et al.: Alumni Journal

journal alumni » TRADITIONS

Members of the Alpha chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at SU, circa 1890s. T he Syracuse Triad

T he sororities Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, and Alpha Gamma Delta were founded at SU more of our fraternity and sorority community and are

alumni.syr.edu than a century ago delighted that Alpha Gamma Delta has rejoined it,” says Eddie D. Banks, director of the Office of By Charnice Milton Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. “After all, this is where it all began.” Alpha Phi and Gamma Phi Beta have the dis- As the only all-female residence hall tinction of being the first Greek organizations for on campus since 2005, the Butterfield House women on campus. Although SU was founded as on Comstock Avenue stands as an anomaly. a coeducational institution, “women felt an atmo- However, it was once the home of Alpha Gamma sphere of opposition and criticism,” according to Delta, a Greek organization for women founded a letter written by Alpha Phi co-founder Martha at Syracuse University in 1904. The house was Foote Crow. “We had no chance to blossom forth designed by Emily Butterfield, a founding member in a free atmosphere of encouragement and ap- who became a prominent architect, and is sched- proval.” On September 18, 1872, 14 women gath- uled to return as the sorority’s residence this fall. ered at 41 Irving Street for what became known Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the first Alpha Phi chapter meeting. Out of this

(782-5867) 1-800-SUALUMS Alpha Gamma Delta wasn’t the only sorority group, 10 became founding members. founded on the Hill. Alpha Phi and Gamma Phi Alpha Phi wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t Beta were also established here. Nationally, for Greek professor Wellesley P. Coddington. He these three sororities are known as the “Syracuse convinced the group to incorporate under New Triad.” Although Alpha Gamma Delta shut down York State law, applying under the name “the at SU a decade ago, its participation in last fall’s Michaelanean Society” (as Greek-letter orga- Bid Day marked the return of the Syracuse Triad nizations weren’t included in such laws at the on campus. “We are proud of the long tradition time). He also drafted the motto, co-wrote the

44 Syracuse University Magazine Photo courtesy of Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority Published by SURFACE, 2011 1 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9

In 1882, the sisters of Alpha Phi held their first convention in Syracuse. Seven delegates attended: six from Syracuse and one from Northwestern.

constitution, and to speak,” O’Brien says. encouraged Alpha “But they changed too.” Phi to establish what Since their founding, each is now known as the Triad member has tackled first women’s frater- different issues through nity chapter house, philanthropic work. De- located where the spite such efforts—and its Newhouse 1 building reputation as the founding stands today. chapter—SU’s Alpha Gam- On November 11, ma Delta chapter closed 1874, four students its doors in 2001 because founded Gamma of dwindling membership. Phi Beta. One of the “[We’ve gotten a lot] of founders, Frances words of encouragement,” Haven, was the chapter president Emily daughter of then-Chancellor E. O. Haven, sota, DePauw (both 1908), and North- Furnal ’01 told The Daily Orange. “Every- a proponent of women’s education. western (1913). one is really in disbelief as we all are.” Although initially invited to join Alpha Phi, Today, all three sororities have chap- Nine years after leaving SU, Alpha Haven declined, opting to create a new ters throughout the United States and Gamma Delta recolonized the campus organization with three other unaffiliated Canada. They maintain a special bond be- last October, selecting more than 100 women. Among the group was Helen cause of their Syracuse roots, and some women to join. “The caliber of women we Dodge, who attended the first Alpha Phi campuses hold Triad events, according met at Syracuse was astounding,” Alpha meeting, but rejected membership be- to Eileen Day O’Brien ’71, who pledged Gamma Delta International president cause she felt she didn’t fit in. Gamma Phi Gamma Phi Beta in 1968. O’Brien’s Jackie Brannon Stutts said in a press Beta is best known for coining the term daughter pledged Alpha Gamma Delta statement. “These new members express “sorority,” whose Medieval Latin roots at Indiana University, and the Syracuse one of the highest commitments to es- translate to “sisterhood.” Triad has become a tradition in their tablishing a chapter that truly stands out By 1904, there were seven sororities on family. “I encouraged her to reach out to among Greek life at Syracuse.” campus, but that didn’t stop Coddington the Gamma Phis and the Alpha Phis and As for future Syracuse Triad events on from forming another one. On May 30, 11 see if they could do something together,” campus, Gamma Phi Beta president Stacy women attended the first Alpha Gamma O’Brien says. “She thought it was a good McAllister ’12 hints about the possibility. Delta chapter meeting in his home. Since idea.” “Since Alpha Gamma Delta just returned, its beginning, Alpha Gamma Delta faced When O’Brien pledged in winter 1968, relationships between the presidents are steep competition from other women’s social change was under way with the still developing,” she says. “However, I sororities and was even invited to join women’s and civil rights movements do see them becoming stronger in the another national organization. However, gaining momentum and Greek involve- future.” The three presidents have been following Coddington’s advice, Alpha ment decreased as a result. “Sororities discussing plans for an event in the fall. Gamma Delta declined and launched new could have become an anachronistic part “I just hope the next Triad event happens chapters at Wisconsin (1905), Minne- of college history—social dinosaurs, so before I graduate,” McAllister laughs.

Summer 2011 45 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9Photo courtesy of Alpha Phi International Fraternity 2 et al.: Alumni Journal

THE JOURney classnotes CONTINUES News from SU alumni » Who would have thought Send us news of when I visited campus almost your accomplishments. nine years ago with my wife, To submit information for Class Notes via the Internet, go son, and daughter (Class of to alumni.syr.edu and register with the SU Alumni Online 2008), that one day I would Community. Items will appear in the magazine and in represent all of our alumni the Class Notes section of the online community. Items as president of the Syracuse can also be sent to Alumni Editor, Syracuse University University Alumni Association Magazine; 820 Comstock Avenue, Room 308; Syracuse, (SUAA) and before the Board NY 13244-5040. of Trustees. Or that someone like me—a Whitman School graduate who wrote his honors Denise LeFrak Calicchio ’63 thesis on SU’s marketing strat- (EDU) co-wrote Rooftop Gardens 50s (Rizzoli), a real estate and design egies in admissions, fund-raising activities, parents programs, Joseph F. Zimmerman G’51, book that profiles Manhattan’s and alumni affairs—would have an opportunity to become so G’54 (MAX) of Delmar, N.Y., is most exclusive addresses and passionately involved in all of these areas. Or that my SU “hobby” professor of political science at their private gardens. would turn into a special way for me to connect with alumni the Rockefeller College of the William K. Weisenberg ’66 around the world. State University of New York at Albany. He wrote Horizontal (A&S), assistant executive Following my family’s visit to SU in 2002, I re-established Federalism: Interstate Relations director for public affairs, the Northern New Jersey Alumni Club, and, in 2005, joined the (SUNY Press), which provides government relations, and national alumni board. I’m also an alumni admissions representa- detailed information and diversity initiatives for the Ohio State Bar Association, tive and served with my wife, Beth, on the national parents board. analysis of interstate relations, and advances recommendations received the Bar Medal Award However, my deepest passion has been to promote a culture of to improve the economic and for exemplifying meritorious philanthropy, both personally and among alumni. As chair of the political unions. service to the legal profession, SUAA’s new philanthropy committee, I worked with development community, and humanity. staff to launch the Generation Orange initiative, which seeks to Paul Zuckerman ’51 (A&S), G’67, G’97 (EDU) of Salt Lake Robert Pressman G’67, G’70 engage Syracuse University graduates from the past 10 years, City designed and constructed (EDU), a pediatric psychologist and also to reach out to alumni clubs around the country. Wasatch Wildflowers, a in Providence, R.I., his wife My journey continues as SUAA president, a position I take photographic exhibition that Stephanie Donaldson- Pressman ’69 (A&S), a licensed very seriously. I hope to be a bridge for those of you who want provides easy identification of wildflowers in the Central clinical social worker and trainer to reconnect with SU like I did. I also want to be a resource for Wasatch and Western in family therapy, and their important information about SU so you can stay informed. In Rocky Mountain ranges. The daughter, Rebecca Jackson, co- fact, I recently launched a monthly president’s blog, which you exhibition, which was created wrote Good Night and Matilda & Maxwell’s Good Night (Good can find at alumni.syr.edu and read about my unique perspective for the summer Utah State Fair and the Salt Lake County Parent Inc. Publishers), a series on all things Orange. Fair, was made with a close- of short, informative books for I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to SUAA past president up photographic technique busy parents that offer simple, Larry Bashe ’66, G’68, who was not only a great leader and men- to capture and enlarge the expert advice on one parenting tor, but also became a close friend, and to the dedicated alumni wildflower images using the issue at a time. Each book in the Hasselblad camera system. The series has a special companion relations and development staffs who support our efforts. We exhibition is now on permanent book just for kids (www. are all better because of their commitment to SU’s alumni. I also display on the University of Utah goodparentgoodchild.com). look forward to working with our board of dedicated alumni vol- campus. unteers who have unselfishly and consistently given to SU of their Roland Van Deusen ’67 (A&S), G’75 (SWK) was arrested time, talent, and treasure. with activist Daniel Ellsberg Where will this journey take us? Check out my blog or drop and members of Veterans for me a line with your thoughts and ideas. All I can say is hold on 60s Peace, for a civil disobedience and enjoy the ride! S usan Mandel Glazer ’60 demonstration at the White (FALK) wrote Beyond the Looking House on the ninth anniversary Glass, which invites teachers to of the start of the war in Iraq. reflect on their personalities, behavior patterns, and vocab- Joan Lesikin ’68 (VPA) had a ulary, and on students,to im- solo exhibition of paintings at prove classroom relationships the Unison Gallery in New Paltz, and foster a safe and dynamic N.Y. Brian Spector ’78 learning environment (www. President, Syracuse University Alumni Association Christopher-Gordon.com).

