MMC

MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

2016 Honorary Degree Recipient Ban Ki-moon Secretary-General of the United Nations P. 17

NEWS SHOWCASE ALUMNI PROFILES MINUTE A TRADITION RACHEL KELLY MARTINEZ ’08 5 Around Campus 15 of Engagement 21 Interview

columns 4 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 NEW YORK MINUTE Around Campus

12 FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

13 MMC IN THE NEWS features 15 A TRADITION OF ENGAGEMENT

17 COMMENCEMENT 2016

19 A COLLEGE IN THE CITY, OF THE CITY departments 21 ALUMNI PROFILES Featuring Rachel Martinez ’08

25 NEW TRUSTEES

27 CLASS NOTES

28 IN MEMORIAM

28 A LOOK BACK IN TIME

29 LAST LOOK

Thursday, May 26, 2016 | David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center Students volunteering with Marymount Muscle President Walk and the Marymount College trustees, faculty, and staff wish all of our graduates the very best. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next! More from commencement on page 17.

2 | Marymount Manhattan College SPRING/SUMMER 2016 EDITORIAL BOARD Stephanie Policastro, Editor-in-Chief Karl Hinze, Senior Editor Cassie Tees, Senior Editor Daniel Moise, Copy Editor Christine Gregory, Esq. David Podell, Ph.D. Marilyn Wilkie CONTRIBUTORS Susan J. Behrens, Ph.D. Mary Brown, Ph.D. Hallie Cohen, Ph.D. Katherine Dunford ’16 Lindsay Green ’16 Ann D. Jablon, Ph.D. Kelly McCormack ’09 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Kyle Nachreiner Carly Schneider ’12 Nava Silton, Ph.D. Dominic Siri ’16 In this presidential election year, I reflect with pride on the DESIGNER accomplishments of our alumni in public service. Among the Rose Creative Group most distinguished is a woman who has inspired generations PHOTOGRAPHERS of Americans from all walks of life: Geraldine Ferraro ’56, H’82, Joshua Cuppek the trailblazing politican and legislator who became the first For every two dollars you give, longtime Melanie Einzig female vice presidential candidate representing a Joe Vericker Marymount Manhattan College supporters major political party. OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE Judith ’03, H’13 and Russell Carson will give one dollar. Kerry Walk, Ph.D. On the day before the 1984 presidential election, Ferraro President returned to 71st Street to pay tribute to the college where, in her words, she “first learned to make serious choices.” Paul Ciraulo “I have come back to Marymount Manhattan,” she said, “for Phase 3 of the Carson Match: Executive Vice President for Administration the last stop of this campaign, because I wouldn’t be my and Finance Inspiring Student Success party’s candidate for vice president if it hadn’t been for the Carol L. Jackson, Ph.D. education that I received here.” Vice President for Student Affairs Geraldine Ferraro ’56, H’82 campaigning The Fund for Marymount Manhattan College supports every for Congress. Two other notable Marymount Manhattan degree recipients aspect of the student experience. This includes scholarships, Kathleen LeBesco, Ph.D. in public service are currently front and center on the world stage: Hillary Clinton, who was awarded campus improvements, technology updates, new academic programs, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty an honorary doctorate by the College in 2005, and Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United the appointment of distinguished faculty chairs, and other Nations, who received an honorary doctorate this spring. areas of greatest need. Simply put, your gift sustains our Marilyn Wilkie students, the heart of Marymount Manhattan. Vice President for Institutional Advancement A strong commitment to contribute to the betterment of society was woven into the fabric of Please send comments to: Marymount Manhattan by the College’s founders, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), Editor, Marymount Manhattan Magazine and enshrined in the College mission. A Marymount Manhattan education has always been, and MAKING A GIFT IS EASY Marymount Manhattan College continues to be, concerned with preparing students for active community participation and engaged Office of Institutional Advancement citizenship, from the local level to the global. 221 East 71st Street New York, NY 10021 [email protected] In this issue of MMC magazine, we recognize a few of the exceptional individuals and educational programs at Marymount Manhattan that carry this founding commitment forward. We also applaud Marymount Manhattan Magazine is published the Class of 2016—proud and feisty MMC graduates who are poised to make a positive and lasting biannually for alumni, students, faculty, staff, difference in the world. Finally, we share the outstanding accomplishments and life milestones of parents, and friends of Marymount Manhattan Call Visit Mail several members of our college community. College by the Office of Institutional (212) 517-0460 mmm.edu/donatenow a check using the Advancement. to donate by phone to donate online enclosed envelope In accepting his honorary degree in May, the U.N. Secretary-General exhorted graduating students: Printed by J.S. McCarthy Printers, “We must not lose sight of the opportunities that are in our hands, today, that can set the world on 15 Darin Drive, Augusta, Maine. a better course.” As MMC celebrates 80 years of educational excellence, these words can serve as CORRECTION a reminder of the long Marymount tradition of educating students not only to see but also to seize opportunities to improve the lives of others and society at large. Visit www.mmm.edu/giving for additional ways to In the Fall/Winter 2015 issue, we noticed an important mistake: Margaret Brennan Glasser make your impact, including planned giving options. ’74 was mistakenly marked as deceased Kerry Walk, Ph.D. in the In Memoriam section. We sincerely President Every gift counts! apologize for this error.

3 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 4 NEW YORK MINUTE Urban Revitalization Expert Joins Honors Day 2016

Marymount Manhattan College’s 39th annual LECTURE Honors Day, held on March 15, 2016, recognized the SERIES achievements of talented, hard-working students through presentations and awards.

The busy day also included the 2016 Barry Commoner Lecture on the Environment. The lecture series, named after prominent environmental scientist Barry Commoner, was established at MMC through the generosity of Richard S. Berry and Lucy A. Commoner, who also created The Commoner Fund for Environmental Studies at the College. DREAM This year, urban revitalization expert and Peabody JOB Award-winning broadcaster Majora Carter delivered a presentation titled “Home(town) Security” to a packed house of students, alumni, and friends Be Yourself and You Just Might Meet Your Idol of the College. Carter discussed numerous green infrastructure projects, policies, and job training and placement services. Creative media student Donovan the legendary host and entertainer? Regis and Kelly, get it?) for Favorite Sanders ’16 moved closer to his dream Rewind years ago when he attended Go-Go Dancer. Sanders’s multiple to work in television with his senior a taping of Philbin’s show “Live with appearances on “Live” gave him Left: Majora Carter presents “Home(town) Security” capstone project, which took place on Regis and Kelly” with a close friend. in-person access to Philbin, whom in The Theresa Lang Theatre on March 15, 2016. January 27, 2016. The producers polled the audience he considers a mentor—which is why prior to taping, asking for volunteers to Philbin attended the “Talkin’ Back” While many students create short try out for a small dancing role on the taping and even answered questions films or documentaries for their show. When his friend encouraged him from an appreciative audience. capstone, Sanders went in a different to do the mini-audition, he went for it. direction—devising and filming Much as he did on Philbin’s show, a “pilot episode” of his own talk Thanks to his outgoing personality, Sanders pulled out all the moves on ROOM show, “Talkin’ Back.” Adding to the outstanding dance skills, and this project, and MMC wishes this WITH A excitement of live entertainment was impeccable timing, Sanders earned fresh young talent many successful VIEW one very special guest: mega-media an enviable recurring gig as a dancer years to come! SALON 220 WITH personality Regis Philbin. on the ABC daytime staple. He PRESIDENT WALK How did Sanders gain the attention of even won a Relly Award (a blend of

In spring 2016, President Kerry Walk held a series of “salons” in her PI SIGMA CONFERENCE apartment above the Nugent Building. RESEARCH POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS PRESENT Dubbed Salon 220 in a nod to President HIGHLIGHT SCHOLARLY RESEARCH IN ’S CAPITAL Walk’s address, 220 East 72nd Street, the gatherings featured student-led Jacqueline Manuel ’16, a double major in political science and philosophy and religious studies, and discussions and performances. In total, Alec Lafavore ’16, a double major in political science and theatre, presented their scholarly research more than 100 members of the MMC at the 2016 Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference on February 13, 2016, at George community attended. Conversation Washington University, in Washington, D.C. touched on an assortment of topics, including student poetry, the economy, Above: President Walk chats with students at a Salon 220 gathering. The conference welcomed more than 100 students and faculty and included 65 presentations. The students representing Marymount Manhattan shared their research findings in a professional setting, fear-mongering in the modern world, with the welcome bonus of engaging in conversation with a diverse group of people from differing and the potential of digital media. political positions.

