UARTERLY Q WHEATONSPRING 2013
Bhutan A beautiful journey
CONTENTS Inside A beautiful journey 18 Students live, learn, explore in Bhutan By Sandy Coleman Go Beyond 24 Alums talk about why they give back and students share why the support is so meaningful to them. By Michael Graca Family matters 28 Joseph Lee ’08 brings leading-edge science to infertility research By Andrew Faught
DEPARTMENTS
BETWEEN THE LINES ALUMNAE/I ASSOCIATION NEWS Coffee, wisdom and a free fleece? 2 Anne-Imelda Radice ’69 named head of CONVERGENCE American Folk Art Museum 32 Global citizenship 3 Truth and beauty in black and white 33 AROUND THE DIMPLE Pitch-perfect life Shedding light on community 4 in music 34 Covering the bases: Seminar takes on Spring forward 35 all-American pastime 5 CLASS NOTES A minute with… Lindsay Powell ’13 6 California Champion of civil liberties to speak at reception CN-36 Commencement 7 Ken Kristensen ’92 publishes new Students conserve centuries-old graphic novel CN-37 statues 8 Small world CN-38 Basketball team’s goal is helping others 9 A Watson journey CN-38 Biology major sails into academic Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. ’05 co-edits And snow it goes... adventure 10 Gordon Parks: Collected Works CN-39 That was the story for winter, Combating sexual violence 11 Intern to full time CN-40 once it got going. A February blizzard blanketed the campus, PANORAMA Liss featured CN-41 sending Wheaton’s hard- IN MEMORIAM 62 Found in translation 12 working grounds crew into Publications, Honors and creative END PAGE action around the clock until all works 13 20 of 100 64 paths were clear and safe. FIELD REPORT But winter wasn’t all work. It Social media puts sports fans within ON THE COVER also brought opportunity to fingertips’ reach 14 The day after Wheaton students play on the outdoor skating Outfielder Sean Ryan ’13 shines on the arrive in Bhutan they hike up to the rink (below). Hopefully by the diamond 15 sacred Taktsang Monastery, marking time you read this, it will all be just a memory. Or not—this is SNAP SHOTS the start of the semester. New England, after all. Details, details… 17 WHEATON QUARTERLY Vol. CI, No. 2
Editor Sandy Coleman Senior Writer Hannah Benoit Art Director Robert Owens Designer David Laferriere Staff Writer Michelle Monti Administrative Assistant Ellen Cataloni Assistant Vice President for Communications Michael Graca The Quarterly (ISSN 1068-1558) is published four times a year (summer, fall, winter and spring) by Wheaton College and printed by Lane Press of Burlington, Vt. Periodicals postage paid at Norton, Mass., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766. Wheaton College © 2013 Nicki Pardo SHiWEi HUaNG ’15
SHiWEi HUaNG ’15 NUriT aPPLBaUM ’14 BETWEEN THE LINES BY SANDY COLEMAN, EDITOR Coffee, wisdom and a free fleece?
Saturday morning, 9 a.m., 10 degrees. on a morning like this, most people would want to be huddled under the covers, dreaming about the nice feta-and-spinach omelet they want for breakfast. Not at Wheaton. Here, on this particular morning in January, the Haas concourse & Lobby in Watson Fine arts was packed, wall to wall, with students inhaling bagels, coffee cake, fruit and java. They were eagerly awaiting the opening address for Sophomore Symposium in Weber Theatre. dozens of alums—some of them had driven from New York—also were on campus ready to share their wisdom and encouragement during a full day of programs designed to help sophomores map out the rest of their journey through Wheaton and into the future.
as dean alex Vasquez pointed out at the Nicki Pardo start of the symposium, sophomore During lunch, Darnell McGee ’11 (above) gives a year is a big one because so many student advice about job interviews; left, students talk with alums after a workshop. See a gallery of images important decisions are made, includ- from the day at wheatonma.edu/quarterly. ing about which major to take, where to study abroad, and whether to go whole day. ok, maybe a little.) to graduate school. So each year, We share the day in images with you here Wheaton offers a day of programs and online. Also in this issue is a profile of in which alums give career advice, Joseph Lee ’08, a clinical research coordina- share the experiences that led them tor at reproductive Medicine associates in to success in their particular field, New York. He was one of the Sophomore or even just talk a student through Symposium participants who presented how to do well in a job interview, as the workshop “Science Matters: Biology, Sara Nausch ’11, a recruiter for k2 Partnering inspiring to watch the engagement between chemistry, and Pre-health Paths,” with Professor Solutions, and Darnell McGee ’11, a finan- students and alums as they had conversa- christopher kalberg. our cover story takes a cial analyst for iron Mountain, did with one tions about topics ranging from how to look at Wheaton’s award-winning study abroad sophomore, who had their undivided attention prepare for a career in science to how to program in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan— during lunch in Emerson. manage stress. (and the enthusiasm had the only such program in the United States. Moving from workshop to workshop with nothing to do with the cozy Wheaton fleece read. Enjoy. our photographer, Nicki Pardo, it was so promised to all students who stayed for the Write us and give us feedback. Q
The Quarterly welcomes letters to the editor on LETTER topics you’ve read in these pages or on other Praise for Professor Price topics concerning the Wheaton community. Professor Derek Price played a pivotal role in in the winter issue of the Quarterly. I am, Email us: my academic career. Notably, his First-Year however, struggling to wrap my head around [email protected] Seminar inspired me to pursue psychology; he the fact that he will retire this year. Derek truly made statistics so approachable that I actually has been a gift to the Wheaton College com- Or send letters to: signed up for advanced statistics at Wheaton, munity—an insightful and generous colleague, Sandy Coleman, editor, Wheaton Quarterly and his repeated sage advice helped guide me mentor and friend. I am honored to have been Wheaton College, 26 E. Main St., Norton, MA 02766 to a research assistant job following graduation one of his students, and though I will miss and then to the right choice among my Ph.D. seeing him on campus, I’ll take heart in the acceptances. He is among my most beloved fact that he will be able to enjoy some well- professors at Wheaton, and as a former student deserved downtime and continue to touch so Correction: in his “Infancy Across Cultures” course, I was many lives through his work. The name of the First-Year Seminar mentioned in the thrilled to see Derek and his work featured Christine Koh ’95 winter issue is “The Quality of the Mark: A Journey Towards Self-awareness through Drawing.” 2 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS CONVERGENCE BY RONALD A. CRUTCHER, PRESIDENT Global citizenship one of the college’s administrative departments ended the fall semester with a holiday party for its student workers. Small presents were handed around and one by one the students opened their gifts, except for one young man, who began to look increasingly uncomfortable balancing a gift bag on his lap. “in my country, it’s considered rude to open a present in front of the person who has given it to you,” he explained, clearly wor- ried that the office staff would be offended. The moment illustrates, in a small way, the challenges that people can encounter when living or working with individuals from other cultural traditions. Simple customs and behaviors that one person takes for granted may dif- fer from ideas held by those with a different cultural background. and these differences often remain invisible until conflict thorough review of programs and emerges, leading to misunder- the entire world within students’ every discipline—from art his- ErE
teaching methods to be certain rri standings large and small. reach. The establishment of the tory to psychology and beyond. FE that Wheaton is welcoming to
Many companies and organiza- center for Global Education has This feature of our connections id La students from other cultures and tions routinely invest in cultural sparked tremendous growth in the curriculum, ”infusion,” replaces daV countries. This will encompass the sensitivity training sessions for number of study abroad options the traditional general educa- entire college experience, from executives headed to new and available to students. The college tion plan in which students take residential life and dining services unfamiliar countries. in a world offers more than 60 semester and “one” course to satisfy a diversity to specialized tutoring on writing, made smaller by technology, yearlong study abroad programs requirement. instead, the entire as well as a host of other peda- however, these specialized train- on six continents, as well as a world of views is open for consid- gogical issues. in fact, our faculty ing sessions can only address a growing number of short-term, eration whenever relevant across members have already begun to limited number of circumstances. faculty-led offerings, from tropical the entire curriculum. discuss informally the kinds of ad- it does nothing for co-workers field biology in Costa Rica and at the same time, our student justments that might be required. who may share adjoining offices Belize to contemporary african body has grown more interna- Ultimately, the changes that will but grew up on opposite sides of society in South africa (both of- tional as well. Just five years ago, allow the college to become more the globe. or for neighbors with fered this winter). More than half more than 97 percent of our stu- international will also enhance the different cultural backgrounds. of our students participate in one dents came from the U.S. Today, power and value of a Wheaton The ability to navigate a world or more of these opportunities. nearly 8 percent of the Wheaton education. Students learn so of differences will be a vital skill creating a truly interna- student body is international. and much from each other, and a for the 21st century. Wheaton tional liberal arts education goes we intend to increase the number classroom that offers a world of students have an advantage in beyond offering study abroad of students from other countries differing perspectives will provide this regard, thanks to the college’s opportunities, however. The further, to 15 percent of the our students with a distinct ad- emphasis on programs that offer campus itself must be globally campus population, over the next vantage in navigating a complex, a broad and international set of focused. at Wheaton, this effort five years. global society. and our world will perspectives on the liberal arts. begins with the curriculum, which The college’s new emphasis be the better for their ability to be in the past 15 years, Wheaton infuses a diversity of viewpoints on recruiting international stu- international citizens. Q has made great strides in putting into consideration of virtually dents will be accompanied by a
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 3 AROUND THE DIMPLE
Shedding light on community in November, Leslie Gould creating and sustaining this ’15 sat at a table in Balfour- kind of community.” Hood with markers, me- The New England anti- thodically coloring a white defamation League com- paper bag with wide stripes mended the president for of purple, green and orange. immediately making it clear it was a simple decorative that acts of hate will not be act, but it carried a powerful tolerated. message: Wheaton is about other responses also have oToS
diversity, community and PH taken place on campus or are acceptance of all. being planned: ardo The bag was one of 1,200 P More than 600 people icki luminarias used to line the N turned out to express their campus for the annual Vespers concert. Wheaton does a really good job to make concern during an emotional town hall Each year, Student activities, involvement & sure that everyone’s voice is heard and that meeting held in cole Memorial chapel. Leadership and residential Life collaborate everyone feels as safe as possible,” said a group of students started a Facebook- to place luminarias for the evening event. Gould, who is a resident advisor and a based “We are Wheaton. We are equal.” in the past, the bags have been plain Student Government association senator. campaign that featured people holding a white. However, an incident last semester Taking the lead in fostering an inclusive en- whiteboard with those words. in which anti-Semitic graffiti was written at vironment, President ronald a. crutcher has a community celebration was held in the the Jewish Life House prompted resident charged the President’s action committee dimple at the start of Hanukkah. advisors to add value to the luminaria expe- on inclusive Excellence (PaciE)—a long- The Student Government association, rience this year by initiating a community- standing group that includes students, faculty in collaboration with faculty members, is centered response. and staff—with recommending ways to most considering a daylong teach-in. Students, faculty and staff members were effectively maintain a focus on appreciating “We really want to educate students and invited to share the importance of commu- and celebrating differences. bring awareness to the community at large,” nity and respect by personalizing the lumi- “There is no room for bias, hatred and said randy Frazer ’13, SGa vice president. narias. They responded in a big way—more prejudice on this campus,” said crutcher. “We’re hoping to show students that diver- than 400 bags were decorated with art and “instead, this college should be, and will be, sity is fluid and that we don’t need to come varied messages of love, respect and unity. a place where every individual feels safe and together as a community only when we “When bad things like this happen, respected. Each of us has a role to play in have a problem.” Q
4 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Covering the bases: Seminar takes on all-American pastime The game of baseball, says david Fox, is a microcosm. “There’s a goofy T-shirt that says, ‘Baseball is life’—and there’s some truth in that,” says JESSica kUSZaJ PHoToS the Wheaton theatre professor. “Baseball is a First-Year Seminar students and Professor of Theatre David Fox got a change of scenery and watched some outdoor drama unfold at the last home game of the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park. lens on the world. and the human stories that come out of it are very, very compelling.” Bambino by Boston Globe sports columnist dan Last fall, Fox and 18 freshmen explored Shaughnessy, and in November, Shaughnessy some of the game’s most memorable stories visited the class as a guest speaker. in a new First-Year Seminar titled “curses, For Erin deneen, of Framingham, Mass., Cornfields, and Called Shots: Baseball as the baseball is a “huge passion,” and she jumped Stuff of Myth and Legend.” Fox, a lifelong at the chance to take the course. “i’m a quiet red Sox fan, organized the syllabus into “in- person, especially in a classroom,” says nings” that explored themes such as base- deneen, who plays second base for Lyons ball as romantic fiction, race and gender in softball. “Because I felt confident about the baseball, and baseball’s rough side (subtitled subject, i knew i’d be able to contribute to Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy “business, bitterness and scandal”). visited campus to field questions in class and at an the discussions.” The course marked Fox’s first time teach- evening event in Weber Theatre with Professor David Small-group research presentations were ing an FYS in his 22 years at Wheaton. Fox. central to the course. Topics included legend- When his department colleagues first sug- Small-group research ary ballplayers, colorful broadcasters, and gested the topic, he was skeptical, “but the presentations were central to the today’s controversy over steroid use. Fox says more i thought about it, the more logical it his aim was to give the students practice at course. Topics included legendary seemed,” he says. “Ever since i can remem- public speaking and “bringing something to ber, i have been passionate about two things ballplayers, colorful broadcasters, life in front of an audience. i wanted to keep in life: baseball and theatre. i started to think and today’s controversy over the class as theatrical as i could.” in terms of the myths and legends and story steroid use. “We ended up teaching each other a lot lines that are attached to the game of ball, through presenting our research,” says Sam and how that correlates with theatre.” served that baseball seems to attract a wider doran, of Lexington, Mass. a local history “They’re both live events that involve an variety of fans, including more families, enthusiast who has edited a collection of audience,” he continues. “You practice and older people, and women, than does the essays about Lexington, doran collaborated you rehearse, and then you open. and what grittier game of football. on a class presentation on the history of plays out in front of any given audience is course materials ranged from George century-old Fenway Park. totally spontaneous. Part of the excitement is carlin’s monologue “Baseball vs. Football” In September the class took a field trip to that anything can happen.” to serious reads such as The Natural by Fenway to see the last home game of 2012. That unpredictability, and the game’s Bernard Malamud and Shoeless Joe by W.P. in keeping with their dismal season record leisurely pace, make it a sport that gives rise Kinsella, along with its 1989 film adaptation, (69–93), the Sox lost. But the day had its to personal memories and storytelling, says Field of Dreams. class discussion also var- bright spots: the students met Sox co-owner kelly Welch, a catcher for Wheaton softball. ied, from talk about the daily sports pages to Larry Lucchino and had a chance to run the “Baseball’s so much slower than all the other lofty conversations about heroes and anti- bases after the game. The season was over, games,” she says. “You can really take it in.” heroes in baseball and in literature. but the storytelling continued. Q Welch and others in the class also ob- The class read and discussed The Curse of the —Hannah Benoit
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 5 AROUND THE DIMPLE A minute with… Lindsay Powell ’13 Lindsay Powell, a sociology major who is minoring in political science, is preparing for a career in
international human rights ’15 NG
policy. during her time Wa ar LES
at Wheaton, the Student cH Government association Good guidance: My advisor, Professor Hyun kim, has been pivotal in guiding president and Posse Scholar has and supporting my academic career and personal goals on campus and for life after Wheaton. Her class “conflict and Genocide” opened my eyes. The gained a great deal of valuable class thoroughly explored the gross human rights violations that have plagued the past century and examined their causes from a historical, theoretical experience in the ways of the world and political lens. i was amazed by her passion, not only for the subject but through her travels. also by her belief that we could individually change the course of history by engaging in meaningful human rights work. Since then, she has fueled my passion for international human rights and policy. Nicaragua experience: i found the opportunity to work abroad for the first time in Nicaragua through the Filene center, and received funding through summer stipends from the SGa and Posse. i worked in the rural area of rivas, teaching in Spanish in four underserved public primary schools. This experience really sparked my interest in international travel and cultural exchanges. Vietnam adventure: For my junior semester abroad, i wanted to go somewhere i wouldn’t be able to travel to in any other part of my life. The center for Global Education staff suggested Vietnam. i was also curious about how the history and the socialist background created or influenced the construction of Vietnamese identity. as a part of my program, i received an amazing opportunity to do an internship with a human trafficking reintegration shelter, where i shadowed the counselors and interacted with the women. This experience was amazing. i felt like i connected with the women. Hearing their stories of abuse, neglect and ultimately liberation was so humbling. South Africa service: Last summer, i had an opportunity to intern in cape Town as a davis international Fellow. all summer i worked for a human rights organization called africa Unite, which spreads aware- ness of human rights issues as they pertain to refugees and township people, and promotes social cohe- sion in local communities that are having difficulty resolving them on their own. The wonderful people at africa Unite immediately allowed me to join their project on gang violence, which is working to examine why township youth are joining gangs. i also created a project called Hear Me that fused together the creative arts and positive self-expression into a two-month project for the afterschool program run in one of the townships. Q —Monica Vendituoli ’15 Lindsay Powell ’13 on campus, top right; in Vietnam, top left; on Table Mountain, above, overlooking Cape Town in South Africa; and in Nicaragua, left.