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David Patterson ’68 (A&S) is and One Religion Too Many: The Karen DeCrow L’72 (LAW) the University of North Dakota. executive director of the Gestalt Religiously Comparative Reflections participated in a roundtable She is a nationally recognized Institute of Cleveland. of a Comparatively Religious Hindu. discussion addressing the global presenter and author on issues Both books were published by challenge of providing women facing independent piano teachers Barbara Gydé ’69 (VPA) is SUNY Press (www.sunypress.edu). greater access to justice. The and has published more than 25 chief external affairs officer event was hosted by the Fifth articles and two books, the most for Lighthouse International, a Thomas E. Brydges ’71 (A&S), Judicial District Women in the recent being The Independent Piano leading not-for-profit organization L’73 (LAW), a partner in Jaeckle Courts Committee in Syracuse as Teacher’s Studio Handbook (Hal dedicated to fighting vision loss Fleischmann & Mugel law firm in part of the World Learning Visitor Leonard Corporation). through prevention, treatment, and Buffalo, N.Y., was presented with Exchange Program sponsored by empowerment. the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural the U.S. Department of State’s Joseph Nowinski G’73 (A&S) Site Foundation’s 2011 President’s Bureau of Education and Cultural of Tolland, Conn., is a prominent James W. Heffernan ’69 (A&S), Award for his outstanding service Affairs. The three-week program psychologist who co-authored G’74 (WSM) is chairman of to the national historic site. is designed for female judges, Saying Goodbye (www.NewGrief. the Council on Developmental lawyers, law enforcement officers, com), which offers a roadmap for Services for the state of Janet Kern Mendelsohn ’71 and advocates for women’s rights families confronting their feelings Connecticut. He and his wife, (A&S/NEW), a freelance writer around the world. while a loved one’s health declines. Kathleen McGuire Heffernan ’70 and photographer, wrote Maine’s Nowinski has written several (A&S), were honored by HARC Inc. Museums: Art Oddities & Artifacts Gladys Montgomery ’72 (A&S) award-winning books and is a for their many years of dedication (www.countrymanpress.com). of West Stockbridge, Mass., wrote columnist for the Huffington Post. and service to people with She lives with her husband, Storybook Cottages: America’s intellectual disabilities. Robert Mendelsohn ’68 (SDA) Carpenter Gothic Style (Rizzoli), in Somerville, Mass., and Kittery which takes readers on an Point, Maine. evocative visual tour of historic and newly constructed Carpenter Class Notes Ledger Michelle Morse ’71 (VPA) Gothic cottages, highlighting 70s of Pompano Beach, Fla., is an the style’s defining details and a Helen L. De Haan ’70 (IST) illustrator and muralist. She range of approaches to interior ARC— School of Architecture retired from teaching fifth grade painted a mural at Coral Springs decoration. and serving as the library media High School for the documentary, A&S— College of Arts and Sciences specialist in the Newark Valley POM Wonderful Presents the Toni S. Sullivan ’72 (A&S), a EDU— School of Education (N.Y.) School District in 1997. She Greatest Movie Ever Sold, by social worker and community spent the next 12 years serving on filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. activist in West Sacramento, Calif., ESF— State University of New York the district’s board of education distributes food, clothing, and College of Environmental before retiring again in 2010. Amy Brill Rafferty ’71, G’78 household items to neighbors who Science and Forestry (A&S) of Franklin, N.H., retired as are low income and elderly, or who Ruth Brown Kowal ’70 (A&S) graduate faculty and director of have disabilities. She also helps FALK— David B. Falk College of retired as director of administration people spay and neuter their pets distance learning at New England Sport and Human Dynamics and finance at the Boston Public College. She is a volunteer mentor and feral cats; transports people to (formerly the College of Library after a 40-year career in with the Lakes Region (N.H.) doctor’s appointments; and offers Massachusetts public libraries. chapter of SCORE, providing advice on how to obtain aid when Human Ecology) management counseling and necessary. NUR—College of Nursing Lois Mathieu ’70 (A&S) of workshops for local businesses. Bloomfield, Conn., wrote Debut Joe Ehrmann ’73 (A&S), SU All- SWK—School of Social Work (SterlingHouse Publisher), a novel Robert Seidman G’71, G’80 (LCS) Century Football team member IST— School of Information Studies about the significance of giving a wrote Saving Higher Education: and letter winner in lacrosse, wrote child up for adoption. The Integrated, Competency-Based InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can LAW— College of Law Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Transform Lives (Simon & Schuster), Arvind Sharma G’70 (MAX), Program (Wiley), which presents a a book on how to integrate values LCS— L.C. Smith College of Engineering Birks Professor of Comparative clear path to saving costs without and education into sports (www. and Computer Science Religion at McGill University, wrote jeopardizing academic quality. coachforamerica.com). Hinduism as a Missionary Religion MAX— Maxwell School of Citizenship Eleanor Frierson ’73 (IST) of and Public Affairs Chevy Chase, Md., was named the 2010 Federal Librarian of the NEW— S.I. Newhouse School of ORANGESPOTLIGHT Year by the Library of Congress’s Public Communications Federal Library and Information Kathleen Courtney Hochul ’80 (A&S) won Center Committee for her UC— University College »a special U.S. congressional election in the 26th leadership and direction of the UTICA—Utica College District of western New York. Hochul, a Democrat, beat National Agricultural Library and Republican state Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, and Jack her service as co-chair of the VPA— College of Visual Davis, a businessman who ran on the Tea Party ticket. In Science.gov Alliance. and Performing Arts her first three weeks in office, Hochul cosponsored two SDA—School of Speech and bills to streamline the passport acquirement process, Beth Gigante Klingenstein ’73 (VPA), an associate professor Dramatic Arts introduced a motion on the House floor to restore cuts to of music at Valley City State the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and met with University, earned a Ph.D. degree WSM— Martin J. Whitman School of the president to talk about the economy and job creation in educational leadership from Management (hochul.house.gov/).

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professional association. His Budd Bailey ’77 (NEW) received priorities for 2011 are to advance the 2011 Tom Borrelli Award from innovation, entrepreneurship, and the National Lacrosse League competitiveness in the U.S. (NLL). Bailey covers the NLL for the Buffalo News. Stuart (Lebzelter) Layne ’75 (NEW) is chief marketing and Claire Cook ’77 (A&), a best- revenue officer of the Arena selling author who lives in Scituate, Football League. A sports Mass., released her eighth novel, marketing and media veteran, Best Staged Plans (Voice), a Layne has worked for 24 years as breezy beach read that offers a a sales and marketing executive behind-the-scenes look at the in sports and communications, home industry made popular by including CBS Television Network HGTV programming. Cook’s other sales and senior marketing and novels include Life’s a Beach, Must sales executive with the Seattle Love Dogs, and Seven Year Switch Mariners and Boston Celtics. (clairecook.com). Founder of his own sports and entertainment marketing agency, Thomas C. Fensch G’77 (NEW) Seven 2 Sports Marketing, Layne wrote The Man Who Changed His created integrated marketing Skin: The Life and Work of John strategies for such clients as the Howard Griffin (New Century Indiana Pacers, Celtics legend Bill Books), the first complete Russell, Regan Communications- biography of the man who turned Boston, the National Corporate his skin black and traveled Theater Fund, and team sports throughout the South in 1959-60. solutions for ClickSquared, one of Griffin’s subsequent autobiography the world’s leading digital database about his experience, Black Like marketing companies. Me, became an instant American classic. The author of 30 books, Michael Schuman ’75 (NEW) Fensch has published four books of Keene, N.H., won a first-place about John Steinbeck, two on award at the North American Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, two on SU Day at Yankee Stadium Travel Journalists Association James Thurber, and one each on competition in the category of Hemingway and Oskar Schindler. N early 1,200 alumni, friends, and family members gathered on June Family Travel—Print, for his article 26 for SU Day at Yankee Stadium, sponsored by the SU Alumni “Science of Hocus Pocus” on the Steve Weissman ’77 (WSM) of Association (SUAA). Among those in attendance were SUAA traveling exhibition, Harry Potter: Glen Rock, N.J., is chief financial president and SU trustee Brian Spector ’78 (second from left) and The Exhibition, at the Museum of officer of The Fireman Hospitality Orange football alumni Chad Battles ’11 (left), Ryan Bartholomew ’11, Science in Boston. Group, a multi-restaurant owner/ and Rob Nieves ’11 (right), members of the winning Pinstripe Bowl operator and management group team that played in the stadium last December. Fans were treated Wendy Shields ’75 (EDU), a of 10 properties nationwide. to Old Timers’ Day festivities and the Yankees’ 6-4 win over the teacher at Cheshire Academy in Colorado Rockies. Cheshire, Conn., is vice president Eileen Collins ’78 (A&S), H’01, of Pathways Togo, a nonprofit the first female shuttle pilot and J. Edward “Ned” Tillman G’73 Judy Nauseef ’74 (NEW), a organization created to provide commander, received the Aero (A&S) of Columbia, Md., merged landscape designer in Iowa City, scholarships to women and girls Club of New England Godfrey L. his firm, Growth Adventures, with serves on the 2011 Garden Design in Togo, West Africa—one of the Cabot Award, which is given to BuzzQuake Marketing to launch magazine advisory board. poorest countries where more than individuals or teams who have Sustainable Growth, a partnership half of the women are illiterate made unparalleled contributions to that advises businesses, Herbert Weisbaum ’74 (NEW), (pathwaystogo.org/). advance aviation and space flight. non-profits, and government an award-winning journalist, is agencies on becoming leaders in afternoon anchor at ABC affiliate sustainability. He is married to KOMO NEWS in Seattle. He also Kathryn Bell Tillman ’73 (VPA/ reports on consumer issues for EDU). KOMO Radio and TV, and writes “The ConsumerMan” (www. ORANGESPOTLIGHT D. Rodman Henderer ’74 (ARC) consumerman.msnbc.com), a J ames S. Guseh G’80 (MAX), L’81 (LAW) is a of Chevy Chase, Md., was elevated popular weekly column that warns »candidate for president of the West African nation of to the prestigious College of readers about scams, bad deals, Liberia, a country founded by freed American slaves in 1821. Fellows by the 2011 Jury of Fellows dangerous products, and false Guseh, an economist and political scientist, is on sabbatical from the American Institute of advertising. For his dedication to from North Carolina Central University in Durham until the Architects. helping consumers, Weisbaum was honored by the National presidential election in October. Despite being rich in natural Ronald Mason ’74 (UTICA) is vice Consumers League and the resources, Liberia remains an impoverished nation, with president for human resources at Consumer Federation of America. unemployment, illiteracy, and poverty rates at more than Quinnipiac University in Hamden, 70 percent. Guseh believes he has the moral commitment Conn. A member of the president’s Ron Jensen G’75 (LCS) is and integrity needed to lead his nation to prosperity (www. cabinet, he is the first to serve president of IEEE-USA, the cupliberia.org). in this new senior management world’s largest technical position.