“Salon 220 has given me opportunities Manuel presented “País Petit: An Analysis of Catalan Nationalist Ideology from the Renaixença to for meaningful dialogue with students Current Events,” while Lafavore presented “Architects of Language: How Narrative Framing Shapes and faculty, and has enriched campus Politics.” When describing his experience at the conference, Lafavore said, “The paper was well life in unexpected ways,” President Walk received, and I received invaluable feedback from my peers, as well as doctoral candidates and observed. “I’m excited to host more salons professionals working in politics. Presenting at the conference was one of the highlights of my in the coming year.” academic career.”

5 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 6 MMC NEW YORK MINUTE STUDENT MMC Takes Home COURSE AWARD 2015 Scarpetta SPOTLIGHT Award

Marymount Manhattan show and comic book College students earned series developed by Dr. The Scarpetta Award Silton and featuring five for “Best Undergraduate children with disabilities Paper” at the 27th Greater who harness their special NEW New York Conference on talents to save their school Behavioral Research. from bullies. The research measured changes in young The November 2015 people’s attitudes toward conference, at Saint Francis children with disabilities YAWK College in , as a result of watching the welcomed more than show and/or reading the 200 students and faculty comic book series. researchers from across the TAWK country. The seminar included “I am beyond thrilled to 14 scientific presentations share this award with my Seminar selected by a review incredible, hardworking committee of faculty from MMC psychology research Fall 2015 area colleges with the aim students,” says Dr. Silton. of encouraging excellence in “Each student contributed behavioral research. their talents, creativity, and knowledge to this exciting CLASS The MMC team consisted pursuit, and we are highly Marymount Manhattan College offers entering In May, a special “day of action” focused on supporting of psychology majors Carol encouraged by the results. students exciting seminar sections as an GIVE individuals with HIV/AIDS. A team of 60 students, faculty, Wagner ’16, Alicia Ferris ’16, We can’t wait to continue introduction to life in New York City. The Michael Corning ’16, A. to expand upon our and staff also participated in the AIDS Walk New York. seminars are part of the College’s recently BACK Kristina Keyser ’16, and ‘Realabilities’ materials and Flexing Our unveiled CityEdge—a four-year college-to- Marymount Muscle has already changed attitudes and Michael Rojas ’15, who research methodology in career program that pairs a personalized Marymount Muscles perspectives on campus, and there are plans to expand worked under the guidance the upcoming year.” the initiative in 2016–17. of associate professor of liberal arts education with exciting professional Marymount Muscle is lifting the MMC community to psychology Nava R. Silton, development opportunities. new heights. Now entering its second year, the program “Working with Marymount Muscle brings me excitement and Ph.D. Their research paper analyzed studies of children encourages students to give back to the city through inspires me, and the students give their all at each volunteer COURSE DESCRIPTION volunteerism. To date, more than 100 student participants opportunity,” said participant Eneida Hernandez ’19. who participated in the The playfully titled “New Yawk Tawk” invited have completed 2,000 collective service hours over two “It warms my heart to know that people love making a “Realabilities” intervention. semesters—no easy feat. positive impact.” “Realabilities” is a television first-year students to explore the New York dialect from several angles, including working Throughout the 2015-16 academic year, Marymount with The Oral History Project at the New Muscle partnered with Good Shepherd Services to plan York Public Library (NYPL). Alexandra Kelly, events with foster children, contributed to meal service outreach services and adult programming programs for City Harvest and the Food Bank NYC, and SCHOLARSHIPS/ volunteered with New York Cares. NONTRADITIONAL STUDENT PROJECTS manager, arranged for students to hear archived interviews with native New Yorkers from such Emily Garcia ’17 has been “Marymount Muscle has been more successful than I STUDENTS awarded the Benjamin neighborhoods as Greenwich Village and Harlem. could have imagined,” said Zakkiyya Taylor, coordinator A. Gilman International of student engagement and community service. “It shows Scholarship by the U.S. ABOUT THE PROFESSORS the commitment our students have to giving back to the Adult returning students of the ’70s, ’80s, Department of State’s Bureau Sections were taught by Ann D. Jablon, Ph.D., community, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the and ’90s—we’d love to hear your stories! of Educational and Cultural chair and professor of communication program will grow.” Affairs. A Brooklyn native and Reconnect with the Marymount Manhattan 2014 Watson Fellow, Garcia sciences and disorders, and Susan J. Behrens, The annual Alternative Spring Break trip presented College community and each other. is pursuing a double major Ph.D., professor of communication sciences a week-long opportunity for students to dedicate Please join us Homecoming Weekend, in international studies and and disorders. themselves to service outside of New York City. In April, 11 October 21–23, 2016, for a meet-and-greet business management at students traveled to Baltimore to work with the homeless and networking event (exact time and location Marymount Manhattan College. She participates in the and hungry population at shelters and food banks. TBD). Contact Rita Murray at 212-517-0416 or Emerging Leaders Program and the Volunteer Income Tax [email protected] for more information. Assistance Program, and is on the Dean’s List. With the help of the Gilman Scholarship, she spent the spring 2016 semester in Thailand working with women and children.

7 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 8 NEW YORK MINUTE

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1 BENEFIT 1 | Paul Polizzotto with MMC 2016 CHANGING THE WORLD STARTS HERE student volunteers and performers 2 | President Walk and Paul Polizzotto

The 2016 Annual Scholarship Benefit 8 9 3 | Scholarship Benefit Committee Chair Alice Materasso P’14 and Michael J. The grand ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental, Award and pleased to have a “home on the Materasso P’14, standing left of center, New York, offers a sweeping view across East Coast.” with guests Central Park, showcasing the beauty, size, and bustle of the city below. This was the Anthony Mason of CBS News hosted 4 | August Hoerrner and board member perfect venue for an evening celebrating the the event, which also featured guest Linda Basilice-Hoerrner ’71 with Patricia power of a Marymount Manhattan College performances under the direction of Weekes Mascari ’56 education and the impact MMC students and bandleader William Foster McDaniel. Jenna 5 | Paul Polizzotto with host Anthony alumni make in the world. Ushkowitz ’07, of the television hit “” and Mason of “CBS This Morning: Saturday” the nonprofit Kindred: The Foundation for Trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends Adoption, sang ’s “Turning Tables.” Chris 6 | Paul Polizzotto and Anthony Mason of the College gathered at this special event Pinnella ’08 teamed up with talented young with the sisters of the Religious of on May 5 to raise money for need-based performers from the nonprofit Little Kids Rock the Sacred Heart of Mary 10 2 scholarships. As Chairperson of the Board for a rendition of “New York State of Mind.” 7 | The Visionary Award of Trustees Hope Knight ’85 told those in Finally, the legendary singer and actress attendance, “Your generosity transforms Vivian Reed soared in her performance of 11 8 | Madelyn Baillio ’18 sings “America lives and provides students the opportunity “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz. the Beautiful” to succeed.” MMC’s Joseph Maybloom, a theatre arts 9 | MMC Musical Theatre Students At the event, President Kerry Walk, Ph.D., major and the valedictorian of the Class of perform the Alma Mater, led by soloist Hayley Lampart ’16 presented entrepreneur, , 2016, thanked the donors who have made and philanthropist Paul Polizzotto with the possible his education and that of so many 10 | Chris Pinnella ’08 performs with Little Marymount Manhattan College Visionary others. His remarks followed a special “thank Kids Rock Award, calling Polizzotto “an ‘extreme you” video, which featured many current innovator,’ someone who thinks divergently scholarship recipients articulating the dreams 11 | Jenna Ushkowitz ’07 3 and disruptively, and who has spent his life that their Marymount Manhattan scholarships 12 | President Walk honors Paul Polizzotto effecting socially responsible change through help them realize. with the Visionary Award innovative business practices.” Polizzotto also received a special video message from Thanks to the generosity of those gathered, 13 | Paul Polizzotto with MMC Chairperson CBS President Leslie Moonves and Senior the event raised over $615,000 to support of the Board of Trustees Hope Knight ’85 Executive Vice President Tony Ambrosio, student scholarships. MMC Vice President 12 13 commending him for his inspirational work. for Institutional Advancement Marilyn Wilkie said, “This was a huge success, and we Polizzotto is the inspiring founder and attribute that success to so many people, president of CBS EcoMedia, which harnesses especially Paul Polizzotto. I have nothing the power of advertising and channels it into more to say than thank you, thank you, thank tangible social change. A month before the you to each and every person involved— benefit, Polizzotto visited MMC to share his for recognizing the value of a liberal arts 4 experiences as a social entrepreneur with education at Marymount Manhattan College several hundred students and other members and for continuing to create impact through of the campus community. The California your support of the Annual Fund.” native was honored to receive the Visionary