6 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Champion of civil liberties to speak at Commencement Nancy Gertner, a former U.S. federal judge who built her career around standing up for women’s rights, civil liberties and justice for all, will deliver the keynote address to the class of 2013 at Wheaton college’s 178th commencement, to be held Saturday, May 18. Gertner was appointed to advancing human rights and civil the federal bench of the U.S. liberties. district court of Massachusetts Her other awards include: by President Bill clinton in 1994. the Judicial Excellence award, She retired from the bench in Federal Bar association, 2008; 2011 and now is a professor of charles P. kindregan award, practice at Harvard Law School, Suffolk University Law School, a position given to outstanding 2007; a Judicial Excellence individuals whose teaching is citation from the Boston Bar informed by extensive expertise association, 2006; and the Judge in law practice, the judiciary, Toomey Judicial Excellence policy and governance. She also award, 2005. taught at the Yale Law School adding to the list, Gertner will while a judge. receive an honorary degree at Named one of “The Most commencement, as will two of Influential Lawyers of the Past Wheaton’s distinguished alum- 25 Years” by Massachusetts nae, Patricia Flaherty ’83, senior Lawyers Weekly, Judge Gertner project manager for Mission Nancy Gertner, a former U.S. federal judge, to be keynote speaker. has written and spoken through- Hill Neighborhood Housing out the U.S., Europe and asia. Services, a community-based she received the Massachusetts community on local, national She has published widely on nonprofit housing and economic commission on the Status of and international levels. in ad- sentencing, discrimination, and development organization, and Women Unsung Heroine award. dition to her passionate interest forensic evidence; women’s diane Leshefsky Troderman ’63, and, in 2010, she received the in Jewish education, she has rights; and the jury system. a noted philanthropist in educa- Boston Neighborhood Fellows worked actively on women’s is- Her autobiography, In Defense tion and Jewish culture. award from the Philanthropic sues and in the renaissance and of Women: Memoirs of an Flaherty is a community activ- initiative. renewal of Jewish life through- Unrepentant Advocate, was ist and organizer, who person- Troderman, who has out the world, especially in the published in 2011. ally advocates for community an M.B.a. from american former Soviet Union. She is a graduate of Barnard development that benefits low- international college, served among her local philan- college, columbia University, income families in the Mission on the President’s commission thropic interests is the devel- and holds an M.a. and J.d. Hill neighborhood of Boston. at Wheaton from 1990–2002 opment of the Women’s Fund from Yale University. She has She also serves on the commu- and was a class fund agent in of Western Massachusetts, an received numerous awards, nity advisory board of Boston 2012. She has held numerous organization that helps women including the Massachusetts children’s Hospital. in 2012, leadership roles in the Jewish meet their educational and Bar association’s Hennessey business goals. additionally, award for judicial excellence she was the first chair of the in 2011; the Morton a. Brody international research institute distinguished Judicial Service on Jewish Women (now known award from colby college in as the Hadassah-Brandeis 2010; the National association of institute), whose mission it is to Women Lawyers’ highest honor, develop fresh ways of thinking the Arabella Babb Mansfield about Jews and gender world- award, in 2011, and, in 2008, the wide. She also is on the leader- Thurgood Marshall award from ship council of Harvard divinity the american Bar association, School’s Women’s Studies in Section of individual rights religion program. Q and responsibilities, which recognized her contributions to Diane Leshefsky Troderman ’63 Patricia Flaherty ’83
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 7 AROUND THE DIMPLE Students conserve centuries-old statues sional conservators. They credit the opportu- Josephine Johnson ’13 and Lindsay koso ’15 practice a craft nity to explore their ambitions on campus to that is most successful when its results are invisible. as art Leah Niederstadt, assistant professor of mu- seum studies and curator of the Permanent conservators in training, their job is to subtly conserve a Collection, who hired them specifically to piece of art to its original appearance—bringing it back to work on the blackamoor figures. Summer experiences in the field also life without adding to or subtracting from it. have been invaluable. in 2012, Johnson “It’s a funny field that way,” said Koso. requires more than an understanding of art. helped koso land a summer internship at “The work that you’re doing is not supposed it also takes an understanding of chemistry— Harvard’s Straus center for conservation to be acknowledged. People are not sup- including a familiarity with artistic media and and Technical Studies, where Johnson had posed to be able to tell.” pigments and the way materials react with interned the year before. Johnson spent the “if someone can tell, you’ve done the one another. Johnson is majoring in chemistry summer of 2012 as a conservation intern for wrong thing,” added Johnson. with art and art history minors, while koso the Smith college Museum of art. Continuing conservation efforts that first plans to major in art history and in classics. They spent the fall 2012 semester working began in 2011, Johnson and koso have been They have both been captivated by art on the figures, cleaning the surfaces with working together for months to conserve since childhood. Growing up, Johnson wit- a mixture of ethanol and water that they two Italian blackamoor figures that had nessed the conservation of the “ara Pacis” applied with paintbrushes and wiped off stood for years in the Madeleine clark altar in rome, and she was fascinated by its with Q-Tips. They also repaired cracks and Wallace Library. combination of her two loves: art and chem- flaking paint and even carefully stabilized The utilitarian and decorative statues, istry. koso, meanwhile, had always dreamed the figures’ hands. known as torchieres for their ornate cande- of becoming an artist, and a high school “Working with things that have survived labra, were showcased this winter in “100 advisor recommended art conservation as a as long as the blackamoor figures have is Years, 100 objects,” a student-curated exhi- potential outlet for her creativity. really amazing,” koso said. bition in the Beard and Weil Galleries, mark- Today, both students aspire to be profes- created as inanimate representations of ser- ing the 100th anniversary of Wheaton Female vants of African descent, blackamoor figures Seminary becoming a college. They were have existed since the 17th century and were included to represent 1923, the year in which often displayed in stately homes in Europe the library was built and the year believed to and North america. Wheaton’s statues were be the first time they were publicly displayed. a bequest to President Samuel Valentine cole The statues were put in storage in the 1960s from his aunt, Harriet Gibbs-ross. although because they could be considered racist due the figures were removed from public display, to their exaggerated facial features. they remain an important part of Wheaton’s While the best art conservation might be collection, said Niederstadt, who is teaching invisible, many older pieces of art would fade “Museum controversies” this spring. Students into obscurity without it. The intricate craft Lindsay Koso ’15 Josephine Johnson ’13 in the course will be required to view the “100 objects” exhibition and explore which objects they consider controversial and why. “all objects embody multiple values and meanings, and these shift over time as objects themselves move through time and space, changing context, function and ownership,” Niederstadt said. “The blackamoor figures can and should be understood within the contexts in which they were created and used before they became part of the collection. it is equally important to understand how they oToS are now used—as objects for teaching and re- M PH
ro search. This is a very different kind of use than ST the purpose for which they were created.” Q ord —Alex Cilley ’14 TH N kEi
8 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton MicHaEL croNiN ’16 Norton Middle School eighth grade girls’ basketball team members cheer on Wheaton’s women’s basketball team before a game in Haas Athletic Center. Basketball team’s goal is helping others While winning is the aim in any competitive sport, the Wheaton women’s Heller’s angels Special olympics team be- basketball team has earned a reputation for being just as dedicated to gan with the November 10 annual Heller’s serving the local community as they are to dominating the court. over angels Fall Harvest Ball, which the women’s team co-hosted. The ball included dancing, the past several years, they have engaged in projects that range from food arts and crafts, and awards, and by the end drives to coaching and mentoring. of the night, the event had raised $3,400 for “it has always been an integral part of letic, academic and lifestyle goal. Even though the Special olympics team. our program,” said head coach Melissa there’s an age gap, the two groups found “We always have such a good time with Hodgdon. “i just feel that character is a commonalities. By the end of the month, them and can’t wait to hang out with them big part of your growth as a student and a many of the girls and women became close. again,” said team captain Gabriella “Gabby” student-athlete. Giving back to the commu- “it was great to get to know the coach Barbera ’13, reflecting on the experience on nity is a big piece of that.” and the team,” said Madeline Murphy, a her team blog. during the fall semester alone, the Lyons Norton eighth-grader and clinic participant. Heller’s angels returned to Wheaton on mentored the eighth grade girls’ basketball “i thought the clinic was only going to be dec. 7 to cheer on the Wheaton women team from Norton Middle School, worked about basketball, but it turned out to be in their matchup with Babson college. The with the Heller’s angels Special olympics much more.” angels also competed in a halftime scrim- basketball team, and partnered with the dJ on Nov. 17, the Norton girls returned to mage organized by the Lyons. Dream Fund, a nonprofit organization de- campus to attend the first annual Cheryl in recognition of this work, the Ncaa nom- signed to help young people through athlet- Warren-Powers ’95 Memorial Tournament and inated the Lyons for their monthly division iii ics and wellness programs. They also wrote root for the Lyons. Special olympics Spotlight Poll, and the team and sent letters to Walter reed Hospital to Four years ago, Hodgdon and the won for the month of december. support wounded soldiers. women’s team worked with the same group “i am truly amazed by the level of com- The Lyons began their collaboration with the of girls, and Hodgdon has kept in touch. mitment these students show to Heller’s Norton Middle School girls’ basketball team by “Some of the girls come to our games often,” angels,” team co-founder caron Heller said. hosting weekly basketball mentoring sessions she said. “it’s really special when i look up in “The Wheaton athletes are enthusiastic throughout September. Beyond sharpening the the stands and one of them waves, or when leaders, teammates and cheerleaders for the girls’ skills on the court, the clinics were also one says hello as we run through the tunnel. Special olympics athletes. it is obvious this designed as a sisterly mentoring program. We’ve gone to some of their games as well. relationship goes well beyond fulfilling com- Every week, one of the Wheaton players We do pizza parties and things like that, too.” munity service obligations.” Q had a buddy. Each person had to set an ath- The Lyons’ semester-long work with the —Alex Cilley ’14
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 9 AROUND THE DIMPLE Biology major sails into academic adventure only a year ago, Elizabeth “Betsy” Meyer ’14 had never traveled far from the Boston suburb where she grew up, let alone flown on a plane or set out to sea for days on end. What a difference a semester makes—particularly if the semester is spent enrolled in the Maritime Studies Program of Williams college and Mystic Seaport, which has been giving undergraduates a hands-on interdisciplinary experience learning about the sea since 1977. Left, back row: Betsy Meyer ’14 dons an immersion Meyer, a 21-year-old biology suit for a safety drill off the coast of California; above, major, spent last fall living in a with a family’s pet at Zam’s Swamp Tours in Kraemer, La.; and in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. historic house on the grounds of the seaport in Stonington, of Professor of Biology Scott Shumway, an conn., and studying in nontraditional class- ecologist, who is Meyer’s advisor. rooms like a sailing vessel along the coast of Shumway described Meyer as an “out- california. Quoting Woody Guthrie, Meyer standing” student, recalling how she’d said she “literally got to see america ‘from sometimes send him photos of interesting the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream wa- trees she walked by on the Wheaton campus. ters,’ accompanied by fantastically intelligent “Williams-Mystic was an obvious choice for people who related everything i saw to our someone with her range of interests,” he said. academic studies.” Meyer’s love for the outdoors started at For Meyer, the highlight was two onshore a young age, when she began collecting field seminars. In California, she spent time shellfish and decided she wanted to become surveying the rockbound coast and the a marine biologist. as she got older, she took redwood forests, seeing an entirely different hikes with her father through the Blue Hills, landscape from the one she grew up with and her focus widened to ecology. “i always in New England; in Louisiana, she found had this idea that when you wanted to have herself surrounded by unfamiliar southern fun, you went to nature and you looked at accents and saw firsthand the impacts of keep you busy and expect a great deal from what was happening in the trees, in the air, Hurricane katrina and the BP oil spill. you,” Meyer said. “However, it is immensely on the ground,” she said. “it completely changed my understanding rewarding, not in just the academic learning Williams-Mystic wasn’t the last of Meyer’s of the land and our connections to home- but in the bonds you share with fellow students excursions: in January she did a winter lands,” she said. and with the outstanding faculty and staff.” fellowship at the prestigious Woods Hole Less of a highlight but still a powerful learn- Science isn’t Meyer’s only passion; her oceanographic institution on cape cod, ing experience was the program’s weeklong minor is studio art, and she enjoys drawing, where she was paired with a research scien- sailing trip on a student vessel off the coast of photographing, knitting, crafting, reading tist. While she isn’t sure what her career path California: Meyer was seasick for five straight and writing. “i need that creative outlet,” she will be, she hopes to find a creative way of days, but nevertheless had to wake up at 3 said. She also loves to cook and is a writing teaching and learning about the outdoors. a.m. for her shifts on watch. at various other intern in Wheaton’s Communications Office. “Working with animals and studying biol- times, Williams-Mystic had her collecting Meyer is one of 22 Wheaton students ogy in college for me is reaffirming that child- marine bird pellets for an ecology study, writ- who’ve participated in Williams-Mystic since hood awe,” Meyer said. “i want to remind ing papers, learning basic watercraft in small 2002. it’s one of a number of popular off- other people of that feeling so that it’s easier boats, and even learning to sing sea chanteys. campus study programs the college offers to live mindfully in this delicate world.” Q “it’s not an easy ride or a vacation. They in the U.S. and overseas, and it’s a favorite —Ted Nesi ’07
10 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Combating sexual violence Grant will support new campus programs