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PriJ zed ournalism » Two Alumni Honored with Pulitzers

Photographing the tragic aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti and exposing corruption in a suburban Los Angeles town brought 2011 Pulitzer Prizes to two Newhouse School alumni. Photojournalist Nikki Kahn G’04 received a Pulitzer in the Breaking News Photography category, and reporter Paloma Esquivel G’06 was honored with a Pulitzer in the Public Service category. Kahn, a staff photographer for The Washington Post, and colleagues Carol Guzy and Ricky Carioti were recognized for images they captured over a year’s time in Haiti following the Caribbean nation’s devastating 2010 earthquake. “It was impossible for us to disconnect ourselves because of the magnitude of the disaster,” says Kahn, who earned a master’s degree in photojournalism from Newhouse. “We were there, in the moment, working.” The photos brought the disaster to life and personalized the trag- edy for many Americans. “I think the photo of Idamise, the old lady leaning against the tree, is probably one of my favorites,” Kahn says. “It seemed to encompass all that Haiti was feeling, just broken and tired, but proud and hopeful at the same time. That is a photo I feel very close to.” Nikki Kahn G’04 (above) took Esquivel was part of a team of 11 Los Angeles Times reporters who uncovered an the photo of Idamise Pierre extraordinary municipal scandal: the misappropriation of millions of taxpayer dollars leaning against a tree in Haiti. The photo was among the by city officials in Bell,C alifornia, with almost all of the money going directly into their selection taken by Washington pockets in the form of outrageous salaries. “I didn’t think it would be that big,” says Post photojournalists who Esquivel, a graduate of the Newhouse master’s degree program in newspaper, maga- were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of zine, and online journalism. “To me, it was really a lesson in how bad things can get the aftermath of the 2010 when there isn’t much oversight from local media.” earthquake in Haiti. Kahn and Esquivel expressed pride in winning the Pulitzer, one of the most presti- gious honors in American journalism, but at the end of the day say they don’t feel any real difference. Both felt they were just doing their jobs. —Natalie Maneval

Photo courtesy of Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post Summer 2011 49 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 6 et al.: Alumni Journal

» Berlin Fang G’05 »

Connecting Cultures Through Words and Technology

By profession, Bailin “Berlin” Fang is an instructional designer. As associate director for the North Institute for Teaching and Learning at Oklahoma Christian University, he teaches professors how to use technology to enhance lesson plans and promote understanding with their students. As a blogger and translator, Fang uses these same skills to reach millions of Chinese readers around the world. “Everything I learned about connecting with others, I learned from from the institution of marriage to potluck dinners, and blogging,” says Fang, a native of Anhui Province in China. regularly receives requests to write commentaries for Fang left China in 2002, enrolling at Syracuse newspapers and magazines on issues ranging from University as a graduate student in the School of health care reform to American unions. Although Education’s Department of Instructional Design, researching such topics can be overwhelming, learning Development, and Evaluation. In 2004, he attended about American culture fascinates Fang. “In a way, I feel a lecture by a School of Information Studies professor like a cultural anthropologist,” he says with a chuckle, about blogging and social bookmarking that planted the “but I hope people don’t mind that I do that.” idea of creating a blog. “I was thinking, ‘Why shouldn’t One subject he discusses in his blog is his work as I start something like that myself?’” he says. “I always a renowned literary translator. In a 2010 entry titled enjoyed writing and I always need an audience to listen “Translator’s Block,” Fang called literary translation or read the things I write about.” So, in a South Campus “one of the toughest and most rewarding pursuits in computer lab, Fang launched his blog, then called the world.” Although translating doesn’t pay very well “Nightly Talks from the Snow City,” a reference to the ($10-$15 for every 1,000 words), it’s well worth it to local Chinese community’s nickname for Syracuse. have “a dialogue with the literary masters in the world,” Although he originally began the blog to share what he says. Fang has translated works by such authors as he learned in classes, Fang found it as a way to share Nobel Prize winner V.S. Naipaul, National Book Award his insights into American culture from a Chinese winner Colum McCann, and Betty Smith, many of which perspective. “The Chinese are learning a lot from this became best sellers and award winners in China. For country, but lots of times, they learn from imitating the instance, Fang’s translation of McCann’s Let the Great actual ways Americans do things without understanding World Spin won the 2010 Weishanhu Prize, China’s the reasons behind them,” he says. “I wanted to share highest award for an international author. what is really going on around me and use this blog as Whether it is through his blog, literary translations, a window, so to speak, for those who are going to come or helping teachers incorporate technology into their here, or for those who cannot come here, but want to lesson plans, Fang has made a career of helping different learn about the culture.” cultures understand each other. “I’m a living testimony Since then, the blog, now named “Nan Qiao’s Blog” that you can use an online platform to have an influence (a reference to his Chinese pen name), has garnered on people,” he says. “I’m also a living testimony that you more than three-million page views and attention from can build a presence when you’re at a distance—since Chinese media outlets. He has blogged about everything I’m so far away and left China so many years ago.” —Charnice Milton

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Robert Sacha ’79 (A&S/NEW), Scott Barnett ’82 (NEW) of Stanton Weinstein G’87 (LCS) of owner of Sacha Photography in Milford, Conn., created Stags Fort Washington, Pa., is president New York City, co-directed and Tournament Central (www.fairfield. of the Philadelphia Intellectual 90s shot three films for the Open edu/athletics/tourney/ath_maac. Property Law Association for John Robinson ’90 (NEW), Society Foundations on denial of html), a portal for the Fairfield 2010-11. general manager for AXXESS pain relief, forced sterilization, Stags men’s basketball team, Media Productions in Albany, and detention as treatment. which featured in-game Twitter Pamela J. Alvord ’88 (NEW) is N.Y., launched a new web portal, The films were produced by and Facebook action updates, executive vice president, managing OurAbility.com, to provide a Pamela Chen ’05 (NEW), senior video clips, and “Fan Zone” director of strategy and operations, series of mentoring resources for communications coordinator for tournament updates during its at Kilannon, an Atlanta-based people with disabilities looking the Open Society Foundations, MACC tournament games and NIT advertising agency that serves for employment or educational founded by George Soros, as part post-season play. both national and international opportunities. OurAbility.com of the organization’s campaign to clients. is partnering with businesses, Stop Torture in Healthcare (www. Bernard Lynch ’82 (NEW) is a universities, and organizations— soros.org/newsroom). photographer whose work has David M. Black ’89 (A&S), an including Cargill, NYSARC Inc., been published in American Photo, account executive for WMTW Trust Services, the U.S. Business Rick Burton ’79 (NEW) wrote French Photo, The Miami Herald, News 8 in Portland, Maine, is a Leadership Network, and Syracuse The Darkest Mission (Long Reef Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and four-time winner of the prestigious University—to provide the best Press), a crime thriller that brings TROPIC magazine, among others. Hearst Television Eagle Award for information possible to people with together WWII flyers, a sadistic His photos were also featured in being one of the top salespersons disabilities. Nazi colonel, East Germany’s a juried exhibition, CHANGE, and in the country. He lives in Cape feared secret police, the CIA, and a in the gallery at the Connecticut Elizabeth, Maine, with his wife, Craig Enger ’91 (NEW) of prominent U.S. senator with years Commission on Culture and Kim, and their two daughters. Rockville, Md., has a new album, of Cold War knowledge. Burton Tourism. Coastline, now available on iTunes, is the David B. Falk Professor of David Horvath ’89 (WSM) of Amazon, and other venues. Profits Sport Management at Syracuse Mary Dennis Swanson ’84 (A&S) Bricksville, Ohio, is a hearing from the sale of the album—which University. and her husband, Geoffrey R. officer to the Ohio Board of features acoustic rhythms, poetic Swanson ’85 (LCS), report that Cosmetology and serves on the lyrics, multi-part harmonies, and their son, Dennis Swanson ’14 executive and finance committees steel drums—will go to charity. (VPA), completed his first year at of the Cuyahoga County 80s SU—the fourth generation of his Republican Party. He is also a Royal Timothy Potero ’91 (A&S) of family to attend Syracuse. Arch Mason. Newtown, Pa., is deputy chief Charles Shelton ’80 (NEW) is compliance counsel for Guy a professional writer/filmmaker Michael Ancillotti ’85 (VPA) of Gary Scheiner ’89 (NEW) of Carpenter & Company, a global specializing in the scary genres. Baldwinsville, N.Y., is president Millburn, N.J., is managing partner risk and reinsurance specialist. He of Latorra, Paul & McCann and chief creative officer of was selected as a “Rising Star” in Melanie Gray L’81 (LAW) was Advertising in Syracuse. Ancilotti Rosetta, the interactive advertising Reactions magazine’s global survey honored by Crisis Intervention and his wife, Janelle Carpenter agency acquired by the Publicis as one of 50 executives regarded of Houston (CIH) at its “Magic Ancilotti ’85 (A&S/NEW), have Groupe. He represented the as the next generation of leaders in of M” gala, which celebrated three sons. United States as a jury member at the insurance industry. five women—all with first the 2011 Cannes Lions Festival in names beginning with M—for Mitchell Hara ’86 (WSM) is France. MaryBeth Vrees ’91 (NEW) is answering the call of service to the senior vice president of corporate vice president, director of strategic community through their tireless strategy at HSN Inc. (Home Amy Sapio Shiley ’89 (A&S) is communications, for Blitz, a volunteer efforts. The event raised Shopping Network), an interactive, general manager for the human Boston-based advertising agency. a record-breaking amount in multi-channel retailer with direct- resources and payroll departments An award-winning media, public donations for CIH, which operates to-consumer expertise. Hara, in the New York and Pennsylvania relations, and marketing veteran, Houston’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline. A who has 20 years of investment divisions of National Fuel Gas Vrees focuses on public relations partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges banking and capital markets Distribution Corporation. She and social media. law firm and an active member experience, assists with the overall resides in Orchard Park, N.Y., with of Houston’s philanthropic corporate strategy, identifying and her husband and two children. Kimberly A. Blackwell ’92 (A&S), community, Gray also serves developing new strategic initiatives CEO and managing partner of as vice chair of the SU Board of and leading the strategic process Amy J. Vigneron L’89 (LAW), a PMM Agency, an advertising Trustees and as co-chair of The for the company. He also evaluates partner in the Buffalo-based law agency located in Columbus, Ohio, Campaign for Syracuse University. and oversees potential strategic firm of Cohen & Lombardo, is was appointed to a three-year term partnerships and transactions. president of the board of directors on the National Women’s Business Daniel Stetson G’81 (VPA) is of the Joan A. Male Family Support Council—a bi-partisan federal executive director at Hunter Jonathan Breger ’87 (NEW) is Center, the only 24-hour phone advisory board created to serve as Museum of American Art in pre-sales engineer at ShoreGroup and in-home crisis intervention an independent source of advice Chattanooga, Tenn. Inc., an information services program in Erie County, N.Y. and policy recommendations company in Syracuse. to President Obama, the U.S. Richard S. Vosko G’81, G’84 Ann Welles ’89 (VPA) received a Congress, and the U.S. Small (EDU) received the Berakah Terese Genecco ’87 (VPA), a jazz 2011 ARTS Partnership Award from Business Administration on Award from the North American singer billed as Terese Genecco & the ARTS Council of the Southern economic issues of importance to Academy of Liturgy for his Her Little Big Band, headlines at Finger Lakes in recognition of her women business owners. liturgical scholarship and award- the Iridium Jazz Club in New York significant contribution to the winning contributions to sacred art City on the last Tuesday of every region’s arts and cultural life. and architecture. month (www.iridiumjazzclub.com).