9 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 10 NEW YORK MINUTE FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

with a particular focus masterpieces of postwar on Italian history, society, Italian neo-realist cinema. politics, art, and culture. While abroad, professor Dr. Naccarato, who serves Cohen completed several Alumni as the faculty liaison paintings, including a for the program, works 12-foot-long by 5-foot-high closely with MMC staff watercolor. Reunion member and study abroad Edna Aizenberg, Ph.D., coordinator Cindy Sittler professor emeritus of to recruit students for Hispanic studies, recently the program, guide them Weekend authored “On the Edge through the application of the Holocaust: The process, and coordinate Shoah in Latin American their study abroad June 3–4, 2016 Literature and Culture.” experience. Professor of theatre The book refutes the arts Kevin Connell, This year the College saw the assumption that the whole MFA, received a return of many alumni from of Latin America served BroadwayWorld.com/ as a Nazi refuge during decades past, with special Columbus Award for Best and after World War II. Dr. Direction of a Play for 1 recognition of the classes of Aizenberg demonstrates “One Man, Two Guvnors,” 1966 and 1991 for their 25th and how Latin American which he directed at the 50th anniversaries, respectively. authors, journalists, and Andreas Hernandez, Ph.D., Weathervane Playhouse assistant professor of Attendees enjoyed an alumni activists opposed and in in June 2015. The fought fascism, and her international studies and art exhibition, a cabaret with play is an update of the chair of the Department of recent musical theatre graduates, analysis of individual texts 1743 comedy “Servant of confronts clichés about International Studies, won academic presentations from Two Masters,” by Carlo Latin American writing and the Best Environmental Honors Day 2016, and plenty of Goldoni. Professor Connell Film Award at the 2015 literature. won the same award for opportunities to visit with fellow Mexico International Film his direction of “To Kill Erin Greenwell, MFA, Festival, and the Merit alumni and see all the ways a Mockingbird” at the assistant professor of Award of Awareness at the Marymount Manhattan College Weathervane Playhouse communication and Awareness Film Festival, has (and hasn’t!) changed since in July 2014. media arts, has been for his recent documentary their time here. 2 3 named a 2015-16 Fellow “Soil, Struggle and for the Queer/Art/ Justice: Agroecology in Mentorship Program. the Brazilian Landless 1 | Alumni Cabaret in Founded by Ira Sachs, Movement.” The film The Theresa Lang Theatre the multidisciplinary, examines a cooperative intergenerational arts of the Brazilian Landless 2 | Amy Pekal ’15 and Ellie program pairs LGBTQI Movement that transitioned Imperato ’68 at the Alumni to ecological agriculture, Art Exhibition in The Hewitt artists in New York City for or agroecology, and Gallery of Art a year-long mentorship. One of eleven accepted subsequently serves 3 | Alumni Soirée in After years of coordinating artists, Professor Greenwell as a thriving model for The Regina Peruggi Room and hosting study abroad will work with her mentor, alternative farming. The programs in Italy, Peter director and screenwriter documentary has become 4 | Award Luncheon performance Naccarato, Ph.D., professor Stacie Passon, to develop a tool for groups around by recent musical theatre her narrative feature- Hallie Cohen, MFA, the world to transition graduates in The Great Hall. of English and world literatures, secured a length script, “The Flight professor of art, chair of to agroecology; it is rare direct partnership Deck,” which is inspired by the Department of Art and currently being used by a 4 5 5 | Alumnae reunite and reminisce Art History, and director coalition of dairy farmers at the Award Luncheon with the Umbra Institute the butch/femme lesbian and the International bar scene in Buffalo, New of the The Hewitt Gallery, in Ecuador, a women’s 6 | President Kerry Walk with Studies Institute in 2015. York, during the 1950s. was accepted as a visiting cooperative in Nicaragua, honorees Amber Adams ’11, The partnership allows artist to the American and a nongovernmental Susan McKeon ’66, MMC students to attend Academy in Rome for two organization in Andhra Rosaleen Knoepfel ’01, and one of the institutes for weeks in January 2016. Her Pradesh, India. To date, Sarah Galli ’06 a fall or spring semester, project, “Psychogeography the film has appeared at and Hydrography,” more than 30 film festivals 7 | Class of 1961 enjoying a good a full academic year, or a summer semester. continued her exploration globally. laugh with old friends on of director Pier Paolo The Lowerre Family Terrace Participants will enroll in a full range of courses, Pasolini’s “Mamma Roma” (1962), one of the

12 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 12 6 7 The Women at Bedford Prison Writing Their Own History MMC IN THE NEWS May 12, 2016 President Barack Obama’s prison reform efforts rank among his most important initiatives. I was privileged to take part in a recent conference highlighting“ significant work being done at the Bedford Prison for Women in New York, “The Crossing Borders VI Conference,” organized by Marymount Manhattan College at Bedford, the maximum security prison for women in New York State. March 21, 2016 —Dr. Radhika Balakrishnan Melissa Rauch and Small Town Celebrity ” Raised in New Jersey, Rauch ’02 studied acting and musical theater (“something sturdy to fall back on,” she jokes) at Marymount “Manhattan College. Now 35, she is most widely known for her role as Bernadette on the CBS sitcom “” but has been Chris Mosier: The Definition of an Athlete writing with her husband Winston Rauch ’02 since college. October 29, 2015 Mosier, assistant director of residential life at Marymount Manhattan

” Higbee Brian credit: Photo College… [is] the first known out transgender athlete to qualify for any U.S. “One to One” with Sheryl McCarthy national“ team. …[H]is event is the sprint duathlon, a run-cycle-run race. December 21, 2015 for ESPN Evans Benedict credit: Photo ” Marymount Manhattan College’s new president, Dr. Kerry Walk, Mosier was also recently featured in ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue, becoming the describes the school’s approach to their students as personal, warm—a first transgender athlete to pose. The eighth annual Body Issue hit newsstands July 8 small“ college atmosphere in one of the world’s largest cities. Its strong and is available at espn.com/bodyissue. liberal arts foundation includes 30 majors and many minors from Acting and Biology to Marketing and Theatre Arts. At the end of the interview, Sheryl McCarthy” said, “You’ve got about a minute left to tell me your five-year plan for the college.” Laughing, the president replied, “Well, I can tell you it’s building on what the college has STAGE DIRECTIONS Magazine been doing—and that is combining a fantastic, high-quality liberal arts What My Favorite Theatre Teach Taught Me: education with professional preparation.”

