FALL 2001 VOLUME V NUMBER I HAPPENINGS
SEPTEMBER 19 “Best You Can Be” Panel, Noon Featuring NCC Alumnus Chris Martin of Martin Guitar Company & other CEOs 27 Lear Lecture Series, 11 a.m. Dr. Martha Palmer will speak on artificial intelligence NorthamptonNorthampton 30 Longaberger Basket Bingo to benefit the Nursing COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAGAZINE Scholarship Fund, 7 p.m.
OCTOBER 1 Grand Opening of the ACT Center, time TBA 12 “Night at the Races” to benefit Alumni Association scholarships, 7 p.m. 15 Library Dedication, 3:30 p.m. 16 Annual College Night for High School Students, 6:30 p.m. 23 Guest Speaker — Elva Trevino Hart, Author of “Barefoot Heart: Stories of a Migrant Child,” 11 a.m. 23 Opening of Mixed Media Exhibit — Izzy LaDuca & FOUNDATION Virginia Abbott, 11 a.m. 24 Alumni Awards Mixer, 5:30 p.m. 25 Executive-in-Residence Lecture by Damian Braga, senior vice president and ANNUAL general manager of Aventis Pasteur U.S., 11 a.m. REPORT NOVEMBER 1 Open House — Arts & Sciences, 7 p.m. 2 Opening of “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles, 7 p.m. 3 Annual Fall Craft Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open House — Allied Health, 7 p.m. 14 Open House — Business & Technology, 7 p.m.
DECEMBER 1 Winter Concert: NCC Women’s Chorus, 8 p.m. 1 Winter Concert: NCC Collegiate Singers, 8 p.m.
Visit our web site at www.northampton.edu For additional information and details, please call the Information Center at 610/861-5300.
Northampton Community College Change Service Requested Non-Profit Org. 3835 Green Pond Road U.S. Postage Paid Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020-7599 Permit #513 Bethlehem, PA www.northampton.edu LETTER FROM THE EDITOR TABLE OF CONTENTS Northampton
Volume V No. I he first work crews came with entirely renovated. Outside, earth was FEATURES T the birds of spring this year. They moved, creating new vistas that made showed up one morning and bolted a this place look entirely different Editor four-foot diameter, diamond blade overnight.As we approached the start Paul Joly 2A CAUSE FORAPPLAUSE rotary saw 30 feet up on College of class, the pace became more frantic. A History of America’s Community Colleges Center. There it was, a massive saw And then suddenly it was finished. Contributing Writers mounted to a solid cement wall, blade And the students came — hundreds 6NORTHAMPTON’S METAMORPHOSIS tip poised 90 degrees to the surface.At more than the college has ever seen Heidi Butler Wherefore Art Thou, Kramer? the time, we didn’t know, but that walk through the doors the first week Emily Eider From Slide Rules to Smart Rooms bizarre wall sculpture was a sign from of class. James W.Harper Smoothing Transistions above telling us to find somewhere else But that’s just the first phase.All James L. Johnson ’89 About Face: Military Second Careers to be for the rest of the summer if we this activity is the start of a three-year Michael E. Nagel knew what was good for us. campus renovation that is shaping up 19 SPECIAL SECTION Sandy Stahl Sure enough, we found out the as the most ambitious renewal since Northampton Community College next day that these guys meant business the college’s founding. Cherry trees, Foundation Annual Report when they fired that monster up. locusts, red maples, Japanese holly, yews Alumni Notes Right through the solid cement wall and flower beds will add a natural Brian Leidy ’88 like — well — like steel ripping touch and plenty of shade. A new quad DEPARTMENTS through concrete it went, cutting the dotted with oversized redwood bench- first opening in a building that has es draws students, faculty and staff out Design 20 ALUMNI NOTES stood windowless for 30 years. But of the surrounding buildings to relax, Susan Williams & Associates that was only the beginning. study and socialize in the airy space. 24 DONOR PROFILE Next came demolition of a second Next week, we hear, half a million Photography R. Dale Hughes floor pedestrian bridge that crossed bricks will arrive for re-surfacing the over the campus quad. The rubble buildings. Drab, mildew-stained con- David Coulter filled the area below the president’s crete will be transformed to look new. Randy Monceaux 30 PROFILE administrative office suite, a section The brick and stucco “skin” will Philip Stein Teresa Donate and Blanca Smith four stories up that rests on long increase energy efficiency, adding 35 DONOR PROFILE columns down to the ground. All after- value even beyond the aesthetics. noon as they broke up the chunks with We can’t wait. Dr.Kathryn Krausz Holland pneumatic pavement smashers right The theme of this issue is around the base of those columns, the “Metamorphosis.” As dramatic as these President fourth floor conference room vibrated physical changes are, they only hint Dr. Robert J. Kopecek rhythmically while we did our best to at the adaptations we’re making in go on with a meeting. There probably education to prepare students for the Vice President were a few who prayed in a public new career world out there. The Institutional Advancement school building that day. articles that follow look at some of Work progressed on this campus those changes. Susan K. Kubik through the summer inside and out, seemingly everywhere at once. Inside, Northampton corridor walls were stripped and Community College papered, new carpet was laid, class- Foundation Board Chairman rooms were painted. The library was —Paul Joly Paul J. Mack
Publisher Northampton Community College Foundation 3835 Green Pond Road Bethlehem, PA 18020
1 the United States for generations, others FAMOUS AMERICANS who just arrived. WHO GOT THEIR START We offer no apologies. Instead we celebrate. AT COMMUNITY COLLEGES We take strength in our community. We take pride in our diversity. And the hopes we share, And the dreams we dare, Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle Fred Haise, Apollo 13 hero Our unity,proclaims Northamp- Dr. Douglas Fields, director of research at the National Institute ton’s alma mater. The celebration of community of Health colleges’ contributions to higher Dr. H. Craig Venter, a leading figure in the race to decode the education and to their communities — human genome and of their passionate commitment Dr. Daniel Hayes, transplant surgeon to open access — took on national Dr. R. Bruce Merrifield, Nobel-prize winning chemist significance in 2001 as the community Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse’s dad college movement marked its 100th William Hanna, cartoon film producer anniversary. Tom Hanks and Dustin Hoffman, Oscar-winning actors In 1901, classes began at the oldest Jane Curtin, Sandy Duncan and Lee Meriwether, actresses continuously operating public two-year John Cougar Mellencamp, Natalie Merchant, and college in the country. The place was Randy Owen, singers not the East — home to many of this nation’s oldest and most prestigious uni- John Walsh, host of ‘America’s Most Wanted’ versities, but the Midwest. The motives David Chu, president and CEO of Nautica were not as democratic as you might Harry M. Krogh, president and CEO of Osh Kosh Corporation imagine. Calvin Klein, fashion designer Buoyed by the publicly-funded Charles Collingwood and Jim Lehrer, broadcast journalists grammar and secondary schools, pop- Marti Galovic Palmer, ‘60 Minutes’ producer ulists did push to expand opportunities Carol Guzy, NCC’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist for higher education, but they met with William Thomas, L.A. Times editor resistance from professors wedded to Jeanne Kirkpatrick, former U.N. Ambassador the European traditions on which Cordell Hull, former Secretary of State CAUSE FOR American universities were modeled. Arthur Goldberg, Supreme Court Justice Some faculty members held tight to the British belief that universities should Parris N. Glendening, Governor of Maryland focus on providing the upper classes Kweisi Mfume, president of the NAACP with a classical education that would Fletcher Thompson, Assistant FBI Director PPLAUSE prepare them to lead; others favored the Roger Clemens, Andy Petit, Jackie Robinson and German emphasis on research and engi- Curt Schilling, baseball stars neering. Few professors clamored to Sheryl Swoopes, basketball star teach introductory-level courses. Cathy Turner, speed skater and Olympic gold medalist Community Colleges Celebrate Their Centennial In stepped William Rainey Harper. Frederick Hood, yacht-designer and America’s Cup winner A A faculty member at Yale, Harper had Ben Davidson, Frank Gifford, Warren Moon, and earned a reputation as one of the great- Art Powell, NFL Hall of Famers est classical and biblical scholars of his John Madden Dick Vermeil time. When John D. Rockefeller decided and , NFL coaches to finance the creation of the University er of the public schools, Harper came Harper envisioned the University BY HEIDI BRIGHT BUTLER of Chicago — now one of the most up with what today we would call a of Chicago as a two-tiered system: a selective universities in the world — ‘new paradigm’ for education. “I have a network of free-standing lower colleges ising SAT scores. High class ranks.A fine crop of National Merit Scholars. Harper was named its first president. plan which I am persuaded will revolu- would provide the first two years R These are bragging rights for many colleges that pride themselves on exclusivity. Sympathetic to the concerns of uni- tionize University study in our country,” of undergraduate education, freeing Not so, community colleges. We boast of being inclusive. Our doors are open wide. Through them versity faculty, but also a strong support- he told Rockefeller. university faculty to teach upper-level pass honors students and high school dropouts, rich and poor, kids fresh out of school and classmates old enough to be their grandparents, learners of every ethnic background imaginable — some whose families have lived in
2 3 courses in the senior division. To create and other forms of mass production need for pilots, technicians, draftsmen, and in some cases demanded, accelerat- should be, legislators here had consis- businesses’ need for ongoing training the feeder schools, Harper suggested created more white collar and technical mechanics, welders, radio operators, and ed programs, credit for military experi- tently voted down bills to establish for their employees. Many adults downsizing some four-year colleges to jobs. The establishment of a two-year health care workers, creating accelerat- ence, and programs tailored to their community colleges since 1937. When returned to college on their own to focus only on the first two years of college became a matter of civic pride ed degree programs for students who particular circumstances. they finally passed the Community update their skills as lifelong learning study, creating new colleges with that in many communities. Although expen- were about to be drafted, opening their Two-year colleges had always College Act in 1963, it was described as became a necessity rather than an same mission, and encouraging some sive to build, the colleges produced facilities for military training programs, focused on being responsive to individ- a miracle. One of the miracle-workers option in most fields. high schools to expand their curricula an excellent return on investment, and devising non-credit courses to ual needs. Veterans put that commit- was Northampton County’s own Technology also provided new to include two years of advanced bringing jobs, attracting students from teach civilians how to plant victory ment to the test, preparing community Jeanette Reibman. tools for teaching and learning. In the coursework that would count toward a the surrounding area, and expanding gardens and to support the war effort colleges for the challenges that lay Reibman was raised in Illinois. 1990s, faculty at community colleges college degree. The idea pleased both the tax base. Chambers of commerce in other ways. Many two-year college ahead in serving the homemakers, stu- “When I moved to Pennsylvania, I found helped pioneer ways to use new media the populists and the elitists. often became among their most vocal students, alumni and faculty served on dents from minority groups, immigrants, it very difficult to understand why a to enhance their courses. Thus it came to pass that in 1901 a supporters. active duty. senior citizens, people with disabilities, great industrial state didn’t have the Community colleges were quick to school district in suburban Chicago By 1930, close to 70,000 students Some soldiers never came home. and other first-generation college stu- same kind of educational opportunities recognize and to respond to the “digital became the first to offer a two-year were enrolled at two-year colleges. Those who did flocked to colleges and dents who followed. By enabling so for young people,” she recalls. In a divide” that threatened to impede “postdiploma” program. Later known as Close to a third of them attended universities in record numbers with many veterans to experience the bene- recent interview with The Morning Call, educational progress and limit career Joliet Junior College, the school became schools in California and Texas. The their tuitions, fees and books paid for in fits of a college education, the GI bill she noted,“I used to say that without opportunities for computer “have-nots.” a prototype for others. By 1910 at least Northeast lagged far behind, perhaps full by their grateful Uncle Sam under triggered a significant shift in attitude community colleges Pennsylvania was a The “Faces of the Future” study conduct- 13 six-year high schools and lower because it was home to so many small new legislation known as the GI Bill. and expectation.Americans soon came caboose on the train of progress.” ed by the American Association of division colleges had been