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Vol. 23, No. 1 Fall 2009

th Celebrating 30 Anniversary of the International Special Olympic Games at Brockport PresidentHalstead

One of the key expectations at are depicted on posters across campus Education for the past 25 years and The College at Brockport is that we and throughout all of SUNY. Joe enjoys a well-earned international “open the world to our students.” It’s The Games were first held in reputation in the field. a worthy goal that works effectively in 1968 before coming to Dr. Lauren Lieberman has picked on many levels: from helping students Brockport for their fifth incarnation. up that proverbial ball and not just learn more about themselves (an They have since traveled to such run with it; she sprinted! Lauren is example being the recently instituted places as Los Angeles; Dublin, Ireland; founding director of Brockport’s Camp Summer Reading Program) to creating Shanghai, China; and, coming in Abilities, a one-week developmental the opportunity to cultivate the broad 2011, Athens, Greece. That’s pretty sports camp for children who are perspective and understanding essential good company for a college that’s been visually impaired, blind, or deafblind. for responsible global citizenship. located in a small town on the Erie Now in its 14th year, Camp Abilities Global citizenship is on the top Canal since 1835. provides a 1:1 instructional situation of my mind these days as well, The ramifications of the Games for each child and has since developed particularly as we recognize that 2009 continue to be felt in significant ways camps in other locations across the US is the 30th anniversary of the College on our campus. The physical landscape and around the world. hosting the International Special has forever changed with the additions And just as I can look at photos from Olympics. While I was not here in of the Special Olympic Stadium — the 1979 and see the delight on the faces 1979 (I was embarking on my final largest on-campus Division III stadium of the children who participated, every years of doctoral research), a treasure- in the country — Special Olympics summer we can witness with delight trove of photos, news clippings, and fountain next to Drake Memorial and pride the exultation of those who other memorabilia demonstrate to me Library, and the Prometheus statue attend Camp Abilities and succeed in a powerful way that Brockport was in front of the Allen Administration in ways they perhaps never thought at the epicenter of the sports universe Building. Prometheus’ torch has even possible. for a few special days. Not to name been incorporated as a central and Special Olympics founder Eunice drop, but allow me to list just a few enduring figure within the College’s Kennedy Shriver once said, “Every of the celebrities and dignitaries who new logo. person, regardless of whatever different spent time on our campus: Senator While the Special Olympics have an abilities they may have, can contribute, Edward Kennedy, future California international flavor, we can be proud can be a source of joy, can beam with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of our own international contributions. pride and love.” That’s something that and his future wife, Maria Shriver, Dr. Joseph Winnick created the all of us should remember and cherish hockey greats Bobby Orr and Phil Adaptive Physical Education program each and every day of our lives. Esposito, Olympic hero Rafer at Brockport more than 40 years ago, Johnson, actresses Susan St. James, and at the time Brockport was the first Sally Struthers, and Maureen college or university in the country McCormick, and last—but definitely to offer a master’s program in that not least—Muhammad Ali. To this discipline. The program has received John R. Halstead, PhD day, three decades later, their pictures support from the US Department of President Contents Campus News 2 Eunice Kennedy Shriver q1921-2009 Academic News The College at Brockport dedicates this 30th Anniversary 4 Celebration of the International Special Olympics issue of Kaleidoscope to Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Founder of the International Special Olympics, Mrs. Arts Shriver will long be remembered for championing the rights of, and her devotion to, the developmentally disabled. Mrs. Shriver and the Special Olympics Games have left 6 an indelible imprint on The College at Brockport that will inspire generations to come. Athletics Kaleidoscope 8 Vol. 23, No. 1 Fall 2009 S pecial Olympics Circulation — 75,000

Publisher Roxanne Johnston 10 Executive Editorial Team Mike Andriatch ’85, Darby Knox, David Mihalyov ’87/’03 Managing Editor Class Notes Virginia Campbell ’89/‘96 Photography 19 James Dusen Drake Memorial Archives Graphic Design Sam Nicolosi Questions and Contributors Answers Nicholas Mascari

Send corrections or changes of address to: 22 Division of Advancement 350 New Campus Drive Alumni News Brockport, NY 14420 (585) 395-2451 [email protected] 24 If you have suggestions or story ideas for future editions of Kaleidoscope, please submit them to: [email protected]

On the cover: Lighting the Torch Ceremony opens Special Olympics 1979 1 m Canewspus Ian Frazier Receives Art of Fact Award from The College at Brockport

Non-fiction author and humoristIan Frazier shared both his witty and serious sides as he regaled an enthusiastic audience prior to receiving the 2009 Art of Fact Award from The College at Brockport’s Writers Forum on April 28. The Award was presented before a crowd of nearly 200 by The Writers Forum and M&T Bank at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester. SUNY Chancellor Zimpher Frazier, well-known for his humorous essays on contemporary life and travel narratives that explore American history and geography, Tours Brockport interspersed commentary on the history and future of non-fiction writing with reading selections from several of his books, including State University of New York Chancellor Lamentations of the Father, Great Plains, and The Fish’s Eye. Before Nancy L. Zimpher visited The College at entertaining his audience, Frazier spent a busy day by conducting an Brockport the afternoon of July 22 as part of her hour-long interview for WXXI radio, having lunch with College at three-month, 64-campus tour of SUNY. During Brockport hosts at Dinosaur BBQ, and fly-fishing on Oatka Creek. He her afternoon campus visit she met with College also spent time with students taking the Writers Craft class. President John R. Halstead, students, campus Frazier received his BA from Harvard in 1973. He became a staff leaders, administrators and staff. writer at The New Yorker just one year later, and he still contributes to These visits are the first step toward the creation the weekly magazine. In 1997, he was the inaugural recipient of the of a new SUNY-wide strategic plan that will “make Thurber Prize for American Humor for his book, Coyote v. Acme. SUNY a model for the nation and the world.” The Art of Fact award is given each spring by The Writers Forum, Following a brief campus tour, Zimpher held which chooses works that contribute significantly to American culture. meetings with Brockport Student Government Anne Panning, associate professor of English, said, “The Writers leaders as well as participants in the College’s Forum, founded in 1967, allows Brockport to bring prominent, award- Undergraduate Summer Research program. winning writers to not only our students but to the Greater Rochester During this meeting she described her job as community and beyond.” Panning and Ralph Black, associate being an advocate for them and the SUNY system, professor of English, are co-directors of the Forum, which is “working with the legislature and the governor so recognized as one of the country’s outstanding reading series. that they see SUNY as the asset to the economy and culture that it is... to convince them that the investment in SUNY is worth it,” she said. Zimpher then met with several hundred faculty and staff before leaving campus for a late-afternoon news conference at the College’s downtown MetroCenter, co-hosted with new Monroe Community College President Anne M. Kress. Zimpher stressed to the media the goal of job creation and the importance of partnerships and collaboration, both between MCC and The College at Brockport, and between SUNY and New York State. “We can’t do it alone and they can’t do it without us,” she said. Zimpher ended her visit at a reception attended by more than 50 local political, civic, and business Ian Frazier, second from left, accepted the Art of Fact Award from John R. Halsted, far left, Anne leaders, as well as College Board members. Panning, and M&T Bank President Dan Burns. 2 Undergraduate, Graduate Students Celebrate Commencement The weather held and more than 1957 graduate, Margaret Robinson up and look for another door, another 1,400 undergraduate students and Preska, PhD. Preska entered The opportunity dressed up as a problem. approximately 200 graduate students College at Brockport at age 15 and Challenges are everywhere and they participated in commencement graduated summa cum laude. It was make us focus our attention and energy ceremonies on Saturday, May 16. at Brockport that she first envisioned on the goals that are most important. The students, with families and her career goal to become a college People who have hope and use their friends, were welcomed by President president — a goal she realized in 1979 gifts wisely can lead through open John R. Halstead. “We’ve given you when she became the first woman doors to a better world.” the foundation of being an educated president of the Minnesota State Theresa Lou Bowick ’09, person. Build upon it to, aspire, engage, University, Mankato. She held the President’s Citation Award recipient, and achieve. The future is yours to position until 1992. was recognized for her academic shape. Learn all your life. Learn from “Each of us has learned to recognize accomplishments and volunteer efforts your successes. There will be many.” the closing of a door to the room in Antigua to improve educational and The Commencement Address for in which we want to live our lives,” health care benefits for the disabled. both ceremonies was delivered by Preska said. “If one door closes, get

Students Visit ESPN Studios for Behind-the-Scenes Look Is a future SportsCenter host behind the mic at Brockport? On March 30, five Department of Communication students visited the ESPN studios in Bristol, CN, at the invitation of ESPN Senior Director of Production Operations Stacey Fitch ’85 and ESPN Manager of Production Operations/Intern Coordinator Joe Franco ’08. Virginia Orzel, assistant professor, and Warren Kozireski, WBSU station manager and instructor, accompanied the students on the trip, which is expected to become an annual occurrence. Fitch and Franco gave the visiting (l-r back row): Sean Bowerman ’09, senior Scott Brooks, Joe Franco ’08, Alicia Sheppard ’09, Warren Kozireski (instructor and WBSU Station Manager), Erik Michael ’08 (a current ESPN employee), senior Dale Budziszewski. students and faculty a VIP tour of the (l-r Middle): junior Randal Santillo, Stacy Fitch ’85, Crystal Smith ’07. Assistant Professor Virginia Orzel, kneeling. facilities. Following, they were joined for lunch by three more Brockport The ESPN staff talked with the themselves as part of this informal alumni now working at ESPN, Erik students about what they need to do to interviewing session, and also spent time Michael ’08, Brie Michaels ’08, prepare themselves for the workforce, visiting the area of ESPN of particular Crystal Smith ’07, Laura Lavigne, particularly at ESPN. Our students interest to them. Beth Rodgers and Fred Brown. also had an opportunity to talk about 3 m aCade newsic