Summer 2011 51 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 8 et al.: Alumni Journal

»

Rainbow-Colored Days son r

e Relocating from Central New York to Central America, the P Tewogbola family is experiencing the adventure of a lifetime

First By Tasneem Grace-Tewogbola

h Las t year my husband and I gave it all up: our nearly eight years ago t home, our salaries, and our furniture to drive into our dream. as a features writer with n I Due bbing it “The Fantastic Voyage,” we loaded our three The Tennessean. My job daughters, one laptop, two maps, eight pieces of luggage, was to spend three days and a potty into our Honda minivan and drove 1,812 miles covering a women’s in- from Central New York to Central America. We relocated to terfaith retreat organ- Belize seeking a new climate (from snow to sun), new cul- ized by a Belizean who ture (from collards to callaloo), and new perspectives (from resides in Nashville and U.S. pace to Caribbean patience). founded a nonprofit or- Buoyed by let’s-live-our-vision-now boldness, we spent ganization called Bridging Belize Network. I took the trip, two years downsizing our lifestyle and debt and boosting wrote the story, and kept in touch throughout marriage, our savings and courage. Now we are here, where fantasy motherhood, and a move back north to Syracuse. Three meets reality and where daily blessings offer adventure be- years ago, that same CEO asked me, and my husband, to yond imagination. I’d love to say the past nine months have move to Belize and coordinate their local projects. Disbelief been all sunshine and sarongs, but I’d be lying. The word struck us silent for about 10 minutes, then grins cramped “adventure” best explains our mission to accept life as it our cheeks. We accepted the offer and began to swat every comes and remember that paradise is truly a state of mind. fear with faith. Good fortune, a 1995 SU Study Abroad semester in Zim- It’s easy to feel stuck in chill mode when you move from babwe, a travel-hungry spouse, and journalism gave me a cool, gray place to a hot, sunny one. But we are not on the gumption for this life change. I first traveled to Belize vacation—this is typical life near the Caribbean Sea. We live

52 Syracuse University Magazine Published by SURFACE, 2011 9 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9

Heidi Boyd Conlin ’92 (NEW), a Bette Kestin ’93 (NEW) and lawyer at the Kimberly K. Glatt law Michael Burchell of San Francisco in a rural home made of cement and tile. A rain- firm in Hoboken, N.J., works in the announce the birth of their bow-colored hammock sways on the veranda. “Adoption Options” division. daughter, Savannah Olivia. Palm, coconut, mango, lime, cashew, banana, Shandana A. Durrani ’92 (A&S), Adam Lippard ’93 (NEW), vice soursop, and custard apple trees line the yard. a travel and lifestyle writer/editor president at GMR Marketing in Iguanas slink everywhere. A crocodile swims in living in New York City, wrote Day San Francisco, was honored by the backyard bay. Sandflies and mosquitoes at- Trips from New York City, a getaway SportsBusiness Journal as one of the tack at night and at sunrise I run past cyclists, guide with tips for the local most influential young executives traveler. Her work has appeared in sports, making the publication’s cattle, horses, parrots, and stray dogs. in such publications as Condé Nast prestigious “Forty Under 40” list. Three of our daughters—number four was Traveler, Glamour, Wine Spectator, born five months ago here, at home, with a Silverkris, NYMag.com, and Justluxe. Nicole Rosmarino ’93 (A&S) Belizean midwife—attend the local primary com. of Centennial, Colo., enjoys a lively and productive career as a school, the lone Americans among Kriol kids. Betsy Holahan ’92 (A&S) biodiversity advocate. She helped Aged 8, 5, and 3, they lace their speech with launched Great Point Strategies, broker a national deal with the Caribbean melody. “Fahtee-one, fahtee-two, a strategic communications U.S. Department of Interior to fahtee-tree,” counts the 3-year-old. Just as in consulting firm based in obtain federal protection for 250 Syracuse, I juggle homemaking, child care, and Alexandria, Va. Her firm provides imperiled plant and animal species a full range of communications (www.wildearthguardians.org). writing with a part-time gig that includes host- services to help clients achieve ing medical missionaries and collecting oral their public policy objectives Michele Helm Baer ’94 (A&S/ histories. As a family, we have a special task to (www.greatpointstrategies.com). NEW) and her husband, Justin learn the “Belizean way,” and not rely on how Baer ’94 (A&S), of Bloomfield, T.S. McMillin G’92 (A&S), a N.J., announce the birth of their we did things “back home.” professor in the Department of daughter, Gabriela Mae, who joins Here, patience is our professor. Here, Be- English at Oberlin College in Ohio, brothers Tobias and Nathaniel. lizeans work hard but take life easy. Here, the wrote The Meaning of Rivers: Flow Michele is president of Baer focus is not on consumption, but creation. Hun- and Reflection in American Literature Consulting, a communications (University of Iowa Press). firm, and Justin is the Wall Street gry for tortillas? Make them! Need a bench? correspondent for the Financial Build it! Need to relax? Crank up the music and Amy Scanlon ’92 (NEW) of New Times. move! Of course, Belize is not all beaches and York City is senior vice president rum, no place is. Crime is on the rise, gas prices for business development and Liz Dickler ’94 (VPA) of Los strategic partnerships at CBS Angeles is vice president of drama are crazy ($6 U.S./per gallon) and unemploy- television stations. She works at A&E television network, where ment fuels discontent. As everywhere, bliss with sales teams at the group’s she develops new scripted drama lives beside burden: There is luxury and lack, 28 local stations and spearheads series and miniseries and oversees scuba and strife, reef and risk. the creation and execution of new current projects. business initiatives at CBS-owned This is the daily work of creating new com- TV stations and other CBS local Nicola Giacchetti McIntosh ’94 fort zones, and the lasting gift of travel—the media assets. (A&S/NEW) and Scott McIntosh truth that despite hardship, goodness is global. ’93 (NEW) own and operate Even while huddled in one room listening to the Nina Raphael Arboscello ’93 the Kuna Melba News, a weekly moans of Hurricane Richard, even when elec- (FALK) and her husband, Rick, community newspaper in Kuna, of Greenville, S.C., announce the Idaho, that won three awards in tricity—and our fans—die in 90-degree heat, birth of their daughter, Victoria the 2010 Idaho Press Club contest. even as sweat streaks our cheeks, we declare Syra, who joins brothers Nick and the good: We still have a roof, water, towels, Will. Luanne McKinlay G’94 (EDU) is and each other. president of Capital Area Speech- Justin Blount ’93 (LCS) is director Language Hearing Association Of course, we miss family, friends, Target, of marketing for Kohler Engines and is a school speech-language Petit Library, apple picking, and autumn. Yet in Kohler, Wis. He is responsible pathologist. She received the 2011 we pray we remember these days—of man- for the short- and long-term Board of Regional Association gos, lime juice, and reggae—as a time when the marketing plans of the company’s Presidents of New York State industrial and consumer product Distinguished Service Award at Tewogbolas tripped all the way to Belize and lines and for the development of the New York Speech-Language found themselves at home. those markets. Hearing Association Convention in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Tasneem Grace-Tewogbola graduated from the Betty Rose Facer G’93 (A&S), a senior lecturer of French and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications director of the Language Learning in 1996 with a degree in journalism. Her husband, Center at Old Dominion University Zuberi Tewogbola, was a senior research analyst in Norfolk, Va., co-edited Academic in SU’s Office of Development from 2005 to 2010. Podcasting and Mobile Assisted Language Learning: Applications and He is currently director of development at the Uni- Outcomes (IGI Global). versity of Belize. Summer 2011 53 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 10 et al.: Alumni Journal

