunications companies. people’s achievements in work Subsequently, she became a What a beautiful, inspiring and informative issue! and community. Vizzi is an member of the faculty group at It reached me all the way down here in D.C. … and emergency department technician the Brooklyn location. made me homesick! for Erie County Medical Center. Noble taught across the BRAVO! He is co-founder and director of Business, Management and Nancy Kymn Harvin Rutigliano, Ph.D. Brothers Without Borders, Inc., Economics curriculum, primarily The George Washington University School of Medicine an organization that supports in management, strategy and Health Sciences – visiting scholar emergency services workers. and organizational behavior. Empire State College faculty He is a volunteer firefighter, Her research focused on AEMT, and rescue diver with organizational citizenship. She I wanted to tell you how wonderful your college magazine looks. the Ellicott Creek volunteer fire made a significant contribution to Thank you for sending me the current issue and I hope to see dept. His future plans include revising the BME Area of Study you soon. traveling around the world and and concentration guideline. continued outreach to emergency Warm regards, Noble was very active in Matt Barney services across the world through the Eastern Academy of Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Brothers Without Borders. He Management, serving on SUNY Cobleskill also wants to scuba dive the planning committees, reviewing Great Barrier Reef in Australia. conference paper submissions Before he turns 40, he wants to and presenting in the U.S. and Just got a copy of Connections in the ESC mail. It looks really good; chock full. I shall start reading through it tonight. see Brothers Without Borders at international conferences in expand to have chapters all over China, Brazil and Peru, among Bob Congemi the world. other places. Faculty member

Please Stay Connected! The Summer issue of Connections is … is absolutely delicious! Well done to all – a treat to digest … Tell us what’s new with you. Do you have a new job, I could go on and on … a promotion, an award, a new publication, new exhibit, Seriously – one of the best produced, (oops – did it again) etc.? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your news Ok, I’m done now, may I please be excused? and photos. Go to: www.esc.edu/Alumni-Info Shelley B. Dixon, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Academic Services

28 www.esc.edu As a strong college community with a global footprint, we want to inspire philanthropy on all levels by establishing these three key philosophies: • Promote – We will tell the story of what philanthropy means to our college community and help spread the mission and vision of this initiative for all. • Educate – We will constantly educate the college community by sharing student, alumni and faculty philanthropy spotlights while showing how gifts to the college are transforming the student experience. • Engage – We will host collegewide fundraising drives encouraging participation among all locations and programs, as well as promote local events within all our communities and how to join the effort.

Do you want to a make a difference? Do you want to be part of something bigger? PAY IT Join the Pay It Forward Initiative and start giving back today. FORW RD Visit us at Facebook.com/groups/payitfowardESC/

SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS ALUMNI We are accepting nominations for the inaugural Alumni Awards Program. Nominations are still open, but will be Awards closing soon.

If you know any exemplary alumni who have made a lasting impact on society and Empire State College in the following areas, we invite you to go online and complete the nomination application: • Emerging Leader • Community Impact • Distinguished Leader To submit nominations, please visit alumni.esc.edu 2 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-4390

printed on recycled paper PHOTO CREDIT: Canal Town Photos

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies at the College’s New Rochester Location – from left, Robert Duffy, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and former NYS lieutenant governor; Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle; Town of Brighton Supervisor William Moehle; SUNY Empire State College President Merodie Hancock and State Sen. Joseph Robach.