College’s Academic Division Reorganizes to Build on Strengths

An outstanding faculty, exceptional and diverse academic programs, and an institution-wide commitment to student success, all hallmarks of an excellent public comprehensive college and a solid

foundation from which to move The College at Leanne Miller (left) with Katie Couric at G-20 in London, England. Brockport forward. That was the starting point last fall when Provost Anne E. Huot, PhD charged the Internship Gives Access to Academic Affairs Committee on Reorganization to develop a new structure for the Division that would G-20 Summit position the College to both achieve its mission and implement its strategic initiatives. Working in London, sitting in the fifth row of Baraka Obama What emerged, following nearly a year of campus- press conference, and meeting Katie Couric. Okay, not every wide discussions, input sessions, and debate, was a College at Brockport internship can offer those benefits, but new academic programs administrative model made Leanne Miller ’09 did not have a typical internship. Miller had up of four schools replacing the three-school structure the opportunity to work at the CBS London News Bureau, which that had been in place since the early 1980s. The new opened the door for her to attend the April G-20 Summit of world organization is expected to position the College for leaders. success in the critical areas of student recruitment The internship offered hands-on experience, including and retention, institutional and departmental shadowing correspondents as they did their live reports from the accreditations, and philanthropy. ExCel Centre, where the summit was held. “I got to meet some “The College at Brockport has made tremendous prominent figures such asAnderson Cooper and Katie Couric,” strides in recent years and we felt that the time was she said “I met Katie while she was taping the Evening News from right for us to continue this trend. Our new structure Tower Bridge. I also was able to sit in on President Obama’s press better aligns our programs to meet our long-term speech at the conclusion of the summit — and having a White academic goals,” Huot said. House press pass allowed me to get a seat in the fifth row.” The College’s 48 undergraduate majors and 40 Miller graduated in May with a bachelor of arts in graduate programs were reorganized into the School communication and a minor in film studies, and plans on pursuing of The Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the a career in the news industry. “My goal is to become a news School of Sciences and Mathematics; the School of producer for a network, whether in the United States or the UK. Health and Human Performance; and the School of I have been able to go on interviews and shoots, write my own Education and Human Services. The College also scripts, put together my own news packages, and do my own vox plans to create a School of Business Administrative pops (on-the-street interviews). The most memorable events from unit at a later date to house the Department of my time with CBS include the G20 Summit.” Business Administration and Economics and the Small Miller said the internship with CBS far exceeded her Business Development Center. expectations. “This experience has allowed me to grow and “I think we made sure that the process from succeed both professionally and personally,” Miller said. “I met beginning to end was transparent and inclusive. The individuals that I have admired for years and gained knowledge in new structure was the product of a strong campus- ways I never thought possible. I am coming out of this internship wide effort and one of which the entire College with a stronger sense of confidence and ambition, as I begin my community can be proud,” she added. pursuit for a lifelong career in journalism.”

4 Students Conduct Summer Research

Thirteen undergraduate students in disciplines ranging from dance to environmental science to history were awarded the first- ever Brockport Foundation Summer Undergraduate Research Program Scholarships this spring. Funded by the Brockport Foundation, the scholarships provide students with stipends in lieu of summer jobs so that they can pursue scholarly research with a faculty mentor. The College also provides housing for summer scholars free of charge. As part of their scholarship agreement, each student must submit their research to a regional or national conference. “Undergraduate research opportunities are highly valuable when it comes time for students to apply for graduate programs or enter their careers,” said Mark Noll, PhD, associate professor of the Department of Earth Sciences. “Through this experience, students demonstrate their initiative and commitment to their educations and their areas of study. This will give them a competitive advantage over their peers.”

Scholars Day Celebrates 26th Year

the spotlight on the academic presentations highlighted research and and creative accomplishments of creative endeavors over the previous the College’s best and brightest, year in each of the College’s academic featuring presentations of research departments. and creative work by more than Presentation topics included the 400 students, faculty, and staff aforementioned steamroller used on the Brockport campus and at in a printmaking demonstration; the Brockport MetroCenter in an interactive human sundial; the downtown Rochester. subprime mortgage crisis; talks and After 25 years, one might think that Scholars Day is intended to: 1) demonstrations of ballet, hip-hop a veteran Scholars Day viewer would publicize research, 2) share new ideas and activist art; working with autistic have seen everything. Chances are, the and concepts, 3) expand knowledge, children; limits of executive power; 26th edition was the first to feature a 4) and provide an opportunity to treatment of Guantanamo detainees; steamroller aiding the artistic process. socialize with members of the campus and computer modeling of atmospheric On April 15, The College at community outside of one’s own pollution. Brockport Scholars Day 2009 focused department. This year, more than 225

Join your fellow alumni and friends for this year’s celebration, September 24-27. Included in this year’s activities are the annual Brockport Alumni Association Recognition Dinner (in conjunction with a Lobster Bake at the President’s home), the 25th anniversary of the Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame, tree plantings, the parade, a golf tournament, multiple reunions, sports, arts events, a fun run and much more.

Visit www.brockport.edu/alumni for more details or contact us at [email protected].

5 t ARnewsS Tower Fine Arts Gallery Schedule 2009-2010 The College at Brockport paints a rich tapestry in the visual arts as the Department of Art fills its galleries with paintings, sculpture, mixed media, photography and more.

Preparations: Artists’ Animal Logic: Artists There’s No Place Selections from the Annual Student Art Sketchbooks Contemplate Like Here Permanent Collection Exhibition and Journals Creature Kingdoms January 27 – February 26 March 5 – March 30 April 9 – April 25 September 9 – October 13 October 28 – December 6 Opening reception: Opening reception: Opening reception: Opening reception: Opening reception: January 26, 4 – 6 pm March 4, 4 – 6 pm April 9, 7 – 9 pm September 8, 4 – 6 pm October 27, 4 – 6 pm The Gallery will be closed The Gallery will be closed March 13 – 21 November 25 – 29

All exhibitions in the Tower Fine Arts Center Gallery are free and open to the public. The Gallery can be reached at (585) 395-2805. Gallery Hours: Mondays – Fridays: 10 am – 5 pm, Sundays: 1 pm – 4 pm. Due to the continuing renovation of Tower Fine Arts Center, the Gallery exhibit schedule and hours are subject to change. The Gallery is closed during academic breaks. To learn more about these and other events, inquire about a subscription, or request a season brochure, contact Stuart Ira Soloway, arts events manager, at (585) 395-2797. To purchase tickets, please call the Tower Fine Arts Box Office at (585) 395-ARTS.

at Day Brockport 2009 JazzFollowing on the heels of the resoundingly successful Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, the College is pleased to announce its own second annual Jazz Day at Brockport. Jazz Day is sponsored in part by the Marc and Ann Iacona Family and the Brockport Foundation. Marc Iacona, co-producer of the Rochester Jazz Festival and Brockport Foundation Board member, is passionate about sharing his love of this truly spend the day on campus lecturing to classes, conducting American musical genre. “Music education is critical a master class and concluding the day with a captivating to understanding the intricacies and nuances of jazz. concert. Musicians and non-musicians alike can develop a passion Jazz Day is Friday, October 30. Lectures and master and deeper appreciation for what they’re hearing through classes will take place at various locations. Tickets for a music education.” cocktail reception and the concert are available for $30; This year’s Jazz Day welcomes the Dave Rivello tickets for the concert only are $12 general audiences/$10 Ensemble, a 12-member big band whose music critics have seniors, and Brockport faculty and staff/$8 students. For likened to “dreaming in color.” Rivello features his own information about all the day’s events, please visit www. compositions, which evoke a unique blend of traditional brockport.edu/finearts, or call (585) 395-2797. jazz, modern classical music and improvisation. Rivello will

6 Theatre Faculty Join Forces in New Production

Richard St George, professor form four years ago, and immediately of theatre, and Susan Hopkins, brought it to Richard and Susan, but associate instructor, are performing the our various schedules didn’t mesh until roles of Randall and Bernice in the this summer. It’s an extraordinary piece new play, under the direction of Frank of theatre that requires the kind of Kuhn, associate professor of theatre virtuosic acting that Susan and Richard at Brockport. Also appearing in the bring to the roles. And we’re having a production is student Andrew Antao. great time working on it together.” The play is in two parts, the first of Tickets for Bernice/Butterfly: A Two which is concerned with the life and Part Invention are $5 and are available at dreams of Bernice, played by Hopkins, (585) 395-ARTS. a waitress in a small-town diner in Susan Hopkins Kansas. The second part consists of a After appearing in the Ad Hoc philosophical lecture delivered by the Theatre production this summer, eccentric Randall K. Kleinfelter (St at Rochester’s Downstairs Cabaret George) that spins out of control with Theatre, three faculty members Kleinfelter revealing, and discovering, from The College at Brockport’s more than he intended. Department of Theatre have Kuhn notes that the play “is reunited to bring Bernice/Butterfly: A essentially a quirky comedy about Two Part Invention to the College on the human need to feel valued.” He, Friday, September 25, and Saturday, St George and Hopkins have been September 26, at 7:30 pm at the Tower planning this production for some Richard St George Fine Arts Center Lab Theatre. time. “I read the play in manuscript

Student Installation is “Sculpted from Devotion”

To make this unique piece, Parizek cast 14 student athletes, creating molds for his terra cotta sculptures. He achieved the rich bronze- green patina using acrylic washes and scrubbing the surface with steel wool to create a complex texture. The result? “A work of art that captures a momentary flash of physical motion performed by athletes in action,” says mentor and Associate It’s not every day that a Brockport Professor of Art Lori Mills. student combines intercollegiate “It has been an exciting experience watching athletics with a passion for art — and and working with Greg in the ceramic studio over makes a lasting contribution to the the past few years. It was no easy accomplishment College campus. Yet, art major Greg for him to find a balance between two seemingly Parizek ’09, a member of the diverse interests — art and athletics. Each required Brockport indoor and outdoor track a major commitment of his time and efforts. I and field teams while at Brockport, has think Greg’s involvement with athletics helped him done just that with his sculpture, “Sculpted develop initiative, self-discipline, and a strong work from Devotion,” a permanent installation ethic, qualities he has applied to his work in the in the Tuttle Athletic Complex. “I wanted ceramic studio,” says Mills. to give something back to the College,” What’s in store for the artist-athlete? He is Parizek said of his artwork. planning to pursue an MFA in ceramics.