Backstage Edition Times York Krista Schlueter for The Credit: New Photo October 2015 Marymount Manhattan College in After “Girls,” Lil Freckles Raps About Photo credit: Dewey Nicks Dewey credit: Photo New York City is highly respected for its Life as a Brooklyn Millennial commitment“ to exposing design students to April 20, 2016 December 8, 2015 get-your-hands-dirty experience and access Why Supergirl Star is the “Annie Hall of Superheroes” to world-class mentors; many of the school’s Lil Freckles (her real name is faculty members concurrently work on Broadway. Emma Carroll) is a pixie-faced rapper Born in Houston and raised in Denver, Benoist acted in community whose“ unapologetic and raunchy lyrics George Gountas, New York City-based lighting director for Comedy and dinner theater throughout high school and then moved east to betray the high-low melodrama of study“ musical theater at Marymount Manhattan College. Sophomore Central’s “The Larry Wilmore Show” and a veteran theatrical lighting millennial life. Ms. Carroll graduated designer, appreciates the total hands-on immersion he was afforded by the year she switched to straight theater. “I fell in love with 19th-century from Marymount Manhattan College program. He credits Ray Recht, the… current Associate Professor of Theatre Russian plays. I fell in love with Shakespeare, with Shaw and Coward.” in 2010 and was a production assistant Arts and Coordinator of the Design/Technical Theatre Program, for uniquely Since graduation, in 2011, however, television and movies have claimed on “Girls” when she began to take shaping his work ethic. the actress, and no wonder—this woman puts her heart in her eyes. She rap more seriously. “Everyone was

Photo Credit: Joe Vericker, PhotoBureau, Inc. PhotoBureau, Vericker, Joe Credit: Photo was the love interest in the surprise hit “Whiplash” and joined the cast Ido Levran, a well-respected sound and projection designer whose New very cool about the music, and Lena of “Glee” in Season 4, playing adorable Marley Rose. York credits include work at the Manhattan Theatre Club and La Mama, wrote me into a scene,” she said, AVENUE Magazine & BroadwayWorld.com worked hands-on with Robert Dutiel, current Professor of Theatre Arts at referring to Lena Dunham, the show’s May 17, 2016 ” Marymount Manhattan; he considers Dutiel to be a great friend to this day. creator. Lil Freckles made her debut Coverage from the 2016 Annual Scholarship Benefit, which honored philanthropist, entrepreneur, and environmentalist Levran especially appreciates the intellectual and spiritual perspective Dutiel TV performance in the show’s third Paul Polizzotto, president and founder of CBS EcoMedia, Inc. The grand ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental was filled provides his students. “Rob taught me never to take anything for granted season as the musical act that preceded with scholars, students, parents, alumni and friends of Marymount Manhattan College on the evening of May 5. The when designing,” Levran says. Marnie and Desi in a scene filmed at celebration toasted to the institution’s Annual Scholarship Benefit, a fundraising event with no shortage of fun. ” Grasslands in Brooklyn. 13 | Marymount Manhattan College ”Spring/Summer 2016 | 14 iley Griffith ’15 was in class with international ON-CAMPUS POLITICS studies professor Andreas Hernandez when As the MMC student body became more politically engaged, A TRADITION OF ENGAGEMENT something he said caught her attention. they desired a more active role in administrative decisions within the College. “He mentioned Father of the Investigating the Social and Political History of MMC FBI’s Most Wanted List and how Marymount nuns For instance, some students became upset when the sheltered him for a period of time in the 1970s,” administration formed the Academic Policy Committee, which she recalls. “My ears perked up and I realized that I knew little failed to include student representatives—leaving the student 1936 about the history of Marymount.” body voiceless regarding curricular changes. These students rallied together in protest, publishing blistering satires and Marymount College, Tarrytown, courses This gripping story compelled Griffith to undertake a critiques in the school paper. are offered in the 1947 research project that would unearth some of the rich, classrooms of the fascinating, and little-known history of Marymount And they were heard: the College did away with contested Marymount School on The city branch Manhattan College, especially in the areas of advocacy, academic requirements. Thereafter students could design Fifth Avenue, across of Marymount volunteerism, and political engagement. their own curriculum with a faculty advisor, and only 120 the street from The College, Tarrytown, credits were required to graduate. (After a sharp decline in Metropolitan Museum moves to 71st For instance, Father Berrigan—who passed away in April enrollment in history, math, science, and language classes, of Art. Street, into the 2016—was a prominent figure in Vietnam War protests. He Marymount Manhattan returned to its previous system four old Junior League preached pacifism, and his protest activities, such as burning years later.) building. draft cards, led to multiple arrests. In the mid-1960s, MMC 1961 president Sister Jogues Egan hired Father Berrigan to teach THE TRADITION CONTINUES The College is independently chartered Buddhism, much to the chagrin of the priests teaching In subsequent decades, Marymount Manhattan College and renamed Marymount Manhattan 1965 traditional theology. And it’s true, the sisters of the Religious maintained its commitment to civic responsibility and political College. Mother Raymunde McKay serves Corviae, the student newspaper, of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) and possibly some MMC engagement. Father Daniel Berrigan as its first president. publishes its first article on the subject faculty helped Berrigan go “underground” to avoid the FBI. joins the MMC faculty of the Vietnam War. Mary Ann Wrynn That said, the radical history of Marymount Manhattan goes Today, the tradition is carried on at the College through a to teach theology and ’66 ends the article by stating: “We back much further. new major in politics and human rights, a recently launched May, 1969 comparative religion. should leave Viet Nam now.” internship program with the United Nations, expanded MMC awards honorary degrees to A TRADITION OF ENGAGEMENT community engagement opportunities through Marymount Ethel Skakel Kennedy, the widow of November 25, 1969 Marymount Manhattan has always had a rebellious streak, dating Muscle, academic and co-curricular initiatives focused on Senator Robert Kennedy, as well as to its founding by the RSHM, a community of women religious. diversity and inclusion, several lecture series dedicated to The New York Times publishes an interview describing Coretta Scott King, the widow of Dr. David Linton, professor emeritus of communications, describes social justice issues, and many other programs and activities. the My Lai Massacre and the role of the U.S. Marines. At Martin Luther King, Jr. the RSHM at MMC as “tough and radical.” When Henry Blanke, Marymount Manhattan, faculty member Hugh McMahon was formally charged with violating the Rules and a reference librarian, joined the staff in 1988, he expected the The College also boasts several alumni who have led lives 1971 Regulations of the College for allegedly “throwing” a sisters to be extremely conservative, but says instead: “They of public service, including recent alumni Julietta Lopez ’12, Marine recruiter’s table down a set of stairs. were the most radical people that I have ever met!” Constituent Liaison in the Office of U.S. Senator Charles E. Marymount Manhattan amends its Schumer, and Vladimir Martinez ’14, Director of Budget and charter to admit men, making the The New York Times reported in 1965 that a collage hanging Capital Projects for Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. College coeducational. The College inside the double-doors on 71st Street read: “Youth is a time also becomes increasingly secular. 1973 Professor of political science Tibor Farkas of rebellion. Rather than squelch the rebellion, one might Several MMC alumni were trailblazers for women in politics. takes 10 MMC students to Washington, D.C., better enlist the rebels to join the greatest rebel of all time— A few who come to mind are the Honorable Sallie Manzanet- for a one-month internship, each student Christ Himself.” Daniels ’85, the first Latina justice to serve in the First Judicial 1974 assigned to a different congressperson. Department of the Appellate Division of the New York State The leadership and example of the RSHM have always been an Supreme Court; Joan Fitz-Gerald ’70, the first woman to serve MMC awards an honorary degree to Eleanor Holmes Norton, important part of the College’s identity. Though MMC was never as President of the Colorado State Senate; and Geraldine who had worked for the ACLU and headed the NYC Human 1982 tied to the church in a legal sense, nor was the student body Ferraro ’56, H’82, the first female vice presidential candidate Rights Commission, which held the first hearings in the The Marymount Manhattan Gallery ever exclusively Catholic, the RSHM’s commitment to promoting from a major political party. country on discrimination against women. (now called The Hewitt Gallery of peace and justice established an atmosphere of public Art) presents “Color Harmonious and awareness and civic engagement. In the words of the College mission, a Marymount Manhattan Discordant,” an exhibition curated by the education is intended “to develop an awareness of social, 1984 provocative feminist artist Sylvia Sleigh POLITICAL AWAKENING IN THE 1960s political, cultural, and ethical issues in the belief that this for The Women’s Caucus for Art. The 1960s was an especially politicized time period, at MMC awareness will lead to concern for, participation in, and The first female vice presidential and across the nation. As former MMC sociology professor improvement of society.” candidate from a major political Mona Cutolo puts it: “At this time, you couldn’t not be party, Geraldine Ferraro ’56, H’82, 1998 politically aware.” A 1969 poll indicated that 90% of MMC This was certainly the case for Kiley Griffith ’15. “My professors at runs for office. MMC awards an honorary degree to Robert Moses, the civil rights students and 77% of faculty supported closing the campus Marymount pressed me to think more critically about past and activist and educator and MacArthur Fellowship recipient. on October 15 as part of a national movement to end the current events,” Griffith says. “And given its history, it’s fair to say war in Vietnam. Classes were suspended on that day, and that Marymount will carry on its legacy of being progressive and students and faculty held a peace Mass on campus, as socially conscious.” well as lectures, seminar discussions, prayer services, and 2005 memorials for those killed in the war. Geraldine Ferraro ’56, H’82 MMC awards an honorary degree to and Hillary Clinton H’05 then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. “Marymount is an invitation to be different, to really learn rather than be taught, to have In response, the Archdiocese of New York removes MMC from “The Official the right to disagree, to know the world situation firsthand.” Catholic Directory.” 2016: — Mother Raymunde McKay, RSHM, First President of Marymount Manhattan College Celebrating 80 Years Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Portions of this article adapted by Karl Hinze from “Rebel College: A Radical History of Marymount Manhattan secretary-general of the College” by Kiley Griffith ’15. Additional research and interviews contributed by Carly Schneider ’12. United Nations, receives an Kiley Griffith ’15 spent nine months after graduation traveling through Southeast Asia and South America. honorary degree. (For more, She now works as an assistant at The Blackstone Group in New York City. see page 18.) 15 | Marymount Manhattan College By the Numbers THE CLASS OF 2016