» Jackie Savage McFee ‘94 » A Brand of Her Own

had bought a fledgling back-to-school paper supply com- pany in Charlotte, North Carolina. He asked her to come up with some innovative designs and patterns, on a free- lance basis, to freshen the look of Carolina Pad’s paper products. McFee’s young and hip designs didn’t gener- ate much interest until she went along on sales calls to present her trend boards, which demonstrate the hottest new colors and styles for the upcoming season. “I used up vacation days to go on calls,” she says. “It’s not the norm for the designer to be part of the sales team, but my

TM passion for our products helped convince buyers to take a chance on us.” McFee faced a dilemma in 2001 when a headhunter E called her about a job at Hallmark just as Carolina Pad asked her to work full time. While Hallmark was the safe, predictable choice, Carolina Pad offered a blank canvas on which to leave her mark. “My dream was to become a mother and create my own brand,” says McFee, who now has three children. “I wanted to be the next Kate Spade or Martha Stewart and the road was clear in front of me at Carolina Pad. So my husband and I packed up the dog and U-Haul, moved to Charlotte, and never looked back.” The JACK!E brand began with a single collection called Plaid Magic (www.jackiemcfee.com). Today McFee’s de-

JACK signs—including her signature collection, Hot Chocolate, J ackie Savage McFee has revolutionized the which has sold more than 60 million pieces and count- back-to-school and office supply industries with bold ing—are prominently displayed in major retail outlets trend-setting designs. She credits her success to a sur- across the country and have been featured on such pop- face pattern design class she took quite by happenstance ular TV shows as Glee, Pretty Little Liars, and The Oprah at the suggestion of her academic advisor. “I’d never even Winfrey Show. In 2006, when McFee learned her cousin’s heard of surface pattern design,” says McFee, who ma- 2-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with leukemia, jored in illustration. “I always thought I would be a chil- she decided to “pay it forward” by creating the Kend- dren’s book illustrator, but I discovered I am really good all Kollection, donating a portion of the proceeds to the at creating patterns and repeat designs.” Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “When I get stressed After graduation, McFee headed to New York City to out about juggling my busy family life with my demand- look for a job at one of the textile houses, but they all ing professional life as a designer and businesswoman,” turned her down because she didn’t have an extensive McFee says, “I just think about the parents of children portfolio. She returned home to Syracuse and took a job undergoing chemo therapy—now that’s stressful.” at Kinkos until a friend, who worked at the C.R. Gibson Ten years ago, McFee and Carolina Pad created a re- greeting card company, showed one of McFee’s home- tail category that didn’t exist. Now the JACK!E brand is made Christmas cards to her boss. “I got a job at C.R. expanding into new markets, including athletic apparel, Gibson because I knew color and repeats,” McFee says. beach towels, and a line of fun and colorful bedding. “I’m “It’s amazing how that one surface pattern design class always looking for new partners to license my designs so was the start of my career.” we can create fabulous products together,” McFee says. Fast forward three years. McFee, now married, re- “Don’t you think everything needs to be more luscious in ceived an offer from a former C.R. Gibson colleague who this world?” —Christine Yackel

54 Syracuse University Magazine Published by SURFACE, 2011 11 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9 nley » Orange Legacy a . M F

The Manley Connection Lives On mas ho By Patrick T. Manley T

Syrs acu e University has been a brother’s footsteps and went on to gradu- part of my family since the 1890s. Span- ate with a medical degree from Syracuse ning more than 100 years, the Manley/SU University and enjoy a long and distin- connection began when my grandfather, guished career as an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Thomas F. Manley (Dr. T.F. as he was My grandfather and great-uncle had often referred to), enrolled at Syracuse an unwavering passion for Syracuse Uni- in 1897 when he received one of the first versity and made generous contributions baseball scholarships offered by the ath- to the institution. Years after graduat- letic department. He went on to play four ing, they established the Thomas F. and years of varsity baseball while pursuing George L. Manley Endowment Fund for a medical degree. After completing his Research in Surgery, which was the first degree, Dr. T.F. received numerous offers of its kind in the history of the Syracuse men seemed larger than life and quickly to play professional baseball—ultimately Medical School. Additionally, George was became my personal heroes. passionate about SU’s athletics After graduating from Canisius College and had a deep commitment to in 2007, I began thinking about graduate improving opportunities for stu- school. I always wanted to follow in my dent-athletes. He was often seen grandfather’s and great-uncle’s footsteps standing on the sidelines or sit- and had some regret that I didn’t attend ting in the coaches’ box at football SU as an undergraduate. I eventually ap- games during the Jim Brown and plied to the Maxwell School to pursue a Ernie Davis years. The success of master’s degree in political science and the football program at that time public administration. At the time of my shed light on the glaring need for acceptance, there had not been a Man- an indoor facility where the team ley enrolled at SU since my father was a could practice during the win- student in the 1950s, so I was determined ter months. After the team won to make the most of my time at SU and the 1959 national championship, leave my mark. I was particularly thrilled George made a significant finan- to attend basketball games as a student, cial commitment toward the field and one day during the 2009-10 season, I house that bears his name. The decided to bring a 5-foot cutout of Coach George L. Manley Field House Jim Boeheim’s head to a basketball game. has been a landmark of SU Ath- Never in my wildest dreams did I expect passing up an opportunity to play for the letics for nearly 50 years. Just before his my creation to generate so much atten- Boston Red Sox to focus on his medical death in 1971, George endowed an athletic tion—even on a national level. The giant career. After an internship in Newark, scholarship in his name and was designat- Boeheim head took on a life of its own and New Jersey, he returned home to Norwich, ed an honorary Letterman of Distinction developed a cult-like following as the team New York, and began his medical practice, by the SU Varsity Club. continued to enjoy success. At the end of establishing the Norwich Hospital in 1911 My father, Thomas F. Manley Jr., who at- the season, I donated Big Boeheim to the and ultimately becoming the first surgeon tended SU from 1954 to 1956, made sure Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, raising a in Chenango County. I was a Syracuse fan from the moment I large donation for a great cause. As I near My grandfather’s dedication inspired was born. Some of my fondest memories the end of my time at SU, the opportunity many, including his younger brother and are of Saturdays in the Dome cheering for to continue my family’s proud Orange my great-uncle, Dr. George L. Manley. the SU football team, and watching TV legacy is a dream come true, and I look But when it came time to pursue his own with my dad as Syracuse basketball made forward to building on that relationship educational path, George preferred to its way through the NCAA tournament for years to come. bypass college. Dr. T.F. refused to accept every March. SU was in my blood, but his brother’s decision, so he had George because my grandfather and great uncle Patrick T. Manley G’11 earned a master’s degree in political science and public administration from the grabbed off a street corner and whisked died many years before I was born, their Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He away to a prep school in Pennsylvania. lives lived on through my father’s frequent is currently pursuing career opportunities related to George eventually followed in his big stories. Through those stories, the two national security in Washington, D.C.

George L. Manley speaks at the ground breaking for Manley Field House, which opened in 1962. Photos courtesy of Patrick T. Manley Summer 2011 55 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 12 et al.: Alumni Journal