founded. liberal arts colleges. The same was true For veterans seeking certain kinds of to view a college education as valuable Pennsylvania boarded the train Community Colleges and the ACT Not only the University of Chicago, of the South where the junior colleges career training, for those who didn’t not just for a few, but for many. during a period of unprecedented showed that at the turn of the 21st cen- but also the University of Illinois and that did exist were private and church- want to uproot their families, and for In 1947, a commission appointed growth for community colleges. tury community colleges were making a Northwestern University accepted their related, often evolving from finishing those who realized they needed a by President Harry Truman called for an Statistically a new two-year college major contribution to advancing com- graduates for transfer. schools. stronger academic foundation before aggressive initiative to increase the opened almost every week during the puter literacy, especially for single par- The concept of two-year colleges The Depression changed every- going on to a university, community number of two-year colleges, urging 1960s. Enrollment nearly quadrupled. ents and first-generation college stu- spread rapidly to Missouri and then to thing. Many families could barely afford colleges were the colleges of choice. the American people “to set as their These were years of ferment on dents. That challenge will continue for California where the state legislature to feed their children, let alone to send Between 1944 and 1946, enroll- ultimate goal, an education system in colleges campuses as the civil rights the foreseeable future as will the chal- gave it a boost by passing an “Upward them to private colleges. As part of ment at two-year colleges doubled. which at no level — high school, col- movement, the women’s movement and lenge of providing access to higher edu- Extension Law,” granting school districts Frankin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” the Most of that growth took place at lege, graduate school, or professional the war in Vietnam provoked strong cation for students of limited means, for the right to “prescribe graduate courses Federal Emergency Relief Administration public institutions. Classrooms over- school — will a qualified individual in debate in and out of the classroom. In making sure adults have the opportuni- of study” to approximate the studies funded the creation of “emergency flowed. The federal government any part of the country encounter an many ways community colleges had ty to continue to learn throughout their prescribed in the first two years of junior colleges” across the country. The shipped thousands of Quonset huts insuperable economic barrier to the been ahead of their time. Their historic lifetimes, for ensuring that local commu- university courses. Like community Public Works Administration and the built for the Pacific Theater to college attainment of the kind of education suit- commitment to open access took on nities and the country-at-large have the colleges of today, the first two-year Work Projects Administration financed campuses to accommodate the influx ed to his aptitudes and interest.” It was “near religious importance” in the 60s, workforce needed to be competitive in colleges in California offered vocational construction projects on many of students. Community colleges the Truman Commission that suggested according to one observer. the global marketplace, and to help and leisure training as well as courses campuses, and the National Youth increased not only in size, but also in the term ‘community college’ be used to A decline in the number of high communities and the nation learn to for transfer. The American Association Administration created campus jobs for numbers. describe colleges which have as their school graduates, the energy crisis, and view diversity as a strength that can be of Junior Colleges noted that two-year students to enable them to stay in In some community colleges, “dominant feature intimate relations taxpayer revolts slowed momentum in capitalized on as demographics change. colleges were “likely to develop a school, laying the groundwork for veterans comprised almost half of the with the life of the community [they] the 70s and 80s, but only temporarily. If the past is prologue, community curriculum, suited to the larger and today’s work-study programs. By the student body. Their needs differed from serve.” Change came slowly, but the Advances in technology increased colleges are equipped for the task. The ever-changing civic, social and vocation- time the soup lines disappeared, nearly those of their classmates. Some had not phrase “junior college” gradually fell next hundred years promises to be as al needs of the entire community in 10 percent of students attending college finished high school. Others had study into disuse. exciting as the last. which the college is located.” in the United States were enrolled in skills that had grown very rusty. Many But Pennsylvania lagged Although the growth of community two-year colleges. had to juggle their studies with part- behind. Because they could colleges slowed during World War I and During World War II, these colleges time jobs and family responsibilities. not agree on what a the recession that followed, it surged in not only served students well, they Having made significant sacrifices for community college the 1920s as people migrated from served the country well, rallying to their country, they were in a hurry to farms to small towns and cities and as meet the get on with their lives. They expected, expansion of the automobile industry 100 Years of Community Colleges 4 5 omy around them has changed. And most icture today’s typical job of all, technology has changed, making P interview. basic skills that used to be taught in trade Do you see the manager asking schools obsolete and accelerating employ- universities will remain central. But there is plenty of specula- first,“Where did he go to college?” Or, er demand for sophisticated technical training. All of a tion about the diminishing relevance of traditional academic do you think the main question is, sudden, Northampton may be better positioned than both institutions as high cost disseminators of general knowledge in “What skills, knowledge the tech-schools and the four-year colleges down the highway the age of information. and experience does she to meet the changing educational demands for this new have that we need?” economy. Ontogeny Recapitulates Phylogenyis a phrase most of us Where you It’s a kind of inside-out metamorphosis.The new creaturelearned in college biology — the development of every indi- went; as in,“He of modern education doesn’t emerge from a cocoon wrappedvidual mirrors the historic development of the species. It’s a went to Lehigh,” or “She went to Penn,” up in academic tradition, but it forms from