7 Following are the Teams of the Decade, as selected by members t of the 2009 Hall of Fame Selection Committee. news Athle ic 1950s: • Men’s Soccer (1955 National title; record Celebrating 25 years of of 60-18-8 for the decade) Golden Eagle Athletic 1960s: • Women’s Swimming and Diving (multiple Hall of Fame top five finishes at states) What a tradition! • Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field (numerous school records) Our athletics program has been competing exclusively against • Men’s Swimming and Diving (three SUNYAC other colleges and universities since the late 1920s, when the crowns; multiple All-Americans) College was known as the Brockport Normal and Training

School. The Golden Eagles have won countless championships : • Women’s Field Hockey (dominated at state in all sports at the local, conference, state, regional and even national level over those 80-plus years. These championships AIAW level; record for wins in 1976; set include two nationals in soccer (1955 and 1974) and five in table for seventh- and fourth-place finishes wrestling (1977, 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1992). at nationals) In 1985, Brockport began recognizing individual brilliance • Men’s Soccer (National title in 1974; within the athletics programs with the establishment of the runner-up in 1975; NCAAs in seven of first Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame. To date, 151 individuals eight years of the decade) and one team have been honored with Hall of Fame induction. 1980s: On September 26, the 25th class of Golden Eagle greats will • Women’s Softball (SUNYAC and state titles be honored, including the second team — the 1977 national and yearly NCAA berths through the mid- championship wrestling team — the first recipient in the 1990s) “contributor” category, and other individuals who excelled as • Wrestling (won national titles in 1980, athletes, coaches and administrators. 1982 and 1983 and had two Division I Because this is the 25th year of the All-Americans) Hall of Fame, all current members 1990s: of the Hall, or their representatives, • Women’s Volleyball (yearly SUNYAC titles have been encouraged to return to and six straight teams to NCAAs through once again be honored. And, to mid-1990s) recognize sustained brilliance by teams throughout Brockport’s • Men’s Basketball (three NCAA appearances, illustrious sports history, the including one Sweet 16, and first SUNYAC College will honor Teams of the title in almost 20 years) Decade at the event. 2000s: “We wanted to make this a • Women’s Basketball (post season every very special day for our program,’ year; four NCAAs three ECACs) and thought that recognizing the • Women’s Gymnastics (NCGA Championships history of our program in this every year; 2nd place in 2008 and 2009; way would highlight the depth multiple individual champions and All- of our excellence throughout Americans) the years,” said Linda J. Case ’89, Brockport’s director of • Women’s Soccer (post season every year; intercollegiate athletics since first NCAA berth in 2006) 1994. “Brockport athletics has • Baseball (more wins than any other decade; made its mark in many positive first College World Series) ways throughout its history, and • Football (first four NCAA appearances; first we want to celebrate that.” undefeated season)

8 Hall of Fame to Honor Five Inductees and One Team in 2009 E.J. McGuire to be the First in Contributor Category

The Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame will celebrate its 25th class of inductees in 2009 by recognizing the 1977 national championship wrestling team as well as five individuals, including the first inductee in the Contributor category.

E.J. McGuire ’75/’77, who played Blair was a four-year and coached ice hockey for the Golden starter for the softball Eagles and is now the NHL director of team, compiling central scouting, will be the first Hall of impressive offensive Fame inductee in the new Contributor and defensive statistics. category, which recognizes individuals Considered the top who are of worthy citizenship and a catcher in the state by positive role model; have significantly her senior year, she impacted the College’s athletics led the team to two program through ongoing support; NCAA appearances, and/or have attained a high-ranking two SUNYAC titles, role within their professional field that two state titles, and The 1977 wrestling team won the NCAA title. is recognized on a national level; and/ four SUNYAC West (596) in Brockport’s history. In her or made a substantial impact on the crowns. She was an All-State and senior season, she led the basketball world of athletics and sports in general. All-SUNYAC selection as a player team to its first SUNYAC title. After leaving Brockport in the late and won multiple awards for her work Milne was the starting punter and 1970s, McGuire coached professionally in the classroom as well. She was the kicker for the football team and led with several organizations, working Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year the nation in fields goals made (1.3 per his way up to assistant coaching roles after both her junior and senior game) as a senior. He was a member with NHL teams Philadelphia (twice), seasons. of the first-team onDon Hansen’s Chicago and Ottawa. Since the early Clark was one of Football Gazette All-America team part of the 21st century, he has been the top two-sport and was a second-team choice for the in the NHL front office where he now stars in the history Associated Press Little All-America oversees the scouting operation for of the College. A and Champion USA Division III All- the entire league. standout pitcher on America teams. He also set the records The 1977 wrestling team was the softball team for field goals made in a game, season head coach Don Murray’s and center on the and career and points in a season. ’69 first (of five) to win a basketball team, Underwood was a running phenom national championship. Six she still holds in both cross country and track and members of the team – nine career and field. He won seven New York State Jerome Goodfellow ’77 eight single-season track and field titles during his career, (4th) at 118 pounds, Steve pitching records, and was a specialist in the steeplechase, Cella ’77 (3rd) at 126, Scott including career wins in which he finished third at the 1978 Hill ’79 (5th) at 142, Robert (69), ERA (1.18) and NCAA Championships. He also was Brenton ’78 (4th) at 150 and strikeouts (603) and undefeated until the state and NCAA national champions Rich Sippel ’79 season wins (22m) ERA Championships in cross country his at 177 and Mackey Tyndall ’77 at (1.03) and strikeouts (186). senior year. After college he embarked heavyweight — earned All-American In basketball, she is on an incredibly successful career as honors to lead Brockport to the team second all-time in a master’s runner, achieving World title. scoring (1,780 Champion status. Four individuals — Stacy Blair ’96, points) and The 2009 Golden Eagle Athletic Kristen Clark ’04, Steve Milne ’93 rebounds (868) Hall of Fame honorees will be inducted and John Underwood ’82 — will and had the during Homecoming Weekend on the be inducted based on their athletic highest single- last Saturday in September. accomplishments as Golden Eagles. Kristen Clark season point total

9 “Service is the rent we pay for a room in heaven.” — Muhammad Ali

10 th Celebrating 30 Anniversary of the International Special Olympic Games at Brockport

Hi, I’m Donald McDougall and I was at the 1979 Special Olympics in Brockport. I still have my medals I won in the 440, and softball throw, and the standing broad jump. It was the best time of my life.

An e-mail from Special Olympian Donald McDougall to The College at Brockport Archives, March 14, 2005

by Nicholas Mascari 11 The Fifth International Special Olympic Games — held in August 1979 — were indeed special for everyone involved. For the 3,500 athletes from 26 countries who came to Brockport to compete, it was an opportunity to achieve, excel and change attitudes about the potential of the intellectually disabled. For the 8,000 chaperones and volunteers who made the event work, it was an emotional outpouring of love and support for the special Olympians. For Brockport the College and Brockport the village who had never before, and et me win. But if I cannot win, have never again, L come together in a let me be brave in the attempt. common endeavor — Special Olympics Oath of this one’s monumental size and complexity, the games remain, 30 years later, as they were for

Special Olympian Donald McDougall, one Eunice Kennedy Shriver of Brockport’s “best times.” around the country, bringing the mentally and Prelude to Six Days in August physically disabled out of the shadows and into a more inclusive society. In addition, the The International Special Olympic Games campus had the scope of athletic and housing came to Brockport for many reasons. The facilities to accommodate the games. College had a distinguished academic history Then College President Albert W. Brown in adapted physical education; it had hosted felt that the College had an important part to three similar, but smaller, events in ’68, ’75 and play in service to New York. “I always thought ’76; federal legislation had been enacted to that we should see what the needs were for fund programs to develop physical education New York state and what was legitimate for us programs for the disabled, and the concept of to be doing. We had good resources to serve “mainstreaming” was taking root in schools an underserved population. We had hands-on experience with this population who were fast becoming part of society,” he said. Joseph Winnick, PhD, professor of physical education and sport, and the father of the nationally recognized adaptive physical education program at the College was a driving force behind bringing the 1979 games at Brockport. “Brockport had developed a model for adaptive physical education programs that included research, professional preparation and service. It began here in 1966 and it’s become the longest running program in the country and a leader in the field.” Beyond Brockport, beginning in the late 1950s, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation had made a commitment to developing programs for the (Top) Albert W. Brown at the Special Olympics Games in 1979, and in 2009 at his home in Chautauqua. intellectually disabled, especially in the area

12 of physical education. By 1962, the Shriver While the Soviet Union family had begun hosting handicapped didn’t send athletes children from local institutions at what The Icons to participate in the they referred to as “Camp Shriver,” which Brockport games, they were summer games held at Timberlawn, did send artist Zureb their 30-acre estate in Rockville, MD. Tsereteli. And the two From those small, local beginnings and sculptures he created, gifts through Eunice Shriver’s determined and from the Soviet Union, relentless commitment and vision to improve added an extra dimension the quality of life for the intellectually to the international scope handicapped, the International Special of the games and have Olympics movement was born. Camp become iconic landmarks Shriver eventually morphed into the first on the campus landscape. International Special Olympic Games with “A big country needs 1,000 athletes competing in July 1968 at to have big art,” Tsereteli Chicago’s Soldier Field. told President Brown, to explain why his design for Light and Knowledge to the Following three more editions of the World, the statue of Prometheus gazing south from the front of the Allen summer game in Chicago, Los Angeles and Administration Building, was originally designed to be four times the height Mt. Pleasant, MI; and one winter game of the final work. According to President Brown, a review of scale with the in Steamboat Springs, CO, the Special sculptor and Russian officials, in the spirit of détente, led to an agreement that Olympic Movement and Brockport’s the Greek god who stole fire adaptive physical education expertise (representing knowledge) and experience came together in August from Zeus and gave it to 1979 for the fifth International Special humanity would top out at Olympic Games. “That event put the just 39 feet. Special Olympics on the map. It was the The other Tsereteli biggest and best games ever done to date,” creation, Joy and Happiness to said Peter N. Smits, who in 1979 was All The Children of The World, Brockport’s 32-year-old vice president for surrounds a fountain on institutional affairs the east side of the Drake and development, Memorial Library and and director of commemorates not only the Zureb Tsereteli, Wolodymyr Pylyshenko and Albert W. Brown the international Special Olympic Games but games. also that the year 1979 was the United Nation’s “Year of the Child.” It includes five stylized bronze “children,” modeled on the Special Olympics logo, surrounding a reflection pool and fountain. Both works were cast in Tsereteli’s home town of Tbilisi, in the Russian province of Georgia, and shipped to Brockport where they were assembled in the weeks prior to the games. The statues were dedicated in ceremonies during International Special Olympics Week. In addition to remarks from Sargent Shriver, “For the Russian government to choose this occasion for Zureb Tsereteli and their first gift to the people of the United Eunice Kennedy Shriver States is an honor to the Olympians, their chaperones, parents and friends;” and President Brown, a delegation from Russia including the Deputy Minister of Culture Evginiy Mikhailovich Chekharin who said, “Let these compositions be a symbol of cooperation between our states and people.”