Kimberly Murray ’94 (NUR) Karen Skillin Rojas ’96 (ARC), He conducted a one-on-one E ric Wohlleber ’99 (NEW) is service line administrator for and her husband, John Rojas ’90 interview with President Obama, is vice president of Gramercy orthopedic and spine services (ARC Florence), of San Francisco in which the president made Communications, a public relations at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health announce the birth of their headlines worldwide by saying, and marketing firm in Albany, N.Y. Center in Syracuse. She provides daughter, Marisa Anne. “America is a stressed out nation.” The company was founded by administrative support and MacFarlane is a board member of Thomas Nardacci ’96 (A&S). direction of orthopedic services, Brett Walker ’96 (NEW) and his the WJPZ Alumni Asssociation. including financial and clinical wife, Jennifer, of Winter Garden, performance, marketing, and Fla., announce the birth of their Erin Reidy ’98 (A&S) is senior strategic planning. son, Reed Charles Newman, who policy analyst at the American joins brother Riley. Cancer Society Cancer Action 00s John Felker G’95 (MAX), a U.S. Network in Washington, D.C. She Mary Beth Cryan ’00 (VPA) Coast Guard captain, received the Jeff Glor ’97 (A&S/NEW), news leads policy development and of Woonsocket, R.I., is an Defense Superior Service Medal anchor for the “Early Show” on strategic planning on public and award-winning illustrator who for completing a three-year tour CBS, gave the Commencement private health care coverage issues, specializes in art licensing, paper as commander of the Coast Guard speech at the College of Arts and including efforts to implement the engineering, and product design. Cryptologic Group at Fort Meade, Sciences and Sawyer Business Affordable Health Care Act. Two bobble head kits—Robots Md. He is now deputy commander School undergraduate ceremonies and Monsters—crafted by Cryan of the Coast Guard Cyber at Suffolk University in Boston. Fon Wang ’98 (ARC) was for the Worldwide Co. of London, Command in Washington, D.C. The university honored Glor with honored as a “Rising Star” at the were top sellers at the New York an honorary Doctor of Journalism Celebration of the Next Generation International Gift Fair. Two more of Wendy Loughlin G’95 (NEW) and degree. of Leadership reception hosted her bobble head kits—Sea Life and Tim McCoy G’06 (A&S) announce by Philadelphia Councilwoman Fairy Tale—were released in May. the birth of their daughter, Violet, David Sisco ’97 (VPA), a professor Blondell Reynolds Brown. A who joins sister Katherine. of voice at Marymount Manhattan principal and owner of the Center Kwame Harrison G’00, G’03 College, won the 2010 National City design firm UCI Architects, (MAX), associate professor of Brent Royer ’95 (A&S/NEW) Association of Teachers of Singing Wang is working on creating a sociology and Africana studies is senior director, creative Composition Award for “Missed new student center on the historic at Virginia Tech, received the media services, at ALSAC/ Connections,” a song cycle based campus of the Pennsylvania university’s 2011 Edward S. Diggs St. Jude Children’s Research on a collection of craigslist posts School for the Deaf, renovating Teaching Scholars Award for his Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. He for mezzo soprano and piano. He a Germantown train station, exceptional contribution to the is expanding the creative and is completing his first full-scale and designing an addition to teaching program and learning technical capabilities of the media musical, Falling to Earth, with a rehabilitation facility for the environment. production teams with a focus on collaborator Tom Gualtieri ’90 Volunteers of America. delivering unique video content (VPA). George Juliano Jr. ’00 (NEW) and across multiple digital platforms in Erin Troy Anzalone ’99 (NEW) his wife, Shannon, of Watertown, support of St. Jude’s fund-raising Craig Troskosky ’97 (A&S/NEW) and her husband, P.J. Anzalone Mass., announce the birth of their efforts. is a management supervisor ’97 (NEW), of St. Louis Park, twin sons, Anthony and Joseph, in the Rochester, N.Y., office Minn., announce the birth of their who join sister Lily. Scott Bevier ’96 (WSM) is chief of Eric Mower and Associates, daughter, Hailey Teresa. operating officer of WellNet an integrated marketing Joseph F. Kanakaraj ’00 (IST) Healthcare Group, a national communications agency. Kimberly Thomas Bissell is the user interface engineer at health care management company G’99 (NEW) is associate dean Major League Baseball Advanced in New York City. Ryan Johnston ’98 (NEW), for research at the College of Media in New York City. weekend host of “The Sports Hub Communication and Information Deanna Eckman ’96 (A&S/ in Boston” talk show (WBZ-FM Science and director of the Thomas Ragonese ’00, G’02 NEW), G’00 (IST) married Daniel 98.5), made his NHL broadcasting Institute for Communication (LCS) and his wife, Sarah, of Korte G’98 (NEW). They reside in debut when he filled in for four and Information Research at Bloomington, Ind., announce Columbus, Ohio. games on the Boston Bruins Radio the University of Alabama in the birth of their twin son and Network. Tuscaloosa. daughter. Richard Kriheli ’96 (A&S) launched SPLIT, a digital arts and Jason Kovar ’98 (WSM) is co- Kathryn Carter ’99 (A&S) of Andrew Laver ’01 (VPA) and his letters quarterly (splitquarterly. president of WellNet Health Plans Middleburg, Va., is director of wife, Jennifer, of Cherry Hill, N.J., com). at WellNet Healthcare Group, a public relations at Merchant announce the birth of their son, national health care management Software Corporation. Ethan Morgan. Paul Maliszewski G’96 (A&S) company in New York City. wrote Prayer and Parable (Fence Lauren Iacono ’99 (NEW) is Colleen Locke ’01 (NEW) married Books), a collection of stories that Julie Lacouture ’98 (A&S/NEW) director of digital strategy at PAN Jonathan Cain ’01 (A&S/NEW). captures the ways we struggle with is regional co-owner of the Los Communications in Andover, Colleen is the web editor for our instincts, faith, intellect, and Angeles franchise Mom Corps, a Mass. UMass Boston, and Jonathan is imagination (www.fenceportal.org). company that finds challenging, the senior news producer for New flexible work arrangements for Shadra Strickland ’99 (VPA) of England Cable News. They live in Judy Osgood L’96 (LAW) is a talented professionals in varying Atlanta illustrated White Water, a Ashland, Mass. policy analyst in the office of life stages who are seeking a better book about a young boy growing Nevada Governor Sandoval. work/life balance. up in the segregated South. Frank Mullins ’01, G’11 (WSM), an assistant professor of management Scott MacFarlane ’98 (A&S/ at North Carolina A&T State NEW) is Washington, D.C., University in Greensboro, N.C., correspondent for COX Television. earned a Ph.D. degree in business administration from SU.

56 Syracuse University Magazine Published by SURFACE, 2011 13 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9

» Debra Person G’08 » Against All Odds

As a young girl growing up in Syracuse, Debra Person dreamed of attending Syracuse Uni- versity. Although her childhood was not unhappy, her family had little money and her father had a seri- ous drug problem. As she got older, she was haunted by feelings of inadequacy. “I always felt like I wasn’t smart enough,” she says. By 11th grade, she’d given up on her dream and dropped out of school. Years of trouble followed: She got involved in drugs and alcohol and served time in county jail. But while in jail, she earned a GED and worked at turning her life around. Several years after her release, she landed a job in the cafeteria at the Schine Student Center and took advantage of the University’s remitted tu- ition benefits, attending classes for free. She even- tually transferred to the custodial department, so she could work the early morning shift and attend afternoon classes. “I can’t even find words to explain what that meant to me,” she says. “I was fulfilling my lifelong dream, and I was going to do whatever it took.” Person was on the path she once envisioned for herself, but her old feelings of inadequacy resurfaced. She started using drugs again, stopped attending classes, and spiraled deeper into addiction. “I was embarrassed, humiliated, and ashamed,” she says. “I had no self-worth.” She left Syracuse, entered a drug rehabilitation facility, and despite repeated attempts to get clean, continued to relapse. In 1998, she hit rock bottom and ended up at the women’s shelter at the City Mission of Schenectady. She flourished at the mission, rediscovered her faith in God, and finally overcame her addictions. “At the mission, they loved me until I could love myself,” she says. She was eventually hired as a case worker there, graduated from community college, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. In 2005, Person returned to Syracuse and became a case manager atV era House, a nonprofit organiza- tion that serves victims of domestic and sexual violence and families in crisis. Through Vera House, she received SU remitted tuition and returned to the classroom, pursuing a master’s degree at the School of Social Work. She studied, worked full time, completed an internship, and took care of her brother’s four young children. She and her husband, Alonso, are the children’s legal guardians. Against all odds, Person earned a master’s degree in social work, specializing in community organization, policy, planning, and public administration in 2008. “What a moment that was,” Person says. “I finally was able to realize that I am valuable, I am special. That was the day the void in my life was gone.” Today, Person continues to work at Vera House and is the founder and president of Exodus 3 Minis- tries (E3M), a nonprofit, faith-based organization that provides spiritual support and other assistance to women in Syracuse. E3M is working to open Exodus House, a seven-bed, faith-based shelter modeled after the City Mission of Schenectady. In April, the School of Social Work honored Person with the 2011 Daniel and Mary Lou Rubenstein Social Justice Award. Person is most proud of the fact that she has broken her family’s generational curse of drug addiction and is a positive role model for her four children. She speaks of her young nephew who was born addicted to crack cocaine. “He is soaring now. He will tell you he is going to Syracuse University,” she says. “My kids will go to college.” Anyone who knows Debra Person doesn’t doubt they will. —Christine Graf

Summer 2011 57 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 14 et al.: Alumni Journal