Wheaton has won a three-year, $300,000 grant from the U.S. department of Justice to develop programming aimed at combating sexual violence on campus. in partnership with the Norton Police department and cHarLES WaNG ’15 New Hope, a sexual violence crisis center in attleboro, the college intends to create a is widespread on college campuses. a report In November, Kate Gannon ’16 raised awareness about comprehensive community-based model that by the National institute of Justice estimates sexual assault by hanging fact-filled pink shoes from a tree in the Dimple as part of her outrageous acts can be shared nationally. that some 20 to 25 percent of female assignment for her “Introduction to Women’s Studies” The grant from the Justice department’s students experience a sexual assault during class. “I was doing some research and I read a fact, Office on Violence Against Women will their college years. which I put on one of the shoes, that 97 percent of support “a continuum of programming The new programming will “change the rapists don’t spend a day in jail. That was startling to me and devastating. So I decided to do a piece about that will convey a consistent message that whole conversation at Wheaton,” said Vice victim blaming because women are often blamed for violence against women is not tolerated” at President for Student affairs and dean of what they are wearing,” she said. Wheaton, according to the college’s grant Students Lee Burdette Williams, who will serve proposal. rather than focusing solely on as project director. “We have already become perpetrators and victims, the program will much more transparent in our policies and of the Sexual (Mis)conduct assembly, a stress the notion that “every community practices and more responsive to inquiries group that was launched in 2010 in response member has a role to play in combating and concerns. This work is about changing a to student concerns about how the college sexual assault, domestic violence, dating culture, common on college campuses, that responded to cases of alleged sexual assault. violence, and stalking.” keeps too many victims silent about their in January 2011, the assembly presented its Wheaton was one of 22 institutions experiences. Every year, that culture must be recommendations, and Wheaton has since awarded a grant from among 110 applicants. addressed as a new class comes in with their implemented several programs aimed at in launching these efforts, Wheaton is own experiences and perspectives.” reducing sexual misconduct on campus. taking a strong stand against a problem that The grant proposal grew out of the work For instance, the Sexual Misconduct and assault resource Team (SMarT), oversees campus outreach and education efforts The U.S. Department of Justice related to sexual assault. The college has grant will support: hired a SMarT coordinator and has created » Further development of Wheaton’s mandatory a Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board, distinct prevention-and-education program for new from the college Hearing Board, to adjudicate students, which was introduced last year. incidents related to sexual misconduct. » A bystander intervention program to educate students on taking action to prevent sexual “We are using scholarship to inform our violence. This will be developed in collaboration practices and the research and teaching skills with the nationally respected Mentors in Violence of our faculty to educate students,” Williams Prevention (MVP) Program at Northeastern stressed, referring to a play that Professor University. charlotte Meehan and students will write, as » A workshop by playwright and Professor of English Charlotte Meehan, in which students will well as a seminar on violence against women, write an ensemble-based play that addresses taught by sociology professors kersti Yllo and sexual violence. The interactive play will be a Gabriela Torres. teaching tool that is replicable in the future. over the next three years, staff members » Joint training for Wheaton’s public safety staff involved in these efforts will travel to national and Norton Police officers. Public Safety Director Charles Furgal and Norton Police Chief Brian » SMART and New Hope working together to conferences and other campuses to share the Clark will lead a session on response protocols, provide training for residential life staff, preceptors model with others doing similar work. Q and staff from New Hope will lead training on the and members of the campus community who wish —Hannah Benoit many complex aspects of sexual violence cases. to serve as advocates. CONTENTS SPRING 2013 11 PANORAMA Found in translation
kEiTH NordSTroM Professor Tessa Lee, right, and Shawn Peaslee ’12 discuss a document from the Holocaust. Professor and student decipher Holocaust document Last year, Associate Professor of German Tessa Lee and Tell us about the project. The project started as a request for trans- her then-student Shawn Peaslee ’12, a German studies lation by a Holocaust survivor, Michael major, got a rare chance to translate from German to Gruenbaum. in his possession is a 12-page manuscript that a woman named Selma from English a historically significant document from the Vienna had written in 1941–1943, during her internment in Theresienstadt [Terezín], Holocaust. It was written by a female inmate of one of a concentration camp in Bohemia, now the the concentration camps, and given to Lee by another czech republic. He wanted to have it trans- lated before turning it over to the Holocaust Holocaust survivor, who had found this manuscript Memorial Museum in Washington, d.c. Mr. among the belongings of his deceased sister. Lee and Gruenbaum himself survived Theresienstadt as a 14-year-old through the efforts of his Peaslee’s work is now in the archives of the United remarkable mother, who got him off the de- States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. portation list to auschwitz four times. in this manuscript were a few lines that describe We asked the professor the story behind the translation. specifically how Mr. Gruenbaum’s father,
12 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton PUBLICATIONS, HONORS AND CREATIVE WORKS
Faculty Timothy Barker, astronomy professor, co-wrote a respected lawyer from Prague, had been diary that was kept from 1941 to 1943 from the article “Rotation Period Determination for 247 murdered in Theresienstadt. He wanted the within the camp. Most of the personal ac- Eukrate” in the Minor Planet Bulletin, with faculty exact translation of that particular sentence counts that are known were usually written technology liaison Gary Ahrendts and Shelby Delos ’14 (2012). since he was going to quote it in his biogra- after the liberation of the authors, not during phy (scheduled to be published in 2014 by their internment. and this is what got to me. Delvyn Case, assistant professor of music, had his holiday overture, “Rocket Sleigh,” performed by nu- Simon & Schuster). How on earth did she manage to keep a di- merous ensembles across the country in December, ary? She was overburdened with work, strug- including by the Arkansas Symphony, the Alabama How did he find you? gling with disease, malnutrition and inhuman Symphony, the United States Coast Guard Band, and the Yale Concert Band. Mr. Gruenbaum asked the program conditions. Where did she find the time and coordinator of Schechter Holocaust strength, let alone the writing materials? She Thomas Dolack, visiting assistant professor of Services (in Waltham, Mass.) if she could Russian, published the article “Homo Oneginensis: knew what punishment awaited her if she Pushkin and Evo-Cognitive Approaches to help out. The coordinator happened to was caught trying to document the atrocities Literature” in Style (fall 2012). be the mother of one of my students, Ezra there. Her entries end abruptly in July of 1943 Michael Drout, English professor, presented the krechmer ’12, and she emailed me to ask and nobody knows what became of her. lecture “The Tower and the Ruin: The Past in Tolkien’s if i was interested. i was, but i also wanted Literary Works” at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, to make it a learning experience for one What challenges did you face on this project? on Sept. 21, 2012, and delivered the keynote lecture of my students, Shawn Peaslee, who was The first challenge was to make sense of “What Do We Learn from Beowulf?” as part of the series “Epic Poetry” at Hillsdale College’s Center for advanced enough and interested in the the content altogether. This document was Constructive Alternatives in Hillsdale, Mich., on Nov. subject matter and in the experience of written in haste, as you can imagine, and 12, 2012. As part of a collaboration of the Wheaton translating a document. We made it into an there are many typos and errors in syntax. Lexomics Research Group, he also co-authored the article “Books Tell Us”: Lexomic and Traditional independent study. although the language was German, it was Evidence for the Sources of Guthlac A.,” with profes- the German spoken by a Jewish czech 70 What drew your interest in this? sors Michael Kahn and Mark LeBlanc, in Modern years ago, so some of the words and phrases Philology (November 2012). in her first letter to friends a few days after the were outdated. Shawn took on the first draft Yuen-Gen Liang, associate professor of history, camp liberation in May 1945, the mother of of translation. He did a marvelous job of try- co-edited A Forgotten Empire: The Spanish-North Michael Gruenbaum, Margaret Gruenbaum, ing to figure out the missing letters and what African Borderlands, a special issue of the Journal of Spanish Cultural Studies. expressed how lucky they viewed themselves some of the antiquated words meant. We Karen McCormack, assistant professor of sociol- to have survived, but added, “yet we here went through several drafts. The second chal- have the feeling that we will never be able ogy, published the article “Comfort and Burden: lenge was to remain calm and objective while The Changing Meaning of Home for Owners At-Risk to find a bridge to those who have lived on reading and translating what is simply just a of Foreclosure” in Symbolic Interaction (November the outside and who, fortunately, will never horrifying account of the daily struggles in the 2012). be able to grasp what horror, fear and deep Theresienstadt ghetto. The third challenge was Kim Miller, associate sorrow we experienced through the years just one that all translators face: to bring it into a professor of women’s passed,” which was quoted in Nešarim: Child studies and art history, readable and idiomatically correct English and co-edited Gender and Survivors of Terez n by Thelma Gruenbaum í yet remain true to the original. South African Art, a spe- [Vallentine Mitchell, 2004]. Since those first cial issue of the journal days of liberation, we have learned quite a How does this fit into your Wheaton work? African Arts (MIT Press, bit about the Holocaust and the Third reich, Since i was raised bilingually and bicultur- winter 2012). and yet, true to Mrs. Gruenbaum’s words, ally, i have always been a translator of sorts. Alumnae/i we, the postwar generations, could never Translation is what i did professionally since Linda Gigante ’72, professor emerita at the fully understand what really went on. But my graduate school days when i worked as University of Louisville, was presented with the this manuscript is a sort of bridge that links an interpreter and translator for television Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC) us with the past world, and i do believe that news and other media, as well as at the Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of her ability to teach effectively, impart knowledge, it gives us an insight into this world, however olympics [Seoul, 1988]. at Wheaton i teach and inspire students. small that insight and narrow the bridge might German language and literature and culture Ken Kristensen ’92, an award-winning writer, be. This journal is of significant importance in translation. as someone who is profes- had the first volume of his four-part graphic novel, historically. There was no doubt in my mind sionally involved in Holocaust studies, i felt Todd, The Ugliest Kid on Earth, published in January that i wanted to take on the task when i heard it a moral as well as a professional obligation by Image Comics. Monthly volumes will follow in February, March and April. that this was an authentic manuscript from to take on the translation. Q one of the darkest hours of human history. Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. ’05, executive director of the Read an interview with Shawn Peaslee ’12 and Gordon Parks Foundation, co-edited Gordon Parks: There are lots of stories, films, biographies Collected Works (Steidl/Gordon Parks Foundation, see the document at wheatoncollege.edu/. and other narratives, but what made this November 2012). quarterly. stand out for me was the fact that it was a
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 13 FIELD REPORT Social media puts sports fans within fingertips’ reach
if you Facebook it, they will come. Wheaton student-athletes, coaches, admin- istrators and alums are seeing this more and more as they continue to raise the virtual pro- file of college athletics by using social media. Just one example: Before students departed campus in december for winter break, the women’s basketball team extended an invita- tion to the entire campus for an important conference game against Babson college. in addition to using the college’s in-house email system, posters and flyers, the team relied on every member of its squad to ad- vertise the event through their accounts on Facebook, as well as send out tweets via the team’s handle @WheatonBBall to encourage people to come to the game and wear their Wheaton blue. The athletics department also used social media channels to advertise the event for about a month prior. The efforts worked. The campus com- munity, as well as fans from local towns, flocked to Emerson Gymnasium decked out in blue. The audience was triple the size that the team usually sees at games. “it was the most people i’ve seen in a long time,” said Gabriella “Gabby” Barbera ’13, a member of the women’s basketball team. (She also blogged about the event.) “We were so appreciative and shocked at just how many fans came out to support us. Social me- kEiTH NordSTroM dia really had a powerful impact. it truly does Facebook and Twitter updates helped bring in a crowd of supporters for a winter basketball game. help spread the word much more quickly.” enhance his program by getting out informa- athletics through social media,” Libon says, The immediacy of social media instantly tion about sign-ups and available sporting “i wouldn’t know as much as i do about how puts a large fan base within electronic reach, opportunities. also, he notes, “intramural par- teams are doing.” notes director of athletics John Sutyak ’00. ticipants can see action shots of themselves, “Social media is great for allowing people “it allows us to provide constant updates, as and some of them use these pictures as their who can’t attend games to learn about quickly as we can type. if i am at a game—it profile photos on their personal Facebook Wheaton,” adds dennis Scarpa ’13, a mem- doesn’t matter if it is in Norton, Mass., or pages, so word spreads even more.” ber of the men’s tennis team. “i know that in Florida—i can give a quick update on caitlin Hampton ’13, who is the men’s after graduation i will be using social media my phone, without leaving my seat,” he basketball team’s manager, creates “events” to stay informed and connected.” said. “our website can also be updated; through the Men’s Basketball “group” That kind of connection to students and al- however, we can’t do it as quickly or as easily on Facebook. She also uses her personal ums is one of the most valuable features that on the go. Social media also is an avenue that Facebook page to promote the team’s home social media provides, says women’s lacrosse drives traffic to our website, which allows peo- games among her many friends, who can also coach Emily kiablick. ple the opportunity to get more information.” easily share the information with their friends. “We’re able to get the message out there So far Wheaton has attracted 1,135 fans to daniel Libon ’09, who was a member of that our teams are like family. once you’ve its pages on Facebook and welcomed 651 the cross country and track and field teams at played in this program, you’re always a part followers on Twitter. Wheaton, now relies on Facebook and Twitter of the program.” Q Steve angelo, director of intramurals and for his updates on wins and losses. —Matt Noonan ’10 club sports, says social media has helped “if not for Wheaton’s efforts to promote
14 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Social media puts sports fans within fingertips’ reach Outfielder Sean Ryan ’13 shines Get connected: on the diamond In addition to going to the Wheaton Athletics web page, athletics.wheatoncollege.com, you can also connect to athletics using these social media sites. Sean Ryan’s roots in baseball run deep. His grandfather, who is in the Boston Park League Facebook.com/ Hall of Fame, was invited for a tryout with the New York Yankees. His father used to place a To get Type this in the plastic baseball glove in Ryan’s crib. And Ryan to here: search box: fondly remembers working on his swing in his Athletics Wheaton College Athletics front yard when he was 6 years old. Club sports and Wheaton College Club So it is no wonder that the diamond still intramurals Sports and Intramurals sparkles for him. “Baseball is special to me because nothing matches the feeling of being Field hockey Wheaton College Field up at the plate against the pitcher and doing Hockey everything possible to get on base,” says Field hockey Wheaton College Field
Ryan, a senior who is majoring in economics. M
alumnae Hockey Alumnae average and hits, as well as earning a spot in ro
For the past three seasons, the Norton, ST Softball Wheaton Softball the inaugural All-Star Game.