day-to-day interac- principle that’s sometimes applied to future as well as historic is becoming less critical/more anecdotal in getting started and in advancing in a professional career. It’s information employers tion with the community all around. It’s a creature adapted todevelopment. The concept makes an interesting metaphor to still want to know when hiring applicants, but the days when ‘where you went’ could open career doors are vanishing forever. thrive in a new economy. illustrate an evolving Northampton Community College. If we Northampton Community College administrators and faculty see this trend solidifying as the economy becomes even more Some of the more dire predictions about this new look closely we may see how the metamorphosis of one well- skill-oriented. But community colleges find themselves in a frustrating position; knowing that their graduates are equally and environment see traditional higher education institutions positioned community college mirrors the historic and future sometimes better prepared to start in professional careers than grads from more prestigious schools, yet also aware that the pub- scrambling for survival as specific career knowledge becomesdevelopment of the species — higher education. lic’s perception hasn’t caught up to this reality. The need to turn around the outdated perception that open-access college more important than degrees or diplomas. Career knowledge — Paul Joly degrees are second-rate is the goal most often identified in the college’s marketing discussions. In fact, Northampton graduates that until now was attainable only from who go on for four-year degrees show not just comparable results, but many rank better than the students who were accepted as a formal college course of study, now freshmen to the selective colleges. And Northampton’s surveys of the graduates who decide not to go on for more education find can be self-tutored from the internet. almost all obtaining positions in their chosen careers within a year of graduating. DESCARTES BEFORE THE LAPTOP For the advanced scientific professions, But this reality goes against the public’s preconceptions about community colleges. medical or law careers, degree-granting From Principles of Philosophy — volume I by Rene Descartes: What has changed? The community colleges have changed, but not as much as the econ-
f we endeavor to form our conceptions upon history and I life, we remark three classes of men. The first consists of those for whom the chief thing is the qualities of itself.” In the past few years Delahunty feelings. These men create art. The second consists of the has shelved some of his beloved literary practical men who carry on the business of the world. They Wherefore Art Boone continues.“It was meant to giants in favor of short fiction. But he respect nothing but power and respect power only so far as be watched.You wouldn’t read a still draws up a standard academic syl- it is exercised. The third class consists of men to whom Thou, Kramer? Seinfeld script. Especially in English labus.“Call me a Tyrannosaurus,” he says. nothing seems great but reason. If force interests them, it is 101, we do more pop culture than “I’m an absolute stickler about this not in its exertion, but in that it has a reason and a law. For classics.” BY JAMES L. stuff.” men of the first class, Nature is a picture; for men of the If Boone’s candor leaves you These two English mavens came of JOHNSON second class, it is an opportunity; for men of the third class gasping, take heart. Ken Delahunty age in very different cultural climates. feels your pain. He has been at it is a cosmos so admirable that to penetrate its ways seems efenders of the Western Their teaching styles and areas of Northampton for over 30 years, to them the only thing that makes life worth living. These D Canon, beware! The heretic’s emphasis within their subject are per- almost since the mildew-stained are the men whom we see possessed by a passion to teach closet door is open, and Randy haps a measure of their separate times. concrete was poured.As a young and to disseminate their influences. If they do not give Boone is coming out.“I don’t do But talk about adding certain technolo- teacher in the turmoil of the 1960s themselves over completely to their passions to learn, it Hamlet,” he says.“In fact, I don’t gies to creative writing and the genera- era, Delahunty also felt a kinship teach Shakespeare at all. I think tions rally on common ground. is because they exercise self-control. These are natural with his students. He understands there’s too much appreciation scientific men, and they are the only men that have any real Boone’s radical departure from tra- Connect granted that isn’t earned — it’s success in scientific research. dition. But when it comes to litera- is a software program designed, among revered before it’s even read.” ture, he spells it with a well-defined other things, as an aid to composition. It This dissident man of letters, capital L.“I think I’ve become a allows classmates to post commentaries English instructor at Northampton standard in my old age,” says the on one another’s written work. Both since 1999, is part of higher educa- professor.“When students read Delahunty and Boone could live with- tion’s new wave of young teachers. someone like Faulkner, for exam- out it. He is close enough to his students’ ple, I want them to deal with the “So many bells and whistles,” says age to identify with their tastes, context and think about it in the Delahunty.“If I had my druthers I’d and he bows to their complaint. way the story provides. I insist they shake all that crap off and give every- “Reading Shakespeare is boring,” understand the forms, the genre body chairs, pencils and something to
(continued on page 8) Randy Boone 6 7 Ken Delahunty Professor X, Dennis Ebersole, and laborative effort. He asks write on. Everything would be organic Professor Y,Alex Rolon, are colleagues students two questions: from there.” Boone readily agrees.“Yeah, on the math faculty at Northampton. “What can I do to help you I think it’s good for brainstorming,” he You might expect this to be the only be successful?” and “What says.“But theoretically, it’s not anything point they have in common, but their do you need to do to be you couldn’t do with pencil and paper. approach to teaching intersects at successful?” In listening to Just more efficient.There’s also some- almost every set of coordinates. the answers,“It’s amazing thing frightening about 20 people Both love their discipline. what you learn,” he marvels. sitting together and typing into screens “Math is a tool for solving prob- The word “learn” is instead of talking to one another. It lems,” says Ebersole, a past winner of significant. Both Ebersole sucks the sense of humanity out of the the Christiansen Award for excellence and Rolon regard them- room.” in teaching. “It helps students become selves as learners as well Technology has always been a better problem solvers.” as teachers. “If something powerhouse of influence in American Alex Rolon, Professor Y,also sees doesn’t go right, let’s try lives. Delahunty notes the ever-increas- math as a way of thinking. “Math is something different,” is ing sway the media holds on today’s about expressing yourself in many Rolon’s attitude. “It’s not scholars.