Jaime Winne Alvarez ’02 (NEW), Brooke Alper ’04 (A&S) is Leah Hurtgen Ziemba L’06 (LAW) Kelly Huth Luczkowiak ’09 (NEW) a member of SU’s Office of News associate director of alumni is an associate in Michael Best is an assistant features editor for Services team since 2004, is now relations and annual giving at The & Friedrich law firm in Madison, The Express-Times, specializing in communications manager for the Pingry School in Martinsville, N.J. Wis. She is part of the firm’s food and entertainment for the Whitman School of Management. energy and sustainability industry Lehigh Valley, Pa., newspaper. Jason J. Centolella L’04 (LAW), team, focusing her practice on Marco Iacono ’02 (LCS) is a a member of the Green & Seifter the siting and permitting of new Lee Meltzer ’09 (NEW), an member of the iOS applications law firm in Syracuse, practices in development projects, including assistant in the film and marketing and frameworks team at Apple Inc. health care, business transactions, agricultural and energy projects, department of PMK*BNC in New in Cupertino, Calif. banking and financial institutions, and counseling clients on York City, is working on LUCKY, a mergers and acquisitions, and environmental matters. new film by director Gil Cates Jr. Jay Miles ’02 (NEW) wrote equipment leasing. ’91 (VPA) and screenwriter Kent Conquering YouTube for Michael Denise Frias ’07 (A&S) earned a Sublette ’91 (VPA). Weiss Productions, a leader Victor Prial L’04 (LAW), an master of social work degree from in publishing books about attorney at the Green & Seifter law Fordham University. Crystal Cave ’10 (NEW) works filmmaking. firm in Syracuse, concentrates his in real estate sales and leasing at practice in civil litigation. Geoffrey Marsh ’07 (NEW) is Platinum Properties in New York George Scott ’02 (A&S), an asso- web/multimedia designer at the City. ciate in the law firm of Nexsen Kari Benjamin-Kurta ’05 (VPA) is Fletcher School of Diplomacy at Pruet in Columbia, S.C., is province an account executive for iVilliage Tufts University in Medford, Mass. Jason Dean G’10 (IST) is cataloger president of North Carolina and Network, an NBC Universal and technical services librarian at assistant province president of Company in New York City. Erich Yahner G’07 (IST) of Silver the Crystal Bridges Museum of South Carolina and Georgia for the Springs, Md., is employed by the American Art in Bentonville, Ark. legal fraternity of Phi Delta Phi. Noelle Lang ’05 (A&S) is enrolled Humane Society of the United in the Ph.D. program in medieval States in Washington, D.C. Rebecca K. Greenblatt ’10 Emily Spitale ’02 (NEW) is and early modern studies at the (FALK) is conference concierge director of publicity for USA University of Kent in Canterbury, Jackie Friedman ’08 (FALK), with Hershey Resorts and Network and the Sleuth Channel in England. a graduate of SU’s sport Entertainment Company in New York City. management program, is a sports Hershey, Pa. She responds to Valerie Ramirez G’05 (NEW) reporter for The Star-Ledger in guest requests for services and Matthew O’Neill ’03 (A&S) of married Jules Byron Beesley. They Newark, N.J. She was a top five information and coordinates Santa Monica, Calif., sold his reside in New York City. finalist in the 2010 Association special projects related to the action comedy screenplay, Bait of Press Sports Editors (APSE) catering and conference services and Switch, to Universal Pictures. Rachel Moran ’06 (A&S) was national sports journalism contest department of the Hotel Hershey. Mark Wahlberg is slated to star awarded a 2011 Charlotte W. for a breaking news story she co- in and produce the film, along Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation wrote on the State Commission of Michael Gursha ’10 (NEW/ with producers Scott Stuber (The Fellowship—a prestigious national Investigations report highlighting WSM) and Andrew Bank ’11 Break Up, Couples Retreat), John award for Ph.D. candidates in the the waste and abuses at New (NEW) launched the alpha version Jacobs (Blades of Glory, Anger humanities and social sciences Jersey’s governing body for high of a new tech startup called Management), and Stephen addressing questions of ethical school athletics. VouchBoard (www.vouchboard. Levinson (Entourage). and religious values. She is now a com), an interactive service that doctoral candidate in history and Jessica Haynie ’08 (WSM) gives users the unique ability to Adam Ritchie ’03 (NEW) of women’s studies at Pennsylvania owns and operates Three vouch for those who impact their Boston is owner of Adam Ritchie State University. Her dissertation, Stones Consulting (www. lives. Brand Direction, a public relations Body Politic: Federal Policy on threestonesconsulting.com), a fund- company that has been hired to American Physique, 1890-1965, raising and philanthropy consulting Giavona Williams ’10 (A&S/ lead U.S. communications efforts examines the political history of firm in Santa Fe, N.M. NEW) completed her U.S. Navy for Chile-based Crystal Lagoons, 20th-century American weight basic training at Recruit Training creator of the world’s largest and physique. Meredith Salit ’08 (ARC) married Command in Great Lakes, Ill. swimming pools. Ian Taubin ’07 (IST). They reside in Westchester, N.Y. Kenneth E. Michel G’11 (WSM), a Hilary Turner ’03 (A&S) married lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, earned Bret Kricun. They reside in Whitney Daniels ’09 (VPA) a master’s degree from the Naval Philadelphia. opened WRKDesigns (www. Postgraduate School in Monterey, wrkdesigns.com), a full–service Calif. graphic design studio in Syracuse.

F or In Memoriam listings, go to the online edition of the magazine at sumagazine.syr.edu. inmemoriam Notices of deaths must be accompanied by a copy of an obituary or ­memo­rial card. Send to: Alumni Editor, Syracuse University Magazine; 820 Comstock Avenue, Room 308; Syracuse, NY 13244-5040; fax 315-443-5425.

58 Syracuse University Magazine Published by SURFACE, 2011 15 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9

» Kurt Busiek ’82 » Comic Book Adventures

K seurt Bu i k has never swung between the sky- “environment of scholarship,” an atmosphere that encour- scrapers of Manhattan like Spider-Man, pierced the dark aged a personal education, and he took such classes as with the ring of Green Lantern, or helped the Avengers de- playwriting, comparative mythology, and musical film. “I feat Kang the Conqueror. However, the College of Arts and approached college thinking, ‘I know what I want out of this Sciences alumnus and English major has accomplished a and I’m going to find it,’” he says. “College was like a smor- feat just as noteworthy: He writes for both DC and Marvel, gasbord—pick what you like.” the two most prominent publishers in the comic book in- Today, Busiek has his own smorgasbord of work. Along- dustry, and his stories for Spider-Man, Green Lantern, and side the movie, Astro City will soon return as a monthly Superman have earned him a place among the most respected writers in the business. Bus- iek’s own creation, the comic book series Astro City, is being developed as a film adaptation, which Busiek is currently writing. “At every stage it’s like you’re pushing the rock uphill,” says Busiek, who lives in the Pacific Northwest. “It could roll down and crush you at any time. It’s that kind of business. But even if there nev- er is an Astro City movie, I’m finding the whole adventure entertaining.” For Busiek, comic books were initially a ta- boo. Growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts, he had little interactions with comics because his parents were of the mind-set that “comics cause juvenile delinquency,” he says. By age 14, however, Busiek had convinced his par- ents otherwise and began buying comics and soaking up the characters and stories. This also led him to thinking about writing com- ics, and eventually Busiek and his childhood friend Scott McCloud ’82 teamed up and be- gan creating comics. Their first collaboration was crude, but helped them the most: A story where 10 Marvel characters ended up fighting one another at their high school. “It expanded,” he says. “We wound up spending three years on it, and I publication. Busiek has a future project of his own creation found out I loved writing.” coming from DC Comics as well, and is working on a Bat- By the time he enrolled at Syracuse, Busiek was focused man series featuring a horror-tinged reinterpretation of the on becoming accomplished in telling a story with visual and Caped Crusader. literary components. McCloud joined him at SU, enrolling Busiek’s success hasn’t been lost on his parents either. as an illustration major, and they continued their collabo- During the ’80s, his father, a business executive, was rations, honing their skills as artist and writer. Today, Mc- searching for a new administrative assistant. “One of the Cloud is also a well-known presence in the comic industry guys he interviewed said, ‘Are you related to Kurt Busiek, through his artwork and as author of Understanding Comics, the writer?’ This was the first time he heard of me de- which introduces and dissects the medium to new readers. scribed as ‘the writer’ or that anyone else knew my name.” “I felt I should’ve apologized to his parents,” Busiek says. Shortly after that, Busiek’s father asked him for some of “He didn’t go to MIT to become a scientist like his father. the books he had written. “A couple weeks later, I called Instead he became a comic book artist and was eating Ra- and asked his secretary if he had read any of the comics. men noodles!” But, Busiek notes, with an ironic chuckle: She said, ‘I don’t think so, but they’re all on the coffee table McCloud did make it to MIT—as a guest speaker. in the office,’” Busiek says. “He’s not worried about me any- While studying at SU, Busiek enjoyed what he calls an more.” — R. Dominic Lloyd

Summer 2011 59 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 16 et al.: Alumni Journal

John R. McMahon ’77 » Battling the ‘big Muddy’

A s a kid, U.S. Army nizational skills are apparent. He easily discusses the ramifica- Brigadier General John tions of present dam spillway flow rates, levee “freeboard” lev- R. McMahon dreamed els, and extended weather forecasts. of playing professional For McMahon, it’s one of the many arduous assignments he’s baseball. Today, as faced in his military career, which includes serving as director the commander of the of engineering for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He assumed com- Northwestern Division mand of the Northwestern Division in 2009, and is responsible of the U.S. Army Corps for an annual program exceeding $3.7 billion in civil works, en- of Engineers, McMahon vironmental restoration, and military construction spread out is up to bat against one across more than a dozen states. His multifaceted duties in- of the most daunting clude managing 27 dams, 6,627 miles of shoreline, 247 miles of challenges nature has navigable river, and six hydropower projects that can produce thrown his way: record 2.5 million kilowatts per day. levels of flooding in the Many people have no idea of the Corps’ past or the diversity Missouri Valley basin. of its present responsibilities, he says. “The Corps was integral “This spring, Mother in building our nation’s original infrastructure.” Today, the Corps Nature played hardball with us,” says McMahon, who earned a serves as the nation’s lead agency for flood-risk reduction and bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the L.C. Smith environmental restoration, is a major producer of hydroelectric College of Engineering and Computer Science and was a mem- power, and a key partner in maintaining coastal navigation chan- ber of the ROTC. nels and harbors as well as providing recreational opportunities. A combination of unanticipated heavy rainfall and unprec- McMahon hopes the Missouri River will return to normal lev- edented mountain snowpack melt, which in some cases ex- els by summer’s end, but he also knows it won’t be the last time ceeded predicted amounts by more than 600 percent, swelled the Corps will be called into action. “Mother Nature threw us a the Missouri River far beyond its banks. It is McMahon’s job to curve,” he says. “Looking to the future, I hope the Corps remains inspect the levees along the “Big Muddy” —the nation’s longest a vigilant, active force in the maintenance, rebuilding, and re- river—and apprise senior emergency management officials and newing of America’s vast and vital infrastructure, ushering our community leaders about the critical situation. In conversation, country into a new period of growth and prosperity.” his casual demeanor, professional knowledge, and keen orga- —Tommy G. Clarkson

Brigadier General John R. McMahon surveys floodwater of the MissouriR iver earlier this summer.

60 Syracuse University Magazine Photos courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published by SURFACE, 2011 17 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9

Q&A » Alan Will ’73 » overseeing the nation’s nuke-detecting LAb

started dissipating once the reactors were under control. The Japanese did a great job controlling for the health and safety of the workers who went in—they got doses, but nobody’s going to die in the short run from it. Our people got minimal exposure.

Who are your people? AW: We like to say we have lots of Ph.D.s with boots on. We’re an applied technology lab; we’re the guys on the ground ready to go out at any moment.