Mass., native has occupied the outfield ord “The Futures Collegiate Baseball League
Men’s lacrosse Wheaton Men’s Lacrosse of Sidell Stadium, and that deep-rooted TH N
dedication to the game has made him a was quite an experience,” says Ryan. “It was kEi Women’s Wheaton College (MA) special for me personally because I got to lacrosse Women’s Lacrosse pivotal part of the Lyons’ success. In 2010, he was named the NEWMAC compete with Division I and II athletes. Being Archery Wheaton College (MA) Rookie of the Year and also earned a spot on able to compete and make the All-Star team Archery Club the All-Conference Second Team. In 2011, he as a Division III player was gratifying.” Equestrian Wheaton Equestrian Team sustained a season-ending injury but bounced Ryan has worked hard for his Men’s rugby Wheaton College Men’s back last season by leading the Lyons in achievements, finding balance between the Rugby batting average, slugging percentage and demands of the ball field and the classroom. “My experience being a student-athlete at Women’s rugby Wheaton Women’s Rugby runs, while also recording three home runs, 37 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. He was named Wheaton has been challenging,” he says. “It Ultimate Frisbee Wheaton Ultimate ’12/’13 NEWMAC’s Player of the Year in 2012, as well is difficult to keep up with the high academic Yoga Wheaton Yoga Club as an American Baseball Coaches Association level Wheaton demands along with the Twitter username Division III All-American (second team), which commitment one must endure when choosing means that he was recognized for being to play a sport.” Wheaton @WheatonLyons But he has done it. This is his last season athletics the second-best player in the country at his position (outfield) in Division III. with the Lyons, and he expects to build upon John Sutyak @WheatonMass_AD The numbers and awards are only part of the momentum he gained from the Rox before Women’s @WheatonBBall Ryan’s story as a stand-out player, points out he graduates in May. basketball Eric Podbelski, head coach of baseball. He says he intends to apply the same Men’s lacrosse @WheatonLacrosse “Sean helps our team beyond what shows determination that has led to his success on the diamond to whatever career he decides to Women’s @WheatonWLax up in the box score,” Podbelski says. “His pursue. He has been intrigued by economics lacrosse competitiveness and determination not only since his very first introductory classes with YouTube.com/ help him be the player he is, but it also rubs off on his teammates.” professors James Freeman and Russell Athletics WheatonLyons Last summer, Ryan was one of the first Williams, so he’s considering working in the Blog players to sign a contract with the Brockton corporate world with a focus on economics. Rox, a former independent baseball team But there will always be room for baseball. “I Gabriella gabbybarbera.blogspot.com in Brockton, Mass., that joined the Futures would love to be an assistant coach somewhere “Gabby” because I love baseball, and I feel like I know Barbera’s Collegiate Baseball League in January 2012. enough about the game now that I can teach women’s Once the season commenced, the Rox and help people become better players.” Q basketball blog outfielder made his mark by leading all players in triples, while finishing second in batting —Matt Noonan ’10
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 15 SNAP SHOTS
Observing the connection between art and science Beard and Weil Galleries director Michele L’Heureux observation and conversation that could improve connections between art making and chemistry, ’88 conducted a fall session for Professor Elita their skills of analysis, which are essential in the and we discussed each of the five artists in the Pastra-Landis’s “Advanced Organic Chemistry” discipline of science. “Elita and I crafted some ‘Sitelines’ exhibition. One artist, Kysa Johnson, uses students. At L’Heureux’s invitation, the professor questions for them to consider, and Elita wrote the molecular structure of pollutants as the building agreed that it would be great to expose science those up and asked the students to respond in blocks of her drawings, so we spent a lot of time students to the gallery (where many of them had writing after our session together in the gallery,” analyzing her work, since it was quite relevant to never been) and also to engage them in close said L’Heureux. “They were asked to consider the their studies.”
Virtual Wheaton The Google Street View team, including this dude riding a camera-mounted trike, came in September to film routes around and through the campus. Google maps allow viewers to explore places around the world through 360-degree street- Sitting to take a stand level imagery.The Wheaton’s new WHALE lab hosted Red Chair Day in December, in support of the
ErE virtual tour of the national Sit With Me initiative, which highlights the important role of women in
rri college will be the future of technology. The campus community was invited to sit and share FE available online in perspectives on the significance of diversity in computing and information id La a few months. technology. Read more at wheatoncollege.edu/whale. daV
16 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Details, details… You have walked this campus a million times. A You know every inch like the back of your hand. Or, do you? Test yourself.
B C
D E
Here are some architectural details of buildings that you should be familiar with. Email us at [email protected] and tell us to which building each detail belongs. If you are the first to get them all right, we will tell all of our readers in the summer issue of the Quarterly that you are a know-it-all who rocks.
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 17 A beautiful
18 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS A beautiful journey
Students live, learn, explore in Bhutan
By Sandy Coleman Flying into Paro, Bhutan, you go through a blanket of clouds that slowly dissolves as mountains emerge, cradling the emerald lushness of a valley dotted with colorful buildings. Even before your feet touch the ground, Bhutan takes your breath away. And, once you are there, it starts working on your heart and mind, say students who have participated in Wheaton’s study abroad program in Bhutan. “When we first flew over Paro, I was utterly speechless, and almost in tears. It’s undoubtedly the most beautiful place I have ever been,” says James Elliott ’15, one of six students who spent the fall 2012 semester in Bhutan.
Bhutan is breathtaking and unforgettable, says James Elliott ’15, left.
SPRING 2013 19 Months after the categories, including experience, with his feet awards for study abroad firmly planted in Norton, programs as well as inter- Mass., Elliott’s mind is national internships and still there. “Seeing the volunteer experiences. happiness and content- Entries were judged by ment of Bhutanese a group of international citizens, who have a educators on the basis very simple lifestyle in Devotees seek blessings from the enormous silk appliqué thondrol depicting Guru Rinpoche in of quality, originality and such stark contrast to his many incarnations, displayed at the conclusion of the masked dance festival (tsechu) held at creativity. Nyimalung Monastery in Bumthang, central Bhutan. how most americans are as of fall 2012, for the brought up, really has expanded my world- ence similar to Wheaton’s, and Wheaton was first time students from colleges other than
Irelandview and solidified my convictions about seeking to expand international experiences Wheaton are eligible to apply for the fall or how i live my life,” he says. for students here. the recently added spring semester. “one man started a conversation with me Wheaton’s connection with Bhutan Bhutan, the only remaining Himalayan Portugal U.K.while i was waiting on the street, and it end- has existed since 1999, when the nation’s Buddhist kingdom, is often called “the last France ed with him offeringNorway me a job, a place in his current king, His Majesty Jigme khesar Shangri-la” because of its dramatic, pristine Bel. Spain Sweden homeNeth. and food for the duration of time that i Namgyel Wangchuck, was a Wheaton stu- landscape. a remote, landlocked nation in Denmark Lux. And. would work for him. Each timeFinland someone gave dent (from fall 1999 to summer 2001). over South asia, it is not easy to get to. Wheaton Germany Switz. us a ride that was clearly out of their way the years, several other Bhutanese students students flew from Boston to Chicago to Liech.
Austria andCzech refusedPoland any compensation,Estonia or helped us also have attended Wheaton. Tokyo to Bangkok to Paro. Rep. Lithuania Latvia San Marino Slovenia find a destination across town by personally Wheaton is the only U.S. college or Bhutan didn’t have roads until the 1960s Croatia Slovakia Hungaryescorting us there, i thought to myself i would university that offers a semester-long credit- and was one of the last countries to intro- Bosnia Belarus Tunisia & Herz. feel so proud to be a part of this culture.” duce television when it lifted its ban on Italy Mont. Romania Ukraine bearing program in Bhutan. Not only does Serbia Malta Albania TheMoldova psychology major now plans to seek the program provide the opportunity for television broadcasting and the internet Mac. R u s s i a Bulgariaan additional independent major in contem- Wheaton students to learn in one of the in 1999. It held its first elections in 2008, Greece plative studies, saying the Bhutan experience most isolated places in the world, where few transitioning from a monarchy to a constitu- intensified his interest in psychology and foreigners get to visit, but it also allows them tional democracy. Now, amid rapid political, sparked a desire for a more holistic approach to truly live the culture as members of the economic and social changes, the nation Turkey Libya to his studies. “i want my education to be Bhutanese community. is committed to preserving its unspoiled Georgia Cyprus more than aArmenia means to a monetary end. i want Because of the program’s uniqueness, last environment and maintaining its Buddhist Lebanon it to benefit asAzerbaijan many people as possible.” cultural tradition, as part of its national Israel Kazakhstan May Wheaton was awarded the 2012 prize in Syria North Japan That kind of lasting impact is one that the the “innovative New Program–Study abroad” policy ofKorea Gross National Happiness. Egypt Iraq Uzbekistan Mongolia Jordan program creators and coordinatorsTurkmenistan have aimed Under the guidance of a Wheaton faculty category of a competition sponsored by South for since the program was first launched in KyrgyzstanGoabroad.com, a web-based resource for member, studentsKorea take four courses dur- 2010. The Bhutan study abroad program isTajikistan international study and travel. Hundreds of ing the semester, including “contemporary Kuwait a partnership betweenIran Wheaton and royal nominations were submitted for eight contest Bhutan Society,” “Bhutanese Language and Saudi Arabia Afghanistan Thimphu college (rTc), the culture,” one course with Sudan Bahrain first privateQatar institution of rTc students in political Eritrea higher learning there. The Pakistan C h i n a science, economics, en- U.A.E. Bhutan official partnership between Nepal vironmental studies, or the two collegesOman began sociology, and “Practicum Yemen Dijbouti when a Memorandum of in Bhutan”—a course for Bangladesh Understanding was signed India which students work at a Myanmar Philippines Ethiopia in 2009, capping off months Laos local service organization Palau of talks involving administra- or government agency. in Kenya Thailand Somalia tors and faculty from both Vietnam addition, students take four Cambodia rTc and Wheaton. rTc trips to different parts of officials were seeking to the country and visit many create a liberal arts experi- natural and historic sites. Sri Lanka Brunei
Malaysia Malaysia Singapore 20 WHEATON QUARTERLY I n d o n e s i a Comoros East Timor
Madagascar Australia The students also live in dorms each other…. This program with Bhutanese students, with promotes tolerance, patience and whom many have developed last- respect for each other, despite ing friendships. differing cultural and religious be- The Bhutan program perfectly liefs and backgrounds, which are fits into Wheaton’s commit- very important traits in becoming ment to helping to create a global citizen. The presence of global citizens by providing a the Wheaton students on campus culturally infused curriculum, gives the Bhutanese students the encouraging study abroad, and constant reminder of the world offering faculty-led trips, says beyond the campus and Bhutan, Professor of Psychology Bianca thereby motivating them to work cody Murphy, the Bhutan harder and achieve the skills and program co-coordinator, along experiences they will need to be with associate Professor of successful as they enter the job anthropology Bruce owens. market upon graduation.” Murphy was the first resident So far, a total of 36 Wheaton director in 2010; owens is the students from various majors have current resident director. been selected for the program. “Students learn about another Professors Murphy and owens are culture by being immersed in it. The 2012 Bhutan group: Ruby Treyball ’15, Alexandra pleased that the Wheaton program in addition, we’re also creating a recipro- Foster ’15, Anna Pevear ’14, James Elliott ’15, Meagan is now accepting students from other col- cally beneficial program for our students Gagnon ’14 and Angus Barstow ’14; seated, Professor leges and universities. Jeffrey Timm and Wangchuck Rinzin lam Fuga. and faculty, and for rTc students and “This is a very intensive study abroad expe- faculty,” says Murphy. nations,” dolkar says. “There are numerous rience. it’s not for everybody,” owens points Tshering dolkar, the rTc international benefits to the Bhutanese students and the out. “We want students who are sensitive relations officer responsible for program faculty in terms of exposure to not just the and appreciative of cultural differences, and logistics in Bhutan, agrees, and adds that the american culture but also the american have a capacity and flexibility to adjust to the program has broad implications. system of education. as the world becomes unexpected. We want students who are really “it’s not just a partnership between the one big global village, it is very important interested in an experience that will probably two institutions, but also between the two for each citizen to understand and respect change their lives.”
“I often think of my experience in Inspiring interactions Bhutan when I think of my current work in education and my interest Aaron Bos-Lun ’12 that kind of hands-on caribbean. i often think of in America’s democracy.” Political science major research experience? my experience in Bhutan Teach For America, Miami-Dade i had the chance to when i think of my current County Public Schools meet and interview the Minister My interview with the work in education and my inter- of Education, and asked him minister directly influenced my est in america’s democracy— Bhutan participant, fall 2011 about the relationship between decision to apply to Teach For how do we open the doors of “i wrote my senior thesis on democracy and education. His America. I am now in my first opportunity to more people, and Bhutan’s transition to democracy, response put into words the year as a high school teacher in how do we make america work and was able to interview mem- thoughts i had had throughout Miami. in the 21st century? bers of Parliament and a minister, my Wheaton years, that educa- i am ultimately interested in i found answers to part of this and to hear the prime minister tion and democracy are both public policy, and many of my in the tiny Himalayan kingdom. speak three times. Where else meant to allow people to create students are recent immigrants Bhutan will always be a part of could i have done this, or gained the best version of themselves. from Latin america or the my thinking.”