“Ever since things like MTV, ways, but coming to one conclusion,” one way.” television is much more stimulating,” he reflects. Ebersole concurs. Even he says.“And I think that may hinder The veteran educator and his with 30 years of experi- students in the classroom, where things young colleague share a commitment ence, he believes,“You can move at a slower pace.” He worries to students and the conviction that always improve your teach- about our nanosecond society and the learning should be an active rather than ing.” It comes back to prob- “casual inattention” it has created in a passive pursuit. lem-solving. “More research many of his students. Rolon encourages students to come is always coming out,” he It isn’t so much that grade scores in for extra help. Many take him up on notes. In recent years, studies have dropped, but concern about how his offer, as evidenced by the line out- done by Johnson & JohnsonDennis Ebersole you earn those grades seems to have side his office door and the frequent have assisted him in fine tuning the way Students who begin the semester changed.“There’s a disconnect between ringing of the phone. Still, he says, “I he structures small group activities to convinced that they “can’t do math” find the grade,” Delahunty says,“and what wish more would come.” facilitate cooperative learning. Leading out otherwise. Not only do they learn you should expect of yourself to get Ebersole, too, sees teaching as a col- workshops for other teachers has also to solve equations, they learn that they there.As English teachers we ask for helped him “to look at what works and are capable of more than they thought critical thinking, yet so much in today’s what doesn’t.” Now he is possible. society comes as furnished informa- Alex Rolon “doing more assessment than This is another point of congruence tion.” Indeed, in a world hardwired to vicarious experiences. Literature has ever” to make sure students in Ebersole’s and Rolon’s approach to the Internet, information rules. But liter- become almost a niche hobby.” understand concepts at each teaching. “It’s important to have high ature is not simply another variety of In a world where change is the A Formula for step along the way. If they’re expectations of your students,” Ebersole information, taken at face value and only constant, how can academia confused, he alters his insists. Rolon agrees. Like his hero judged on whether or not it’s a “good remain a viable commodity? Boone Remaining approach. Jaime Escalante, the math teacher read.” Delahunty insists that finding the doesn’t pretend to have all of the Both Ebersole and Rolon whose success in helping inner city stu- true value in stories demands thought. answers, but he does offer a sobering Relevant believe strongly in the impor- dents excel in the AP calculus exam was Boone agrees on the expanding word of advice.“Education has always tance of making learning rele- immortalized in the movie ‘Stand and power of the media and its toll on litera- lagged behind the culture,” he says.“But vant. “Students want to know, Deliver,’ Rolon says “I expect students to BY HEIDI BRIGHT BUTLER ture, and takes it just a bit further.“It’s the old ways of ‘whip them into shape ‘When am I going to use this,’” do their homework. I expect them to really our whole culture,” he says.“You and teach them what they need to Rolon reports. “I tell them that ask questions. I expect them to do rofessor X was raised in order food from a drive-in window and know’ are impractical in the real it’s matrices that enable them well. I set those standards. I want them P Pennsylvania in the 60s, not sure there it is in a bag. Or tap an ATM world. I truly believe that if the to enlarge images on the to say,‘He’s tough, but he’s fair. You’ll what he wanted to do when he grew machine and you’ve got money.There’s academy doesn’t adapt, someone will computer.” In Ebersole’s classes learn in his class.’” up. A pacifist, he decided to try teach- no sense of the process involved.And come up with a radical alternative to students practice algebraic Caring about their discipline. ing as an alternative to military service with all of the venues for entertain- college degrees and put the academy calculations to determine how Caring about students. A passion for during the Vietnam war. He has been ment, you don’t need literature to have out of business.” differences in wind speed affect making learning relevant. High stan- teaching for 30 years. the launch of the space shuttle dards. Hard work. Professor Y was born in Puerto or how high a superball will These are the common denomina- Rico and came to the United States as a bounce if dropped from the tors that make Dennis Ebersole and teenager in the 1980s. He stayed away Empire State Building. Alex Rolon uncommon teachers. from ESL classes because he believed they would slow him down in learning English.
8 9 Slide Rules to Tauke still has the ener- at least one of her fun demos alive and gy of the average 25-year-old. well in this century.At the college’s Smart Rooms School breaks annually find Springfest last May, at Doney’s science her cross-country skiing in exhibit, she watched him prove a natur- Norway. Or bicycling across al law with no more than a revolving BY JAMES L. JOHNSON ’ 89 Great Britain or France, wooden wheel and a hardy volunteer. and atomic physics and another annual event. Or Tauke was delighted.“I used that when I work at the quantum rofessor Reg Tauke’s physics classes checking topographic maps was a grad school teaching assistant,” level, but the basics hold. P could have spent half their lab time as a volunteer for the Earth she says. “The principles of gravita- calculating an experiment’s results. If Science Corps of the U.S. Tauke’s fond memory was not only tion, of mechanics, elec- Bill Doney’s students took just a third Geologic Survey.When she Springfest entertainment; it’s one of tricity, magnetism and so that long, they’d feel trapped in a time does take a breather, it’s to Doney’s favorite examples.“It’s called forth,” says Tauke,“are the warp.The first group’s output lag is not enjoy a quiet dinner with her the conservation of angular momen- same.We’re talking about a lack of math skills; it’s simply a matter husband of 36 years, John. tum,” he says.