Graduates: Average Age: 22 Oldest: 65 350 Youngest: 20

As you complete your transformation at the end of this From 30 states and ceremony from college students to college graduates, 22 different countries and join the larger community of educated persons, I Farthest is from Australia, have three wishes for you—that over the next few years, closest is from 72nd Street, across you are brave enough to have a dream; that you dare to the street from the Nugent Building take action—any action—in the direction of your dream; and that you have the courage to change your dream even as you yourself change and grow. —President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. BAN KI-MOON URGES GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN HONORARY DEGREE KEYNOTE On Thursday, May 26, 2016, Marymount Manhattan College held ▼ MMC has been our home, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received an honorary doctorate commencement exercises at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center. our rock, and our family as from Marymount Manhattan College on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at a special The room buzzed with excitement as proud parents, grandparents, we journeyed through its and friends of the College cheered on their graduates. ceremony in The Theresa Lang Theatre. hallowed halls. Together The ceremony included performances of “The Star-Spangled we witnessed the opening As I’m sitting here with so many young people who are graduating from Banner” and the alma mater, “Hail Marymount Manhattan,” by of the new Cooper Square ▼ To my peers, thank you this great college, I’d like to say just one word. The world may be big, but I tell musical theatre graduates. Featured speakers included Chairperson you“ that the world is now small. Very small. We are living in a very small family. of the Board of Trustees Hope Knight ’85; President Kerry Walk, Residence Hall, the unveiling for being friends I consider Everything is interconnected. Whatever I’m saying now has already been Ph.D.; 2016 valedictorian Joseph Maybloom; 2016 senior class of the first multi-person family. At one point or communicated to the end of the world within a fraction of a second. speaker Gennesys Grullon; and honorary degree recipients Rabbi all-gender bathroom, the another, we may have felt Philip Hiat, MMC campus minister, and Louise Mirrer, Ph.D., president re-orchestration of our Alma like we struggled alone, So whatever you do is important, should be important, and should be beneficial and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. The packed auditorium Mater, and the inauguration but today we stand here to other people. Particularly to those students and young people who are living also heard a recorded excerpt from United Nations Secretary- in an affluent society like the United States, you are apt to forget or lose sight of General Ban Ki-moon’s honorary degree acceptance speech. His of a new President and a new because of the help we others, and what is happening in other places in the world. COMMENCEMENT 2016 degree was awarded at a special ceremony one week earlier. era of Marymount Manhattan received from our family, College’s history. As MMC faculty, staff, and friends. “Therefore, at this time, the national boundaries do not mean much to all of us. The celebration of academic achievement offered heartfelt words, looks back on eighty years of We did it together….Now Forget about all these national boundaries and have a greater global vision. touching tributes, and moments of pure joy as members of the Class Be a global citizen. …I thank you very much for this honor and I will continue to of 2016 marched, danced, waved, and cheered their way across the excellence, it is clear we are let’s go show this world respect and to honor the spirit of the Marymount Manhattan community. stage to accept their degrees and special awards of distinction. also moving forward. what Marymount can do! Congratulations, graduates! —Valedictorian —Senior Class Speaker ” Joseph Maybloom ’16 Gennesys Grullon ’16

1 | Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Hope Knight ’85; honorary degree recipient and president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society Louise Mirrer, Ph.D.; honorary degree recipient and campus minister Rabbi Philip Hiat; President Kerry Walk, Ph.D.

2 | Valedictorian Joseph Maybloom ’16

3 | Senior Class Speaker Gennesys Grullon ’16

4 | United Nations Secretary- 1 2 3 4 General Ban Ki-moon 17 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 18 Marymount Manhattan College and the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program

by Dominic Siri ’16 In the tumultuous 1960s, people on Rebecca Pinard, current director eventually in the professional world. every block of every borough were of HEOP, offers insight as to why HEOP provides a tight-knit network This page: confronting the issue of diversity, and HEOP is still important 50 years of students who can relate to where Left: The Park East, 1967 the newly independent Marymount after its inception. “The program’s you’re coming from and understand Manhattan College was asking itself financial and educational support whatever hurdles you may face in Bottom: HEOP Staff, 1983. the same question: What is the value assists students from low-income your career. They actively try to help of diversity, and how do we promote backgrounds in breaking the cycle you, be it through tutoring or just Opposite page: it within our college and community? of that they are often born letting you know, hey, you’re running Front row, left to right: Shirley Rosado ’01 and Sandra Garcia ’02. Back row, left to right: Javier Morgales, Aamantha Varn, Anwar into,” Pinard notes. “Along with late for class. The support that HEOP Zandani ’00, Jocelyn Clement, Allen Francis ’99 and Debbit In June of 1967, Marymount the program support, students provides is priceless.” Carmichael at the statue of Carl Schurz overlooking Morningside Manhattan College started the from historically underrepresented Park at 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, July 22, 1998. Community Leadership Program in backgrounds in higher education are As for me, I see HEOP as an collaboration with Sister able to create a sense of community embodiment of the Marymount Marie—a program that would among one another.” Manhattan College mission “to eventually become part of the state- educate a socially and economically wide Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Community has always been at the diverse student body” that is Opportunity Program (HEOP). The core of HEOP; many students refer politically, culturally, and ethically mission of the Community Leadership to the program as their second aware. On a personal level, HEOP Program was to recruit local students home. Ingrid Sotelo, a 2010 HEOP helped me take full advantage of who might not otherwise attend graduate who is now the director of all that MMC offers, particularly a private college, and to provide the Community Action Center in the an independent study of French those students with the community, New York City Comptroller’s Office, literature with professor Julie academic, and financial support they commented: “If Marymount didn’t Huntington. I can’t imagine having needed to succeed at MMC. have HEOP, it wouldn’t have flavor, these kinds of opportunities it wouldn’t be representative of New anywhere else. It’s heartening to see The first students admitted to the York. We wouldn’t have students from HEOP entering its 50th year at MMC program—20 women, six from East the Bronx or small pocket areas. It and continuing to promote diversity Harlem and 14 from Fort Greene, wouldn’t be what it is now. We really and opportunity for new generations Brooklyn—were selected in a similar are the cherry on top of the sundae of students. fashion to today’s HEOP students. to Marymount.” The program leaders and the director Dominic Siri ’16 graduated from of admissions performed a rigorous Emil Lendof, a 2014 graduate and MMC with a double major in religious review and interview process. photo editor at The Daily Beast, studies and studio art and a French Then, the summer before enrolling, also spoke highly of the program. minor. He plans to travel and pursue the selected students completed “HEOP provided me with a platform a career in media. six weeks of intensive tutoring to and an environment to harvest and prepare them for their first semester. grow the skills necessary to succeed in the academic environment and

19 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 20 GRIFFIN BOOKSHELF Eleanor (Ellie) Imperato ’68 recently published “Doors of Memory/ ALUMNI Porte della Memoria,” a memoir in prose and poetry of her early years in PROFILES Avella, Italy. The publication includes a photographic essay of old doors and windows from the area. The last photograph depicts trees growing above a locked door. Imperato suggests, “Life springs anew from ancient secrets buried under the earth. They may seem locked away forever, but through my RACHEL KELLY MARTINEZ ’08 camera lens, I found the key, opened the doors of memory, and stepped into a treasure trove.” Imperato’s Marymount Manhattan College alumna Rachel Kelly Martinez ’08 has served her country and second collection of poems, “Purple Sins,” is underway. worked for peace across the globe—from Senegal and Afghanistan to Washington, DC. In addition, she is collaborating with her sisters, Patrizia Maiella, translator of “Doors of Memory/ Porte Rachel recently shared her memories of MMC and what ultimately led her to a position della Memoria,” and Tonia Maiella on a book about their Italian-American immigrant experience during in the State Department. the late 1950s and 1960s in New York City.