SPRING 2013 21 Lasting impressions
Sarah Collins ’13 was recently published. We International relations and continue to work on this project biology major and plan to write more papers Bhutan participant, fall 2010 on the topic. “i wrote a research paper for i am looking forward to a class i took in Bhutan with combining my interests in Professor Bianca cody Murphy. i international relations and biol- was interested in the generation ogy in the future in the field of that has experienced the rapid sustainable development, and i modernization of the country since believe that Bhutan has served 1960. So, i interviewed a daugh- as a great case study to assess ter, mother and grandmother of the ways in which countries three different families to compare could go about modernizing their similarities and differences in while maintaining their tradi- experiences and values. tional values and beliefs. For the past two years, The fact that i am still con- Professor Murphy and i have stantly reading and writing about continued to work on this Bhutan through my work with project. We received a research Professor Murphy was definitely grant, which allowed us to travel unexpected. i took away a great back to the country in 2012 to long-term research experience conduct more interviews. from my semester there. Beyond that, i learned a lot about my- in March of 2012, i pre- Above, Sarah Collins ’13 and Raphael Sweet ’12 interact with Bhutanese children; sented my paper at the National self—that i am capable of adapt- Tsewang Nidup explains prayer wheels at one of Bhutan’s oldest temples to Sara conference of Undergraduate ing to new environments more Mitsinikos ’15, Benjamin Gagnon ’15, Catherine Perkins ’14, Nicholas Emard ’14 research, in Utah, and my paper than i previously thought.” and Tianna Lall ’14.
Building blocks
Adam Goldberg ’12 applying Buddhist philosophies i taught three classes of frightening one, but the convic- Conflict and social change major to every sector of its society, Bhutanese students—ages 10 to tion in my abilities allowed me 2012 Watson Fellow including economic develop- 13 and numbering about 100— to steadfastly pursue the fellow- Bhutan participant, fall 2011 ment and nation building. What for eight to 10 hours a week. ship. if it wasn’t for the Bhutan an opportunity! Never before had i taught stu- program, i doubt i would have “a Buddhist kingdom that is Perhaps the greatest thing i dents; in fact, i usually avoided been as prepared as i was to undergoing a transformation from an absolute monarchy to a took from the Bhutan program them. But what better way to undertake this journey. constitutional monarchy, while was confidence. I could not learn about a school’s program Bhutan was the most in- simultaneously presenting to the predict what would happen and a society’s culture? credible, if not most difficult, world the revolutionary idea of while there, and, at first, that was This was happening as i experience of my life. it taught Gross National Happiness in very frightening. When i initially was applying for the Watson me more about myself than i accordance with its Buddhist met the principal of Jigme Losel Fellowship to travel in asia and could imagine. i knew i could heritage? Bhutan was like a vast Primary School to learn about the explore how Buddhism is used adapt and take on different land of unexplored wonders. school’s program, she petrified as a vehicle for peace building roles—such as teacher—that i’d i had the chance to be one of me when she rose and said, ‘ok, and conflict reconciliation. The never thought myself capable the few to see how Bhutan is i’ll show you to your students.’ idea of traveling alone for one of. Unpredictability no longer attempting transformations and For the next four months, year to conduct research was a scares me.”
22 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Wheaton students try on ghos and kiras, Bhutan’s national dress for men and women (respectively) in Thimphu. From left to right: Benjamin Kragen ’14, Alec Jeannotte ’15, Ana Brenes-Coto ’15, Carolyn Decker ’14, Ariel Eaton ’14, Sara Mitsinikos ’15, Catherine Perkins ’14, Tianna Lall ’14 and Benjamin Gagnon ’15.
Interesting internships
William McNamara ’13, a politi- Anna Pevear ’14, a film and new Ludivine de Rancourt ’13, an Atsu Ishizumi ’12, a music ma- cal science major, had two in- media studies major, interned international relations major jor, and Raphael “Raffi” Sweet ternships while in Bhutan in fall last fall at Bhutan center for who studied in fall 2011, taught ’12, a psychology major, hosted 2011. a member of Wheaton’s Media and democracy, a two sixth grade classes of about a radio show at kuzoo-FM—one men’s lacrosse team, he taught nonprofit devoted to teaching 30 students for six to eight hours of Bhutan’s major national radio the sport at the Jigme Losel Bhutanese people about the each week. She and a friend stations. Working as both show Primary School, and worked new democracy and showing also started a debate club for hosts and program produc- with children who have physical them how to debate and express students to practice their critical- ers, ishizumi and Sweet had and mental disabilities at the political views using media. thinking skills after school. “i the opportunity to bring their draktsho school. “Sharing the She made a movie about one of loved being with the children. love of music to the country. game i love with the Bhutanese the forums presented on Gross The headmaster gave us the op- kuzoo-FM’s primary mission is children was so much fun,” he National Happiness. “i was able portunity to be creative, which to help young people gain self- says. “and getting to know the to study how the country views inspired me to do all sorts of confidence. Each week, the two kids at draktsho and spend- the role of media in their new activities. We went on field trips, hosts led discussions with listen- ing time with them really made democracy. it was interesting which they had never done ers and studio guests covering a me happy. i also got to emcee to see what they wanted to use before, and tried out new activi- range of topics—transitions and a Special olympics event—an media for and what they actually ties like kickball, lacrosse and life changes, alcohol and drug experience i will never forget.” use media for—mostly social capture the flag. My internship abuse, dating and relationships, networking.” made me realize that i want to the influence of Western music, have a career in teaching.” Gross National Happiness, to name a few. They also created a new jingle for the station id. Q
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 23 Progress in numbers Science center: $36,118,382 committed to expanding and enhancing science facilities through the Mars Center for Science and Technology. Goal: $35 million Student scholarships: $37,472,911 committed to increasing scholarship support for Wheaton students and their families. Goal: $50.6 million Annual support: $29,632,244 contributed to the Wheaton Fund since July 1, 2005. Alumnae/i, parents and friends committed $3,136,003 from July 1, 2012 through Feb. 28, 2013. Goal: $4.5 million for fiscal year 2013 (ends on June 30, 2013); $34.4 million by June 30, 2014 Student-faculty research: $1,383,388 committed to support student-faculty research collaborations through the establishment of endowed funds for that purpose. Artificial turf field: $3,130,215 committed for construction of an artificial turf field and lighting to expand opportunities for intercollegiate, club and intramural sports. Goal: $3,865,000 by June 30, 2013
Campaign leadership Kenneth R. Babby ’02 Nancy Pearlstine Conger ’67, co-chair Deborah Haigh Dluhy ’62 Debra Kent Glidden ’68, co-chair Thomas Hollister, co-chair Janet Lindholm Lebovitz ’72 Margaret Dunn Smith ’73 More online wheatoncollege.edu/giving
CONTENTS
24 WHEATON QUARTERLY Working capital When she was a junior at Wheaton, Virginia Weil ’65, P’98 discovered the path that led to her career in international business and diplomacy. She spent the summer working in the office of alabama congressman armistead Selden Jr., a member of her home state’s congressional delegation. The work itself was typical intern fare— answering constituent mail and a variety of “My summer internship was a other administrative duties. But Selden also stepping stone.” allowed the Wheaton gov- Virginia Weil ’65, P’98 ernment major to perform research for the House Subcommittee on Latin tion that connects senior business executives american with heads of state, cabinet ministers and affairs, which senior government officials. The coun- he chaired, and cil also briefs senior officials in the State a group involved in an department on issues of importance to area of the world in american businesses working overseas, in- which Weil was par- cluding issues involving intellectual property ticularly interested. protections, price controls and state-sanc- “i came back to Wheaton in the fall tioned corruption. college’s current and future students. and said, ‘i learned more this summer “My summer internship was a stepping “i think it’s so important for people to than in any one course i took,’” Weil said. stone,” said Weil. “For me, it was a turn- explore their career possibilities,” she said. “Whatever i had been exposed to while do- ing point.” “internships expose students to the real world ing work as a 20-year-old intern, it opened “Wheaton transformed me,” she said. “it in a way that even good colleges can’t.” my eyes to politics, business and govern- wasn’t just the internship. Wheaton certainly The Virginia a. Weil ’65 Endowed ment.” gave me an education and the kind of class- internship Fund will provide stipends for The experience sparked her desire to live room challenge that you don’t get in a large students interested in careers in international and work where the nation’s policy was university.” business and diplomacy with emphasis on formed, and it inspired her to provide the Her reflections on her college experience, practical, employment-oriented pursuits. means for future students to start their own including that internship, led the former Weil noted that her family was able to journey of discovery. Wheaton trustee to establish an endowed support her during the summer she spent in She moved to Washington after gradu- fund to support internship stipends for the Washington, d.c. “Not every student can ation, starting her career in the division of afford to take an unpaid internship and live foreign affairs of the congressional research Her reflections on her away from home,” she said. “i hope the Office, a service of the Library of Congress. college experience, including students who receive stipends from the fund Today, Weil, who earned an M.B.a. that internship, led the former will have experiences that mean as much to at Georgetown University, is the manag- them as mine did to me.” Q ing director for the Business council for Wheaton trustee to establish —Michael Graca international Understanding, an organiza- an endowed fund to support internship stipends for the college’s current and future students.
CONTENTS SPRING 2013 25 Paying it forward
Niki riedell d’Esopo ’93 knew how lucky She interned at senior Wheaton worked with my she was as a student and that inspires her to citizen centers and pro- family through a combina- give back today. duced a senior thesis on tion of financial aid, sum- “When i was a freshman entering adult day care. Those ex- mer earnings, part-time Wheaton in 1989, it was only the second periences led to a position work during school, and a year of coeducation. i had the best of both as an outreach coordina- named scholarship.” worlds—the junior and senior classes tor for andover’s council That experience is were still all women, while the freshman on aging and then to a what drives d’Esopo and and sophomore classes were coed,” said position managing data her husband to serve on d’Esopo, who majored in sociology and for a company providing the college’s President’s family studies. “i was able to see the his- software services to eldercare organizations. commission and to support a Wheaton Fund tory and traditions of the school as an all “The college prepared me with not only Scholarship for current students. “I benefited women’s college and how they changed as academic knowledge, but also the impor- from another alum’s generosity, and i know the school became fully coed.” tance of practical work experience,” she said. that my annual gift makes a difference in help- She also says that her education had im- However, Wheaton would have been out ing another student. mediate practical benefits. “My junior- and of reach for d’Esopo had she not received “Not only does the student benefit, but it’s senior-year internships were critical in help- student financial aid. “Everyone knows that my way of showing the college how much i ing me to translate what i learned in school college is expensive,” she said. “in my case, appreciate my education.” Q to a career after college,” d’Esopo said. making the finances work was complex, but —Michael Graca Setting the stage for others
diana Buckhantz ’72 can play many roles Goodman, who was one of my great teachers. it’s really critical to have a strong basis of and she has: actress, film producer, public i had wonderful English professors, too.“ skills so that you can adapt.” relations consultant, advocate for social The broad base of knowledge and Today, Buckhantz devotes much of her justice at home and abroad, philanthropist abilities built up through liberal arts study energy to supporting causes important and Broadway producer, to name a few. proved to be a boon, she said, when she to her—combating genocide in chad, She credits her Wheaton education with put aside her dream of an acting career providing support to women in the helping her develop the range to succeed to make documentary films and then to congo and homeless youth in Southern in a variety of careers, and it’s what has launch a 25-year career in public relations california—as the director of the Vladimir inspired her to support student scholarships for nonprofit organizations. and araxia Buckhantz Foundation. She at the college today. “i had skills. i could write. i knew also has returned to her love of theater Growing up in New York city, Buckhantz grammar. i knew how to express myself. as a producer, helping to launch two says that her lifelong love of the theater found That’s really critical,” she said. “When you productions, on and off Broadway, this year. expression at Wheaton. “Theater is just a huge are in college, you don’t know what interests “i feel very privileged to have these love in my life. i was an actress and i spent a of yours will become passions in the future. opportunities,” Buckhantz said. That sense lot of my time at Wheaton down in of gratitude moved her to support the experimental theater,” she said. “i student scholarships at Wheaton loved it.” through the Wheaton Fund. Her appreciation for college “i want other young men and women extended beyond the theater, to have this opportunity,” she said. “To however. “i got a great education,” she be educated, to be exposed to other said, describing the college’s faculty ideas and find things that interest you. as excellent. “i can still remember That experience enriches your world.” Q political science professor Jay —Michael Graca
Diana Buckhantz ’72 with a staff member at 26 WHEATON QUARTERLYCONTENTS Heal Africa Hospital in Goma, DRC Education appreciation When adrienne Wheeler rudge ’63 arrived at Wheaton, she knew that she had landed in the right place. “i liked the small classes. i liked the school classes that were written by the late relationships you could have with your Professor of English curtis dahl. teachers, most of whom i thought were rudge remembers friends and fellow top-notch,” said rudge, an English ma- students receiving scholarships to attend jor. “it was the only time i had gone to a Wheaton, but her appreciation for such single-sex school during my student career, support grew during the years that she and there was a nice comfort level there in taught high school English. rudge to support scholarships at Wheaton speaking out in class.” “i had one very talented student head- in anticipation of her class’s 50th reunion. The value of the education proved ing off to Smith and she needed a schol- “i did it to honor my Wheaton friends itself after she graduated. “i felt very well arship to go,” rudge said. “Thankfully, and students who have benefited from prepared when i left college, and i en- she got it, and she’s gone on to be a very scholarships.” rolled in a master’s program at NYU.” in resourceful teacher.” —Michael Graca fact, she recalls reading articles in graduate Those experiences are what inspired
Meaningful Julie Bogen ’14 Judith Garcia ’13 Joseph Campbell ’14 Glavin Family Scholarship Rosemary Pye ’68 Scholarship Anson and Jean J. Beard ’65 Trustee support Community Scholar Urban Studies Scholar Chemistry Students who receive Film and New Media Studies Chelsea, Mass. Litchfield, Conn. “Scholarships have a ripple effect. Loudon, N.H. scholarship support “A scholarship means an opportunity I’m at Wheaton because I was “I worked with Professor Jani Benoit know firsthand the to get an education. It means an supported by scholarships and I’m on a summer research project. We opportunity to get an internship. This very grateful. My had a lot of one-on-one time, a lot impact that philanthropy summer I was goal has always of lab time to able to work at a been to go back learn research can have on the lives publication, helping to disadvantaged skills. I loved of others. They live out with their PR communities like it. At a bigger and press and the one I grew up university, if an it. Several students writing articles for in and help the undergrad is doing them. people there. research, he is recently talked about probably making Without the I was gone for four months to photocopies and handing them to a scholarship, it would not have been study in Muscat, Oman. I learned what scholarship awards graduate student. Here, you really are possible. I know I wouldn’t be able Arabic; I learned to read it, write involved. You’re right in the thick of mean to them and how to be here without it. I wouldn’t be it and speak it. Now, I’m trilingual. the material. It’s really an experience able to participate in extracurriculars What led me to choose Oman is Wheaton is changing like no other. without it, and I certainly wouldn’t that it was completely different: their lives. have had access to the internship I a different environment, different I definitely needed a lot of financial had this summer without it. religion, different culture. The help to get to college. When Wheaton experience made me a more was able to provide it for me, it was a Wheaton is a dream. This place is conscious individual and a more gift. Without it, I don’t know if I would unlike any I’ve ever been. I’ve never informed individual, and that is very have made it to college.” Q been a part of such a welcoming, important.” patient, supportive community—the —Michael Graca professors, the students. Thank you, it’s really been perfect.” Online Learn more about these students by watching our videos.