“It’s what ice skaters do Newton’s laws.Things of subtraction: 2001 minus 1967.The The lab equipment when they spin with their arms still fall from the sky at difference equals 34 years of advancing Tauke purchased was state of stretched out and slowly lower them to the same rate.” technology. the art for its day, but her stu- their sides, until they’re spinning at a Since her days in the Tauke began her career as dents still worked their blur.” physics classroom,Tauke’s Northampton’s first physics teacher in analysis on slide rules. Doney includes demonstrations career has undergone 1967, the year the college opened. “Tedious, and labor inten- with his lectures whenever possible. some major changes, from Along with her duties in the classroom, sive,” says Tauke.“You had to But while lectures are still a big part of faculty member to admin- she was charged with getting the line up the numbers just Doney’s semester, he has more than istrator. She is currently physics program up and running.That right, and if you lost your chalk and blackboards to make them dean of instructional meant a ton of work in a handful of place you had to start over.” come alive; he’s got technology. technology and the col- months.“I wrote the course outline,” she Doney started teaching Today’s classroom is likely to be a lege’s registrar. She will says,“decided which experiments we’d physics three semesters ago, multimedia affair.They call them Smart proudly remind you do on what kind of equipment, then at the dawn of the 21st Bill Doney rooms, for good reason. Computer though that she still holds found the vendors and outfitted the Century.The development of the ing the wind on his sailboat, Soulmate. brains link a ceiling projector and faculty rank in physics labs.” microchip means his students can whiz As of this summer, Doney also has a live sound system to VCRs, cameras and PCs. and electronics.That through their numbers on soul mate to hang with. Her name is Everything from transparencies to 3-D diversity of experience electronic calculators. Katarina, a native of Bratislava, Slovakia, objects to the Internet is blown up and has kept Tauke excited But while Doney where she and Doney met last year. projected onto a screen.“Smart rooms for 34 years. welcomes technology, he Doney’s entire family flew to Slovakia give us access to changing information,” Will the year 2035 sees it for what it is. this summer to attend their wedding. says Doney.“What the military is doing, find Bill Doney in a maga- Mark Henry “Using the calculator,” he Though a generation apart,Tauke what NASA is doing, new designs of zine, comparing notes with a young col- says,“just turns the key and Doney have much in common. Both planes — real world stuff. Physics is league? “Maybe,” Doney smiles.“I never that gets the answer out. have master’s degrees in their fields: everywhere.This lets the class tap into thought I’d get into teaching, but I lovegoals led them to a career helping stu- It’s the old garbage physics and mechanical engineering, it in a way that really hits home.” it. I hope to be here as long as possible.dents” at Northampton Community in/garbage out.You still respectively.Tauke also did work in Still, Doney has no plans to make College.After three years in the admis- need to know what to physics for the U.S. Navy before coming his course computer-based. He looks on sions office, Henry was looking for a feed into it.” to Northampton.And while computers new technologies as tools in his new way to build on his advising skills. Though Doney is only have revolutionized the classroom Tauke teacher’s kit, and likens today’s teaching At about the same time,Tarbell beginning his teaching knew, her teaching methods are not so methods to using Windows instead Smoothingof decided to step down after 32 years of career, he has logged nine far removed from Doney’s.The acknowl- DOS.“Different platforms,” he shrugs. service.The result was a natural fit: years doing work in edged classroom style of Tauke’s era was “But the content of the computer isTransitions the Henry took on a new position as assis- physics for the U.S. Navy. the traditional lecture.“You took a piece same. I think that what has really tant director of advising and transfer His free time is a bit more of chalk and wrote across the black- changed is that physics has becomeBY SANDY STAHL services, and had the opportunity to laid back than Tauke’s. If board,” she says.“Students copied and more approachable, more easily digest- work with Tarbell to assure a smooth you don’t find him at the memorized what you wrote. But we also ed.” transition. hen recently retired professor of beach, you might look for broke that up with demonstrations, The content of physics, at least at “When I started at the college, I W counseling Jack Tarbell began his him in the woods. Or off which were always fun.” the freshman level, has not changed didn’t know who Jack was or what he career at Northampton, Mark Henry playing his guitar. Or tack- She was recently surprised to find much in 30 years. In fact,Tauke points did, but I always said to myself, one area wasn’t even born. out, it hasn’t changed much in 300 I wouldn’t mind doing is advising and Just the thought makes both men years. Change may be part of nuclear transfer,” Henry said.“So when I had the chuckle. opportunity to go to advising, I jumped But despite the fact that the two at the chance.” Reg Tauke are from different generations, similar
10 11 Retired Professor Jack Tarbell
Northampton in force. Interests were as varied in the student services) late 60s and early 70s as they are today. ABOUT FACE: handled admissions “Electronics was popular then, and it’s and records, and still popular, but the business major is the rest of us did more popular now than it was then. athletics, counseling, Also, we had a strong art program from L IFE AFTER THE MILITARY student activities, the beginning,” Tarbell said. placement, financial Today, continuing education is a aid, and advising — much more popular decision.The most everything else. popular colleges and universities for There were only transfer,Tarbell said, are East BY JAMES L. JOHNSON civilian,” he continues.“In fact, on 600 students at that Stroudsburg, Kutztown and Moravian, one of my assignments at a service time,” Tarbell said. with Temple, Cedar Crest and Allentown he two worlds have their school we processed about 23,000 “We each picked College (now DeSales University) T differences.Anyone who’s students a year.Which is close to areas we were inter- following close behind. been in the military can tell you what I do now.”And Mayock happily ested in, so I devel- Henry, who enrolled in student that.And after a 24-year career, you notes that at Northampton, like the oped the financial affairs in higher education at Kutztown may need some adjusting to civilian military,“everybody’s working for aid office since I had University, was a counselor at Kidspeace life. Bill Lademan, assistant professor the same objective — the benefit of some experience for two years before joining the staff at of chemistry at Northampton, the students and the college.” with that. I also Northampton.