13 The Plan As a result of the impressive proposal, Following the successful 1975 New York Eunice Shriver and New York State State Special Olympics Games at Brockport Governor Hugh Carey officially there was some enthusiasm for making a announced in August 1977 that Brockport bid for the ’79 International Games. Joe had been chosen to host the 1979 Winnick recalls making the suggestion to International Special Olympic Games. The President Al Brown, but Brown thought College, the village, and the region now had it better to “try the state games one more two short years to ready the campus for an time” in ’76 before taking a shot at the ’79 influx of thousands of athletes and their games. chaperones and many more thousands of In late 1976 Brown brought together spectators. the committee that would craft the site bid In addition to establishing a multitude of proposal. In addition to Brown and Smits, committees, the need to recruit thousands the committee included from the College, of volunteers and raise many hundreds of Patrick Smith, vice president for student

“In Special Olympics it is not the strongest body or most dazzling mind that counts. It is the invincible spirit which overcomes all handicaps. For without this spirit, winning medals is empty. But with it, there is no defeat.”

affairs; Paul Jansma, assistant professor Peter Smits of physical education and sport; Ronald French, assistant professor of special thousands of dollars, close to the top of physical education and a member of the the lengthy “to do” list was the imperative New York State Special Olympics Board of to secure more than $560,000 to fund the Directors; Marvin Duyrea, president of construction of an 8,000-seat stadium and Brockport Enterprises and the Brockport new eight-lane, all-weather track (which Faculty/Student Association; and Dorothy continues to be the largest on-campus Buehring, president of the New York State Division III stadium in the country), as well Special Olympics. The group oversaw the as another $450,000 for additional campus creation of an exhaustive, minutely detailed, infrastructure improvements. It was a task 275-page proposal. overseen by Peter Smits and Patrick Smith. “Special Olympics has given vast numbers of persons with They did their jobs well. Major donations intellectual disabilities in our Commonwealth, our country, and arrived from New York state, Coca-Cola, Eastman Kodak Co., Xerox, and Norelco. our world the priceless opportunity to compete in sports and form Hundreds of organizations and individuals lifelong friendships. I remember how moved I was in 1979 to attend participated in the “Sponsor an Athlete” the International Special Olympics at The College at Brockport program to cover the $200 per athlete cost, while dozens of companies provided in-kind and see the extraordinary impact of the Games firsthand. I’ve had services, and another $100,000 came from immense respect for The College at Brockport ever since.” the Brockport Faculty-Student Association. Fundraising efforts were so successful, in fact, that organizers realized a $243,000 profit after meeting the games expenses of $2.3 million. (The profit was returned continued on page 17 14 The Athletes

More than 3,500 special Olympians came to Brockport to compete in the largest International Special Olympics in the history of the games. With all the celebrities descending on Brockport, it’s easy to forget that the real stars were the athletes themselves. And while the role of the celebrities was to attract attention to the games and redirect the spotlight to the athletes and the mission of the games, a job they performed with distinction, it was the athletes whose stars shined the brightest throughout the games. They competed in track and field, gymnastics, swimming, floor hockey and a variety of ball games such as soccer, softball throw, bowling, and basketball. Errol O’Neal, a 12-year-old gymnast from DeRidder, LA, whose congenital knee condition kept him from being able to flex his knees, thrilled the crowd with an inspiring performance that earned him a gold medal and a hug from Sally Struthers. At 67, Seth Hubbard traveled from Clarkston, ID, to be the oldest competitor in the games, and earning a bronze medal in the 30+ bowling competition. Andrew Bell from Geneva, NY, took home a gold and silver medal in gymnastics to the delight of his parents John and Bunny Bell. Jerry “Disco” Cooperwood, a 17-year-old high jumper from Kensett, AR, with a unique version of the Fosbury Flop technique, overcame a case of nerves, a bad jump, and a false start to eventually take home a medal and have his picture taken with Dick Fosbury. At the end of each event, competitors received a congratulatory hug from their individual volunteer “hugger,” whose job it is to get their athlete to and from the event and, most importantly, offer a hug and a pat on the back at its conclusion. “My wife and I spent the whole week with the South Carolina contingent. It was really a very special time for both of us and very moving,” said Allyn Hammel, town justice, Clarkson, NY.

15 The Celebrities

They were luminaries from the worlds of sports, politics, and entertainment, and they came to Brockport to support the Special Olympic movement. Christopher Reeve, who had completed the first Superman movie and was on his way to begin the second, came. Rafer Johnson, 1960 Olympic Decathlon champion and special friend of the Kennedy family, was there, as were newspaper columnist Art Buchwald, TV stars Sally Struthers, Susan St. James, , Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas and Phyllis George Brown; and members of the Kennedy clan, including Senator Ted Kennedy — explaining why he was president of the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation, “My family thought I should be president of something.” Ethel Kennedy also was there as well as many Kennedy and Shriver children, including 24-year-old Maria Shriver who, it was noted by one columnist, was spotted walking arm-in-arm with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Athletes such as Hank Aaron, Pele, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Ron Guidry, Dick Fosbury, and John Naber lent their support, as did Frank Gifford, who also was there to produce a 17-minute segment on the games for ABC’s Wide World of Sports that aired in September following the games. And then there was Muhammad Ali. He came early. He stayed late. And he threw himself into the event, participating in the opening ceremony and the ceremony issuing the commemorative stamps created for each day of the games, attending numerous events, boxing with

16 the athletes, kissing babies. “I’m a religious person,” Ali said later. “One day I’ll die and God will bless me for helping these poor people. I’m rich, I’m famous, but that doesn’t mean anything to God. That’s why I’m here,” he said.

Ali stopped by President Al Brown’s office and, as Brown recalls, the meeting began something like…

Ali: Are you Albert Brown? to the individual participating Special AWB: Yes I am. Olympics chapters at the conclusion of Ali: Are you the president of this the games.) college? At 6:30 pm, on Thursday, August AWB: Yes I am. 9, 1979, with dignitaries in attendance Ali: You’re not as dumb as you look. and athletes gathered on the fields, and stands filled to capacity with families “Warren “Koz” Kozireski, and friends, the 1979 International WBSU station manager and Special Olympics were officially instructor in the Department of underway. During the opening Communications, was a 19-year- ceremonies, teams from all 50 states old communications major working and 26 countries marched into Special between his freshman and sophomore Olympics Stadium under their state years and was covering the Special and country flags. The only glitch, Olympics for WBSU when he had the according to Assistant Games Director opportunity to interview “the champ.” (and Director of Academic Advisement “I was shaking in my boots,” he Emeritus) Tom Nugent, was that recalls. “I don’t even remember what one country refused to march until its we talked about, but I do remember flag, inadvertently flown upside down that he was a real gentleman and that above Special Olympics Stadium, was interview really helped me with my reoriented. career.” It would be the last time all the athletes would come together as a group until they gathered for Adventure Day on Sunday when they and their 1,000 chaperones would board 200 buses for a day trip and picnic to Niagara Falls. The Olympic torch, called Hope, was lit by Brockport athlete Steve Parlato with Olympic heroes Muhammad Ali, Rafer Johnson, John Naber and Dick Fosbury looking on. Short welcomes were given by Senator Ted Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and New York State Governor Hugh Carey. Johnson administered the Special Olympics oath. And the games were underway. 17 Joseph Winnick, distinguished professor of physical education and sport, is in his fifth decade at the College where he developed America’s first master’s degree program in adapted physical education in 1968, and where his grants

Joseph Winnick have enabled hundreds of students to pursue the master’s degree program. His research, particularly the development of the Brockport Physical Lauren Lieberman, left, with students and a participant in her Gym and Swim program for children with special needs. Fitness Test (with Francis X. Short, PhD, dean of the School of Health and Human Performance), and his edited text entitled Adapted Physical Education and Sport continue to be important contributions to the field. The Legacy Lauren Lieberman, PhD, The College at Brockport had been a professor of physical education and leader in service to the intellectually and sport, established the first Camp physically challenged prior to the 1979 Abilities at Brockport in 1996, International Special Olympic Games providing sport and social activities and it continued its teaching, research for children with visual impairments, and service activities after them. While who are blind or deaf-blind. The the International Special Olympic program has expanded to include other Games have grown too large for a Camp Abilities in Alaska, Maryland, return engagement — 8,500 athletes Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa, Long participated in the 2007 Summer Island, and Arizona, as well as camps in Games in Beijing — the College and Toronto, Puerto Rico and Guatemala. the Special Olympics Stadium have In the 30 years that have passed since been host to three Empire State Games the International Special Olympics for the Physically Challenged. came to Brockport, the College’s commitment to expanding the horizons for the intellectually and physically challenged continues to thrive as do the vivid memories of the thousands who “Eunice was determined, strong willed, and forceful. She also was came together to plan and participated poised, articulate and knew what she wanted. She is a fascinating woman in the games. But what lingers most and I loved working with her,” according to Peter Smits, who is now vice president for advancement at Fresno State University, is that “the College and the community rose to the occasion. It was amazing what this town pulled off. We delivered on what we said were going to do.”

18 For more information on all of these alumni and friends, la visit www.brockport.edu/alumni/classnotes. Class Notes Cnotes ss also are published monthly as part of the E-Newsletter.