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 27 Family mat
28 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS Joseph Lee ’08 brings leading-edge science to infertility research
By Andrew Faught as Superstorm Sandy chased tens of thousands of New Yorkers from Lower Manhattan in october, Joseph Lee ’08 played a role in an altogether different human drama less than two miles from surging floodwaters. at the Midtown offices of reproductive Medicine associates of New York (rMa), where Lee is research project manager, live incubated embryos awaiting uterine implantation suddenly were at risk when much of the island lost power. So were the childbearing hopes of as many as 10 women scheduled for fertility treatments that had to be performed within a 48-hour window. in the end, the power held, even as stress levels spiked. “There was a lot of confusion and resiliency and perseverance are traits nerves were high. The phones were he’s embodied since growing up in ringing off the hook,” says Lee, who blue-collar Lewiston, Maine, where he was unable to return to his Queens lacked a father figure but found fulfillment home because of the storm. “We tried marveling over the human condition, to answer everyone’s questions, and albeit through a scientific lens. A high we were on 24/7 alert to make sure school science class viewing of the 1997 everything was ok.” film “Gattaca,” which considered the There was good reason for vigilance. role of genetics on in vitro fertilization Sixty blocks south, NYU Fertility center technology, particularly stoked his not only lost power, but its basement scientific ardor. flooded and generators failed, forcing “i’ve always been intrigued by how frenzied staff to safeguard embryos in humans work from a cellular basis,” Lee liquid nitrogen. No embryos were lost at says. “We’re the most complex machines either center, and rMa of New York was in the world, and trying to understand our able to provide transportation and lodging mechanics is fascinating to me.” to patients with scheduled appointments. He landed at rMa of New York in Bowing to the storm was never an 2011, after spending two years as a option for Lee, a biology major who research assistant at Boston children’s Family matters graduated cum laude from Wheaton. Hospital, within Harvard Medical PHoToS BY roSSa coLE
SPRING 2013 29 School’s stem cell research program. something that can be advantageous to There he studied cancer biology in people,” Lee says. “But it’s frustrating zebrafish. In 2007, Lee was a research when you work on a project for months intern at the Medical college of and months and nothing comes out of it. Georgia, where he worked in the That’s always a letdown. You have to try vascular biology department. not to get distracted by that and go from Lee opted against enrolling in medical there.” school and instead applied for the fertility Lee brings one particularly important center job because he felt he could have quality to research, says Edmund a more immediate impact on patients. Tong, emeritus professor of biology at “i wanted to get involved with what is Wheaton: he’s open-minded. called translational research, which goes “That’s very important in research,” right to the bedside of the patient,” he Tong says. “if you’re stubborn and says. “i had a real hunger for this. We’re have a one-track mind, you might seeing how families are created, and it’s expect your results and discard the exciting to be a part of that. i’m a big outcomes. if you accept different family person, and being in a research outcomes, you might make the best field like this enhances that.” out of accidental discoveries.” Lee was to the point when he applied for a technique that will allow doctors to implant Lee calls Tong a father figure, someone the job. at 25, there was nothing to lose. not just the best embryo, but a genetically who “would stay late and go over and over “i basically said to them, ‘i know “perfect” embryo, with the strongest odds of a concept until you understood it. He really i probably have the least amount of being carried to full term. implanting a single respected people who showed ambition, experience among applicants, but i’ll work embryo also cuts down on potential health and he listened and really cared about his for a low salary. Give me a chance and risks to the mother inherent to multiple births. students. He took me under his wing starting we’ll see what happens,’” he recalls. “They researchers around the country are racing my freshman year.” Lee’s favorite classes at liked that. It’s a rarity to find someone who to reach the same goal, a hypercompetitive the college included anatomy, physiology and can be very vocal and confident within the contest punctuated by hope and frustration alternative medicine, all taught by Tong, who science field, and be able to connect with alike. reasons for infertility vary, making a retired last June. people quickly. They gave me a chance and magic solution elusive. Tong’s first impressions of his budding it’s worked out.” in vitro research has exploded in the past protégé were distinct: “i thought he was Lee’s approach resonated with dr. alan five years, as researchers unravel the human from california. He looked like a valley copperman, the clinic’s cEo and vice genome, Lee says. researchers are all on the boy, and he had this very relaxed, low-key chairman of the department of obstetrics, hunt for telltale biomarkers—proteins and demeanor.” Lee’s fashion sensibilities veer Gynecology and reproductive Science genes—that could tip off an embryo’s viability. to the preppy, a look he’s cultivated with at Mount Sinai Medical center. Lee has “clinical research is the most exciting academic-like zeal. turned out to be a “key component in our and most dreadful thing to be part of, “it’s New England prep with a twist of scientific mission,” he says. exciting because of the possibility of finding modern Englishman,” Lee says. “it’s very “it’s important that we continue to much a prep style, but a little more be inquisitive, that we innovate, that we formfitting. The pants are narrow, the critically analyze our own data and data ties are narrow.” (Until recently, he from peer-reviewed journals, and that maintained a men’s fashion blog at we effectively partner with industry and Preplee.com.) academia,” copperman says. There is a bit of California influence “i like how Joe is not afraid to learn,” to Lee’s character. He’s surfed since he he adds. “and he can even sing and was 10, learning the sport with his cousin dance.” (Lee was hired shortly before the in, of all places, the mild waters of old company’s holiday party.) orchard Beach, Maine. He’s since surfed rMa is one of the nation’s largest in six- to 10-foot waves in locales as varied vitro fertilization centers. as part of its as australia’s east coast, and even in Peru research team, Lee is working to develop (“the best surfing I ever had”), where
30 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton he took part in a surf “voluntourism” healthy, says Judkins. The pair met program called WaVES for development at a new-student gathering at the International. The nonprofit effort teams kennebunkport, Maine, home of a surfers with impoverished Peruvian Wheaton alumna. Lee was dressed with youths, teaching them the sport while his typical style sensibilities. engaging them in community service and “He was wearing two polos, one on educational opportunities. top of the other with both of the collars Lee’s assertiveness was hard to ignore popped up,” Judkins says. “i think one of that first year at Wheaton. He wanted to them was pink and the other was yellow. do lab work as a freshman so badly that We made fun of him for four years he wouldn’t heed Tong’s suggestion that straight. He dresses so well i actually he wait a semester for a space to open. thought he was an upperclassman when “i said, ‘You know what? i’ll just show I first met him.” up and work alongside people and learn,’” The classmates roomed together in Lee says with a chuckle. “once you’re Mcintire Hall their freshman year. They there, sometimes they’re stuck with you.” resolved to push the boundaries of Says Tong: “I finally decided he is academic and athletic growth, working aggressive in getting what he wants in out together and spending hours a very subtle, relaxed way.” Tong’s teaching his future on Norton because he liked the talking science. outside the classroom, style worked well with Lee’s work habits. Wheaton ethos after visiting the campus, Lee took part in Wheaton-organized “i trust students,” Tong says. “once they’ve “and i heard the science program was good, Habitat for Humanity projects in Florida learned the basic concepts and methods, so i just went for it.” But there was one and the Virgin islands. then they’re on their own and can take their problem. The basketball team wasn’t looking “Some people may see Joe as being own approach.” for a 5-foot-10-inch shooting guard. cocky,” says Judkins, now a second-year Lee’s research focused on angiogenesis “i talked to the coaches and they said i’d student at the Edward Via college of in zebrafish—or the development of blood have to walk on,” Lee says. Not only did osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va. vessels from preexisting blood vessels. he make the varsity squad as a freshman, “He’s just very, very sure of himself and that although the research doesn’t have a direct but he found a way to offset his height carries him further than most people would bearing on his current fertility research, Lee disadvantage. Lee took his game to the go. He’s not afraid to dip his toe into the credits Tong’s lab with giving him critical perimeter, proving to be one of the Lyons’ cold waters. i think you might see his name research instincts. leading three-point throwers during his pop up in the research world some day, or “if you don’t have experience going into freshman year. as a leader in general.” the scientific world, things can be very But academic rigors and his devotion to Lee says it’s impossible to overstate the confusing and people typically won’t hold scientific research pushed basketball to the college’s influence, from small class sizes and your hand,” Lee says. “Wheaton gave me sidelines. (“i actually did away with talking a diverse student body, to its emphasis on the skills to interact clearly and confidently to former teammates for the most part, and writing, and non-major-related courses such with other researchers and scientists. i didn’t go to games. it was a big part of my as art history, which he credits for giving him “The college also challenged me to engage identity, so it was tough to give it up.”) Lee a broader perspective on the world. “Every with people who maybe don’t have the did, however, keep his shooting form by course i took at Wheaton formulated who i same mind-set, which is instrumental once competing in intramural basketball. am now. They were tough, but i’m glad they you leave Wheaton,” he adds. “You’re not The lab became his new proving ground. were tough. Now that i’m out there, i can see just going to work with people in science. Lee and friend kyle Judkins ’08, also a the advantage. Wheaton opened up many The college geared me to be ambitious, and biology major from Maine, spent long hours doors on my view of the world. made me strive to be better. it made me in Tong’s lab, working on angiogenesis “i always had the feeling at Wheaton focus on my goals, and it definitely matured research. The pair used computer software that there was a great community me very quickly. When you talk to people to map blood flow in zebrafish, an effort supporting me and pushing me to be the who went to large universities, they don’t get that could lead to better care for a number best person i could be.” Q it the way we get it.” of diseases. Their research was published in recruited by several New England colleges the Zebrafish scientific journal. Andrew Faught is a freelance writer who lives to play basketball, he opted instead to bank The relationship was competitive but in California.
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 31 ALUMNAE/I ASSOCIATION NEWS
PHoToS BY GaViN aSHWorTH Anne-Imelda Radice ’69 named head of American Folk Art Museum
New York city is home to many cultural The american alliance of Founded in 1961, the institutions. But even in the crowded cultural Museums’ president, Ford american Folk art Museum landscape of the Big apple, the american W. Bell, praised radice as spotlights the work of self- Folk art Museum stands out, with its “a natural leader” when taught artists from the 18th devotion to celebrating the creativity and the american Folk art century to the present, in individuality of self-taught artists. Museum announced her forms ranging from painting Folk art, as its name suggests, is the art of appointment. “She is willing and sculpture to everyday the people. “There’s no really pat definition,” to make bold decisions and objects like quilts and explained anne-imelda radice ’69, who has a genuine passion for weather vanes. The New recently took over as the museum’s executive the arts,” he said. “i have no York Times has lauded its director. “it can be anything from a painting doubt we will be hearing holdings as an “unparalleled or a sculpture to an object of daily life that’s about how the institution is mixture of classic american done by someone who’s not a trained artist, flourishing under her tenure folk art and 20th-century who didn’t go to school, who may be influ- for years to come.” outsider geniuses.” enced by what he or she sees around them.” radice, who grew up in Buffalo, arrived at “our collection is unique,” radice said. radice has spent the bulk of her three- Wheaton planning to major in chemistry. But “it’s a beloved institution in New York.” decade career working in Washington, she soon found herself drawn to the art histo- Since selling its headquarters to pay off its d.c., most recently as head of the institute ry department and its instructors, notably, the debts, the museum has operated out of a of Museum and Library Services, where she legendary longtime professor Mary Heuser. smaller facility across from Lincoln center reported directly to President George W. Bush “one of the things i always said about and a satellite space at the South Street and then President obama. Her deep appre- Wheaton is that it’s a place that lets you Seaport Museum. ciation for the value of art is fused with the no- learn how to think,” she recalled. “i’m a big as executive director, radice is respon- nonsense pragmatism necessary to be effective believer in liberal arts education. i think it’s sible for the day-to-day operations of the on capitol Hill. and she relishes a challenge. a shame when people get so specialized so museum, as well as the implementation of “Everything i did in my career and will quickly and then they miss so much.” the board’s artistic vision. Her major goals continue to do is geared toward bringing radice traces her love for folk art in part to going forward are to attract more visitors to people in who are usually locked out, or the many Saturdays she spent as a Wheaton the museum and to strengthen its relation- who don’t know that they could be part of student visiting the Museum of Fine arts in ship with frequent patrons. something very special and that they have Boston. “When you have the opportunity to go “i’m literally the one with that sign on my the right to participate,” radice said. “i’ve to school in New England and you make plans desk that Harry Truman had,” she said. “The always liked what museums sometimes call in New England, you’re exposed to a lot of buck stops here.” Q ‘the general public.’” traditional folk art,” she said. —Ted Nesi ’07
32 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Truth and beauty in black and white
The award-winning photographer dorothy kerper Monnelly ’58 has been called the “ansel adams of the wetlands.” Like adams before her, Monnelly works in black and white and uses a large- format camera to illuminate the majesty of the natural world. Beginning this June, Monnelly will exhibit her work alongside adams’s in “Fragile Waters,” a traveling exhibition conceived in response to the 2010 BP oil spill. For more than 35 years, Monnelly has been enthralled by the salt marsh land- scape of Boston’s North Shore, and she conveys its ever-changing beauty through her photographs. it was Monnelly’s agent, Barbara cox, who conceived of the idea of a photography exhibition as a response to the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. “Fragile Waters,” which will also feature work by the renowned underwater pho- tographer Ernest H. Brooks ii, is meant to be “a positive and inspiring reminder of the significance of clean water,” Monnelly says. “all of the photographers in the show are lifelong activists for the marine environment, and we all share the love of black-and-white photography and its pure imagery. our hope is that the photographs will stimulate thoughtful response. We want to draw atten- tion to the clean-water issue on a domestic and global level.” and the search for truth as a young student Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, Va., at Wheaton, Monnelly studied philoso- at Wheaton. i was excited by the great then travel to museums in the U.S. and phy, and that experience still shapes her. philosophers—aristotle, kierkegaard—and abroad through early 2015. Q “When we photograph, we bring our whole transfixed by the ideas of truth and beauty, —Hannah Benoit self to the process,” she says, “and the concepts that would later become the bed- inspiration for my photography has a strong rock of my photography.” For information connection with my focus on philosophy The exhibition will open in June at the visit photokunst.com/photography-exhibitions.php.