“I was going through a understands that. Pedro Anes, program manager at started the place- whole career ‘what do I want to do Lademan is one of four retired Northampton’s Bethlehem Center, is ment office and with my life’ period. I’d see these kids military men for whom Northamp- a retired senior NCO from the Army. transfer area.” every day and try to help them with ton is a second career. His adjust- He strongly agrees that, military or In the years that their futures and I didn’t know myself. ment is typical — nothing major, civilian, people need to share a followed, the trans- It was actually better that way because just some fine tuning.“When an vision.“An organization can’t func- fer program became I understood what they were going officer gives an order, it’s done,” says tion without synergy,” he says.“It’s an important com- through,” he said. the retired Marine Corps officer.“I that concept of shared values that ponent of Tarbell’s Henry admits that he still has a lot can’t order my class to do things. keeps any organization great.”While job. He developed to learn, but that he’s enjoying his new I’ve got to encourage them, and Anes believes in the mission of relationships with role at Northampton, and he has already help them to see the joys of Northampton, his transition to other colleges, and begun building on the sturdy frame- chemistry.The Marines are very civilian life was a bit rocky. Bill Lademan Henry and Tarbell both were began a database to track where work Tarbell laid. structured, very precise.This is “My job search lasted almost attracted to the advising department Northampton students were going “The most challenging part is much more fluid and you need to two years,” says Anes.“I definitely because they liked the idea of being and how they fared after they left. that Jack knew information off the top adjust for that.” felt discrimination, both racial and able to meet with students more than “I had to learn what kind of stu- of his head because he worked with it Tom Mayock, associate registrar, against the military. During inter- once throughout their college careers. dents went to various four year schools: for so long, and I can’t do that right notes the different work style of views I was asked questions about Advising enabled them to get to know what courses they took, what grades now. If a student or faculty member higher education’s democratic deci- my ethnicity and heard stereotypical students and develop personal relation- they had,” Tarbell explained.That way, needs information, Jack could give the sion-making.As a lieutenant colonel comments about the military.A ships with them. he could tell students which courses to answer in two seconds, but it takes in the Army for 24 years, Mayock Fortune 500 company kept me on a Tarbell, who began his career as a take and what to strive for. me some time to research it,” Henry took pride in keeping his troops string for eight months — and here teacher, decided that student services “We have a pretty good sense of said.“It took me a while to accept informed. But when marching I am with a master’s degree in man- was where he was meant to be after what our students are doing,” Henry that.The first few months were difficult orders come through, you pack up agement, using up my nest egg to serving as a dorm director while study- said.“We get to see students work hard — I didn’t even know where to look and go.“When you get that call at 2 keep going.” ing educational administration at here and then go to Kutztown and do sometimes.” a.m.,” he says,“telling you to have Bill Lademan understands Anes’ Syracuse University. When he joined well, or go to Lehigh and do well.We Tarbell said he’s confident that your unit ready to fly to Europe in encounters with stereotyping.“A lot the Northampton staff in 1968,Tarbell must be doing something right.” Henry will build on what he has done. 48 hours, there isn’t a lot of time for of people think a Marine Corps was one of three counselors in the stu- In the college’s beginning years, And though he’s just begun a new consensus building.” officer is a lacks education,” he says. dent activities area who, because the most students did not continue on to phase in his life, he said he wouldn’t Still, Mayock is quick to point “The truth is, the military places a school was in its infancy, laid down the another college, and a higher percent- change the years he spent helping up the similarities as well.“The high premium on education.” Like framework for several college depart- age of veterans came to campus, thanks Northampton’s students. working world of the military isn’t his counterparts, Lademan shared ments that didn’t yet exist. to money provided by the GI Bill. “I’m younger than my age for work- all that more structured than the his time in the field with time in the Tom Mayock “Ken Kochey (recently retired pro- Tarbell estimates that 80 percent of ing with these young adults,” he said. fessor who began his career at graduates went right into the work-
12 13 classroom. By the end of his career he give me the education he couldn’t ALUMNI NOTES had earned the rank of lieutenant afford,” says Anes.“The Army paid 90 colonel, along with four master’s percent of your tuition, so I saved degrees; a Ph.D. in physical chemistry most of my benefit for post-military came after retiring. education.” Over a career of 22 years, Far from a want of learning, Anes earned an associates, a bachelor’s ACCOUNTING BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE Lademan’s smarts earned him the and a master’s degree, all in manage- 1978 Pamela S. (Hartzell) Hengsten- Kelly (Tyson) Uhleris a human 1998 Karen Maholickand Matthew J. honor of working for the Joint Chiefs ment.“With the money that’s left,” berger is employed at Duggan & Marcon resources manager at Capri Isles Golf, Inc. PanikMichael, were married Amber, on George December III, Tonya29, 2000 and of Staff during the Gulf War.“I was a he says.“I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in Inc. in Bethlehem as an estimator/project After leaving NCC, Kelly transferred to the in Chris.Bethlehem. Karen lives in Bossier City, war planner,” he says.“We worked on education.” manager. Pamela also lives in Bethlehem University of South Florida where she La. received a certificate in human resources reacting to the Iraqi high command’s As even the greenest civilian with her husband, Richard. 