(now in its 11th edition), Distinction Award from Peace Corps College Craig Conway ’76 joined 1950s the leading text on the Keiser University Degree Program – Group VI. the Board of Directors Ted Bondi ’51 was inducted legislative branch; and of Pegasystems Inc. in August into the New York Congressional Procedures Bob Casullo ’73, former Jerry Winterton ’73 has (NASDAQ: PEGA), a leader State Athletic Association and the Policy Process (in Syracuse University been named NCWA in Business Process (NYSPHAA) Class of its seventh edition), which assistant and a veteran of National Coach of the Year, Management (BPM) 2009 Hall of Fame. Bondi is the essential guide to more than three decades has 36 years of coaching software. Headquartered has been inducted into Congressional lawmaking. of coaching high school, experience, a career record in Cambridge, MA, numerous Halls of Fame college and the National of 608 wins, and multiple Pegasystems has offices in throughout his career, Tony Rossi ’66 won four Football League, has state titles along with 48 North America, Europe and including the Section V Metro Atlantic Athletic been named the Orange’s individual state champions. Asia Pacific. Basketball and Soccer Conference championships assistant head coach, Kip Best ’74 is the owner of Eva Joseph ’76 retired Hall of Fame, as well and six Coach of the special teams coordinator Pizzeria Americana located in July from her Albany as the Geneseo Central Year Awards. Three of and tight ends coach. at 516 Long Pond Road, Schools superintendent School, SUNY Geneseo and his players reached the George Dlugolonski ’73 is Greece. position, following a 32- Brockport Halls of Fame. major leagues, including Washington Nationals department chairman for year career in education, physical education & health Fred Ciaburri ’74 retired David Cohen ’56 and starting pitcher John in June following more including five years as spouse, Sylvia, celebrated Lannan. at Chaminade High School head of the City School in Mineola, NY. than 30 years as a coach, their 50th wedding physical education teacher, District of Albany. She also anniversary on April 19, Thomas Slocum ’67 retired was named president of May 2008, after 40 years James Nicoletti ’73 recently and athletic director in the 2009. retired after teaching Palmyra-Macedon School the Academy of the Holy with SUNY, the past 32 Names, the Sisters of the Don Snyder ’57 was with SUNY Environmental physical education for 33 District. Since 1996, he has years in the East Hampton been the district’s director Holy Names US-Ontario inducted into the New York Science and Forestry as Province Leadership Team. State Soccer Coaches Hall director of career and Public Schools. He of athletics. of Fame at Oneonta where counseling services. He continues to coach tennis at Vickie McClure Mike East Hampton High. Dan Zachofsky ’74 had he was a member of the previously worked at his fourth book, Collecting ’76, a Spanish teacher at 1955 National Championship Plattsburgh and New Paltz Sister Sylvia Elaine Postles Baseball Memorabilia: A Horseheads High School, team. (1968 – 1977). He keeps busy ’73 celebrated her Golden Handbook Second Edition, was named New York State with golf, woodworking, Teacher of the Year by the Evelyn Alexander Frederick Jubilee during a joyous published by McFarland gardening, fishing, and liturgy at the Maryknoll Publishers in March. Visit New York State Education ’58 has only one wish as her summers at his cottage on Department. 93rd birthday approaches. Sisters Center. Throughout www.mcfarlandpub.com 7th Lake in Inlet, NY, and her years of service Sr. for more information or to It would be nice, she says, is enjoying time with his Nora Garza ’77 has earned if George Steinbrenner, Sylvia delivered health care order a copy. re-certification as a Project family, including his three to people in rural areas of principal owner of the New grandsons. Nira Schwartz-Nyitray ’75 Management Professional York Yankees, would send Africa. In 1987, she went (PMP), a credential that to Somalia to work with is principal of Public School her a ticket to a game in the Lawrence Gilligan ’69, 396K, a special education recognizes demonstrated team’s new stadium. professor of mathematics at the United Nations High knowledge and skill in Commission for Refugees. school in Brooklyn, which the University of Cincinnati, provides special education leading and directing has been awarded the Sr. Sylvia received Out- project teams and in standing Service Awards programs for students 1960s 2009 Faculty Service to aged 5 – 14 years who have delivering results through the University award. from Brockport, Rutherford education, experience and Mario DiSciullo ’60 High School in New Jersey, severe, multiple disabilities. is retiring from a Gilligan has been at the examination, awarded by university for 25 years and the New Jersey State Debbie Unterman ’75 the Project Management professorship at St. John’s Senate, and United States University and recently had celebrated his 40th wedding has released her book, Institute. Garza is a 1995 anniversary to Susan Rauch Catholic Conference of Talking to My Selves: Fellow of the National a book published entitled, Bishops. Secrets I Never Told My Gilligan ’69 in July. Learning to Love the Hispana Leadership Children. Dave Trembley ’73 is Voices in Your Head, a Institute (NHLI). featured in an article, ”The self-help/psychology book NHLI’s Executive Walter Oleszek ’63, senior 1970s Measure of a Manager,“ based on the Alchemical Leadership Program (ELP) specialist on the legislative Bob Dobberstein ’72 and which you can view it at Hypnotherapy system is the premier leadership process at the Library of Lynda Lansing Dobberstein www.pressboxonline.com/ of therapy, which she development training for Congress’ Congressional ’74, upon Bob’s retirement story.cfm?ID=4957. Trembley has been practicing and Latinas in the United States. Research Service (CRS), from teaching at Fairport in spent 20 years plying his teaching since 1983. She also attended this advises key congressional year’s 2008 NHLI Executive 2006, started a B & B. This trade in the minors and has Diane Aulisi ’76 was leaders about the June, the Abner Adams won Manager of the Year in Leadership Training and institution’s history and recognized in May for her Mujer Awards Conference House B & B (Bloomfield, three different leagues. work to improve the quality how best to improve its NY), celebrated its fourth in Orlando, FL. Garza was a operations. When questions Don Troudy is vice of life for women in the 1996 Olympic torchbearer. anniversary. Visit www. community at the Women’s arise about Congress itself, abneradamshouse.com. president of human members and Capitol Hill resources at Everett Christian Association of James Morasco ’77/’86 is staff turn to Oleszek, the Stephen Roland ’72/’75, Charles Technologies, a Little Falls Annual Women in the process of publishing man who literally wrote a retired Lieutenant of Dover Company located in of Distinction breakfast. his first book, From the Pew the book. He has published the FDNY, was awarded Pomona, CA. He is a former Aulisi, owner of the Little to the Pulpit, My Walk with Congress and its Members the 2008 Instructor of member of Brockport’s Falls Curves, was honored the AntiChrist; a memoir of in the Business category. 19 spiritual growth, inspiration www.LionHeartedPlayers. Scott McKenzie ’84, Juniata Barbara Bashaw ’89 director. As a basketball and recovery. com. College head women’s was awarded one of the coach, Schlagenhauf has soccer coach, was selected 2009 Steinhardt Teaching led the Hornets to five Paul DeCotis ’78 is vice Michael Black ’81, a finalist chair of the NCAA Division Excellence Awards for Genesee Region League president of power markets for a 2009 Radio Wayne III Women’s Soccer full-time faculty for her hard division titles and a Section for the Long Island Power award for General Manager, Committee. McKenzie work, talent and expertise in V championship in 1995. Authority. DeCotis was the is the radio program served as the committee’s teaching. He also has been named top energy adviser for New manager for WXXI-AM and vice chair for the past year Genesee Region coach of York State Governor David WRUR-FM in Rochester. and has been a member Susan McLean ’89 is the year four times. Paterson. The awards are presented of the NCAA Women’s the executive director by Radio Ink magazine. of Literacy Partners, a Harry Marino ’91 joined Helen Domske ’78 Soccer Committee since 2006. He recently concluded nonprofit organization that the team at Southeast participated in the Tony D’Auria ’81 is a has been providing free Anesthesiology Consultants Connecting Channels founding partner and his ninth season as head women’s soccer coach literacy classes to adult as administrator for Conference, whose executive vice president of New Yorkers for more than Southeast Pain Care. He sponsors include The Waterbourne Real Estate at Juniata, and holds a record of 64-85-12, and has 35 years. has more than 18 years of Great Lakes Program, Advisors and Waterbourne healthcare management Canadian-American Studies Construction Advisors. Both guided the Eagles to three straight winning seasons. experience and previously Committee, Baldy Center for companies were the subject served as the administrator Law and Social Policy and of a feature story in the McKenzie’s 2007 squad 1990s earned the first post-season Curtis Birthwright ’90/’97 and CEO of Carolina Bone the Canadian Embassy. March 3 edition of Business & Joint. First of Buffalo. In addition, berths in program history received the Community Gary Moore ’78, a member Waterbourne Construction by earning slots in both the Leadership Award as Jennifer Aiple ’92 is of the athletics staff at Advisors recently ranked Landmark and ECAC South the Barbara J. McGriff executive director of The Alfred State, has been 10th out of 35 participants Region tournaments. Outstanding Educator. Greater Buffalo Building awarded the Chancellor’s in Business First’s Top The award “recognizes Owners & Managers Award for Excellence in Carole Messina-Provost a person who has Contractors in Western ’84 was recently featured in Association, Inc. Professional Service, which New York. shown distinguished recognizes outstanding the Rochester Democrat & performance in and Dana Hansen Chavis ’92, service to Alfred State Valerie Krandle Gold ’81 Chronicle, which displayed outside the classroom in an attorney with Federal College and demonstrates lives in Shreveport, LA, the kitchen of her home as a the field of education in Defender Services of excellence in professional and will be teaching in shrine to her favorite movie, ways that benefit students Eastern Tennessee, activities beyond the job the Caddo Parish School The Wizard of Oz. in the Rochester area, describes her position description. System and running a Chuck Zsolnai ’84 is and will have fostered as being “like a public proofreading business. understanding and defender in federal court.” George E. Schaefer ’78 is teaching the course, Understanding Modern involvement in urban She argued a case before the clerk of the Norfolk Stan Van Gundy ’81 issues.” the US Supreme Court that Circuit Court Clerk’s Office coached the Orlando Magic Sports, at Florida Community College at