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 33 ALUMNAE/I ASSOCIATION NEWS Pitch-perfect life in music
a young girl sits pensively on a rocky beach in Salem, Mass., haunted by lost love. She sings a mournful “Winter Song,” captured richly in a black-and-white YouTube video worthy of MTV. Soon, a dozen other young people chime in, echoing perfect chords. They are the teen voices of WitchPitch? in their first music video of a cover song on their debut CD, “Here,” which was released in 2012. Their leader is alexander Grover ’09. He created the group in 2009, and in a short time he and his young singers dEBoraH ParkEr have won more than just applause. Alexander Grover ’09 (center), a former member of the Gentlemen Callers, leads While at Wheaton, Grover, 25, did WitchPitch? in rehearsal for a concert; the group (below) strikes a dramatic pose. everything musically possible on stage, including accidentally falling off one personal relationships to take voice lessons in Boston. i was an actor at once. Since graduating he has achieved with peers and profes- Wheaton, and now i perform in the community a perfect blend of life harmonies by sors, the classes, and the as an actor and almost at a professional level. combining musical avocation with extracurricular activities It feels great,” said Grover, who just finished a professional vocation. WitchPitch? (a all opened doors for master’s degree in music education at Boston play on “which” and the Salem High learning the life skills and University. mascot, a witch) is part of the success- practical skills i needed it is a far cry from his audible nervousness at ful combo. to succeed. i love making music. i love making age 10 when he sang his first solo at his church’s The former music director of Wheaton’s a it myself, and i love seeing others make it with christmas Eve service at his minister’s request. cappella group Gentlemen callers, Grover is some of my influence and some of their own.” “Every three measures i tripped up and had to bewitching the cliffs of his hometown by now at Wheaton, he combined his two loves by swallow in order to continue,” he said. “i’ve al- directing a group of teens from his high school majoring in music and minoring in theatre. He ways said if i ever win a Tony award, i will thank alma mater. and he is doing it so well that was a member of the Gentlemen callers all four her in my speech for pushing me to do that.” they have twice reached the Varsity Vocals years and he directed them for three. He also For now, he credits Lianne Goodwin’s choral international championship of High School acted and sang in productions with local com- program at Salem High for the impetus to form a cappella during the past two years, most munity groups. the group. WitchPitch? won the New England recently beating out nine other groups to get Grover’s past and present continue to be semifinals and performed twice at the national there. syncopated synchronicity. finals in New York. Four of his teens also won Living his dream, Grover attributes his suc- “i ran an a cappella group at Wheaton and individual awards. cess to his undergraduate days. “Wheaton was now i run an a cappella group at a high school. “it was all very unexpected, and a very excit- the best four years of my life,” he said. “The i took voice lessons at Wheaton, and i continue ing moment for us. it was exhilarating,” said Grover. “Watching the group each time they won the semifinal and each performance in New York was better than any other perfor- mance i’ve ever been a part of or attended.” This year will be Grover’s last directing the group. Now the full-time choral director at nearby danvers High, he has already formed a new group there called Falconize. “i will miss Salem, and will always hold a special place for WitchPitch? in my heart,” he said. “i truly am doing what makes me happy, continuing to do exactly what i discovered and did at Wheaton, outside of Wheaton.” Q —James Merolla 34 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton Spring forward
Last fall, Boston-based online fashion company UsTrendy, which was founded by Sam Sisakhti ’05, made a fall appearance in a run- way show during London Fashion Week. For the past four years, the company has provided indepen- dent fashion designers with an avenue to sell and promote their work. UsTrendy also held its first campus fashion design contest last fall, and launched a philan- thropic effort by donating cloth- ing to Big Brothers Big Sisters for the holiday season. So you missed fashion week in London? Paris, Milan and New York, too? No worries. We asked the stylish Sisakhti, who was awarded a 2012 Young alumnae/i award, to tell us what will be hot for spring. Hold onto your camisoles, ladies; see- through is one of the themes this season. Q Top trends: • Midriff showing (crop tops and peekaboo dresses) PHoToS BY USTrENdY • Pleated and skater-style dresses • Lace, revealing skin underneath • Bright and vibrant colors • Lots of leg • Classic black and white making a major comeback • Stripes, dots, snakeskin and fringe
Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) CONTENTS SPRING 2013 35 CLASS NOTES
California reception
a Wheaton recep- tion for Bay area- california alumnae/i was held on November 27, hosted by deborah alton Matthews ’78. More than 35 alumnae/i and their guests attended this event featuring Professor Meg kirkpatrick, coordinator of the neuroscience pro- gram. President ronald crutcher provided an update President Emerita Dale Rogers Marshall, host Deborah Alton Matthews ’78, President Ronald Crutcher, Professor Meg Kirkpatrick about the campaign and the college, and Jane rowe Mraz ’57 shared greetings from the alumnae/i Board association. Guests included President Emerita dale rogers Marshall, ann Stowe ’92, Lucas Mayer ’11, Julie Lydon ’94, catherine Malone Habas ’93, and Susan “Susie” keene Stitt ’58 (former trustee) and daughter Susan “Susie” Keene Stitt ’58 with daughter Elisabeth Stitt ’88. Ann Stowe ’92, Lucas Mayer ’11, Julie Lydon ’94, Catherine Malone Habas ’93 Elisabeth Stitt ’88
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CN-36 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS Ken Kristensen ’92 publishes new graphic novel ken kristensen ’92 describes himself as a lifelong comic book fan. He has a collection of around 15,000 comic books to prove it. He has just added another four-volume set to his collection—this one written by him. He is the co-creator of Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth. image comics (publisher of The Walking Dead) released the first volume of the graphic novel in January, which sold out at the distributor level the first week and was then reprinted. it is described as “a collision of comedy, sex and violence” that follows “the misadventures of america’s most dysfunctional family.” in a december interview with GeektheNews.com, the award-winning writer was asked whether he sees himself in the title character, Todd. He responded: “Everyone who has ever felt like an outsider will see themselves in Todd. one of the fascinating things about working with a character who you never see without a bag over his head is that you imagine that when and if that bag comes off, he could be any of us. i think that helps connect the audience with the character. Unconsciously you say to yourself, ‘When that bag comes off, will the face i see be my own?’” kristensen majored in creative writing and created his own independent study in documentary film while at Wheaton. In addition to being a graphic novelist, he is also a screenwriter and a TV director- producer. He recently sold his show “Prison Bus” to a&E. in 2008, he won one of the coveted Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting from the academy of Motion Picture arts and Sciences—the folks who give out the oscars. The Academy grants fellowships to only five or six screenwriters each year. kristensen was chosen over 5,000 screenwriters who entered the competition. He is currently writing a feature film for producers Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs (Diary of a Wimpy Kid).
More online: Read the full GeektheNews.com interview at geekthenews.com/2012/12/05/todd-the-ugliest-kid-on-earth/
CONTENTS SPRING 2013 CN-37 Small world
Laura Hobbins Tschop ’07 (pictured on the left) cur- rently teaches second grade at kiPP Philadelphia Elementary academy in Philadelphia. She says that a big trend (especially in urban education) is naming classrooms after the classroom teacher’s alma ma- ter. So her classroom is the Wheaton college room. They also have a Wheaton cheer, a team mascot, and everything that goes home says “Wheaton.” “There is a lot of Wheaton pride going on,” Laura says. on top of all this, Laura has connected with another alum, carol Barnet Fuchs ’62—right in her classroom. “Early in the year, a woman began volunteering in our classroom. The students knew her well, as she has been volunteer- ing at the school for three years now. She always has a smile and is willing to do anything you ask of her. The kids love working with her. She casually asked if the Wheaton i went to was the Wheaton in Massachusetts. i was excited just that she knew there was one in Massachusetts. She then told me that she went there, too. Who would have thought two Wheaties would be connected at a small charter school in Philadelphia? i’m so grateful for her weekly help. Her compassion and spirit embodies why i’m so proud to be a Wheaton alum.”
A Watson journey
iraimi Mercado ’12, a 2012–2013 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, has been spending her time traveling to several countries, studying youth programs run by the YMca. Most recently she was in Senegal, West africa. She tells us: “Life in Senegal is fantastic. although i have only been here for a month and a half, it feels like i have been here forever. Senegalese people live in peace and solidarity. it is beautiful. My Watson journey has completely changed my life. Travel is good for the soul. The new experiences that i have gained and the ones ahead of me are helping me reframe my personal narrative, and i am much more aware of the world in which we live.” if you want to read more about her Watson journey, follow her blog at iraimiwatson. wordpress.com.
CN-38 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. ’05 co-edits Gordon Parks: Collected Works
Gordon Parks is recognized as one of the most important african american photographers of the 20th century and is noted for combining artistic style with commentary on the human condi- tion. Peter W. kunhardt Jr. ’05, who majored in art history at Wheaton, had the pleasure of knowing Gordon Parks and is now the executive director of the Gordon Parks Foundation, a division of the Meserve-kunhardt Foundation. kunhardt has spent the past two years serving as co-editor with Paul roth of the corcoran Gallery of art to produce Gordon Parks: Collected Works, published by Steidl in Gottingen, Germany. a New York Times article about the work of Parks referred to the collection, saying that it “reveals the depth of his talent and his mastery of the photo essay form.” The five-volume collection features five decades of Parks’s photogra- phy (many of the images have never been published before), as well as essays by Henry Louis Gates Jr. deborah Willis, Maurice Berger and others. The New York Times article also made note of kunhardt’s forward in volume i and included his words in the story. kunhardt also wrote an article for the Huffington Post about his experiences with the photographer: “Gordon Parks was a friend to my family for more than forty years. He was a colleague of my grandfather, Phil kunhardt, at LiFE Magazine, and a glowing presence in my home as a child. i remember his jokes, his pipe, his stylish clothes—and the way he could relate to anyone, young and old. His genius, i think, was based on a respect and trust he brought to the people and issues that he photographed. He spent much time with his subjects, sometimes even living with them— often in the harshest conditions.”
Read the full article at huffingtonpost.com/peter-w-kunhardt-jr/gordon-parks- birthday_b_2219219.html For more information about Gordon Parks visit gordonparksfoundation.org
Every life has stages. Wheaton has a gift plan for everyone. Planning for and protecting your future includes thoughtful gift planning throughout your life. During your later years, for example, you might consider establishing a charitable gift annuity that will benefit you or your loved ones in your lifetime, and then future generations of Wheaton students. Find out more about how you can give for the future right now. Call the Office of Gift Planning at 508-286-3459. Your gif t. Your way. CONTENTS Stay Has your connected last name changed due to a change in marital status? Did you move recently? Do you have a new email address? We want to know. Please keep Wheaton updated with your latest information. Go to wheatoncollege.net. Once you are on the page, Intern to full time look for the link on the right-hand side that says kenya Bryant ’12, who majored in sociology the summer before my senior year, and i was with minors in studio art and journalism stud- offered a full-time job. i’m currently a sales “update my info.” Please ies, has a bit of fun posing with the cover of coordinator in the New York office. My team note that in order to update an Essence magazine. Her internship with the is responsible for bringing in the ad dollars company led to a full-time job after gradua- that keep the magazine alive. Growing up, your contact information, tion. “i’ve always been interested in pursuing i was so used to seeing the magazine on you will need to join/ media, whether it would be in television or my coffee table; now i see the publication register for the online publishing. in august 2012, i was approached through a completely different lens—as a by Essence magazine, where i had interned business and powerful brand.” community. Too complicated? Email your updated information to alum@ wheatoncollege.edu.
CN-40 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS Liss featured
The work of Rosemary Liss ’11 was featured in the nationally juried exhibition “Strokes of Genius” in November at the MFa circle Gallery in annapolis, Md. “The Senator Theater,” oil on canvas, was part of the studio art major’s senior project at Wheaton, doc- umenting the temporary nature of the urban landscape by painting old movie theaters. currently, Liss lives and works in Baltimore for the advertising agency Trahan, Burden, and charles. “i wear many hats, but my job title is studio artist,” she says. “The agency has an in-house production company called charles St. Films, and during commercial shoots i have worked both on props and as a production coordinator. For example, we just finished filming a commercial for Haribo, the candy company that makes Gummie Bears. For this commercial shoot, i helped build the props, as well as worked behind the scenes hiring the crew, booking the talent, and coordinating other logistics required in order for the shoot to run smoothly. in my free time, i paint and am an active member of the local art scene. Baltimore is perfect for young artists. Every weekend there are gallery openings, events and concerts. it’s great to be surrounded by so many creative people.”