1991 Cindy Seip-Romeroand George in November 1998.Her community service objectives.”Apparently, the planners knows, the military moves its people 1980 Gail C. Schultzis retired from her Breinig, Jr. were married June 24, 2000 in professional career. She lives in Venice, includes participating in seminars with an reacted very well: Lademan’s group around a lot. Our four second Grace United Church of Christ, Fla., with her husband, David. emphasis on speaking out against work- Northampton. Cindy is a quality assurance developed the maneuver that ended careerists have been stationed every- place violence. She lives in North Port, Fla. 1995 Joan R. Smithworks at Harvard analyst at Voicestream Wireless Communi- the war. where from New Jersey to Oklahoma with her husband and two children. Industries Inc. in Lebanon, N.J. as an cation. The couple live in Northampton. It seems the military is as gung-ho to Hawaii; and from Korea,Vietnam accounts payable analyst. Joan lives with on life-long learning as Northampton. and Taiwan to Saudi Arabia and Iraq. her husband in Phillipsburg, N.J. BUSINESS COMPUTER GRAPHICS “It’s kind of ingrained in you from day For some, the moving was smooth. For ADMINISTRATION one that learning is a constant others, there was a sense of loss.“The ADVERTISING DESIGN 1998 Julie Mannois an administrative process,” says Mayock, who also Army is your community,” says Anes. 1981 Ann L. Knerris a senior tax ana- assistant at Pax Christi USA. She lives in earned his master’s degree in the ser- “It’s a big picture community. But you 1993 Rachel B. Diehland James lyst at A.C.Nielsen Company. Ann is a grad- Waterford. Robert Moran were married June 3,2000 at vice.“You don’t stop because if you don’t have the neighborhood sense of uate of the Leadership Lehigh Valley Class the home of the bride’s parents in Lower of 2001. Ann returned to NCC in 1997 to COMPUTER stop you go stale, and you’re no good community, strong bonds with people, Saucon Township. Rachel is employed by complete a specialized diploma in comput- INFORMATION Pedro Anes to the military if you’re stale.” roots in a church, a civic sense. I’m The Association of Trial Lawyers of America er graphics. She lives in Bethlehem. The Pentagon’s emphasis on edu- glad to have that back.” TECHNOLOGY in Washington, D.C. The couple live in 1987 David G. Ackermanhas been cation prepared John Thomas for Yet, others embrace that broader Gaithersburg, Md. promoted to sergeant on the Bethlehem 1999 Nadine Leann (Briner) Slifkais eventual work at Northampton. definition of home. John Thomas also 1993 Brian H. Shepherdis employed Township Police force. He is a member of employed at Community Services for Thomas, assistant professor of busi- felt a loss of community, but from by Merck & Co.,Inc.in Whitehouse Station, the department since 1984 and was pro- Children in Bethlehem as an administrative ness law/paralegal studies, is another the other side.“The thing about the N.J. He is a legal administration records moted to corporal in February 1990. He is software specialist. She lives in Bethlehem retired lieutenant colonel from the military,” says Thomas,“when you specialist. Brian lives in Phillipsburg, N.J. pursuing a degree in criminal justice at with her husband, Jay Slifka (’86 Army.A 21-year veteran,Thomas move, you move into a community Alvernia College in Reading. Electronics Technology). Jay is employed worked his way from law clerk to a that readily accepts you. Because ARCHITECTURAL 1990 Pamela Anne Sitlerand Roger by Agere Systems, Inc. senior attorney in the Judge Advocate they’re always moving too.The TECHNOLOGY Lee Cole, Jr. were married on October 28, General’s Corps. He’s done everything military has a phenomenal support 2000 at Lafayette College in Easton. Pamela COMPUTER SCIENCE Shane D. Kunsmanand Kristin M. legal, from trying courts-martial to network that you just don’t see in the is employed by Hillside Ob-Gyn Associates. Harvey were united in marriage on April 21 She and Roger live in Easton. 1987 Kimberly S. (Arndt) Setzeris helping secure a ship to moor off the civilian community.That took some in The Bank Street Annex in Easton. Shane employed by Ag Accounting Services in 1999 Amy G. Sandtcontinued her edu- Persian Gulf as a relaxation destina- getting used to.” is a technical representative for Simplex- Easton. She and her husband, Randy,reside cation at Columbia International University tion for troops in Desert Storm. All of these men have much life Grinell in Allentown. The couple are co- in Easton. in Columbia, S.C. She graduated in May owners of the Lehigh Valley Steelers, a He also made his teaching bones experience and education behind 2001 majoring in bible and general studies. semiprofessional football team in the on a three-year assignment at West them, both in the field and in the Her community activities include volun- CRIMINAL JUSTICE Garden State Football League. They live in Point.“I went to West Point with an classroom.They are leaders.And like teering with a program called ‘Inroads’ Plainfield Township. 1994 James Zarzeckibecame a new image of what a West Pointer was,” true leaders, they are concerned more which is a buddy program for adults with City of Bethlehem police officer in a cere- autism. She also teaches Sunday school for says Thomas.“I soon realized what I with what needs doing than what has mony by Mayor Don Cunningham in John Thomas first to fourth graders at the Suburban had was a room full of 18-year-olds. been done.“A lot of retired people AUTOMOTIVE February 2001. He received 20 weeks of Baptist Church in West Columbia, S.C. She Honestly, teaching them wasn’t all that linger with the service,” says Lademan. TECHNOLOGY training at Lackawanna County Junior went to the Phillippines on a missionary different than teaching here.”Thomas “They feel like a fish out of water College. James lives in Bethlehem. 1988 Daniel NicholasSteinmetz and trip in the summer of 2000 and intends to is sure to make a distinction for the when they leave. But me, I never Kelly Ann Jones were united in marriage on return for two years to continue her mis- 1997 Colby S. Jacksonis the owner of class though.“I tell them my back- looked over my shoulder.” Pedro Anes October 7,2000. Daniel works for Rinehart sion work. Certified Network Solutions. He lives in ground,” he adds, smiling.“And I tell sums up what could be a credo for a Chrysler Dodge. They live in Bangor. Bethlehem. them it’s not necessary to stand and second career.“I value what I did in 2000 James Patrick Tuomeyis salute when I come in.” the military,” he says.“It was important BANKING BUSINESS employed by the Arlington County Police Pedro Anes was just 17 when he but it’s a done issue.The question is, MANAGEMENT Department as a police officer. He lives in 1980 John Cathers, Jr.is vice presi- Arlington,Va. joined the Army.“My father consented “What am I doing now and where will 1988 Kelly Statler-Illickis an anxillary dent of government banking at First Union Randall Millerwas promoted to lieu- because he knew the GI Bill would I go in the future?” clerk/purchaser at Country Meadows in National Bank in Allentown. John is cur- tenant by Bethlehem Police Commissioner, Bethlehem. She and her husband, George, rently serving on the NCC Alumni Francis Donchez. He joined the City of live in Easton. They have five children: Association Board of Directors. Bethlehem Police Department in 1984 and
14 15 ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI NOTES