What led you to New York City and MMC? Emma Eden Ramos ’15 published “Still, At Your Door:

I knew only one person when I moved to NYC—I didn’t even know there were different boroughs! I came ▶ A Fictional Memoir,” a novel about three young sisters with $1,000 in my pocket and the goal of attending . Although I wasn’t accepted, 2016 has been quite a year in less-than-desirable circumstances with a mentally ill mother and her abusive husband. The San Francisco Columbia was nice enough to provide me with an exit interview, telling me why I wasn’t selected. I was for Amber Adams ’11, who produced a full-length ballet Book Review raved: “ ‘Still, At Your Door’ becomes devastated and left in tears. As I rode the train home, I saw a sign for an open house at MMC. I went, I titled “Carolina” and a feature film one of those stories where less is more. It applied, and I got in. I am so happy I went to Marymount Manhattan College. It was the perfect college called “Finding Home” in honor provides readers with a deeper understanding of the for me to complete my bachelor’s degree. of National Adoption Day. She physical and emotional effects of mental illness on the was also the production manager family as a whole and the need for broader awareness What is your fondest Marymount Manhattan memory? for NBC’s television special “A to allow children to maintain their childhood in innocence.” I’m most fond of the faculty I met, including Dr. Singh, Dr. Shabaneh, Dr. Gandolfo, and Sister Virginia, Roundabout Road to Broadway.” plus the lifelong friends I made. Also, I really enjoyed the location and the size of the school. Kathy Wilson ’87 published a memoir, “Out of the “Some little girls played with Rabbit Hole.” The book focuses on her childhood Barbies,” Amber observes. “I What did you do after graduation? managing to survive an environment of alcoholism was making dance and films While at MMC, I attended a study abroad trip to El Salvador. I fell in love with El Salvador, so after college and violence, and finding escape through movies since I can remember. When I and records. Wilson was a nontraditional student I moved there. The plan was to stay for a year, but I ran out of money and returned home after only five was a child, dance and film were at MMC, and discovered her talent for writing while months. Looking back, it was the best five months of my life. I was considering joining the military, and the playtime for me and they have pursuing a degree in communications arts. She later time in El Salvador helped me make the decision. I joined the National Guard for my home state of Maryland. always been a part of my life.” taught numerous writing courses at MMC for adults.

What’s it like working for Maryland’s 290th Military Police Company? She polished her creative I’ve been in the 290th Military Police Company for six years. I traveled with them to Senegal and we skills while studying dance at Marymount Manhattan College, Copenhagen from 2010-12, where and physiology. He credits Dr. spent nine months in Afghanistan. Our unit responded to the Baltimore riots, and most recently we were an experience she recalls as he spent two years conducting Judith Hanks and Dr. Benedetta activated to assist first responders on a snow mission. The job is extremely rewarding. Being a soldier nurturing and warm. In particular, research and pursuing other Sampoli-Benitez with challenging pushes me out of my comfort zone, tests my patience, and helps me become a better leader. she remembers professor Pat academic work. Now a graduate him to think holistically about Catterson saying, “Amber, if no student at Harvard Medical School approaching scientific problems What do you do when you’re not being called in for the National Guard? dance company wants you or (HMS), he is focusing his work on and thinking creatively about I completed an eight-month internship with the Executive Office of the President of you’re not interested in dancing immunology. solving research problems. the United States in the fall of 2015. Shortly after that, I was accepted into George with a company, then make your own.” And that’s exactly what Looking back on his time at MMC, “I started college with little Washington University, and I am now a full-time student pursuing a master’s she did, founding the Cape Fear Barbati said he can still remember background in the natural degree in international policy and practice. I also started a full-time job with the Dance Theatre in 2013. test questions on the exams he sciences. But within a few short State Department and am currently an outreach specialist with the Office of took in classes like biochemistry years, faculty from the Division Emergency Management. Adams is also writing a children’s of Sciences at MMC provided book about ballet and ran her first me with the skills necessary for What advice would you give to fellow Marymount Manhattan marathon in spring 2016. success in both my graduate alumni looking to make a difference in their communities? ...... and professional endeavors. Coursework in social science, Don’t give up! It didn’t happen overnight, but I can finally ▶ Zachary Barbati ’10 philosophy, and religious studies say I see the hard work from my bachelor’s degree paying After graduating with a Bachelor have uniquely prepared me to off. Everyone is on their own timeline, but as long as you of Science degree in biology, consider the impact that research, continue to do work in what you love, things will work out. Zachary Barbati ’10 received the in both the basic sciences and I strongly believe that loving what you do is an important Copenhagen Master of Excellence biomedicine, has on individuals part of not only a successful career, but also a happy life. Scholarship Award, enabling and communities at large.” him to study at the University of —Zachary Barbati ’10

21 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 22 to the test by traveling with a new studio, Rodrigues walked up love helping and working with a sense that the students who team to Hue, Vietnam, to teach to the founder of the company, people.” attended MMC truly enjoyed ALUMNI emergency medicine. She worked Lisa Sugar, and said, “I love your being there.” He earned a PROFILES in both an urban and a rural company and what you do, and Alicia now lives in Brooklyn and bachelor’s degree in English and emergency department where I think it’s time you have a male is taking nursing prerequisites credits MMC for fostering his she delivered lectures and gave host.” Two weeks and three while working as a student lifelong curiosity, questioning Currently living in Cambridge, demonstrations to medical auditions later, he had the job. coordinator at a medical school. everything he encounters in Massachusetts, Barbati considers and dental students, as well as She recently completed a his studies and his work. Leigh himself a food enthusiast. He residents. “Studying theatre helped me patient care technician program currently lives in Brandon, also spends time in the gym and to discover and explore all the at Medgar Evers College and Florida, a suburb of Tampa, and focuses on his personal health. “I owe a lot to professors Dr. different parts of my personality looks forward to a career in works as the associate director In the fall of 2016, he will start Benedetta Sampoli-Benitez and and gave me confidence to make healthcare. She enjoys playing of program support for PACE medical school, where he is Dr. Judith Hanks, who served as bold choices. The actor in me sports, shopping, and spending Center for Girls, which offers excited about transitioning away my mentors during undergrad loves to bring a lot of energy, time with family. academic programming and from research and engaging in and beyond. They were so physicality, and humor to my counseling services for girls ages clinical efforts. helpful in writing me letters of hosting work.”