“The Senator Theater,” oil on canvas by Rosemary Liss ’11
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CONTENTS SPRING 2013 CN-41 IN MEMORIAM
1935 New Yorker, Margery embraced 1942 a distinguished physician and the pulse of city life, from its rheumatologist. She practiced Jean Elizabeth Baldwin Linda Young, 92, of chatham, parks to its concert halls. Her at the columbia-Presbyterian Kingsland, 99, died at Scallop Mass., died dec. 7, 2012. Linda volunteer work enhanced the lives Medical center through most of Shell Nursing and rehabilitation was the loving wife of robert of New York city schoolchildren her career. Her practice focused Center in Wakefield, R.I., Oct. Young for 24 years until robert’s and patients at Mount Sinai on diseases of connective tissue, 20, 2012. She was the wife of passing. She had a love of travel Hospital. as a graduate of such as rheumatoid arthritis and the late roger kingsland. after and fine dining. She enjoyed Wheaton, Margery developed lupus erythematosus, in which graduating from Wheaton, she being outdoors, whether it was a deep love of New England. she made major contributions to attended Moon Secretarial School for hiking, canoeing or biking. the immunological understanding in New York. She became a She was also an avid skier. Charlotte Witter Hardenbergh, and advances in therapy. She secretary for a law firm in NYC 94, died oct. 12, 2012, in her was a highly regarded teacher before leaving to be married home on Hilton Head island, S.c. of medicine at the columbia and raise a family. She returned 1943 She was a former member of the University college of Physicians to work in 1958 as secretary to Jean Hamant Gray died Nov. 22, Junior League of Hartford, conn. and Surgeons, where she was a the principal at Parsippany High 2012, at The Pines of Glens Falls, She and her husband of 59 years, clinical professor. in addition to School, Parsippany, N.J., retiring N.Y. Jean attended Wheaton and Thomas Hardenbergh, lived in her practice and teaching, she in 1978. Since 1941, Jean was a was a member of the newspaper Wellesley, Mass., for 27 years, served in many other positions member of the United Methodist staff before transferring to the where they were members of the at the columbia Medical center, church at Mt. Tabor, N.J., where University of Wisconsin. She Wellesley congregational church. and was chair of the Affirmative she served as secretary to the married cpl. almon Gray in charlotte also did volunteer work action committee of the Health board of trustees. She sang in the 1943, and they moved to kansas at Friendly aid and the VNa. Sciences division of columbia chancel choir until well into her for three years, where he was University (1974–1993). She was nineties. along with her husband, stationed with the air Force. Jane Morgan Johnson, 95, died the first woman president of she was a co-founder of the Mt. They found their way back to Nov. 20, 2012, at the armenian columbia University college of Tabor Band and the Lakeland the Natick/Framingham, Mass., Nursing and rehabilitation center Physicians and Surgeons alumni Youth Symphony. in later years, area, and started their family. in Jamaica Plain, Mass. after association (1975–1977). at as an art student, she painted Jean became a bank branch graduating from Wheaton, she Wheaton, she was inducted into many pictures of the flowers she manager for Framingham National served with the american red Phi Beta kappa. She obtained her grew in her gardens. She and Bank. Jean went to work for a.N. cross in attu, alaska, during medical degree from columbia her husband were avid organic Heber and associates, a temp World War ii. Jane was an University college of Physicians gardeners, sharing their produce employment agency, where she accomplished writer and editor. and Surgeons in 1950. She was with family and friends. She loved was personnel manager. She She was very active in local awarded the alumni Federation the beach and was a strong and joined First National Bank in politics and raised five dogs. of columbia University Medal in graceful swimmer. She enjoyed 1969 as a personnel assistant. 1975. in 1999 she was presented many winters in Vero Beach, Fla., during the next 14 years, she the Lifetime achievement award and summers in Weld, Maine. 1941 rose to be the first female vice president in the bank’s history. from the New York chapter of the Elinor Gluck Metcoff, 93, She retired in 1983, but continued arthritis Foundation. She was a died on March 14, 2012. 1938 as a personnel consultant for member of the board of directors She was the beloved wife Elizabeth “Betty” Raynes another five years. Throughout her of the american Bureau for of the late Jack Metcoff. Banghart died april 12, 2010, after career, Jean was very active in the Medical advancement in china. a short illness. She graduated from communities in which she lived. dorothy was a visiting professor at Priscilla Wonson Hahn, 94, Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree the Peking Union Medical college, died with her family at her side in chemistry and then pursued Beijing, china, in 1994. She was at Sunrise assisted Living in a career in medical research at 1944 married to dr. Gerard Turino, Lynnfield, Mass., on Dec. 12, MiT. She and her husband, the Jane Altman Logan, 90, died also a professor of medicine at 2012. Priscilla had a special late Byron Banghart, raised three oct. 9, 2012, after a prolonged columbia, for more than 60 years. appreciation and love for sailing. children in Baltimore, Md. There, illness. Jane lived in Highland She was a longtime member Betty was an active member of Park, ill., for more than 60 years of Eastern Point Yacht club 1947 the Second Presbyterian church and was married for 69 years. in Gloucester, Mass., where Saretta Winneg, 86, died and pursued her second career in She helped manage the alcove her family kept a sailboat for July 23, 2012. after attending education. Beginning as a reading at Highland Park Hospital in many years. She was also an Wheaton, she went on to specialist at Baltimore Friends the 1960s. When Highland Park avid golfer and enjoyed her become the personal secretary School, she retired as headmistress was designated an all-american membership at Bear Hill Golf to architect Walter Gropius at of the lower school at Boys’ Latin. city and was commended for its club in Stoneham, Mass., and The architects’ collaborative She then moved to Savannah, civic volunteers in the 1960s, the Thompson country club in for more than 30 years. Ga., where she did volunteer Highland Park’s mayor publicly North reading, Mass. during the work on an archaeological dig praised Jane’s community colder months, she cross-country at the University of Georgia service as a role model. skied and bowled to keep busy. 1948 Skidaway island facility. She was She was a longtime member Virginia “Gini” Howard, 85, died an active member of the Skidaway of the centre congregational 1946 on dec. 12, 2012, at Emerson island Presbyterian church. Church in Lynnfield, where she Barbara Berman Marcus died Hospital after a brief illness. a worked at the thrift shop for aug. 6, 2012. She had a career woman of remarkable talent and 1940 many years. She also worked at as a social worker and became a energy, Gini lived a long, vibrant life as she pursued her many Margery Bach Brodsky, 94, died the Lynnfield Public Library, and published author at the age of 88. passions. She lived in Sudbury, on oct. 19, 2012. She was the was a member of the Lynnfield Mass., for more than 50 years beloved wife of the late Samuel League of Women Voters. Dorothy Estes Turino died on before moving to acton, Mass., Brodsky, to whom she was aug. 21, 2012, in New York city in her later years. Her husband married for 63 years. a native after a long illness. She was
62 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton of 40 years, arthur Howard, annual summer vacation on cape of Eastwick.” Some of the other the library at Wellesley college, in died in 1992. after graduating cod. Later in life, she discovered films she brought to Massachusetts the Admission Office at Wheaton, from Wheaton with a degree in birding, and went on 28 major include, “The Verdict,” “Hanky and later at a business in mathematics, she taught second bird trips around North america. Panky,” “common Ground,” attleboro, Mass., for several years. grade at Peter Noyes School in and “The Good Mother.” She Sudbury, Mass. She also was a also secured the television series special needs tutor and classroom 1950 Cheers and Spenser: For Hire. in 1995 teacher for severely handicapped Mary Hayes Colaneri, 84, died the early 1990s, Julie turned her Jaina Ferry Bain, 39, died Nov. 27, children in the public schools. a Sept. 12, 2012, at Norwood attention full time to creating art. 2012. Jaina, a longtime resident of natural collaborator and leader Hospital. She and her husband, She painted in oils and sculpted Weymouth, Mass., was a service of people, she had a knack for John, were married in 1971. a in clay. She also loved to make manager for the chowder House getting things done and making retired administrative secretary small, multimedia wreaths for in Weymouth for nine years. She friends along the way. Being for the Sharon recreation her family members and friends. was an award-winning equestrian, an active part of the Sudbury department, she had been a Julie enjoyed reading about a dancer, and was known for community was a cornerstone resident of Foxboro, Mass., world religions and viewing her many creative talents. of her life. Gini participated in for the past 15 years. documentaries on science and more than 15 different boards, the universe. She was convinced Friends organizations, groups and clubs 1952 that we all move on to a new life in Sudbury and in the surrounding of peace and positive energy. Addison Jennings, husband of area over the years. She became Margaret Scherm Benton, 81, Bojan Jennings, professor of a charter member of the Sudbury died at home in North Branford, chemistry emerita, in September League of Women Voters and conn., oct. 3, 2012. For 42 1977 served as president of the League. years, she was the wife of the late Elspeth McIntyre Ashmore, 57, Deborah Fontes, former executive Her remarkable commitment roger Benton, who predeceased of East Granby, conn., died Nov. secretary at Wheaton, in July to community service was her in 2005. after Wheaton, 28, 2012, surrounded by family recognized when she was named she obtained her nursing degree after a courageous three-and-a- Relatives from Yale University and was half-year battle with lung cancer. Sudbury citizen of the Year in 1951 Lacy Herrmann, the director of the North Haven- Elspeth attended Wheaton and 1996 by the League of Women husband of Elizabeth Beadle Hamden regional Visiting Nurse then graduated with a fine arts Voters. She was active in three Herrmann, in September area churches during her lifetime. association for many years. degree from the University of Hartford, majoring in ceramics. in addition to her work for the 1951 George Valentine, husband She worked at the Bloomfield town of Sudbury, Gini was a 1954 of Jean Holm Valentine, in July Fish Market, Horan’s Flowers passionate supporter of Wheaton Bonnie Lee Bond, 80, died oct. and Gifts, and in the East Granby from her graduation in 1948 until 19, 2012, after a long battle with 1954 raymond Marchant, Public Schools. at East Granby her death. She worked tirelessly cancer. Bonnie was a lifelong husband of anita Eger middle and high schools, she to raise money for the college and New Yorker, residing at the Marchant, in September was a paraprofessional. She was served on the Board of Trustees same address for her first 76 a hard worker whose creativity, from 1994 until 2002. Her college years. Bonnie devoted her life 1962 Francis Thomas, husband of passion and energy were valued degree, earned when relatively to charity, her family and her ann Hurd Thomas, in october by employers and co-workers few women went to college, friends. Her influence bettered alike. as a community volunteer, was a source of immense pride. the lives of all those she touched. 1968 Bruce ross, husband of she gave her time and talents to She was an ardent proponent of keyo Smith ross, in august education throughout her life. The assist various organizations. The joys of Elspeth’s life were family, countless hours of community 1973 1971 addison Jennings, father of friends and her standard poodle, service would have exhausted Julie Lawless Wrinn, 61, died Nora Jennings, in September most, but Gini found time to raise dec. 1, 2012, at her art studio in Tessie. She loved entertaining in the family homes in East four boys and return to school Gloucester, Mass. at Wheaton, 1981 richard duffy, father of Jane Granby and Narragansett, r.i. to earn her master’s degree in she earned the prestigious ann duffy Hughes, in august education at Boston University. philosophy prize, edited the Especially while living with cancer, nothing made her happier The example she set by the way student newspaper, and played 1982 Flora-Jean ottman, mother than the sounds of young people she lived her life showed her drums in a local rock-and-roll of Lindsey ottman, in May sons and 13 grandchildren that band. Julie attended Boston enjoying themselves. Elspeth employed her gifts in many artistic you can do anything you set your college Law School before 1983 William Bride, endeavors: calligraphy, knitting, mind to. Her positive attitude pursuing a career in film and father of katharine Bride- floral design, home décor, and toward life was infectious. the arts. She studied at Emerson reed, in September college and the Massachusetts finding new ways to display the seashells and driftwood she college of art and design; acted 1988 Edward Macheski, father 1949 so passionately collected. in summer repertory at dartmouth of deborah Macheski, in July Marjorie Marie Knust Haley, college; managed props for 85, died aug. 16, 2012. She was the Lakes region Playhouse in an avid walker, gardener and 1978 1991 Patricia o’connor, Gilford, N.H.; served as the first Olive Clark Niven, 89, died mother of catherine o’connor bird watcher right through her female film editor at Boston’s last days. Her happy, quiet life oct. 21, 2012, at the copley Hartman, in September TV-38; and worked as assistant at Stoughton Nursing and included marriage to her husband, director for that station’s red Sox John Haley, from april 1949 to rehabilitation center in Stoughton, 2004 Elspeth Mcintyre a shmore and Bruins broadcasts. Julie later Mass., after a short period of ’77, mother of anna ashmore his death in November 1993. The became the deputy director of high points of her life involved failing health. She attended Zeinieh, in November the Massachusetts Film Bureau, Skidmore college and graduated travels—the family trip across which she helped to establish and the USa on the new interstate from Wheaton, and was a member expand. She was most proud of of Phi Beta kappa. She worked in highway system in 1966, and the securing the movie “The Witches
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1912–13 1918 1922 1928 1932
1938 1942 1948 20 of 100 Treasures from Wheaton’s Permanent collection and the college archives were on display this winter in a student-curated exhibition, “100 Years, 100 objects,” which celebrated the centenary of Wheaton Female Seminary becoming Wheaton 1952 1958 college. The textiles, paintings, historical documents, 1962 sculptures, books and other objects in the show wove a rich narrative of Wheaton’s first century as a four-year college. The exhibition was curated and installed by students in “Exhibition design,” taught in fall 2012 by assistant Professor Leah Niederstadt and college archivist Zeph Stickney. Students researched and selected the objects for the show, authored la- bels and wall text for visitors, designed the exhibition layout, and physically installed the show. This is a sampling of the art. See more online. 1968 1972 1978 1982 1988
1992 1998 2008 2012 Online • Catalog of the exhibition, featuring stories and donor information about each item • Details about the exhibition • Gallery of images Get all the links at wheatoncollege.edu/quarterly
64 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton My gift. My way. LE co a SS ro Cornelia Lee Clifford Wareham ’74
Learning specialist, the Chapin School, New York
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center board chair for eight years; honoree at 2011 benefit
Wife of Raymond Wareham for 37 years; mother of three, grandmother of one
“I was brought up in a family in which education was not only valued but considered, as my mother always said, ‘the one thing that you could never lose.’ My education certainly confirms that on many levels. Wheaton provided me with all that I could have asked for—inspirational professors, terrific extracurricular activities, and lifelong friendships. The college continues to be a special place for me many years after graduation. Luckily, I married someone who feels just as strongly about education as I do. Supporting education has always been a priority in our giving. We have contributed to the new Mars Center for Science and Technology, in keeping with our respect for the sciences. We have enthusiastically supported scholarship programs, hoping to make a difference in the lives of students. And we have included Wheaton in our estate plan, to continue our commitment well into the future.”
Your gif t. Your way. Learn how you can give for the future right now. Call the Office of Gift Planning at 508-286-3459 or visit online at wheatoncollege.edu/gift-planning.
CONTENTS Wheaton College, 26 E. Main Street, Norton, MA 02766 www.wheatoncollege.edu
Help prepare the future. Roberta “Bobbi” Lane Benson ’76 Spanish teacher, General John Nixon Elementary School, Sudbury, Mass. Recipient of the 2012 Harriet Goldin Foundation Award for Excellence in Education Wheaton Fund supporter
Knows the power of inspiration: “As a child, playing school with neighbor friends, I was always the teacher. I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I feel that it was my calling. My Wheaton professors were exemplary role models. Their commitment to the teaching profession, as well as their support and encouragement, inspired me to continue my path toward a career in education. I have been a teacher for more than 30 years, and I enjoy the challenges and high expectations.”
Makes important connections: “I landed my first teaching job, in large part, because I was a Wheaton graduate. The woman who hired me had a niece who was a freshman at Wheaton, and she was very impressed with the college’s reputation for high educational standards. It is because of connections like this and all the opportunities I have had that I support the Wheaton Fund. To give back to one’s community and college is a distinguished honor. To help provide other students similar life experiences is essential.” LL a
Support Wheaton SH ar M id
Call 800-896-3145 (option 2) or visit V
wheatoncollege.edu/giving da
4 WHEATON QUARTERLY CONTENTS WheatonCollege @wheaton