she has been working on in Norfolk, VA. to the National Basketball Pete Guelli ’90 is Bobcats since 1998. Association (NBA) Jacksonville. Sports & Entertainment Kathleen Yasas ’78 released finals, the team’s second (BSE) executive vice Scott DiMarco ’92 has her first book, If Thine Eye Mike Andriatch ’85 was appearance in the finals elected to one of two president and chief sales been named the 2008 Be Evil, published through and Van Gundy’s first as and marketing officer. BSE Audio Reviewer of the Amazon after being a vacant five-year seats head coach. on the Brockport Central is the parent company Year by Library Journal, finalist in the Amazon of the Charlotte Bobcats a trade publication for Breakthrough Novel Award Karen Feeley ’82 of School Board. Andriatch is director of leadership giving and operates the widely- librarians founded in 1876 writing contest (amazon. Poughkeepsie, recently acclaimed Time Warner by Melvil Dewey, inventor com). joined All Sport Fishkill as and alumni relations at The College at Brockport. Cable Arena located in of the Dewey decimal senior program director. uptown Charlotte, NC. system. DiMarco’s review Karl Jon Holt ’79 is a clinical Feeley will oversee the coordinator in the Student Tom Van Schaack ’85 has of Reconciliation: Islam, summer day camp and been named executive Allen Plymale ’90 is a Democracy, and the Counseling Center at The aquatic programs, including Lieutenant Colonel in the College at Brockport. director for Harborfest in West by Benazir Bhutton the All Sport Outdoor Oswego, NY. US Army Reserves. He has appeared in the August 15 Winston Mitchell ’79, news Park. She also will be served in the Army since issue of Library Journal. director/producer of Transit involved in youth program Mario Gallucci ’87 has 1983, on Active Duty in Scott is director of Library Transit News Magazine, development. Before joining had a number of criminal the Army National Guard and Information Resource announced the magazine’s the All Sport staff, Feeley cases covered by and for the last 10 years at Mansfield University. 2009 Emmy nomination for worked at the Dutchess television media. Gallucci in the Army Reserve. He Best Magazine Program for County YMCA where she was featured on CNBC’s is currently an instructor Gretchen Heberger the 75th Anniversary of The was responsible for the American Greed as the for the Intermediate Level Fatouros ’92 started her A Train, October 2007, issue. Y’s program department, attorney who represented Education (ILE) course own company, From Clutter This is Mitchell’s fourth including aquatics, Michael Mastromarino, with the Army’s Command to WOW!, helping busy Emmy nomination. day camp, sports and the “body parts doctor,” and General Staff College people find more time for recreation, and family which also was featured (CGSC). Plymale works the things that matter. programs. on the ABC News show, for the US Department Primetime. Gallucci is in the of Justice and lives in Richard Deming ’93 1980s Jodi Becker Davis ’84 process of writing a book Johnstown, PA. announced that his first Powell Griggs ’80, known continues to teach and about the case. Another of book of poetry, Let’s Not onstage as Powell Leonard, choreograph dance. This his cases was on the Today Jeff Schlagenhauf ’90 has Call it Consequence, was produces The Kong year, Davis worked with show on NBC with Matt been coaching the girls selected by poet Martha Show, “the biggest little more than 85 students in a Lauer. Another case was basketball team at Oakfield- Ronk as winner of the vaudeville-style variety performance-based musical featured on CNN News. Alabama Central School Poetry Society of America’s show” in Times Square! theatre program and taught for 18 years. Three years 2009 Norma Farber First Visit his Web site at at the NYSTEA Conference. ago, Schlagenhauf took Book Award! Details and over as the school’s athletic Ronk’s citation are online 20 at http://beineckepoetry. production of two radio York City. Indoor Football League Mikaela and Sebastian, on wordpress.com/2009/03/09/ commercials, and is a (CIFL). This year, the Raiders October 8, 2007. The twins deming-farber-award/. morning radio show host for Therese Peck Bricham ’05 are moving from the CIFL to also are the grandchildren KCOW in Nebraska. is a studio dance instructor, the Indoor Football League. of John L. Lawrence ’74. Sonja Livingston ’93 will choreographing local have her first creative Michael Swanson musicals. Katherine (Gottschall) Futia novel, Ghostbread, ’96 is a consultant for ’00 and husband, Anthony, published by University of environmental services for Stephanie Baker ’06 Marriages welcomed their daughter, Georgia Press in October. EnviroTech. married Zachary Carrico Gianina Petri ’00 married Isabella Sofia, January The novel is a memoir of her on June 28, 2008, and is James Keenan ’99 on July 20, 2009. She joins older experiences growing up in Amy Knowllon ’99 married working as a medical 21, 2007. sister, Giavanna Maria, born different areas of Western Joseph Jay Gaca and is transcriptionist. November 20, 2007. New York. The novel is working as an ER nurse in Michael C. Veglucci ’07 and North Carolina. Andy Collier ’06, a teacher Amy K. Neamon ’07 were Laurie Schifla Warner ’01 available for preorder on at Tyburn Academy of Mary Amazon. married on August 11, 2007. and husband, Michael, Immaculate, is developing a welcomed their daughter, David Parish ’93 is 2000s course on radio to introduce Stephanie Baker ’06 Kinsey Lee, born February executive director of the high school students to married Zachary Carrico on 19, 2009. Anthony Mantello ’00 that media while honing June 28, 2008. Northern Livingston Red is stage manager at the Cross, based in Geneseo. skills that are required for Lisa Dennison Knapp ’03 Capital Repertory Theatre the “real world.” Collier Gail Harper ’74 married and husband, Michael, Victoria Pietak ’93 has been in Albany and manages using his notes and past Mark Whitcraft on August welcomed their daughter, appointed to the position Peaches Cafe in Albany. homework assignments 15, 2008. Kara Elizabeth, born on May of benefits manager in Aaron Skinner ’01 will from classes taken at Darlene Marie Cannerelli 21, 2009. the Human Resources Brockport to construct the co-star in the show, ’96 and Justin Scot Catherine Sielawa Wilson Department at Hillside The Mentalist, episode course. Pettersen were married Family of Agencies. Pietak ’04 and husband, Matthew, “MissRed.” and co-starred Mark Laurri ’06 received September 12, 2008. welcomed their daughter, will lead the nonprofit in the film Supercapers. agency’s benefits function. a master of science in Joanne Yanulevich ’00 Stephanie Catherine, on Greg Bump ’02 is principal physics from SUNY Buffalo, married Michael Kwarciany November 26, 2008. Esco Buff ’94 will serve for C. Grant Grimshaw and is an imaging scientist on September 18, 2008. as an official farrier at the Elementary School in the at ITT Space Systems in 2010 Alltech FEI World LaFayette Central School Rochester. Anthony Mantello ’00 Deaths Equestrian Games, to District. He previously married Rebecca Grace Alumni and Friends be held at the Kentucky Sueann Wells ’06 has Baldwin in October 2008. was director of curriculum published a volume of Horse Park, September and instruction for pre- Catherine A. Lorson ’34 25 – October 10. Buff is an motherhood-themed Cindy Kodweis ’08 married Josephine M. Howland ’36 kindergarten through grade essays, poetry, and Anthony Ricotta on October Official Certified Farrier 12 in the Wellsville Central Jane L. Weber ’37 of the American Farrier’s photography contributed 10, 2008. School District. by two dozen local mothers William B. Nestle ’40, Association. This is the first Therese Peck ’05 and Professor Emeritus time that the games will be David J. Glover ’02 was and grandmothers, Mother Muse: A collection of poetry Benjamin Brigham were Arnold Grape, Honorary held outside of Europe. selected as superintendent married on January 2, 2009. of Morristown Central and prose celebrating the Member ’42 Joan Harris ’94 was Schools. joys and challenges of Brittany Granville ’08 and Margie Marsh ’48 promoted to the post of motherhood, is available Tyrone James Jr. were Judith Etra Adrezin ’69 director of student services Antonio Mastroberardino at lulu.com (http:// married on Valentine’s Day Major Robert H. Bentley ’70 at the Bay District Schools ’02 received his PhD in www.lulu.com/content/ 2009. Lillian H. Brady ’52 mathematics from the in Bay County, FL. Harris paperback-book/mother- Romeo Dianetti ’53 has been an exceptional University at Buffalo in muse/6278039), amazon. Nancy E. Feingold ‘96 and Peter Oley ’56 student education and May 2008 and is currently com, and at a few small Charles P. Kastan were student services supervisor an assistant professor of bookstores in Rochester. married Sunday, March 29. M. Joseph Schroeder ’60 since 2004. mathematics at Penn State Fred Meinzen ’62 Erie, The Behrend College. Jason Torreano ’07, Kevin Fraser ’02 married Robert J. Molinari ’62 Steve Rosenberg ’94 has previously a reporter in Mandy Michaels on May Roseann M. Cialella ’69 been promoted to assistant Leanne Schmidt ’02, of Bismarck, ND, returned to 23, 2009. Ron Dilcher, Emeritus Leanne Schmidt and principal at Kingwood High Western New York to work Susan M. (Noack) Gavenda ’71 School in Kingwood, TX. Company, performed in April at the new Time Warner Roxanne Nash ’06 married Scott Flatt ’72 at the Chen Dance, New Cable 24-hour local news Adam Buxton on May 23, Jeff Myers ’96 is president York City. channel, YNN (as in Your 2009. Sister Bernice Staub ’72 of the New York State News Now). David Thompson ’72 Recreation and Park Jennifer Panek ’03 and Susan Chidester Hill ’73 Society, the principal James Matarese announce Ruth Villalonga ’07 is Births Dr. Jeanne Jacobson ’73 their engagement with organization promoting director of communications Sally A. Jones ’73 quality recreation and a planned September 6 and outreach manager of Simon Jacobson ’80 and Ellen Sand ’74 park opportunities for wedding. Panek is a news the New York City Mayor’s wife, Jennifer, welcomed citizens of New York State producer and writer at Office to Combat Domestic their son, Zevi, on April 16, Cheryl Newnham Smith ’79 through education, training, WABC-TV in New York City. Violence. 2009. He joins his two- Caren L. Lewis ’90 technical assistance year-old sister, Sabrina. Anita M. Reid ’91 and support of local, Pertina Reid ’03 received Colleen Fritz ’08 is a sales Jacobson’s oldest son, Billy Reed Professor Emeritus county, state, and federal her master’s in public assistant with West Herr Julius, is teaching high John Mayfield administration with a recreation and park Nissan in Orchard Park. school in Osan, South Freida D. McCray providers. specialization in health Korea. care policy. She is a quality Adam Lanctot ’08 is in his Elizabeth (Bette) Jane Weir Jason Wentworth ’97 has management/medical third year as the Rochester Samantha Schanne Fisher Ruf, wife of William Ruff, won two awards for the records coordinator at VNR Raiders kicker. In 2007, the ’95 and husband, Spencer, Professor Emeritus Home Care Services in New Raiders won the Continental welcomed their twins, English 21 QA Kazumi Nakano Professor of QA Mathematics Emeritus