...... 11 to 17 across Florida. In addition ...... recommendation for hospital —Matthew Rodrigues ’04 ▶ to doing this life-changing work, volunteer opportunities, outside Leigh Williams ’01 knew he Leigh is a long-distance runner research jobs, summer internship As a host, Rodrigues has programs, and medical school interviewed an array of big names wanted to attend Marymount and works on music production applications.” in entertainment, including Viola Manhattan College ever since in his spare time. —Holly Ringhauser ’08 Davis, Jason Bateman, and Hugh he first visited. He says, “I got Jackman. Rodrigues credits his In July 2016, Ringhauser headed time at MMC for making him the to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, multifaceted industry personality to start a surgical critical care he is today. fellowship at St. Luke’s University Hospital...... MY MMC STORY Kathleen Ryan O’Grady ’77 ▶ Holly Ringhauser ’08 Holly Ringhauser’s criteria for I am the first woman in my family to earn a college degree. I grew up in Queens and was working as a secretary when I became interested in Marymount Manhattan College. The College had this great selecting a college was pretty ad campaign in the ’70s about returning to school and getting your degree, and I jumped at the simple: Go to school in a big city, opportunity. I majored in business and political science and after MMC went on to business school, but find a college that offers a later working as a brand manager for Quaker Oats and eventually ending up in cable television. close-knit science program. Enter Marymount Manhattan College. When I went back to school I knew the importance of an education, and the intellectual rigor Enrolling in the Department of and resources it provided. That’s why, years later, I helped to start a scholarship for first-

Natural Sciences, Ringhauser ▶ generation students at MMC. When you are the first in your family to go to college, you need a received remarkable hands-on Matthew Rodrigues ’04 lot of support—not just financial support, though that’s important, but also support at every step experience in her field. Whether it Graduating with a bachelor’s of the process. All of the things many people take for granted may be a little more challenging was taking an independent study degree in theatre arts in 2004, for others. But it’s worth it: going to college changes not only your life, but the life of everybody course in parasitology, conducting Rodrigues made the move to Los around you. It can change the dynamic of a whole family. neuroscience research, or Angeles to pursue his dreams but working as a teaching assistant in quickly realized it wouldn’t be as I am also a big supporter of the arts—I took a survey course at MMC in art history that really opened my eyes. Nowadays everyone is talking about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and chemistry, organic chemistry, and easy as planned. ▶ physiology, Ringhauser sought Alicia Williams ’14 always knew math education), but I say if you don’t add an “A” for arts to make STEAM, it’s not worth anything. out extraordinary career-building After living in Los Angeles for some she wanted to attend college, but opportunities. time, he was ready to pack his bags her life took a left turn when she WHY GIVE BACK? Ringhauser graduated in 2008 and head back to New York City was arrested and incarcerated at It’s important for people to understand how fortunate they are to receive this education. with a Bachelor of Science because he “just wasn’t getting a a young age. However, through degree in biology, with a minor break in his hosting career.” the Bedford Hills College Giving back financially doesn’t mean you have to write a million dollar check. If you start small in neuroscience. Now a doctor Program, she was able to get a and work with a bunch of your friends, you can put something together that is impactful. And a of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), As fate would have it, a close Marymount Manhattan education gift doesn’t have to be tuition-based; it can be used for books for the library, art equipment, or Ringhauser completed an friend mentioned that an up-and- in sociology while in prison. She something else that the school needs in a field that is significant to you. emergency medicine residency coming company company called says, “Studying sociology helped program at Good Samaritan POPSUGAR that created online me to understand myself more, Giving back makes you feel that you are part of something important. And for alumni especially, Hospital Medical Center in West video content needed on-camera as well as learn about diverse it’s honoring that which you have received. And again, it does not have to be a lot of money! Islip, New York, in June 2016. hosts. After acquiring a ticket cultures and communities. This, The year prior, she put her skills to the opening of POPSUGAR’s in turn, led me to discover that I

23 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 24 NEW TRUSTEES

Marymount Manhattan College is pleased to announce the election The new trustees collectively bring significant experience in of six new members to the Board of Trustees. The Board oversees education, business, and organizational leadership to their new the mission, fiscal integrity, and educational quality of the College. roles, and the College is proud to have them on board.

PATRICIA AGNELLO ’83 is currently HELEN DEMETRIOS ’73 received a ABBY FIORELLA ’83 is general MICHAEL G. STEWART, MD, MPH is EDWARD VAN SADERS ’95 is the CATHERINE VINCIE ’73 is a member the chief human resources officer BA in mathematics and economics, auditor of MasterCard, where she is a renowned otolaryngologist who chief strategy officer of Regional of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of and employment counsel for Insight magna cum laude, from Marymount responsible for providing independent serves as professor and chairman of News Network (RNN), the nation’s Mary (RSHM) and became a provincial Portfolio Group LLC (formerly Icahn Manhattan College and an MA in and objective assurance on the the Department of Otolaryngology- fast-growing premium news content councilor of the Eastern American Sourcing LLC), an entity formed mathematics from SUNY-Stony design and effectiveness of the Head and Neck Surgery at Weill producer, where he is responsible for Province in August 2015. She received and controlled by Carl C. Icahn. Brook before embarking on a company’s risk management, internal Medical College of Cornell University, creating, communicating, executing, a BA in piano performance from Agnello previously held senior distinguished career in business controls, and governance processes. and otolaryngologist-in-chief at New and sustaining the company’s Marymount Manhattan College human resources positions at several and entrepreneurship. After holding Fiorella also sits on the company’s York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill strategic initiatives. RNN programs (certified by the Mannes College of other high-profile organizations, positions in the Olivetti Corporation Risk Management Committee and Cornell Medical Center. He also serves and manages news channels across Music), an MDiv from Yale Divinity including Integro Insurance Brokers, and JP Morgan early in her career, is a member of its Global Diversity as vice dean of the Medical College linear, online, and OTT platforms, School/Institute of Sacred Music, North Fork Bank (now Capital One), Demetrios launched one start-up and Inclusion Council. Prior to her and the E. Darracott Vaughan, Jr., MD reaching more than seven million and a PhD in liturgical theology from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and Exxon. company and then another, which current role, Fiorella was responsible senior associate dean for clinical affairs. homes throughout New York, New the Catholic University of America. She serves on the board of directors sold international banking software for MasterCard’s global compliance Dr. Stewart leads the Center for the Jersey, and Connecticut. Previously, Sr. Catherine has taught liturgical of Trump Entertainment Resorts, to major banks throughout the world, programs, including ethics, anti- Performing Artist at NYP/Weill Cornell. Van Saders served as chief financial theology in several graduate schools Inc. and PSC Metals, Inc., is on the including Citigroup, JP Morgan, corruption, anti-money laundering, The author of more than a hundred officer of AccuWeather, following while also working as a church Group Advisory Board of Blue Cross Barclays, HSBC, and many more. trade sanctions, and privacy and data publications, he is currently editor-in- six years at RNN in the CFO role. He musician. From 1995 to 2015, she and Blue Shield of Alabama, and has After selling her second start-up in a protection. Before joining MasterCard, chief of The Laryngoscope journal. He has also served in senior leadership served as professor of liturgical and served as an arbitrator for the Civil bidding war to Misys, a billion-dollar Fiorella served as a director in KPMG’s is a director of the American Board positions at the entertainment brand sacramental theology at the Aquinas Court of the City of New York. Agnello British software company, Demetrios forensic services practice and was of Otolaryngology and the American Heavy.com and the environmental Institute of Theology and Ministry is an associate adjunct professor of worked for Misys for several years an assistant district attorney in New Academy of Otolaryngology-HNS, media company EcoMedia (now a in St. Louis. Sr. Catherine served as professional responsibility at NYU’s as chief operating officer and board York County. Fiorella earned a JD, where he has received a Presidential part of CBS). Earlier in his career, he vice president/president of the North Stern School of Business. She holds a member of its new banking division. magna cum laude, from New York Citation and two Distinguished Service held positions at NBC-Universal, Fox American Academy of Liturgy in JD from St. John’s University School A Marymount Manhattan trustee from Law School. She received a bachelor’s Awards, along with induction into the News Network, and the Jim Henson 2011-12. A frequent lecturer, she has of Law, an MBA in human resources 2006 to 2007, she currently serves as degree in fine arts, magna cum laude, Academy of Distinguished Educators Company. He earned a BFA in acting, written more than 45 publications and management from Adelphi University, a board member of Big Arts, a cultural from Marymount Manhattan College. at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. cum laude, with a minor in musical is currently editing a book on Catholic and a BA in liberal arts from center in Sanibel, Florida. Stewart earned his bachelor’s degree theatre and a certificate in nonprofit preaching. Marymount Manhattan College. in engineering, summa cum laude, at management from Marymount Vanderbilt University, his MD at Johns Manhattan College. Hopkins University School of Medicine, and his MPH at the University of Texas School of Public Health.