What kind of events do you go out on? AW: The most recent major event prior to Japan was the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. We provided equipment, monitoring, and training for six weeks. For the Super Bowl, we show up a few days in advance, sweep the venue, make sure everything’s OK, then work with the local agencies. We’re there in case something happens. Thankfully, there aren’t many events where something has actually occurred.

9/11 being an exception? AW: Yes. I was deployed for three Al an Will is director of the Remote Sensing Lab (RSL), operated by months, leading local teams in D.C. We National Security Technologies under contract to the Department of Energy’s National had RSL teams in many major cities. It was Nuclear Security Administration. RSL emergency response teams are on call 24 hours a day a scary time. to address such nuclear threats as power plant accidents, terrorism, or theft of radioactive material. In March, President Obama sent RSL teams to Japan following a massive What else does RSL do? earthquake and tsunami that sparked a potential nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi AW: We respond to portal monitors that power plant. For 10 weeks the team gathered, analyzed, and reported data on radioactivity are set up to detect radiation at border levels from airborne and ground-based sensors over a large area surrounding the plant. SU entry points, most large junkyards, and Magazine contributing writer Jim Reilly recently spoke with Will, who is based in Nevada, port facilities. when he visited his hometown of Camden, New York. Why junkyards? W hat are the Remote Sensing Lab’s the equipment and expertise to collect a AW: Because some scrap metal is higher primary responsibilities? lot of data, analyze it quickly, and get it into in radiation than normal background. We AW: Crisis response and consequence the hands of local decision makers who also analyze the background radiation management. If there’s a threat that must determine if they need to evacuate, of an entire city so if there’s a release someone has a dirty bomb or improvised how far, and for how long. of radiation, you know what natural nuclear device, we do air and ground background radiation was already there. searches to try and find it. Most of the How did things go in Japan? We did one in New York City, and found crisis response activity is looking for lost or AW: It could have been a lot worse. buried stuff left over from World War stolen radiological materials from hospitals Iodine was the primary isotope coming II. We’re doing one for Seattle to make or engineering companies. On the out of the reactors and it has a short half- sure they didn’t get any extra radiation consequence management side, we have life—about eight days—so [the radiation] deposited from Japan.

Photo courtesy of Alan Will Summer 2011 61 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9 18 et al.: Alumni Journal

» P ASSINGS The Petelk r Fa G’53

real deal Petera F lk, who appeared in more than 100 feature films and television series, died in his Beverly Hills home on June 23, abouT gifT 2011, at age 83. Best known for his TV portrayal of Lt. Columbo, the emphatically working-class Los Angeles police detective planning who made a specialty of outwitting wealthy, highly articulate murderers, Falk had greater Think it’s beyond your reach to honor range as an actor than many Columbo fans someone special with a gift to SU? Here’s knew. He was equally at home staring mid-life the real deal about bequests, annuities, depression in the face as Archie Black in John and other forms of planned giving. Cassavetes’s Husbands (1970); starring on > Gift planning isn’t just for those Broadway in the Neil Simon farce, The Prisoner over 60. In fact, 43 percent of Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com of Second Avenue (1971); or playing himself bequests and 35 percent of trusts are as a guest on The Larry Sanders Show (1992). created by people 55 and younger. Born in Manhattan and raised mostly in Ossining, New York, Falk lost an eye to cancer as a 3-year-old. A political science major at the New School > Planned gifts can be simple. for Social Research, Falk enrolled in Syracuse to earn a master’s degree in Deferred giving options like annuities public administration at the Maxwell School. After being rejected for a job and bequests aren’t complex, and they at the C.I.A., he turned to acting while working as a management analyst can make a big impact—more than for the state of Connecticut. you thought possible—while protecting your family’s future.

> Most donors are motivated by Jockhn Ma ey ’63 altruism, not tax savings. Most people give to make a difference. John Mackey, one of the NFL’s all-TIME Tax savings are an added bonus. great tight ends and founding president of the > Creative gift planning can have players’ union, died on July 6, 2011, in Baltimore an immediate impact. Combine at age 69. He had suffered from dementia for annual, outright, and deferred gifts, several years. A member of SU’s All-Century and you can support SU’s priorities Team whose No. 88 jersey was retired in the —and The Campaign for Syracuse Carrier Dome in 2007, Mackey joined the Balti- University—today and tomorrow. more Colts in 1963 and revolutionized the tight end position as a receiving and scoring threat, > You’ll be recognized as a demonstrating a combination of raw power and Pathfinder. With a planned gift, breakaway speed. In 10 NFL seasons, he was a you’ll join this group of farsighted five-time Pro Bowl selection and played in two individuals who have included SU in their long-term financial plans. Super Bowls for Baltimore, winning a champ- ionship ring in 1971. In that title game, he caught a twice-tipped Johnny To learn how we can help you develop Unitas pass, turning it into a 75-yard touchdown. In 1992, he was inducted your own giving strategy, contact into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mackey brought the same intensity to Executive Director of Gift Planning his pioneering work with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). As union Mike Mattson at 888.352.9535 president, he led a brief players’ strike in 1970 that resulted in improved or [email protected], or visit player benefits and pensions. In 1972, he was one of the players who suc- syracuse.planyourlegacy.org. cessfully challenged the NFL’s free agency restrictions in federal court. In 2006, through the advocacy work of his wife, Sylvia Mackey ’63, the league created the “88 Plan”—named for his jersey number—to provide financial support for retired players living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. “I always tried to get something out of every play,” he said. syracuse.planyourlegacy.org

62 Syracuse University Magazine Published by SURFACE, 2011 19 Syracuse University Magazine, Vol. 28, Iss. 2 [2011], Art. 9 Brian McLane FeLLowship and schoLarship creating Futures without Boundaries The courage and accomplishments of Brian McLane ’69—National Persons with Disabilities Hall of Fame inductee—have so inspired SU alumni and friends that a fellowship and scholarship were established for those who follow in his pioneering path. As a person with disabilities, sociology major Mark Randall Walker has had the world of higher education opened to him thanks to the Brian McLane Undergraduate Scholarship. Brian McLane Fellowship recipient Rachel Patterson was motivated by her sister, who has a severe developmental disability, to make the world a more accessible place. “Growing up with my sister, I recognized the need for a disability perspective in our public policies,” she says. “The fellowship helped me decide to come to SU’s Maxwell School—it shows the University understands the importance of disability policy.”

With support from donors who believe in making a difference, inspiration from Brian McLane, and personal courage and commitment, SU students Rachel Patterson and Mark Randall Walker are both on the path to a bright future.

Summer 2011 63 https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol28/iss2/9syracuse university schoLarship in action 20 et al.: Alumni Journal

Dennis Crowley ’98 » The ‘Mayor’ of Innovation

Immn su er 1994, Dennis Crowley had just graduated from high school and was preparing to start his first year at Syracuse Univer- sity. He spent his days reading about a new phenomenon known as the World Wide Web. He was fascinated. He carried that interest with him through his years at the Newhouse School—the “Web 1.0 days,” as he calls them—experimenting with emerging technologies and imagining what the future of media would hold. Now, with Web 3.0 on the horizon, it is clear that Crowley not only envisioned the future, but also had a hand in shaping it. Crowley is co-founder and CEO of Foursquare, a service that blends social, locational, and gaming elements in a mobile application, allow- ing users to “check in” at various locations via their cell phones and let their friends know where they are. When users check in, they earn points that allow them to unlock “badges” and, in some cases, earn rewards at participating businesses. The person who checks in the most at a given venue is considered the “mayor.” Regarded by many as one of the hot- test innovations in the field, Foursquare now boasts more than 10 million users. In spring 2010, it landed $20 million in venture funding, placing it at $95 million pre-money valuation. Crowley’s entrepreneurial streak was evident early on. He entered Newhouse as an advertising major be- cause, he says, “the most progressive stuff happening on the Internet at that time was in advertis- ing. I liked the idea of targeting. I thought about what the future of interactive television would look like. I gravitated toward emerging technology—what would people be doing five years from now? I wanted to be involved with ‘the next big thing’ early on.” Crowley’s “next big thing,” of course, was Foursquare, which he created with Naveen Sel- vadurai and launched in 2009. (The pair was recently honored with the i-3 award for impact, innovation, and influence at the Newhouse School’s Mirror Awards ceremony in New York City.) But Foursquare had its origins in another Crowley creation: Dodgeball, which he co-founded in 2000 and sold to Google in 2005. It was one of the first mobile services in the United States and one of the earliest examples of social media—long before Facebook, Twitter, or even MySpace. “My friends and I were grad students living in New York City, trying to develop solutions for real problems,” Crowley says. “And it was really Friendster [an early social networking site] that opened our eyes. We looked at it and thought, we could make this more interesting. We could make social media work for people once they turn their computers off and are out in the real world.” Crowley maintains close ties with his alma mater. He and his brother, fellow Newhouse alumnus Jonathan Crow- ley ’02, partnered with SU to help develop its Foursquare presence after a student tweeted Crowley asking for as- sistance. He participated in Newhouse’s Monetizing Online Business (M.O.B.) Conference last spring and recently partnered with MSNBC anchor Contessa Brewer ’96 to record a personalized video greeting for Newhouse’s incom- ing first-year students. Meanwhile, Foursquare continues to grow. “A lot of what we do at Foursquare is experi- ment,” he says. “We’re developing some stuff with brands now and they love it. We’re building things for local merchants. We can cut up data and give it back to them. It can be as interesting and transformative as what Google did with search in the early days, which really changed Internet advertising.” And the next big thing? “I’m still fascinated with Internet + Social + TV and how you combine interests,” Crowley says. “All through school you do the same thing—take stuff from one class and apply it to another and find interesting ideas and figure out if they’re worth pursuing. Take one or more things you’re interested in and see where they overlap—that’s how innovation happens.” —Wendy S. Loughlin

64 Syracuse University Magazine Published by SURFACE, 2011 21