Q. When did you come to The College at Brockport? A. 1970. I taught here for 32 years and retired in 2002.

Q. Why did you choose Brockport? A. The job market was very volatile and there were few jobs in science and mathematics. At the annual meeting of the American Mathematical Society, I applied for 13 positions. Brockport was my top choice even though I knew little about the College. Q. Once you got the job, how did you feel? A. I was a little apprehensive. But when the academic year started, and the campus was filled with a mass of people, faculty and students, I was very excited about developing a new academic tradition on a campus that was then over a century old. It was clear that everyone at Brockport had an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the institution. I thought of the College as “a place of opportunity.” Q. You are well-known for your enthusiastic commitment to Brockport. Can you talk about that?

A. Public universities are open to everyone who desires to learn, is determined to do so, and strives to succeed. I believe that it is one of the most important societal responsibilities. Brockport graduates are my professional accomplishment. There is something personal, too. The Village of Brockport reminds me of Sapporo, Japan, and the neighborhood of my childhood. My grandfather had a shop that looked like so many that are on Main Street today. Q. You started the Interdisciplinary Award in Mathematics in 1976.

A. Yes, I had received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching and used the monetary portion for seed money. Later, I initiated the Mathematics and Computer Science Faculty Scholarship Fund to support faculty in their continuing scholarship. I’ve also contributed to other funds over the years.

Q. Why is it important for you to give to Brockport? A. College philanthropy is not a charity. It is an investment for the future. Universities are guardians of human knowledge and places where new knowledge is created and minds of future generations are shaped. My focus is on advancing the institution.

From a letter to alumni:

“At some point in your life there must have been moments when you pondered how your life would be without your educational experiences at Brockport. I am sure that you can attest to the value and benefits of those experiences and you may even relate your ultimate professional success to your Brockport education. If you have not reached the age to think of Brockport in these terms, I confidently tell you that the time will come.” — Kazumi Nakano

22 Q QAA Dawn Jones Associate Professor Mathematics Q. Where are you from?

A. Rochester. I graduated from Joseph Wilson Magnet High School. Then I went to SUNY Fredonia for my bachelor’s degree and Western Michigan University for my doctorate.

Q. What made you want to come to Brockport?

A. We knew we wanted to be close to home. I taught at a private college in Western New York for a year before coming here, but Brockport is a much better fit for me. Q. Tell me more about that.

A. I think that there is still a perception that SUNY students are somehow less than their private college peers. But in my experience, our students are extraordinary — academically and socially. They get involved. They tutor, they volunteer and they have jobs, sometimes more than one. They are very hard working and focused. Q. You’re also involved in Tai Kwon Do?

A. I’m a fourth-degree black belt. I teach Tae Kwon Do classes at the College, oversee the student club, and teach in the community program. Q. How did you get involved in martial arts?

A. I started at Fredonia 18 years ago. I never thought of myself as an athlete but I fell in love with it. Tae Kwon Do is really about a connection between mind, body and spirit. After practice, I’m totally wiped out and completely happy. Q. Why did you and your husband, Mike, start a Tae Kwon Do scholarship?

A. I was on my own for college and scholarships played an important role in financing my education. There are students in the Tae Kwon Do Club that are working full time and going to school full time. I can relate to that struggle. I had one student tell me she was thinking about getting a third job. I suggested that she apply for scholarships instead.

We also have made a planned gift for the College in our will and, as soon as we finish endowing the Tae Kwon Do scholarship, we plan to start a scholarship for students in the Department of Recreation and Leisure. Q. Would you say that philanthropy is important to you?

A. Yes, for two reasons. Private support is essential for Brockport. State support is dwindling and yet we can’t control our tuition or enrollment. Private support is the only way we can control our own destiny and provide a high quality education. Q. And the second reason?

A. From a personal standpoint, once you’ve made the commitment to give, you are connected to the College on a totally different level. You have a stake in its future and can make a real difference.

23 m Alunewsni Committed to a Cure

Gary Mervis graduated from The College at Brockport in 1971 with a degree in recreation administration. He remembers Martin Rogers and Professor Emeritus Peter Marchant fondly for their support and advice. Gary has received awards from both the Brockport Alumni Association, and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies in honor of his extraordinary accomplishments on behalf of the community.

Gary Mervis ’71 is something of a force of nature, but Cancer Summit for the 29th Congressional District, his easygoing, gentle demeanor belies his ambitious agenda. held at Camp Good Days in June. The goal of the Summit He is an activist and an advocate. He could even be called an was to bring together members of the medical community, agitator. Yet, he is so soft-spoken that one has to lean in and government officials, community organizations, and those concentrate to hear him, and that, as it turns out, has been a personally dealing with cancer for a frank discussion on how brilliant strategy for a man who has enlisted the support of best to bring the war on cancer to the forefront of the public’s legions to help champion the causes he holds dear. attention and the government’s agenda. The highly successful For most people, a successful career with the New York Summit also established milestones on the path to a cure and State Legislature and an equally long run as an assistant created a model for other congressional districts. football coach at St. John Fisher College might seem like the The motto “There is no limit to what we can accomplish, stuff of a satisfying life. Add to that the establishment of an as long as it doesn’t matter who gets the credit” is framed and extraordinary organization for children touched by cancer hanging in Mervis’s office. It’s a subtle reminder that the work and their families, and a host of other community-minded of defeating cancer belongs to all of us — though Gary Mervis initiatives, and you get a glimpse of the life work of Gary will be out front, leading the charge. Mervis. But Mervis, founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times, has a much bigger agenda — to see a cure for cancer. Mervis is quick to reel off statistics that paint a devastating picture: each year cancer takes 560,000 lives; one out of every three women and one out of every two men will have cancer in their lifetimes; in the next 14 months, more Americans will die from cancer than have died in the combined military conflicts of the 20th century. In recent months he has attended nine funerals for his Camp Good Days and Special Times campers — a practice he will continue until a cure is found.

Today, his dream is one step closer to reality.

When President Barak Obama included a cure for cancer

among his priorities during his address to Congress in February Rear Admiral and Attending Physician for the United States Congress Brian Monahan, 2009, Mervis saw an opportunity for action.With the support MD (left) was the keynote speaker at the CANCER SUMMIT, co-hosted by Gary of his congressman, Eric Massa, Mervis organized the first Mervis, chairman and founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times (center), and Congressman Eric Massa. 24 Presidents, international leaders, doctors, professional athletes, and countless celebrities have shown their support for Camp Good Days. More museum than workspace, Gary Mervis’ office is overflowing with autographed photos, sports jerseys, plaques, pens, and other countless memorabilia given in tribute to Mervis’ work on behalf of those impacted by cancer and other challenges.

Camp Good Days and Special Times

In 1979, Gary’s youngest Gary was determined to find a way to help Teddi regain her child, nine-year-old Teddi, childhood and to let her know that she was not alone. After seeing a was diagnosed with a piece on the Today show about a summer camp for kids with cancer malignant brain tumor. in Michigan, Gary was inspired. He tracked down the reporter, who In typical take-charge put him in touch with the pediatric oncologist who founded the camp. fashion, he canvassed Gary organized a meeting in Rochester with the Michigan doctor and the country looking for more than 100 eager friends. The rest is history. the best possible medical The first session of Camp Good Days was held at Fourth Lake in the care. However, it would Adirondacks for 63 campers. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, be another aspect of her Camp Good Days has a permanent home on Keuka Lake and has disease that he would hosted more than 41,000 campers from 22 states and 25 countries. also ultimately affect. This summer more than 1,500 children attended the camp free of While the surgery, charge with the support of more than 550 volunteers and countless radiation and chemotherapy were heartbreaking, Teddi’s loneliness donors. and isolation were truly devastating. She was the only child in her Camp Good Days was founded on the promise to return laughter school with cancer and terribly self-conscious about the side effects and joy to the lives of children battling cancer and their families, a gift of her treatments. from a father to his daughter that now touches the lives of thousands.

25 Alumni Honored With Awards

The Brockport Alumni Association will honor seven individuals in 2009 with honors and awards based on career accomplishments and support of the Alumni Association at their Alma Mater. The ceremony is traditionally part of Homecoming Weekend. This year, it will be held on Friday, September 25.