25 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 26 SHARON THOMAS LETALON ’86 IN MEMORIAM graduated with a bachelor’s degree CLASS NOTES in business. She says that the Adrienne Pfeifer ’50 best years of her academic life were at MMC—the friendships and Dorren Morris ’63 wisdom she received were beyond FLORENCE PERELLA HAYES ’57 measure. Sharon recently created Mary E. Lee ’65 passed away in 1996 following a a new web-based company named Maureen O’Dea courageous struggle with ALS Equitas Network Partners LLC Caragliano ’67 (commonly referred to as Lou that focuses on providing working Gehrig’s disease). Her son, Jeremiah ▶ adults with a living wage and “clear SUPREET KESAR MCGRATH ’08 Marie Antoinette Hayes, an award-winning filmmaker, compensation.” Heller ’76 created a memorial film titled AND STEPHEN MCGRATH ’09 “God Comes as a Child,” which was CATIA OJEDA ’02 married on October 10, 2015, in Joan Susan Clement ’77 released on YouTube in March 2013. graduated with a bachelor’s degree Roslyn Harbour, New York. They have Rochelle Klass ’85 The film takes place primarily in a in acting and is now a series regular been dating nonstop since they met palliative care clinic in Montreal, on a new family television show at Marymount Manhattan. Mary Twomey Canada, the city where Hayes lived called “Just Add Magic” from Greason ’86 in her later years and where she was Amazon Studios. She plays Terri LEILA JARMAN ’09 also a Catholic chaplain and theology Quinn, the mom of the family. The premiered her film “A Dream of Paper Alexa McAllister ’05 instructor at McGill University. show became available for streaming Flowers on The Creators Project,” a platform that features the works Meredith Noel on Amazon on January 15, 2015. Cummings ’13 EILEEN SULLIVAN, PH.D. ’63 of artists from different disciplines is having her book, “The Shamrock that celebrate creativity, arts, and Marvelle S. Colby, Ph.D. and the Cross: Irish American technology. Novelists Shape American Angelo Dispenzieri Catholicism,” published by the University of Notre Dame Press. It is Elizabeth A. Dombroski available on Amazon as well as the Vannie L. Kinard university’s website. Guy Mayers CONNIE LA GRATTA ’66

lives in Danbury, Connecticut, where ▶ her husband practiced orthopedics NICK SANCHEZ ’03 for 37 years. She has four children married Sam Kiernan on October 10, It is with great sadness that we share the news and seven grandchildren, four of 2015, in Naples, New York. They met ▶ whom live in New York City. La Gratta on the First National Tour of “Mary KAILA GIOVANNIELLO ’11 AND that Sascha Pinczowski ’15 and her husband are both involved in Poppins.” Kiernan attended MMC for CHRISTOPHER STOKES ’10 and her brother, Catholic charities, and she is a trustee a semester, and the two learned later married on September 12, 2015, at Alexander, who also of St. Joseph Church in Danbury. on that Sanchez must have auditioned the Garrison Inn in Garrison, New attended Marymount him at some point as Sanchez worked York. Professor of theatre arts Kevin Manhattan College, lost ROSE TERRANOVA CIRIGLIANO ’71 in the theatre recruitment office Connell officiated. their lives in the recent recently began a small independent during his time at MMC. terror attacks in Brussels, publishing company called Rose Belgium. The many 1965 Book Publishers. faculty, students, and staff ROSA COLON SANCHEZ ’71 who knew Sascha and is enjoying retirement, healthy living, Alexander remember and travel after a 36-year teaching them as joyful spirits with career. She and her husband of a passion for life. 43 years, Freddie, are snowbirds, spending time in Dover, New Jersey, and Cocoa Beach, Florida. They have traveled abroad and gone on cruises. SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE! ▶ In between their travels, they spend We want to hear about A LOOK BACK IN TIME THOMAS HETTRICK ’12 your recent job changes,

time with their two children and three ▶ married Natalie Errthum on October marriages, births, Over the years, numerous political hopefuls walked the halls of Marymount Manhattan College to grandchildren. JESSE ALLOWAY BARTON ’06 10, 2015, in Charleston, South publications, awards, connect with young, passionate voters. In this photo from 1965, Andrea Hyde ’67 stands beside married Stephen Alexander Wall Carolina. other noteworthy then-Congressional Representative John Vliet Lindsay in the College’s Black and White Lobby (now known as The Hewitt Gallery of Art). At the time, Lindsay was campaigning to become accomplishments, or the GLORIA COHEN ’79 on May 1, 2016, in Jersey City, New mayor of New York City, a position he ultimately held from January 1966 to December 1973. wrote a children’s book titled Jersey. Jesse graduated with a KATIE HAY ’14 passing of a loved one. Submit a class note to “Gubby’s Gift.” BA in theatre arts and a minor in is currently working at the Film Photography by Christina Krupka ’68 [email protected]

philosophy. Society of Lincoln Center. or call 212-517-0460.

27 | Marymount Manhattan College Spring/Summer 2016 | 28 SAVE THE DATE

Fall Donor Dancers at Work Appreciation November 11: 8 p.m. Reception November 12: 2 p.m. September 28, 2016 8 p.m. Spring 2016 To thank supporters November 18: 8 p.m. of The Fund for November 19: 2 p.m. Repertoire Marymount 8 p.m. Manhattan College BA dance majors Concert investigate the parameters of Our Country’s Good choreographic by Timberlake perception in this Wertenbaker, based student choreography upon the novel “The showcase, which Playmaker” by Thomas also includes new Keneally work choreographed October 13: 8 p.m. by MMC faculty

October 14: 8 p.m. members. — Turnblad Maddie Baillio — Pictured: LIVE! — Season 2016 as Tracy HAIRSPRAY Media Village – NBCUniversal Sherwood/NBC) Virginia by (Photo October 15: 2 p.m. The Great Hall Mark your calendars for 8 p.m. October 16: 2 p.m. DECEMBER 7, 2016! Annual Trustee The Theresa Lang MMC’s very own MADDIE BAILLIO ’18 will Donor Dinner Theatre be starring as Tracy Turnblad in NBC’s next December 6, 2016 big musical event “Hairspray Live” alongside In recognition of our Family, Friends, and Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short, Jennifer most generous donors Alumni Homecoming Hudson, and more! Weekend The Lotos Club, NYC October 21-23, 2016 Except where noted, STAY CONNECTED! We can’t wait to see all events happening you on campus! More at Marymount Manhattan Engage with us on our social media channels details to come at College, 221 East 71st Street, www.mmm.edu. New York, NY. Follow us on @NYCMarymount

3rd Annual Alumni, Join us on Facebook Parents, and Friends Facebook.com/MarymountManhattan Reception in Los Angeles, California Find us on Instagram November 18, 2016 @NYCMarymount Contact Katherine Dunford at kdunford@ mmm.edu for more Black Friday. Cyber Monday. #GIVINGTUESDAY information. NOVEMBER 29, 2016 A global day of celebration dedicated to giving back. Last year #GivingTuesday was a record-breaking success. The MMC community showed extraordinary generosity, donating over $18,000! Plus, your gifts have more impact The Marymount Manhattan College Department of Dance’s annual spring than ever thanks to the Carson Match. concert presented distinguished works by leading choreographers Adam Barruch, Robert Battle, Norbert De La Cruz III, Bill T. Jones, and Darrell Gifts to The Fund for Marymount Manhattan College will Grand Moultrie. Held in The Theresa Lang Theatre, the performances offered help support student scholarships, faculty initiatives, and a spectacular variety of styles for all audiences, with a focus on new and campus improvements. contemporary works. Every gift makes a difference! Visit www.mmm.edu/donatenow to get started. Above: Elijah Jones ’18, Max Erickson ’19, and Lily Duarte ’17 | Photography by Rosalie O’Connor For more information on #GivingTuesday visit www.mmm.edu/givingtuesday. 29 | Marymount Manhattan College 221 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021

The Hewitt Gallery of Art Paintings by Florence Alva ’89