Hall of Heritage Wayne “Jack” and is a past member of the firm’s Mazzarella ’54 is Executive Committee. He previously The Hall of Heritage is the Association’s a retired junior high served for four years as the Treasury most prestigious award, designed to honor school teacher who Department’s International Tax alumni who have distinguished themselves by has served in the Counsel, the senior international tax their exceptional contributions to the Alumni greater Brockport lawyer in the United States. He also Association, and/or the College and/or their area since 1953. was an advisor to the US Congress community and/or have shown outstanding During that time, Working Group on International Tax he worked as a physical education Reform in 2002 and has served on the professional achievement. teacher in Hamlin, taught special Board of the IRS-New York University education classes in LeRoy, and taught Law School Continuing Professional Craig Conway fourth, seventh, and eighth grades at Education Program since 2001. Phil ’76 has enjoyed Brockport Central School until his has served as an adjunct professor of one of the most retirement in 1983. Over the years, law at Georgetown University Law distinguished and he has served as a Brockport Silsby School and for several years taught successful careers fireman; director and chaplain for the as a guest lecturer at Harvard Law in the technology Brockport Exempt Firemen; volunteer School. He also served on the Tax industry. He has at the Brockport Visitor’s Center; and Section’s Executive Committee for five been recognized at the Lakeside Memorial Hospital years and was a chair of the New York as one of the Top 25 Managers for more than 15 years. From 1958 State Bar Association Tax Section. In by BusinessWeek magazine, Ten to 1966, he was in charge of a local 2000, he received the US Treasury Most Influential People In High construction group, responsible for Department’s Exceptional Service Technology by Computer Business rebuilding homes and apartment Award. He has established the Philip Review, and Fifty Most Powerful buildings, and even worked to build the R. West Scholarship at the College. People in Networking by NetworkWorld Brockport Airport (Ledgedale), which He earned his bachelor’s degree in magazine. Under Craig’s leadership, he ran from 1967 to 1988. He remains philosophy (1981) from Brockport, Forbes made PeopleSoft one of the a devoted member of his community his law degree from New York Law five “over-achieving companies” by providing maintenance at the School (1984) and his master’s degree in 2001. A year later, Forbes also historic Morgan Manning House. in law of taxation from Georgetown named PeopleSoft America’s Second One of his pet projects is rehabbing University (1987). Most Admired Company. Craig used bicycles that are lent to visitors at developed PeopleSoft’s Pure Internet the Welcome Center in the Village of Architecture™, the foundation of the Citation of Brockport. He earned his bachelor’s industry’s only suite of pure Internet ppreciation degree in elementary education (1954) A enterprise applications. He also served and master’s degree in educational as president and CEO of OneTouch The Citation of Appreciation Award honors administration (1958). Systems, and president and CEO those individuals who have demonstrated for TGV Software. Craig spent eight Philip West ’81 sustained commitment through their services years at Oracle Corp. as executive is a partner in to and/or affiliation with the Alumni vice president of marketing, sales, the Washington Association. and operations. Craig returned to his office of Steptoe & Alma Mater in 2003 to deliver the Johnson LLP, where Helen Simpson Commencement Address. He earned he focuses mainly has spent more his bachelor’s degree in mathematics on international than 48 years as and computer science in 1976. tax issues for both a photographic domestic and foreign clients. He artist, specializing in also serves on Steptoe’s Strategic reproducing photos Planning and Diversity Committees, 26 as oil portraits. Recently retired, chair of the College Communication Broadcaster’s Award for Outstanding she was the owner of a downtown Committee (1993 — 1995). In Feature News Story. He earned his Brockport business, devoting her 1999, Anne was the recipient of the bachelor’s degree in communication talents to photographing the College’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in with a concentration in broadcast senior class, nursing graduates, Professional Service. Anne and her communications and political and additional special events year husband, Lynn, are sponsors of the science (1998) from Brockport, after year. She was responsible for Anne and Lynn Parsons Graduate and his master’s degree in public photographing and creating oil Scholarship, awarded every year to a administration from SUNY Albany portraits of former presidents of College at Brockport student pursuing (2005). The College at Brockport. In 1979, graduate studies. She earned her Adam Standish she had the honor of photographing bachelor’s degree in history from ’98/’00 currently the Special Olympics when they Grinnell College (1958) and her serves as coordinator were hosted by the College. One of master’s degree in counseling (1982) for the Scholarship her famous photographs was of the from Brockport. Office/Special Torch Lighting Ceremony in Special Projects at The Olympics Stadium with heavyweight Recent Alumnus Awards College at Brockport. boxing champion Muhammad During his short Ali. As president of the Village of The Recent Alumnus Award is designed time at Brockport, Brockport Downtown Merchants the number of scholarships and Association, Helen has made generous to honor graduates who have received their bachelor’s degree within the past 15 years and volume of his work within the contributions in photography and oil scholarship program has increased who have (a) developed a positive relationship paintings to the Village of Brockport, substantially. Adam also manages with the Alumni Association/the College Brockport High School, and the the annual Honors and Awards Alumni House. Her awards include and/or (b) given outstanding community Ceremony and installed a “thank recognition by the New York State service and/or (c) shown outstanding you” program to donors and chairs Photographer’s Association. professional achievement. of the Student Awards Committee. He also contributes to the College Honors for Ryan Nobles ’98 in several volunteer roles. Most Outstanding Service has spent the past recently, he was a member of the 12 years in the field Brockport Alumni Association Board The Honors for Outstanding Service Award of broadcasting, of Directors and chair of the Alumni is designed to honor those who have (a) working in news and House Committee. He has helped to given outstanding service to the Alumni broadcast markets in advance the College through leading Association/the College and/or (b) given Rochester, Albany, the teams responsible for renovations and Utica, NY, and outstanding community service and/or (c) to the Alumni House and the First Virginia. He served as a news anchor shown outstanding professional achievement. Friday’s program. His tenure as chair and reporter for numerous stations, marked many of the most significant and currently is with WWBT-TV changes and upgrades at the House Anne Parsons ’82 in Virginia, where he recently was served in vital roles since its modern renovation in the responsible for coverage of the 2008 at The College at early 1990s. His attention to detail election, interviewing three of the four Brockport for nearly and collaborative management style presidential candidates. Aside from his three decades. Since allowed projects such as a porch extensive on-air work, he has worked retiring in 2005, she re-build, roof upgrade, floor re- as the director of the Oneida County has continued to be finishing, and landscaping to happen Youth Bureau in Utica. In 2007, he active in community in a short time period. He earned his served as director of communications service, serving as co-editor for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and research in Utica for fellow historical society newsletter in Maine (1998) and master’s degree in public Brockport alumnus and New York and president of the Castine Arts administration (2000) from Brockport. State Senator Joseph A. Griffo Association. She served as computing ’78. During his years at Brockport, resources manager in Information Ryan was active on campus, working Technology Services at the College as operations manager for 89.1 The (1989 – 2005) and also served as Point and as president of Brockport president of the Faculty Senate (1996 Student Government. His exceptional – 1998), vice chair of the Presidential work has earned him many honors, Search Committee in 1997, and including the 2004 New York State 27 Members of the Class of ’69 Celebrate 40th Reunion in Wyoming

have passed since walking across the stage to accept their bachelor’s degrees in physical education (most were in the last class of double majors in health and physical education). “We were able to pick up right where we left off 40 years ago,” was the statement heard over-and-over again. Between the laughter, storytelling, reminiscing, and singing, each person shared chapters of her personal story of triumphs and challenges. They even designed their own non-denominational, spiritual Vespers service where songs that they had sung as college students were once again harmonized. Among the day-trip activities that the group shared were the two-van excursions to Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful, the Grand Tetons, and an adventure into Utah. Each day brought sightings of either buffalo, elk, moose, bear, deer or rare birds. Rafting trips down the Snake River were planned, but the weather didn’t cooperate. No problem for this group, though, because they could find fun and conversation walking through antique stores, gift shops or strolling through the quaint towns in search of a Kneeling L-R: Sue Gavron, RoJean Niggli Kling, Linda Berner Adams. Rear L-R: Bobbi Franco Adams, Sue Sage, Val Miller Cloud, Molly Scahill Yerdon, Jeanie Raschiatore place to have lunch. Berry, Sue Grimm Singleton, Jill La Farr Hubbard, Dee Morrone, and Linda Arena Not only have discussions already begun to plan their 50th reunion together, they also have put together some dates for smaller gatherings within the upcoming months. There is Twelve members of the Class of ’69 gathered in Wyoming a bond and a love that is shared among these women that in June at the beautifully designed and spacious lodge of 40 years served only to strengthen. They truly embody the two married classmates. This group of women personally highest and purest definition of friendship! planned their celebration marking the four decades that

Sachio Ashida, PhD, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology and Judo instructor at the College at Brockport, will be remembered for his commitment to his profession, his expertise in Judo, and most especially for his dedication to his students, family and friends. Dr. Ashida passed June 22 at his home in Spencerport, NY, at the age of 85. Dr. Ashida, who trained as a pilot with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force during World War II, and who was the first outsider to enter the city of Hiroshima following the nuclear bomb attack, came to the United States in 1953 to study experimental psychology. He earned his PhD at the University of Nebraska, where he met the woman who would become his wife, Ellie. Together, they made their home in the Brockport area, and Dr. Ashida joined the faculty at The College at Brockport in 1970, retiring in 2004. Dr. Ashida, a 9th dan black belt in Judo, as well as a black belt in Karate, and Kendo, was one of the world’s unequalled martial artists. He twice coached the US Olympic Judo Team and officiated for international competitions for many years. However, he was perhaps best known for his ability to build bridges between people. He was honored by the Emperor of Japan with the Kun Yontou Zuihosho, or fourth level of merit of the Imperial Order of the Sacred Treasure — the highest honor given to citizens who have done much to advance Japanese culture throughout the world. A former student posted a tribute to Dr. Ashida on judoforum.com that eloquently speaks to Dr. Ashida’s life. “…As a man, his character was without equal….”

28 A Loss of Sight… Never a Loss of Vision rpersons Fi t Lauren Lieberman, PhD Professor of Kinesiology, Sports Studies and Physical Education

Playing sports was an important part Disabilities Program at Oregon State we have been able to conduct in-depth of my life growing up. I also taught University. For my dissertation I focused research on the needs of children soccer, tennis, swimming, and other on elementary school-age deaf children with visual impairments, and identify sports at summer camp. Choosing to using sign language as the language for interventions that enhance their major in health and physical education my doctoral program. physical activity and physical education. at West Chester University was a In 1995, I came to The College at This research has been published and natural fit. Yet, teaching came easily to Brockport to teach adapted physical presented worldwide. me and I wanted to pursue something education. I quickly realized that my Camp Abilities has been replicated more challenging. Two things happened students would graduate as teachers in Arizona, Alaska, Florida, Maryland, that would reveal a path that would without ever actually working with Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and in change my life forever. a child who is visually or hearing Guatemala, and next summer we will During my sophomore year, I took impaired, as there were few children add Texas and North Carolina to the an introduction to adapted physical with these disabilities in our clinic. list. So far, more than 1,100 children education class with Dr. Monica Camp Abilities, a developmental have had sports experiences with Camp Lepore and loved every minute of it. sports camp for children with Abilities and countless undergraduate As a result, I added a concentration visual impairments, blindness, or and graduate students from all over the in adapted physical education to my deafblindness, was my solution. With country have had invaluable firsthand major. Then, during my senior year, amazing grant-writing support from teaching experiences with children who my professor, Jack Wintermute, are visually impaired. We’ve also been asked me to help with Ski for Light, an fortunate to have great relationships outdoor program for adults with visual with the Association for the Blind and impairments. I volunteered during Visually Impaired (ABVI), the New winter break and taught adults who York State Commission for the Blind, are blind how to cross-country ski. The the American Printing House for the feeling of teaching someone who is Blind, and many area Lions Clubs. blind to do something for the first time Improving the lives of children was indescribable. It was so rewarding with visual impairments demands a that I decided to devote my career to multidimensional approach. It requires working with individuals with visual empowering children through our impairments. Colleen Donaldson, director camps, teaching undergraduate and Dr. Lepore encouraged me to of grants development, and help graduate students in adapted physical pursue a graduate assistantship at the with program development from education and physical education, University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse. Distinguished Professor Joe Winnick, educating families, and disseminating During my master’s in adapted the first Camp Abilities was held in research. My goal is to change physical education program, I took 1996 with 27 campers. Each year since, perceptions of visual impairment. I sign language courses and worked with we have had at least 50 campers, and want people to look at individuals with children with sensory impairments. more than 60 counselors to support visual impairments and know that they I was fortunate to get a job teaching them. can run, swim, jump, play sports, and at the Perkins School for the Blind in Camp Abilities has four distinct climb mountains like their peers — and Watertown, MA, in their deafblind goals: to empower children with visual not view them as helpless individuals. program — the same program Helen impairments to learn what they can This is not just a passion for me Keller had attended many years do related to sports and recreation; but rather it is a way of life. It is not before. I taught physical education to teach pre-service teachers how to something I simply want to do, but and swimming there for five years, teach children with visual impairments; something I believe I was put on earth improving my sign language and to conduct research in the area of to accomplish. It is a gift that I am very teaching skills. physical activity and children with fortunate to have been given. I thank I returned to graduate school for my visual impairments; and to give respite The College at Brockport for allowing doctorate in the Movement Studies in to families. Through Camp Abilities, me to make my vision a reality. Division of Advancement 350 New Campus Drive Brockport NY 14420

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Zureb Tsereteli’s sculpture, Joy and Happiness to All the Children of the World, was dedicated during the 1979 Internationonal Secial Olmpics at Brockport.